(NOTE: I blasted them for acting like babies and dared to predict the Broncos would finish ahead of the Chargers [whoops], but other than that, I had them going 11-5 and falling short of the Super Bowl, which is actually exactly what happened. I also love how they came out of the woodwork AFTER the season was over.)
Will I be cursed at again this year? (The answer is YES, though me being cursed at probably has less to do with what I write in this column and more to do with people just enjoying cursing at me.)
AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers (12-4)
2. Denver Broncos (8-8)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
4. Oakland Raiders (4-12)
San Diego Chargers: It's no secret that I'm not the biggest San Diego Chargers fan. Sure, they've had an incredibly talented roster the last few years, but they've also been an obnoxious (Philip Rivers), preening (Shawne Merriman), trash-talking (Rivers and Merriman) and underachieving (LaDainian Tomlinson in the playoffs) group. They sort of reminded me of the early 2000's Baltimore Ravens — but without the Super Bowl win.
However, that perception changed for me last year when the Chargers finally broke through by winning in the playoffs and, more importantly, showed heart in doing so, going into Indianapolis and winning with their three best offensive players injured. (It's with a heavy heart that I pass the obnoxious, preening, trash-talking and underachieving crown to the Dallas Cowboys of the new millennium.)
I expect San Diego to build on that momentum from last year. They didn't make any major additions in free agency, but they didn't have to. Their only major loss was backup RB Michael Turning going to the Falcons (he was crucial since LT is about to start declining), but did a nice job of replacing him, in part, through the draft with Jacob Hester (the explosive Darren Sproles will also help). The defense will still be one of best in the conference, and Philip Rivers (pictured, right) looks good in camp so far coming off his injury. He'll have WR Cris Chambers for a full season this time.
They're a lock to win their division because they're really good and because the other three teams are rebuilding (though I'm pretty sure Denver doesn't realize they're rebuilding).
They've also passed the Indianapolis Colts (who they clearly OWN) as the second best team in the AFC, which should set up another terrific confrontation in the playoffs. Overall, Chargers fans should have plenty to be happy about (even though a couple of them are cranky bitches).
Denver Broncos: This team suffered its share of injuries last year, but mostly suffered due to its surprisingly terrible defense (third worst against the run). Unfortunately, they didn't make too many significant upgrades to said defense and a couple of key players, like CB Champ Bailey and new LB Boss Bailey (no relation), are dealing with nagging injuries during the preseason.
In his first year as a starter QB Jay Cutler had his ups and downs, but still came away with pretty impressive numbers (20TDs, 14 INTs). I'd like to think that he'll continue to get better, but I'm actually not so sure, because the Broncos will be trying to break in a few new starters on their offensive line (never a good thing). Still, that shouldn't stop them from having one (or two)
rush for over 1,000 yards because that's just what the Broncos do. (That and frustrate fantasy owners with their running back-by-committee.)Also not helping Cutler's development is the fact that Brandon Marshall (pictured, left), his best weapon is a total knucklehead — a talented knucklehead, sure (1325 Yds, 7 TDs), but a knucklehead nonetheless.
I think the Broncos will struggle this year, but still end up with a decent record, mostly due to the terrible division they play in.
Kansas City Chiefs: The illustrious Damon Huard era has come to an end in Kansas City, paving the way for Brodie Croyle's time as the Chief's QB. Ok, maybe it wasn't so illustrious since I had to look online just now to see who the team's QB was before Croyle took over in the second half of last season.
Croyle showed signs of being something last year and they Chiefs discovered they have a potential 1 WR in Dwayne Bowe, but they're still a few years away from the playoffs. Since Croyle isn't quite ready yet, defenses should still be able to key in on star RB Larry Johnson, who battled injuries last year.
On the defensive side of the ball, they drafted LSU's Glenn Dorsey, widely regarded as the best lineman and, by some, the best player in the draft. Unfortunately, they also lost DE Jared Allen, one of the league's best pass rushers, to the Vikings. Coach Herm Edwards better watch his job.
That sound you hear is Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez (pictured, right) gently weeping after realizing his career is going to end playing for a 6-10/5-11 team.
Oakland Raiders: I was actually surprised and a little impressed by the spunk the Raiders showed in a lot of their games (they won't on to lose anyway) last year.
That's why it was a little startling to see owner/crazy old man Al Davis (pictured, left) try to fire first-year coach Lane Kiffin — it seemed like the players were really responding to him, so I don't understand why he'd want to mess with that.I have no idea if JaMarcus Russell is any good. He definitely has the physical gifts (and no that's not a crack about his reported near-300lbs frame), but I'd be more excited about his chances of success if his two main targets weren't a washed-up looking Javon Walker and an uneven converted basketball player (Ronald Curry).
The big offseason acquisition was the drafting of rookie RB Darren McFadden in the first round. His explosiveness and playmaking ability should help the team, though I'm not sure how often we'll be able to see the guy — it's kinda hard to go to the ground and show off your stud running back when you're behind all the time.
Though the Raiders also boast a solid defense and several exciting players, every time you try to talk yourself into thinking this team is a contender remember one thing — no team run by a crazy old man in lady glasses will ever get anywhere.
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