Football AFC West: Extreme Makeover 2009

Mile High Mania · 01-13-2009, 02:55 PM

Well, this is going to be interesting...

The Chargers appear to be the only team returning in 2009 essentially as we saw them close out 2008. The Raiders... sure, they'll have a new HC and other changes, but until Al releases his grip on the throat of that franchise, I'm not sure what can be expected.

However, Denver and Kansas City are making incredibly drastic changes to their franchises this off-season and it will be very interesting to see how it all works out since they're both doing it at the same time.

Both KC and Denver have nice pieces in place and both have serious areas of concern... new faces at GM, HC and across the rest of the staff for both teams (we'll see what happens with the players soon).

All in all, I am excited to see what happens. It sucked seeing the division perform so poorly in 2008. It will be great to see the AFCW get back on top in the NFL and I hope it happens.

Chiefs' fans... your prayers have been answered, for your sake - I hope they deliver.

I know many Denver fans question what has happened there, but I'm very optimistic and I don't think change is a bad thing. I believe it had to happen.

Anyway - here's hoping for good things in 2009 and beyond. (more for the Broncos than anyone else... of course)

**DaFace** · 01-13-2009, 02:57 PM

Good post. I think Denver will have the upper hand for a couple years. Unfortunately for us, your offense is a force to be reckoned with if you can just get your defense in gear. However, I'm more hopeful for our long-term prospects than I've been in a long time.

Here's hoping the rivalry between the teams returns soon!

**Buck** · 01-13-2009, 02:57 PM

I think the Chargers will have the grips on the division at least for one more year, then we'll see a couple years down the road how the changes have helped KC/DEN/OAK.

IMO, Norv is out unless he wins a SB next year, no matter what.

Mile High Mania · 01-13-2009, 02:59 PM

We'll see... is LT done or was this just an off year? Can they find a way to get Chambers back to being a playmaker? They have their share of questions... things can turn around in a hurry, as we've seen time and time again.

**Buck** · 01-13-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

We'll see... is LT done or was this just an off year? Can they find a way to get Chambers back to being a playmaker? They have their share of questions... things can turn around in a hurry, as we've seen time and time again.

The big question is LT. He will be back next year, but lets see if he can perform.

Regarding Chambers...

When you have LT/Gates/Chambers/Vincent Jackson etc...

Someone is going to be left out of the picture. Chambers still has his presence, but I think they are putting their #1 corner on Chambers over Jackson, and Jackson is getting more chances because of it.

All that being said, I don't think that Denver or KC (or Oakland for that matter) are ready to take over as AFC West Champ yet.

Mile High Mania · 01-13-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckinKaeding

All that being said, I don't think that Denver or KC (or Oakland for that matter) are ready to take over as AFC West Champ yet.

We'll see ... I don't think the gap between the teams is all that wide when you look at the teams. It depends on what changes are put in place.

Who will be the coach in KC?

Will Denver move to the 3-4?

Is Sproles a FA this year? I don't know if he's an every down back or not and I do think LT has peaked... he will still have his moments, but I don't think he's the LT they're used to having back there.

**HemiEd** · 01-13-2009, 03:13 PM

Dawn of a new day!

HemiEd is hoping they get this right, not sure how many more of these I will be around for.

**dirk digler** · 01-13-2009, 03:00 PM

Great post as usual MHM. It will be interesting to see McDaniels going up against a Pioli built team.

PhillyChiefFan · 01-13-2009, 03:03 PM

Good post, I agree. Can't wait to see how this pans out.

I feel like a weight has been lifted off of this franchise.

Otter · 01-13-2009, 03:10 PM

Yep. It wasn't too long ago AFC West was "the toughest division in football". Let's hope we get back to there for, if nothing else, good football.

Raiders need to get rid of Al and the West will be well on the road to recovery.

**Buck** · 01-13-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otter

Yep. It wasn't too long ago AFC West was "the toughest division in football". Let's hope we get back to there for, if nothing else, good football.

Raiders need to get rid of Al and the West will be well on the road to recovery.

Whenever the AFC West is the toughest division in football, that means the Chargers are the worst team in the AFC West...I don't want to see that.

LOL

I seriously doubt the Chargers will win less than 10 games next year, but I guess you never know with Norv.

Luckily they won't have to worry about Ted Cottrell to begin the season like they have the past 2 years.

Mile High Mania · 01-13-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckinKaeding

I seriously doubt the Chargers will win less than 10 games next year...

