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Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning's presence will undoubtedly improve Willis McGahee's rushing stats -- at least that's what McGahee is preaching, and Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla says the Broncos running back has a sermon he can back up.

Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' trial on driving under the influence and traffic charges ended Monday in a mistrial.

Who is the most indispensable player to his team in the NFL today? At least three NFL.com writers answer the question by saying the Broncos cannot succeed in 2012 without Manning under center.

Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Cassel defends his position as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, telling Sports Radio 610 in Kansas City: “I believe in myself, and I know I’m a good quarterback. Of course there are going to be criticisms and everything like that, and that’s part of the business. ... And hopefully it’s all going to go in the right direction, we’re going to win a lot of ball games, get in the playoffs, and ideally we’d like to win a Super Bowl.”

Arrowhead Pride takes a closer look at fourth-round pick, wide receiver Devon "Wiggles" Wylie out of Fresno State.

The Chiefs are using Dexter McCluster as a wideout -- for now. The Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher has more observations from practice.

Oakland Raiders

San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami says Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain's actions and his spotty play have shown he's the polar opposite of the kinds of players GM Reggie McKenzie and new coach Dennis Allen want in their locker room.

If there were such a thing as an offseason practice MVP, fifth-round draft pick Juron Criner would walk away with the trophy. Criner, a rookie out of Arizona, even impressed Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are in need of a third-down back, and it just so happens the best running back in franchise history and the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history is looking for a team to join. GM A.J. Smith should set aside past differences and bring LaDainian Tomlinson back, says the North County Times' Jay Paris.

Opinions vary on funding for a new Chargers stadium. San Diego’s four major mayoral candidates state their cases.

While Ryan McBean's fight with the NFL is over, D.J. Williams is continuing his battle.

The Denver Post reported that McBean has agreed to drop his lawsuit against the league and his NFL suspension has been dropped from six games to three. Denver released McBean last month. He signed with the Ravens on Monday.

Both McBean and Williams were suspended for six games for using a banned substance earlier this offseason. Both players immediately decided to sue the league to get their suspensions overruled. The paper reports Williams is continuing on with his lawsuit.

It is not clear if Williams was offered to have his suspension reduced in exchange for dropping the lawsuit as McBean did.

Williams is one of Denver’s better defensive players.

In other AFC West news:

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Tennessee is visiting with cornerback Drayton Florence on Wednesday. The Chargers are highly interested in Florence. He spent his first five NFL seasons in San Diego. The Chargers want him to be their nickel cornerback. He was cut by Buffalo last week.
• Atlanta cut fullback Ovie Mughelli. Denver may be among the teams interested in adding a fullback.
• The Raiders signed center Colin Miller. He was in Pittsburgh’s camp last season. He faces an uphill battle to make the Raiders’ roster.

Barring a setback from the neck injury that cost him the entire 2011 season, Peyton Manning has the Denver Broncos’ offense covered. That side of the ball will be fine and will be in playoff form.

But what about the defense?

That side of the ball will be a key to Denver's season. If the 2012 Denver defense can make the strides it did in 2011, the Broncos have a chance to be a serious contender.

Bill Polian, who knows Manning well, has said he thinks the potential of the Broncos' defense is one of the reasons Manning chose to play in Denver. Polian, the Colts’ former general manager who brought Manning to Indianapolis and who is now an ESPN analyst, said last week he thinks the Denver defense could be a spark for the Manning-led offense.

“John Fox is going to coach up that defense and it has a chance to play great defense,” Polian said. “That will only help Peyton.”

However, I believe the Broncos have work to do before they can start playing great defense.

This unit is a work in progress. It went from No. 32 in 2010 prior to Fox’s arrival to No. 20 in 2011 under the guidance of Fox and coordinator Dennis Allen, who is now the head coach in Oakland. The 2011 Denver Broncos will be remembered for the wild days of Tim Tebow, but it was the defense that rose up and solidified the team. With Manning running the offense and former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio running the defense, the team has a chance to go to the next level.

The defense in Denver starts with pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. The pair combined for 21 sacks last season and they should be one of the most dynamic pass-rush duos in the NFL for years to come. Polian called the pair special and an anchor for the defense.

Denver upgraded at cornerback by signing Tracy Porter of New Orleans. He is a solid No. 2 cornerback and will make a strong pairing with the aging, but still dominant Champ Bailey. Porter, who has had challenges staying healthy, is an upgrade from Andre Goodman. Underrated safety Mike Adams was signed from Cleveland. He will pair with second-year player Quinton Carter, who made strides as the season went on. The team will give 2011 No. 2 pick Rahim Moore a chance to rebound from a rookie season in which he regressed. But Adams and Carter should be a serviceable pairing.

