Chiefs NFL.com spotlights the AFC West

aturnis · 07-20-2011, 08:49 PM

Chiefs face challenge to stay ahead of AFC West competition <-- link (link contains a video, but I'm not able to embed and it literally mentions one sentence of the Chiefs.)

By Elliot Harrison NFL.com
Analyst
Published: July 20, 2011 at 04:51 p.m.

With a potential settlement to the NFL lockout looming, analyst Elliot Harrison takes a quick glance at where each division left off following last season. This is a look at the AFC West.
Brooks: Tebow will be Fox's guy
All you've got to do is take a look at John Fox's coaching history to know that, in all likely hood, Tim Tebow will be his choice for starting quarterback of the Broncos, writes Bucky Brooks. More ...

» Kirwan: Tebow's time might be now
» Wyche: Broncos in search of 'gamer'

Denver Broncos

Where we left off: This was one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2010, but there is nowhere to go but up. Josh McDaniels led a club that could score some points, but too much of it was in garbage time after the aging defense had surrendered several scores. When the Broncos were in a tight game, the anemic ground attack (26th in NFL) provided little support. The fact that Denver castoff Peyton Hillis had a monster year running the ball for Cleveland didn't help. Ultimately, McDaniels was fired and the short-lived Eric Studesville administration followed. Now the John Fox era begins, with one task being pretty clear: shore up the league´s worst defense. Denver gave up 390.8 yards per game. That's terrible.

Areas of concern: Fox's defense will be of the 4-3 variety, not a 3-4, with the organization having its fourth defensive coordinator in as many years. With more changes could come some growing pains, especially for top-pick linebacker Von Miller, who is expected to start right out of the gate. Ditto the rest of the rookies, as Denver took six defensive players in April's draft. A healthy Elvis Dumervil sure would help, as Denver sorely missed his presence last season. Of course, the big elephant in the room at the team offices is what to do at quarterback, where the Johns (Elway and Fox) could go with the young Tim Tebow or the productive Kyle Orton. Either way, this team needs to get more out of running back Knowshon Moreno, as well as a steady player to complement him.

Two things to hang your hat on, Broncos fans:
1. Brandon Lloyd is no fluke. Forget the numbers. Some of the catches he made only 15 people on the planet could've even thought about making. He's a mature man, not a 22 year old anymore.
2. With Fox's arrival comes respect from the locker room and around the league. All of the drama that surrounded the McDaniels era won't have a sequel here.

Kansas City Chiefs

Where we left off: This club got crushed in the playoff loss to the Ravens. Can the Chiefs make it back? They rode a 10-6 record to an AFC West title with an outstanding running game, solid quarterback play, and a defense that created big plays. Problem was, that defense could give 'em up too, like in key losses to the Texans, Chargers, and, of course, the Ravens. Still, this team is loaded with young talent, from Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles on offense, to Eric Berry and Tamba Hali on defense. Don't look for this team to fail miserably in 2011.

Areas of concern: Defensively, the Chiefs need some other guys to step up outside of Berry and Hali. That starts with Glenn Dorsey and Wallace Gilberry on the line, who have really improved, but they need a solid nose tackle next to them. Gilberry, despite being an undrafted free agent, might have been the Chiefs' best defensive lineman last season. The linebacker play was much better (especially Hali), but they would be more effective if the defensive line could pick it up a notch. In fact, better play up front would give the whole defense a tremendous lift, especially considering the back four (Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Kendrick Lewis, and Berry) is pretty solid. Kansas City only allowed 5.68 yards per pass, fifth in the league. Speaking of the passing game, the Chiefs need a solid second receiver. Will it be rookie Jonathan Baldwin? Age on the offensive line is also a growing issue.

Two things to hang your hat on, Chiefs fans:
1. Only three rookies made the "Top 100: Players of 2011" and one of them wears 29 in red, yellow and white. For all the hubbub about Ndamukong Suh, don't sleep on Berry. He can play.
2. Matt Cassel made huge strides last year, starting with a 27-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. If he continues, the Chiefs will be back in the postseason.
NFL.com experts investigate the pressing issues facing each team when the lockout ends:

» AFC East: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC East: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC North: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC North: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC South: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC South: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC West: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC West: Team needs | Where we left off

Oakland Raiders

Where we left off: Did anyone happen to notice that the Raiders went 6-0 in the AFC West? Talk about an under-the-radar team. The 8-8 record was more than just a step forward, it marked the first time Oakland didn't have double-digit losses since the Super Bowl season of 2002. The improvement starts with Darren McFadden, who averaged 128 yards from scrimmage per game, second in the NFL. Jason Campbell was mostly steady (only eight interceptions), while his favorite target -- Zack Miller -- continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the NFL with 60 catches for the second straight season.

