The AFC is going to be murder next season -- 10 teams with legitimate shots

[GonzoLays]

Parity reigns supreme in the NFL. The AFC is going to be sick next year with 10 teams who have a viable/logical/rational chance at having the best record in the conference.

1) New England -- don't ask

2) Indy -- don't ask

3) San Diego -- don't ask

4) Baltimore -- don't ask

5) Denver -- Much improved, but are we even top five in this conference?

6) Cincinnati -- Talented. That's all that needs to be said.

7) New York Jets -- made the playoffs last year and we didn't. WTF?

8) Pittsburgh -- Can't count them out...ever.

9) Jacksonville -- That team is a beast yet they can't get over the hump. They can beat anybody at anytime. Biggest (literally) offense in football.

10) Mystery team -- every year, there is a mystery team; a team that comes out of nowhere to beast. Could it be Kansas City? Buffalo? Miami? Whoever it is, there is always a rags to riches story for each conference in the NFL.

The playoffs are not a given next year, with out a doubt.

[DenverDuo]

Yep.

If Cutler performs well, we make the playoffs. If not, we don't. It's that simple, barring catastrophic injuries on the whole team.

Jacksonville and Cincinatti are underachievers, but either can blow an opponent out if they're on a good day. I'm guessing we lose to Jacksonville.

It's going to be a dog fight.

[AboveAverage]

Cue Chief fan with inferiority complex in 3...2...1......

[400HZ]

I think Baltimore might fall off some this season. The Jets were a good story last year, but they made the playoffs due more to a cheesedick schedule than being a great team.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Indy is going to have to put up 40 a game. They already had the leagues worst run D and they lost several key players this year.

[bpc]

I don't see Baltimore falling off unless they suffer some injuries on their offensive line.

Pretty much agree with all you said.

Indy, NE, Baltimore, and I say this reluctantly with Norv Turner now the head guy, San Deigo as the class of the AFC.

Cincy and Denver are on the cusp of doing some major things and could easily be put right up there. I think it will be easier for our defensive line to acclimate to the NFL, and with Cincy, their weakness is in the secondary... they will score a lot of points to compensate for that while they get up to speed.

NYJ, KC, Jacksonville, and possibly Miami could go either way this year. NJY just seems a little light on talent this year. Thomas Jones should help though. KC has a major hole at both offensive and defensive lines. Their secondary is going to hit the wall soon too. Jacksonville has a hole at QB. Miami could be that surprise team that comes out of nowhere this year. Their defense should still be strong enough to compete and their offense could surprise if they get some good QB play.

It will be a knockdown dragout fight to the finish this year. I feel lucky to have Jacksonville, Cleveland, Tennessee, Houston, Pittsburgh and Buffalo on the schedule this year.

[redrage]

No inferiority complex here. Just laughing at the constant superiority complex of Bronco fans. Only 10 teams have a chance for the playoffs and one of them isn't one of the 6 playoff teams from last year? Who's the one being insecure?

[Rock Chalk]

Yep.

If Cutler performs well, we make the playoffs. If not, we don't. It's that simple, barring catastrophic injuries on the whole team.

Jacksonville and Cincinatti are underachievers, but either can blow an opponent out if they're on a good day. I'm guessing we lose to Jacksonville.

It's going to be a dog fight.

If Lepsis stays healthy we make the playoffs.

[listopencil]

No inferiority complex here. Just laughing at the constant superiority complex of Bronco fans. Only 10 teams have a chance for the playoffs and one of them isn't one of the 6 playoff teams from last year? Who's the one being insecure?

Reading comprehension, dumbass.

[bpc]

No inferiority complex here. Just laughing at the constant superiority complex of Bronco fans. Only 10 teams have a chance for the playoffs and one of them isn't one of the 6 playoff teams from last year? Who's the one being insecure?

- Who is your starting QB? Controversy written all over that position.
- LJ is a spoiled POS. And he is a contract year. You really think he is going to try run through the walls that Herm put him in front of last year and risk injury? I doubt it.
- Your WR group is very average, even with Bowe. They won't have an ability to stretch a defense or keep them honest with LJ running the rock.
- Your offensive line is going to be terrible.
- Your defensive line is going to be terrible.
- Your LB's aren't really all that good either.
- Your secondary is starting to get old especially on the corners.

KC will be lucky to go 8-8 next year.

[DB84FAN]

Only one team from AFC North will make it... CINCY lost one of its best OL guy and they are just a few arrest's from some of there major players getting boot by RG. So i am putting CINCY out of playoffs. One team between Pitt and Baltimore... might be baltimore, because Pitt might struggle under there new coach and i think Ben will have another down year.

If there is a second team from west, it should be buffalo. Jets did have some bad games and they made it in. Buffalo showed some talent and with OL improved lets see if they can get over. But NE is the only sure shot.

Tennesse and Houston are not ready yet. Tennesse had the worst draft as well. Between INDY and JAX, they both are good.. but Jax and there receivers are ?? But problem is at there QB play as well. If this team makes it to the playoffs it is on there D.

Again i think with Oakland improving a little through draft, it might not be easy wins against them anymore. SD is the elite team in this division without a doubt. But denver addressed lot of issues and playoff shouldn't be a question. KC just went negative in this offseason.