There are some problems, though. Outside linebacker D.J. Williams, one of the better defenders on the team, is facing a six-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. He is fighting it in the form of a lawsuit. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley signed with New Orleans. Bunkley was a tone-setter, and even though he played only 43 percent of the snaps, he will be missed.

Denver has a major void at defensive tackle and it probably will take advantage of a strong draft class at the position and use the No. 25 pick on a player such as Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox, Penn State’s Devon Still or LSU’s Michael Brockers. They also want to re-sign Marcus Thomas and hope 2011 free-agent signee Ty Warren is healthy after missing the past two seasons.

There is no doubt this is still a building project and that concerns Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.

“I was very worried about this defense, but now I feel a little better about it after it signed Porter, who is a very solid No. 2 behind Bailey,” Williamson said. “But I still have my worries about the defense up the middle. Losing Bunkley hurts quite a bit, but maybe Ty Warren can help out this year. The safety position worries me. But they can sure rush the passer. The question is will be they be able to handle a physical offense.”

After being the bright spot of a surprise team in 2011, the Denver defense must take the next step in a year when, suddenly, much is expected from this team.

As expected, the Chargers are in the process of cutting left tackle Marcus McNeill.

UT-San Diego is reporting that McNeill’s agent has said McNeill will be cut Tuesday. The Chargers will have about $6 million in salary-cap room with the release.

McNeill is being cut because he has still not been medically cleared to resume playing. Because the Chargers owed him a bonus in the coming days, San Diego had no choice. McNeill spent last season on injured reserve with a neck issue. There is a chance McNeill could come back to San Diego with a lesser deal.

McNeill is the second starting offensive lineman in San Diego to leave this team in the past couple of weeks. Guard Kris Dielman retired because of health issues.

Center Nick Hardwick is a free agent, as is Jared Gaither, who replaced McNeill. The Chargers badly want to re-sign both players. If not, there will be dramatic change on the team’s offensive line. Nearly three weeks ago, at the NFL combine, San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said it was the team’s biggest current issue and it remains the team’s biggest issue as we are closing in on the start of free agency.

In other AFC West news:

San Francisco signed former Denver cornerback Perrish Cox. He was recently found not guilty in a sexual assault case in Denver that could have resulted in him being in prison for the rest of his life. He was with the Broncos when he was arrested, but the Broncos later cut him.

My thoughts on the decision of Denver’s D.J. Williams and Ryan McBean to sue the NFL over their recent six-game suspension for using a banned substance: Why not? The players have nothing to lose, and the Ryan Braun situation in MLB shows it’s a worthwhile try for the players.

Former Denver receiver Brandon Stokley explains in a radio interview his involvement in Peyton Manning's trip to Denver last weekend.

The NFLPA released a statement expressin its displeasure with the NFL giving suspensions to Denver linebacker D.J. Williams and Denver free agent defensive linemen Ryan McBean. Both were suspended for six games. The players have indicated they will file a lawsuit to fight the case:

Here is the NFLPA’s statement:

The NFLPA is disappointed by the decisions in the cases of Ryan McBean and D.J. Williams. Despite substantial evidence of breaches in the collection protocol and other procedural irregularities, the NFL decided to punish these players without judicious review of the facts. The League-appointed hearing officer then affirmed the discipline, even though the specimen collector was fired by his agency for not following procedures. The NFL also failed to produce the sample collector as a witness during the players’ appeals hearing.

The NFLPA and NFL have been negotiating a new and comprehensive Substances of Abuse and Steroids policies. The facts in these two cases, and in recent cases in other sports, dramatically underscore the players’ insistence to have independent, neutral arbitrators as part of any future policy. We will continue to fight for a fair, clean and safe game.

The Denver Broncos have gotten a jump on the Peyton Manning chase.

Television news helicopters followed Manning’s ride from a Denver-area airport to the Broncos facility, where Manning is meeting with team officials. It won’t be his last visit. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Manning will visit the Cardinals; Kansas City owner Clark Hunt has said the Chiefs have interest in Manning as well.

Expect Manning to make his decision within the next several days. The veteran quarterback will weigh several options before making his decision. Let's look at how the Broncos and the Chiefs stack up in several areas:

Finances

Denver: It has already been reported the Broncos are willing to spend whatever it takes to get Manning. Denver owner Pat Bowlen has seen Manning beat his team’s brains in for years. He’d happily pay to get Manning on his side.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are in great salary-cap shape. They can easily hang with any other team’s offer for Manning.

