AFC west

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

DENVER BRONCOS PLAYOFF READINESS ***

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey and Pro Bowl S John Lynch have improved the defense, but that still might not be enough to slow down QB Peyton Manning and the Colts. Without having to face a great pass rush, Manning will have time to find his receivers downfield. Bailey won't be able to run stride for stride with WR Marvin Harrison forever. Denver's best defense might be its offense. QB Jake Plummer threw for a franchise record 4,089 yards this season but also threw 20 interceptions. A potent running game sets up Plummer's rollouts and play-action throws. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B-. There were too many turnovers and red zone failures, Defense: B, It didn't make enough big plays. Special teams: D , K Jason Elam was excellent; the punting and coverage were subpar. Coaching: B , Few can match Mike Shanahan as an offensive game planner.--Patrick Saunders

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The priority is fixing a defense that was worse in 2004 than in 2003. The unit could use line help, particularly a top pass rusher, but E Jared Allen's emergence lessens the need. The Chiefs must find a middle linebacker; they can't count on MLB Mike Maslowski (knee) returning healthy or MLB Kawika Mitchell making dramatic improvement. There also is no guarantee OLB Shawn Barber (knee) will be ready for the start of next season. The Chiefs must add cornerbacks who are capable of playing coordinator Gunther Cunningham's preferred bump-and-run coverage. On offense, a young wide receiver would offset the possible loss of Johnnie Morton, who could become too expensive. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B . It struggled to score in the clutch during a miserable first half. Defense: F. It allowed too many big pass plays. Special teams: C-. Kicks and punts cost the team field position. Coaching: D. The failure to make defensive changes falls on Dick Vermeil, but he rallied the team after its bad start.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: Coach Norv Turner needs to finish the offensive makeover by finding a top running back. Then he can focus on the defense. He must decide whether to re-sign CB Charles Woodson, what to do with disgruntled CB Phillip Buchanon and whether NT Ted Washington, DL Warren Sapp and FS Ray Buchanan are part of the problem or the grand plan. Woodson probably will command too much money for the Raiders to bring him back. QB Rich Gannon likely will retire or be jettisoned because Kerry Collins is a nice fit in the offense. The Raiders will target at least one cornerback who can start, a pass-rushing end and at least one linebacker to bolster a defense that struggled in the 3-4 scheme. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C. The lack of a running game hurt. Defense: F. The unit somehow was worse than it was in 2003. Special teams: B. Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler remain the best kicking duo. The return teams struggled. Coaching: C-. Norv Turner made great strides on offense. An overhaul on defense is in order.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS PLAYOFF READINESS *****

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The Chargers have won 11 of the past 13 and will be difficult to beat. On offense, everything begins with the line. The unit plays well as a group and does an excellent job of providing QB Drew Brees time to throw and RB LaDainian Tomlinson room to run. TE Antonio Gates frequently draws double-teams, which creates opportunities for the wideouts and has prevented defenses from putting a safety into the box to play the run. WR Keenan McCardell (hamstring) missed the past three games but returns this week. His leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial because defenses figure to focus on Tomlinson and Gates. On defense, the Chargers give up a lot of yards but not many points. They have a suspect pass rush; most of the pressure comes from OLB Steve Foley, who mixes speed and power rushes. FINAL GRADES: Offense: A. Brees and Gates emerged as a killer combo. Defense: B . The unit allowed more than 24 points just three times. Special teams: C , The kicker and punter were solid; the coverage teams were inconsistent. Coaching: A. The staff took a team many thought was among the NFL's worst and molded it into a division winner.--Jim Trotter