The Five Most Hated Players in the AFC West

OK b/r fans, time to pipe up on your greatest nemesis from opposing AFC West teams.

For simplicity, let's talk the present. There's simply too much history of bad blood to cover in one article.

I don't want to hear Lester Hayes, Rodney Harrison, or John Elway. Keep Lyle Alzado, Neil Smith, and Brian Bosworth out of the conversation.

We're talking here and now - 2009 players from the Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders.

I'm sure the perspective changes based on your favorite team, but I will try my best to be as objective as possible.

Hope you enjoy!

Larry Johnson

This may be the only guy on this list who is not even liked by his home town fans.

LJ has endured a tumultuous career in Kansas City, from being asked to take off the diapers by Coach Dick Vermeil, to being the beast of the league in 2005 and 2006.

LJ has a laundry list of off the field issues, including using a female as a spittoon, and could often be seen whining like a baby on the sidelines in 2008 when he didn't get his 25 carries.

This guy is just too easy to dislike. Of course, if the improved offensive line in Kansas City makes him a 1,200 yard back again, maybe the fans at Arrowhead can forget a few flaws? Nah....Not likely.

JaMarcus Russell

Surprisingly, I had some difficulty combing the roster of the Raiders and finding a guy I truly despise on this team.

The best player by a mile is Nnamdi Asomugha, but that guy is a class act. The other guys frankly just aren't that good, or fail to instill the classic Raider bad boy attitude.

My choice is JaMarcus Russell.

You'd think this list would be reserved for players who have actually accomplished something in their career; something that sticks in your mind of how a player single handedly defeated your favorite team with a great drive, or a memorable play.

Nope, not in the case of Russell. Quite the opposite in fact. Russell has overwhelmingly under-achieved from his No. 1 draft selection in 2007 out of LSU.

Russell held out to the start of the 2007 season before signing a 6-year, 68 million dollar contract, with over 31 million guaranteed.

Let's think of that for a minute...31 million - I would gladly pay Tom Brady that amount over a three year period. Wow...Not much of a ROI with this guy.

Russell has become infamous for his lack of preparation and his offensive lineman-like physique. But...he's got a hell of an arm.

Nice pick Al Davis. He is the perfect selection for "your system."

The best play JaMarcus Russell can execute in 2009 is to hand the ball off to Fargas/McFadden/Bush behind the human road grader that is Lorenzo Neal.

Shawne Merriman

Let's see - where to begin here.

Merriman the 'roid head?

Maybe it's the "Lights Out" celebration which is without a doubt the most annoying display I've seen since Mark Gastineau's "sack dance" of the 1980's.

It could be the shouting and taunting he exhibits after making even the most routine of plays.

Or could it be jealousy? Hey, performance enhanced or not, this dude is flat scary good.

It will be interesting how his surgically re-built knee holds up. If it can keep up with his mouth, the AFC West is in for some mean hits in 2009.

Brandon Marshall

Known as "the beast," there is no denying Brandon Marshall has a wealth of talent, and is one of the most punishing players in the league when he has the ball in his hands.

He will flat run through you instead of around you.

Marshall can also be found frequenting the face of officials and grandstanding for the cameras at every opportunity.

Hey, maybe it's working. He's obviously garnished his share of the media attention over the past two years.

Marshall's legal issues resemble a monthly summary of most metropolitan newspapers.

Marshall was in the limousine the night of the Darrent Williams shooting, and has had multiple domestic violence and alcohol related incidents.

This kid has talent that is other-worldly, but unfortunately a brain that keeps making bad decisions.

With any luck at all, Marshall is a great candidate to miss time during the season for off the field issues. Hopefully, it's December 6th and January 3rd.

Philip Rivers

This blow-hard may whines more than any quarterback in the league west of Indianapolis.

Rivers displays a passion for winning that I can respect, even as a fan of the Chiefs.

I would venture to say his displays of passion, other than to San Diego's faithful, borders on sickening and distasteful.

Rivers is mouthy and cocky, I'm sure one of those guys you love if he is on your team, but hate to play against.

The bad news for AFC West foes is - this guy appears to still be getting better. Rivers has been successful, not only statistically, but at winning at every level he's played.

I expect the window for the Chargers to be closing shortly in regards to a Superbowl run, but won't slam shut. With a young leader such as Rivers, the Bolts are likely to be contenders for quite some time.

And boy does that burn me...Maybe someday he can grow up and become a leader by example and not by using his mouth. But I'm not holding my breath.

What do you think?

Time to cast your vote - Who makes your "H" list from the AFC West?

I hope you enjoyed the show!