AFC South Preview

AFC South – After the Colts, things get very interesting in the AFC South. There are no, flat-out, bad teams in this division; therefore, any of the remaining three teams could challenge for a wild card spot. I guess that’s why they play the games.

Houston Texans – Andre Johnson is the best WR in the NFL, hands down. Schaub is an above average QB as well; however, their rush offense was abysmal last season. With no real changes to their primary or backup running backs (rookie Ben Tate is out with an injury) I expect the Texans to be pass heavy on offense again this season. Defensively, they lost Dunta Robinson – their best DB – so it will be up to Amobi Okoye and Mario Williams to help a relatively weak core of DBs by putting pressure on the quarterback. Projected record: 9-7

Tennessee Titans – Here’s to hoping QB Vince Young can start (and end) a successful season. In his four years as a Titan, Young has been much more effective taking over mid-season. He’ll need to prove to haters (and shrinks) that he can last a full 16-game season and the ups and downs of the playoff hunt. I don’t know if CJ will rush for 2,500 like he claims this season, but I would love to see him try. If there’s one team to watch in this division (other than Indy) it’s the Titans. Projected record: 9-7

Jacksonville Jaguars – Jacksonville is probably the weakest team out of this division, which doesn’t do justice to how solid this group can be. Mike Sims-Walker is an up-and-coming star in this league, and could have his first 1,000 yard season as David Garrard’s primary target. MJD is going to get his touches and will be looked on to lead the offense this year (not carry it on his back). Jacksonville has always had a speedy, aggressive defense and the addition of Morrison at middle linebacker only makes them quicker (albeit a bit softer against the run). Projected record: 6-10

Indianapolis Colts – Peyton Manning’s crew will not disappoint this year. One bold prediction from me is that Addai will be a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since 2007. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry for the second half of last season, as opposed to the 3.3 yards per carry he put up in weeks 1-8. The return of Bob Sanders to their defense is vastly underrated. If he can stay healthy, he will give them toughness as well as depth in the secondary (now that they know Melvin Bullitt can be a legitimate starter). The Colts pass defense will likely be in the top-5 of the league this year, you can count on that. Projected record: 12-4

The bottom line is that Indy is still the class of the AFC North, and will be as long as Peyton Manning is calling the shots behind center. The Texans finally got their first winning season in franchise history on the arm of Matt Schaub; however, the defense will have to prove itself if they want to get to the playoffs. If the whole team “works” as hard as Brian Cushing, they should be fined...oops, I mean, fine. Tennessee is missing Keith Bullock – their heart and soul on defense – and that could mean trouble for an already shaky Titans defense. Because of that, it’s hard to say whether or not they will challenge for an AFC wild card spot. Jacksonville is still a few years and a franchise QB away from the postseason. Not to take anything away from Garrard, but I think his solid-not-spectacular level of play won’t be enough to get his team over the hump.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

AFC North Preview

AFC North – The North has, traditionally, been dominated by the Steelers; however, last year the Bengals and Ravens burst back onto the scene and left Pittsburgh watching from the outside. This summer, the Ravens and Bengals stacked up their offenses to support their already strong defenses, while the Steelers lost their most important player, Ben Roethlisberger. I believe that this year, the AFC North will be one of the key divisions to watch in the NFL with some serious Superbowl implications.

Cleveland Browns – The last few words of my last paragraph said “Superbowl implications,” and I started my preview off with the Browns; I don’t think I need to explain the irony there. However, the Browns are going to be interesting this year. Jake Delhomme will be a good role model for Colt McCoy, not to mention new Team President Mike Holmgren – a known QB genius. This year the Browns should show brief flashes of brilliance, but it is still the Browns; their wins will be as ugly as their helmets. Projected record: 4-12.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Ben Roethlisberger’s decisions during the off season would make the cast of Jersey Shore look like catholic priests (maybe not the best comparison, but you get the idea). I think that his transgressions will harm the Steelers too much for them to recover; however, this could be a good audition for Dennis Dixon or Byron Leftwitch. In the end, their defense will keep them above water, and they’ll have two games against the Browns so that’s at least two wins (sorry Cleveland fans, as if losing LeBron wasn’t enough rite?) Projected record: 9-7.