SO AFC will be represented by

SD, Den, Indy, NE, Bal

and bubble teams are (BUF & JAX) for the 6th position.

KC will be beaten by Oakland this time twice (BOLD Prediction of the season)

[atomicbloke]

Are you crazy?

Everyone knows that the Denver Broncos have already won the Superbowl in Feb 2008.

The only thing remaining is the mere formality of playing the season.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The Chiefs are a better football team than the Jets. You kidding me? The Jets would kill for a couple of studs like LJ and Tony Gonzalez.

Last time I checked the Bengals STILL hadn't found a defense. At least the Chiefs have that going for them.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

- Your offensive line is going to be terrible.

But better than last year.


- Your defensive line is going to be terrible.

WTF? Our D-line was decent a year ago and our defensive tackle rotation looks to be MUCH improved.


- Your LB's aren't really all that good either.

LMAO. OK. Donnie Edwards is about a billion times better than Kendrell Bell. Kawika dumped...finally. Derrick Johnson ready to rape in his third season.

[Killericon]

Kawika dumped...finally.

Were'nt you singing his highest praises last season?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Were'nt you singing his highest praises last season?

He fooled us all. He's not suited for the scheme. We upgraded with his replacement this offseason.

[2KBack]

the chiefs are the same team as last year, maybe an improved 0-line (debatable) but the QB potision is in flux (never good news, see 06 Broncos). Not to mention LJ is annoying his team and coming off a record breaking carries season, history dictates bad tidings for 400 carry backs (see Jamal Anderson, and even our own TD if you count post season carries)

[chaz]

But better than last year.


your offensive line is not going to be better than last year...its going to be worse, much worse...LJ is going to have a hell of a time trying to make it thru the season with the pounding he is going to take behind that line.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

the chiefs are the same team as last year

You've got to be kidding me. Last year defensive tackle and wide receiver were two of the three weakest positions on our football team. We had linebackers woefully unsuited for the Cover 2. Not to mention the league's worst left tackle....

[Bob's your Information Minister]

your offensive line is not going to be better than last year....

Because Jordan Black is NOT the worst left tackle in the league. Right. ::)

[2KBack]

You've got to be kidding me. Last year defensive tackle and wide receiver were two of the three weakest positions on our football team. We had linebackers woefully unsuited for the Cover 2. Not to mention the league's worst left tackle....

While I am not thining at full capacity at the moment, I am balancing any possible improvements made in those areas with the uncertainty at QB. Huard won't be taking anyone by surprise, LJ can't handle the same load as last season, and if Croyle starts you are looking at a first year starter at QB. It's not blind **** talking, you just can't underestimate what a fluxuating QB position can do to a team.

[Los Broncos]

NE is the team to beat, imo.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I think that Mystery Team has an excellent shot this season.

They should start out the season as Vegas favorites.

[Sarcastro]

- Who is your starting QB? Controversy written all over that position.
- LJ is a spoiled POS. And he is a contract year. You really think he is going to try run through the walls that Herm put him in front of last year and risk injury? I doubt it.
- Your WR group is very average, even with Bowe. They won't have an ability to stretch a defense or keep them honest with LJ running the rock.
- Your offensive line is going to be terrible.
- Your defensive line is going to be terrible.
- Your LB's aren't really all that good either.
- Your secondary is starting to get old especially on the corners.

KC will be lucky to go 8-8 next year.

Most players definitely go out of their way to underperform during contract years. Great logic.

Anyways, I can understand questions about LJ not being up to par after last season. I can understand not thinking our O-line will be any good. I can even understand not thinking our WRs will be that good. 1st round WRs often don't contribute much their first season. If we take a step back, it will be on offense.

I can't really understand thinking any aspect of our defense will be terrible. Our defense was 16th in total yardage and 11th in scoring last season. If anything, the defense should be better. If you really want to argue that DJ, DE, and Harris are poor cover 2 LBs, or that JA, Hali, Boone, Turk, Tank, Wilkerson, Edwards, and Reed comprise a terrible cover 2 DL then go ahead. We had an above average defense last season with less talent and less experience then we will have going into this season.

The only response I really have for the comment our CBs getting old is that the two most important skills for cover 2 CBs are ball awareness/skills and tackling ability. They don't need to have 4.3 speed.

[Sarcastro]

While I am not thining at full capacity at the moment, I am balancing any possible improvements made in those areas with the uncertainty at QB. Huard won't be taking anyone by surprise, LJ can't handle the same load as last season, and if Croyle starts you are looking at a first year starter at QB. It's not blind **** talking, you just can't underestimate what a fluxuating QB position can do to a team.

The Chiefs certainly didn't have any stability at QB last season. They still managed to beat out Denver for a playoff spot.

[ZachKC]

Most players definitely go out of their way to underperform during contract years. Great logic.

Anyways, I can understand questions about LJ not being up to par after last season. I can understand not thinking our O-line will be any good. I can even understand not thinking our WRs will be that good. 1st round WRs often don't contribute much their first season. If we take a step back, it will be on offense.

