Charging up the charts: LaDainian Tomlinson and San Diego will keep moving in the right direction after their surprising season in 2004

Football Digest, Sept, 2005 by Barry Wilner

THIS DIVISION MIGHT BE THE most competitive in the NFL, if only because none of the teams is a real standout.

The San Diego Chargers, 124 a year ago, still are the class of the division. There remain questions about San Diego's secondary and possibly its receiving corps, but there are enough stars, led by running back LaDainian Tomlinson on offense and linebacker Donnie Edwards on defense, to make this club hum.

The Kansas City Chiefs made some nice upgrades to a pitiful defense, and if that unit now is respectable--and age doesn't catch up to quarterback Trent Green and running Priest Holmes--the Chiefs will push San Diego. But time could be running out on this club.

The most offseason noise was made by the Oakland Raiders, who brought in wideout Randy Moss and running back LaMont Jordan to juice the offense. This team has to get at least a little better, though it will be just as dysfunctional.

Denver traded away its 1,000-yard back, Reuben Droughns, because it believes Tatum Bell can handle that job. What the Broncos must find is more consistency in the passing game, as well as a better pass rush.

Here's how the division shapes up:

1. San Diego Chargers

Where they left off: After a revitalizing year in which they surged from the bottom of the league to a division title, the Chargers played poorly in their playoffs opener and lost in overtime to the New York Jets. But they discovered a QB (Drew Brees) and a tight end (Antonio Gates) along the way.

New faces: The first two draft picks, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and defensive tackle Luis Castillo, both come off embarrassing offseason episodes. Castillo admitted to using a steroid to aid his recovery from an elbow injury, while Merriman skipped a minicamp in an argument with management over insurance. Still, both could be starters by September 11. The only significant veteran signee was safety Bhawoh Jue.

X's and O's: Don't look for the Chargers to open up things very much. Tomlinson is one of the best runners in the game, and he thrives on lots of work. He also is a threat as a receiver. That's important because other than Gates and 35-year-old Keenan McCardell, the team doesn't have any proven pass-catchers. Still, Eric Parker looks like a corner and even Tomlinson's backup, Jesse Chatman, has displayed good form when given an opportunity. Coach Marry Schottenheimer would like his defense to be even more physical. In versatile linebacker Edwards, he has a leader and a playmaker.

Coaching/management: Schottenheimer still can't get far in the playoffs, but his rebuilding plan is working. The Chargers probably arrived a year earlier than expected. General manager A.J. Smith has done a nice job; he understands how to use the draft.

Why they'll finish first: Unless Brees falls apart or Tomlinson gets hurt, the Chargers remain the favorite.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Where they left off: Scoring a lot of points (483), fielding a lot (435), and winding up 7-9.

New faces: Loads of them on defense, where change was most needed. Cornerback Patrick Surtain will be charged with covering the Randy Mosses and Rod Smiths of the division and is, by far, the best defensive back they have. Safety Sammy Knight, and former rookie of the year Kendrell Bell, a linebacker, are big upgrades. The Chiefs spent their top pick on Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson, who goes sideline to sideline as well as anybody in the 2005 rookie class. And punter Dustin Colquitt should help in the field-position battle.

X's and O's: As long as Green, Holmes, and tight end Tony Gonzalez remain at their recent levels of play, this team will store a ton of points. The Chiefs use Gonzalez in just about any type of situation, and Holmes is among the top double threats in football. The offensive line is superb in the running and passing games, but K.C. needs more from its wideouts. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has more of the aggressive, speedy types of players he likes for his schemes. There isn't enough talent yet for the Chiefs to win games strictly with their defense, but they should be more competitive and more versatile in the looks they give opponents.

Coaching/management: Dick Vermeil might be the league's oldest coach, but he relates well to his players, and to just about everyone else. He hasn't lost faith, even with the Chiefs taking a huge step backward a year go. GM Carl Peterson finally has provided some balance to his roster. Let's see if all the new faces he brought in deliver.

Why they'll finish second: The Chiefs are improved on defense, but they're still not quite good enough on that side of the ball to overtake the Chargers.

3. Oakland Raiders

Where they left off: With another humiliating season and a 5-11 record. They allowed 442 points, second-worst in the league. The Raiders allowed 30 or more points nine times.

New faces: The signing of Moss was the biggest offseason transaction in the league. He not only fits in with the Raiders' rebel image, but he brings the downfield threat owner Al Davis always covets. If he behaves--and that's a big if--Moss could help resurrect this fading franchise. Jordan should boost a sputtering running game, but to expect him to be a star after four seasons as a backup on the Jets is a bit much. Rob Konrad could help at fullback, though he won't be a difference-maker. Oakland loaded up the secondary, from journeyman Renaldo Hill to draftees Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt, both speedsters. Linebacker Kirk Morrison might be a surprise contributor after being taken 78th overall. But the best defensive addition might be end Derrick Burgess, who comes off a strong season with the Philadelphia Eagles.