AFC West Preview

Denver Broncos

Last Season : 4 - 12



Drafted Players

Round 1 - Von Miller LB
Round 2 - Rahim Moore S
Round 2 - Orlando Franklin OL
Round 3 - Nate Irving LB
Round 4 - Quinton Carter CB
Round 4 - Julius Thomas TE
Round 6 - Mike Mohamed LB
Round 7 - Virgil Green TE
Round 7 - Jeremy Beal DL

Players in

Willis McGahee RB
Brandon Minor RB
Daniel Fells TE
Derrick Harvey DL
Mitch Unrein DL
Ty Warren DL
Johnathan White CB

Players out

Daniel Graham TE
Steven Hauschka K
Ryan Harris OT
Justin Babbin OL
Ronald Fields DL
Colby Whitlock DL
Chevis Jackson CB

The Broncos had a tough season last year, and have this year gone for a complete change around.  In has come new HC John Fox from Carolina.  Fox is known for running the ball and tough defence.  RB Willis McGahee has come in from Baltimore, and will bring a tough, hard-nosed run style to the Broncos.  The biggest talking point through the offseason was who would start at QB, last years starter Kyle Orton, or 2nd year (former 1st round pick) Tim Tebow.  Thankfully Orton has beaten out Tebow, and there is no doubt that he gives them a better chance to win.

The Broncos needed to add playmakers on defence, and in the draft, they bought in the very dynamic LB Von Miller.  Miller on the opposite side to Dumervil should give the Broncos a dominant pass rush.  This should help cover up some of the other weaknesses in the defence.  They did also bring in DL Ty Warren to strengthen the line.  He has since suffered a triceps injury, and will be out for this year.  This is a big blow.  The Broncos will be better than last year, but they will do well to finish 2nd in the division, and have no chance of getting anywhere near the Chargers.

Kansas City Chiefs

Last Season : 10 - 6



Drafted Players

Round 1 - Jonathan Baldwin WR
Round 2 - Rodney Hudson OL
Round 3 - Justin Houston LB
Round 3 - Allen Bailey DL
Round 4 - Jalil Brown DB
Round 5 - Ricky Stanzi QB
Round 5 - Gabe Miller LB
Round 6 - Jerrell Powe DL
Round 7 - Shane Bannon RB

Players in

Le'Ron McClain FB
Steve Breaston WR
Zeke Markshausen WR
Jared Gaither OT
Amon Gordon DL
Kelly Gregg DL
Brandon Stiler LB
Sabby Piscitelli S

Players out

Rudy Niswanger C
Brian Waters OG
Ron Edwards DL
Shaun Smith DL
Mike Vrabel LB

The Chiefs shocked everyone by winning this division last year.  They have most of the pieces in place to have another crack, although I'm not sure that they can get past the Chargers.  QB Matt Cassel looked alot better last year, after struggling in his first year following his move from New England.  The Chiefs selected WR Jonathan Baldwin in the 1st round of the draft, but are now unsure of his status.  Baldwin obviously went into training camp with an attitude problem, one which RB Thomas Jones took exception to.  These 2 were involved in a scuffle, with Baldwin injuring his wrist.  He has still yet to play since, and the Chiefs are uncertain as to when he will return.  They do though still have the amazing RB Jamaal Charles, who will give them huge play making potentiall.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs lost DL Ray Edwards.  This is a big blow to the Chiefs, as Edwards was immense on his day.  They may now struggle to get pressure onto opposing QB's.  They did though bring in LB Brandon Stiler and S Sabby Piscitelli.  These 2 should make sure that the Chiefs defence doesn't take a step back.  I expect the Chiefs to be pretty good again this year, but I can't see them winning the division again.

