AFC West Primer

Almost there. We head out west for the AFC West today. Tomorrow will be the final division to cover, the NFC West.

Tebow will get playing time in 2010.

Denver Broncos
2009 record: 8-8, 2nd in division
Head coach: Josh McDaniel
Key Additions: DE Akin Ayodele, DE Justin Bannan, DE Jarvis Green, NT Jamal Williams
Key Losses: C Casey Wiegmann, TE Tony Sheffler, LB Andra Davis

1. Tebow?
First of all, if any NFL fan is wondering who's going to get the spotlight from the media if Brett Favre doesn't come back, all you have to do is point to the first round pick from Florida. He had a good game against the Cincinnati Bengals in last night's exhibition. If he's #3 on the depth chart, it's a close #3 and you know there will be packages at Josh McDaniel's disposal to unleash the former Gator.

2. Can the Broncos keep a running back healthy?
Didn't they have this issue last season? It almost makes you wonder why a running back would want to go there. Practice was cancelled over a week ago due to the number of Broncos that were banged up. In McDaniels' offense, the running back is as crucial as a tackle so they must be healthy.

3. Will we see the second-half swoon we've recently witnessed?
Shhhh. They may not want to revisit those, but it does need to be addressed. In '08, one win down the stretch and they were in. The Broncos jumped out to a 6-0 record and the bye week hit...and so did the downfall. Keeping all of that in mind, I don't think that's a part of the new Broncos mindset.

The Broncos still have a ways to go, but they're moving in the right direction. The first six games from last season were a bit of an anomaly.

Signing Jones was an excellent choice by
the Chiefs brass.

Kansas City Chiefs
2209 record: 4-12, 4th in division
Head coach: Todd Haley
Key Additions: RB Thomas Jones, G Ryan Lilja, WR Jerheme Urban, C Casey Wiegmann
Key Losses: WR Bobby Engram, RB Kolby Smith, WR Bobby Wade

1. Are we witnessing the continual building of "New England West"?
In it's full glory. The only things really missing are Brady and Belichick. Well, you have Brady's understudy in QB Matt Cassel. Toss in new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crenell and the bridge is slowly coming together. I;m not sure I;m a fan of this move, but it does provide for a compelling story.

2. Who will Cassel throw to?
The receiver depth isn't bad. In fact, it's pretty good. The question will be at tight end. Brad Cottam is on the PUP list so the focus could shift to draft pick Tony Moeaki from Iowa. Even then, the experience on the roster at the position is thin with Leonard Pope having the most experience with 5 years.

3. Where must the biggest change need to be made?
The defensive unit. They ranked 30th overall last year. And there's this. No defensive unit spent more time on the field last season than the Chiefs. Of course, the offense could help by sustaining more drives, but I think you get my point here. You also have to have a few stops during a game from the defense.

For the Chiefs to move forward, the running game will be the main thrust this season. Getting RB Thomas Jones was huge in my book.

Campbell isn't Plunkett, but he provides
a professional influence at QB.

Oakland Raiders
2009 record: 5-11, 3rd in division
Head coach: Tom Cable
Key Additions: QB Jason Campbell, DE John Henderson
Key Losses: LB Kirk Morrison

1. Will QB Jason Campbell really be the next Jim Plunkett as Al Davis said?
No, but Campbell provides a major upgrade at the position. I can't emphasize major enough as we all saw former #1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell fall completely off the Raider landscape. Campbell will need a bit of time as once again he's faced with learning another system. I like the move. I take that back. I love the move.

2. Will Darren McFadden finally show that he's the real deal?
He has to. I think his stint in Oaktown may be getting a little short, too. Not all his fault (injuries, poor o-line play), but we've not seen from McFadden in the pros as we did when he was in college. McFadden's success will only enhance the success of the Raider offense. If McFadden can blow holes in the defense, that will open up the passing game for Campbell. Thing is, McFadden does have a little bit of competition from Michael Bush.

3. Who will Campbell have as receivers?
This might be the best question facing Oakland this season. The good news is the Raiders have a nice group of tight ends. Zach Miller showed those outside of the west coast that he really is a receiving threat. Tony Stewart is the veteran presence and they signed John Owens in free agency. The same cannot be said for the receivers. Johnnie Lee Higgins has the most experience with 4 years. It seemed like Raiders QBs counted on Louis Murphy more last season than his stats show. Last year's first round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey proved to be the butt of more jokes than he had receptions. And the Raiders brought in another speedy receiver in drafting Jacoby Ford. No one will catch these guys...if they can ever catch the ball.