I can't really understand thinking any aspect of our defense will be terrible. Our defense was 16th in total yardage and 11th in scoring last season. If anything, the defense should be better. If you really want to argue that DJ, DE, and Harris are poor cover 2 LBs, or that JA, Hali, Boone, Turk, Tank, Wilkerson, Edwards, and Reed comprise a terrible cover 2 DL then go ahead. We had an above average defense last season with less talent and less experience then we will have going into this season.

The only response I really have for the comment our CBs getting old is that the two most important skills for cover 2 CBs are ball awareness/skills and tackling ability. They don't need to have 4.3 speed.

Great post, I totally agree.

Should be another fun season in the AFC. I can't wait to get football going again I will be back in KC.

[Sarcastro]

your offensive line is not going to be better than last year...its going to be worse, much worse...LJ is going to have a hell of a time trying to make it thru the season with the pounding he is going to take behind that line.

Really, rather then just saying the o-line is going to be worse, why don't you actually explain why. I would love to hear this. Were you a big Jordan Black fan perhaps?

[Vegas_Bronco]

Sleeper team will be Titans.

[Sarcastro]

Sleeper team will be Titans.

LenDale White will be the first 300 pound back ever to rush for over 1,000 yards. Chris Henry will continue to suck. He will occasionally take the time to run a 4.3 forty before he goes back to being a ****ty football player.

[boltaneer]

The Chiefs and Jets are on the same tier; two wild card teams that got into the postseason but everyone knew they had no shot at advancing.

KC squeaked into the playoffs. A couple of bounces this way and that way and it could have been Denver or Jacksonville or Tennessee, etc.

But I always say this: KC is always tough at home so they will generally have a shot at a WC spot year in and year out. If they somehow get home field advantage, then they can be dangerous. The problem is, because they are an average team right now and too often play poorly on the road, there is no way I see them contending for HFA, especially because the AFC is so tough right now.

[Sarcastro]

The Chiefs and Jets are on the same tier; two wild card teams that got into the postseason but everyone knew they had no shot at advancing.

KC squeaked into the playoffs. A couple of bounces this way and that way and it could have been Denver or Jacksonville or Tennessee, etc.

But I always say this: KC is always tough at home so they will generally have a shot at a WC spot year in and year out. If they somehow get home field advantage, then they can be dangerous. The problem is, because they are an average team right now and too often play poorly on the road, there is no way I see them contending for HFA, especially because the AFC is so tough right now.

This is a reasonable take. I don't think most Chiefs fan are expecting more then a shot at the WC this season. Many don't even expect that.

[2KBack]

The Chiefs certainly didn't have any stability at QB last season. They still managed to beat out Denver for a playoff spot.

9-7 won't get a playoff spot this year, be it Denver or Kansas City. The argument isn't who will contend last year though, it is this year. Denver is set at QB, Kansas City isn't. In many ways Kansas City is in a very similar postion as the 2006 Broncos. Huard played admirably last season, but historically insn't exactly a world beater. With a Young Arm in the wings, you could be looking at a similar controversy.

[Sarcastro]

9-7 won't get a playoff spot this year, be it Denver or Kansas City. The argument isn't who will contend last year though, it is this year. Denver is set at QB, Kansas City isn't. In many ways Kansas City is in a very similar postion as the 2006 Broncos. Huard played admirably last season, but historically insn't exactly a world beater. With a Young Arm in the wings, you could be looking at a similar controversy.

If the AFC is as competitive as many people seem to think it will be, 9-7 may be good enough to get in.

Denver is set at QB in the sense that they know, barring injury, Cutler will be their starting QB. After just five starts, it isn't certain how Cutler will pan out.

If Croyle plays decent in the preseason, he will definitely be the #1 QB going into the season. If he plays anywhere near as good as Huard in the preseason, he will get the job based on potential.

[Sarcastro]

9-7 won't get a playoff spot this year, be it Denver or Kansas City. The argument isn't who will contend last year though, it is this year. Denver is set at QB, Kansas City isn't. In many ways Kansas City is in a very similar postion as the 2006 Broncos. Huard played admirably last season, but historically insn't exactly a world beater. With a Young Arm in the wings, you could be looking at a similar controversy.

Why are you so certain a 9-7 won't have a shot. If there is as much parity in the AFC next season as people seem to think there will be, teams should beat up on each all season. That should make it more, not less, likely that a 9-7 team gets in.

[2KBack]

Why are you so certain a 9-7 won't have a shot. If there is as much parity in the AFC next season as people seem to think there will be, teams should beat up on each all season. That should make it more, not less, likely that a 9-7 team gets in.

I wouldn't put money on it or anything, but the trend seems to be 10-6 is the goal for a sure fire playoff berth

[redrage]

I wouldn't put money on it or anything, but the trend seems to be 10-6 is the goal for a sure fire playoff berth

KC was 10-6 in '05 and didn't make it in. They fall to 9-7 last season and make it. At this point only teams 11-5 or better are safe.

The bolt fan had the most accurate take. If KC can take care of business at home like they usually do, then they have a shot. Chances are they will drop 1-2 games at home which mean probably four of the road games have to be wins:

Houston
Chicago
SD
Oakland
Indy
Denver
Detroit
NYJ

Houston, Oakland and Detroit are the road games that stick out as the best chances to win a game. Unless Herm grows a pair and lets his team actually play on the road (my biggest gripe with him) I doubt any wins will be coming from Chicago, Denver, SD, Indy or NYJ.

