With the NFL preseason starting to kick into gear, this is my preview of the NFL’s intriguing west division.
The return of Jon Gruden to the Raiders after 18 years has been one of the biggest talking points of the NFL off-season – that and the fact that Khalil Mack hasn’t turned up to training camp yet.
Let’s start with Gruden. The prodigal son has returned to the team he left in 2001. He brings with him a lot of experience, an aggressive coaching style and vast knowledge of the game. This can only help the Raiders in their push for a Super Bowl win.
The problem for the Raiders is that their star defensive end, Khalil Mack, is yet to show up to training camp. In short, Mack wants to get paid. He still has a year to run on his rookie contract and will get about $14 million this season, but he wants an extension. The Raiders won’t negotiate with him until he returns. He won’t return until he gets an extension. It’s a vicious cycle at the moment. Only time will tell if they can come to an agreement.
On offence, Amari Cooper will retain his spot on the right edge, while former Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson will run the right side. It looks as though Jared Cook will be the team’s sole tight end. They have convinced running back Marshawn ‘Beast Mode’ Lynch to come out of retirement to play for his beloved Oakland.
They have plenty of offensive talent, and quarterback Derek Carr will only grow under Gruden. The Raiders have the best interior offensive line in football, which blocked for the sixth-ranked rushing attack while not giving up a single sack. Carr is well protected.
The defence can hold their own also, even without Mack, but they will need to tighten up the line after leaking 23.5 points on average per game last season.
Crucial player: Khalil Mack
They need to give this kid whatever he wants. He is a superstar of the game and should be paid accordingly.
Keep an eye on: The relationship between Carr and Gruden
All reports point to Carr being a better player already. This could be their year.
Personnel changes
New head coach Jon Gruden has brought a whole new team with him.
Predicted Finish: 13-3
Division champions. This could be the year the Raiders go all the way. It would be nice for the true Oakland fans to get a championship before the team moves to Vegas.
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Phillip Rivers will step onto the field next month for his 15th season as the quarterback of the Chargers. They have kept virtually the same side from last season, which should help them when running plays.
Running back Melvin Gordon is in his third year with the Chargers and is growing week by week. He will again play a huge part in their season. Virgil Green came across from the Broncos in the off-season and looks to have the tight end position sewn up. Keenan Allen will play on the left edge and will look to improve on his 4000 yards over the last six seasons.
Their defence is a huge unit. Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Rookie Safety Derwin James will command respect from any offence.
Crucial player: Joey Bosa
If he can command this defence, they can stop any team in the league.
Keep an eye on: Rookie safety Derwin James
He was excellent at Florida State and was taken with the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft. Can he make the step up to the NFL?
Predicted finish: 9-7
They’re just missing out on a wildcard berth.
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Quarterback Alex Smith has been traded to the Washington Redskins, so the Chiefs will start the second-year kid behind centre. Patrick Mahomes was tried in the NFL last season and was competent, but how will he go when he has to run this side week in, week out?
He has talent around him to rely on. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins are stars of the game and can make any quarterback look good. Tight end Travis Kelce is one of the best players in the league for his position and will take the ball across the advantage line with ease.
Kareem Hunt had a standout rookie season last year featuring 1327 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 4.9 yards a carry. If Mahomes gets into trouble, Hunt will bail him out.
The Chiefs defence needs some work. They averaged 21.5 points against last season and will need to tighten that up if they are to help their new starting quarterback.
Crucial player: Tyreek Hill
He is one of the most versatile players in the game. If he fires this year, the Chiefs will too.
Keep an eye on: Kareem Hunt
It’s going to be hard for him to improve on such an incredible rookie year, but the best players can do it. Let’s see what he can do.
Personnel changes
Having a new quarterback is going to be tough for everyone to get used to.
Predicted finish: 7-9
I like Mahomes as a quarterback, I just think he needs a year or two to get accustomed to the game. This will be a big learning curve for him and the Chiefs.
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The Broncos are not the same team the last three seasons without Peyton Manning at the helm. After a few bad seasons, they have opted to go with Case Keenum as their starting quarterback. Keenum led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game last season.
Let’s start with the defence. The Broncos has some big-name players defending for them, but last season they leaked an average of 24 points a game. That’s too many for a good quarterback to chase. This year they have a new guy behind centre who needs all the help he can get.
Names like ‘Aussie’ Adam Gotsis, Bradley Chubb, Brandon Marshall and Von Miller need to step up and defend their end to give them any chances of getting out of this tough group.
The offence will suit Keenum’s throw first plays. He will be well protected with Ronald Leary, Connor McGovern and Jared Veldheer hold up the line in front of him. He has Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as wide receivers, while Devontae Booker as a solid running back option.
Keenum just needs to find his feet with this new team. If it works, then he can take them to new heights.
Crucial player: Matt Paradis
This centre is in his fifth year with the Broncos and needs to gel with Keenum for this to work.
Keep an eye on: Aussie Adam Gotsis
He had a great season last year and all reports are he is fitter and strong for 2018. Look for big plays from the young man.
Personnel changes
Head coach Vance Joseph, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and defensive coordinator Joe Woods.
Predicted finish: 2-14
It’s going to be a rough year. Keenum needs some time to find his feet – he will be a solid player for them going forward – but the defence can’t stop leaking points.
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