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Denver Broncos

Champ Bailey says he doesn't anticipate a move to safety. "I'm a realist, though, if I see myself on tape and I think it's time to make a move, I'll know it's time to make a move, I'll be the first to see it, I'll be the first to know it," Bailey said, smiling. "In my mind, though, I might not say it right away, I might wait for somebody to ask."

Veteran defensive tackle Justin Bannan tells Lindsay Jones that he "tries not to" think too much about what effect playing football might have on his body down the road.

Kansas City Chiefs

Starting safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis aren't on the field for this week's practices, but are seemingly on course to be back for training camp, the Kansas City Star reports.

The Chiefs signed free-agent wide receiver Aaron Weaver, who played collegiately at Syracuse in 2010 but missed 2011 with a knee injury.

Oakland Raiders

In a (very) brief statement following the Raiders' organized team activities Tuesday, linebacker Rolando McClain apologized for "the bad publicity that's been put out there" following his legal troubles, CSN Bay Area reports. McClain's teammates have said the linebacker seems unfazed by the recent events.

The new defensive scheme is getting good reviews from players so far, according to the Raiders' official site.

Tight end David Ausberry has added 15 pounds this offseason and is up to 265 as he focuses on claiming a starting role, CBSSports.com reports.

San Diego Chargers

A rules change that will require all players to wear knee and thigh pads beginning in 2013 is "dumb," cornerback Quentin Jammer told U-T San Diego.

Philip Rivers lost pal and backup Billy Volek in a salary-cap move over the offseason, but a reunion with Charlie Whitehurst has the Chargers' starting quarterback feeling pretty comfortable, Kevin Acee writes.

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.

Yeremiah Bell will not be the one who provides depth to the Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the safety has signed with the New York Jets. Bell visited the Chiefs on Wednesday, and they were one of four teams he was considering.

The Chiefs were interested in Bell as a third safety. The Chiefs also looked at veteran O.J. Atogwe.

In other AFC West news:

Here is a call for the Raiders to cut troubled middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He has been a disappointment on the field and a distraction off it.

Once again, in a radio interview, LaDainian Tomlinson, said he’d consider playing for the Chargers again. And, once again, I just can’t see that happening.

New Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, in radio interview, said he expects his unit to be a top-10 defense. For that to be possible, the defensive tackles would have to mesh quickly.

I have received a lot of questions from readers this afternoon about how much of the 2012 season Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain will miss because of his court case in Alabama.

Right now, it is impossible to guess.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that after being sentenced to 180 days in jail, McClain's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said McClain has filed a request for a jury trial and now, under state law, "the process starts all over again." Steinberg said McClain will be notified at a later date as to when the jury trial will begin.

If the jury trial is a quick process and McClain is sentenced, he could face jail time during the season. But who knows how long the process will be and there are appeals and other situations at play. Often, when athletes serve jail terms, their attorneys try to arrange it that the time is served during their offseason.

Also, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could decide to discipline at any time if he chooses to suspend McClain. Again, this is a legal situation that is fluid. Any speculation on McClain missing time would be mere guesswork.

UPDATE: The Raiders released this stamement on the McClain situation: “The Raiders are well aware of the proceedings in the Alabama courts today. The team will continue to closely monitor the legal process, understanding that when appropriate the NFL will review the situation under its personal conduct policy.”

In other AFC West news:

The Broncos and kicker Matt Prater have a model to work with on a new deal. Fellow franchised kicker Conner Barth received a four-year, $13.2 million deal from Tampa Bay on Thursday. Prater has yet to sign his tender and he is not with the team during OTAs.

San Diego coach Norv Turner turned 60 on Thursday. Turner has proclaimed Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates ”back.” Gates has been dealing with foot injuries for several years.

Oakland running back Darren McFadden talks about his return to health on ESPN radio.

The Broncos announced they've signed fourth-round pick Omar Bolden. The cornerback is the team’s first pick to sign.

Thursday was not a good day for Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain.

However, his legal fate in an Alabama assault case has not been sealed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He reports that after being sentenced to 180 days in jail, McClain's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said McClain has filed a request for a jury trial and now, under state law, "the process starts all over again." Steinberg said McClain will be notified at a later date as to when the jury trial will begin.

McClain was arrested in November on misdemeanor assault, firearms and other charges after police said he fired a gun during a fight in his hometown of Decatur. He was home during a game week to attend a family funeral.

The fact that McClain will get a jury trial gives him a second chance. However, McClain will likely face a strong case against him. His co-defendant has already testified against McClain and there is a video of the alleged assault.

If convicted in the jury trial, McClain would likely have to serve some jail time. He could also face NFL discipline.

The Chiefs announced they have signed tackle Donald Stephenson, a third-round pick.

The Chiefs’ lone remaining unsigned draft pick is nose tackle Dontari Poe. He was the No. 11 pick in the draft.

San Diego has signed its entire draft class.

In other AFC West news:

The co-defendant of Rolando McClain in an Alabama assault case has pleaded guilty and has agreed to testify against McClain. The Raiders linebacker is on trial today in his hometown.

