AFC West preview
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Prediction: First.
Coach: Norv Turner, fifth season (overall 103-109-1).
Coordinators: Off., Clarence Shelmon; Def., Greg Manusky.
Outlook: There's plenty of talent on offense, starting with Philip Rivers, one of the NFL's most productive passers. He threw for 4,710 yards and 30 TDs last season. WR Vincent Jackson is back after continuing contract issues, and second-year RB Ryan Mathews looks for a breakout season.The defense is excellent, having ranked first overall last season and first against the pass. The core of that defense remains together. Former NFL linebacker Manusky takes over as its coordinator.
Last word: This is clearly the most talented team in the division, so anything less than a title and a meaningful run in the playoffs would be a disappointment.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 8-8, 13-3, 9-7.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Todd Haley, third season (14-19).
Coordinators: Off., Bill Muir; Def., Romeo Crennel.
Outlook: It was an unexpectedly good run last season to the division crown, but the Chiefs will need every bit of luck to get back to the playoffs this time around, especially if San Diego returns to form. The ground game will be the centerpiece of the offense, as Jamaal Charles comes off a 1,467-yard rushing effort last year. Once again, he teams in the backfield with Thomas Jones. The defense has improved under Crennel, especially LB Tamba Hali, who had a career-high 14½ sacks last year and signed a new deal this summer.
Last word: If the formula of a big-time rushing attack and limited turnovers from QB Matt Cassel works again, the Chiefs have a shot at going back to the playoffs.
Three-year trend: 2-14, 4-12, 10-6.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Hue Jackson, first season.
Coordinators: Off., Al Saunders; Def., Chuck Bresnahan.
Outlook: Jackson is the latest in a long line of coaches brought in by mercurial owner Al Davis, and he inherits a team that showed modest improvement last season. RB Darren McFadden comes off a 1,157-yard, seven-touchdown effort in 2010, so look for a heavy dose of his speed and power. The big issue on offense is the QB; Jason Campbell is solid, but not close to dominant. He's best suited for a possession-type offense. The defense has solid personnel, but needs to buckle down against the run (29th overall last year).
Last word: The constant coaching turnover is never good, and Jackson will need time to adjust.
Three-year trend: 5-11, 5-11, 8-8.
DENVER BRONCOS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: John Fox, first season (overall 78-74).
Coordinators: Off., Mike McCoy; Def., Dennis Allen.
Outlook: Fox brings his conservative approach to the Mile High City, where the Broncos will employ a run-oriented offense and QB Kyle Orton's relatively mistake-free passing attack. There has been plenty of controversy over what to do with QB Tim Tebow, but Fox likes his passers in the conventional mold. Tebow is anything but conventional. Fox is a defensive-minded coach who switches Denver from a 3-4 to a 4-3. He'll have the Broncos playing better defense in relatively short order. Look for rookie LB Von Miller to be a key contributor.
Last word: Lots of grind-it-out football. Not flashy, but Fox even- tually can turn this team around.
Three-year trend: 8-8, 8-8, 4-12.
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