AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

New Broncos DL Christian Covington said HC Vic Fangio sold him on their system and compared Denver’s defense to his experience with the Texans in 2015-2018.  

“Honestly, having that call from (coach) Fangio, that really sold me on what his team had to offer and what direction they were headed,” Covington said, via Troy Renck. “In my time in Houston, I spent four years this in this system. So this is a blessing. The first thing that comes to mind when looking at the defensive line is versatility. It doesn’t matter what position you put guys in, literally every single guy has played every position. You really don’t see that. You just don’t.”

Covington mentioned that being with former Texans CB A.J. Bouye, S Kareem Jackson, and former college teammate CB Bryce Callahan helped convince him to sign with Denver.

“They have that dawg mentality. They are fighters. … It seems like a pattern going on. And that’s just with guys in the secondary. That’s why I can’t wait to get on the field and see what this defense looks like.”

Covington said the Broncos’ organization is “very hungry” for another playoff berth given they haven’t reached the postseason in four years. 

“This team is hungry. Very hungry,” said Covington. “You can tell there’s a serious approach. The level of intent and level of concentration that I am seeing from everybody in meetings, during installs, during film study, it’s really unlike anything I have ever seen. Everyone is very intent on changing what has happened the last few seasons.”

Chargers

• According to Albert Breer of SI, young non-quarterbacks could have a difficult time landing big-money extensions in the coming months, due to the uncertainty with the cap moving forward and the possibility of revenue shortfalls from the 2020 season. 
• Breer specifically mentions Chargers DE Joey Bosa as being among the notable players who could fall into this group.
• Chargers CB Chris Harris says he’s learning both the outside and slot corner positions in the defense. (Daniel Popper)
• Chargers QB coach Pep Hamilton said he’s been impressed with first-round QB Justin Herbert as a “smart kid, really smart kid” and someone who football is important to: “So important that we often find ourselves watching ball and talking ball into the wee hours of the night.” (Popper)

Raiders

• Per Rochelle Richards of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Raiders QB Derek Carr has been working out with some teammates in Vegas, including WRs Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones and TE Darren Waller. 
• Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, citing an unnamed source close to the Raiders, reports that the organization is “seriously considering” moving its training camp from Napa, California to its new headquarters in Henderson, Nevada.
• Bonsignore’s source considers the Raiders hosting training camp at Henderson’s Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center as a “viable option.”