Training camp is well underway as the preseason approaches. Teams are welcoming new players and setting goals for the upcoming season.
For some AFC West teams, this has been an offseason full of change and revamped rosters. It has also been an eventful offseason for certain players dealing with some off field issues as well as contract negotiations.
Here’s a look at some of the top storylines for each team as well as how they’re looking thus far in camp.
Denver Broncos
The defending Super Bowl Champs took Mark Sanchez under their wing this offseason, which made for an interesting acquisition. The quarterback has had his struggles over the years, but looks to lead this talented team to another Super Bowl.
Sanchez would seem to be the starter, however the Broncos have him listed along with Trevor Siemian as the number one quarterback. An interesting battle that will be played out in the preseason.
Denver’s defense is one of, if not the best in the league and with the eventual signing of Von Miller the pass rush is one of the most dangerous.
The two sides were in contract negotiations for a while, and Miller was willing to sit out this season unless given an offer he approved of. In the end he agreed to a six-year $114.5 million contract; the biggest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.
Cornerback Aqib Talib practiced with the team for the first time Monday after being on the NFI due to a gunshot wound. Talib is a huge part of the Broncos secondary and his return to the practice field is great news moving forward.
This is a team that is for the most part in tact as the head to their first preseason game on Thursday. They have depth, and while their offense has a different look, they are working through that in camp, with preseason action having a big impact on the quarterback situation.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs battled adversity last year to earn a Wild Card spot, but came up short in the end. They have proven time and time again that they are always a wild card in this division and anything is possible with this team.
They had a few contract issues with players including Eric Berry, who didn’t show up at the start of camp due to failure to reach a long-term agreement with the Chiefs.
Justin Houston and Tamba Hali both had offseason knee surgeries, and neither have practiced thus far. Houston is one of their most valuable players and if he is to miss the start of the season, that could hinder KC’s odds this season.
Injuries aside, some newcomers are making their presence known. Rod Streater has been a pleasant acquisition for the Chiefs as they look to bolster the offense and give Alex Smith another solid target.
Jamaal Charles is still sidelined after last years season-ending knee surgery, but the Chiefs managed to make the playoffs without him. Knile Davis has been overshadowed by Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware on the depth chart as a result of his struggles with passes.
Oakland Raiders
While the Raiders offseason moves have been sidelined due to relocation talks making headlines, the Raiders had an impressive offseason with high praise around the league. High expectations surround this team with talks of a playoff appearance.
This team has had the opportunity to bond throughout the offseason as they prepare to take the league by storm.
Defensively, they look to be much better this year with new acquisitions who will improve the pass defense as well as up front with the pass rush.
Offensively, there weren’t many changes, but the young players continue to learn together and make improvements day by day.
Thus far in camp, the defense has been impressive, while there have been some concerns with the performance of the offense when it comes to dropped passes, etc.
One of the biggest headlines from Raiders camp is how it has been quite chippy as pushing matches have occurred a few times the past few days, most involving newcomer Bruce Irvin.
Kelechi Osemele also got into a scuffle which led to him and Donald Penn heading to the locker room early.
Injury wise, Roy Helu Jr. was formally released after being on the injury reserve. Helu had surgery on both hips this offseason.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have had a quiet offseason, but most recently there has been a lot of drama between them and first round draft pick Joey Bosa.
Bosa is holding out at camp due to a failure to reach an agreement with the Bolts. He has yet to sign his rookie contract, and his mother has even chimed in, saying “I wish we pulled an Eli Manning.”
With preseason about to start and the season vastly approaching, this is the last thing the Chargers needed.
The Bolts did make a recent signing by adding wide receiver James Jones to their squad. Jones makes a solid and reliable target for Philip Rivers on an offense in need of some star power. The addition of Jones comes as a result of Stevie Johnson’s knee injury.
Tyrell Williams has also been turning heads at Chargers camp. Rivers and company need receivers they can rely on as they face tough AFC West defenses.
The offensive line is also a concern as they head into the season. It has been their achilles heel the past few years, mostly due to injury. Now is their time to gel and prepare for the season as a unit.
With preseason starting this week, we will see how these teams have worked together in camp as they prepare for the real deal next month. Position battles are won in the four preseason games, as the coaching staffs set their final rosters for Week 1.