AFC West Roundup: Week 9
There was a shakeup at the top in the AFC West in Week 9, with the Raiders moving to the top and the Chiefs going to second. (AP Images)
The Broncos went into Oakland in first place in the division and left with work to do to catch both the Raiders and Chiefs. Denver again struggled in the early going on offense and went three and out four consecutive times to begin the game. Though the offense would get going in the second quarter, the Raiders controlled the line of scrimmage too much for the Broncos to leave Oakland with a win. The Raiders bruised the beat-up Broncos defense to the tune of 218 rushing yards on the night and dominated time of possession. Up next for Denver: at New OrleansUp next for Oakland: Bye
It was over when: defensive end Khalil Mack broke through the Denver offensive line and strip-sacked Trevor Siemian. The Broncos lost possession down 10 points with 7:26 to play in the fourth quarter, and a quick Oakland touchdown would stretch the lead to 30-13. Though a Kapri Bibbs touchdown would pull the Broncos within 10 again, Mack's sack essentially ended the Broncos' hopes. After a quiet first half, Mack came through with two sacks in the second frame to aid the Raiders.
Player of the game: Latavius Murray - 20 attempts for 114 yards and 3 touchdowns. Murray turned in a dominant performance as he averaged more than 5.7 yards per carry and broke off some back-breaking long runs, including a 42-yarder. The left side of the Raiders' offensive line may deserve just as much credit as the Oakland backs found an easy path to that side the entire night.Player of the game: Demaryius Thomas - 5 receptions for 56 yards. Thomas made several key catches, including a 23-yard toe-tapping grab to move the chain for the first time for the Broncos and set up their first touchdown of the game.
The Chiefs never fell behind against Jacksonville in Arrowhead, but that doesn't mean they were in a comfortable position for the entirety of the 19-14 win. With starting quarterback Alex Smith still recovering from a concussion, Nick Foles started in his stead and threw for 187 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Kansas City found the end zone first on a 23-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Albert Wilson, but only got field goals on four scoring drives the rest of the game. Jacksonville countered with a 1-yard touchdown pass to WR Allen Robinson at the end of the first half to stay in contention, but found themselves down 12 points late in the fourth quarter — a deficit they could not overcome, despite a late touchdown pass to narrow the gap to five points. Up next: @ Carolina
It was over when: defensive back Steve Nelson deflected Blake Bortles' pass for WR Bryan Walters on fourth-and-3. Jacksonville had driven to the Kansas City 32 with two minutes left, but the comeback attempt would end there.
Player of the game: As tough as things have been for the Chiefs' pass rush without Justin Houston, Dee Ford stepped up against the Jaguars to record two sacks and three quarterback hits.
In a high-scoring affair, the Chargers started fast and closed decisively in a 43-35 win over the Titans. On offense, San Diego was led by Melvin Gordon's 196 rushing yards and Philip Rivers' 275 passing yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Chargers created separation by forcing Marcus Mariota into three turnovers, including two returned for touchdowns. Tennessee overcame an early 16-0 deficit in the third quarter to gain the 21-19 lead, but San Diego scored 24 points after that to run away with the win.Up next: vs. Dolphins
It was over when: If it wasn't over when cornerback Brandon Flowers picked off Marcus Mariota and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, it truly ended when Melvin Gordon ran for 47 yards on third-and-7 with 2:37 left and Tennessee needing a defensive stop down eight. They didn't get it and the Chargers were able to run out the clock.
Top performer: Melvin Gordon ran for 196 yards (6.1 average) and a touchdown.
