AFC West preview

Chris Griffin, NFL Analyst

San Diego Chargers

The reigning division champs made it all the way to the AFC championship where a few unlucky injuries may have cost them a ticket to the Super Bowl. What was once a highly competitive division has now seemingly become a one horse race. The Chargers have a favorable schedule (insert stats) and bring back key players to an 11-5 team. On the offensive side of the ball Ladainian Tomlinson continues to be the most dominant running back in football. With a sure place in Canton waiting for him when his career is over, LT ‘s career numbers speak for themselves (10,650 rushing yds,129 touchdowns). But how is the knee he reinjured last year in the AFC Championship. Philip Rivers showed maturation and plays with a chip on his shoulder. With a full offseason working with last year’s midseason acquisition Chris Chambers and Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates the passing game should be prolific. Gates has had some injury questions coming into the year, but should be ready to go Week 1 against Carolina. To go with the offense San Diego has one of the best defenses in the league. The injury of Shawne Merriman does them no favors, but even without the Pro Bowl linebacker LB Shaun Phillips, DT Luis Castillo, and CBs Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer make the Chargers the top pick in the West. Prediction 12-4

Oakland Raiders

The JaMarcus Russell era has begun. The second year man and I do mean MAN (6’6 260lbs.) from LSU leads a unit with so many question marks. First there was the uncertainty of who would be the head coach, Lane Kiffin got a letter from owner Al Davis stating he wanted Kiffin’s resignation after One Year? Kiffin seems to be the man for the moment and now has some young players with immense talent. First round pick out of Arkansas Darren McFadden joins a backfield that became less crowded when Lamont Jordan headed for New England and now looks to split carries at least early on with Justin Fargas. Fargas put up good numbers (1,009 rushing yds, 4 tds) in 2007, but is he an every down back? Mc Fadden is a big play threat every time he touches the ball and if he stays out of trouble could be this year’s Adrian Peterson. Javon Walker joins the Raiders and hopefully becomes the star receiver Randy Moss was supposed to be for the silver and black. After a fairly disappointing stint with the Denver Broncos Walker looks to rebound back to Pro Bowl form. Will the leg hold up? Warren Sapp has retired he will be on “Dancing with the Stars” if anyone is interested, but the Raiders made some huge moves in the offseason to help defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s unit one of the more interesting in the league. DeAngelo Hall is a lockup corner and Nnamdi Asomugha quietly seems to intercept anything thrown in his direction (9ints last two seasons). They need help this year from the offense to keep them off the field so long, but the Raiders have built a much more competitive team. Many experts pick them to make some noise this year; probably still two or three years away. Prediction 5-11

Denver Broncos

Mike Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the NFL and he will have to be this year. The Broncos always play tough football and it starts and ends with the offensive line. (E.Pears,M.Holland,C.Wiegmann,B.Hamilton,R.Clady).  Never one to go with the big name running back the Broncos will probably have a committee situation with a slight nod going to Selvin Young. The running back out of Texas had a productive 2007 season (729 rushing yds. only one touchdown) and with no Travis Henry definitely has his chance now. Is Jay Cutler more like John Elway or Tommy Maddox? Many wonder the answer to that question and it is time for Cutler to step into the spotlight and show fans at Mile High who he is. The third year QB has an emerging star in WR Brandon Marshall and loves to throw to his tight end Tony Scheffler , that core group should be able to move the ball through the air. The division does have strong secondaries so they will still need to be able to run the ball with effectiveness for a balanced attack. Speaking of strong secondaries the Broncos have one in Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly. Although last year they seemed to get beat deep a few times. Teams will still have to be wary of throwing to either side. John Lynch is in New England big surprise there, but the Broncos will turn to a younger Hamza Abdullah to play the strong safety role. Can they pressure the QB, the D line had 33 sacks last year and will need to get more from DE’s John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil . It will also be strange not seeing Jason Elam kick for the Broncos anymore he is in Atlanta. Good Luck Matt Prater. Prediction 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs made their run, saw it was not good enough and are now in the rebuilding process. Seemingly everyone over the age of 30 has been released. Disgruntled DE Jared Allen was traded. So where does that leave them? Brodie Croyle seems to have won the starting quarterback position for now. Dwayne Bowe was a nice surprise and has the look of a solid number 1 WR. Tony Gonzalez is a Hall of Famer and still put up numbers (99 receptions  1,172yds. 5tds.) in last year’s inept offense. Expecting another big season but how long will he wait for a chance at a Super Bowl? Larry Johnson had a rough season last year filled with injuries. Will Shields, Willie Roaf, and Casey Weigmann are not in front of him anymore. Can he revert back to his 2006 season with a below average offensive line? A young defense will definitely get tested all season long. The Chiefs still seem to not tackle well and they will have to because they go to New England Week 1. There is upside on the defensive side of the ball but it will be a learning experience all year long. Herman Edwards has a plan and the Chiefs organization seems to be on board. But this shapes up to be a long season in KC. Don’t be shocked if they have the number one pick in next year’s draft.

Prediction 4-12

Questions? Comments?

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