As for the QB and offensive line, I'll just echo what other KC fans have said. The O-line, while not what it was 3 years ago, is better today than last year. The McIntosh-for-Black exchange can't help but be an improvement. I do worry about depth, though.

As far as a QB goes, KC played it's best ball with Huard at QB last season, so I don't see how that argument works. However, if they do decide to go with Croyle, then I would expect a struggle this season. That's no reflection on Croyle, it's just the history of the NFL when a young QB starts for the first time. Look at Cutler. I thought she howed a lot in his starts last year, but that didn't help the Broncos get into the playoffs. This year will be better.

[Rohirrim]

Don't forget, the Cheeps don't have that drunk Jared Allen playing for them the first four games.

Anyway, it always comes down to the same thing in the parity league: Who stays healthy. Lose a key guy to injury and your chances start dropping.

[Steve Sewell]

Because Jordan Black is NOT the worst left tackle in the league. Right. ::)

You don't get better after losing two sure-fire HOFers in a span of two offseasons, Clayton. You just don't. Please get a clue.

And why has this thread turned into a Chiefs discussion thread? Hmmm, let me think...

[Steve Sewell]

Denver is set at QB in the sense that they know, barring injury, Cutler will be their starting QB. After just five starts, it isn't certain how Cutler will pan out.


You probably didn't watch the games then.

[toad]

I think NE (after this off-season/draft) and Indy (regardless of their defense issues) are in somewhat a "league of their own" at the top of the AFC.

I'd say San Diego and Baltimore are in their tier just below NE/Indy.

Then comes a long list of "quality" teams that could become contenders pending a few question marks:

- Denver (pending Cutler's development and our defense).
- Cincy (pending consistency and off-field distractions).
- Jacksonville (pending QB play and offensive woes).
- Pittsburgh (as someone else said, you simply can't count them out).

Then, just below that, you've got few "solid" team that could suprise...namely Tennessee, KC, and NYJ.

So, IMO, we could be anywhere from the 3rd best team in the AFC to the 10th...I just don't think we're on the NE/Indy platuea.

[redrage]

I disagree. I think SD is definately in the league with NE and Indy. They had a series of brain farts/bad bounces in the NE or they would have been going to the Super Bowl and winning it. I honestly don't think Indy would've went into SD and won. LT would've been too much for them.

[BigBad]

I disagree. I think SD is definately in the league with NE and Indy. They had a series of brain farts/bad bounces in the NE or they would have been going to the Super Bowl and winning it. I honestly don't think Indy would've went into SD and won. LT would've been too much for them.

Actually we would have lost to INDY at home Rivers, Merriman, and Shaun Phillps would NOT have played.

But Yes we are the cream of the AFC!;D

[Sassy]

You know what "irks" me about Charger fans...when they played Denver last December they left before the game was over and BEFORE LT broke the record. What kind of fans are they? It wasn't even our team that won (kicked butt really) and we stayed until the end. Then, they were all bragging after the game on the way out that they kicked Denver's butt and now they were going to win the SB.

[BigBad]

You know what "irks" me about Charger fans...when they played Denver last December they left before the game was over and BEFORE LT broke the record. What kind of fans are they? It wasn't even our team that won (kicked butt really) and we stayed until the end. Then, they were all bragging after the game on the way out that they kicked Denver's butt and now they were going to win the SB.

Actually that was probably Denver fans. You know how the Charger stadium is always half full with opposing fans. I don't get that either. Of course I havnt lived out there since 5th grade.

[Steve Sewell]

Actually we would have lost to INDY at home Rivers, Merriman, and Shaun Phillps would NOT have played.

But Yes we are the cream of the AFC!;D

Norv Turner...good luck with that. A turd is a turd is a...I guess the third time is a charm?

The top 3 coaches from your staff last year are now gone, yet you anticipate that the team won't skip a beat? Lay off the crack pipe.

[BigBad]

Norv Turner...good luck with that. A turd is a turd is a...I guess the third time is a charm?

The top 3 coaches from your staff last year are now gone, yet you anticipate that the team won't skip a beat? Lay off the crack pipe.

Actually I think offensively we are going to be better. Turner LOVES to run the ball and you will get a heavy dose of LT AND Turner. I think you will be seeing them TOGETHER a lot next year.

BTW you Bronco fans kill me. Last year it is "You will never win with Marty in the playoffs!" Now he is gone and it is some other excuse.

You should just keep an eye on Shannahan. He seems like the second coming of Al Davis. First Maurice Clarett and now this years draft. Thugs R Us huh?

[Rohirrim]

Actually I think offensively we are going to be better. Turner LOVES to run the ball and you will get a heavy dose of LT AND Turner. I think you will be seeing them TOGETHER a lot next year.

BTW you Bronco fans kill me. Last year it is "You will never win with Marty in the playoffs!" Now he is gone and it is some other excuse.

You should just keep an eye on Shannahan. He seems like the second coming of Al Davis. First Maurice Clarett and now this years draft. Thugs R Us huh?

Man, that Shawn Merriman has a big head, doesn't he? He must be smart. ;)

[Sassy]

Actually that was probably Denver fans. You know how the Charger stadium is always half full with opposing fans. I don't get that either. Of course I havnt lived out there since 5th grade.

