(Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)
The word seems to be that Denver would rather let Marshall sit down for the season, than deal out a large contract. But if the perfect trade comes around, I'm sure it won't surprise many to see Marshall packing his bags for good.
Still, without question, Denver has enough offensive weapons to make up for what would be lost in Marshall.
Defensive threats, on the other hand, still remain uncertain this offseason. The young players drafted by Denver have a great leader to follow in Brian Dawkins. Dawkins should help mold the rookies into professional players in the defensive backfield. It's always much easier to grow in the NFL with guidance and leadership, both of which a veteran like Dawkins can provide.
The rookie symposium takes place this week, and all the young players coming into the NFL through the draft should benefit from speakers like Mike Tomlin, Cris Carter, and Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson.
With guidance, and a little luck, Denver's defense should provide a much more formidable foe than their 2008 counterpart. Newly acquired Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan will look to make sure of that.
As a contender, I'd place Denver at No. 2 in the division this year, with stiff competition from the Kansas City Chiefs, who we'll address next.
Kansas City Chiefs
Not a standout team last year by any means, the Kansas City Chiefs did manage to put on quite an offensive show to end the season in 2008. Faces have changed, however, and it's tough to say what to expect from a new QB and new coaching staff at Arrowhead.
Matt Cassel comes from a season nobody expected from him.
For a quarterback that hasn't started since high school to lead the New England Patriots to an 11-5 season (10-5 starting record) is highly improbable. Belichik's defense, and a well seasoned receiver in Randy Moss, backed up Cassel throughout the year, and helped to carry him out of the gates in New England.
This year, Cassel has been left with nowhere near the options he had with the Patriots. Dwayne Bowe is probably his best receiver on the field now that Tony Gonzalez has been traded. Bobby Engram may provide a large target for Cassel, but isn't Randy Moss. Without the veterans in New England to support him, Cassel will most likely struggle in his first season with KC, but his personal outlook doesn't seem so grim.
"Slowly but surely, we're building chemistry, we're building rapport, and everybody's working hard." Cassel said during KC's mini-camp.
Only Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle, and Ingle Martin stand between Cassel and having his own team. It's safe to say he should be the one starting throughout the season for the Chiefs. How he will respond to the changes in his surroundings will be the deciding factor of his success in this league.
The hardest factor for Kansas City to overcome this season will be transforming it's bottom-of-the-league defense into something worth getting excited about.
With the third overall pick of the 2009 draft, Kansas City chose Tyson Jackson, a stout DE from LSU. He should mold well into a 3-4 defense that makes his run-stuffing ability a stand-out factor. Kansas City followed the trend in later rounds to pick up Alex Magee, DT, and Donald Washington, CB, to help add some young talent to the struggling defensive roster.
Without some serious change in the play of their new defensive rookies and their veterans alike, Kansas City will find it hard to make a winning season out of 2009.
Nevertheless, I do see a lot of potential in Kansas City, and I foresee them competing well with the Denver Broncos in the middle of the division. Before preseason, it's hard to tell whether or not they can make a run for a wild-card position in next year's postseason.
Oakland Raiders
It's always been hard for me to tell what kind of season the Oakland Raiders have in store for the NFL and their fans.
Since the Super Bowl losing year with Rich Gannon, the Raiders have dropped into a spiral of mediocrity. But things are looking up for the silver and black.
Last year, rookie back Darren McFadden, despite having almost no veteran leadership, made something out of nothing with his first season. With Justin Fargas leading the way, and Michael Bush riding his coattails, McFadden was able to scrape out 499 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and 29 receptions for 285 yards.
With his first season out of the way, McFadden looks to take up an important role in the Raiders' offense. Oakland expects to rely on McFadden in the passing game while they work to mend their deep attack.
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