2011 AFC West Preview & Predictions
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are notorious under-achievers, but I think this is the year they finally live up to all the hype and talent level. Philip Rivers is a top 5 quarterback in the NFL and he has plenty of weapons to work with. Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson are big receivers who pose substantial mis-matches for opposing defenses. Couple that with a fast, opportunistic defense and the Chargers should come away with the division crown.
Key Arrivals – Laurent Robinson, Travis LaBoy, Takeo Spikes, Bob Sanders
Key Departures – Darren Sproles, Legedu Naanee, Buster Davis, Kevin Burnett
Prediction – 11-5/First in AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel and the Chiefs were a pleasant surprise last season. Running back Jamal Charles led the league in rushing while veteran Thomas Jones was among the leaders in rushing touchdowns. They also have a young, talented secondary as well as a formidable defensive line. With all that being said, I think the Chiefs’ treacherous schedule will be their kryptonite.
Key Arrivals – Steve Breaston, Sabby Piscitelli, Le’Ron McClain, Kelly Gregg
Key Departures – Maurice Leggett, Mike Vrabel
Prediction – 9-7/Second in AFC West
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders swept the division last season but had trouble with all of the other teams on their schedule. Jason Campbell has to learn yet another offensive system now that former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is now the head coach, not to mention the loss of their best receiver in Zach Miller and his defensive equal in Nnamdi Asomugha. Nothing new here. The Raiders are a mess, which is a shame considering they do have some talent.
Key Arrivals – Kevin Boss, Stephon Heyer, Justin Smiley, Trent Edwards
Key Departures – Nnamdi Asomugha, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery, Bruce Gradkowski, Johnnie Lee Higgins
Prediction – 7-9/Third in AFC West
Denver Broncos
There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the Denver Broncos and their quarterback situation lately. While Kyle Orton is clearly more ready than Tim Tebow, that doesn’t mean he’s the unanimous choice to start at quarterback. The Broncos are not a playoff team and Tebow provides the only incentive to watch or attend Broncos games. Whatever happens, Tebow will start at some point this season. Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.
Key Arrivals – Ty Warren, Brodrick Bunkley, Willis McGahee, Derrick Harvey, Daniel Fells, Dante Rosario, Jeremy Jarmon
Key Departures – Jabar Gaffney, Chevis Jackson, Renaldo Hill, Correll Buckhalter, Daniel Coats, Ryan Harris, Justin Bannan, Daniel Graham
Prediction – 5-11/Last in AFC West
thanks for the comment, hitting you back, but disagree with the Chiefs analysis, Piscetelli doesn’t make the team, Key Departures, Legget was hurt all season and never did shit in KC. formidable defensive line? That is our biggest question mark.As long as Norv Turner is around and AJ Smith, the Chargers will under achieve. If you like this blog, check out http://www.kansascityuncensored.com , we like to mix in a lot of vulgarity and offensiveness and every once in a while post some acutal good analysis
Jackson, Dorsey, Gregg, Hali, Gilberry, etc. Yes, those guys are young with the exception of Gregg but I think that’s a pretty good def line. Thx for commenting
Jackson has been horrible, but shows signs of turning around but will have to wait and see results when it counts, Dorsey is good against the run, but isn’t suited to be a 3-4 end, Hali is a linebacker now in the 3-4 and is great and will lead afc in sacks again, Love Gillberry but they don’t play him enough. I do like Gregg and hope he has enough left in the tank, and one guy to keep your eye on is Jerrell Powe, 6th rd from Ole Miss shown alot of promise, but still not a strong point for Chiefs
I live in San Diego, so every year I have to hear how good the Bolts are going to be just to see them under achieve. I am not a Charger fan but it suck to see them under achieve every single year. Nice Article and I am loving the design of your blog man. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to stop by for check ups.
Thx man. I just think the Chargers are too talented on both sides of the ball to keep under achieving the way they are. This has to be the year they finally play to their potential. If not then Norv Turner is gone. I’ll definitely keep tabs on your site as well bro.