The Raiders will play defense. The offense needs to be the focal point.

Mathews should eclipse the 1,000 mark
in 2010...with ease.

San Diego Chargers
2009 record: 13-3, 1st in division
Key Additions: WR Josh Reed, T Tra Thomas, CB Nathan Vasher
Key Losses: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, QB Charlie Whitehurst, NT Jamal Williams, CB Antonio Cromartie

1. Has the window closed on the Chargers?
If it hasn't closed already, it's barely cracked. Barely. Most feel the Bolts will repeat as divisional champs, but to see them make another deep playoff run may be asking too much especially if T Marcus McNeill and WR Vincent Jackson continue to stay away.

2. Will first round pick Ryan Mathews revitalize the running game?
There's a two-part answer here. The second part depends on the first which is getting McNeill back in the fold. Without McNeill, Mathews can still have success, but it won't be as great. There was a reason the Chargers traded up to get this kid. He can flat out run. 1,000 yards should be a given.

3. Can the defense rebound from what looked like a down season?
The issue wasn't as much in the pass defense as it was in stopping the run. The loss of Jamal Williams may hinder that even more. The Chargers may be banking on rookie Cam Thomas to fill the void. That may be risky. Having Shawne Merriman in camp could help if he's committed not only to the organization, but committed to being involved in the run defense. The pass defense may fall off, too, but I think the trading of Cromartie wasn't that bad a deal. He clearly wasn't the Cromartie of a couple of seasons ago.

I enjoy watching these guys play. I hope we're not seeing the beginning of the end.

1. San Diego. It could be a much tighter division than in '09 for the Bolts.
2. Denver. The offense must stay on the field more.
3. Oakland. I wouldn't be shocked with a 2nd place finish this season.
4. Kansas City. The offense looks better. Not so sure about the D.

Mashall Sent to Dolphins; Ginn, Jr. on the Move?

Update (4/16/10): Ginn was dealt today to the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth round pick. Ginn should be a returner and a possible #3 or 4 WR.

Marshall also brings toughness to position

Two-second round picks. That would have landed you Brandon Marshall. And the Miami Dolphins did just that.

ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that Brandon Marshall will still don orange on 2010, but a different shade to go with it as Marshall lands in Miami. The deal comes on the heels of a report in The Palm Beach Post that Miami is shopping Ted Ginn, Jr.

Immediately, many will recall the Dallas days when Bill Parcells was the head coach and there was a receiver dubbed as "the player", aka T.O. This is different.

Parcells won't have to answer questions about getting Marshall the ball. Parcells won't have to answer questions about why Marshall was on the sideline screaming at his QB. Parcells won't have to answer the questions about how Marshall is possibly a locker room cancer. Those questions are in the past.

No one doubts Marshall's football ability. In fact, I say he's the best receiver in the league. But Marshall and Jay Cutler were escorted out of Denver due to the new guy running the show. And Josh McDaniels is running the show in Denver now as he wishes. Make no mistake about it. The Marshall deal just further entrenches McDaniels as the sheriff.

Miami receives a physical and athletic freak. With the running attack Miami displays, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown (if healthy), Marshall will make their lives even better. Having opposing D-coordinators concentrating on another offensive weapon is a guarantee that bigger running lanes will develop.

Ginn, Jr. was never received well in Miami

Regarding Ginn, Jr. He received the "Donovan McNabb" welcome in Miami...to a chorus of boos. You remember the Philly faithful booing McNabb's selection when Ricky Williams was still available? That's how Ginn, Jr's selection was viewed in Miami.

Ginn, Jr. was relegated to #3 receiver and return specialist toward the end of a disappointing 2009. While no one can question Ginn, Jr's return ability or his speed, the rest of his game can be. Ask former Parcells receiver Keyshawn Johnson. He knows a thing or two about Parcells and his expectations.

"I think if they can get something for him, he's probably a guy they would rather do without," said Johnson, now an ESPN analyst. "I don't know, I haven't really been talking to Bill about it.

"I just know based on the past that this is a real problem: dropping balls, not looking like a football player. It may be something he has put on himself."

"Bottom line he was drafted too high and he's not giving him what he should for his draft status, so it's time to maybe move him,"

So, the Fins send two picks for Marshall. They are hoping to recover at least one of those by sending Ginn, Jr. In the long run, this is a steal for Miami, especially if Ginn, Jr. can be dealt.