Cincinnati Bengals – this could be the year for Cincinnati to finally get over the hump, and not just in football. The Reds are surprising everyone in baseball with how they’ve played and the Bengals seem to be stacking chips on offense. Another year in the NFL will benefit Rey Maualuga and the return of Antwan Odom adding pressure on the QB should help their athletic corners make more plays. T.O. being in town means a lot of press for an under-the-radar Carson Palmer; however, having him opposite Ochocinco is never a bad thing (especially in terms of pure entertainment). Projected record: 11-5

Baltimore Ravens – I expect big things from the Ravens. On paper, they are the best team in this division, and are now on a level where competing with the Colts isn’t a total mismatch. Flacco will have to shoulder a lot more of the load to keep Ray Rice fresh for the postseason. His new weapons at WR, Boldin and Stallworth, will be paramount to “Joe Cool’s” success; also, don’t sleep on TE Ed Dickson, he will also have a chance to play a big part in this high powered offense. Projected record: 12-4.

The Bottom line is that the Steelers no longer scare the other teams in the North, especially without their Pro Bowl quarterback. QB is the predominant subject for this division. How will McCoy grow under Holmgren and Delhomme? When will Big Ben be back on the field, and will he be in-time to save the season? Can Carson Palmer keep his two diva WRs (I'm calling them "T.O-chocinco") happy throughout the season? Will Flacco step into the next level of high class/elite quarterbacks with new weapons at his disposal?

The Ravens are my pick to play the Colts or Jets in the AFC Championship game; however, the Bengals are more than capable of playing in that game as well. Once Roethlisberger gets back on the field, this division will be back at full strength and the race for the postseason will be in full effect.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Scott Rolen

Continuing on my ‘old school’ kick, I decided to go back to one of the greatest crime/mystery movies of all-time, The Usual Suspects.

To be honest, I just saw the movie for the first time last summer and it was a revelation. I have since seen it about 6-times and it never gets old; those movies that keep you in suspense until the very end have always been a personal favorite.

Today’s Athlete, Scott Rolen, third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds.

• Rolen used to be one of my favorite baseball players, in the early 2000s. Ever since I saw Superman Returns all I could think about was how much Rolen and Kevin Spacey – who played Lex Luthor – looked alike.
  
  Both men have, at one point or another, been heralded as one of the best in their respective professions. Rolen was the prototypical, power-hitting third basemen with a laser arm and a knack for making SportsCenter’s Top Plays. Spacey was one of the best actors of my generation whose artistic range knew no bounds.
  
  They both have that awkward, old man smile that almost makes them look like serial killers. They both have the same, squinty eyes and facial expressions. It makes perfect sense that each man would be somehow related. The funniest part about it is the age and size difference.
  
  Spacey is 16-years older than Rolen, and Rolen has about six-inches and 100-pounds on Spacey; yet, somehow, I just can’t separate the two. I could see Rolen limping into the batters box, dragging his foot on the ground like ‘Verbal’ Kint – Spacey’s character from The Usual Suspects – then when the pitcher enters the wind-up (spoiler alert!) he fixes his stature and goes all Kaiser Soze on the pitch.
  
  Doing movies like K-Pax nearly (and should have) ruined Spacey’s career, in my eyes. Playing with the Blue Jays in ’08 looked like the end for Rolen; however, both men persevered and rejuvenated their sparkling careers (although neither of them will fully recover from those poor decisions).
  
  Rolen’s career will likely be over within the next 2-3 years – at age 38 – whereas Spacey has remained relevant well into his 50’s. Maybe Spacey can give his long-lost brother some pointers on longevity, or maybe even use him as a stunt double in Superman Returns…Again.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Ty Lawson

Continuing my old school theme from my last celebrity-athlete, I decided to go back to one of my favorite shows of all time: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Summertime was just the beginning of the Will Smith phenomena, in my opinion; where it really started was on the TV screen. The Fresh Prince wasn’t just about its star, Smith. There were numerous actors/entertainers who played key roles in the show and made it the classic that it is today (why else would it play every night on Nick At Night?).

Today’s Celebrity Athlete: Ty Lawson, point guard for the Denver Nuggets.

• Ever since his time at UNC, Lawson played second fiddle to the much bigger, more celebrated Tyler Hansbrough. He had his moments, but, in the end, the UNC Championship team was all about ‘Psycho Ty’. This is just one of the many things that connect this mighty mite to Alfonso Ribiero (whom America will always know as Carlton Banks).
  
  If Will Smith was the glitz and glamor, Carlton was the glue that kept everything together. The show played on Carlton’s diminutive stature as the go-to bit for a quick laugh. Lawson was UNC Coach Roy Williams’ go-to guy for a quick bucket.
  
