The AFC West has been an intriguing division the past few seasons. With some of the league’s top players residing in the West, these teams have been impressive in their pursuit of a Super Bowl appearance.
Looking at the offense specifically, some teams have it all, a solid run game and receiving core, while others struggle.
Here’s a look at the AFC West’s running back squads.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles is one of the best running backs in the game and a huge part of the Chiefs success. In his seven seasons with the Chiefs, Charles has been an ignitor on offense making plays when needed and carrying the team often. Last season, he rushed for 1,033 yards with nine touchdowns averaging five yards per carry.
The Chiefs also have Knile Davis on their roster, who is an excellent backup to Charles. In 2014, Davis had 463 yards on 134 carries and six touchdowns.
With KC’s receiving struggles, the run game played a key role in their nine wins last season, and will look to have an even greater impact in 2015. With Charles and Davis paving the way, defenses get worn out, and the Chiefs are able to make it downfield. The Chiefs were ranked tenth in the run with 1,918 total yards. The KC ground game is effective and is home to one of the best in the league.
2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have good depth at the running back position, and they just happen to have a very good passing game as well with Peyton Manning at quarterback.
While Denver is more of a passing team, they are efficient in the run, with C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, and Montee Ball. Will both Hillman and Ball suffering on the injury front, Anderson got the majority of carries last season playing in 15 games.
Anderson ran for 849 yards and had eight touchdowns last season, while Ball played in only five games, yet rushed for 172 yards and one touchdown. Hillman played in eight games and had three touchdowns, while rushing for 434 yards.
The Broncos were ranked 15th in the run with 1,785 yards, and will be just as successful in 2015.They have an overall great offense with a fantastic passing game and serviceable run game.
3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders were the worst rushing team in 2014 finishing dead last in the rankings with 1,240 yards. Last year they had Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Latavius Murray. This season, Murray will return and the Raiders welcome Trent Richardson and Roy Helu to the mix.
Murray provided a lot of spark on this offense last year, despite only starting three games. In 82 attempts, Murray ran for 424 yards with two touchdowns. He looks to be the starter, but will have some competition come training camp.
Richardson is an interesting acquisition. He had a good rookie season, but has been in decline since. He’s still young and has an opportunity to make an impact with this Raiders team. Last season, Richardson had 159 attempts and rushed for 519 yards and three touchdowns with the Indianapolis Colts.
Helu had 40 carries and 216 yards for the Washington Redskins last year, but will enter camp with an opportunity to impress.
The Raiders were dead last in the run last season, that will change in 2015. Murray is an improvement from last year’s starters and will greatly help this offense.
4. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers struggled in the run last season due to an abundance of injuries. They ranked 30th in the NFL with 1,367 yards. The 2015 season looks to be a better one, but the running back situation has been a concern.
San Diego took a few running backs in the draft, Jahwan Edwards and Melvin Gordon aiming to make an impact.
The Bolts also have Danny Woodhead, who only had 15 attempts last season with 38 yards. Donald Brown had 85 attempts while rushing for 223 yards, and Branden Oliver had 160 attempts while rushing for 582 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chargers run game wasn’t effective in 2014 as they lacked a leader in the run game. Injuries played a role, and they are hoping for better results in 2015, but the other three AFC West teams look to be better off with the run heading into training camp.