Chad Henne is happier than Williams and Brown.

Denver and December

I find it extremely entertaining and odd that there's a lot of talk of the Dallas Cowboys and their "December Swoon" and the Denver Broncos are being overlooked for the same distinction. Granted, the Cowboys have cemented a history for such, but the Broncos appear to be starting a foundation.

It may be a least a week before people bring up the Cowboys December trevails, but has anyone really looked and the Broncos December resume' over the last two seasons?

Just last season Denver seemed to have a stronghold on the AFC West only to fall flat on their face and watch the San Diego Chargers slide past and win the division. And the Chargers were 4-8 when the tailspin began for Denver. San Diego had to win out to even have a shot.

Denver dropped their last three and four of their last six games to hand the division to the Bolts including an embarrassing 52-21 loss to San Diego on the last week of the regular season.

And yesterday's 20-19 loss to the quaterback challenged Oakland Raiders should raise another red flag for Denver fans. But the problems aren't the same this season. Last year the defense let them down. This year, without Jay Cutler slinging the ball, it's the offense. Yeah, Cutler's thrown 25 INT, but he wouldn't have as many with the receivers he had in Denver.

The offense would be more explosive from both a passing and running standpoint if Cutler still in Denver. But he and new head coach Josh McDaniels did not get off on the right foot. McDaniels wanted Matt Cassel. Cutler had his feelings hurt and was later sent to Chicago. Cutler would thrive in this offense and the pressure to be "the guy" would not be near as smothering as it is in ChiTown.

McDaniels is turning this team in the right direction. The blueprint could not be any better than the one he brought from New England.

Just don't blow another shot at the playoffs.

sports

Thanksgiving Day NFL Recap

Happy Friday. I hope eveyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also hope you could find a way to enjoy the NFL games yesterday. I know, not much excitement. But there was if you were Lions QB Duante Culpepper. Read on if you're not sure what I mean.

 Packers (7-4) 34, Lions (2-9) 12

During pregame, Culpepper was informed that he would not be starting, and that Matthew Stafford would. Culpepper did not appear to be too pleased with the team's decision. He did practice with the first team for the short week. Remember, Stafford suffered a separated shoulder during Sunday's 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Maybe, Culpepper would have been the better selection based on the game Stafford had. 20 of 43, 213 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT. One of Stafford's INT was a pick 6 by Packers CB Charles Woodson. Overall the Lions had five turnovers.

One last quick (maybe not so quick) note from the game. There's 2:51 left in the game and the score is 34-12, Green Bay. Detroit has the ball on their own 28. It's 2nd and 10 and Stafford completes a pass to backup TE Casey Fitzsimmons. Upon being tackled, it appears that Fitzsimmons fumbles the ball but the officials ruled that Fitzsimmons was down by contact.

I know...not so quick. Sorry. I have to say this next part though. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) challenged the play. It was reversed and Geen Bay got the ball. I am massively irritated with McCarthy's decision to challenge that play. You're already winning 34-12 and there's less than three minutes left. What a heartless call by McCarthy. Happy Thanksgiving, Coach. You are no doubt, my Turkey of the Day. Congrats!

Some may say I'm off base. I say to you that you're as heartless as McCarthy. You already have the "W". What more do you need?

Game ball: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 28-39, 348 yards, 3 TD

NFL Monday Night Recap - Steelers/Broncos

28  10

After a rather slow and tedious first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers used their running attack in the second half to separate themselves from the Denver Broncos. The Steelers offense received a second half kickstart from their ground attack and turned the tables on Denver. The win keeps Pittsburgh tied with the Cincinnati Bengals atop the AFC Central at 6-2. Cincy currently owns the tiebreaker due to an earlier victory. Pittsburgh hosts the Bengals this week.

Meanwhile, Denver's second consecutive loss leaves them one game ahead of the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West. In two weeks, San Diego will visit Invesco for a crucial divisional matchup. First place could be on the line when they meet. The Broncos are also 6-2 and the Bolts are 5-3 after their win against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Some thoughts on last night's tilt.

1. A tale of two halves to say the least. Denver dominated the first half in every statistical category except the most important stat, the score. In fact, Pittsburgh did not have a single offensive play on the Broncos side of the field during the first half. But Pittsburgh reversed its fortune in the second half primarily on the legs of RB Rashard Mendenhall and his 155 total rushing yards. The Steelers running game had been a bit stagnant as of late but Mendenhall gashed the Broncos defense in the second half.

