Chargers Division Foes: Scouting The Rest of The AFC West

(Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Ask any head coach in the NFL and they will tell you that the best way to get into the postseason is to win your division. The best way to win your division is to beat your division opponents. Over the last three seasons only one team, the 2006 Carolina Panthers, failed to make the playoffs with the best record amongst their division opponents.

The San Diego Chargers are seeking their fourth straight AFC West Crown, and fifth in six years. Trying to take them down will be their long time foes, the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders.

Let's examine these three opponents and gauge their threat level to the reigning division champs.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have had one of the most interesting offseasons in recent memory—a never ending series of curious moves. Mike Shanahan, long time coach and close friend of owner Pat Bowlen, was fired shortly after the Broncos' historic collapse.

Josh McDaniels replaced Shanahan, even though many felt a defensive wiz like Steve Spagnoulo or Jim Schwartz would have made more sense, in light of the Bronco's defensive struggles.

Then came the Jay Cutler fiasco that ended with Cutler in Chicago and Kyle Orton as Denver's projected starter at quarterback.

Finally, with glaring holes in the defensive front seven and having signed several free agent running backs, the Broncos selected Knowshon Moreno, a running back, with their first pick in the draft.

Reasons for Optimism

While losing Cutler hurts the team (at least on paper), the Broncos could have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. McDaniels is known for his work with quarterbacks, and Orton may actually be a better fit for McDaniels' system.

Playing behind a strong line, Orton will have plenty of quality targets to throw to in players like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. The addition of rookie running back Knowshon Moreno gives the team a legitimate three down back who can run, catch, and block. There is also quality depth at the skill positions.

Reasons to Worry

The defense has major holes. While new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is well regarded for his defensive knowledge, there is little to work with in the front seven. The team is switching to a 3-4 defense and simply lacks the bodies required to play up front.

The team is also getting old in the secondary. Corner back Champ Baily will be 31 at the start of the season. Much like running backs, corner backs often decline after the age of 30. And while Brian Dawkins has been a force at safety for years, he will turn 36 this season, while learning a new system.

Bottom Line

Josh McDaniels may prove to be an evil genius. The potential is there for a high scoring offense. If Nolan, Baily, and Dawkins can work miracles, the defense might be competent enough for this team to compete.

The holes in the front seven, however, are too large to ignore. The team did little to nothing to improve their biggest weakness, and lacks the personnel to play a 3-4 scheme effectively.

This is a team that appears to be in turmoil, and McDaniels appears to be in over his head. Bill Belichick's assistants have had little success on their own. McDaniels looks to be no different. Bowlen may regret firing Shanahan by the bye week, if he doesn't already.

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