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AFC West

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

DENVER BRONCOS

KEY ISSUES: The defense isn't forcing enough turnovers, and QB Jake Plummer has 10 interceptions after throwing seven all of last season. Plummer has put up some big numbers but hasn't always played smart football. Opposing quarterbacks are picking on the cornerback opposite Champ Bailey, whether it's Kelly Herndon or Lenny Walls. With LE Trevor Pryce (back) sidelined, the pass rush has become anemic. RE Raylee Johnson and RT Luther Ellis have played well at times, but Pryce's push off the edge is missed. The lack of a pass rush is one reason turnovers have been infrequent. PROJECTION: Behind RB Reuben Droughns, the team has the makings of a solid ground game, and the defense is solid. So look for the Broncos to hold on and win the AFC West. A deep playoff run won't be possible, though, unless they cut down on their turnovers and penalties. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: C. Defense: B-. Special teams: C. Coaching: B-. Overall: B-.--Patrick Saunders

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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

KEY ISSUES: The Chiefs need to get more from special teams. Dante Hall is not the dominant return man of a year ago. The coverage units, particularly against punts, are leaky and consistently lose the field position battle. Cornerback is a concern. Eric Warfield had a strong first half, but William Bartee and Dexter McCleon were spotty, and Julian Battle is not a full-time contributor. An improved pass rush and schemes that allow the corners to be physical with receivers have helped. PROJECTION: The Chiefs will be dangerous in the second half. The defense is rapidly gaining confidence in Gunther Cunningham's scheme and should improve. The team is building offensive momentum after a sluggish start. A wild-card spot is reachable; a division title (the team trails the Broncos and Chargers by 1 1/2 games) is no longer a ridiculous idea. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A. Defense: C. Special teams: D. Coaching: C. Overall: C.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

KEY ISSUES: Injuries to RBs Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder) and Justin Fargas (toe, leg) have forced coach Norv Turner to rely on Amos Zereoue. As the backs heal, look for Turner to use all three until one emerges as the best option. At that point, the lead back should get the bulk of the carries the rest of the year. The defense has struggled to grasp coordinator Rob Ryan's system. The unit isn't getting pressure on quarterbacks, forcing turnovers or making many big plays, and there have been too many blown coverages. Look for Ryan to keep tinkering with personnel packages, alignments and blitzes to improve the performance of the unit. PROJECTION: The injuries are mounting, the losses are taking their toll on morale, the schedule gets tougher and the team hasn't shown it has the resolve to make a serious run at a playoff berth. A last-place division finish is likely. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: D+. Defense: D+. Special teams: C-. Coaching: C-. Overall: D+.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

KEY ISSUES: The organization wanted to get rid of in the offseason, but he has developed into one of the league's better quarterbacks. Brees says the game is slowing for him, and he is better able to visualize things before they happen. If he continues to improve, the offense should remain among the league leaders in points. Down the stretch, the club needs RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin/abdominal muscle) to be at full strength. He has topped 100 yards only twice this season. Jesse Chatman has done a nice job subbing for Tomlinson late in games, but Chatman (toe) is battling injury himself. PROJECTION: The Chargers will contend for the postseason. They began the season with a chip on their collective shoulders because so many people predicted they would be terrible, and now that they've had some success, their confidence is growing. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A. Defense: B. Special team: A-. Coaching: A. Overall: A.--Jim Trotter

AFC West

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

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