2. The Broncos were victims of their own mistakes. Broncos QB Kyle Orton tossed 3 INT with one of his picks being returned for a TD by S Tyrone Carter (left) and was the only TD either team scored in the first half. Oddly fact, the Steelers defense had accounted for the last three TDs the Steelers as a team had scored. Another odd thing. Carter was starting at safety due to S Ryan Clark being inactive. As many have heard, during the Steelers last Denver visit, Clark had his gall bladder and spleen removed to do complications of sickle cell trait. The trait is further complicated by altitude.

3. A sort stretch in the third quarter turned the game. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger dropped back to passed and had the ball stripped. Broncos LB Robert Ayers scooped up the ball and ran 54 yards for a Broncos TD. That made the score 10-7, Broncos. Most teams would have wanted to run a few plays just to get their heads back on straight. Not Ben and the Steelers offense. Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh on a 4 play, 80 yard drive that took all of 2:07. That quick scoring drive proved to be the difference in the game as the Steeler defense took over from there allowing only 27 rushing yards for the game.

4. Invesco is known as a difficult place to play. A sea of orange usually drapes the stands. Not last evening. A common phrase used in college sports is "the team travels well". It refers to a visiting team that has a large number of fans that attend their away games. The Steelers "travel well". In fact, it sounded like the crowd was more for Pittsburgh than Denver. I guess that happens when you win a Super Bowl...or six.

Next Monday, The Baltimore Ravens fly into Cleveland to challenge the Browns.

Monday NFL Week 6 Final and Notes

3423

Do you believe in the Denver Broncos now? Once again, Denver used a stiffling defense in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and take a pivotal divisional game against the San Diego Chargers. The loss leaves San Diego 3 1/2 games behind the Broncos in the AFC West. Last year, the Chargers erased a four game deficit to win the division. But this is not the same Denver Broncos of a year ago. Once again, the Broncos were in the national spotlight and managed to deliver a win. Some quick notes.

1. The Broncos defensive unit features eight new starters from the 2008 version, including the NFL's leading sack man, Elvis Dumervil (left). Chargers QB Philip Rivers faced constant pressure in passing situations as Denver accumulated 5 sacks and plenty of hurried pass attempts. The Chargers could only muster one sack and Broncos QB Kyle Orton appeared to have plenty of time while in the pocket. The defense is quickly becoming Denver's calling card, especially in the second half of games. For the season, the Broncos defense has allowed only 10 second points (3 last night and 7 against Cincinnati in week 1).

2. There was possibly one positive for San Diego. RB LaDainian Tomlinson showed glimpses of his former self. LT managed 70 yards on 18 carries and 30 yards on 3 receptions. Rivers had a decent game going 20 of 33 for 274 yards and a TD. For the Broncos, the running game did amass 101 yards, but TE Tony Sheffler provided matchup headaches for the Bolts as he produced 6 catches for 101 yards with a TD. Don't look at Denver as just a defensive team. They can play a little offense, too.

3. But this night belonged to the special teams. Broncos WR Eddie Royal returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD and a punt 71 yards for a TD. Since the merger, Royal is now 1 of 6 players to return a kickoff and a punt for TD in the same game. One of the other 6 is Chargers Darren Sproles. He also returned a punt for 77 yards and a TD in this game.

4. While I was watching the postgame, a couple of quotes from the analysts rang true. First, coach Jon Gruden. I've ribbed him for his constant referrals to Brett Favre. This week, he provided this: "...the Denver Broncos finish games." And ESPN's Steve Young, also in support of Josh McDaniels and his Patriots pedigree: "...better coached, better prepared...". McDaniels has brought the New England philosophy with him to Denver and it's working wonders for the franchise. But McDaniels summed it up best. In his postgame interview, he delivers what every coach says, but few deliver. "...we haven't done anything yet. We're gonna play every game to win it. That's how we prepare." That quotes sounds like he took it from his old boss.

5. The 50 th anniversary AFL uniforms.

Denver received a lot of "thumbs down" of their home 1960 throwback uniforms. While there was still the look of striped socks last night (left), the away unis are a bit better than the home (right). The yellow stripes on the pants? Ugh. But Broncos Eddie Royal was asked if he liked those socks. "We're 2-0 in 'em." Can't argue with that. The Chargers powder blues are as awesome as always. Until last night, the Chargers had won 9 straight contests in those powder blues.

