With the NFL division breakdown series in full swing, the next division in focus is the AFC West. This piece will rank the defensive positions to round out the division.
The AFC West defenses played decent at points during the season, but the offenses carried the majority of the load. Kansas City’s defense was stellar in the first half of the year, but tailed off down the stretch. San Diego was impressive in the road playoff victory against Cincinnati. Denver missed a couple of key starters and Oakland had its moments.
Here’s a defensive position-by-position breakdown of the NFC East, with “the best” at each position followed by “the rest” in descending order.
AFC West Breakdown: Defense
Defensive Line
The Best: OAK The Rest: DEN, KC, SD
Much of the AFC West’s pass rushing comes from the linebackers, but Oakland built a solid, veteran defensive front in free agency. Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Antonio Smith had stellar tenures at their previous stops in New York, Pittsburgh, and Houston, respectively. They might not be in their physical primes, but they can still play. Not only will they bring productivity, but also a winning pedigree the Raiders desperately need.
Denver added DeMarcus Ware to go along with Terrance Knighton and Derek Wolf. The Chiefs have a front that is led by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dontari Poe and Corey Liuget remains San Diego’s most effective edge rusher.
Linebackers
The Best: KC The Rest: SD, DEN, OAK
For the last several years, Kansas City has boasted the division’s best linebacker corps. Featuring Pro Bowlers Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, and Justin Houston, the Chiefs have caused much disruption for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. Kansas City allowed only 12.3 points per game in the first nine weeks; when Houston got injured, the Chiefs struggled. This corps is elite when everyone is healthy.
Dwight Freeney, Melvin Ingram, and company piece together a solid group in San Diego. Von Miller coming back at 100 percent will drastically improve the Broncos pass rush. Rookie Khalil Mack will be the Raiders future on defense, but Kevin Burnett is Oakland’s top backer for now.
Cornerbacks
The Best: OAK The Rest: DEN, SD, KC
The Broncos did acquire Aqib Talib in free agency, but Oakland gets the slightest edge in this area because of their depth. Bringing in both Carlos Rodgers and Tarell Brown from the 49ers gives the Raiders stability and leadership on the outside. D.J. Hayden is a solid young corner out of the University of Houston who will benefit from the veteran presence.
Having an elite cornerback in Aqib Talib instantly makes Denver’s pass defense better. Finishing 29th against the pass in 2013, the Chargers now have a true No. 1 corner after picking up Brandon Flowers from the Chiefs. Sean Smith can contribute at a high level, but losing Flowers in the offseason was a huge blow for Kansas City.
Safety
The Best: DEN The Rest: KC, DEN, OAK
One of Denver’s free agent splashes was the signing of Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward. With free safety Rahim Moore coming back healthy for 2014, the Broncos will present the division’s best tandem. Known as a thumper and aggressive run-stopper, Ward will bring physicality to the secondary. Moore will look to build off of his 2012 season when he recorded 72 tackles, one interception and one sack.
The Chiefs and Chargers are tied because they both have perennial Pro Bowl safeties. Kansas City strong safety Eric Berry and San Diego free safety Eric Weddle have established themselves as two of the league’s top guys playing centerfield. The range and versatility the two Erics display helps carry a significant load for their respective clubs. Before missing 14 games last year, Oakland’s Tyvon Branch completed four consecutive seasons with 90 or more tackles — including a 124-tackle campaign in 2009. He doesn’t get top-tier recognition, but he is definitely worthy of a Pro Bowl selection.
Special Teams
The Best: KC The Rest: SD, OAK, DEN
Ranking the AFC West’s Special Teams was difficult because each team lost key pieces over the past few years, but the Chiefs claim the top spot. They did lose return specialist Dexter McCluster this offseason, but their unit remains solid with punter Dustin Colquitt and kicker Ryan Succop.
Special Teams has always been a constant in this division. The kickers and punters for each remaining squad are great and they can make a difference when called upon.
Coaching
The Best: KC The Rest: DEN, SD, OAK
Chiefs coach Andy Reid stands alone as the division’s best coach. During his tenure in Philadelphia, he led the Eagles to a 130-93-1 record, five NFC Championship appearances, and a Super Bowl appearance in the 2004 season. Previously a Coach of the Year award winner, Reid could have easily won the honor again after leading Kansas City to 11 wins and a playoff trip in 2013 (the Chiefs only won two games in 2012).
Denver’s John Fox has had a solid career after leading two different teams to the Super Bowl. Mike McCoy brought the Chargers back into the postseason and helped Philip Rivers revitalize his career. Dennis Allen of the Raiders has struggled since his arrival; the influx of talented new players, both young and old, should work in his favor moving forward.
2014 Prediction
The Best: DEN The Rest: SD, KC, OAK
As long as Peyton Manning is under center for the Broncos, they will remain the favorite. With the variety of weapons, the offense will continue to excel. The new pieces on defense should put them over the top in the AFC as they try to avenge their dreadful Super Bowl loss.
The Chargers can only get better with the Rivers-McCoy pairing. The lack of perimeter weapons will eventually hurt the Chiefs. Oakland can be a really good team; the issue is that the other three teams in the division are all-around better than them at this point. After the NFC West, the AFC West is arguably the best division in the NFL.
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