  I watched many UNC vs. Duke games in which Ty Lawson would take the ball out of the hoop, receive the in-bounds pass and zip up the floor for an easy layup (much to my dismay, I might add…there was a LOT of cursing at my TV in those days).
  
  Carlton’s patented “Carlton Dance” captivated the nation (or at least 6 Prescott Hall Road) and inspired me to try and create my own dance. Needless to say, that was an epically failed attempt on my part, but not for a lack of effort.
  
  Lawson never had a dance, but I like to think that he was “getting jiggy wit’ it” all night long after the National Championship game. Having trouble picturing it, just check out the video below (try substituting the neckties and sweater vests for Nuggets jerseys and instead a TV-studio set, it's just Omarion screaming "YOU GOT SERVED!" at anyone who'll listen).
  
  
  
  Both guys are short, stocky, and have outstanding goatees. While The Fresh Prince was likely the peak of Ribiero’s stardom, Lawson looks to have a lot of upside for the Nuggets. That is to say, both men have their similarities and differences; however, the trump card is the fact that they look the same.
  
  Can I just say that the world is worse off without The Fresh Prince? I say Robert Horry and Ty Lawson take a hiatus from basketball – even though Horry is retired – and go film 5 new seasons of The Fresh Prince (I know I can’t be the only one who wants this to happen...oh, and 'Big Baby' Davis could play Uncle Phil).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Honestly, I think watching UNC win the National Championship in 2009 would have been much more bearable if Lawson had on one of Carlton’s patented wool-knit, ‘90s sweaters. At least I’d be able to get a kick out of it.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Third Time is the Charm for Otis Amey

Otis Amey is coming home to Sacramento.

He will play wide receiver for the Sacramento Mountain Lions, who host all of their opponents at Amey's Alma Mater, Sacramento State.

The 28-year-old, two-time All-American holds Hornets records in career receptions, receiving touchdowns, single season receptions, single game receptions, career kickoff return yards, longest punt return for a TD and most punt returns in a season.

His role with the Mountain Lions will be as a “jack of all trades.”

“He’ll return some balls,” Mountain Lions receivers coach, Charles Collins, said. “He’ll be back there on kick offs, he’ll play a little on the inside and outside. I expect to move him around; I’m not going to pigeon hole him in one spot.”

While he’s exited to be playing for his home team, back in Hornet Stadium, Amey hopes to return to the NFL soon.

“To be honest, guys at the River Cats don’t say, ‘I’m happy playing with the River Cats,’” Amey said. “They want to be on the A’s. It’d be a lie to say that I don’t want to be back in the NFL."

After signing with the 49ers as an undrafted rookie, Amey made an immediate impact. He returned a punt for a 75-yard touchdown on his first touch in the NFL.

Recapturing that moment proved to be too difficult for Amey. The Union City native was cut by the 49ers - a team he rooted for as a child - after that season. In his words, it was the “lowest point in my life.”

Amey spent the 2006-07 season in the Arena Football League with the Austin Wranglers. The most memorable moment, in his time away from the NFL, came on Mother’s day in 2007 when he played against his big brother, Vince Amey.

“I wasn’t even worried about making the tackle,” said Vince, who was a seventh-round pick for the Oakland Raiders in 1998. “I had him in my sights and wanted to drive (Otis) backwards a few feet.”

After that season, Amey got his second chance to make an NFL roster with the Atlanta Falcons. Due to Michael Vick’s dog fighting charges, the Falcons needed to sign a replacement at quarterback. Amey, who had originally been placed on the 53-man roster, ended up being the odd man out.

The ordeal in Atlanta only added more fuel to the fire for Amey; he was determined to revitalize his career. He played the 2008 AFL season with the Cleveland Gladiators, leading the league in scoring with 50 touchdowns.

Amey credits his big brother, Vince, for helping to keep his head straight through the ups and downs of playing professional football. Amey has been through a lot in his five-year professional career; however, he’s not ready to give up on his dreams quite yet.

“That’d be the dream scenario: winning a championship here, getting picked up, and winning a Superbowl as well. You couldn’t write it any better than that.”

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Curtis Granderson

A lot of these look-alikes have been current actors/stars and I feel like I’m not showing any love to the throw backs.

This Celebrity-Athlete is dedicated to one of my favorite movies of all times, Cool Runnings. Enjoy.

Today’s Athlete: Curtis Granderson, CF for the New York Yankees.