6. Here's something you may not know. Kyle Orton is a winner. Considering all the controversy that surrounded Orton and Rex Grossman in Chicago and many wouldn't believe it. Orton is merely 27-12 as a starter. Do the math and he was 21-12 at the beginning of the season. To Chicago, Denver thanks you.

The Broncos will be on a bye next week while the Chargers travel to Arrowhead Stadium to battle the Kansas City Chiefs.

Marshall to land in NYC?

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall may get his wish yet. Reports have surfaced that the New York Jets are interested in acquiring the disgruntled Bronco. Marshall has loudly claimed he either wants a new contract or a trade.

But are the Jets the best destination for Marshall? Would the Jets seriously want a player that has the off-field baggage that Marshall totes? Would New York City and Marshall be a good mix? Would Marshall be a good fit within the Jets locker room? Could the Jets deal with the behavior Marshall has exhibited lately?

The answer to all of those questions: Simply, no.

Having Marshall in the city that never sleeps is a dangerous mix on so any levels. This is not a knock on NYC. New York has many athletes in all sports that more than live up to their end of the bargain (Jeter and Eli just to name a couple). This is also not a knock on the Jets. They dealt with Favre last season, but Marshall is a different sort of "celebrity".

I have the perfect fit for Marshall...Baltimore. Yes, Baltimore.

From a football standpoint, Marshall is a perfect fit to go along side veteran Derrick Mason. Mason could use the help and distraction (on the field) that Marshall brings. Mason could show Marshall the ropes on being a professional. Mason's veteran presence will only serve to aid Marshall both in his performance and his maturity. But the benefits for Marshall going to the Ravens do not end there.

The Ravens have a strong, veteran presence in the locker room. It all begins with Ray Lewis. Lewis is argueably the most respected player in the NFL. Does anyone think that Lewis would "permit" such behavior (punting a ball instead of handing it to the ballboy, walking while teammates are running, knocking away passes instead of catching them) out of any teammate? Not if Lewis is around. Lewis would hold Marshall accountable for his actions and address the situations on a personal level. It wouldn't be the first time Lewis would be in that position.

Denver still holds all the cards concerning a potential deal for Marshall. If they trade him before or during the season, they may be able to get not only a decent draft pick, they could also get a player that could immediately help them. If the Broncos wait until after the season, they could still garner a first and third round pick solely based on Marshall's talent.

I think the Jets should stay away from Marshall. His antics would only serve as a distraction. Plus, the Jets will be starting a rookie at quarterback in Mark Sanchez. I see that as more of a hinderance to Sanchez's growth. I know head coach Rex Ryan would help there. But would it be worth it to bring this diva into your locker room while you're trying to win a tough division?

Rex, just a piece of advice. Don't let it happen on your watch.

Broncos suspend Marshall

In a move that I find not at all surprising, the Denver Broncos have suspended wide receiver Brandon Marshall until Sept. 7. Marshall and head coach Josh McDaniels met this morning and it was at that meeting that Marshall was informed of the move. The reason? Conduct detrimental to the team. That's not surprising either.

A video of Marshall displaying what some would call insubordinate antics was broadcast by KMGH. The video showed Marshall punting a ball instead of handing the ball to a ballboy, walking while his teammates were running and during one drill, punching at a thrown ball instead of catching it. Marshall stated that the display was out of frustration and an error in judgement. He added that this was not an effort to get traded, although we all know he wants out of Denver unless he can get a new contract.

I applaud the Broncos organization on this move. Marshall has been a headache almost since the whole "incident" with Jay Cutler finally reached its end with Cutler being dealt to the Chicago Bears. Marshall must think that if Cutler can whine his way out of Denver, he can, too. One thing to keep in mind is that if Broncos owner Pat Bowlen decides to trade Marshall (or if he can find a team willing to take on Marshall and his extensive baggage), the city of Denver just may revolt. The Broncos would have traded their two best offensive players.

Message to Marshall: Do you honestly think the Broncos can get near the value for you as they did for Cutler? It has been rumored that it would take both a first and a third round pick to snag you. Denver would be lucky to get a third round pick due to your actions. Sure there's some interest from other teams but the Broncos also have to keep their interests (and fans) in mind.

So if you can't get traded, then you want a new contract. Why would the Broncos offer you a penny more than what you are already making knowing that you exhibit this type of behavior on the field and knowing how you conduct yourself off it? You have no leverage and that's been said over and over. Get over yourself and play. Plain and simple.

By the way, Cutler's in Denver this weekend.