Areas of concern: While the defense was pretty good (11th in NFL) and was able to get to the quarterback with 47 sacks, the unit must generate more turnovers for this team to make the playoffs. And, if Oakland loses shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, opposing teams will feel comfortable attacking both sides of the field. Either way, Oakland's corners have to capitalize on opportunities to pick the ball off. Asomugha didn´t get interceptions because quarterbacks would go an entire half without testing him. Speaking of the passing game, the Raiders' receivers still don't give the team enough pop. Louis Murphy is okay, but the entire group of wideouts combined for 111 catches between them. Roddy White caught 115 balls by himself. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Hue Jackson needs something from you. Anything.

Two things to hang your hat on, Raiders fans:
1. Don't ever forget about Richard Seymour. The man is an impact player whether he lines up inside or outside, and gives the team a chip on its shoulder.
2. Rookie linebacker Rolando McClain was no disappointment, with 85 tackles, six passes defensed and a pick. His play in pass coverage was better than expected.

San Diego Chargers

Where we left off: One of the weirdest seasons in NFL history went down in San Diego last year. How a team finishes first in team offense and team defense, but can't even survive its weak division is anyone's guess. The Chargers were done in by five blocked punts, 16 lost fumbles, and an inconsistent run game, which averaged fewer than four yards per carry. The Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson offseason distractions got the season started off on the wrong foot. That said, the special teams breakdowns came at the worst times, and spoiled what should have been another division title for the Bolts. Also marred was another standout year (4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns) from Philip Rivers.

Areas of concern: New special teams coach Rich Bisaccia was hired in January to rectify that unit's problems. Also of concern is the passing game, which needs free agents Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd back, or else Antonio Gates will be blanketed like never before. The Chargers did draft local Vincent Brown from San Diego State in the third round as insurance, and Jackson will likely be playing in San Diego in 2011 after getting franchised. Another free agent concern is safety Eric Weddle, who was one of the club's most consistent performers. The defense, as a whole, was good at getting to the pocket, with 47 sacks, but the lack of takeaways really hurt the team. Of course, the top issue with fans is Norv Turner who, if he goes 9-7 again, could be looking at his last season in San Diego.

Two things to hang your hat on, Chargers fans:
1. A lot of the players who came through NFL Network's doors for "The Top 100" show felt Rivers was as good as Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. He's a legit top-three quarterback in the NFL.
2. Rookie Ryan Mathews showed flashes despite gaining only 678 yards rushing, and barring injury, should have a breakout year. That would take pressure off Rivers, as well as eat up clock for the defense's sake.

Elliot Harrison is the research analyst for NFL RedZone on NFL Network.

Also...

Video of Cassel and Haley being interviewed from their golf tournament.

Hammock Parties · 07-20-2011, 08:51 PM

Quote:

That starts with Glenn Dorsey and Wallace Gilberry on the line, who have really improved, but they need a solid nose tackle next to them. Gilberry, despite being an undrafted free agent, might have been the Chiefs' best defensive lineman last season.

This sentence sucks ass. And this idiot writes for NFL.com?

aturnis · 07-20-2011, 08:52 PM

AFC West hopefuls face big decisions at some pivotal positions <-- link (link contains two videos I have yet to watch)

By Pat Kirwan NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Published: July 13, 2011 at 03:57 p.m.
Updated: July 15, 2011 at 05:22 p.m.

When the lockout is over, it could be a mad dash for talent all over the NFL. With that in mind, we examine the most important things each team must accomplish with a division-by-division breakdown. This is a look at the AFC West.
Broncos in search of a 'gamer'
There is no doubt that veteran
Kyle Orton could be considered a "gamer," and second-year pro
Tim Tebow, at least based on his collegiate résumé, more than fits the description, Steve Wyche writes. More ...