• When Granderson went down earlier in the season, I couldn’t help but say, “Sanka! You dead?!” Why? You might ask; well that’s because the Yankees 5-tool center fielder is a carbon copy of Doug E. Doug. Doug played the popular character, Sanka Coffie, in the 1993 classic, Cool Runnings.
  
  If you’re over the age of 20, and you haven’t seen Cool Runnings, you need to re-evaluate your life. Probably one of the most underrated, great movies of my youth; and Sanka is one of my favorite movie characters from the 90s next to the black Power Ranger (Zack, not that other guy from the motion picture…don’t act like you didn’t watch Power Rangers either).
  
  If you take away the dreads and add a baseball cap, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. Now that Doug is getting older, he’s starting to look a bit different, but back in ’93, he and Granderson looked just alike.
  
  I bet, before every game, Granderson kisses his lucky egg and stuffs it back in his pants; just like Sanka ($10 says Marcus Thames plays the role of Yul Brenner on the Yankees bobsled team). He probably looks in the mirror before every game and says, “I see PRIDE! I see POWER! I see a bad motha-(expletive), who don’t take no shit from NOBODY!” (Again, if you didn’t watch the movie, you won’t get the reference; just another reason why you need to re-evaluate your choice in movies).
  
  Both are lovable guys with great character. Doug E. Doug might not don pin stripes in the summer, and Granderson isn’t from Jamaica (although, neither is Doug) but that’s about the only thing that separates the two.
  
  Hopefully you can see the similarities in their faces; however, I really hope this inspires you to dig in your closet – or go to your nearest blockbuster – and rent Cool Runnings; it’s a must see.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

AFC East Preview

AFC East teams were in a dead heat as last season came to a close. This year I expect only a two team race to winning the division. While the Dolphins showed some promise, the Jets and Patriots are too good for Miami to keep up with (barring any help from LeBron, Wade and Bosh). I’m just not sure how convinced I am on Chad Henne being the QB they need to make it in the playoffs; however, only time will tell.

New England Patriots – Any time you have Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Bill Belichick on the same team, there will be playoff implications. The biggest question for the Patriots is their front-seven which struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks in ’09. Jerod Mayo is a future star and Vince Wilfork is your quintessential space-eater at DT, but the other five players will need to step up in passing situations in order to help a rather pedestrian New England DB corps. Projected record: 10-6

New York Jets – Jets fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010, but only if they can resolve Revis’ contract dispute. He wants to get paid like the best DB in the league, and he has a valid argument. The Jets’ additions of LT and Santonio Holmes on offense will make Mark Sanchez’s second year behind center much easier. The Jets were tops in the NFL in rushing offense and passing defense last year and I don’t see that changing – especially if they get Revis back – however, I expect Sanchez to have a bigger role in their 2010 offense which ranked 31st last year in passing yards. Projected record: 11-5

Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins will, likely, be the odd man out in the 2010 postseason for two reasons: QB play and lack of talent at WR/TE (I’ll give you three seconds to name the other starting WR and TE for the Dolphins, not named Brandon Marshall…one, two, two-and-a-half, two-and-seven-eighths…). My point exactly, they made an upgrade to their primary receiver, but the other guys at that position don’t really have the talent to out duel high powered offenses like New England or beat a stingy NY Jets defense. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will keep this team above water, but they won’t make the post season unless Henne and the other receivers step up, big time. Projected record: 9-6-1 (I like to mix it up a bit from time to time…I mean business, but I also like to party).

Buffalo Bills – Ok, if you watch any level of sports – even if it’s just your little brother’s/son’s pee wee team – you should know that the Bills won’t make much noise this year, let alone make the playoffs. Right now they are having a QB battle between three C-list quarterbacks – Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s not a good start for them. They do have a few bright spots with RB CJ Spiller, and Jairus Byrd at safety, leading a young group of talented DBs. Their front seven is average, and Aaron Maybin should get a lot of time at OLB with Aaron Schobel falling out of favor in Buffalo. This is definitely a team in transition, but there is hope if they can find the right leader. Projected record: 5-11

At the end of the day, I expect the Jets to win the division with their playmaking on defense. They are also my surprise Superbowl contender, provided Mark Sanchez improves his turnover ratio. The Pats are always locks to win at least 10 games a season with Brady at the helm, but I don’t know if an aging Randy Moss and ailing Wes Welker can turn attention away from a less-than-spectacular backfield. The Dolphins are just one or two key pieces from beating the Patriots and the Bills round out the bottom of the division, again.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

A lesson that I've learned in love came from the world's wisest man alive... my father.

