The AFC West teams will be back in action this weekend for the second preseason game of the season. New acquisitions were able to suit up for their first game with their new teams, but as the regular season approaches, the competition that took place in training camp will intensify as they battle for a roster spot.
Week One was good to three teams in the West (Chiefs, Broncos, and Chargers) as they each played well and received a W in their first game of the season. The Raiders on the other hand, struggled and didn’t show a lot of change from year’s past. That being said, it’s a new week and each team was able to improve and make adjustments in preparation of this weekend’s matchups.
Here’s a look at this weekend’s games.
Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders, Friday 10PM ET
Last week’s game against the Vikings was a disappointing one for the Raiders, losing 10-6. After a bit of hype and a new image, the silver and black didn’t show a lot of improvement. Granted it was only the first week of preseason and was the first time this new Raiders team played together, there was bound to be some sloppy play; but 13 penalties for 94 yards was ridiculous.
The silver and black will look to rebound in front of their home crowd Friday night against a pretty good Lions team. Oakland’s secondary struggled last week and will have their work cut out for them against Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate.
Offensively, the Raiders need to show a lot of improvement this week. Matt Schaub was only 3/7 with 21 passing yards last Friday, and tight end Mychal Rivera dropped two passes that would have moved the chains.
The wide receiver battle is still an interesting one with Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, Denarius Moore, and Greg Little all in the mix and fighting for playing time.
With David Ausberry out with a knee injury and Nick Kasa out for the year after tearing his ACL, the Raiders really need Rivera to step up.
This week, all eyes will be on the offense and how efficiently, if at all, Schaub is able to move the Raiders downfield. Defensively the Raiders allowed 10 points last week, but struggled to shut the Vikings down on third down. Although it’s only a preseason game, this should be a good test for a revamped Oakland defense as they face an impressive passing game.
San Diego Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks, Friday 10PM ET
After beating the Dallas Cowboys 27-7 last Thursday, the Chargers will travel to Seattle to take on the defending Super Bowl Champs.
Quarterback Philip Rivers was a perfect 4/4 for 61 yards, only playing just the opening series. Rivers led the Chargers downfield, but the drive ended after Ryan Mathews fumbled the ball in the endzone.
An impressive play of the game was a 70 yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Kellen Clemens, acquired this offseason, to Dontrelle Inman in the third quarter.
With the Chargers going to Seattle, it will be a test for some of the young players to play in what is known to be such a hostile environment. “The 12th Man” is known to be loud, and the Chargers will look to quiet down that fanbase Friday night. Head coach Mike McCoy has said he will look to see how some of his younger players handle the tough road environment against a good team.
The Chargers starters played well against the Cowboys, but Dallas went without Tony Romo. This week should be a good test for the Chargers as they face one of the best teams in the league. Rivers and company will go against a much better defense, and the Chargers defense will have to stop Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.
Starters are expected to play about a quarter in this week’s matchup and with the Seahawks traveling to San Diego for Week 2 of the regular season, the Chargers won’t show them too much.
Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers, Sunday 4PM ET
Last week the Broncos beat the Seahawks 21-16 in Denver. Now they will take on another good NFC team in the Niners at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.
The Broncos experienced a weird game last week as they were delayed for almost an hour due to lightning with 25 penalty flags thrown over the course of the game (12 belonging to the Broncos for 95 yards).
Despite the high number of penalties, the Broncos played well, and Peyton Manning went 10/13 with 78 yards. The running back competition continues to intrigue as a few had solid performances against Seattle.
Juwan Thompson had six carries for 59 yards, but wasn’t satisfied with his performance. C.J. Anderson had one carry for five yards, but suffered a concussion, which will allow his competition more playing time and an opportunity to show what they can do. It’ll be interesting to see how long Brock Osweiler will play with Anderson out; last week he had six carries for 17 yards.
The Broncos will also be without Danny Trevathan who will miss time due to a fractured knee.
These two teams will meet again in the regular season, but this week will be a good matchup between two of the league’s best teams.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Carolina Panthers, Sunday 8PM ET
The Chiefs beat the Cincinnati Bengals 41-39 last week behind their great special teams unit. Rookie De’Anthony Thomas made his presence made by returning a punt 80 yards for a touchdown.
Sean Smith and Malcolm Bronson also returned interceptions to the endzone for touchdowns.
Quarterback Alex Smith went 3-5 with 19 yards last Thursday night, but the Chiefs have some decisions to make when it comes to his backup. Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray each received playing time last week, but 2014 draftee Aaron Murray didn’t get a chance to throw the ball in his first preseason game.
This week, Smith should get some more time on the field to work with his offense. Defensively the Chiefs could have their hands full with Cam Newton, who has been medically cleared to play, but it’s unknown whether or not he will start this week for the Panthers.