AFC West Preview

The AFC West is going to be the topic of much discussion prior, during and after this 2010 season. You have the hapless Raiders and their quest for ‘Excellence’, Tebowmania in Denver, Matt Cassel’s second year out in KC and the drama that is San Diego.

Oakland Raiders – I honestly believe that this will be a much improved team this year. Not because of Jason Campbell or Rolondo McClain, but because of Tom Cable and Michael Bush. Al Davis has put Cable's prior issues behind him and kept Cable on as the head coach. In order for the Raiders to win, they need identity. In order to have an identity, you need stability in your coaching; Cable and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson should provide that in 2010. RB Michael Bush will likely be the workhorse for the run-heavy Raiders. If he uses his size to his advantage, he should be a big weapon around the goal line for Oakland; allowing McFadden to be more versatile. Projected record: 8-8

Denver Broncos – The Broncos are an interesting team to gauge. They have a lot of youth in their offense. Their number one receiver heading into camp is either 3rd year man, Eddie Royal, or rookie, Demaryius Thomas. Knowshon Moreno was solid in his rookie campaign; however, fatigue set in towards the end of the season and it badly affected the Broncos’ offense. Their ineffective ground game put more pressure on QB Kyle Orton and he was exposed, just like what happened to him in Chicago. Projected record: 9-7

Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Cassel will be the key to this season for the Chiefs. Their running game is solid with proven backs like Thomas Jones and up and comer Jamaal Charles. It will be interesting to see how Dwayne Bowe handles himself this season because he will be Cassel’s main target at receiver. It will also be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ line holds up this season. They have Brandon Albert listed as their starting left tackle – the most important position on the offensive line – which shows a lot of faith in their front office. If he does well, the Chiefs could surprise everyone in the wide-open AFC West. Projected record: 5-11

San Diego Chargers – With LT in New York and no sign of Vincent Jackson in the near future, the Chargers’ offense will fall heavily on the shoulders of Phillip Rivers and his ability to make those around him better. The biggest question mark heading into camp will be their defense. Antoine Cason will have to step up big time after the departure of, playmaker, Antonio Cromartie. It will also be interesting to see which Shawne Merriman the Chargers have this year; will it be the defensive standout from his first three years or the troubled shell of himself that he’s been since the ’08 season. Merriman will have his hands full trying to keep his starting job if Larry English – San Diego’s first-round pick a year ago – continues to do well in training camp. Projected record: 10-6

In summation, the AFC West will be up for grabs this year. The Chargers were – and still are – the odds on favorites to win the division; however, their losses in the offseason, coupled with the Vincent Jackson drama could be too much to overcome. The Raiders could finally find a way out of the AFC West basement this year with a lot more stability throughout their team – coaches, quarterbacks, etc. – although I doubt that they will make the playoffs this year. The Chiefs and Broncos are wildcards and could either do a lot of damage or pad the records of the other teams in this division. Either way, the AFC West should be an interesting division to keep an eye on.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401