Here's the last set! Sorry there was such a gap - I just got to college and finished all of my orientation. :) Enjoy it - though I'll probably do a small piece on just Tim Tebow later....
Also, the Colts signed Kerry Collins? Smart move...
AFC WEST
1) San Diego Chargers
San Diego, it’s your time. Seize the moment. Please. We all know about the offense under Philip River’s command. All of his key receivers return; Gates (TE), Jackson, Crayton and even Floyd. The only real question mark in this side of the ball is the running game. Ryan Mathews was supposed to be the answer, or at least part of it, last year. Hopefully, if the injuries and fumbles disappear, he can be the elite back they want him to be. Mike Tolbert was the leading rusher last year and should be a compliment for Mathews. Even with the running back questions last year, the offense was ranked first. As was the dense, though many sense that’s misleading. Ron Rivera departed to be head man in Caroline, and it should be interesting to see if the unit doesn’t suffer without him. The secondary of Weddle, Sanders and Jammer should provide leadership and strong play to break out Stuckey and Cason. The linebackers, besides Philips, are mostly young and untested. Burnett will have to bring Butler and Mouton, each of whom has never seen a snap in the NFL. The defensive line is the weak link here and unproductive.
Overall, the Chargers can at least win the division, if not more.
2) Kansas City Chiefs
People say last year was a fluke for the Chiefs, that this year the schedule will be too tough for them. What people seem to be ignoring is that the Chiefs have stars on every offensive level. Cassel is a solid quarterback and leader; Charles almost lead the league in rushing last year and Bowe finally got his breakout season. It’s unlikely that all of these things are a fluke for them. The only question here is the line, which is trying to get younger. If they can keep Cassel on his feet, the whole unit should be pretty good. Romeo Crennel has proved a decent defensive coordinator last year. The secondary is the start of this unit with Berry having a breakout season. Lewis, Flowers and Carr round out the unit and each have talent. More of a concern are the LBs and DL. Gleen Dorsey (DE) needs to improve to anchor the line. LB Hali had a breakout, AFC leading, 14.5 sack performance last year. Repeat, anyone?
Overall, the Chiefs need to work through a tough schedule to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.
3) Oakland Raiders
The Raiders went 6-0 in the division last year, but struggled to win many other games. Jason Cambell is not the long term answer at quarterback. For some reason, they shipped out Gradkowski, who always showed signs of being the real answer. At least McFadden has proven himself a top tier back – that should take some pressure off whoever is under center. As far as receivers go, the Raiders are fast, but not super talented. Everyone knows Al Davis loves a fast player, but Murphy, Heyward-Bay and Schilens have all fallen short. Hope that Ford becomes a central part of this offense. As far as the defense goes, the Raiders are not in terrible shape. Seymour anchors a decent line, which should see better production under 2nd year coordinator Bresnahan. For the linebackers, McClain should show continued improvement in this second year. Wimbly proved that he could provide sacks last season, and should do the same again. In the secondary, the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha could be disastrous. It should be interesting to see how the unit copes.
Overall, the Raiders will continue to show flashes of being what Al Davis imagines they are, but still are not. A new head coach every year doesn’t help.
4) Denver Broncos
A new head coach and a famous GM can’t solve Denver’s problems in a year. Pick a QB – and let it be Tim Tebow. He’s the ‘future’, and might as well start now. We’re all waiting for him to start. (Or you could play Brady Quinn, but that’s just ‘cause I love him.) Look for Moreno to start in the backfield, if he can stay healthy. Or screw having a RB and just let Tebow do it all. What do you have to lose? Whoever is QB, has some very cool receivers. The key is Lloyd, who, if he performs, can open the field for Gaffney, Royal and Decker. The offense has some high potential here. The dense is making a switch back to 4-3, and drafting Von Millar was a good start. His aggressiveness should help a defense that was 31st against the pass last season. No names on the line and an aging secondary can’t help this unit go from worst to first any time soon. Denver has looked to the future. Fox, Elway and Xanders hopefully understand this. Don’t count them out too long – remember Fox and 1-15 Carolina to the Super Bowl?
Overall, don’t hold your breath for a transformation this year. Talk to me in a few years.
I would never argue with a Corleone!!!
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