Denver Broncos

Trade Orton: Sooner or later, the Broncos have to find out if Tim Tebow is the franchise quarterback. That time might as well be now. New coaches should not waste their honeymoon year trying to win eight games with a bunch of older veterans. Kyle Orton could bring a solid player or a good draft pick to Denver. It will not be hard to find a veteran to backup Tebow and help him learn the pro game. Sooner or later, the Browns should release Jake Delhomme and he can put on a baseball hat for a year and mentor Tebow. Keep in mind, John Elway and John Fox didn't draft Tebow and there is no emotional tie. If Tebow can't do it, the Broncos can draft a new quarterback next year.

Sign a few Panthers: Players typically follow coaches to new destinations. Fox is a players' coach, and some of the quality Carolina Panthers on the free-agent market would fit nicely. DeAngelo Williams would be the Broncos' feature back and defensive end Charles Johnson would give Denver an excellent pass rush by teaming with Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos would expect 20-plus sacks from that defensive end tandem. Both Williams and Johnson are young enough to play out long-term contracts. The Broncos can't wait any longer for Robert Ayers -- who has 1.5 sacks in two years -- to deliver.

Acquire two defensive tackles: The position is a weakness on the Denver roster. It's time for the Broncos to hit free agency for at least one veteran, but two would be even better. In a perfect world, they would add the New York Giants' Barry Cofield and Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Mebane. Cofield is a 27-year-old defensive tackle with good size at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds. Cofield typically delivers 40 tackles and three to four sacks a season. Mebane, 26, is 6-foot-1 and closer to 315 pounds. Mebane will not have the same numbers as Cofield, but will be disruptive inside and could play more as a "one-technique." Maybe Fox would like to put the Minnesota Vikings' Pat Williams on the nose for a year, although that would fly in the face of a youth movement.

Kansas City Chiefs

Find a nose tackle: The Chiefs drafted Jerrell Powe in the sixth round out of Mississippi, and the 330-pound plugger will help in the rotation. However, if Kansas City could get its hands on a guy like the San Francisco 49ers' Aubrayo Franklin, then that would give the Chiefs a better defense. Re-signing Ron Edwards wouldn't be all bad and a heck of a lot cheaper.

Sign a right tackle: The Chiefs were the best rushing team in the NFL last year with 164 yards a game and at a clip of 4.7 yards per rush. The Chiefs want to run the ball 35 times a game, and they could be even better at it with an upgrade at right tackle. The Atlanta Falcons' Tyson Clabo would be a very good fit. The Dallas Cowboys' Doug Free would give the Chiefs flexibility for left or right tackle. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jeremy Trueblood is not in the class of the other two, but he is a very physical right tackle who would fit into the Chiefs' scheme.

Go slow on Waters and get Wiegmann re-signed: Replacing talent with talent is the key to personnel moves, and rumors about guard Brian Waters being done in Kansas City are out there. The Chiefs believe Jon Asamoah is ready to play, but between him and veteran Ryan Lilja on the other side, keeping Waters might be a very good idea. In 16 starts, Waters had two penalties and gave up one sack in 2010. In fact, in his last 47 starts Waters has given up four sacks. As for Casey Wiegmann, the team needs him for one more year to get rookie Rodney Hudson ready to play.

Oakland Raiders

Bring in at least one offensive lineman: At this point, the Raiders would be starting two rookies on the offensive line, Stefan Wisniewski at center and Joe Barksdale at right tackle. They also plan to replace guard Robert Gallery with untested Bruce Campbell. Those three things can't happen if the Raiders are going to move forward as a team. The Raiders believe in these young players, so they probably head to free agency looking for a few veteran bargains to come in and hold the fort down.

Re-sign Miller and make an offer to Asomugha: Tight end Zach Miller is a key to the offense. If the Raiders lose him in free agency, both the running and passing games suffer. Miller averages about 60 catches and four touchdowns a season, plus he helps establish a point of attack for the run game. There is no one in free agency who can replace what Miller does. As for the star corner, Nnamdi Asomugha, he probably is headed to another team, especially after the Raiders gave Stanford Routt a new three-year deal before the lockout started. The Raiders have paid Asomugha lot of money over the years and inflated his value financially. Asomugha's a fine player, but his market value makes it next to impossible for the Raiders to bring him back. That being said, the Raiders should make an offer, or at least ask Asomugha to give them a chance to match what he is offered by another team. Losing Asomugha is a step backwards for a team trying to turn its fortunes around.

