Football season is still a ways away, but the offseason programs have been in full swing the past few weeks. OTA’s have come to a close, as the AFC West teams gear up for the upcoming season. Here’s a quick look at how OTAs went for the teams in the West.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos won this division last year and look to take over the West once again in 2015. Their playoff run didn’t end the way they anticipated as they were eliminated by the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round.
They’ve had a solid offseason building off the talent they have, but they also lost a few important pieces to free agency.
During OTAs, offensive tackle Ryan Clady tore his ACL and will miss the entire season. The loss of Clady for the season is disappointing for Denver and will have an impact on the offensive line. They have veterans capable of stepping up and taking Clady’s place, and they’ll have to do just that to protect Peyton Manning.
Speaking of Manning, he has made his disapproval of Demaryius Thomas’ absence at OTAs well known this past week. Thomas and the Broncos have been undergoing a contract dispute, which is keeping Thomas from showing up to minicamp.
Kansas City Chiefs
There hasn’t been much news regarding the Chiefs during OTA’s, but defensive lineman Justin Houston was a no show for the second year in a row. The two sides are in contract dispute which is keeping Houston from participating in OTA’s.
This is an opportunity for the offense to work together before training camp. This offense will have a different look as they hope to get the receivers more involved following a season in which the Chiefs wide receivers had no touchdown receptions.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers and Eric Weddle are in a contract dispute, which has led to his absence at voluntary workouts. The safety has been with the Chargers since 2007 when they drafted him in the second round.
Another factor on the defense is Donald Butler, who has shown improvement this offseason and making an impression on the Chargers coaching staff.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders wrapped OTA’s with high hopes as the season approaches. Raider Nation took a big sigh of relief at the sight of Derek Carr throwing after some concern with his ring finger and surgery reportedly being a possibility; but Carr returned to the football field and looked fine during minicamp.
The ageless wonder, Charles Woodson appeared at every practice for the first time in his career.
Runningback Latavius Murray is also taking serious strides to be the starting back come Week 1, impressing with the offense during OTA’s.
New Raiders coaches showed excitement and approval of what they have seen thus far in the offseason.