AFC West
  

                2008 Offseason Preview

                       By: Khaled Abdallah

 

2008 AFC West Offseason Preview

This is my first time writing for the Sports Deli so I'm a bit wary about whether or not to unleash my sometimes ridiculous, completely biased opinions on the readers. I'm hoping to be one of the cool guys who have their picture up in the Deli Staff page. I guess that's in your hands. So here goes nothing...

Now that we've witnessed the greatest upset in the history of football, and one of the best games I have ever seen, I've decided to go through each team and discuss their needs on both offense and defense. If you're offended that I didn't include special teams, I'm not downplaying its importance, but there isn't much I have to say about Jeff Feagles' punting average or which poor soul is going to be returning kicks for the Jets next year.

Now, on to the preview:

Oakland Raiders (4-12, T-3rd)

Defense: The Raiders are in need of some youth across the D-Line. Though DTs Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren are under age 30, they're hardly the kind of talent that Oakland needs on the line. LSU DT Glenn Dorsey is precisely the kind of player the Raiders need. The real strength of the defense is their linebacker group. MLB Kirk Morrison and OLB Thomas Howard (10 INTs, 2 TDs) both had stellar seasons, but they need to work harder against the run. In terms of transactions, priority #1 should be signing Nnamdi Asomugha, who is only one year removed from a Pro Bowl season.

Offense: Unless rookie WR Johnnie Lee Higgins makes some big strides in his development as the third receiver, Oakland may look to address that need in the draft. RB Justin Fargas was a pleasant surprise (1,009 yds, 4.5 ypc in 9 games as a starter) after being no more than a third-down back for the first four years of his career. His success makes RB Lamont Jordan expendable. QB JaMarcus Russell showed flashes of talent but really needs to cut down on his turnovers (2 TDs, 4 INTs) to keep the Raiders relevant. Russell is the clear starter at QB but bringing in a veteran to mentor him wouldn't be such a bad idea. I'm not so sure Daunte Culpepper, with his carelessness with the football and his sour attitude, is what the Raiders have in mind as the veteran presence.

 

Kansas City Chiefs (4-12, T-3rd)

Defense: For the first time in years the Kansas City defense was in the Top 15 in the league. The primary reason for the improved defense was the emergence of third-year MLB Derrick Johnson and DEs Jared Allen (15.5 sacks, which led the league) and Tamba Hali. Kansas City's cornerbacks, Ty Law and Patrick Surtain, are ancient and that's definitely a need they should address in the draft.

Offense: The Chiefs' offense finally has a deep threat in potentially-dominant rookie WR Dwayne Bowe, who had a breakout season in 2007 (70 rec, 995 yds, 5 TD). A strong #2 wide receiver would put this offense over the top. But, most importantly, the Chiefs have to decide if second-year QB Brodie Croyle really is the long term answer. Damon Huard is on the wrong side of 30. Even though Huard filled in admirably for Trent Green in 2006, he doesn't have the skills to carry this offense (especially with RB Larry Johnson missing half the season due to injury).

 

Denver Broncos (7-9, 2nd)

Defense: The Denver defense, with the exception of the cornerbacks and linebackers, is in need of a major overhaul. FS John Lynch is getting older and he is obviously not going to be the long-term starter. Backup FS Hamza Abdullah may be the answer though. He proved to be a big hitter with decent range. The D-Line is lacking in playmakers, with the exception of DE Elvis Dumervil (who had 12 sacks). That is perhaps the biggest reason that the team finished 30th in the league against the run. When your best defensive tackle is 34-year-old Sam Adams, who looks to be pushing 400 pounds, your D-Line needs some work. The good news is that defensive lineman can be found all over the draft.

Offense: With the emergence of WR Brandon Marshall (1,325 yds, 7 TD) and the return of Javon Walker, there is no reason for QB Jay Cutler not to make the leap from inexperience to stardom. This young group can develop into a Top Five team in the AFC if Cutler takes that step. RB Travis Henry proved to be nothing more than a distraction for the team, with his year-long drug-testing scandal and the media's constant reminder that he has nine kids with nine different women. Henry should be dropped faster than Maurice Clarett was.

 

San Diego Chargers (11-5, 1st)

Defense: When you look at the depth chart for this defense, there seem to be no holes; which makes you wonder why they weren't a better unit. The Chargers were decidedly average for what is supposed to be an elite group, finishing 14th in total defense, 14th in passing yards allowed and 16th in rushing yards allowed. Not exactly the stats of a top-flight defense. Aside from enormous NT Jamal Williams and "enhanced" OLB Shawne Merriman, the San Diego defense is a bit undersized; but that seems to fit their style. A pressing need for them is some depth along the defensive line and a safety with more range than Marlon McCree.

Offense: Their offensive issues in recent years have been remarkably similar to Kansas City's. Great TE, great RB, decent QB; but nothing past that. With the acquisition of WR Chris Chambers (555 yds, 4 TD in 10 games) and the emergence of Vincent Jackson, the Chargers finally have some deep threats to complement Antonio Gates and LT. This offense is geared for a title run, but QB Philip Rivers needs to get over his ego and stop trying to carry the team on his own. All that's required of him is to make smart decisions and not turn the ball over. Maybe if Norv Turner asks nicely, he'll stop smack to the fans, too.

 

[Editor's Note: This concludes our offseason preview of the AFC West. Check back on Monday for a full preview of the AFC North, including solutions for the inept Ravens offense].