Oakland Raiders

Last Season : 8 - 8



Drafted Players

Round 2 - Stefen Wisniewski OL
Round 3 - Demarcus Van Dyke DB
Round 3 - Joseph Barksdale OL
Round 4 - Chimdi Chekwa DB
Round 4 - Taiwan Jones RB
Round 5 - Denarius Moore WR
Round 6 - Richard Gorden TE
Round 7 - David Ausberry WR

Players in

Trent Edwards QB
Chad Jackson WR
Kevin Boss TE
Glenn Pakulak P
Steven Heyer OT
Darryl Blackstock LB
Lito Sheppard CB
Josh Bullocks S
Matt Giordano S

Players out

Bruce Gradkowski QB
Johnnie Lee-Higgins WR
Zach Miller TE
Robert Gallery OG
Justin Smiley OG
David Howard DL
Thomas Howard LB
Nnamdi Asomugha CB
Stevie Brown S

The Raiders are one of the most frustrating organisations in the NFL.  Following an 8 - 8 season last year (which again was an improvement on the year before) they decided to get rid of HC Tom Cable.  Rookie HC Hue Jackson is now in charge, and to be honest, I have no idea of what to expect from him.  RB Darren McFadden  is their main weapon, and I expect him to have another great year.  The question is whether QB Jason Campbell and his speedy, but brick handed WR's can get some sort of chemistry.

The defence will obviously have taken a step back this year following the loss of superstar CB Nnamdi Ashomugha to the Eagles.  They have bought in Lito Sheppard to replace him, but I doubt he will be able to.  I expect the Raiders to be very unpredictable again this year, most likely battling with the Broncos for 3rd place.

San Diego Chargers

Last Season : 9 - 7



Drafted Players

Round 1 - Corey Luiget DL
Round 2 - Marcus Gilchrist DB
Round 2 - Jonas Mouton LB
Round 3 - Vincent Brown WR
Round 3 - Shareece Wright DB
Round 6 - Jordan Todman RB
Round 6 - Steve Schilling OL
Round 7 - Andrew Gachkar LB

Players in

Frank Summers FB
Laurent Robinson WR
Micheal Huey OG
Travis LaBoy DL
Kevin Bentley LB
Na'il Diggs LB
Takeo Spikes LB
Bob Sanders S

Players out

Scott Tolzien QB
Darren Sproles RB
Seyi Ajirotutu WR
Craig Davis WR
Legedu Naanee WR
Kris Wilson TE
Davis Baas C
Colin Baxter C
Aubrayo Franklin DL
Antwan Applewhite LB
Kevin Burnett LB
David Herron LB
Brandon Stiler LB
Donald Strickland CB
Paul Oliver S

The Chargers failed to win the AFC West for the 1st time in years last year, and I believe this will make them more hungry than ever.  Last year they had the number 1 ranked offence and the number 1 ranked defence, but still only managed to lose 7 games.  How did this happen?  Special teams!!  The Chargers were abysmal at covering kicks last year, and it is my view that this cost them 5 games last year.  If this part of their game improves, look out NFL.  QB Phillip Rivers has all of his weapons back, and this year will have WR Vincent Jackson in from week 1.  This team is going to put up alot of points.

The defence was ranked number 1 last year, and only got better if anything.  They added LB Takeo Spikes and Bob Sanders who are fantastically talented players.  Spikes was often over shadowed in San Francisco because of all the hype (well deserved hype) surrounding Patrick Willis.  Willis has looked to be struggling though this preseason, following the loss of Spikes.  S Bob Sanders is like a homing missile coming from the secondary.  His problem is keeping healthy, due to his style of play.  This defence is going to be very good.  I think the Chargers walk away with this division.  

Preseason Week 2 : Saturday Nights Games

Here are Saturdays highlights from the NFL preseason

Saints 14 Texans 27



Raiders 3 49'ers 17



Titans 16 Rams 17



Bills 10 Broncos 24



Vikings 20 Seahawks 7

Thursday Pre Season Storylines

Tomorrow night will see the beginning of the pre-season.  Five games will happen tomorrow night, with the rest of the teams playing over the weekend.  Here we can take a look at the story lines, and things to look out for in each game.

