ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Every AFC West team has played four games. The following is a quarter checkpoint in the division.

Good surprise: It has to be Denver’s defensive effort, which has, in turn, created another surprise: Denver’s 4-0 start. Yet, the Broncos would not be one of five unbeaten teams in the NFL if it weren’t for the defense. The Broncos’ defense was terrible the past two years, but under new coach Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the new-look unit has thrived. Using the 3-4 defense, Denver has surrendered a league-low 26 points. The next closest in the league is 53 points, which is more than double what Denver has allowed. It’s been a shocking turnaround.

Bad Surprise: San Diego’s injuries. In Week 1, the Chargers lost star defensive tackle Jamal Williams for the season and standout center Nick Hardwick until at least December. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and linebacker Shawne Merriman have not been at full strength. This might be one of San Diego’s last chances to reach the Super Bowl, but these injuries are a major reason why the Chargers are 2-2.

	Ron Chenoy/US Presswire
	Elvis Dumervil has eight sacks in the Broncos’ first four games.

MVP: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is the best player in the AFC West and he has had an outstanding start to the season. But the Broncos have been the story of the division this quarter and the MVP has to come from the team with a two-game lead, so we’re going with Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He is tied for the NFL lead in sacks with eight. He has made the transition from being an end in the 4-3 to a linebacker. He is becoming a bona fide star and he is a major reason for Denver’s resurgence on defense.

Biggest Bust: So far, it has to be Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He has been terrible all season. He has completed less than 40 percent of his passes (yes, he has been the victim of some dropped balls, but his accuracy is the worst in the NFL right now). Russell’s passer rating of 42.4 is the lowest in the league. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft is regressing in what is a pivotal season in his career.

What to watch for in the next quarter: It starts with whether Denver can continue to play well against better competition. It had a good start against Dallas. Now, Denver plays New England, San Diego, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. If the Broncos can split these two games, they will be in good shape.