We’re approaching the 2020 NFL season, with under two weeks to go until the Kansas City Chiefs open the season against Houston Texans. It’s time to check out what the Chiefs’ division rivals in the AFC West have been up to at training camp. Below you’ll find some of the top stories of the past week for the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
Jerry Jeudy is the star at Broncos training camp
“Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy has drawn plenty of praise at camp. After the first day of practice, S Kareem Jackson said Jeudy can “get in and out of his breaks better than anyone I’ve ever seen before.” That’s high praise from Jackson, who practiced against All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins during his time with the Texans.”
Jerry Jeudy continues to surprise the Broncos with his route running. If the hype is real, he will be a problem for the AFC West. He could even become a legitimate candidate to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Demar Dotson is ‘a good addition’ to Broncos’ offensive line
“After Ja’Wuan James opted out of the 2020 season, the Denver Broncos signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers right tackle Demar Dotson to a one-year deal. Dotson will turn 35 in October but Broncos coach Vic Fangio believes he still has something left to offer.
‘I think he’s got enough left in the tank there,’ Fangio said after practice Thursday. ‘I do. He’s got a good body build. He’s tall. He’s lean. He’s obviously very experienced. He’s played a ton, got good length.'”
Dotson may not be expected to start for Denver, but he will bring depth to their offensive line after losing Ja’Wuan James for the season. Dotson brings plenty of experience to protect Broncos’ quarterback Drew Lock.
Raiders seeing a big difference in Zay Jones from a year ago
“The former second-round pick was billed (so to speak) as a speedy, quick receiver. But last season, he looked downright sluggish. In that regard, he looks like a completely different guy in this training camp.
‘We can see a huge difference from Zay from last year to this year,” said general manager Mike Mayock over Zoom conference call Tuesday. “I’m proud of the way he came into camp.'”
If Jones improves this year, with an explosive Henry Ruggs and an athletic Bryan Edwards to go along with him, the Raiders offense could surprise. It will be interesting to see once the season begins if Derek Carr and the Raiders can keep up with the rest of the AFC West offenses.
Raiders WR Tyrell Williams has torn labrum, hopes to play through it
“The sixth-year NFL wideout has a torn labrum according to multiple reports, including ESPN’s Josina Anderson who quotes Williams’s agent Collin Roberts who said doctors suggest he will be out the next couple of weeks of training camp practices.”
Williams is expected to play through the injury as he did in 2017, but he is likely to miss a few weeks once the season begins. The loss of Williams if a huge blow for Las Vegas as he was one of the bright spots last year having the second-most receiving yards for the Raiders.
Chargers WR Mike Williams ‘out for a while’ with shoulder injury
“Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams was listed as week-to-week on Monday after hurting his shoulder at practice the day before.
But Williams’ absence could be a bit longer than anticipated.
On Tuesday, coach Anthony Lynn said Williams will be ‘out for a while,’ adding that he’s not certain if he will be ready for Week 1 against the Bengals.”
If the Chargers are without Mike Williams to start the season, they will need to rely on their depth to replace him. They will still have Keenan Allen and Austin Ekler as the main contributors, but this will be the perfect opportunity for some of their rookies to make a name for themselves if Williams misses an extended amount of time.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert faces struggles against first-team defense
“The only way for a rookie to get acclimated to the speed to the NFL is to experience what it will be like come game day.
That’s how it was for quarterback Justin Herbert, who was tasked with going up against the Chargers’ first-team defense on Friday.
‘Last couple days, he’s struggled a little bit,’ coach Anthony Lynn said before the workout. ‘There’s a lot going on with protections and when you start doing more third downs. There’s more volume in the offense right now.
‘I think this is going to help him take the next step. It’s good for him to be uncomfortable. As long as he’s uncomfortable and we don’t break his spirit, I think that’s an opportunity for great growth.'”
It is safe to say, with Justin Herbert still struggling to find himself in the Chargers offense, Tyrod Taylor will be starting for Los Angeles. It will be interesting to see how well Herbert progresses throughout the season, but if he stays at this pace, he may be sitting on the bench longer than what Chargers expected.
