Hansen Hype: Must-Read AFC West Links, July 27 Edition

Fresh links for Friday heading into a busy weekend of training camp. In today's edition: Manning and more Manning , a chippy Ryan Mathews, Carson Palmer and a win prediction for the Chiefs. 

Broncos

Peyton Manning deferred to John Fox and John Fox deferred to Peyton Manning when asked how far Manning has come since his super-secret throwing session at Duke last March (via Mike Klis, Denver Post). Manning's teammates seemed more convinced.

Mike Klis also has a list of the position-battle developments, with the biggest surprise being Mitch Unrein lining up with the No. 1 defense.

Raiders

According to ProFootballFocus, Carson Palmer completed 16 of 41 passes on go routes in 2012 and was in elite company. It will be interesting to see if Greg Knapp dials back the deep passing or recognizes how well the Raiders executed the deep pass last season and keep it in the playbook.

Reggie McKenzie sat down for an interview with Monte Poole of the Contra Costa Times and had this to say about his running back and wide receiver:

"

"D-Mac has the ability to change the game," McKenzie says, as if issuing a warning to opponents. "You saw some improvement with Darrius (Heyward-Bey), and having that speed threat is going to help—if he can develop some consistency."

"

Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs' first training camp practice is today, and Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star sets the benchmark at 10 wins for the Chiefs in 2012.

Defensive back Jalil Brown expects a more physical training camp in 2012. Brown cites the lockout as the reason the Chiefs got off to a slow start in 2011.

Chargers

Ryan Mathews is ready to "shut everyone up," according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union Tribune. There will be people that like the chip on Mathews' shoulder and there will be people that wish he would shut up himself and just perform on the football field. 

Antonio Gates likes the low-drama roster in San Diego (via Scott Bair, North County Times):

"

There were times where guys would get complacent because they had a situation where they do have a big contract or a big signing bonus coming up, and this team has definitely gotten rid of all the prima donnas.

"

It's not too hard to figure out Gates was talking about Vincent Jackson.

Left Tackle Jared Gaither exited practice with what one teammate called a "full-body cramp," and Charlie Whitehurst also injured his knee, prompting the Chargers to contact former Chargers backup quarterback Billy Volek, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union Tribune.