Put a young quarterback in the mix: Coach Hue Jackson is very good with quarterbacks, and I think he should have a young prospect on the roster behind starter Jason Campbell. Oakland should consider Terrelle Pryor if we ever get to a supplemental draft. I don't think they would have to put in a first- or second-round selection, but a third-rounder might do it. Oakland just drafted CB DeMarcus Van Dyke from Miami (Fla.) in the third round and he was on the Hurricanes' bench by the end of last season. Pryor is less of a risk than that and he could develop nicely.
NFL.com experts investigate the pressing issues facing each team when the lockout ends:

» AFC East: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC East: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC North: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC North: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC South: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC South: Team needs | Where we left off
» AFC West: Team needs | Where we left off
» NFC West: Team needs | Where we left off

San Diego Chargers

Re-sign Weddle and Burnett: Kevin Burnett has quietly become a very good linebacker for San Diego after coming over from the Cowboys in 2009. Last year, Burnett was in on 95 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and forced two fumbles. There will be teams interested in him, but San Diego needs to keep Burnett. He will be 29 in December, so the contract length could be a bit tricky. However, when you realize James Holt and Kion Wilson are penciled in as starters, it's a no-brainer to get a deal done with Burnett. As for Eric Weddle, his name pops up all over the league as a guy teams want. He's from San Diego and told me he would like to stay, but I got the sense he's ready to test the market. Weddle played for Ron Rivera over the past few seasons and really likes his old coordinator, who is now the coach in Carolina. The Chargers added often-injured Bob Sanders in the offseason and might be preparing for life without Weddle.

Acquire a veteran wide receiver: Vincent Jackson continues to play on the franchise tag. Unless they strike a long-term deal with Jackson, this might be his last season in San Diego. Patrick Crayton is projected as the other starter and the Chargers drafted Vincent Brown in the third round. This team could use another solid receiver. San Diego has always liked tall targets and I could a Braylon Edwards being very productive with Philip Rivers throwing him passes. It's possible the Chargers re-sign either Malcom Floyd or Legedu Naanee if the lockout limits the amount of preparation time teams have to get ready for the season. Maybe the Chargers think about either Steve Smith (Giants or Panthers).

Find a swing tackle: There is always a reason to add a versatile offensive tackle who can play both sides. It's a hard player to find and maybe the Chargers add a starting tackle for the right side and let the competition play out. Picking up a player like the Buccaneers' Jeremy Trueblood would help the depth up front.

Skyy God · 07-20-2011, 08:55 PM

Age on the OL? LOL.

aturnis · 07-20-2011, 08:57 PM

Also, from the frontpage - Best, worst fits for Asomugha, Holmes, other free agents <-- link

This exerpt from the article on the Chiefs and Aubrayo Franklin...

Quote:

Aubrayo Franklin, nose tackle

Ideal Fit: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs need a stout nose tackle to anchor their 3-4. Franklin is the best middleman on the market, and he will help the Chiefs hold up against the rugged rushing attacks that thrive in the AFC. Although Franklin is older (turns 31 in August), players have been able to sustain long careers playing in the middle and he could be a solution to the Chiefs' defensive woes.

milkman · 07-20-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

Age on the OL? LOL.

Waters and Weigman.

DMAC · 07-20-2011, 09:10 PM

How old was Roaf when we got him?

Skyy God · 07-20-2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Waters and Weigman.

Who are being replaced.

**The Bad Guy** · 07-20-2011, 09:21 PM

The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to think that Franklin is going to end up here.

Not a lot of 3-4 suitors that need a NT.

Can't say I'm thrilled.

milkman · 07-20-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

Who are being replaced.

Regardless, that's the "age" he's talking about.

**Gadzooks** · 07-20-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to think that Franklin is going to end up here.

Not a lot of 3-4 suitors that need a NT.

Can't say I'm thrilled.

All 3-4 D's need an NT or another NT, or another NT.
They're usually brought in through F.A. at a premium rate and need to be rotated due to fatness.

PGH & NE need an NT for crying out loud.

(I'll never understand why you guys went 3-4 when you have no internal NT and a potentially awesome DT in Dorsey

)

chiefzilla1501 · 07-20-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadzooks

All 3-4 D's need an NT or another NT, or another NT.
They're usually brought in through F.A. at a premium rate and need to be rotated due to fatness.

PGH & NE need an NT for crying out loud.