Supporting offensive cast

Denver: The Broncos have strong offensive linemen, a good running game and some solid receivers. There is room to get better and I’m sure the Broncos would promise Manning improvements, even allow him to make suggestions.

Kansas City: The Chiefs have a better supporting cast in the passing game than Denver. Manning would likely be thrilled to throw to receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin and Steve Breaston and tight end Tony Moeaki. The Chiefs can run the ball, too. And Manning would reunite with former Colts teammate guard Ryan Lilja.

Defense

Denver: The Broncos have an improved defense and are expected to try to get better. If the six-game suspension of linebacker D.J. Williams holds up, however, it will weaken the group.

Kansas City: Romeo Crennel’s defense was fabulous at the end of last season and it has a chance to be a stellar group with a few additions. Manning would have to be impressed by this group.

Coaching staff

Denver: Denver head coach John Fox loves veteran quarterbacks and is a noted players' coach. He and Manning would be a natural fit. Offensively, the Broncos showed last season that they are more than willing to adjust their system to their quarterback. Manning would like this group.

Kansas City: Crennel runs a New England-like ship. No opponent knows how important coaching was to New England’s success better than Manning. I think Crennel and his staff would work well with Manning.

Intangibles

Denver: The Broncos have something no other competitor for Manning has: a Hall of Fame quarterback running the show. John Elway would give Manning what he wanted, and he understands what it is like to be in Manning’s shoes as few others do.

Kansas City: The Chiefs don’t have a Hall of Famer running the show, but Hall of Famer Len Dawson is never too far off.

Room for friends

Denver: The Broncos could be open to signing several of Manning’s former Colts teammates, including center Jeff Saturday, receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. That would appeal to Manning.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are pretty set at receiver and tight end. I could see them making room for Saturday, however.

Ability to win now

Denver: The Broncos went from being 4-12 in 2010 to going 8-8 and winning a playoff game in 2011. With Manning and a few more pieces, the Broncos would be a threat to make a deep playoff run.

Kansas City: The Chiefs went 7-9 in 2011 despite several injuries. Adding Manning could make the Chiefs a dark-horse Super Bowl choice.

Conclusion: Both teams have strong selling points to Manning and both have the means to get it done. It will come down to a comfort level for Manning, who will also consider other teams. But there’s no doubt that both the Broncos and Chiefs will be in this chase for the long haul.

Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams issued a statement to ESPN.com in response to his six-game suspension from the NFL to start the 2012 season. Denver free-agent defensive lineman Ryan McBean was also suspended for six games.

The players are expected to file a lawsuit over the matter. Here is Williams’ statement:

I understand from media reports today that the NFL has announced a suspension based on a specimen that the NFL acknowledges did not contain steroids or any illegal substance. Instead, the NFL contends that I provided a non-human specimen. I have never failed a test of any kind – for steroids or illegal substances – during my eight-year pro career. I am proud of my record and proud of the way in which I conduct myself as a professional athlete and citizen. We proved – conclusively – at the NFL hearing on this matter that the NFL and its specimen collector wholly failed in their duties to safeguard and process my specimen properly. In fact, the specimen collector was fired by the NFL after compromising my specimen as well as others’. The hearing officer, an NFL executive, ignored the NFL’s own Policy, engaged in inappropriate communications with top NFL officials about this matter without my knowledge or approval, corrupted the system, ignored that my specimen had been compromised, and now has subjected me to humiliation as well as suspension. We will be vigorously pursuing my rights in the judicial system. My suspension is unjust; the NFL has undermined and corrupted its own steroid policy.

On the day the Denver Broncos try to convince Peyton Manning that they are ready to win now, the team is dealing with the news that three players have been suspended by the NFL.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and John Clayton are reporting that the suspended players are linebacker D.J. Williams, defensive lineman Ryan McBean and tight end Virgil Green. Williams and McBean were suspended for six games, while Green was suspended for four games.

Williams and McBean were allegedly found to have "non-human" urine in their system, a source told Clayton.

They are expected to file a lawsuit. And with the recent success baseball star Ryan Braun had in a similar case, the two players may have some hope to win theirs.

Losing Williams for six games would be a blow for Denver. He is a solid tackler and a savvy veteran for what was an improved Denver defense in 2011. McBean is a free agent, one the Broncos have some interest in upgrading from.

Green is a promising second-year player, who the Broncos would like to see take the next step in the offense. But there’s no doubt the biggest news here is Williams’ suspension. Denver would have to find a way to account for his loss for nearly half the season.

