Around the AFC West: Raiders, Chargers take steps back

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos took on the New York Jets in the toilet bowl on Thursday Night Football. Both teams came into the game without a win in one of the least exciting matchups I could have envisioned. The Broncos have been absolutely decimated with injury and the Jets… well, just wait and see how long Adam Gase remains employed.

In what was a high scoring game, the Broncos came out on top, led by their defense. The Broncos defense tallied six sacks of Sam Darnold, but this game was just sloppy. Penalties that prolonged drives kept the Broncos offense on the field despite Brett Rypien‘s desperate attempts to get off—he tossed three interceptions.

I’m certain that this is a happy week for the Broncos since they finally found a win, but it certainly wasn’t pretty and doesn’t give any hope for the rest of the season.

As mentioned earlier, the Broncos continue to be decimated with injury and could not escape some in this game. Wide receiver K.J. Hamler left the game with a hamstring injury and tight end Noah Fant left with a scary ankle injury. In positive news, the Broncos signed Mike Purcell to a contract extension that keeps him with the Broncos through 2023—just about the time when everyone on their IR list gets healthy.

Next week, assuming COVID doesn’t run rampant, the Broncos travel to New England to play the presumably Cam Newton-less and Stephon Gilmore-less Patriots. We will see if the starting quarterback is Brian Hoyer or if they start Jarrett Stidham. The Broncos may see the return of Phillip Lindsay, but I still think the mind of Bill Belichick will prevail.

Game time is Sunday at 3:25 p.m.