(I'll never understand why you guys went 3-4 when you have no internal NT and a potentially awesome DT in Dorsey

)

NTs don't come in at a premium rate. There are less than a handful that are getting mega contracts. And Dorsey isn't just doing fine, he's doing pretty awesome as a 5-technique.

**Gadzooks** · 07-20-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

NTs don't come in at a premium rate. There are less than a handful that are getting mega contracts. And Dorsey isn't just doing fine, he's doing pretty awesome as a 5-technique.

It's a premium rate considering the fact that they're at least 10x more "injury" prone due to the pounding they take, (i.e. dirty bitch cut blocks), and most of them can't play through the gas they got from their McDonalds meal before the game.
Any team that has their premier NT play 10 games a season is lucky.
As for Dorsey, He'd be a star in this league by now if he wasn't forced to play the 5. (Trust me, as an outsider; he's not a star in anyone's mind outside of MS, KS and LSU)

chiefzilla1501 · 07-20-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to think that Franklin is going to end up here.

Not a lot of 3-4 suitors that need a NT.

Can't say I'm thrilled.

I still don't see the issue. I don't think he's the answer, but he's definitely a big improvement over Edwards. I don't see Franklin signing with any team to some blockbuster deal. I think he'll get a heavily front-loaded deal with a large upfront bonus. The Chiefs have cap space to burn in year 1, so why not do that? All the Chiefs need out of him is a year or 2 while they groom a replacement, which is hopefully Powe.

And here's an honest question about him. Was he playing worse because he settled into a fat contract? Or was he playing worse because Mike Singletary was a lunatic? Franklin wasn't the only player on that team that looked like he was playing uninspired. He played well under Nolan, though, and he obviously thought highly enough of him to bring him over from Baltimore.

Either way, this is a chance worth taking. Worst case scenario, you overpay for a NT who's not much worse than our current options. Likely scenario is you overpay for a NT who rounds out an improved, deeper NT rotation. Best case scenario, Romeo gets Franklin inspired again and we have a quality 3-4 year stopgap.

**Gadzooks** · 07-20-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

He played well under Nolan,

Contract year for an underachieving fatty pants. Of course he played "well"

