With the NFL division breakdown series in full swing, the next division in focus is the AFC West.
The AFC West placed three teams in the playoffs last season. The Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs saw action in January due to strong quarterback play. How do the other offensive players stack up in the division?
Quarterback
The Best: DEN The Rest: SD, KC, OAK
The Super Bowl loss to Seattle was rough, but that does not take away from the phenomenal season Peyton Manning had. Manning put up the greatest statistical season for a quarterback in NFL history. He broke Tom Brady’s six-year-old record for the most touchdown passes in a season with 55. His 5,477 passing yards broke Drew Brees’ single-season record from 2011. With Manning under center, the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to score over 600 points in a season; in the midst of the scoring, four Bronco receivers recorded 10 touchdowns (another league record). Despite the advanced age and neck surgeries, Manning has still produced at the highest-possible level during his long, Hall of Fame career.
After two down years, Chargers signal-caller Phillip Rivers returned to his Pro Bowl form in 2013 as he went for 4,478 yards and 32 touchdowns en route to winning the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Alex Smith was one of the biggest offseason acquisitions last spring; his smart and career-best play was essential in the Chiefs drastic turnaround and for that he was awarded his first Pro Bowl selection. New Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub enjoyed success during his tenure in Houston, but his disappointing outing last year forced him to find a new home out west.
Running Back
The Best: KC The Rest: OAK, SD, DEN
Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy get the fans’ votes as the league’s top backs, but Jamaal Charles is worthy of that title. Charles rushed for over 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his six-year career; his career high of 12 touchdowns in 2013 was huge for Kansas City since the offense had such a conservative, “ball control” approach. His toughness in between the tackles, explosiveness in the open field and ability to catch the football make Charles one of the best all-around rushers in the NFL.
Oakland signed former rushing champion Maurice Jones-Drew to split carries with Darren McFadden. If both guys remain healthy, this duo can be scary. Plus, the Raiders have Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece to help carry the load. Ryan Matthews finally stayed healthy for a full season for the Chargers and their backfield will only improve with former Colt Donald Brown. Montee Ball will be the fulltime starter in Denver after Knowshon Moreno signed with the Dolphins in free agency. Unlike the rest of the division, the Broncos go as their passing game goes.
Wide Receiver
The Best: DEN The Rest: OAK, SD, KC
Denver has the best corp in the division. Manning has elevated the play of his Bronco wide-outs, especially Demaryius Thomas. Since Manning joined the Broncos in 2012, Thomas has 2,864 yards and 24 touchdowns over that span (he only had 834 yards and 6 scores his first two seasons). They lost Eric Decker, but they added Emmanuel Sanders to help stretch the field. Defenders especially cannot forget wily veteran Wes Welker.
Oakland has a solid receiving bunch featuring veterans Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and newly-acquired James Jones who will expand the aerial game. Keenan Allen had a stellar rookie campaign for San Diego; playing opposite of Malcolm Floyd will only help his growth. For the past five seasons, Dwayne Bowe has been KC’s primary pass catcher.
Tight End
The Best: DEN The Rest: SD, KC, OAK
Julius Thomas became another Manning beneficiary as he made the Pro Bowl in 2013. After playing in only 9 games his first two seasons, Thomas caught 65 passes for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 starts last season. At age 25, Julius is just another tight end to perform remarkably at one of the NFL’s most evolving positions.
Over the past decade, Antonio Gates has been one of the league’s best tight ends. Due to injuries and the rise of younger contemporaries, Gates has fallen out of the elite category. When healthy, the Chargers offense is much better. Whether in Miami or Kansas City, Anthony Fasano has remained a solid receiving option. The Raiders have yet to replace Zach Miller at this position.
Offensive Line
The Best: SD The Rest: DEN, OAK, KC
Offensive line is the division’s weakest area considering that each team lost a key starter, but San Diego gets the slight edge. Strong play from starters Nick Hardwick, King Dunlap and D.J. Fluker helped the Chargers construct a balanced offense.
Denver played the majority of last season without Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady. Outside of Louis Vasquez, the Broncos line has been relatively average. Luckily, Peyton Manning‘s ability to make pre-snap reads and make quick decisions with the ball have offset any frontline deficiencies. The Raiders did sign Donald Penn, but they’ve had some flops in free agency by losing Jared Veldheer to Arizona and Roger Saffold to a failed physical. Last year’s number one overall draft pick Eric Fisher will be a nice foundation to build upon, but Branden Albert taking a big payday from the Dolphins will hurt the Chiefs.
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