dragondawg
07-15-2007, 01:44 AM
There is change in the AFC West, and you can't say all of it is for the better.
San Diego replaced a highly successful regular-season coach who couldn't win in the playoffs with a coach who had a losing record against Rich Kotite.
Oakland hired an assistant college coach who was 9 years old when the Raiders last won a Super Bowl.
Kansas City is looking to trade its best player, and Denver saw two of its young players die this offseason, one in a shooting and the other after a charity basketball game.
Here's a quick look at what transpired this offseason and what could happen this season in the volatile AFC West.
DENVER BRONCOS
What's New -- The move on offense was to running back Travis Henry, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last year in Tennessee and should be even better in the Broncos' offensive system. Tight end Daniel Graham (New England) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (Indianapolis) are decent as extra weapons. The key addition defensively is cornerback Dre' Bly, who teams with Champ Bailey to give the Broncos the best set of corners in the conference.
Who's Gone -- Cornerback Darrent Williams was shot in a limo and running back Damien Nash collapsed after a basketball game. Running back Tatum Bell and tackle George Foster were sent to Detroit for Bly in a trade that only should help the Broncos. Jake Plummer was let go, which means Jay Cutler better be able to play 16 games at quarterback. Veteran linebacker Al Wilson, a great pro for a lot of years, isn't coming back, either.
Strengths -- Average backs gain 1,000 yards for the Broncos and Henry is above average. Wide receiver Javon Walker is healthy and should flourish in his second season in Denver. The offensive line, though not as good as it once was, still gets it done. As mentioned earlier, the cornerbacks are the class of the conference.
Weaknesses -- The jury is still out on Cutler. There is very little depth anywhere on the team, and the front four on defense could be better.
Could Surprise -- Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a second-year player out of Central Florida, could have a big season if defenses pay too much attention to Walker and the running game.
Still in Question -- Can Cutler take this team where John Elway once did?
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
What's New -- The Chiefs attempted to fix their horrible linebacking group by adding veteran Donnie Edwards, who began his career in KC, and Napoleon Harris, who has been with the Raiders and Vikings. No. 1 pick Dwayne Bowe has a good chance to start at wide receiver.
Who's Gone -- Quarterback Trent Green was dealt to Miami, leaving an opening at the most important position in the game. KC finally gave up on first-round bust Ryan Sims and sent the defensive tackle to Tampa Bay. The Chiefs also said good-bye to one-time premier returnman Dante Hall, sending him down the road to St. Louis. All-Pro running back Larry Johnson is here -- for now.
Strengths -- Johnson, if he stays and signs a new deal, is the second-best running back in the league, and the second best in this division. Edwards' presence should make the defense a little better. Tight end Tony Gonzalez remains among the best.
Weaknesses -- It starts at quarterback, where veteran Damon Huard or second-year man Brodie Croyle will have the job. The defense still has a lot of holes, and a once great offensive line now is just average.
Could Surprise -- Second-year defensive end Tamba Hali had a good rookie season and could have an even bigger second year.
Still in Question -- Is the team going to trade L.J.?
OAKLAND RAIDERS
What's New -- Lane Kiffin, all of 32 years old, takes over as head coach, and the early reviews are somewhat impressive. There will be two new pieces in the backfield as well, with either rookie JaMarcus Russell or Josh McCown at quarterback and Justin Griffith at fullback. Once running back Dominic Rhodes' four-game suspension ends, he'll be in the mix with LaMont Jordan. Last week the team added veteran safety Donovin Darius, who has been hurt the past two years.
Who's Gone -- That wide receiver, name of Moss, he went to New England, in case you haven't heard. Kiffin did some other housecleaning as well, but nobody you should care about.
Strengths -- The defense is pretty good from front to back, especially up front. Cornerbacks Nnmandi Asomugha and Fabian Washington, two first-round picks, are starting to play like it. Jordan and Rhodes, once he's back, could be a nice tandem.
Weaknesses -- The offensive line, especially tackle Robert Gallery, needs to get better or everything else is a wash. The linebackers, a key in a Rob Ryan defense, are not as good as they should be, but Thomas Howard has potential.
Could Surprise -- The whole team. This is not the worst team in the league any more.
Still in Question -- Will Russell start from Day 1?
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
What's New -- The big change, and only real change, comes at the coaching level. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired and coordinators Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips found head coaching jobs elsewhere. How often does that happen? Norv Turner, who failed in Washington and Oakland, gets a third chance with the best team he's had yet.
Who's Gone -- Other than the coaching staff, the only real loss was linebacker Donnie Edwards, but the Chargers have young players ready to replace him.
Strengths -- Start with running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the best offensive player in the game. Tight end Antonio Gates has moved to the top of his position. The offensive line is very good and quarterback Phillip Rivers came into his own last year.
Weaknesses -- Two words -- Norv Turner.
Could Surprise -- Their first-round pick, wide receiver Craig Davis, wasn't on everyone's radar, but he may turn out to be one of the top players in the draft.