07-20-2011, 08:49 PM
aturnis MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Casino cash: $9975811	NFL.com spotlights the AFC West *Chiefs face challenge to stay ahead of AFC West competition* <-- link (link contains a video, but I'm not able to embed and it literally mentions one sentence of the Chiefs.) By Elliot Harrison NFL.com Analyst Published: July 20, 2011 at 04:51 p.m. With a potential settlement to the NFL lockout looming, analyst Elliot Harrison takes a quick glance at where each division left off following last season. This is a look at the AFC West. Brooks: Tebow will be Fox's guy All you've got to do is take a look at John Fox's coaching history to know that, in all likely hood, Tim Tebow will be his choice for starting quarterback of the Broncos, writes Bucky Brooks. More ... » Kirwan: Tebow's time might be now » Wyche: Broncos in search of 'gamer' Denver Broncos Where we left off: This was one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2010, but there is nowhere to go but up. Josh McDaniels led a club that could score some points, but too much of it was in garbage time after the aging defense had surrendered several scores. When the Broncos were in a tight game, the anemic ground attack (26th in NFL) provided little support. The fact that Denver castoff Peyton Hillis had a monster year running the ball for Cleveland didn't help. Ultimately, McDaniels was fired and the short-lived Eric Studesville administration followed. Now the John Fox era begins, with one task being pretty clear: shore up the league´s worst defense. Denver gave up 390.8 yards per game. That's terrible. Areas of concern: Fox's defense will be of the 4-3 variety, not a 3-4, with the organization having its fourth defensive coordinator in as many years. With more changes could come some growing pains, especially for top-pick linebacker Von Miller, who is expected to start right out of the gate. Ditto the rest of the rookies, as Denver took six defensive players in April's draft. A healthy Elvis Dumervil sure would help, as Denver sorely missed his presence last season. Of course, the big elephant in the room at the team offices is what to do at quarterback, where the Johns (Elway and Fox) could go with the young Tim Tebow or the productive Kyle Orton. Either way, this team needs to get more out of running back Knowshon Moreno, as well as a steady player to complement him. Two things to hang your hat on, Broncos fans: 1. Brandon Lloyd is no fluke. Forget the numbers. Some of the catches he made only 15 people on the planet could've even thought about making. He's a mature man, not a 22 year old anymore. 2. With Fox's arrival comes respect from the locker room and around the league. All of the drama that surrounded the McDaniels era won't have a sequel here. Kansas City Chiefs Where we left off: This club got crushed in the playoff loss to the Ravens. Can the Chiefs make it back? They rode a 10-6 record to an AFC West title with an outstanding running game, solid quarterback play, and a defense that created big plays. Problem was, that defense could give 'em up too, like in key losses to the Texans, Chargers, and, of course, the Ravens. Still, this team is loaded with young talent, from Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles on offense, to Eric Berry and Tamba Hali on defense. Don't look for this team to fail miserably in 2011. Areas of concern: Defensively, the Chiefs need some other guys to step up outside of Berry and Hali. That starts with Glenn Dorsey and Wallace Gilberry on the line, who have really improved, but they need a solid nose tackle next to them. Gilberry, despite being an undrafted free agent, might have been the Chiefs' best defensive lineman last season. The linebacker play was much better (especially Hali), but they would be more effective if the defensive line could pick it up a notch. In fact, better play up front would give the whole defense a tremendous lift, especially considering the back four (Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Kendrick Lewis, and Berry) is pretty solid. Kansas City only allowed 5.68 yards per pass, fifth in the league. Speaking of the passing game, the Chiefs need a solid second receiver. Will it be rookie Jonathan Baldwin? Age on the offensive line is also a growing issue. Two things to hang your hat on, Chiefs fans: 1. Only three rookies made the "Top 100: Players of 2011" and one of them wears 29 in red, yellow and white. For all the hubbub about Ndamukong Suh, don't sleep on Berry. He can play. 2. Matt Cassel made huge strides last year, starting with a 27-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. If he continues, the Chiefs will be back in the postseason. NFL.com experts investigate the pressing issues facing each team when the lockout ends: » AFC East: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC East: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC North: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC North: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC South: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC South: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC West: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC West: Team needs \| Where we left off Oakland Raiders Where we left off: Did anyone happen to notice that the Raiders went 6-0 in the AFC West? Talk about an under-the-radar team. The 8-8 record was more than just a step forward, it marked the first time Oakland didn't have double-digit losses since the Super Bowl season of 2002. The improvement starts with Darren McFadden, who averaged 128 yards from scrimmage per game, second in the NFL. Jason Campbell was mostly steady (only eight interceptions), while his favorite target -- Zack Miller -- continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the NFL with 60 catches for the second straight season. Areas of concern: While the defense was pretty good (11th in NFL) and was able to get to the quarterback with 47 sacks, the unit must generate more turnovers for this team to make the playoffs. And, if Oakland loses shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, opposing teams will feel comfortable attacking both sides of the field. Either way, Oakland's corners have to capitalize on opportunities to pick the ball off. Asomugha didn´t get interceptions because quarterbacks would go an entire half without testing him. Speaking of the passing game, the Raiders' receivers still don't give the team enough pop. Louis Murphy is okay, but the entire group of wideouts combined for 111 catches between them. Roddy White caught 115 balls by himself. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Hue Jackson needs something from you. Anything. Two things to hang your hat on, Raiders fans: 1. Don't ever forget about Richard Seymour. The man is an impact player whether he lines up inside or outside, and gives the team a chip on its shoulder. 2. Rookie linebacker Rolando McClain was no disappointment, with 85 tackles, six passes defensed and a pick. His play in pass coverage was better than expected. San Diego Chargers Where we left off: One of the weirdest seasons in NFL history went down in San Diego last year. How a team finishes first in team offense and team defense, but can't even survive its weak division is anyone's guess. The Chargers were done in by five blocked punts, 16 lost fumbles, and an inconsistent run game, which averaged fewer than four yards per carry. The Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson offseason distractions got the season started off on the wrong foot. That said, the special teams breakdowns came at the worst times, and spoiled what should have been another division title for the Bolts. Also marred was another standout year (4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns) from Philip Rivers. Areas of concern: New special teams coach Rich Bisaccia was hired in January to rectify that unit's problems. Also of concern is the passing game, which needs free agents Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd back, or else Antonio Gates will be blanketed like never before. The Chargers did draft local Vincent Brown from San Diego State in the third round as insurance, and Jackson will likely be playing in San Diego in 2011 after getting franchised. Another free agent concern is safety Eric Weddle, who was one of the club's most consistent performers. The defense, as a whole, was good at getting to the pocket, with 47 sacks, but the lack of takeaways really hurt the team. Of course, the top issue with fans is Norv Turner who, if he goes 9-7 again, could be looking at his last season in San Diego. Two things to hang your hat on, Chargers fans: 1. A lot of the players who came through NFL Network's doors for "The Top 100" show felt Rivers was as good as Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. He's a legit top-three quarterback in the NFL. 2. Rookie Ryan Mathews showed flashes despite gaining only 678 yards rushing, and barring injury, should have a breakout year. That would take pressure off Rivers, as well as eat up clock for the defense's sake. Elliot Harrison is the research analyst for NFL RedZone on NFL Network. Also... Video of Cassel and Haley being interviewed from their golf tournament.
Posts: 13,873

