AFC West Notebook: Chargers' offense controlling games, Smith takes blame for Chiefs' struggles
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC West Notebook.
San Diego Chargers
Ball control offense carrying Chargers. Although the Chargers have lacked consistency as of late, it is the ball control offense and dedication to the running game that carries them to some impressive victories, including the one they had Sunday over the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Sherman responds to Allen's comments. Following Sunday's upset win, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen said Richard Sherman was "not a shutdown corner." Later in the week, Sherman had a response for Allen and who he called the "little Chargers".
Mathews out a month. After an MCL sprain suffered in the Chargers' win over the Seahawks, it appears as though running back Ryan Mathews will miss a month of action. Free-agent addition Donald Brown should get the bulk of the carries in his absence.
Red zone defense struggling. Although opposing teams have had limited opportunities, the Chargers' defense has had difficulties in the red zone thus far, allowing touchdowns on four out of five trips.
Denver Broncos
Welker to return vs. Seahawks. With Wes Welker reinstated from suspension and expected to play Sunday following the NFL's changes to the drug policy, a Broncos offense already among the league's best gets a significant boost at receiver.
Thomas could be key factor Sunday. After Chargers tight end Antonio Gates posted three touchdowns against the vaunted Seahawks defense in Week 2, tight end Julius Thomas should be a player to watch when the Broncos head to Seattle on Sunday.
Manning makes marijuana joke. An owner of quite a few Papa John's pizza franchises in Colorado, quarterback Peyton Manning made a joke about how business has gone after some recent law changes.
Fans petitioning to keep Simms from calling Broncos games. CBS broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Phil Simms called the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but Broncos fans have organized an online petition aimed at preventing him from doing so again.
Oakland Raiders
Run defense is NFL's worst through two weeks. Allowing 400 rushing yards in the first two regular season games, the Raiders' run defense ranks as the NFL's worst by a wide margin, and rookie linebacker Khalil Mack says fixing that problem is the emphasis heading into Sunday against the New England Patriots.
Allen not worried about job security. Following two disappointing efforts to start the season, questions are beginning to surface about the future of Raiders head coach Dennis Allen. Allen isn't worried about it, and says he is focused on the Patriots.
Raiders sign Vincent Brown. With the offense struggling to move the ball with any consistency through two games, the signing of former Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown brings some much needed competition and depth to the position.
Former Raiders pinpoint franchise's downfall. Several former Raiders, now Arizona Cardinals, pointed to the organization's firing of head coach Hue Jackson as the point where things took a turn for the worst.
Kansas City Chiefs
Charles practices Thursday. Despite a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was able to practice with the team Thursday, leaving a chance that he could be available as soon as this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Smith takes blame for offense. The Chiefs' offense is struggling through two weeks of the season, and quarterback Alex Smith is taking full responsibility, saying it comes down to the players making plays.
Santos still struggling. Kicker Cairo Santos is having his share of difficulties to start his rookie season with the Chiefs and, after missing two of four attempts to start the year, says "I need to slow my pace down" this Sunday.