Chargers GM AJ Smith "Doesn't Like" Revamped, "Patriotized" AFC West

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A near-complete domination of the AFC West, as well as a 54-26 regular season record over the past five years, hasn't been enough for Chargers GM A.J. Smith or his team to be exactly where he would want them.

The Super Bowl.

Despite San Diego's loaded roster that boasts future Hall of Famers (RB LaDainian Tomlinson), a franchise quarterback (Philip Rivers), a former Defensive Player of the Year (LB Shawne Merriman), and a myriad of All-Pros, their success has been limited to a few playoff wins and lording over a consistently weak division.

Until now?

Smith isn't sure.

In fact, a cursory glance over a few of his comments regarding Kansas City and Denver's shift in philosophy over the off-season would seem to indicate the hard-nosed Smith is, well—quivering in his boots.

"I consider it a direct threat to us, and I don't like it," Smith said to reporters in a story published by the Boston Globe.

A push by the Chiefs and the Broncos to be the west's version of the dynasty-wielding New England Patriots has Smith's complete attention.

On his friend, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, Smith told the Globe that he believed he'd make Kansas City "a winner."

He also referenced Denver's head coach, Josh McDaniels, and the fact that "[McDaniels and Pioli] have something that I don't have: a world championship."

Smith's background, on the other hand, is being the longtime assistant of former Bills and Chargers GM John Butler, as well as working with, and being influenced by—in his own words—Marv Levy and Bill Polian.

Not too shabby. As members of the Bills, Smith, Butler, Levy and Polian helped preside over a team that made the Super Bowl four consecutive years... and won none of them.

Now, Smith's angst can be perceived as seeing his window of opportunity getting smaller.

Truth be told, he might not have that much to worry about—yet.

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