Jaguars @ Patriots

The big talking point for the visiting Jaguars here is who will be the starting QB.  Previous starter David Garrard injured his back last week at training camp, therefore all eyes turn to rookie Blaine Gabbert.  Gabbert was selected 10th overall in the draft in April, but I'm sure the Jaguars didn't expect him to start so soon.  It will be interesting to see how he copes against a decent Pats defence here.  3rd string QB Luke McCown and recently signed Todd Bouman will back up the rookie.

The Patriots have added many very interesting pieces through the off-season, and it will be great to see how they put them all together.  WR Chad Ochocinco will look to make an instant impact in what is a very talented offence, and look to cement himself as one of Tom Brady's favorite targets.  On the defensive side of the ball I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of impact DT Albert Haynesworth can make.  Haynesworth's stay in Washington was full of controversy, but if anyone can kick him into shape, the Patriots can.  The formation will suit, lets see what happens. 

Ravens @ Eagles

The visiting Ravens have a few questions to answer on offence.  With the departure of TE Todd Heap, and WR Derrick Mason who will QB Joe Flacco look for?  One player who looks set for a huge year is RB Ray Rice.  He is a great pass catching RB, and with the addition of FB Vonta Leach (who is a fantastic lead blocker) he should be able to run the ball more effectively than ever.  He also has a new spell back in Ricky Williams.  Flacco though, needs someone else to throw the ball to.  Who will it be?

The Eagles will be able to showcase to their hometown crowd, their vastly changed roster.  There is now a whole lot of pressure on the Eagles following all of their additions, and talk of them being a 'dream team'.  This will be our first look at their new look defence (including new CB's Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, as well as DT Cullen Jenkins).  Also it will be interesting to see what kind of playbook new back up QB Vince Young will run.

Seahawks @ Chargers - live on ESPN UK

The visiting Seahawks have a whole host of new faces on offence, and I can't wait to see what they look like.  New QB Tavaris Jackson has alot of pressure on him.  Following the departure of veteran Matt Hasselbeck, HC Pete Carroll decided that Jackson was his guy, but many Seahawks fans aren't convinced.  Tarvaris did though bring his favorite target with him from Minnesota, WR Syndey Rice.  Will he help Jackson through?

The main question surrounding the Chargers is what is going to happen at the RB position.  Ryan Matthews showed promise in his rookie season last year, before getting injured.  Mike Tolbert stepped in last year, and played very well.  Will Tolbert stay as the number 1?  Will Matthews be given that role back? Or will they split time?

Broncos @ Cowboys

There is only one thing being talked about in Denver at the moment, Who is the starting QB?  Kyle Orton was on the trading block once the lockout was lifted, and it seemed that the Tim Tebow era was going to begin.  But as no trade was executed, and with Orton out performing Tebow at training camp, Orton seems to be the starter, against many of the fans wishes.  There are reports coming out of Broncos camp that not only Kyle Orton is performing better than Tebow, Brady Quinn is also.

This is a huge year for the Cowboys.  Following a very poor season last year, the very passionate fans will accept nothing less than drastic improvement from Americas team.  QB Tony Romo is back, with all of his major players (WR's Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten) and they have to put up points.  But the area the Cowboys need to improve most is their pass defence.  Their secondary was shocking last year.  Have they made the nessiciary improvements?

Cardinals @ Raiders

Of course the big talking point with the Cardinals is new addition QB Kevin Kolb.  Kolb played well in Philly last year when he started, and the Card's payed a high price for him, so here comes the pressure.  I expect him to look for star WR Larry Fitzgerald early and often here, and for the rest of the year.

The Raiders are - the Raiders.  I sadly think that they may have taken a step back this year, thanks to the loss of TE Zach Miller, who was their top receiver last year.  RB Michael Bush is back to share the load with Darren McFadden, and those 2 will have to carry the offence in my opinion.  I hope for Raiders fans sake, that I'm wrong.

So thats what to look out for Thursday night, check back tomorrow, and take a look at what we will be looking out for on Friday night.  If you agree or dis-agree with any of these points let me know email - nflgbview@googlemail.com twitter -  nflgbview or leave a comment.

NFL London Game Review

Broncos 16 49'ers 24

After the long wait, the NFL finally arrived back in the UK on Sunday, and after a slow start, the game turned out to be an exciting showdown.  The day started with a performance by 'My Chemical Romance', and then 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by former 'Destinys Child' member Michelle Williams, and a strange version of 'God Save the Queen' by guitarist Jeff Beck.  Just a quick hint to the NFL, if you want to get the full effect of our national anthem, you do need a singer to help the crowd come in at the right time.  If you do this, the crowd will bring the hairs on the back of your neck up, with a thunderous rendition.  The 'home team' 49'ers took the field to the usual fireworks show, and the 83,941 fans in attendance were ready for the show to begin.

The first half was very slow, with the 49'ers trying to move the ball on the ground through RB Frank Gore, and the Broncos struggling to get anything going either through the air or on the ground.  The score at the half was just 3 - 0 49'ers, thanks to a Joe Nedney 34 yard FG. 

The 2nd half began with the Broncos kicking to the 49'ers.  They managed to move the ball from the 20 yard line, before it stalled on the half way line.  This movement was mainly down to Gore, who finished the game with 118 yards and a TD.  After they punted to the Broncos, they managed to get their first big play of the day, a deep throw from QB Kyle Orton, to WR Brandon Lloyd for 71 yards, down to the 1 yard line.  The Broncos bought in back up QB Tim Tebow, who took the ball in on a QB keeper.  This but the Broncos up 7 - 3.  The 49'ers started to show life and QB Troy Smith was heating up as he found Josh Morgan for 30 yards.  They were left to try a 52 yard FG, which Nedney hit the post.  After a few short possessions, the Broncos managed to get into field goal range, which Matt Prater hit from 32 yards, 10 - 3 Broncos.

The last 14 minutes were what will be known as, Troy Smith time.  He made a play were he scrambled right and completed the pass to Delaine Walker for 38 yards, before running the ball in himself, levelling the game up.  The play to Walker was described by HC Mike Singeltery as ' Farve like'.  The Niners defence got the ball back and Smith found WR Michael Crabtree for a 28 yards TD, 17 - 10 Niners.  The 49'ers defence came up big again as LB Manny Lawson forced Orton to fumble, and it was covered up by LB Takeo Spikes at the Denver 18.  Gore ran in another TD, and the 49'ers were up 24 - 10 with just under 4 minutes left.  The Broncos managed to score another TD, Orton to Bandon Lloyd, but the game finished 24 - 16 Niners.

The game was a huge success again, and I can't wait for next years specticle.  Keep in touch with nflgbview to find out all the latest NFL information, including next years Wembley game.  Keep in touch through this blog, twitter or facebook.

NFL London Game

Broncos @ 49'ers

So the time is now UK fans!!  We have waited a full 12 months to see live NFL action on this side of the pond, and we are only a few hours away.  This is the 4th regular season game to be played at Wembley, and from what NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell said on Friday, it certainly won't be the last.  Speaking to over 38,000 fans in Trafalgar Square London yesterday, Mr Goodell announced that the NFL plans to bring 'multiple' games to Europe, and that a full time franchise in London would be 'realistic'.  Can you imagine how good that would be people?  A team that we could watch week in, and week out, and call our own.  That really is something to look forward to.

Anyway back to today's game, between the 2 - 5 Broncos, and the 1 - 6 49'ers.  This game was seen before the season began as a battle between 2 teams that would be competing for division titles and playoff berth's.  The Broncos missed a 'wildcard' spot by 1 game last year after starting the season 6 - 0.  The 49'ers finished just 2 games back from Arizona in the NFC West last year, but after the departure of many key players from the Cardinals, including starting QB Kurt Warner and WR Anquan Boldin, the 49'ers were seen as the favorites for the title this time around.  This optimism has not been realised for either team as they have a combined record of just 3 - 11.  Some people have seen the fact that they are 2 struggling teams as a bad thing for the game.  In my eyes they couldn't be more wrong.  This is a game between 2 struggling, desperate teams that are looking to keep their season alive before the bye week.  I believe that this is going to be a scrap from beginning to end, and is going to be very entertaining to watch.

The 'home team' 49'ers will have a new QB under centre for this game.  Regular QB Alex Smith has a shoulder injury and is unable to play.  Last week 2nd string QB David Carr came in and looked awful, so the QB of choice is Troy Smith.  This will be only the 3rd start of the 26 year old NFL career, and his first ever for the 49'ers.  His 2 previous starts were in Baltimore in 2007.  This is a huge task for Smith to lift this team, especially as he may be without TE Vernon Davis.  Davis is a major part of this offence with a team leading 422 receiving yards and 4 TD's.  If he does miss the game, expect to see alot of RB Frank Gore, both running and receiving the ball.

The Broncos come into this game on the back of a thoroughly embarrassing 59 - 14 home loss to division rivals, the Oakland Raiders.  The Broncos defence was humiliated in the run game, giving up 328 yards and 5 TD's.  This phase will have to improve this week against the very talented Frank Gore.  The Broncos on offence are extremely good through the air.  They are in fact ranked 3rd in the NFL, with QB Kyle Orton throwing for a total of 2,140 yards and 11 TD's.  This will undoubtedly be the way in which Denver will try and win this game against an average 49'ers pass defence.

So this game will not have the explosiveness of the 2008 game in London between the Saints and the Chargers, but it will be a battle, and the outcome of the battle could have huge consequences for the losing teams coaching staff.  Enjoy the game UK, as it looks like the NFL is on these shores to stay!

The keys to training camp - AFC West

Denver Broncos

 The Broncos finished up last season at 8 - 8.  This was a huge let down though after they started the season with a 6 game winning streak, then going 2 - 10 after the bye week.  They have lost quite a lot of big name players over the past couple of years - QB Jay Cutler and WR Brandon Marshall.  It will be very interesting to see just how good the Broncos will look throughout training camp looking forward to the NFL London  game against the 49'ers.  What are the main questions to lookout for?


 How long is Orton the starting QB?

The starting QB in Denver for the moment is Kyle Orton.  This though is only the beginning of what could be an ongoing story, not only through training camp, but also throughout 2010.  Orton is the definite starter at the moment, but without WR Brandon Marshall, he may well struggle with a lack of play makers on the offence.  If this is the case, and the Broncos are struggling at any point of the season, there is going to be a huge outcry to sit Orton, and start former Florida Gator QB Tim Tebow.  'Superman' as Tebow became known at the college level was selected by the Broncos in the first round in the draft this year.  I personally believe that Tebow will struggle to compete at the NFL level, as he is more of a running QB, but he also is a big powerful runner, as opposed to a speed runner.  At the college level he was often stronger than opponents, and was able to run over them, I don't think he will find it so easy at this level.  Another person to mention here is QB Brady Quinn.  The former Browns QB does look like he doesn't fit into this situation in Denver, but he does help heap the pressure on Orton, even if Tebow isn't quite ready.

Can they stop the run?

Last season the Broncos really struggled against the run.  They actually ended up ranked 26th against the run in the NFL.  This isn't good for a team that ranked 3rd against the pass.  The Broncos coaching staff have recognised that this was a huge issue, and one of the reasons behind their drop off in form.  During the off season the Broncos bought in 3 big, run stopping D-Linemen.  These players are Jamal Williams (pictured), Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green.  These 3 look likely to be the 3 starters along the D-Line, and it will be up to them to stop the Broncos leaky defence against the run.  Will they step up to the plate?

Where will the points come from?

 All that people can talk about when it comes to the Broncos offence is 'How do they replace Marshall?'  Well the Broncos will be hoping that their first pick of the past draft WR Demaryius Thomas, will help on that front.  There is no doubt that RB's Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno are talented, but how will they be affected by the injury to LT Ryan Clady?  This effect will be even greater if the WR's aren't playing well, and defences can just stack up against the run.  This is why there is a lot of pressure on Thomas and Eddie Royal to perform, or else this offence could really struggle in 2010.



Kansas City Chiefs

 The Chiefs ended last season with a poor 4 - 12 record, that left them at the bottom of the AFC West.  The Chiefs though have not just sat around hoping that something will be different this year, they went out and got themselves both a new offencive and defensive coordinator, bought in quality veteran players like RB Thomas Jones, and selected S Eric Berry (seen by many as the best impact player available in the draft.  There are a lot of changes around Kansas City, that's why I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in their training camp, which starts on 29th July.

Will the young stars on defence settle in the new system?

The Chiefs then have a new defensive coordinator and they also have a lot of young talent for Romeo Crennel to use.  This change is obviously required as the Chiefs were ranked in the bottom 3, in most defensive categories last year.  Now though with players like DT Glenn Dorsey (pictured), CB Brandon Flowers and S Eric Berry (all players taken high in recent drafts) they have the talent to change it all around.  This is something I'm really looking forward to watching throughout training camp.

Will Matt Cassel look better in year 2?

Matt Cassel was the QB that stepped in when Tom Brady suffered his season ending injury 2 years ago, on the opening day of the season.  Obviously there was huge panic in New England, and they thought their playoff hopes were over.  But in came a little known QB Matt Cassel (pictured).  He helped the Patriots win 11 games that year, unfortunately missing out on the playoffs.  When Brady came back in 2009, Cassel was surplus to requirements in New England.  The Chiefs gave Cassel a big money contract in Kansas City, but as the record suggests, he didn't have the best year.  Now though the situation looks very good for Cassel.  New offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, is a former Patriot coach, and will completely understand the system and terminology that Cassel used in New England.  Add this familiarity to the fact that they have a fantastic backfield of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, and talented WR's in Chris Chambers and Dwayne Bowe, things look to be coming together for Matt.  Can he take the next step?

How will Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles spread time?

There is no doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best one-two combos at RB in the league.  Charles (pictured) ran for over 1,100 yards and 7 TD's last year, and Jones (bought in from the Jets) ran for over 1,400 yards and 14 TD's in New York.  The other reason this combo looks so good is that both players are so different.  Jones is a big, heavy hitting back, and Charles is more of a speedy back.  It will be interesting to see how time and carries is spread between these 2.


Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders finished 2009 with a 5 - 11 record, a record that saw them finish 3rd in the division.  There is though, reason to be optimistic if you are a member of Raiders nation.  They have finally realised that QB Jamarcus Russell (former number 1 pick overall) is not the answer, and have cut him.  They also had a decent draft, going with what most people thought, and not just picking a player because of his burning speed.  For years now Oakland have been a laughing stock in the NFL, finally though, is it time that they turn the corner?

How will Jason Campbell fit in? 

Jason Campbell has had a rough time in his NFL career so far.  He has had 5 years in the league, all with the Redskins, but he has actually had to learn a new system every year, because of the turnover rate in coaches in Washington.  Obviously this is a huge problem in the development of any young QB, and because of this Campbell has had his problems.  Throughout this though there is no question that Campbell has talent.  He has started 52 games, throwing 55 TD's with 38 INT's, how Jake Delhomme would like that record!  His arrival in Oakland, following the departure of Jamarcus Russell, has helped ignite the passion of 'Raider Nation'.  I believe that Campbell can be a success in Oakland, only time will tell.

Can they stop the run?

 Last season a huge problem for the Raiders was the fact that they could not stop the run.  They ranked 29th overall against the run.  This is going to be vital this year as the running attacks throughout this division have improved a lot.  The Raiders though, against all previous form, have actually gone out and attacked this problem.  LB Rolando McClain (pictured) was selected with their 1st round draft pick this year.  Rolando is a fantastic player.  He is the QB of the defence, very clever, puts everyone in the right position and helps make everyone around him better.  Him, along with the signing of DE John Henderson and the re signing of DE Richard Seymour should improve their ability against the run.

Who will be the starting RB?

As you can see from this article, I believe that the Raiders are on the right path this year.  One area though that they didn't have to improve was at the RB position.  Michael Bush and Darren McFadden (pictured) are now the only 2 left following the departure of Justin Fargas, and it will be interesting to see how the Raiders decide to split these carries.  Although all the RB's were very talented last year, having 3 extremely talented RB's can be difficult to manage at times.  Now with just Bush and McFadden, I expect the Raiders to still split time, but each player will be on the field more and therefore will be able to get into more of a rhythm.


San Diego Chargers

The Chargers have owned this division in recent years, and last season was no different, as they finished 13 - 3, winning the division and advancing to the playoffs.  The playoffs though were not a happy time as the Chargers lost to the Jets, at home, in the divisional round.  The Chargers have lost quite a few high profile players in the off season, and although they are still seen as the class of the division, they must be concerned at the fact all the other teams seem to have improved.  Here's what to look for during Chargers camp.

Can Ryan Matthews be the answer at RB?

The Chargers have got one of the best offences in the NFL.  Last season they ranked 4th in points scored, 5th in pass yards, but disappointingly 31st in rush yards.  This was not a problem for most of the year last year, as there record suggests, but eventually if you cannot run the ball, it will catch up with you.  The Chargers have understood this, and in this years draft, they moved up the board in a trade with Miami, and took the player that was seen as one of the best 2 RB's in the draft Ryan Matthews.  Ryan played at a small school in college - Fresno State.  This is a concern for some people as the competition he came up against would not have been as good as if he would have gone to a major school.  I will be watching Matthews in training camp to see if he can prove these doubters wrong.

Will they be able to replace Vincent Jackson?

The Vincent Jackson saga has been one that has over shadowed the Chargers this off season.  Jackson was a big part of that 5th ranked passing offence last year having 68 catches for over 1,100 yards and 9 TD's.  He is unhappy with his contract and has threatened to not turn up to play this year, unless he gets an improved deal.  He has also now been banned from the first 3 games of the year after he broke the NFL's policy on substance abuse.  Nobody is quite sure how this ban will effect his decision to holdout or not.  Personally I believe that this will encourage him to hold out, knowing he's missing the first 3 games anyway.  In his absence the Chargers need big performances from Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee.

How will the defence look?

 Last season the Chargers defence was around the middle of the pack in all defensive categories.  The lowest they ranked was 20th in run defence.  This could be a problem this year as the Chargers have lost NT Jamal Williams to division rival Denver.  They are really going to need a return to form from LB Shawne Merriman, who has struggled over the past couple of years.  If he does return to form, him, Larry English and Stephan Cooper should help to plug this gap.  The other question will be how to replaced CB Antonio Cromartie, who was traded to the Jets.  This should be a good battle through camp with Jammer, Strickland, Cason and Vasher all battling for 2 places.

Check back tomorrow as we move onto the NFC East!

Denver Broncos

Yesterday we saw what the experience of being at a 49'ers home would be like.  Today, we have a look at the team that will have to take on the 49'ers in this year NFL London game - the Denver Broncos.  Enjoy Bronco fans. 



What a game this promises to be on 31st October 2010!!

Just a quick message to any Dolphins fans out there, that number 15, making that ridiculous catch, he will be in 'aqua and orange' next year! 

The San Francisco 49'ers

Are you wondering what it will be like to experience a 49'ers home game in this years NFL London game??  Take a look at this video, you will not want to miss out.



Excited??  I know I am.

Draft Previews

Denver Broncos


Last season - 8 - 8 2nd in AFC West


Team needs - Both lines, WR, TE, ILB and S.


Players in - Jarvis Green DE, Justin Bannan DE, Nate Jones S, Jamal Williams NT.


Players out - Chad Jackson WR, Andra Davis LB.


