How The West Would Have Been Won In 2009

(Please envision a picture of Connor Barth at the top. For some reason, I cannot upload one).

December 14th 2008: Connor Barth hits a 50 yard field goal at the end of regulation to propel the Chiefs over the Chargers. By default, Denver wins the AFC West.

Although Denver drops three in a row to end off the regular season and continues to be dominated by the Colts in the post season, a playoff berth and a division title allows Mike Shannahan to keep his job.

2009 key free agent signings:

Chris Canty, DT

Renaldo Hill, S

2009 key draft pick:

BJ Raji, DT (trade up)

2009 projected starting offense

QB: Jay Cutler

WRs: Brandon Marhall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley

OL: Casey Weigmann, Chris Kuper, Ben Hamilton, Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Tony Sheffler

RB: Peyton Hillis

2009 Projected starting defense

DL: Elvis Dumerville, Chris Canty, BJ Raji, Tim Crowder

LB: DJ Williams, Spencer Larsen, Wesley Woodyard

DB: Champ Bailey, Jack Williams, Renaldo Hill, Josh Barrett

McDaniels is hired by Kansas City to be their head coach. He proceeds to bring in three RBs in free agency and pick another two RBs in the draft, as well as three tight ends (even though Tony Gonzales remains on the team). In fact, he drafts all offense except for the 7th round pick. Even though they generated only 11 sacks last year (similar to another AFC West team), you cannot have enough TEs and RBs on your team! He trades away Glenn Dorsey (after all, defense doesn't matter) and Dwayne Bowe for Matt Cassell. It was widely rumored that New England would have taken a 2nd round pick for Cassell, but McDaniels had such a hard on for Cassell that he just leapt at the opportunity (similar to a situation where Seattle pilfered Denver's likely high 2010 first round pick for the oh so golden opportunity to get Alphonso Smith). The Kansas City Star, ESPN and Fox Sports all cite McDaniels as a 'wrecking ball that destroyed a team in an already tenuous situation'. Denver, San Diego and Oakland fans rejoyce as they can all count on two easy wins per year for the next three-to-five years.

Right about now we would be posting about how the defensive backfield has a little way to go, but a pass rush will help out a lot. And how another year of the Cutler-Marshall-Royal tandem will only get better with another year under their belts as a unit. And how San Diego will finally be swept after years of abuse.

It's funny how one missed field goal can change everything...