AFC west preview,NFL.com - The Orange Mane

OrangeShadow · 09-05-2007, 11:01 AM

didnt see dragondawg post this yet

AFC West preview

By Jerry McDonald | Special to NFL.com

First and foremost, the AFC West is about running the ball.

The team that most consistently moves the chains and punches in touchdowns on the ground has the best opportunity to be the first from the division to make a Super Bowl since the Raiders in 2002.

The San Diego Chargers were second in the NFL in rushing last season at 161.1 yards per game and not coincidentally were the division champs.

Denver, which ranked eighth at 134.5 yards, was in the playoff hunt until the final game of the season, with ninth-ranked Kansas City (133.9) sneaking in as a wild card.

Meanwhile, the run-deficient Raiders have failed to average 100 yards per game rushing over the past three seasons, finishing 29th, 29th and 32nd in the NFL. Oakland has won 11 of 48 games during that span and is 1-17 in division games.

San Diego still has the NFL's premier back in LaDainian Tomlinson, coming off an NFL record 31 touchdowns and 1,815 yards rushing.

Denver signed Travis Henry to run in its prolific zone blocking offense and Kansas City workhorse running back Larry Johnson carried the ball 416 times for 1,789 yards.

In Oakland, the Raiders imported offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and line coach Tom Cable to institute a zone blocking scheme similar to the one in Denver. Knapp and Cable were in Atlanta last season, where the Falcons led the NFL in rushing.

Gil Brandt's top five unsung players

Gil Brandt
Shaun Phillips, LB, San Diego: Fourth-year player with 18.5 sacks over last two years - including 11.5 sacks in 14 games last season. He's too fast for most blockers when coming off the edge, and he can move well as opposed to being purely a straight-ahead rusher… Good coverage ability as well.

David Binn, LS, San Diego: How can a 14-year veteran be underrated? When you're a long snapper, I suppose. His deep snaps are very accurate, described as frozen ropes but also easy to handle. After the snap, he does a solid job in punt coverage, one of the reasons he earned a Pro Bowl nod last season… He's missed only one game in 14 years, holding the Chargers record for most games played (207).

D.J. Williams, LB, Denver: Moved to inside linebacker after starting 43 games on the outside… A former standout running back in high school, Williams is an every-down 'backer - strong enough to play the run and fast enough to play the pass. He's a bigger, stronger version of Tampa Bay's Derrick Brooks.

Thomas Howard, LB, Oakland: Started 15 games as a rookie in 2006.. A gifted player with rare speed for the position. He has good strength, can cover receivers all over the field. He has a lot of natural ability and will get better with each game he plays.

Tamba Hali, DE, Kansas City: The Liberian-born Hali started all 16 games as a rookie last year and led the Chiefs with 8 sacks. He possesses a very quick first step in the pass rush but also is very good against the run. A very instinctive player, and has the mentality of an offensive tackle in that he never lets up.

55CrushEm · 09-05-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeShadow

didnt see dragondawg post this yet

Bob's your Information Minister · 09-05-2007, 05:55 PM

Comparing DJ Williams to Derrick Brooks? Gil Brandt better lay off the crack pipe.

azbroncfan · 09-05-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

Comparing DJ Williams to Derrick Brooks? Gil Brandt better lay off the crack pipe.

Well bob(I mean Beastlybills) have to agree with you here.

brncs_fan · 09-05-2007, 06:24 PM

Unfortunately, I have to agree. As much as i would love to see him dominate his position, i an in the wait-and-see mode w/ DJ

OrangeShadow · 09-05-2007, 06:27 PM

yeah the article should read, has the potential to be....

DeuceOfClub · 09-05-2007, 06:27 PM

Gil Brandt is the real unsung hero.

Still holding a job as a columnist for NFL.com years after he lost any touch with reality.

boltaneer · 09-05-2007, 07:33 PM

I bet Derrick Johnson can shut down Gates, right Bob?

Gil Brandt is actually usually pretty good with his takes but that DJ/Brooks comparison is a strange one.

Bob's your Information Minister · 09-05-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boltaneer

I bet Derrick Johnson can shut down Gates, right Bob?

We'll leave that to Jarrad Page.

boltaneer · 09-05-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob's your Information Minister

We'll leave that to Jarrad Page.