Still in Question -- Can Turner win? If he can't here, he can't anywhere.
http://www.nj.com/columns/times/eckel/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1184472495197280.xml&coll=5
San Diego replaced a highly successful regular-season coach who couldn't win in the playoffs with a coach who had a losing record against Rich Kotite.
Oakland hired an assistant college coach who was 9 years old when the Raiders last won a Super Bowl.
Kansas City is looking to trade its best player, and Denver saw two of its young players die this offseason, one in a shooting and the other after a charity basketball game.
Here's a quick look at what transpired this offseason and what could happen this season in the volatile AFC West.
DENVER BRONCOS
What's New -- The move on offense was to running back Travis Henry, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last year in Tennessee and should be even better in the Broncos' offensive system. Tight end Daniel Graham (New England) and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (Indianapolis) are decent as extra weapons. The key addition defensively is cornerback Dre' Bly, who teams with Champ Bailey to give the Broncos the best set of corners in the conference.
Who's Gone -- Cornerback Darrent Williams was shot in a limo and running back Damien Nash collapsed after a basketball game. Running back Tatum Bell and tackle George Foster were sent to Detroit for Bly in a trade that only should help the Broncos. Jake Plummer was let go, which means Jay Cutler better be able to play 16 games at quarterback. Veteran linebacker Al Wilson, a great pro for a lot of years, isn't coming back, either.
Strengths -- Average backs gain 1,000 yards for the Broncos and Henry is above average. Wide receiver Javon Walker is healthy and should flourish in his second season in Denver. The offensive line, though not as good as it once was, still gets it done. As mentioned earlier, the cornerbacks are the class of the conference.
Weaknesses -- The jury is still out on Cutler. There is very little depth anywhere on the team, and the front four on defense could be better.
Could Surprise -- Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a second-year player out of Central Florida, could have a big season if defenses pay too much attention to Walker and the running game.
Still in Question -- Can Cutler take this team where John Elway once did?
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
What's New -- The Chiefs attempted to fix their horrible linebacking group by adding veteran Donnie Edwards, who began his career in KC, and Napoleon Harris, who has been with the Raiders and Vikings. No. 1 pick Dwayne Bowe has a good chance to start at wide receiver.
Who's Gone -- Quarterback Trent Green was dealt to Miami, leaving an opening at the most important position in the game. KC finally gave up on first-round bust Ryan Sims and sent the defensive tackle to Tampa Bay. The Chiefs also said good-bye to one-time premier returnman Dante Hall, sending him down the road to St. Louis. All-Pro running back Larry Johnson is here -- for now.
Strengths -- Johnson, if he stays and signs a new deal, is the second-best running back in the league, and the second best in this division. Edwards' presence should make the defense a little better. Tight end Tony Gonzalez remains among the best.
Weaknesses -- It starts at quarterback, where veteran Damon Huard or second-year man Brodie Croyle will have the job. The defense still has a lot of holes, and a once great offensive line now is just average.
Could Surprise -- Second-year defensive end Tamba Hali had a good rookie season and could have an even bigger second year.
Still in Question -- Is the team going to trade L.J.?
OAKLAND RAIDERS
What's New -- Lane Kiffin, all of 32 years old, takes over as head coach, and the early reviews are somewhat impressive. There will be two new pieces in the backfield as well, with either rookie JaMarcus Russell or Josh McCown at quarterback and Justin Griffith at fullback. Once running back Dominic Rhodes' four-game suspension ends, he'll be in the mix with LaMont Jordan. Last week the team added veteran safety Donovin Darius, who has been hurt the past two years.
Who's Gone -- That wide receiver, name of Moss, he went to New England, in case you haven't heard. Kiffin did some other housecleaning as well, but nobody you should care about.
Strengths -- The defense is pretty good from front to back, especially up front. Cornerbacks Nnmandi Asomugha and Fabian Washington, two first-round picks, are starting to play like it. Jordan and Rhodes, once he's back, could be a nice tandem.
Weaknesses -- The offensive line, especially tackle Robert Gallery, needs to get better or everything else is a wash. The linebackers, a key in a Rob Ryan defense, are not as good as they should be, but Thomas Howard has potential.
Could Surprise -- The whole team. This is not the worst team in the league any more.
Still in Question -- Will Russell start from Day 1?
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
What's New -- The big change, and only real change, comes at the coaching level. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired and coordinators Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips found head coaching jobs elsewhere. How often does that happen? Norv Turner, who failed in Washington and Oakland, gets a third chance with the best team he's had yet.
Who's Gone -- Other than the coaching staff, the only real loss was linebacker Donnie Edwards, but the Chargers have young players ready to replace him.
Strengths -- Start with running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the best offensive player in the game. Tight end Antonio Gates has moved to the top of his position. The offensive line is very good and quarterback Phillip Rivers came into his own last year.
Weaknesses -- Two words -- Norv Turner.
Could Surprise -- Their first-round pick, wide receiver Craig Davis, wasn't on everyone's radar, but he may turn out to be one of the top players in the draft.
Still in Question -- Can Turner win? If he can't here, he can't anywhere.
http://www.nj.com/columns/times/eckel/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1184472495197280.xml&coll=5