07-20-2011, 08:52 PM	#3
aturnis MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Casino cash: $9975811	*AFC West hopefuls face big decisions at some pivotal positions* <-- link (link contains two videos I have yet to watch) By Pat Kirwan NFL.com Senior Analyst Published: July 13, 2011 at 03:57 p.m. Updated: July 15, 2011 at 05:22 p.m. When the lockout is over, it could be a mad dash for talent all over the NFL. With that in mind, we examine the most important things each team must accomplish with a division-by-division breakdown. This is a look at the AFC West. Broncos in search of a 'gamer' There is no doubt that veteran Kyle Orton could be considered a "gamer," and second-year pro Tim Tebow, at least based on his collegiate résumé, more than fits the description, Steve Wyche writes. More ... Denver Broncos Trade Orton: Sooner or later, the Broncos have to find out if Tim Tebow is the franchise quarterback. That time might as well be now. New coaches should not waste their honeymoon year trying to win eight games with a bunch of older veterans. Kyle Orton could bring a solid player or a good draft pick to Denver. It will not be hard to find a veteran to backup Tebow and help him learn the pro game. Sooner or later, the Browns should release Jake Delhomme and he can put on a baseball hat for a year and mentor Tebow. Keep in mind, John Elway and John Fox didn't draft Tebow and there is no emotional tie. If Tebow can't do it, the Broncos can draft a new quarterback next year. Sign a few Panthers: Players typically follow coaches to new destinations. Fox is a players' coach, and some of the quality Carolina Panthers on the free-agent market would fit nicely. DeAngelo Williams would be the Broncos' feature back and defensive end Charles Johnson would give Denver an excellent pass rush by teaming with Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos would expect 20-plus sacks from that defensive end tandem. Both Williams and Johnson are young enough to play out long-term contracts. The Broncos can't wait any longer for Robert Ayers -- who has 1.5 sacks in two years -- to deliver. Acquire two defensive tackles: The position is a weakness on the Denver roster. It's time for the Broncos to hit free agency for at least one veteran, but two would be even better. In a perfect world, they would add the New York Giants' Barry Cofield and Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Mebane. Cofield is a 27-year-old defensive tackle with good size at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds. Cofield typically delivers 40 tackles and three to four sacks a season. Mebane, 26, is 6-foot-1 and closer to 315 pounds. Mebane will not have the same numbers as Cofield, but will be disruptive inside and could play more as a "one-technique." Maybe Fox would like to put the Minnesota Vikings' Pat Williams on the nose for a year, although that would fly in the face of a youth movement. Kansas City Chiefs Find a nose tackle: The Chiefs drafted Jerrell Powe in the sixth round out of Mississippi, and the 330-pound plugger will help in the rotation. However, if Kansas City could get its hands on a guy like the San Francisco 49ers' Aubrayo Franklin, then that would give the Chiefs a better defense. Re-signing Ron Edwards wouldn't be all bad and a heck of a lot cheaper. Sign a right tackle: The Chiefs were the best rushing team in the NFL last year with 164 yards a game and at a clip of 4.7 yards per rush. The Chiefs want to run the ball 35 times a game, and they could be even better at it with an upgrade at right tackle. The Atlanta Falcons' Tyson Clabo would be a very good fit. The Dallas Cowboys' Doug Free would give the Chiefs flexibility for left or right tackle. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jeremy Trueblood is not in the class of the other two, but he is a very physical right tackle who would fit into the Chiefs' scheme. Go slow on Waters and get Wiegmann re-signed: Replacing talent with talent is the key to personnel moves, and rumors about guard Brian Waters being done in Kansas City are out there. The Chiefs believe Jon Asamoah is ready to play, but between him and veteran Ryan Lilja on the other side, keeping Waters might be a very good idea. In 16 starts, Waters had two penalties and gave up one sack in 2010. In fact, in his last 47 starts Waters has given up four sacks. As for Casey Wiegmann, the team needs him for one more year to get rookie Rodney Hudson ready to play. Oakland Raiders Bring in at least one offensive lineman: At this point, the Raiders would be starting two rookies on the offensive line, Stefan Wisniewski at center and Joe Barksdale at right tackle. They also plan to replace guard Robert Gallery with untested Bruce Campbell. Those three things can't happen if the Raiders are going to move forward as a team. The Raiders believe in these young