PFF's Mid-Season All-AFC West Team

[Quesadilla Joe]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...afc-west-team/

Offense

Quarterback: Peyton Manning (DEN)

It took a while for him to get going, but the signs are ominous for the rest of the NFL given how Manning has played recently. He’s a real difference-maker in this division.

Running Back: Willis McGahee (DEN)

His renaissance continues. The man with the 10th-most rushing yards in the NFL, also has our fourth-highest rushing grade.

Full Back: Marcel Reece (OAK)

So he’s not your traditional lead blocker. What he offers as a receiver can’t really be ignored.

Tight End: Jacob Tamme (DEN)

While Joel Dreessen has got more early-down work, Tamme has made his presence felt in the passing game.

Wide Receivers: Malcom Floyd (SD) and DeMaryius Thomas (DEN)

While Dwayne Bowe deserves plaudits for how he’s performed with those quarterbacks, and Brandon Stokley has been mighty impressive from the slot, it’s Floyd and Thomas who get the call as our starters. Floyd is drawing more attention than ever before and still making plays, while Thomas has overcome a fumbling problem to strike fear into the hearts of secondaries everywhere.

Tackles: Ryan Clady (DEN) and Orlando Franklin (DEN)

There was some competition at both spots from the Chiefs’ tackles, but ultimately the more successful Broncos edged their peers. Clady, in particular, has stood out — he has given up just two quarterback hits and three hurries all year.

Guards: Zane Beadles (DEN) and Louis Vasquez (SD)

The knock on effect of Peyton Manning coming to town has seen the Denver line looked far more assured. No one illustrates that as much as Beadles. While in San Diego, the team may be struggling but Vasquez (who has always put together streaks of good play) is enjoying one of his longest to date.

Center: Ryan Lilja (KC)

Lilja was playing well at guard before moving to the center spot. How did he respond? Well, he’s made this team hasn’t he.

Defense

Defensive Line: Corey Liuget (SD), Aubrayo Franklin (SD) and Richard Seymour (OAK)

We’ve gone for a 3-4 here so Seymour returns to an end position. Here he is joined by one of the only nose tackles in the league playing halfway decent (Franklin), and the improving Liuget, who looked out of his depth as a rookie but has taken a big step forward this year.

Inside Linebackers: Philip Wheeler (OAK) and Derrick Johnson (KC)

Johnson is starting to find his best form after injuries slowed him at the start of the year. Former Colt Wheeler, on the other hand, has been a revelation and is earning himself a big deal come the end of the year.

Outside Linebackers: Von Miller (DEN) and Justin Houston (KC)

The role Miller was probably born to play. So good at getting to the quarterback and getting off blocks it’s easy to forget he’s been in the league for only a season and a half. Houston, who obviously entered the league as the same time as Miller, as slowly worked himself into one of the league’s most intriguing pass rushers. He gets a lot of pressure, but the Chiefs love dropping him into coverage.

Cornerbacks: Brandon Flowers (KC) and Champ Bailey (DEN)

While Champ looks to be slowing down, he’s still got it in him to match up with a team’s top receiver and limit his impact. Flowers has played better than this, but seems to have been impacted by the Chiefs’ struggles. A fine player, nonetheless.

Safeties: Eric Weddle (SD) and Tyvon Branch (OAK)

Is Weddle the best safety in the game at the moment? The versatile Branch probably disagrees. As strong an area of this team as there is.

Special Teams

Kicker: Ryan Succop (KC)

Punter: Dustin Colquitt (KC)

Returner: Javier Areans (KC)

Special Teamer: Darrell Stuckey (SD)