Yeah right...dressed in LT jersey's...not even sure Charger fans know who Rivers is! LOL!

Of course it's filled with Bronco fans. It's "Mile High West".

[broncswin]

Actually I think offensively we are going to be better. Turner LOVES to run the ball and you will get a heavy dose of LT AND Turner. I think you will be seeing them TOGETHER a lot next year.

BTW you Bronco fans kill me. Last year it is "You will never win with Marty in the playoffs!" Now he is gone and it is some other excuse.
You should just keep an eye on Shannahan. He seems like the second coming of Al Davis. First Maurice Clarett and now this years draft. Thugs R Us huh?


I am sorry, but did you win in the playoffs with marty last year??????? I think I will go with some other excuse, until you prove it wrong!!:thumbsup:

[ScottXray]

Don't forget, the Cheeps don't have that drunk Jared Allen playing for them the first four games.

Anyway, it always comes down to the same thing in the parity league: Who stays healthy. Lose a key guy to injury and your chances start dropping.


Rep.... Injuries to KEY people change the outlook on any team...Brady out and NE collapses, same with Manning, and many others .

We think we have the best CB tandem right now, but if Champ goes out our whole defensive scheme has to change.

All I want is a relatively injury free season. The rest will fall in line.:thumbs:

[400HZ]

You know what "irks" me about Charger fans...when they played Denver last December they left before the game was over and BEFORE LT broke the record. What kind of fans are they? It wasn't even our team that won (kicked butt really) and we stayed until the end. Then, they were all bragging after the game on the way out that they kicked Denver's butt and now they were going to win the SB.

That game was pretty much over at halftime. Personally I never leave early but it's not like the outcome was in doubt. What's strange to me is the way that High High was emptying in the first sd/den game when the Broncos had the ball in a one possession game with 1:30 to go.

[c_lazy_r]

Don't forget, the Cheeps don't have that drunk Jared Allen playing for them the first four games.

Anyway, it always comes down to the same thing in the parity league: Who stays healthy. Lose a key guy to injury and your chances start dropping.


100% right.

The Chargers are an LT sprained ankle away from being pretty average.

[400HZ]

100% right.

The Chargers are an LT sprained ankle away from being pretty average.

The Chargers have pretty outstanding depth this year. If LT misses a few games, his back up is better than any other AFCW RB outside of LT and LJ. Last year we were down an OLB and Left Tackle before the season even started, but the fill ins did outstanding.

[Rohirrim]

I wish the NFL would expand the season rosters to at least 58, and the cap too.

[Master___Pain]

The Chargers have pretty outstanding depth this year. If LT misses a few games, his back up is better than any other AFCW RB outside of LT and LJ. Last year we were down an OLB and Left Tackle before the season even started, but the fill ins did outstanding.

Micheal Turner's better than Travis Henry? Based on what exactly? I think Turner has tremendous talent, but to say that Turner is better than a guy that has multiple 1000 seasons and that's going to be the featured back in the broncos running scheme is just a blind homer take. You tend to know your stuff 400hz, but I think you've missed the mark by a country mile here.

[gunns]

The Chiefs are a better football team than the Jets. You kidding me? The Jets would kill for a couple of studs like LJ and Tony Gonzalez.

Last time I checked the Bengals STILL hadn't found a defense. At least the Chiefs have that going for them.

The Chiefs would kill for Mangold, Ferguson, and Clements

[boltaneer]

That game was pretty much over at halftime. Personally I never leave early but it's not like the outcome was in doubt. What's strange to me is the way that High High was emptying in the first sd/den game when the Broncos had the ball in a one possession game with 1:30 to go.

Yep. It happens in a lot of stadiums. Some people don't want to admit it and continue to use stereotypes to hide behind.

In the end, it doesn't mean anything to the outcome of the game.

[400HZ]

Micheal Turner's better than Travis Henry? Based on what exactly? I think Turner has tremendous talent, but to say that Turner is better than a guy that has multiple 1000 seasons and that's going to be the featured back in the broncos running scheme is just a blind homer take. You tend to know your stuff 400hz, but I think you've missed the mark by a country mile here.

Tennessee cut Henry and then tried to trade for Turner.

[Master___Pain]

Tennessee cut Henry and then tried to trade for Turner.

So he's a better back? Higher ceiling, yeah I can go along with that. A better back? not today.

[400HZ]

So he's a better back? Higher ceiling, yeah I can go along with that. A better back? not today.

Personally I do think that he's a better back, but that's just my opinion. What I was trying to illustrate is that SD has pretty good depth. Last year half the starters in the front 7 were out for a stretch, but SD still didn't lose any games.

[Master___Pain]

Personally I do think that he's a better back, but that's just my opinion. What I was trying to illustrate is that SD has pretty good depth. Last year half the starters in the front 7 were out, but still didn't lose any games.

Fair enough. I think we need to see Turner in a full time role before I'm ready "to crown his ass" ;D I do think he's very talented and could go on to have a career like Priest Holmes did once he got out of Baltimore. Or he could be the second coming of Lamont Jordan.

[rbackfactory80]

The Chargers have pretty outstanding depth this year. If LT misses a few games, his back up is better than any other AFCW RB outside of LT and LJ. Last year we were down an OLB and Left Tackle before the season even started, but the fill ins did outstanding.

