AFC West at the Quarter Mark

Denver Broncos (3-1) - Just like last year the Broncos can't stop the run a la Indianapolis. I guess that happens when you have a small defensive line and only average linebackers. In the secondary, both Dre Bly and Champ Bailey have been stinking it up and as a unit the secondary allows in excess of 250 yards per game through the air. Offense is a different story, as Jay Cutler has announced his breakout season in a big way. Brandon Marshall responded to his suspension with 166, 155, and 77 yard games with a touchdown in each. The running back platoon is effective when Mike Shanahan feels like using it.

San Diego Chargers (2-2) - I guess we should call it Norv Turner syndrome. Philip Rivers is still immature, and played horribly against the Raiders. LT has also started slow, partially due to a toe injury and partly due to the Chargers general bumbling around on offense. Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson seemed to have emerged as viable threats at wide reciever. It's a miracle what getting out of Miami will do for you. The defense is the problem. The Chargers are getting killed by the pass, and while Antonio Cromartie is certainly getting enough balls thrown his way to repeat his league-leading interception performance of last season he's not making good on them. I don't see why San Diego is a Super Bowl favorite as of right now. Talent alone won't do it.

Oakland Raiders (1-3) - As usual the Raiders are a mess. Firing Lane Kiffin for Tom Cable only seems like a lateral move, as the real problem is at the top. Al Davis continues to ruin the Raiders, and as long as he's in charge nobody should expect great things from them. Jamarcus Russell has improved from last year and the running game is strong even with the temporary absence of Justin Fargas. Like the Broncos, however, the lack of a pass rush and large bodies in the middle hurts the entire unit.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) - With a league-leading 17 rookies, the Chiefs surprised the Broncos last week at Arrowhead. If Larry Johnson can return to 2006 form and become a legitimate running threat, the Chiefs might even have a chance to improve on last season. Now that I think about it, none of the 4 teams in the AFC West have a great run defense, which doesn't bode well for them. Damon Huard and Dwayne Bowe are a very underrated QB/WR tandem that isn't going to make headlines, but it is effective. Look for the Chiefs to make some noise in 2-3 years.