This is the first in a series of division-by-division looks at key questions facing each NFL team during training camp and the preseason. Today, we start with a rundown on the AFC West, which promises to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league this season. Teams are listed alphabetically by nickname.
BRONCOS: Who will be Denver's top running back? Undrafted rookie Mike Bell seems to have taken the lead over veterans Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. It would seem fitting if rookie Bell gets the nod given past backfield stars Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary and Terrell Davis all thrived behind the Broncos' zone blocking scheme despite all being second-day draft picks. ... Will offseason acquisition Javon Walker supplant Rod Smith as Jake Plummer's go-to receiver? How long with WR Ashley Lelie remain with the team? He is being actively shopped.
CHARGERS: Is free-agent pickup S Marlon McCree enough to shore up a secondary that ranked 26th in interceptions last season? That offset what otherwise was an excellent defense. The Bolts had the top-rated run defense and were fifth in sacks, but the secondary dropped their overall ranking to 13th. ... How long will it take for QB Phillip Rivers and the offense to gel? Put another way, how much will San Diego miss Drew Brees? ... Will the offensive line be any better, a key to keeping Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson in one piece.
CHIEFS: Is RB Priest Holmes' career over? Larry Johnson might rush for 2,000 yards this season, and trading for Michael Bennett as camp opened isn't exactly a vote of confidence. ... Will new coach Herm Edwards be able to upgrade what has been a shaky defense? Look for a lot of blitzes because the front four doesn't pressure the quarterback enough.
RAIDERS: Did Oakland upgrade its defense and special teams enough to compete in this tough division? The Silver and Black was 27th in yards allowed, including 25th in yards rushing allowed, and they had statistically the worst punt coverage unit. ... Is Aaron Brooks an upgrade over Kerry Collins at quarterback? Both have big arms but accuracy issues. Collins, who passed for nearly 1,000 more yards, completed only 53.5 percent of his throws, while Brooks hit on 55.7 percent. Collins threw 12 interceptions to 20 TD passes, while Brooks was picked off 17 times and only threw 13 TD passes.
Next: A look at the AFC South