Well, the 2009 schedules for the AFCW won't be easy... there is a lot of ugliness out there.

San Diego
Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington
Away: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Dallas, N.Y. Giants

Denver
Home: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New England, Dallas, N.Y. Giants
Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Washington

Kansas City
Home: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Dallas, N.Y. Giants
Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington

Oakland
Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia, Washington
Away: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, N.Y. Giants

**Buck** · 01-13-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Well, the 2009 schedules for the AFCW won't be easy... there is a lot of ugliness out there.

San Diego
Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington
Away: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Dallas, N.Y. Giants

Denver
Home: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New England, Dallas, N.Y. Giants
Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Washington

Kansas City
Home: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Dallas, N.Y. Giants
Away: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington

Oakland
Home: Baltimore, Cincinnati, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia, Washington
Away: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, N.Y. Giants

You guys sorta got screwed this year.

Normally Indy and New England are good for the 1st place team every year, but somehow they both finished 2nd this year...

Mile High Mania · 01-13-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckinKaeding

You guys sorta got screwed this year.

Normally Indy and New England are good for the 1st place team every year, but somehow they both finished 2nd this year...

Yeah, playing NE and INDY is a bit of a buzzkill for next season... none of the other 3 AFC teams plays one of them, but Denver gets 'em both.

Welcome to Denver, Josh! Buckle up...

Ultra Peanut · 01-13-2009, 03:21 PM

About LdT:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotoworld

Chargers beat writer Nick Canepa believes LaDainian Tomlinson is unlikely to return to San Diego next season.

A reliable source, Canepa cites LT2's age, $8.8 million salary cap number, and the injuries that have kept him on the sidelines during the last two playoff runs. Asked how he would replace a Hall of Fame back, GM A.J. Smith replied, "You're assuming that, if we have to move on, we're not capable of getting another running back." The writing is on the wall, and Tomlinson's days in San Diego are numbered.

01-13-2009, 02:55 PM	Topic Starter
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3717229	AFC West: Extreme Makeover 2009 Well, this is going to be interesting... The Chargers appear to be the only team returning in 2009 essentially as we saw them close out 2008. The Raiders... sure, they'll have a new HC and other changes, but until Al releases his grip on the throat of that franchise, I'm not sure what can be expected. However, Denver and Kansas City are making incredibly drastic changes to their franchises this off-season and it will be very interesting to see how it all works out since they're both doing it at the same time. Both KC and Denver have nice pieces in place and both have serious areas of concern... new faces at GM, HC and across the rest of the staff for both teams (we'll see what happens with the players soon). All in all, I am excited to see what happens. It sucked seeing the division perform so poorly in 2008. It will be great to see the AFCW get back on top in the NFL and I hope it happens. Chiefs' fans... your prayers have been answered, for your sake - I hope they deliver. I know many Denver fans question what has happened there, but I'm very optimistic and I don't think change is a bad thing. I believe it had to happen. Anyway - here's hoping for good things in 2009 and beyond. (more for the Broncos than anyone else... of course)
Posts: 30,256

01-13-2009, 02:57 PM	#2
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $2066899	Good post. I think Denver will have the upper hand for a couple years. Unfortunately for us, your offense is a force to be reckoned with if you can just get your defense in gear. However, I'm more hopeful for our long-term prospects than I've been in a long time. Here's hoping the rivalry between the teams returns soon!
Posts: 51,749

01-13-2009, 02:57 PM	#3
Buck Take a Chill Pill Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Carolina Casino cash: $8329900	I think the Chargers will have the grips on the division at least for one more year, then we'll see a couple years down the road how the changes have helped KC/DEN/OAK. IMO, Norv is out unless he wins a SB next year, no matter what.
Posts: 44,562

01-13-2009, 02:59 PM	#4
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3717229	We'll see... is LT done or was this just an off year? Can they find a way to get Chambers back to being a playmaker? They have their share of questions... things can turn around in a hurry, as we've seen time and time again. __________________
Posts: 30,256

01-13-2009, 03:13 PM	#7
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $3320564	Dawn of a new day! HemiEd is hoping they get this right, not sure how many more of these I will be around for.
Posts: 33,408

01-13-2009, 03:00 PM	#8
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3294644	Great post as usual MHM. It will be interesting to see McDaniels going up against a Pioli built team.
Posts: 66,250

01-13-2009, 03:03 PM	#9
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $4591139	Good post, I agree. Can't wait to see how this pans out. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of this franchise.
Posts: 3,404