Keys to Training Camp: AFC West

Posted 7/22 by Jason Wood, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Denver Broncos

Link: http://www.denverbroncos.com
Location: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Centre (Englewood, CO)
Dates: July 29 - August 11
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

QB Jay Cutler's inaugural training camp as the starter - The Jay Cutler Era started earlier than some expected as he was thrust into the starting lineup as a rookie, but this camp will mark his first at the top of the depth chart; which means a lot more reps and cohesiveness with his first string running mates.

Will RB Travis Henry be the go-to guy? - The Broncos moved aggressively to sign Henry to a sizable deal and appear set to hand him the rock. Can Henry parlay his success in Tennessee and Buffalo into even greater heights as a Bronco?

Can WR Brandon Marshall deliver on his considerable promise? - While Rod Smith is still in the picture, the Broncos are counting on Marshall to earn a starting role opposite Javon Walker.

Matt Lepsis' health - LT Matt Lepsis is coming back from a torn ACL that cost him most of last season. He is an important cog and must add leadership and stability to a line undergoing some changes on the other side.

Establishing the right side of the O-line - Both the RT and RG spots are up for grabs in camp as veterans Adam Meadows and Montrae Holland will compete against Erik Pears, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris.

Sorting out the TE reps – Daniel Graham was given big free agent dollars to come out West, while youngster Tony Scheffler looks to recover from a broken left foot. Stephen Alexander may also be in the mix.

(IDP) Implementing Jim Bates' system - Jim Bates brings a distinctive style of 4-3 to the Broncos that looks to contain the running game inside while playing aggressively in the secondary. At the same time, the Broncos must establish a defensive line rotation (see below), integrate CB Dre Bly, and settle a few linebacker battles.

(IDP) Defensive Line Battle Royale - The Broncos are bringing so many defensive linemen to camp, it's a wonder if some of them aren't going to be given triple digit jersey numbers. Among the players competing for jobs include: Sam Adams, Elvis Dumervil, Ebenezer Ekuban, Jarvis Moss (1st round rookie), Tim Crowder (2nd round rookie), John Engelberger, Kenard Lang, Jimmy Kennedy, Alvin McKinley, Gerard Warren, Marcus Thomas and Demetrin Veal.

Kansas City Chiefs

Link: http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/welcome.php
Location: University of Wisconsin-River Falls (River Falls, WI)
Dates: July 26 - August 15
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

QBs Croyle vs. Huard - The Chiefs are promising a truly open competition for the starting job, yet many Chiefs observers believe Brodie Croyle will be given every chance to win the job. Huard, who played reasonably well in Trent Green's stead last year, will try his best to hold off the youth movement for another season.

Larry Johnson's contract status - When you log 10,000 carries in two seasons (OK, not that many) and produce the way LJ has since taking over for Priest Holmes, you want to be paid fair market value. Whether LJ holds out to force the Chiefs hand remains to be seen, but it's arguably the most important issue facing Kansas City in the coming months.

Rebuilding a once stellar offensive line - Willie Roaf's retirement last year was a cause for concern, but the line held up reasonably well. But this season, it must contend with the loss of Will Shields, another perennial All Pro, and is quite likely going to start a new set of tackles. Can free agent Damion McIntosh really elevate his game to keep the Chiefs line among the AFC's elite?

(IDP) Establishing a new defensive interior - The Chiefs made wholesale changes to the defensive tackle rotation this offseason, and now must go about the process of getting Alfonso Boone, Turk McBride and Tank Tyler established.

Special Teams changes - PK Justin Medlock takes over at kicker, Jeff Webb takes over at KR, and several players will compete for punt return duties.

Oakland Raiders

Link: http://www.raiders.com
Location: Napa Valley Marriott (Napa Valley, CA)
Dates: July 27 - August 16
Open to the public? - NO

The Kiffin Era begins - Lane Kiffin becomes the youngest head coach in the league and becomes a 2nd generation NFL coach (his father Monte is the Bucs longtime defensive coordinator). Kiffin is bringing an entirely different offensive system with him from USC, and will have to basically reinvent every part of the offensive roster.

Prepping the QB of today, and tomorrow - Josh McCown, Andrew Walter and 1st overall pick JaMarcus Russell could all potentially see time in 2007. It will be interesting to see how the snaps are divided between them in camp. Conventional wisdom is that McCown starts the season, eventually giving way to Russell once the coaching staff feels he's ready.

Monitoring RB LaMont Jordan's recovery - LaMont Jordan was supposed to be the Raiders workhorse last year but was completely derailed by injury. With backup Dominic Rhodes suspended for 4 games to start the season, Jordan must be at the top of his game if the Raiders offense is to have any semblance of respectability.

Taking the "offensive"out of the offensive line - The Raiders offensive line has been in shambles of late and the new coaching staff will try to make wine out of vinegar. The key is whether Robert Gallery can finally live up to his lofty draft position.

WR Battle Royale - Jerry Porter has gone from persona non grata to quite possibly the team's top receiver in a season. But the Raiders are leaving no stone unturned, and will allow Porter, Ron Curry, Alvis Whitted, Mike Williams, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Travis Taylor settle it on the practice field.

(IDP) Can Donovin Darius bring stability to the secondary? - The Raiders have a solid pair of corners but acquired hard-hitting Donovin Darius in the hope he can add veteran stability and an in-the-box tackler to fill arguably the only hole on a solid defensive unit.

San Diego Chargers

Link: http://www.chargers.com
Location: Chargers Park (San Diego, CA)
Dates: July 28 - August 22
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Establishing the new coaching staff - The Chargers were decimated by coaching departures this offseason, and must focus on building new continuity and processes without rocking what many consider the most talented team in the AFC. Head coach Norv Turner and defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell are experienced, but new to the Chargers; while OC Clarence Shelmon must adjust to his new responsibilities after being a longtime position coach.

Developing the WR corps - The Chargers seem ready to hand the WR position over to a group of young receivers. Leading the way is Vincent Jackson, but who lines up opposite him remains a mystery. Rookie Craig Davis, Malcolm Floyd and Kassim Osgood all have designs on the position, while veteran Eric Parker thinks he can hold onto his job.

(IDP) CBs Florence vs. Cromartie - 2nd year Antonio Cromartie is expected to challenge incumbent Drayton Florence for the cornerback slot opposite Quentin Jammer.

(IDP) Safeties Hart vs. Weddle - Rookie Eric Weddle probably will start the season as the nickel or dime back, but he may push Clinton Hart for the strong safety job with a strong camp.