Put down the crack pipe homer.

[400HZ]

Put down the crack pipe homer.

It's all true!!!!

[Odysseus]

I don't see Baltimore falling off unless they suffer some injuries on their offensive line.

Pretty much agree with all you said.

Indy, NE, Baltimore, and I say this reluctantly with Norv Turner now the head guy, San Deigo as the class of the AFC.

Cincy and Denver are on the cusp of doing some major things and could easily be put right up there. I think it will be easier for our defensive line to acclimate to the NFL, and with Cincy, their weakness is in the secondary... they will score a lot of points to compensate for that while they get up to speed.

NYJ, KC, Jacksonville, and possibly Miami could go either way this year. NJY just seems a little light on talent this year. Thomas Jones should help though. KC has a major hole at both offensive and defensive lines. Their secondary is going to hit the wall soon too. Jacksonville has a hole at QB. Miami could be that surprise team that comes out of nowhere this year. Their defense should still be strong enough to compete and their offense could surprise if they get some good QB play.

It will be a knockdown dragout fight to the finish this year. I feel lucky to have Jacksonville, Cleveland, Tennessee, Houston, Pittsburgh and Buffalo on the schedule this year.

I don't think any of us have the right idea about the season ahead. It's still too early. What is LJ going to do? Are the key opponent teams healthy? Do we start hot or cold? Whose going to be playing hot later in the season. Whose that stinker team who steals games of good teams?

As high as I am publicly about our fine defense there are some failings to that could get exposed if we are not careful. It's hard to say right now because it comes down to execution.

I'm not worried about Cutler doing well. I am wondering how fast he learns and make adjustments. This kid is smart. I'm not worried about our offensive line for the first time in a long time but my sincerest hope is they take an urgency at getting OG who can start over Hamilton and letting Hamilton take over at Center when it's time.

The only way the Broncos are going to win anything is if they have the right attitude and a little luck. Last year they went to war with nothing. Blaming Plummer alone is just stupid. The team was lucky to pull 9-7 with a broke down OL, absent DL, failing QB, sorry running game, and most of the starting safeties gone. We were lucky not to completely tank. Last year could have been Shanahan's worst season since becoming the head coach of the Broncos and the size of the meltdown we could make a case for that.

Chargers beat the Broncos with an absent DT, missing safeties, slow DE, a castrated gimp armed QB, and an anemic running attack. I would not starting bragging if I were you.

Chargers last year faced a Raiders team who couldn't beat their own second stringers on their own field even if you spotted the starters a field goal.

Kansas City is already blowing oil and it's off season. This is a team that isn't going anywhere but even a wounded animal will steal a bite if you aren't wise.

It won't come down to players or what they look like on paper. It will come down to execution. Marty can always get you there. Norv is going to color by numbers until later in the season. THIS is when we do a roll call of the Chargers faithful around game eight to see whose still boasting.


Rohirrim: I wish the NFL would expand the season rosters to at least 58, and the cap too. I agree.

[azbroncfan]

KC will be lucky to win 7 games.

OL will suck and be the same as last year.

LJ is due to have an injury and Bennett will get hurt putting his helmet on.

WR is young and unproven or old and about to hit a wall.

Defense will be good and will win some games but their O will have them on the field a lot.

[azbroncfan]

Tennessee cut Henry and then tried to trade for Turner.

Go see why they cut Henry. Was money not talent. RB's you don't want to tie up a lot of money unless they are LT, they are one injury from being out of the league.

[Odysseus]

I disagree. I think SD is definately in the league with NE and Indy. They had a series of brain farts/bad bounces in the NE or they would have been going to the Super Bowl and winning it. I honestly don't think Indy would've went into SD and won. LT would've been too much for them.

LAST YEAR the Broncos started the season in a league with Indy until the Broncos actually played Indy and then the season took a serious nose dive. Nobody had scored double digits on us up until then but after that everybody did. No defense. No playoffs.

I don't think Colts would have won in San Diego either not the way LT was playing. Chargers could have smoked whoever was at the Superbowl IF they got there...but they didn't. That fine point is going to sting around November.

LAST YEAR the Broncos weren't hungry. My hope is that this year they are.

^5

[Sassy]

Darrent and Damien....and a defense that could rock the league.
There is no better inspiration than that!

[400HZ]

Go see why they cut Henry. Was money not talent. RB's you don't want to tie up a lot of money unless they are LT, they are one injury from being out of the league.

Turner would have gotten at least a Henry-sized contract if a trade had happened. Tennessee was one of the teams with big cap space anyways. I don't personally agree with the stigma of giving a big salary to a running back. Top backs are worth every penny paid imo.

[broncs2bowl]

The Broncos are easily a top AFC Team....right now they are up with Indy, NE and San Diego and surpassed Baltimore

[Br0nc0Buster]

The Broncos are easily a top AFC Team....right now they are up with Indy, NE and San Diego and surpassed Baltimore

I agree....Anything can happen, but to me those will be the four best teams in the league this year.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The Chiefs would kill for Mangold, Ferguson, and Clements

ROFL!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

You don't get better after losing two sure-fire HOFers in a span of two offseasons, Clayton. You just don't. Please get a clue.


