Around the AFC West (Week of August 3rd)

Every now and then, we'll take a look around at our AFC West opponents and see what's happening in their respective neck of the woods. Of course, training camp is nearly in full swing around the NFL and so there's plenty of early news out of each camp from San Diego, Oakland and Denver. So here are some interesting news or links of note:

Oakland:

Mike Lombardi from the National Football Post gives a great look at the first-year head coaches around the NFL and he gives a full column to Tom Cable's first full year in the NFL in terms of what to expect.

It seems that while Jamarcus Russell doesn't look the part, he says he's still "ready to lead."

Darrius Heyward-Bey has already dropped enough passes to warrant early question marks. Meanwhile Javon Walker actually looks ready to hit the field this season.

Apparently, the early Raiders camp was a no-sweat, no-push affair. The players love it, but will it come back to bite theM?

San Diego:

Apparently Antonio Gates showed up to camp lean and mean and in better shape than ever. The early returns look quite good.

Bolttalk has a look at a possible weakness of the Chargers: their linemen.

Larry English, the pass rushing specialist chosen in the first round of this year's draft, signed and is already being treated like a rookie.

Denver:

MileHighReport that the Broncos drama continues with several people not in camp. Of course, we've all heard about the Jarvis Moss departure but there are signs that he might come back after all. However, Brandon Marshall, Brian Dawkins and Brandon Stokley are other notable absentees in early training camp.

Both of the Broncos first round picks are still not in camp and both are key additions to the offense and defense. No timetable is still in place, however, for both RB Knowshon Moreno or DE Robert Ayers.

Peyton Hillis continues to impress from the RB spot after being shoved into the role last season due to injuries.

Mike Lombardi's look at Josh McDaniels first year can be found here.