Around the AFC West, Week 3: Chiefs defeat their demons, Broncos stay in step
By Ellen Mathis
Our weekly look around the AFC West opens with a glance at the division before the season officially gets underway.
Welcome back to another look around the AFC West as we head into Week 3.
Wow, what a week it was for Kansas City Chiefs fans! I’ll admit, I was a doubter as the Chiefs headed to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. The Chiefs had not managed to defeat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in 32 years. Yes, you heard that right: 32 YEARS. But then, our own Patrick “Showtime” Mahomes II entered the scene and delivered to Chiefs fans a victory that was as sweet as honey. Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 42-37 victory by slinging six touchdown passes to five different receivers and setting an NFL record by recording 10 touchdowns in the first two games of his season.
Folks, it’s hard not to drink the Kool-Aid, but I just might be drunk. Mahomes continues to blow my mind with his playmaking ability, and Andy Reid says they haven’t even played their best. Chills. This coming week, the Chiefs finally have their home opener. I, for one, will be in the stands this weekend utilizing the first of my eight Bud Light Game Day Passes—you can look forward to my review of this new ticket offering in the next couple weeks. The Chiefs play host to the San Francisco 49ers who are looking to beat a white hot Chiefs team with their franchise quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Game time is at 12:00 p.m. Tailgating starts much earlier.
However, before I let my Mahomes and tailgating obsession get too out of hand, let’s take a look at how the rest of the AFC West fared this week and what we have to look forward to heading into Week 3.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers took on the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. I will preface this with saying that I am probably not alone in believing that the Bills may be the worst team in the NFL this year. I mean, cornerback Vontae Davis retired AT HALFTIME of this game.
The Chargers went up early in the game with a touchdown pass from Philip Rivers to Mike Williams. Shortly after that, still in the first quarter, Melvin Gordon broke loose for the first of his three touchdowns. Josh Allen made his NFL debut and seemed to give the Bills some spark, but not enough to make a real difference. At halftime, the Chargers were leading 28-6. However, the Bills scored a touchdown shortly after half and closed the gap 28-13. Allen, however threw an interception followed shortly thereafter by another. He shook off the yips and the Chargers allowed another touchdown. This was not enough and the Chargers walked away with a 31-20 win. Rivers had a nice day, finishing 23 of 27 for 256 yards and three touchdowns while the Chargers defense limited the Bills to 110 yards and two field goals in the first half.
Melvin Gordon got an upper body injury that kept him sidelined during the fourth quarter of the game, and Bills running back LeSean McCoy fractured his ribs, but is expected to play through the injury. Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (foot), defensive end Joey Bosa (foot), and defensive tackle Corey Liuget (suspension) all did not play.
Next week, the Chargers head to Los Angeles (maybe they take public transportation since it is so close?) to take on the incredible defense of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams defense didn’t allow the Cardinals to cross midfield until the fourth quarter on Sunday. Marcus Peters will be going up against a familiar foe in Rivers as will Aqib Talib. I anticipate that we may see some Rivers of tears (terrible joke, but it had to be made). Game time is at 3:05 p.m.