players, so they probably head to free agency looking for a few veteran bargains to come in and hold the fort down. Re-sign Miller and make an offer to Asomugha: Tight end Zach Miller is a key to the offense. If the Raiders lose him in free agency, both the running and passing games suffer. Miller averages about 60 catches and four touchdowns a season, plus he helps establish a point of attack for the run game. There is no one in free agency who can replace what Miller does. As for the star corner, Nnamdi Asomugha, he probably is headed to another team, especially after the Raiders gave Stanford Routt a new three-year deal before the lockout started. The Raiders have paid Asomugha lot of money over the years and inflated his value financially. Asomugha's a fine player, but his market value makes it next to impossible for the Raiders to bring him back. That being said, the Raiders should make an offer, or at least ask Asomugha to give them a chance to match what he is offered by another team. Losing Asomugha is a step backwards for a team trying to turn its fortunes around. Put a young quarterback in the mix: Coach Hue Jackson is very good with quarterbacks, and I think he should have a young prospect on the roster behind starter Jason Campbell. Oakland should consider Terrelle Pryor if we ever get to a supplemental draft. I don't think they would have to put in a first- or second-round selection, but a third-rounder might do it. Oakland just drafted CB DeMarcus Van Dyke from Miami (Fla.) in the third round and he was on the Hurricanes' bench by the end of last season. Pryor is less of a risk than that and he could develop nicely. NFL.com experts investigate the pressing issues facing each team when the lockout ends: » AFC East: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC East: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC North: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC North: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC South: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC South: Team needs \| Where we left off » AFC West: Team needs \| Where we left off » NFC West: Team needs \| Where we left off San Diego Chargers Re-sign Weddle and Burnett: Kevin Burnett has quietly become a very good linebacker for San Diego after coming over from the Cowboys in 2009. Last year, Burnett was in on 95 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and forced two fumbles. There will be teams interested in him, but San Diego needs to keep Burnett. He will be 29 in December, so the contract length could be a bit tricky. However, when you realize James Holt and Kion Wilson are penciled in as starters, it's a no-brainer to get a deal done with Burnett. As for Eric Weddle, his name pops up all over the league as a guy teams want. He's from San Diego and told me he would like to stay, but I got the sense he's ready to test the market. Weddle played for Ron Rivera over the past few seasons and really likes his old coordinator, who is now the coach in Carolina. The Chargers added often-injured Bob Sanders in the offseason and might be preparing for life without Weddle. Acquire a veteran wide receiver: Vincent Jackson continues to play on the franchise tag. Unless they strike a long-term deal with Jackson, this might be his last season in San Diego. Patrick Crayton is projected as the other starter and the Chargers drafted Vincent Brown in the third round. This team could use another solid receiver. San Diego has always liked tall targets and I could a Braylon Edwards being very productive with Philip Rivers throwing him passes. It's possible the Chargers re-sign either Malcom Floyd or Legedu Naanee if the lockout limits the amount of preparation time teams have to get ready for the season. Maybe the Chargers think about either Steve Smith (Giants or Panthers). Find a swing tackle: There is always a reason to add a versatile offensive tackle who can play both sides. It's a hard player to find and maybe the Chargers add a starting tackle for the right side and let the competition play out. Picking up a player like the Buccaneers' Jeremy Trueblood would help the depth up front.
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07-20-2011, 08:55 PM	#4
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	Age on the OL? LOL.
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07-20-2011, 09:10 PM	#7
DMAC MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $10008735	How old was Roaf when we got him?
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07-20-2011, 09:21 PM	#9
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9273645	The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to think that Franklin is going to end up here. Not a lot of 3-4 suitors that need a NT. Can't say I'm thrilled. __________________
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