NFL Preview - AFC West

AFC West
San Diego Chargers - Another favorite to win it all this year, San Diego is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. Lets start with the O where you have mr. MVP Ladainian Tomlinson in the backfield. He will put up his usual numbers as long as he stays healthy this year. Philip Rivers is back from a knee injury he suffered in the playoffs and has looked a little timid on that leg in the preseason, but he looked accurate and is becoming a great leader on this football team. The D is led by Shawn Merriman, who is going to be playing with torn ligaments in his knee this year. Even playing injured Merriman is one of the tops in the league. Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer make for two of the best corners in the game and the Chargers secondary should produce lots of INTs.
Denver Broncos - With Jay Cutler going into his 3rd year, the Broncos are hoping for a return to the playoffs, but I don’t see it happening this year. Cutler lacks weapons on the outside and the RB situation is shaky for Denver. Selvin Young will be taking the handoffs and he is unproven as a full time starter. Brandon Marshall had a breakout 07 season but was injured in the off-season which caused a little turmoil amongst his teammates. The Defense still has Champ Bailey on one side and now has his brother Boss in the linebacking corps, but he was not very successful in Detroit. The loss of John Lynch at Safety really takes away from the veteran leadership this D once had. Bottom line is they need more play makers in the skill positions.
Oakland Raiders - Are they finally back?! Almost, but not quite yet. An unproven QB in JaMarcus Russell, who struggled in limited playing time last year, but has the arm strength to throw the ball all over the field. The addition of playmaker Darren McFadden in the draft is going to help take the pressure off Russell, because Oakland has a stable of talented backs who will all help carry the rushing load. They overspent bringing injury prone wideout Javon Walker out to Oakland, but if he can regain his old form, he may be worth the money. The Defense has some good play makers on that side of the ball including CBs Nnamdi Asomugha and newly acquired DeAngelo Hall. They could make for a case for best CBs in the league if they both play to their capabilities. Look for Oaklands Defense to keep them in several games, and even win them a couple. This team could be dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs - Full rebuilding mode is going in KC, but the Chiefs have had some great drafts the last couple of years to help their cause. I’m not sold on Brodie Croyle as a starting NFL QB, he has to improve on his accuracy and cut back on his INTs. Larry Johnson only played in 8 games last year before he was hurt, but I don’t expect much from him behind his inexperienced O-line. Jamaal Charles should spell him a bit as well. The Defense is young to, led by linebacker Derrick Johnson, who is the best player on the Defense by far. He should get even more tackles this year with big man Glenn Dorsey taking up 2-3 blockers per play. KC has some great young talent, but as for this year, it’s just going to be developmental time.








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