Content provided in partnership with

AFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

DENVER BRONCOS

Matt Lepsis is becoming more comfortable in his move from right tackle to left tackle. He has gained confidence and is playing more aggressively. By midseason, the dub believes Lepsis will be better than Ephraim Salaam, last season's starting left tackle.... LG Ben Hamilton rarely makes mistakes. He's slightly undersized (6-4, 284), but he's adept at using his hands and at cut blocking, and he's agile enough to track down linebackers. The team often runs to the left; Hamilton's ability to seal off tackles or help double-team ends is a major reason why. The line play was excellent in the opener as Quentin Griffin rolled to 156 yards rushing and three TDs. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: QB Jake Plummer sometimes fools even his teammates on a naked bootleg. He'll call a handoff to one side, then take off toward the other side at the snap. Since only Plummer and the coaches know that Plummer is keeping the ball, the blockers are highly convincing as they block for the play called in the huddle.--Patrick Saunders

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The return of WR Johnnie Morton has a domino effect. It allows coordinator Al Saunders to use the multi-receiver formations he favors. It gives QB Trent Green a security blanket in having a veteran receiver, rather than untested rookie Richard Smith, to throw to. And it allows the Chiefs to use WR/KR Dante Hall in his regular role, which will keep him fresher.... The Chiefs traded DE R-Kal Truluck to the Packers because he couldn't play the more physical style coordinator Gunther Cunningham prefers. But they might miss Truluck's pass-rush skills. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: C Casey Wiegmann might not be a good fit for most teams because of his size (285 pounds), but he's perfect for the Chiefs' offense. Wiegmann excels at getting out and leading on sweeps and screens and also at getting to linebackers in a timely manner. The Chiefs need a center with his abilities. But Wiegmann can be overmatched by bigger, more physical defensive tackles.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Coach Norv Turner inserted rookie Robert Gallery in place of RT Langston Walker after Walker struggled early in the first game. Gallery also played for LG Frank Middleton, who left with cramps. Gallery played well and made a strong case to start. The Raiders envision him as a left tackle, but he won't play there as long as Barn/Sims is performing well. Look for Gallery to bounce around on the line until Turner finds the spot he fits best.... RB Tyrone Wheatley's bruising, straight-ahead style convinced the team not to re-sign Charlie Garner and go with Wheatley in Turner's run-oriented offense. Turner covets a workhorse back, and Wheatley is tough, can carry a sizable load and doesn't fumble often. Look for him to get 20 carries or so in a game. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Raiders started the opener in a 3-4 but shifted to a 4-3 and also used a 4-6. They likely won't play the 3-4 for extended periods until they're convinced they have enough playmakers, especially at linebacker. --Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

OLB Steve Foley has brought needed toughness and attitude to the defense. At 6-4, 265, he has excellent size and power, and his mobility allows him to be around the ball. He had a fumble recovery and an interception and defensed two passes in the opener. Offenses will have to account for him.... Second-year TE Antonio Gates should make a run at the Pro Bowl. Gates, a basketball player at Kent State, has excellent mobility and soft hands and knows how to use his big body (6-4, 260) to wall off defenders. He had eight receptions for 153 yards in the opener, and seven went for first downs. He is a matchup nightmare. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: During pregame introductions, the defensive players ran onto the field as a group rather than one at a time. The goal is to promote unity a year after the defense seemed to splinter. With that in mind, the locker room also was remodeled in the offseason. Instead of being divided into quadrants, it was transformed into one large room.--Jim Trotter

AFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Sports

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports