AFC West

Sporting News, The, Dec 9, 2005

DENVER BRONCOS

One reason for RB Run Dayne's success is that the team's zone running system is similar to what he played in at Wisconsin. He's adept at finding cutback lanes and moving forward after contact.... Denver entrusted career backup Cooper Carlisle with the right guard spot, and the middle of the line struggled early. But Carlisle, 28, has developed nicely. He's quick enough to mirror defenders, and though he has deficiencies as a drive blocker, he can deliver a punch when his technique is sound. OVERACHIEVING: NT Michael Myers was a throw-in in the Reuben Droughns trade but has become a reliable run stuffer. He lacks natural pass-rush moves but is a high-energy player. His strong lower body allows him to anchor, then shed blockers and make tackles. UNDERACHIEVING: The club had hoped WR Darius Watts would become more sure-handed, but he has fallen into the doghouse. Watts, a 2004 second-round pick, makes spectacular catches but botches easy ones.--Lee Rasizer

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

WR Samie Parker's return from injury has been a factor in the resurgence of the passing game. Parker has good speed and is the Chiefs' best downfield threat. His presence opens a lot of the underneath mutes for other receivers, such as TE Tony Gonzalez.... ET Willie Roaf, who returned from a hamstring injury last Sunday, probably doesn't get enough credit as a run blocker. Roaf, 35, excels at getting outside and leading sweeps and screen plays. OVERACHIEVING: CB Dewayne Washington, forced to play more than expected because of injuries, has performed better than the Chiefs hoped. Washington's career looked like it might be finished when Jacksonville let him go alter last season, but he has played better this season because he has been put in man-to-man coverage more often. UNDERACHIEVING: OLB Kendrell Bell hasn't had the impact the Chiefs hoped for when they signed him as a free agent. When he has been in the game, Bell has been solid. But he is basically a two-down player who comes out in passing situations or any time opponents go to three or more wide receivers.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

DT Warren Sapp (shoulder) is done for the season, and the team will miss his ability to draw two blockers. Replacing him will be Ed Jasper, who is undersized (6-2,293) but experienced, and Terdell Sands, who is massive (6-7,335) but raw. The team will rotate more with Sapp out, and it also will bounce other players from position to position.... Rookie CB Fabian Washington, who is filling in for Charles Woodson (leg), rarely has been beaten, and he is a solid tackler. His impressive play could allow the Raiders to let Woodson go in the offseason if the price gets too high. OVERACHIEVING: Rookie OLB Kirk Morrison makes quick recoveries and doesn't repeat mistakes. He has a good nose for the ball, is a solid tackler and has helped stabilize what was a shoddy unit. UNDERACHIEVING: Tyler Brayton is a hybrid end/linebacker who can't find a spot to make significant contributions. He likely would develop into a solid starter if he were left at one position. For now, Brayton, a former first-round pick, is a situational player.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

WR Eric Parker goes all-out each play and practices as if he's in danger of getting cut. He embraces every role given to him. The team takes advantage of Parker's speed on punt returns and reverses. He is tough enough to go over the middle and runs precise routes. His sure hands make him a favorite on third downs. Parker also is alleviating concerns about his durability.... The return of OLB Steve Foley (groin) gives a top-flight pass rush another asset. He shook off some rust in the win over the Redskins and was attacking relentlessly by the second half. OVERACHIEVING: LG Kris Dielman wasn't expected to play much this season, but he flourished so much as a fill-in for Toniu Fonoti that the Chargers traded Fonoti. Dielman has improved at sustaining and finishing blocks. He has reinvigorated the line. UNDERACHIEVING: After much fanfare at the start of the season, rookie KR Darren Sproles has been rather pedestrian, though he did have a 47-yard return Sunday. He lost his punt return job because he had too many bobbles. There also was hope Sproles would provide a spark on offense, but that hasn't happened.--Kevin Acee