oaklandhater
10-06-2017, 02:52 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2733635-every-nfl-teams-biggest-early-season-disappointment
Every NFL Team's Biggest Early-Season Disappointment
The Oakland Raiders defense is better than last year's version, but it still isn't counted among the league's better units. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack wants to change that.
"The thing about football, man, it's a team game," Mack said after Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, per ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez. "And we've got to execute better defensively, especially starting early. Can't give up touchdowns—we held them to field goals, that's cool—but we've got to get to the point where we can shut teams out. That's got to be the attitude coming into the game."
Oakland ranks 20th overall in total defense after finishing 26th in 2016. The Raiders need to become even more defensively stout moving forward since quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss two to four weeks with a transverse process fracture in his back, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Mack and Co. may need to win a game or two for the Raiders since the team's previously potent offense could grind to a halt with EJ Manuel at the helm.
Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Gordon
The Chargers playing in Los Angeles and being incapable of selling out the league's smallest stadium is an abject embarrassment. But the league will deal with that issue down the road.
On the field, the Chargers' inability to establish a consistent run game continues to hinder their offense.
Melvin Gordon developed into a Pro Bowl performer last season when he ran for 997 yards in 13 games. Defenses have bottled up the former first-round pick so far this year, however, as he's averaging only 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't provided more than 79 rushing yards in any contest.
As a result, the coaching staff plans to utilize undrafted free agent Austin Ekeler more after he scored a 35-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"He was productive all preseason and it didn't matter what group we put him in with—he moved the chains," head coach Anthony Lynn said, per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Conley
At this point, finding fault within the Kansas City Chiefs roster is just nitpicking.
Tight end Travis Kelce and nickel corner Phillips Gaines had their issues during the first three weeks, but they each put together strong performances Monday night against the Washington Redskins.
A lack of an outside-the-numbers presence to complement Tyreek Hill continues to be a void in need of filling. The Chiefs already have the league's second-best offense, and Kelce, Hill and rookie running back Kareem Hunt can take over contests. One more weapon would make this group unstoppable.
Chris Conley is a competent option, but he's fifth on the team with 129 receiving yards. Quarterback Alex Smith tends to look toward slot receiver Albert Wilson more often.
If Conley can provide Alex Smith with another vertical presence, the Chiefs offense would be damn near unstoppable.
Denver Broncos: Secondary
The Denver Broncos defense is exceptional in almost every way. However, the unit's greatest strength has been more of a weakness than expected.
Denver's secondary features two of the league's best cover corners, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., along with versatile and athletic safeties Darian Stewart and Justin Simmons. Despite that, the Broncos have given up a touchdown pass of 28 yards or longer in three of their first four contests.
"Our pass coverage is pretty tight, but we've given up too many explosive passes that have led to points," head coach Vance Joseph said, per ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold. "It's some good and bad there."
Considering Denver finished first overall in pass defense over each of the past two seasons, it's a disappointment that it ranks 10th overall and has already surrendered eight touchdowns through the air.
Every NFL Team's Biggest Early-Season Disappointment
The Oakland Raiders defense is better than last year's version, but it still isn't counted among the league's better units. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack wants to change that.
"The thing about football, man, it's a team game," Mack said after Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, per ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez. "And we've got to execute better defensively, especially starting early. Can't give up touchdowns—we held them to field goals, that's cool—but we've got to get to the point where we can shut teams out. That's got to be the attitude coming into the game."
Oakland ranks 20th overall in total defense after finishing 26th in 2016. The Raiders need to become even more defensively stout moving forward since quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss two to four weeks with a transverse process fracture in his back, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Mack and Co. may need to win a game or two for the Raiders since the team's previously potent offense could grind to a halt with EJ Manuel at the helm.
Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Gordon
The Chargers playing in Los Angeles and being incapable of selling out the league's smallest stadium is an abject embarrassment. But the league will deal with that issue down the road.
On the field, the Chargers' inability to establish a consistent run game continues to hinder their offense.
Melvin Gordon developed into a Pro Bowl performer last season when he ran for 997 yards in 13 games. Defenses have bottled up the former first-round pick so far this year, however, as he's averaging only 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't provided more than 79 rushing yards in any contest.
As a result, the coaching staff plans to utilize undrafted free agent Austin Ekeler more after he scored a 35-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"He was productive all preseason and it didn't matter what group we put him in with—he moved the chains," head coach Anthony Lynn said, per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams.
Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Conley
At this point, finding fault within the Kansas City Chiefs roster is just nitpicking.
Tight end Travis Kelce and nickel corner Phillips Gaines had their issues during the first three weeks, but they each put together strong performances Monday night against the Washington Redskins.
A lack of an outside-the-numbers presence to complement Tyreek Hill continues to be a void in need of filling. The Chiefs already have the league's second-best offense, and Kelce, Hill and rookie running back Kareem Hunt can take over contests. One more weapon would make this group unstoppable.
Chris Conley is a competent option, but he's fifth on the team with 129 receiving yards. Quarterback Alex Smith tends to look toward slot receiver Albert Wilson more often.
If Conley can provide Alex Smith with another vertical presence, the Chiefs offense would be damn near unstoppable.
Denver Broncos: Secondary
The Denver Broncos defense is exceptional in almost every way. However, the unit's greatest strength has been more of a weakness than expected.
Denver's secondary features two of the league's best cover corners, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr., along with versatile and athletic safeties Darian Stewart and Justin Simmons. Despite that, the Broncos have given up a touchdown pass of 28 yards or longer in three of their first four contests.
"Our pass coverage is pretty tight, but we've given up too many explosive passes that have led to points," head coach Vance Joseph said, per ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold. "It's some good and bad there."
Considering Denver finished first overall in pass defense over each of the past two seasons, it's a disappointment that it ranks 10th overall and has already surrendered eight touchdowns through the air.