With just over a week until the teams of the AFC West report to their respective sites for Training Camp 2016, things are heating up around the division.
From bold proclamations from the Denver Broncos to which Chiefs to keep an eye on in 2016, it's time to get you caught up with what's going on around the AFC West.
DENVER BRONCOS
Training Camp Report Date:July 27
Facility:Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre
The Denver Broncos boasted the top statistical defense in the NFL in 2015, allowing just 283.1 yards per game, and now with the return of outside linebacker Von Miller, they're poised to be another dominant force in 2016.
But can they be the best defense of all time?
Although some of the faces have changed along the Broncos' defensive front, safety T.J. Ward thinks that lofty goal is well within the reach as the group prepares to defend its Super Bowl title.
"We can be as good as we want to be," Ward told the Denver Post. "We can become the best defense of all time. That's what we're working toward."
While Ward certainly isn't lacking confidence, as defending Super Bowl Champions, the Broncos will have their work cut out of for them in 2016. The Raiders will get their first chance to see the Denver defense Week 9 when Von Miller and Co. travel to the Bay Area for a matchup at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Training Camp Report Date:July 29
Facility:Missouri Western State University
After finishing last season 11-5 and beating the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs are a team with big expectations attached to them heading into 2016.
Like most other teams in the league, the Chiefs are not immune from having some question marks surrounding them as they prepare for Training Camp 2016. From the return of running back Jamaal Charles to the battle to backup quarterback Alex Smith, BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com takes a look at the Five Storylines To Follow During Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp.
The Chiefs were the only team in the AFC West that the Raiders didn't beat in 2015, but the Silver and Black won't have to wait too long to get their first crack at Andy Reid's squad, as the Chiefs travel to Northern California for a Week 6 matchup with Derek Carr and the Raiders.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Training Camp Report Date:July 29
Facility:Chargers Park
The Chargers didn't live up to expectations in 2015 – they finished the season with a 4-12 record – but as they prepare to embark on the journey of the 2016 season, they're a team that should put a better product on the field.
San Diego's draft class is headlined by versatile defensive end Joey Bosa – who as of now is still unsigned – but the team is hopeful that he can spearhead an improved defensive front in San Diego.
Another key player the Bolts added to their defense this offseason was nose tackle Brandon Mebane, who will be expected to anchor the defensive line for the Chargers in 2016.
As Philip Rivers and Co. prepare for training camp, the team’s official website took a closer look at Mebane and what he will add to not just the defense, but the team in general.
