AFC West Roundup: Week 5
A look back at the week that was in the AFC West. (Photos by AP)
The Broncos suffered their first loss of the season after finding themselves unable to climb out of an early hole at home. The offense struggled in many phases, with quarterback Paxton Lynch unable to find many big plays downfield in his first start, while C.J. Anderson led the Broncos on the ground with 41 yards. Though the Broncos would cut Atlanta's lead to a single score, Denver could not muster a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback to extend their unbeaten streak. Up next: @ San Diego Chargers
Safety T.J. Ward led the Broncos in tackles with eight and forced a fumble that he recovered. Outside linebacker Von Miller also added a sack to continue his streak of six games with at least a half-sack, dating back to Week 17 of 2015.
It was over when the Broncos could not recover an onside kick with 14 seconds left in the game. Down a single possession, a recovered onside kick could have given the Broncos a chance at tying the game on a Hail Mary.
Another week, another painful loss for the San Diego Chargers as they blew a second-half lead before charging back late in the game. Unfortunately for San Diego, they couldn't get the snap down on a game-tying field goal attempt and Oakland escaped with the win to improve to 4-1. The Chargers fell to 1-4 and added to their collection of devastating losses on the season. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw four touchdowns but also tossed two interceptions as the Chargers turned the ball over four times on the day to Oakland's one. Up next for Raiders: vs. Chiefs Up next for Chargers: vs. Broncos
It was over when holder Drew Kaser dropped the snap on a game-tying field goal attempt with 2:08 to go and the Chargers trailing 34-31. The 35-yard field goal would have completed a 10-point fourth quarter comeback, but the Chargers' sixth-round draft pick couldn't get the snap down.
Top performer: Amari Cooper Six receptions, 138 yards, 23 yards per reception, one touchdown With the Raiders down 17-9 in San Diego, wide receiver Amari Cooper made his presence felt in a big way. The Alabama product scored his first touchdown of the year on a 64-yard reception with 11:25 to go in the third quarter. The play pulled the Raiders within a point and kick started an 18-point quarter for Oakland.
Top performer: Joey Bosa Two sacks, three TFL, two QB hits The third-overall pick of the 2016 NFL draft made his NFL debut on Sunday and was impressive even after a months-long holdout forced him to miss much of the preseason.
The Chiefs had a Week 5 bye. They're back in action at Oakland in Week 6.
