AFC Notes: Chargers, Dolphins, Raiders

Chargers

• NFL Media’s Marc Sessler picks Chargers RB Austin Ekeler as his breakout candidate to make their first Pro Bowl in 2020. 
• ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry lists Chargers TE Virgil Green as a veteran player in danger of being cut this preseason. 

Dolphins

Two NFL agents called the Dolphins the most improved team this offseason after signing CB Byron Jones and selecting three first-round picks, including QB Tua Tagovailoa, OT Austin Jackson, and CB Noah Igbinoghene. 

“I liked what the Dolphins did between adding quality free agents and bringing in guys that (head coach Brian Flores) is familiar with from the Patriots system. Byron Jones is a really good corner. I mean, their secondary is strong now, and then their draft, I thought, was spectacular,” said one agent, via Ben Standig of The Athletic. 

Another players’ agent believes Dolphins HC Brian Flores and GM Chris Grier have done well “changing a culture” in Miami.  

“I think what Miami’s done from the standpoint of changing a culture down there starting with (general manager) Chris Grier and Brian Flores. To utilize the trade assets they had coming into last season. To position themselves in the draft for this year and then to have that draft haul. I think they did a really, really good job coming out with a young quarterback that they could build around, plus other weapons.”

Raiders

The Raiders are chasing the Chiefs like every other team in the AFC West. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby‘s job is literally chase — and catch — Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. If Crosby’s as good as that as he was as a rookie when he notched 10 sacks, the odds improve for Las Vegas to catch up to Kansas City in the standings this year. 

“I know what we need to beat the Chiefs,” Crosby said via Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Well, not the exact formula, but I know how much confidence is important in a locker room. If you ask me if I’m going to get Mahomes, I will say yes every time. I’ve put in the work. I want to show all the guys that we can beat anyone. I have no problem being that guy and taking any heat for it. I want to be a leader. I want to set the example.”