Chiefs’ Reid praises O-line for helping Mahomes

Denver Broncos: Coach Vance Joseph said Monday he wasn’t pleased with how the Broncos’ defense started against the Raiders on Sunday, specifically pointing to the cornerbacks playing with too much cushion. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr reached halftime having gone 18 for 19 for 158 yards, which Joseph attributed to soft underneath coverage. “I thought yesterday defensively that we didn’t play aggressive enough in the first half,” Joseph said. “… We played way too cautious. … Our corners have to — have to — play with great confidence all the time and obviously play press coverage.” Joseph said he liked how the group responded after halftime, though Carr went 11 for 13 for 130 yards after the break.

Kansas City Chiefs: Lost in the commotion of Patrick Mahomes’ six-touchdown day at Pittsburgh was that the youngster, who turned 23 on Monday, handled the Steelers’ blitzes effectively. “The thing that I think gets overlooked in this is they threw a bunch at him,” coach Andy Reid told reporters, “which I thought was gonna be an important thing for him to work with.” Reid added that the offensive line, which allowed just one sack on the day, played a major role in handling Pittsburgh’s disguised looks. “The O-line did a really good job of picking the stuff up and kind of kept him clean,” Reid said. “Even when they tried to press the receivers and throw your timing off, the O-line still gave him enough time where he could still function.”

Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Gordon finished with only nine carries and 28 yards (including a 20-yard TD) in Sunday’s romp over the Bills, compared to 11 carries for 77 yards by Austin Ekeler, but Gordon added six receptions for 38 yards and two scores. Through two games, Gordon leads the team in receptions (15) and receiving touchdowns (two), while gaining 140 yards through the air. Coach Anthony Lynn expects that production to continue. “Melvin has excellent hands, and he’s a decent route runner,” Lynn told reporters. “We’re trying to get him more involved in the passing game, and I think you’re seeing that the first couple weeks.”

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have tallied just two sacks through two games, but coach Jon Gruden said he doesn’t have regrets about dealing defensive end Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. “We made the trade,” Gruden told reporters. “… I’d have loved to have had him here, but he’s not here. Somebody has to step up.” Gruden added that the Raiders “need more and more” from defensive end Bruce Irvin, who had a sack in the opener and a QB hit and tackle for loss in Denver. “I know he’s giving us everything he has,” Gruden continued. “It’s tough on him, certainly, because we do have a lot of new guys around him up front.”

–Field Level Media