Mattie T’s 2009 NFL Season Preview: AFC West

The San Diego Chargers upstaged the Denver Broncos on the final weekend of the 2008 regular season. Will anyone stand in their way for 2009?

(Teams are listed based on last season’s division standings)

1. San Diego Chargers (8-8 last season, lost to Pittsburgh in Divisional Playoffs)

Head Coach: Norv Turner (3rd year with team)

Mattie T’s Analysis: LaDainian Tomlinson recently told reporters that he’s still the best back in football. Now he’ll have to go out & prove it.

In a “down” 2008 season in which Tomlinson rushed for a career-low 1,110 yards on just 92 carries, the Chargers are hoping for a revived LT to take some pressure off quarterback Philip Rivers, who is coming off his 1st ever Pro Bowl appearence.

It was definitely deserved for Rivers, as he totaled career highs in completion percentage (65.3%), passing yards (4,009) & touchdown passes (31).

Vincent Jackson should once again be Rivers’ go-to receiver, as the 5th year wideout from Northern Colorado totaled career-highs last season in receptions (59), receiving yards (1,098) & receiving touchdowns (7).

San Diego is also hoping from a comeback season from linebacker Shawne Merriman, who appeared in just 1 game in 2008 before suffering a knee injury.

3rd string running back Michael Bennett made the team’s final cut on Saturday & could be used this season both offensively & on special teams.

Mattie T’s 2009 Prediction: 12-4

2. Denver Broncos (8-8 last season, missed playoffs)

Head Coach: Josh McDaniels (1st year with team)

Mattie T’s Analysis: It’s been a busy and turmoil-filled offseason for Denver.

First came the surprising firing of Mike Shanahan, who did lead the team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1998 & 99, but was axed after finishing with a .500 record (24-24) over his last 3 seasons.

Then came the trade of Jay Cutler to Chicago after weeks of rifting with his new head coach McDaniels.

Denver avoided a scare after Kyle Orton suffered an open dislocation to his right index finger during a pre-season loss to his former Chicago Bears team, but he should be ready for their season-opener on September 13th against Cincinnati.

Whether or not he’ll have a productive & happy Brandon Marshall is another question. McDaniels had to spend time this preseason both shooting down trade rumors of Marshall going to the Jets & questions about the suspension of the troubled wide receiver, who apparently broke a team rule & has already lost trust inside his own locker room.

The Broncos will welcome the addition of hard hitting 9-time All Pro safety Brian Dawkins, who comes to town after spending 13 years in Philadelphia.

Mattie T’s 2009 Prediction: 4-12

3. Oakland Raiders (5-11 last season, missed playoffs)

Head Coach: Tom Cable (2nd year with team)

Mattie T’s Analysis: It looks like JaMarcus Russell will be the man for Oakland this season at quarterback.

This comes after the release of 4-time Pro Bowler Jeff Garcia, who reportedly was unhappy with being a backup to Russell.

Russell will have plenty of help at running back, as the team plans to use a double dose of veteran Justin Fargas & 2nd year pro Darren McFadden.

Keep an eye out on rookie wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey, who could be named very soon as a starter & could give Russell a viable passing option along with tight end Zach Miller.

Oakland is led defensively by Nnmandi Asomugha, who is regarded by many as the best cornerback in the NFL.

Gibril Wilson & Kirk Morrison also anchor the defense, as the twosome combined for 270 tackles last season.

Mattie T’s 2009 Prediction: 6-10

4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14 last season, missed playoffs)

Head Coach: Todd Haley (1st year with team)

Mattie T’s Analysis: After nearly leading New England to the playoffs last season after Tom Brady’s knee injury, Matt Cassel will now get his chance to shine in Kansas City.

Cassel will miss at least the first 2 weeks of the season while recovering from a leg injury that was suffered during the preseason.

Backup Tyler Thigpen will start for now despite suffering a pair of broken ribs in the preseason, but will not have the services of veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, who signed with Atlanta over the offseason.

Sean Ryan will take over as the team’s starting tight end, as he has caught just 12 receptions in 4 NFL seasons.

Larry Johnson will try to shake off two injury-filled seasons at running back, but the recent firing of Chan Gailey at offensive coordinator will not promise the 7-year veteran with additional carries.

Dwayne Bowe is the team’s only viable receiving option, as he caught a career-high 86 receptions for 1,022 yards & 7 receiving touchdowns last season.

2nd year defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey will be key in hopes of improving a dismal Chiefs’ pass rush, who finished dead last in 2008 with just 10 sacks.

Zach Thomas’ bid to play in a 14th NFL season wont happen in Kansas City, as the Chiefs’ linebacker was released earlier today.

Mattie T’s 2009 Prediction: 4-12

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