I don't think you realize how pitiful our offensive line was last year...

[(Jae)]

BTW you Bronco fans kill me. Last year it is "You will never win with Marty in the playoffs!" Now he is gone and it is some other excuse.


Were We Wrong ?hmmm...

[Br0nc0Buster]

Were We Wrong ?hmmm...

LOL

[Malcontent]

Reading comprehension, dumbass.

One would need to know HOW to read first Listo. Baby steps for cheffies y'know.:D

[Odysseus]

Darrent and Damien....and a defense that could rock the league.
There is no better inspiration than that!

I hope Rod gets one more ring. :notworthy

[lazarus4444]

Turner might end up being traded, he's being shopped, don't be surprised if he ends up a titan of a bill.

[azbroncfan]

I don't think you realize how pitiful our offensive line was last year...

And they have lost one player off it and are putting a retread in. Now tell me how it has improved? McIntosh is average and Black isn't that much worse than him.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I guess we disagree on that point. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd rate Black a 3 and McIntosh a 6.

And we'll likely have a new right tackle, further solidfying an incredibly weak position in 2006. We started FOUR different right tackles last year.

[azbroncfan]

I guess we disagree on that point. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd rate Black a 3 and McIntosh a 6.

And we'll likely have a new right tackle, further solidfying an incredibly weak position in 2006. We started FOUR different right tackles last year.

Don't you have the same 4 guys and a thug/injury prone Terry?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

No, we dumped Jordan Black and Kyle Turley.

Sampson is still around, and so is Welbourn, who is slated to start at right guard, where he's suited and excelled in Philly.

I hope Terry isn't suspended, becasue then we might have a problem.

[Xenos]

Micheal Turner's better than Travis Henry? Based on what exactly? I think Turner has tremendous talent, but to say that Turner is better than a guy that has multiple 1000 seasons and that's going to be the featured back in the broncos running scheme is just a blind homer take. You tend to know your stuff 400hz, but I think you've missed the mark by a country mile here.
Henry definitely does have the credential, there's no denying that. But he also has more wear and tear than Turner, as well as being 29 as opposed to Turner's 26. Of course, we'll never know until another year has gone by and Turner is playing for another team. Like you said, it's all about upside. It doesn't hurt that Turner has a pretty decent line in front of him.

[400HZ]

I don't think you realize how pitiful our offensive line was last year...

Everybody except you KC homers realized it before the season even started. This year looks to be a repeat. :thumbsup:

[400HZ]

Turner might end up being traded, he's being shopped, don't be surprised if he ends up a titan of a bill.

Turner was officially off the trading block the day after the draft.

[nickademus]

There is way to much support for Tenn in this thread. Look at the losses they have suffered this offseason. I just think as good as Vince Young was last year he will take a step back this year, they jost dont have the horses to help him win.

[nickademus]

Henry definitely does have the credential, there's no denying that. But he also has more wear and tear than Turner, as well as being 29 as opposed to Turner's 26. Of course, we'll never know until another year has gone by and Turner is playing for another team. Like you said, it's all about upside. It doesn't hurt that Turner has a pretty decent line in front of him.

Turner is Lamont Jordan Jr. he is never gonna beat LT and when he is featured he will break down. He is a great change of pace back in SD but he will walk next year and SD should have traded him because now they wont get anything in return.

[azbroncfan]

No, we dumped Jordan Black and Kyle Turley.

Sampson is still around, and so is Welbourn, who is slated to start at right guard, where he's suited and excelled in Philly.

I hope Terry isn't suspended, becasue then we might have a problem.

Turley only played in half of the games so you can't pin it all on him.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Turley only played in half of the games so you can't pin it all on him.

They all sucked.

[azbroncfan]

They all sucked.

The problem is that you replace him with an equal type player. You are just used to seeing Roaf play LT and Tait for a couple years and Shields and Waters at the G's so your expectations are way too high for a retread.

[nickademus]

I don't think you realize how pitiful our offensive line was last year...

Oh no boob we get it we just dont think it got any better this year. in fact Im pretty sure that when you loose a HOF lineman you get worse. and to laugh at the Jets oline tells me you are ignorant. Do you even really watch football? Or do you just enjoy coming to the Mane and talking smack, repeating what you hear from real chefs fans and then pretending to know what the hell you are talking about?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

The problem is that you replace him with an equal type player.

Um...no. No.

[Sarcastro]

Oh no boob we get it we just dont think it got any better this year. in fact Im pretty sure that when you loose a HOF lineman you get worse. and to laugh at the Jets oline tells me you are ignorant. Do you even really watch football? Or do you just enjoy coming to the Mane and talking smack, repeating what you hear from real chefs fans and then pretending to know what the hell you are talking about?

Shields had been declining the last few seasons before he retired. You can call this sour grapes, but if you were around Chiefsplanet the last couple seasons there was lots of discussion about it. He was a HoF lineman that got old and finally hit the wall .

That is not to say he was horrible the last couple seasons, but he did steadily decline from being an elite guard to an average to above average guard.

I would also like to say that it seems that most posters over the planet and at Chiefscoalition would be satisfied with Waters and Welbourn at the guard spots. The real concerns are the tackle spots and center.