On a hopeful day in Denver, the Broncos had no comment on this situation. You have to wonder if this news affects Manning's desire to go to Denver. I wouldn't think it would, but it won’t help the Broncos' cause to land Manning, either.

Being arrested on the suspicion of drunk driving is not exactly the formula a player on the roster bubble should follow.

That is the position Denver running back Knowshon Moreno is reportedly in. A Denver television station reported that the No. 12 overall pick of the 2009 draft was arrested on drunken driving charges near Denver in his Bentley convertible.

Moreno is rehabilitating a torn ACL he suffered during the season. Denver is expected to bring in a running back either early in the draft or in free agency. Moreno lost his starting job to Willis McGahee last season.

His best chances of having a role in Denver in 2012 is probably as a third-down back.

"We take the incident involving Knowshon Moreno very seriously, and are thoroughly reviewing this matter," the team said in a statement. "Our organization will continue to gather information and closely monitor this issue while the legal process takes its course."

Denver linebacker D.J. Williams and kicker Matt Prater have been arrested for drunk driving in the past.

In other AFC West notes:

Raiders’ legend Willie Brown is not currently listed on the team’s list of coaches.

The Raiders have made their primary coaching additions, but they still have some hires to make.

Denver quarterback Tim Tebow said in a radio interview that he was a Dallas Cowboys’ fan growing up.

One player to watch for each team in the AFC West in Week 15:

Denver, D.J. Williams, linebacker: Williams has been a key part of Denver’s defense since he was the team’s No. 1 pick in 2004. He is not the biggest name on the revived defense, but he is having a good season and he had a great game against Chicago. If the Broncos are going to slow down Tom Brady and the Patriots, Williams will need another big game.

Kansas City: Derrick Johnson, linebacker: Johnson is having a brilliant season. He had 12 tackles against the Jets last week and he has 112 tackles on the season. He should be headed to the Pro Bowl, and a strong game against the 13-0 Packers in the national spotlight should help him.

Oakland, Tyvon Branch, safety: Branch has 93 tackles and he is having a strong season. He has a chance to make the Pro Bowl. A big game against a strong Detroit offense will go a long way in his push for Hawaii.

San Diego, Eric Weddle, safety: Weddle is another safety in the division who is having a strong season. The Chargers gave Weddle a $40 million deal to stay this summer and it is paying off. The ball hawk has seven interceptions and a big game against Baltimore on Sunday night could cement a Pro Bowl selection.

Thursday on SportsCenter, Adam Schefter looked at some trades that he thinks makes sense before Tuesday’s trading deadline. However, Schefter made a point of saying that he doesn’t expect these trades to go down.

They are simply trades he thinks should happen.

He proposed an intriguing deal that would send Brian Dawkins back to Philadelphia. Schefter suggests the 1-4 Broncos deal linebacker D.J. Williams and Dawkins to the Eagles -- who are the biggest disappointment in the NFL at 1-4 -- for a third-round pick.

The Eagles need linebacking help and Williams would be an upgrade. Bringing back Dawkins -- one of the most popular Eagles’ players in history -- would be a sign of good faith to a fan base that is up in arms because of the Eagles’ poor start. Dawkins departed the Eagles for Denver as a free agent in 2009.

Wesley Woodyard was a tackling machine this season when he replaced an injured Williams and Dawkins likely won’t be back next season. The Broncos are all about the future, so adding a solid draft pick could be intriguing.

Still, as Schefter said, this deal was formed in his mind, not in the front office of either team.

Schefter also proposed that Denver trade quarterback Kyle Orton -- who was replaced by Tim Tebow this week as Denver’s starter -- to Miami for a fifth-round pick. I’m all for it. I think Denver should part ways with Orton now. Of course, the Broncos almost traded Orton to the Dolphins right after the lockout ended. He is a free agent after the season. Ironically, the Dolphins host the Broncos in the first game after the trade deadline on Oct. 23.

While the San Diego Chargers will likely wait to make the decision, it is looking more and more like Antonio Gates is on his way to missing his second straight game with a nagging foot injury. The star tight end did not practice for the second straight day. I could see Gates sitting out until after the Chargers’ Oct. 16 bye. San Diego hosts Miami on Sunday and plays at Denver in Week 5.

The Chargers are dealing with several injuries. Receiver Malcom Floyd (groin), receiver Vincent Jackson (abdomen), cornerback Quentin Jammer (hamstring), running back Ryan Mathews (foot) all didn’t practice. That is a lot of missing firepower, but we’ll find out more Friday when the Chargers release their injury report. The battered team did get some good news. Rookie defensive end Corey Liuget practiced fully Thursday. He missed last week with an ankle injury.

