AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos QB Joe Flacco said there is a “sense of urgency” around the team to win after their 0-3 start. 

“I think there’s been that sense of urgency about us having to win,’’ said Flacco, via Mike Klis of 9News. “Historically, I don’t know if there are many teams who start off 0-3 and are able to rebound and get themselves back into a playoff spot.”

Flacco is confident that the team will be able to win their Week 4 game at home against the Jaguars. 

“Obviously, there is that sense of urgency for us to get one in the win column and hopefully that’ll get us rolling from there, but we’re confident we’re going to do that. It’s going to be exciting to get back in front of the home crowd. We’ve played some really tough games and we haven’t come out with the wins, but we feel like we’re getting there. We’ve just got to make it happen.’’

“Yes, there is definitely a sense of urgency of it has to happen now,” added Flacco.

Chargers

• According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is liable for $1.2 million in fines and could lose out on $989,118 worth of base salary for holding out through the first three games.
• Gordon can still earn $4,615,882 of his base salary this year, and Schefter reports he plans to become a free agent next season if the Chargers allow him to leave. 
• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Gordon was open to being traded to the Texans early on during his holdout, but Los Angeles’ trade demand of at least a first-round pick made acquiring Gordon a nonviable option. 
• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn says Gordon is still the team’s starting running back, though Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will continue to have roles: “He’s our starter. No doubt. He was our starter for a reason… as soon as Melvin’s ready, he’ll go back. He’ll go back to number one.” (Field Yates)
• He added Gordon will likely not play this week against the Dolphins, however: “Never say never, but doubt he’ll play this weekend.” (Omar Ruiz)
• Lynn mentioned the team could have starting LT Russell Okung back by Week 7 or Week 8 depending on how he has recovered from his pulmonary embolism: “But you just don’t know. We’ll have to see after the tests.” (Albert Breer)

Raiders

Initially, Raiders HC Jon Gruden did what any other coach would do and downplayed the loss of WR Antonio Brown, falling back on regular platitudes about the next man up and football being a team sport. Three games later though with the offense struggling, Gruden is more ready to acknowledge the challenges replacing Brown on the eve of the season presented. 

“It’s caused us a little bit of . . .  rethinking,” Gruden said via ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. “When you lose your starting ‘Z,’ who arguably is a great player, I don’t think anyone’s going to dispute that you have to replace him. And we’re making an effort to move Tyrell [Williams] around, we’re bringing on some younger guys. J.J. Nelson also got hurt, don’t forget that. He was hurt. Dwayne Harris got hurt, so we’ve had some multiple things to deal with, and we’re dealing with them.”

Another issue with the Raiders offense has been QB Derek Carr‘s reluctance to push the ball downfield despite the arm strength and weapons to do so. It’s been a consistent theme through Carr’s career, however, Gruden said some of it falls on him.

“I think he’s done some good things,” Gruden said. “I’m not going to put it all on Derek. We take responsibility as a playcaller. I’m calling the plays and designing some of this stuff, so I put it on myself. He’s done a good job.”