Everyone knows McIntosh is a definite improvement over Black, but that isn't saying much considering that Black was horrible at pass-blocking and mediocre at run-blocking. An upgrade from horrible to mediocre is still an upgrade, but nobody wants an average player starting at LT.

RT is even more of a problem. It looked like Terry was going to be the man, but he will probably be in jail or Mexico by the time the season starts. There are lots of other guys who could step up and take the spot, but none of them did it last season. I am personally hoping that Sampson gets the spot. He has always been pretty solid when he was actually healthy. The problem with him is that he routinely gets sidelined by hangnails and rugburns.

Wiegmann is coming back, but he doesn't really fit Herm's or LJ's running style. Wiegmann was a great center when he was pulling on just about every running play, but with the change of philosophy, in addition to his increasing age, he has not looked good. He is small, less then 290, and he got pushed around a lot against the pass and run last season. I know that plenty of Chiefs fans wanted us to draft Kalil in the second, but he seems more of a finesse player then a bull. If both our guards are playing at a high level, that should help out Wiegmann.

[400HZ]

Turner is Lamont Jordan Jr. he is never gonna beat LT and when he is featured he will break down. He is a great change of pace back in SD but he will walk next year and SD should have traded him because now they wont get anything in return.

duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh


All SD gets now is a 6.2 ypc backup/spell back and a top 5 returner for next year. When he leaves in 08, there will probably be a compensetory pick coming our way. It's a pretty nice arrangement if you ask me.

[Bladerunner]

I agree Turner is going to be fine, and I'm not a huge Travis Henry guy, but I'm ready to be a convert. I think Turner's numbers are a bit inflated, in the same vein that Cecil Sapp's are (8 ypc).

Regardless, San Diego has loads of talent for sure. To me, their season will ride on whether Rivers plyes like he did in the first half of last year or the way he did in the second half. I think he can be rattled, if the defense can get to him.

[nickademus]

Shields had been declining the last few seasons before he retired. You can call this sour grapes, but if you were around Chiefsplanet the last couple seasons there was lots of discussion about it. He was a HoF lineman that got old and finally hit the wall .

That is not to say he was horrible the last couple seasons, but he did steadily decline from being an elite guard to an average to above average guard.

I would also like to say that it seems that most posters over the planet and at Chiefscoalition would be satisfied with Waters and Welbourn at the guard spots. The real concerns are the tackle spots and center.

Everyone knows McIntosh is a definite improvement over Black, but that isn't saying much considering that Black was horrible at pass-blocking and mediocre at run-blocking. An upgrade from horrible to mediocre is still an upgrade, but nobody wants an average player starting at LT.

RT is even more of a problem. It looked like Terry was going to be the man, but he will probably be in jail or Mexico by the time the season starts. There are lots of other guys who could step up and take the spot, but none of them did it last season. I am personally hoping that Sampson gets the spot. He has always been pretty solid when he was actually healthy. The problem with him is that he routinely gets sidelined by hangnails and rugburns.

Wiegmann is coming back, but he doesn't really fit Herm's or LJ's running style. Wiegmann was a great center when he was pulling on just about every running play, but with the change of philosophy, in addition to his increasing age, he has not looked good. He is small, less then 290, and he got pushed around a lot against the pass and run last season. I know that plenty of Chiefs fans wanted us to draft Kalil in the second, but he seems more of a finesse player then a bull. If both our guards are playing at a high level, that should help out Wiegmann.


This is the best break down of the Chefs offencive line I have seen on this board. Had Boob made this type of statement I would have left him alone. I fully understand that Shields had hit the wall but even so he was a quality lineman and you will miss him. The thing that really got under my skin was his dismissal of the Jets O-Line while they are young they will be a solid group for years to come. The Cheifs would absolutely kill to have this group on their line right now.

[nickademus]

A back up averaging 6.2 ypc is about as meaningful as the President saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". go ask Tatum. While I agree that Turner is a talent it is yet to be determined if he is starter material. And one season of Back up service vs. a first or second round pick next year? Give me the picks with your GM are you kidding? I dont like the Bolts but Smith seems to have a nack for finding talent look at your 2nd rd pick last year. Gotta believe that thoes picks are a better value.

[400HZ]

A back up averaging 6.2 ypc is about as meaningful as the President saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". go ask Tatum. While I agree that Turner is a talent it is yet to be determined if he is starter material. And one season of Back up service vs. a first or second round pick next year? Give me the picks with your GM are you kidding? I dont like the Bolts but Smith seems to have a nack for finding talent look at your 2nd rd pick last year. Gotta believe that thoes picks are a better value.

Nobody offered a '07 1st round pick, and it was pointless to trade him for less than that. The Chargers only needed 2 players to compete for starting spots, and in AJ's eyes the picks he had were enough for that. Keeping Michael Turner gives the Chargers a back who can carry the load if LT misses some games. At the very least Turner gets ~100 productive carries to keep the chains moving while saving LT additional wear and tear. That's in addition to being an awesome kick returner. SD will probably get a compensatory pick for him anyways. AJ was smart to not let a talented player like Turner go for less than what he's worth imo. With the Broncos signing Henry, there's very little chance that Turner winds up in the AFC West next year. Great decision if you ask me.