Across the AFC West, a few key players are starting to draw real attention in camp, and the comments coming from coaches and teammates tell the story.
In Denver, outside linebacker Que Robinson is earning steady praise from Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who sees a player trending in the right direction after a limited role last season. Joseph said Robinson “looked like a guy who can be a future starter for us” after going back through the film, and he pointed to the work ahead: more reps, more defensive snaps, and more special teams snaps. Joseph also noted that Robinson didn’t dress for many games last year, but when he did get on the field, he handled his opportunities well for Darren Rizzi and for Joseph.
Robinson, for his part, sounded like a player who knows the compliment came with a challenge attached. “It says a lot when a coach takes his time out to say stuff like that,” he noted.
“I think on my part, I’ve just got to prove him right. When a coach believes in you and he tries to give you an opportunity, you’ve got to take advantage of it - and I’m going to try to take advantage of every opportunity this season.
I’m able to play a little bit more decisive now since I had a year. I’m a little bit more decisive when I’m doing things now.
I think that’s what’s causing me to be the best version of me right now.”
Nik Bonitto has also seen enough to like what Robinson brings. “Que is obviously a very talented guy,” Bonitto said in mid-August.
“He’s showing out every day in practice. He has all the tools, and whenever he sets his mind to it, nobody can block him.
He’s been playing really well right now, and I’m excited especially to see these next couple of games what he does out there. I know he’s going to put on a show for sure.”
In Los Angeles, defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary is making it clear that Teair Tart is more than just another body on the interior line. O’Leary said Tart is going to be a major part of the defense this season, and he also stressed the responsibility that comes with that role.
“He’s going to make plays for us but we’ve kind of pushed him along into that role of, ‘Hey man, guys look to you and guys follow you,’” O’Leary said, via Chargers Wire. “He plays hard and practices hard, at times we have to pull him back a little bit in practice.
But we like where he’s at.”
The Chargers are also sorting out their left guard battle, and O’Leary’s side of the building has been encouraged by what Kayode Awosika has shown. Mike McDaniel said, “It’s almost his job to lose” while discussing the competition.
Kansas City has its own set of storylines, with Rashee Rice drawing praise from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy called Rice “a very good player” and added, “His resume speaks for itself… I’m still getting to know the person…” He also highlighted Rice’s edge, saying he likes the receiver’s toughness and stubbornness and believes “there is another level for him.”
Patrick Mahomes is in the middle of his own grind, and he says he hasn’t missed a day since camp began. “It’s been awesome for me to be able to do that.
I haven’t had to miss anything, other than the preseason games. I’ve done every single [practice] rep,” Mahomes said.
He also described how the rehab routine has changed his day-to-day work: “I’ve got to be up a lot earlier… Knocking stuff out then, going to meetings, after practice get some more work in… It’s not too much for my body; it’s just a little different how we do our workouts. Not trying to overdo it, but still be on top of my game.”
In Other News...
Chargers Suddenly Have A Real Question Behind Omarion Hampton
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Chargers Suddenly Face A Left Guard Battle At The Worst Time
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Mike McDaniel added another layer to the mix by addressing the starting left guard spot, where Kayode Awosika appears to have the edge but Trey Pipkins has also gotten first-team work. The timing is tricky, especially with several players sidelined by injuries, including running back Keaton Mitchell and lineman Branson Taylor, leaving the Chargers to sort out both depth and roles when they can least afford uncertainty. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Still Have A Backup QB Problem Behind Justin Herbert
Training camp has given the Chargers a clearer look at Justin Herbert, but not much clarity behind him. Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei have spent the preseason battling for the backup quarterback jobs, and Jim Harbaugh has kept the race open, calling it close without making a definitive decision. For a team that has spent the summer trying to build stability, the depth chart at quarterback is still one of the more unsettled spots.
The challenge is made even trickier by what is happening up front. Los Angeles has dealt with injuries along the offensive line, and that has complicated any real evaluation of the two quarterbacks because protection and pocket time have not been consistent. The Chargers need more than just a competent fallback behind Herbert, and for now the question is not only who wins the job, but how much the line will help reveal the answer. [Read more 🡒]