In other AFC West news Thursday evening:

• Oakland safety Michael Huff missed practice Thursday. He suffered a concussion against the Jets. It is not known whether he’ll play Sunday against the Patriots or not. The Raiders will need his presence against the pass-happy Patriots.
• Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Thursday that he expects Wesley Woodyard to continue to play even if D.J. Williams is ready to play. Williams has been dealing with an elbow injury since the preseason. Woodward has been a tackling machine in Williams’ absence. Still, I’d expect Denver to find playing time for a healthy Williams. One of those two players likely play in nickel situations, which means they would both be on the field together often.
• Denver cornerback Champ Bailey said he is close to being able play. He has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. He has been limited in practice this week.
• The officials have been nice to Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell.

A Wednesday injury look around the AFC West:

Denver Broncos: Cornerback Champ Bailey was limited in practice Wednesday. He missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil was also limited with a shoulder injury. He, too, missed the past two games. Running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and linebacker D.J. Williams (elbow) both practiced fully.

Kansas City Chiefs: Cornerback Brandon Flowers was limited with an ankle injury he suffered Sunday at San Diego. Receiver Jon Baldwin was limited for the fourth straight practice. He reportedly suffered a thumb injury in a fight with teammate Thomas Jones. It’s promising that Baldwin is working some, but until he practices fully, you must wonder when will he be able to make his NFL debut. The first-round pick is nearly six weeks behind.

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders received good news when receiver Jacoby Ford re-joined practice Wednesday. He has been out for the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. His presence should only make a potent offense even more potent. Safeties Michael Huff and Mike Mitchell were also back at practice. Cornerback Chris Johnson and receiver Louis Murphy remain out, and their chances of playing at New England may be affected.

San Diego Chargers: The San Diego Union Tribune reported that cornerback Quentin Jammer, tight end Antonio Gates, receiver Vincent Jackson and receiver Malcom Floyd were all not practicing. None of this news is surprising. The Chargers often keep players who are banged up out of practice early in the week. We will have to monitor each player’s progress later in the week.

Two more key AFC West players will be out of action in Week 3.

The Denver Broncos have deactivated star left cornerback Champ Bailey. He tried to warm up Sunday in Nashville, but his hamstring will not allow him to play against the Titans. He was injured in Week 1 and hasn’t played since. He didn’t practice all week.

Also, it looks like San Diego star tight end Antonio Gates is out for Sunday’s home game against the Chiefs. He was bothered all week by a foot injury. The Chargers are also likely going to be without starting receiver Malcom Floyd. He was injured last week and didn’t practice leading up to today's game.

For Denver, Bailey joins fellow defensive standout Elvis Dumervil on the sideline. He is out for the second straight game with a shoulder injury.

Denver is getting some health back, though. Linebacker D.J. Williams, running back Knowshon Moreno and receiver Brandon Lloyd will all play Sunday. Williams has been out for a month, and Moreno and Lloyd missed last week’s game.

In other AFC West news, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the NFL expects to rule on the appeal of Terrelle Pryor’s five-game suspension this week. There are only two weeks left in the suspension of the Oakland rookie quarterback.

The comeback season for Elvis Dumervil continues to stall.

The Denver Broncos announced in their injury report Friday that the pass-rusher will not play at Tennessee on Sunday. He hurt his shoulder in Week 1 against Oakland and he did not play last week against Cincinnati.

There was hope Dumervil would be able to play at Tennessee because he practiced some Wednesday and Thursday. Dumervil, though, did not practice Friday. His shoulder isn't strong enough to play.

Dumervil missed all of last season with a pectoral injury after he led the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009. Dumervil had a strong preseason and there was major hope that he and rookie Von Miller would make a powerful pass-rushing tandem. But that pairing will have to wait.

The Broncos might be without star cornerback Champ Bailey as well. He is questionable, but he missed all week of practice. At this point, I’d be surprised if he played at Tennessee. He didn’t play last week after he hurt his hamstring against Oakland.

Running back Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and linebacker D.J. Williams (elbow) are both questionable. Both players were limited all week. Moreno missed last week’s game and Williams has been out for a month. Willis McGahee, who had 101 yards rushing last week, will start and Wesley Woodyard, who has been a tackling machine in Williams’ absence, should play a lot as well.

Expect receiver Brandon Lloyd back at Tennessee. He missed last week’s game with a groin injury. But he has been practicing fully and is listed as probable.