Ladies, when it comes to loving a man there is one thing that you must understand. It's all good and dandy to feed him, spend time with him, whisper sweet things in his ear and "love him"... but without RESPECT you will not have a long lasting relationship.

Women want and long for love,
men are prideful beings... RESPECT them.

I always had an issue with that unfortunate verse in the bible where it says : "Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord..." Ephesians 5:25-26. I always remember the day when I first read that verse because I got kicked out of Sunday school that day. Who would've guessed that I was the Pastor's daughter? The minister was not focusing on that one line that I had immediately memorized and sworn to white-out of my future husbands bible, yet I made a huge fuss and began a fight with one of my male friends. 'Clearly,' I thought, 'God didn't get this one right.' I remember saying: "It's the 21st century, not the 50's." Yea... I was an angel.

At a young age, I was the brat of the house, my father's baby girl, and I generally said what I felt. Until I started dating did I find that the way I spoke to men (as if they were my slaves) ruined my relationships.

Try it out: If you begin to show the utmost respect to your man, you will reap the benefits. Don't be his slaves, but try these tactics.

• 1. Don't fight in public. Even if you get in a disagreement outside of your home wait until you are alone to address it.



• 2. Don't embarrass him. Don't call him "teddy bear" or any other cute name in public. Don't force him to say "I love you" when you know he's around his friends.



• 3. Ask him input when you are making decisions for yourself or the two of you. This will let him know you care what he thinks.



• 4. Don't call him stupid, dumb, annoying, N-word, idiot, etc. Although some men tolerate it, it is not acceptable. Don't call him any other name but nicknames and whatever is on his birth certificate. Believe me, if you're speaking to him any ol' way around his friends, they're asking him "Why do you let her talk to you like that?"



• 5. Don't boss him around.
  

Remember how they've always taught us that "you can judge how a man will treat you by how he treats his mother?" That doesn't apply to women. I know for myself, I treat my father as if he is a king (because he is), but when it came to the other men in my life it did not apply. That mindset is wrong. So... women, respect your men. Treat and speak to them like they are (not Kings unless there's a ring involved) ... let's say a Prince.

Good luck and God bless. Happiness and uh... Love?

_Coco Elle_

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Aaron Hilton

A common saying that I like to live by is, “Don’t dish out more punishment than you can take.” That is to say, you shouldn’t tell any jokes that, if flipped back on you, would be too much for you to handle.

I have poked fun at 10 different athletes so far; comparing them to everything from a genuine look alike, to an extinct reptile (although, you have to admit, that Bosh one was right on the money).

Anyone that knows me, knows that I was a tri-varsity athlete my senior year in high school and that basketball has long been my passion. So, technically, this weeks installment is still a celebrity-athlete look-alike.

Today’s Athlete: Aaron Hilton, center for the St. George’s Dragons (what they know about SG @itsjustgriff? Ha-ha).

• As my good friend, high school roommate and fellow HU student, Griff, knows; I look exactly like Steve Urkel (not Jaleel White – the actor who played Urkel in Family Matters – the actual character).
  
  All throughout high school I was a lame, skinny, corny black kid who sounded like Miley Cyrus. My pants rarely ever went down past my ankles and I wore short sleeved collared shirts with a neck tie during mandatory chapel. (Yea, come to think of it, Urkel wasn’t even this lame. At least he had hope with Laura.)
  
  I was always correcting people with lines like, “Well, actually…” and “Contrary to popular belief…” (I wish I was making this up, trust me).
  
  Urkel was the nerd for years on that show until he invented an alter ego, Stephon Urkél; my nickname junior year became Big Sexy (with each stroke of the keyboard I’m digging myself a deeper hole). While the nickname was meant to be one of those ironically false aliases – like a midget named ‘Big Tony’ or something like that – however, I took it to the bank and made it my own.
  
  One thing we don’t have in common is family. Urkel had an ugly twin sister and my sisters aren’t that ugly (as much as it pains me to admit) and you never saw his family; however my family was always around. All my friends came to chill at my house, not the other way around (that’s probably why I didn’t get the Jazzy Jeff treatment growing up).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I’m all grown up now and I’ve put my clumsy, nerdy days behind me; but, I’m still that same kid I was 7 years ago. Sadly, Jaleel has moved on from his Urkel days; every now and then, I still have mine.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

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