Hahahaha. So, tell me again how Page shut down Gates in the second half of the game in KC last year.

09-05-2007, 11:01 AM	#1
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	AFC west preview,NFL.com didnt see dragondawg post this yet AFC West preview By Jerry McDonald \| Special to NFL.com First and foremost, the AFC West is about running the ball. The team that most consistently moves the chains and punches in touchdowns on the ground has the best opportunity to be the first from the division to make a Super Bowl since the Raiders in 2002. The San Diego Chargers were second in the NFL in rushing last season at 161.1 yards per game and not coincidentally were the division champs. Denver, which ranked eighth at 134.5 yards, was in the playoff hunt until the final game of the season, with ninth-ranked Kansas City (133.9) sneaking in as a wild card. Meanwhile, the run-deficient Raiders have failed to average 100 yards per game rushing over the past three seasons, finishing 29th, 29th and 32nd in the NFL. Oakland has won 11 of 48 games during that span and is 1-17 in division games. San Diego still has the NFL's premier back in LaDainian Tomlinson, coming off an NFL record 31 touchdowns and 1,815 yards rushing. Denver signed Travis Henry to run in its prolific zone blocking offense and Kansas City workhorse running back Larry Johnson carried the ball 416 times for 1,789 yards. In Oakland, the Raiders imported offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and line coach Tom Cable to institute a zone blocking scheme similar to the one in Denver. Knapp and Cable were in Atlanta last season, where the Falcons led the NFL in rushing. Gil Brandt's top five unsung players Gil Brandt Shaun Phillips, LB, San Diego: Fourth-year player with 18.5 sacks over last two years - including 11.5 sacks in 14 games last season. He's too fast for most blockers when coming off the edge, and he can move well as opposed to being purely a straight-ahead rusher… Good coverage ability as well. David Binn, LS, San Diego: How can a 14-year veteran be underrated? When you're a long snapper, I suppose. His deep snaps are very accurate, described as frozen ropes but also easy to handle. After the snap, he does a solid job in punt coverage, one of the reasons he earned a Pro Bowl nod last season… He's missed only one game in 14 years, holding the Chargers record for most games played (207). D.J. Williams, LB, Denver: Moved to inside linebacker after starting 43 games on the outside… A former standout running back in high school, Williams is an every-down 'backer - strong enough to play the run and fast enough to play the pass. He's a bigger, stronger version of Tampa Bay's Derrick Brooks. Thomas Howard, LB, Oakland: Started 15 games as a rookie in 2006.. A gifted player with rare speed for the position. He has good strength, can cover receivers all over the field. He has a lot of natural ability and will get better with each game he plays. Tamba Hali, DE, Kansas City: The Liberian-born Hali started all 16 games as a rookie last year and led the Chiefs with 8 sacks. He possesses a very quick first step in the pass rush but also is very good against the run. A very instinctive player, and has the mentality of an offensive tackle in that he never lets up.

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09-05-2007, 05:55 PM	#3
Bob's your Information Minister Chiefs > Broncos Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 25,920 Adopt-a-Bronco: CHRIS KUPER!!!	Comparing DJ Williams to Derrick Brooks? Gil Brandt better lay off the crack pipe.

09-05-2007, 06:24 PM	#5
brncs_fan How about some Tapenade! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Coaches Cradle...Eastern Illinois University Posts: 5,490 Adopt-a-Bronco: Manti Teo	Unfortunately, I have to agree. As much as i would love to see him dominate his position, i an in the wait-and-see mode w/ DJ

09-05-2007, 06:27 PM	#6
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	yeah the article should read, has the potential to be....

09-05-2007, 06:27 PM	#7
DeuceOfClub ™ 'Tebow Effect' in full effect Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Indian Rocks Beach Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: Aaron Brewer	Gil Brandt is the real unsung hero. Still holding a job as a columnist for NFL.com years after he lost any touch with reality.

09-05-2007, 07:33 PM	#8
boltaneer 17 ATTA BABY! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: America's Finest City Posts: 4,066	I bet Derrick Johnson can shut down Gates, right Bob? Gil Brandt is actually usually pretty good with his takes but that DJ/Brooks comparison is a strange one.