Good, Better, West: How The AFC West Measures Up

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Hey, it’s the 50th anniversary of the original AFL!  Of course, if this year resembles last year, there won’t be much cause for celebration in the AFC West.

When looking at the AFC West, it is important to realize that making the playoffs means winning the division.  Second place will only make you a spectator.

Consider that the Denver Broncos owned first place in the division throughout the season, dropping to second in a week 17 thrashing at the hands of the San Diego Chargers (final score 52-21).  Consider that with an 8-8 record, San Diego made the playoffs as a result of winning the West while the Broncos at 8-8 missed the playoffs.  Consider that teams like the Patriots (11-5), Jets (9-7), and Texans (8-8) also stayed home.

And what’s worse, Indianapolis (12-4) was hosted by San Diego because winning the division made them a higher seed.  So, in its simplest terms, you win and you’re in.

That said; let’s not dwell on how weak the division was/is.  Let’s concentrate on what it takes to win the division, solidifying a place in the playoffs.

The Kansas City Chiefs finished last year a dismal 2-14.  CEO Carl Peterson resigned, head coach Herm Edwards was fired and the quarterback equivalencies of the Keystone Cops (Brody Croyle, Damon Huard, and Tyler Thigpen) were upgraded.

Though they lost Tony Gonzalez in the offseason (Atlanta Falcons), the tight end position figures less into new head coach Todd Haley’s scheme as a pass receiver.  The tight end will be used more traditionally in a blocker’s role.

Former New England Patriots vice president Scott Pioli takes over the position vacated be Peterson and the Chiefs were also able to secure last year’s quarterback virtuoso, Matt Cassell.

Larry Johnson was the focus of the team’s offense last year and he didn’t perform up to the hopes and expectations laid before him.  He was injured late in 2007 (week 9) and didn’t play again until September 7th of the following year.  Team suspensions were followed by a league suspension. 

If the Chiefs want to succeed this year, they will hope LJ wants to succeed as well.

Glen Dorsey has a year under his belt and aims to make more of an impact this year as a veteran.  Fellow LSU Tiger Tyler Jackson was added in this year’s draft and surely they’ll be excited to put the band back together.

Keeping in mind that the Chiefs fielded the youngest team in football (average age of 25.5) last year and they’ve had a year to mature; they could make some noise in 2009.  Depending on how quickly the team can congeal and begin to absorb coach Haley’s offense, this team could become a contender in one to two years.

The Oakland Raiders would love a return to glory, a time when “Pride and Poise” and “A Commitment to Excellence” meant something.  “Just Win Baby” has been replaced by “At Least Try.”

2008 ended with the lowly Raiders holding a 5-11 record, their best since a Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002.  It was also the first year since that time they didn’t finish last in the division.  So, there’s a positive.

JaMarcus Russell enters his third year as the team’s quarterback.  And with the addition of UMD speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey, Russell will have opportunities to shine.

Once again, Darren McFadden

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