Predictions for the 2009 AFC West Division
Philip Rivers for MVP, Darren McFadden Needs to Produce for Raiders
Sep 10, 2009 Derek J Griebenow
There isn't much competition for the Chargers in their division, so it will be their free ride to the playoffs to lose. Here's how the AFC West Division may stack up in 2009:
San Diego Chargers 9-7 +/- 1 win
Kansas City Chiefs 6-10 +/- 1 win
Oakland Raiders 5-11 +/- 3 wins
Denver Broncos 2-14 +/- 2 wins
It's definitely the Chargers division to lose, question is, will anyone challenge them in the West?
2009 Chargers Bottom Line
Quarterback Philip Rivers would have one the MVP award last season had his team won their division without needing a week 17 showdown versus Denver.
Rivers finished 2008 with a league leading 105.5 QB rating to go with his 34 TD to 11 INT ratio. If he can repeat these numbers (which he will) then he should be the MVP in 2009 since his team will easily win the division.
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is getting a bad rap because he's 30-years-old and only had 1,110 (4th in AFC) and 11 TD (also 4th). What's a guy got to do? With the speedy Darren Sproles coming along to allow LT to rest, look for LT to have a big year in 2009.
The Chargers need their secondary (31st in NFL) to step-up if they want to contend for a Super Bowl. They have the talent in cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (10 INT in 2007, 2 in '08) and Quentin Jammer (who rarely gets beat), but everyone must play their part. Having Shawne Merriman all season should make everyone better.
Matt Cassel lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record last year, but he won't have the talent with the Chiefs to do so.
2009 Chiefs Bottom Line
Is Cassel for real or was he a product of the system? The Chiefs no longer have All-Pro TE Tony Gonzalez, and Dwayne Bowe is no Randy Moss; or even Wes Welker. Depth is thin at receiver so it may be a bumpy ride for Cassel in '09.
Running back Larry Johnson is another workhorse that will turn 30 in November. The Chiefs need him to produce to have any chance of being competitive. The last two seasons combined Johnson ran for 1,433 yards, the two years prior, 3,539; it's a make or break year for him.
The defense is switching to a 3-4; not a good thing for a team without a pass rush. The Chiefs set a NFL record low with just 10 sacks last season. It may get worse before better since they had to draft rookies to try and fit the new scheme.
The secondary is in trouble as well since the longest tenured professional players are safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard with 4 years each. It may be a long year in K.C.
The Raiders are in need of some leadership; and an overthrowing of owner Al Davis.
2009 Raiders Bottom Line
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell needs to mature before he can lead this football team. A QB is supposed to take charge of his team and he has yet to do so. A 53% completion rating and 13 TD will not get the job done at a NFL level. Releasing Jeff Garcia may have been the dumbest move of the year by Davis.
The running backs may have to carry the team for another year as Russell matures. Darren McFadden looked good as a rookie (499 yards, 4 TD), but was limited due to turf toe on both feet. Running mates Justin Fargas (853 yards) and Michael Bush (177 yards in finale) are excellent strong runners that can complement the speedy McFadden and wear down defenses.
Defensive lineman Richard Seymour was acquired in a trade with the Patriots but has yet to report to the team. Seymour is the leader the Raiders need, especially for a defense that ranked 31st against the run in '08. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha could use his help as well, being the only true star on a bad defense.
The Raiders may continue the trend and make it seven consecutive seasons of eleven or more losses.
Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels lost his team when he dealt Jay Cutler. It might be awhile before he gets them back.
2009 Broncos Bottom Line
They fired Mike Shanahan for this guy? McDaniels came in and upset the franchise QB and is switching an already miserable defense (29th overall, 32 vs run) to a 3-4. Somebody stop him!
The only player worth noting on defense is Champ Bailey and maybe safety Brian Dawkins, but he's 35-years-old. This team is in jeopardy of pulling a Detroit and going 2009 win-less.
Not to mention, the Broncos already had six running backs and this guy drafts another one in the FIRST round! No wonder receiver Brandon Marshall wants out of dodge. Don't expect much from Denver until Mcdaniels is gone; which could be after the season.
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