Chargers remain as division’s best
This is the fourth of an eight-part series reviewing the offseason moves in the NFL. Today’s installment: the AFC West.
By Allen Wilson
NEWS SPORTS REPORTER
Updated: 06/12/08 11:42 AM
Can you ignore free agency and still get better? Sure you can. Just ask the San Diego Chargers.
They didn’t sign an unrestricted free agent for the second straight year, which tells you how stacked their roster is. The Chargers are built for the long haul and should cruise to another AFC West title.
The Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders want to believe they will close the gap this season. That appears to be wishful thinking even with some good — and expensive — offseason moves. But the Chargers don’t expect a cakewalk.
“I know there’s a perception that our division’s down and I just don’t see it that way,” San Diego coach Norv Turner said at the NFL owners meetings. “I see everyone getting better. I don’t know what it’s like within every division, but in our division the history is so competitive. We just have to keep getting better like everyone else.”
Here’s a review of the offseason moves in the AFC West:
San Diego Chargers
Key gains: CB Antoine Cason (Arizona), FB Jacob Hester (LSU), RB Marcus Thomas (UTEP), OT L. J. Shelton (Dolphins), OT Corey Clark (Texas A&M).
Key losses: RB Michael Turner (Falcons), FB Lorenzo Neal (released), OT Shane Olivea (released), CB Drayton Florence (Jaguars), S Marlon McCree (Broncos).
Breakdown: The Chargers used the draft to find a nickel cornerback and depth behind RB LaDainian Tomlinson. They were dangerously thin at offensive tackle before getting Shelton and Clark.
Questions: After reaching the AFC Championship Game last year, the Chargers have their fans thinking Super Bowl. Will they live up to those expectations? Will Tomlinson (knee), QB Philip Rivers (knee) and TE Antonio Gates (toe) bounce back from postseason injuries?
Denver Broncos
Key gains: RB Michael Pittman (Buccaneers), WR Darrell Jackson (49ers), WR Eddie Royal (Virginia Tech), C Casey Wiegmann (Chiefs), OT Ryan Clady (Boise State), DT Dewayne Robertson (Jets), LB Boss Bailey (Lions), LB Niko Koutouvides (Seahawks), S Marquand Manuel (Panthers), S Marlon McCree (Chargers), P Brett Kern (Toledo).
Key losses: RB Travis Henry (released), WR Javon Walker (Raiders), K Jason Elam (Falcons).
Breakdown: Several receivers were obtained because top wideout Brandon Marshall suffered a serious right arm injury that might include nerve damage. The Broncos questioned Henry’s commitment and let him go. That opens the door for Pittman and ’07 rookie surprise Selvin Young to compete for the starting job. Kern, a Grand Island native, should thrive in the thin Rocky Mountain air.
Questions: Will QB Jay Cutler take a step forward in development? Will Pittman or Young ably replace Henry? Will Marshall be ready for the season? Will Robertson thrive in new surroundings? Can unproven Matt Prater (Dolphins) replace Elam?
Kansas City Chiefs
Key gains: DT Glenn Dorsey (LSU), G/T Branden Albert (Virginia), RB Jamaal Charles (Texas), WR Will Franklin (Missouri), TE Brad Cottam (Tennessee), S DaJuan Morgan (N. C. State), LB Demorrio Williams (Falcons).
Key losses: DE Jared Allen (Vikings), CB Ty Law (released), WR Eddie Kennison (released), C Casey Wiegmann (Broncos), OT John Welbourn (released), LB Kendrell Bell (released).
Breakdown: Chiefs purged roster of veterans to make room for young talent. They got two immediate starters in the first round of the draft. Dorsey could be a dominant force for a decade. Albert is the first step toward rebuilding the O-line.
Questions: The Chiefs didn’t draft a quarterback, but is Brodie Croyle (0-6 as a starter) really the answer? How fast will Dorsey and Albert make an impact? Is former first-round pick Tamba Hali ready to be the team’s top pass rusher?
Oakland Raiders
Key gains: RB Darren McFadden (Arkansas), WR Javon Walker (Broncos), CB DeAngelo Hall (Falcons), S Gibril Wilson (Giants), OT Kwame Harris (49ers), C John Wade (Buccaneers), DT William Joseph (Giants), DE Kalimba Edwards (Lions), DE Greg Spires (Buccaneers), LB Edgerton Hartwell (Falcons).
Key losses: QB Josh McCown (Dolphins), WR Jerry Porter (Jaguars), OT Barry Sims (released), DT Warren Sapp (retired), DE Chris Clemons (Eagles), DE Tyler Brayton (Panthers).
Breakdown: Al Davis’ wild spending spree included four players — Hall, Walker, Wilson and Harris — who received contracts totaling more than $142 million with $74 million of that guaranteed. The Raiders’ crowded backfield has a 1,000-yard rusher in Justin Fargas, but McFadden’s explosive speed and big-play ability were too good to pass up.
Questions: With all the money Davis spent, will he fire head coach Lane Kiffin if the Raiders get off to a slow start? Will McFadden have an Adrian Peterson-like impact? Is second-year QB JaMarcus Russell prepared to become a franchise player?
Next: NFC East.
