Making Sense Of The AFC West

It would be the most aggressive of understatements to suggest the 2022 offseason has been phenomenal. It seems, since the moment that blue and yellow confetti dropped, there has been a fascinating development by the hour. The extension of Aaron Rodgers, tagged alongside the departure of Davante Adams, the release of Julio Jones, or Jacksonville’s spending spree. It seems we’ve had an offseason for the ages and, certainly, one which I dread we may never forget. Amongst this drama, thankfully not so much filtered through the return of Brady or Big Ben’s retirement, comes the AFC West. In my opinion, above all else, this story has been the most fascinating to see unfold as we witness a true arms race for the division – and potentially the conference. But let’s take a deeper look into it, and truly document the insanity of this division’s invasion of superstars.

We can’t discuss the West without acknowledging, likely the catalyst for this madness, the trade of Russell Wilson. Yes, the Broncos sacrificed significant draft capitol to acquire the former Seahawk and (should be two time) Superbowl champ, yet the upside of this deal bares incredible weight for the team. Disregarding that, if this deal falls sideways and Wilson declines, it could become one of the most significant trade busts in history – second only to the Hershel Walker trade. But this is Russell Wilson! And the deal finally offers Denver stability behind center after several tumultuous years post Manning. I’m sure many Broncos fans are getting flashbacks to Manning’s arrival. An accomplished Quarterback joins the team at the tail end of their career yet still enough in the tank to compete for a championship or two. I’m sure that’s why they picked up Randy Gregory to sure up that pass rush. Combining Gregory alongside Bradley Chubb with Courtland Sutton striding confidently into his sophomore could make the difference. Denver, for some time, have been considered a Quarterback away from competing – now might be the time. Sure, they will need to build via free agency rather than the draft but good times are certainly on the horizon for the Broncos.

In response to the Wilson trade, the Chargers stunned everybody by trading for Khalil Mack to answer the Broncos. Once more, at quite the reasonable price. In this one move, the Chargers immediately have the best, or at the very least top 3, pass rush duos in the league. Mack on one side with Bosa on the other will be an intimidating threat and likely the deciding factor for several games throughout the season. Not only will opponents passing attack be strained, more pressure would be pinned upon the rushing attack too. Once more, to capitalize on this pressure, LA picked up JC Jackson. No doubt this move is going to account for several turnovers and countless defensive stands. Placing JC Jackson opposite Asante Samuel JR might likely have established a top 3 corner duo too. With those edge rushers alongside a pair of elite corners, LA is going to be an incredibly difficult team to move the chains against.

The Chargers have squandered several star studded rosters post 2000, whether that be the Brees/LT years or Rivers/Gates/Williams years too. However this time feels different. This team feels complete is most phases of the ball. With Justin Herbert behind center, it might be likely that we see a Burrow/Herbert playoff matchup. Once more, with the extension of Mike Williams, Herbert keeps his favorite target to battle it out for dominance in this stacked division. LA even sured up their special teams by picking up long time Falcons pro bowl Long Snapper, Josh Harris, to a 4 year deal. It’s understated how significant a quality long snapper is. The AFC has become a battleground following Brady’s departure from the Patriots. It seems several teams are vying for long term control with high profile signings and this offseason is the culmination in that. With Deshaun Watson’s move to Cleveland, I’m surprised he opted for the AFC route when the future of the NFC (in terms of young QB talent) is wide open in comparison the adjacent conference.

But what about the Raiders? Some time ago one might suggest Derek Carr to be the least competent amongst this powerhouse set of Quarterbacks but he’s had quite the resurgence. Such accomplishment is more so impressive when considering the Raiders’ sustained relative success throughout 2021 during the fallout of the toxic Jon Gruden situation. Once more, the team became quite the meme with high profile players they lost to legal issues, yet somehow they stayed strong and finished 10-7. Now, with Josh McDaniels at the helm, they seek to answer the offseason pickups with several bombshells of their own. The first, Chandler Jones. Paired up with Max Crosby, this pass rush can rival the Chargers’ own. Like the Chargers, It’s clear this duo will wreak havoc on the opposing lines of their opponents and likely account to several more wins. Such a big pick up has been overshadowed, however, by an even larger one. The reunion of Derek Carr and Davante Adams, with Adams inking the largest Non QB contract in NFL history. With no doubt, this answer to the loss of Henry Ruggs is significant enough to propel the silver and black into Superbowl consideration. Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr and Davante Adams are going to be one of the most electric duos in the league.

Now the Chiefs. The Chiefs are the Chiefs. As long as Mahomes, Kelce and Hill line up together Kansas City are the most sure fire bet for a playoff appearance before week 1. They’re electrifying, and have been Mahomes’ breakout MVP year. Even before this, during the Alex Smith era, they were more than capable. It seems Andy Reid can’t do wrong with this team and it’s fair to suggest he may lead the team to another Superbowl victory by his retirement. Funny though, considering their competition, Kansas City have remained fairly quiet this offseason. They haven’t scrambled for free agents or trades. They seem confident in their Frank Clark led pass rush and the pieces surrounding him. True, I suppose, that the Chiefs did set the precedent. These teams wouldn’t be scrambling so desperately for figures if its wasn’t for the reign of dominance Arrowhead have had over their rivals following Mahomes’ arrival. They just can’t help but win, even in a disappointing 2021 outing. Notable, though, they did pick up another weapon for Mahomes. Ju-Ju Smith Schuster should complement Tyreek Hill as a brilliant ‘no 2’ threat like he did with Antonio Brown early in his career. Accompanying him alongside Kelce, opposing secondaries can’t dish all the attention. This pickup should help spread the field and draw coverage from Mahomes’ other two high power targets.

The rest of the AFC though? Once the teams lucky enough to survive the 2022 AFC West, they might have to content with one of the most highly stacked playoffs brackets in history. This season will surely be a trial by fire for whoever survives. After Week 18, these West teams will likely need to face Burrow’s Bengals, or Allen’s Bills. No doubt the Browns will be amongst the mix, with newly acquired Watson and Cooper they will be a high power offense with Myles Garrett dominating on defense. With the Matt Ryan trade, I genuinely feel the Colts have become serious contenders too. Matty Ice has been a model of consistency with questionable lines and defenses his entire career. Now, with Quentin Nelson as his bodyguard? A deep playoff run is on the cards. It’s true that, despite this arms race for dominance of their division, whichever teams leaves 2022 victorious faces another uphill battle the moment the regular season ends. Whichever team survives the West will be forged ready for the Superbowl. I imagine, barring any shock dominance in the weaker NFC, whoever gets that AFC crown will become significant favorites come February.

And who might that be? My genuine guess: The Chargers. Who knows? We could even see a Chargers/Rams Superbowl. The battle of LA. They seem too complete to stop and well suited in every aspect of the game. With Herbert as their signal caller, anything is possible. Once more with Austin Ekeler coming off an impressive prior season, LA even have a reliable rushing attack to lean on. Come the post season, I can see them staying toe to toe with other AFC powerhouses and likely reaching the Championship game – maybe even go all the way. In any case, it’s certainly far from debate to suggest that the battle for the AFC West will be a moment in NFL history we might seldom forget.