NFL NUGGETS : Chargers win AFC West on way to Super Bowl
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Editor's Note: This is the eighth and final installment of a series previewing the division races of the upcoming NFL season. San Diego is primed and ready for another run at the AFC West crown. But the Super Chargers have a much loftier goal in mind.
Over the last few years, San Diego has been a Super Bowl contender, but hasn't quite made it there, for whatever reason. With apologies to Fouts, Winslow and Co., this season's team might be the most mature, complete unit the Bolts have ever fielded.
I'm picking the Chargers to reach the Super Bowl this season, where they fall in a barn-burner to the New York Giants.
On a side note, I think it's strange that I haven't seen many other folks picking the Giants to repeat as champs. Hey, it's no joke to win three straight road playoff games and upset an undefeated team in the Super Bowl. But I digress.
While San Diego is obviously the class of the division, the rest of the AFC West isn't so clear. A lot will depend on how young quarterbacks in Oakland, Denver and Kansas City perform.
NFL Nuggets AFC West Predicted Order of Finish 1. San Diego (12-4 ) - The bad news for San Diego is that pass-rusher extraordinaire Shawne Merriman has ligament damage in his knee and will likely have season-ending surgery. The good news is the Chargers have the depth to absorb that kind of hit. So this preseason, both of my Super Bowl teams lost their top pass-rushers (New York's Osi Umenyiora suffered a season-ending knee injury ). Hmm, maybe I should rethink my picks. Key for the Chargers this season will be keeping offensive stalwarts like RB LaDainian Tomlinson, QB Phillip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, LT Marcus McNeill and WR Vincent Jackson healthy and moving. Tomlinson remains the NFL's biggest backfield threat, and a healthy Gates makes the San Diego passing game go. 2. Denver (8-8 ) - It's Jay Cutler's time in Denver, and he's looking to make the most of it. While the team was up and down last season, the former Vanderbilt QB played pretty well throughout. But Cutler has to be concerned about Denver's receiving corps. Happy with the potential of Brandon Marshall, the team released malcontent Javon Walker. The ultra-gifted Marshall will likely have to serve at least a twogame suspension, leaving vets Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley as the team's top receiving threats. Denver fielded the league's 28 thranked defense last year, but I can see potential for improvement under Bob Slowik, the team's third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. The Broncos can rush the passer with ends Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervil, and cover the pass with corners Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. But can they stop the run ? 3. Oakland (7-9 ) - The youthful combo of Darren McFadden and JaMarcus Russell has Raider fans giddy with anticipation, and why not ? There might not be a more athletically gifted running back-quarterback duo in the NFL.
This year might be a little too soon for Oakland's young players to carry the team to the playoffs, but a jump from four wins to eight isn't out of the question.
Just a programming note: McFadden will be making his NFL regularseason debut on Monday, Sept. 8, in the second game of an ESPN-televised doubleheader. The Raiders will host Denver at a scheduled 9: 15 p.m. start time.
I can see some folks in Arkansas calling in sick the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9.
4. Kansas City (4-12 ) - Sorry, Chiefs fans, but it could be another long season. Kansas City's offense isn't horrible, but has glaring weaknesses at No. 2 receiver, center and right guard.
The good news for KC is that running back Larry Johnson has looked solid in the preseason, moving quick and running hard. And I've been singing the praises of receiver Dwayne Bowe ever since he was running over Arkansas linebackers at LSU. The bad news is Brodie Croyle is still the quarterback. The Chiefs traded pass-rush maniac Jared Allen to the Vikings, but drafted talented defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey to offset the loss. The Chiefs' D-line might actually be a team strength this year, with young bulls like Dorsey, Turk McBride, Tank Tyler and Tamba Hali.
• • • Offensive MVP: LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego. Defensive MVP: Champ Bailey, CB, Denver. Top rookie: Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland. Breakout player: Jarvis Moss, DE, Denver. Joe West is the assistant sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.
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