AFC West Camp Quick Hits

in AFC West / by Jesse Scott / on July 22, 2012 at 5:43 am /

With camps about to open around the league, it’s time for (fans of the Oakland Raiders) to get to know what’s going on around the division.

Here is just a quick overview of what to look for this preseason in preparation for opening weekend.

DENVER BRONCOS

Camps Opens: July 25

Key Additions: QB Peyton Manning, S Mike Adams, CB Drayton Florence, CB Tracy Porter, DT Derek Wolfe, DT Justin Bannan, DT Ty Warren, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Jacob Tamme

Key Losses: S Brian Dawkins, WR Eddie Royal, QB Tim Tebow

Keep an Eye on: Manning’s chemistry with his wideouts, RB Ronnie Hillman’s pass-blocking, Fallout from Dumervil’s DUI.

Projection: It will take the best season of Manning’s career for Denver to win the division. Realistically, they’ll be in a 3-team race for second place.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Camp Opens: July 25

Key Additions: OLB Melvin Ingram, DE Kendall Reyes, SS Brandon Taylor, WR Robert Meachem, WR Eddie Royal, WR Roscoe Parrish, SS Atari Bigby, LB Demorrrio Williams

Key Losses: WR Vincent Jackson, RB Mike Tolbert, LT Marcus McNeill, LB Stephen Cooper

Keep an Eye on: Phillip Rivers’ accuracy, Ryan Mathews’ aggressiveness, Melvin Ingram’s role in the defense

Projection: Too young a team to deal with a coach on the hot seat all season. I’ll be surprised if they finish higher than 3rd in the West.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Camp Opens: July 26

Key Additions: RT Eric Winston, RB Peyton Hillis, CB Stanford Routt, TE Kevin Boss, DT Dontari Poe, WR Devon Wylie

Key Losses: CB Brandon Carr, RB Thomas Jones, C Casey Wiegmann

Keep an Eye on: Peyton Hillis’ and Jamaal Charles’ health. If they are 100%, they’ll be dangerous. Matt Cassel’s happy feet, Dontari Poe’s production early on.

Projection: Easily the most talented roster on paper in the AFC West. No reason for them not to win the division. Any worse than second and Romeo Crennel could be out of a job again.

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