Draft positions :


1st Round : 11th pick
2nd Round : 13th pick
3rd Round : 16th pick
4th Round : 16th pick
6th Round : 14th pick
7th Round : 13th pick

Total - 6 picks

There are options available to the Broncos with this pick.  They seem to have addressed the need on the DL in free agency with the additions of Green, Bannon and Williams.  The addition of Nate Jones seems to take out any possibility of them taking a S.  Therefore they can either go OL, which would probably be Rutgers Anthony Davis, WR Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant or LB Alabama's Rolando McClain.  This will be a tough decision for the Broncos and they will end up with a good player whatever happens, but if I was them I hink I would take Rolando McClain.  This is a very special player on the defensive side of the ball who can call plays at the line and read the game very well.  He can be a very dominant player for years to come in the NFL, a real leader.   

Miami Dolphins


Last season - 7 - 9 3rd in AFC East


 Team needs - WR, TE, LB, S and maybe CB


Players in - Karlos Dansby LB, Richie Incognito G.


Players out - Joey Porter LB, Nate Jones S.


Draft Positions :


1st Round : 12th pick
2nd Round : 11th pick
3rd Round : 9th pick
4th Round : 12th pick
6th Round : 4th pick, 5th pick, 10th pick.
7th Round : 5th pick, 12th pick, 45th pick.

Total : 10 picks.


I believe that the Dolphins would have been seriously considering LB Rolando McClain, along with WR Dez Bryant.  Other positions of need include DT, which would probably be Tennessee's Dan Williams, S, Texas's Earl Thomas and if the Jason Taylor move to the Jets goes though, an OLB, maybe Texas's Sergio Kindle.  With the track record of Bill Parcells taken into account, I cannot see the Phins taking WR Dez Bryant when they have so may defensive needs.  Also Parcells believes physically big players win games, which should rule out the S position.  This leaves DT and OLB.  I think the Dolphins will feel that their roster can cope without Joey Porter and Jason Taylor (who may end up staying) better than without a NT.  Again as I always say NT is the most important position in the 3 - 4 system which they play, and their only option is Jason Ferguson who is getting old, and is also suspended for the start of the year.  With all this taken into account, I think the Phins will take Tennessee's DT Dan Williams, who has all the ability to be a very good NT in the NFL.


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Chargers 32 Broncos 3

Well your choice for ‘Game of the Week’ didn’t turn out to be much of a contest. The battle for the lead in the AFC West was a complete blowout as the in-form Chargers, stomped all over the sorry Broncos. The Broncos, after starting 6 – 0, now look in real trouble of not making the playoffs. But the Chargers, now on a 5 game winning streak, are one of the hottest teams in the league and are surely the favourites to take the AFC West title, again.

The talk all week leading up to this game was around who would start at QB for the Broncos. In the end it looked like Kyle Orton was not fit as McDaniels started Chris Simms. But after a poor start to the game, completing 2 of 4 throws, for 10 yards, McDaniels pulled Simms and put in the hobbling Orton. This decision was the first of many strange calls by the Broncos, calls that I can only describe as desperate. The Broncos first drive of the game looked very impressive, as Knowshon Moreno ran the Broncos into the red zone, before Simms was hit, fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by Steve Gregory for the Chargers. Gregory actually got another recovered fumble in the red zone later in the game. Another blow was handed to the Broncos early as safety Brian Dawkins had to leave the game with a neck injury. This obviously didn’t help this defence, as the Chargers (ranked last in rush offence before the game) ran for 203 yards, behind LT’s 73 yards and a TD. LT really looks to be getting better week by week, and this is great news for the Chargers as they will not have to rely so heavily on QB Phillip Rivers.

The major turning point of this game came in the 3rd quarter. The Broncos had just scored a FG to cut the Chargers lead to 13 – 3. For some reason McDaniels decided to call for an onside kick, which was recovered by WR Legedu Naanee at the Broncos 41 yard line. The Chargers used that field position to get a quick TD from LT, which gave them a commanding 20 – 3 lead. This coupled with the fact the Broncos being unsuccessful in 4 red zone trips, ultimately sealed their fate.

This was a huge statement game for the Chargers, who once again look to have recovered from a bad start to the season. The rest of the AFC will now be on red alert for the Chargers, who will hope they can take this form deep into the playoffs, they certainly have the talent.