The Denver Broncos are setting their sights on becoming serious Super Bowl contenders after last year's impressive run to the AFC Championship game. As they prepare for the new season, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey is leading the charge with a mindset that’s all about forward momentum. With eight seasons under his belt, McGlinchey is far from complacent and is ready to prove himself once again.
"Last year is in the past," McGlinchey stated, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and future. "I've got things to learn, even in my ninth year.
Improvement is a daily grind. It’s about setting small, achievable goals every day, not just dreaming about the Super Bowl.
If we focus on what's right in front of us, day by day, we’ll get to where we want to be."
The sting of last season's playoff loss to the Patriots still lingers, fueling the Broncos' drive. "Every loss hurts," McGlinchey admitted.
"But those losses are what push us forward. Only one team ends the season happy, and we’re determined to be that team.
Our response is simple: head down, work hard."
On the quarterback front, Bo Nix's return from a fractured ankle is a storyline to watch. McGlinchey expressed admiration for Nix’s dedication to rehab.
"It was tough losing him before the AFC Championship," he said. "But seeing him grind every day, his spirit and work ethic are inspiring.
Having No. 10 back in the huddle is going to be a big boost for us."
Over in Los Angeles, the Chargers are welcoming Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is excited about the fresh energy and perspective O’Leary brings from his time at Western Michigan.
"Chris has made a significant impact," Harbaugh noted. "He’s intelligent, energetic, and communicates effortlessly.
He’s not just acting the part; he’s naturally built for this role."
Meanwhile, the Raiders are fostering a dynamic quarterback room with veteran Kirk Cousins mentoring rookie Fernando Mendoza. Cousins is impressed with Mendoza’s eagerness to learn and adapt.
"He’s doing all the right things," Cousins shared. "He’s asking questions, learning the system-he’s on the right track."
Assistant Head Coach Mike McCoy emphasized the Raiders' long-term vision with Mendoza. "We’re not just planning for this year; we’re building for the future," McCoy said.
Mendoza himself acknowledges the growing pains but remains optimistic. "I’m learning to sync my footwork with the routes, and the coaching staff has been phenomenal.
Every day, I’m making strides and feeling more confident."
As the NFL season approaches, these teams are not just preparing for the immediate challenges but are also laying the groundwork for sustained success. Whether it's the Broncos' quest for a Super Bowl, the Chargers' defensive overhaul, or the Raiders' quarterback development, each team is writing its own story with eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize.
In Other News...
Joe Alt Has Become A Massive Chargers Question Again
Joe Alt arrived in Los Angeles with the kind of first-round profile that can stabilize an offensive line for years, and he mostly looked the part right away. The former Notre Dame tackle played in all 16 games as a rookie after going fifth overall in the 2024 draft, showing enough consistency to put himself in early Pro Bowl conversation and giving the Chargers a rare sense of certainty up front.
The next year only added to the intrigue around his long-term fit. Alt was asked to switch sides after Rashawn Slaters injury and still drew Pro Bowl recognition despite a season cut short, leaving the Chargers with another reminder of how central he has become to their offensive plans. Signed to a four-year deal and expected back healthy for 2026, he now heads into another transition that will say plenty about how the team views its line construction. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Have 3 Huge Contract Decisions Fans Are Already Debating
Derwin James is already taken care of, but the Chargers still have a few contract questions hanging over the roster as they move deeper into a season shaped by coaching changes and player development. Losing Zion Johnson and Odafe Oweh in free agency only sharpened the focus on who might be next in line, and Tuli Tuipulotu has become one of the clearest names to watch after flashing enough to make a longer-term commitment feel like a real conversation.
Tuipulotus situation is the one that could define how aggressive the Chargers want to be with their own core, especially with his value still in motion and a decision point not far off. Quentin Johnston and Donte Jackson are also part of the picture in a different way, because how they perform this season could shape everything from their roles to how the team views future money, leaving the Chargers with plenty to sort through even after one major extension is already in the books. [Read more 🡒]
Khalil Mack Is Closing In On Chargers Defensive Royalty
Khalil Mack is heading into his fifth season with the Chargers with the kind of franchise chase that tends to follow elite pass rushers late in their careers. He already sits 11th in team history with 36.5 sacks, and with one more productive year he could keep climbing past a cluster of familiar names on the franchise leaderboard as he keeps pushing for the postseason run that has eluded him in Los Angeles.
The bigger question is whether Mack can stack together the kind of season that moves him from a respected newcomer in Chargers history to something closer to defensive royalty. After an injury-interrupted 2025 and a steady but smaller total the year before, the path upward is still there, but it will require a stronger 2026 to turn a long climb on the sack board into a real jump toward the top of the list. [Read more 🡒]