Football fans rejoice with the realization that this past weekend was the last weekend in 2015 without NFL action, with the Hall of Fame game taking place this Sunday. However, there is still a month of training camp and preseason games before the 2015 regular season kicks off.
The AFC West is shaping up to be an interesting division this season. Here’s a look at some of the top storylines and news from each team out of camp so far.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos look to continue to dominate the west, and make it back to the Super Bowl. With an aging Peyton Manning and a new coaching staff, there have been some changes this offseason, but this continues to be a solid roster and the Broncos are yet again, the frontrunners in the AFC West.
They have suffered on the injury front already as they lost wide receiver Kyle Williams for the season when he tore his achilles during a punt return drill. Williams has been placed on the injured reserve.
There is some concern with the offensive line and protecting the quarterback, which has been addressed in camp as coaches look at every potential starter for the O-line.
The running back situation is one of the more intriguing competitions in Broncos camp, and C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball, and Ronnie Hillman all vie for playing time, and the coaches have liked what they’ve seen so far from all three backs.
Without Julius Thomas, this Broncos offense will have a tad different look to it, but they continue to have a solid roster with playmakers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The top story out of Chiefs camp has been the return of Eric Berry, who was sidelined after being diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The safety was declared cancer free in June, and his return to the field is one of the feel good stories of the year.
Football wise, the Chiefs are taking it slow with his return as he has been held to individual drills.
Something that has been a headliner for the Chiefs this week, is the fact that star running back Jamaal Charles compared himself to NBA superstar LeBron James; something that created quite the controversy and debate via social media. While James has won two NBA Championships, alongside MVP honors, Charles has not made it past the Wild Card game in the NFL playoffs.
KC’s receiving corp had issues last season, so they signed Jeremy Maclin this offseason. Aside from Maclin, they didn’t seek another top receiver, partially because of their hopes for Albert Wilson. There is a lot of confidence in Wilson, which they hope will pay off this season. Thus far in camp, he has shown strides and seeks more playing time and attempts in 2015.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are starting to see some results from their rebuilding the past few seasons. Jack Del Rio enters his first season as Oakland’s head coach alongside Ken Norton Jr. and Bill Musgrave.
There are high expectations surrounding second-year quarterback Derek Carr as he looks to avoid a sophomore slump. Carr accomplished a lot his rookie season, with a supporting cast that was in need of an upgrade. This year he will have some solid targets on offense, as well as an, anticipated, better run game.
The Raiders key takeaways from camp thus far are the fact that rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper is turning heads and creating a lot of hype. He is expected to be a key playmaker, and is already showing signs of that as he is being compared to Antonio Brown.
A concern out of Raiders camp is the development at the corner position with young players such as TJ Carrie, DJ Hayden, and Keith McGill.
The offense looks to be much improved with Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and Latavius Murray, while defensively, the secondary looks questionable, but the front seven look strong led by second year, former first round pick Khalil Mack.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers hope to get back to the playoffs this year after a season riddled by injury.
Unfortunately, the Chargers have already been bit by the injury bug with defensive end Tenny Palepoi out two months with a fractured foot.
A positive out of Chargers camp has been the play of wide receiver Stevie Johnson who has made some impressive catches thus far.
The Bolts also put a lot into their offensive line this offseason after suffering so many injuries. They now have some depth and have showed up strong in the first week of camp.
A headline this past week has been from safety Eric Weddle, who has hinted this will be his last year in San Diego stating he wants to make the most of it. Weddle showed his disappointment when the Chargers declined to discuss a contract extension with the safety.