Former Miami safety Yeremiah Bell is reportedly considering four teams and the Chiefs are one of them. He visited Kansas City this week and would provide depth for the Chiefs.

Junior Seau’s restaurant near Qualcomm Stadium has shut down. Seau committed suicide on May 2. It was open since 1996.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos are close to deals with their top draft picks, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe and quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Cutting down on turnovers is a key in San Diego.

Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli reiterates his support of quarterback Matt Cassel in a radio interview.

ESPN’s Jeffri Chadiha writes about Kansas City owner Clark Hunt and what Hunt needs to do in his role.

A lot has been made of Archie Manning saying he thinks Peyton Manning is taking his career “year to year.”

In my opinion, way too much has been made by it. I think it would be wrong to translate Archie Manning’s words as saying his son is going to retire at the end of the 2012 season. Basically, Archie Manning was saying there are no guarantees and you have to take it one season at a time. That’s fair.

The Broncos expect Manning, 36, to be their quarterback for at least three more seasons, and they’d love for him to play for the life of his five-year contract. And let’s be real: Manning is not working so hard to come back from a neck injury to play just one more season. He wants to stick around a while.

In other AFC West news:

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Broncos are no longer expected to deal for Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel. Denver tired to work out a new deal with Samuel last week, but was unable to do so.
• Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith wants to play with San Diego safety Eric Weddle. The Chargers wouldn’t mind accommodating him. The Chargers are looking for a safety. They could trade up to get Alabama’s Mark Barron or trade down for Smith.
• New Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie is looking for students of the game. That is likely one of the reasons Oakland visited with so many draft prospects.
• Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain reportedly underwent experimental stem cell therapy on his knee and an ankle. He has been dealing with pain in the leg.
• The Broncos’ brass had a nice moment with newly retired Brian Dawkins.

Alfonzo Dennard created a potential dilemma for NFL teams, including some from the AFC West.

The Nebraska cornerback was arrested Saturday morning in Lincoln for allegedly assaulting a police officer. He is reportedly still in jail. Dennard, who already had some character concerns, could have gone in the top 40-50 picks. However, his arrest will likely cause him to tumble in the draft.

Teams are going to have to weigh the possibility of taking a talented player at a premium position against the reality of his arrest and the public perception surrounding it.

Denver, Oakland and San Diego are teams that could take a cornerback in the early rounds. If a talent such as Dennard was available late in the third or fourth round, it would be tempting for any team to take him.

There is no doubt, the middle rounds have just become more interesting.

In other AFC West news:

• The Eagles are reportedly willing to take what they can get for cornerback Asante Samuel. Denver reportedly tried to get Samuel, but couldn’t come to terms with him. Coming to an accord with Samuel is the key for the deal going through with any team.
• Oakland linebacker Rolando McClain has settled a lawsuit stemming from a 2008 incident. He is facing a May trial on an assault involving a gun allegation stemming from an incident last fall.
• Denver defensive tackle Ben Garland’s Air Force commitment has been fulfilled and he has re-joined the team. The high-motor player has a chance to make the roster, but his presence on the roster doesn’t decrease Denver’s need at the position.

A huge thanks to the Oakland Raiders’ PR department for sending out a transcript of coach Dennis Allen’s media session on Tuesday morning from the owners meetings. Let’s look at some of the highlights:

On Peyton Manning joining the division: “I think obviously, Peyton is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game, so he creates a big challenge for all of us. One of the things, when you look at the quarterbacks in this division, you think about Carson Palmer, Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers, this is one of the better divisions in football as far as the quarterback position goes. So, I think it’s an awesome challenge for all of us in the division. I think every defensive-minded coach in this division is excited about the challenge.

My take: Allen makes a good point. This is a strong quarterback division, assuming Palmer gets comfortable in the Raiders’ system, and Matt Cassel makes strides in Kansas City with his big basket of offensive weapons.

On putting his own stamp on the program, and still respecting the past: “I think with every great program in the National Football League, I think you really have to respect the history and tradition within the organization. The Oakland Raiders. It’s one of the most storied franchises in all of sport, not just the NFL. We want to embrace those, embrace the past, and the history of the organization. But yet, we want to do it our way. Reggie and I are going to work together to do it the way we want to do it, and put the best team out on the field we can put out there. You have to embrace the tradition of the Raiders and what Mr. Davis was able to build there. But at the same time, Reggie and I have to do it our way. We’re committed to doing that. Reggie’s done an outstanding job since he’s been there, of putting his own stamp on the organization. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the players and putting my stamp on the team.”

My take: I love the handle Allen and McKenzie have on this deal. They know the history (McKenzie is a former Raiders player), but they also know they need to be in charge of taking this team in their own direction in the post-Al Davis world. I think they are approaching it the right way.

On Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie: “What you find out about Reggie, he does let the process play out. He’s not going to be swayed in any way by public perception. He’s going to do what he thinks is right for himself, for the organization, and he’s not really going to look back.”

My take: Allen nailed it. Every time I’ve been around McKenzie (dating back 13 years ago in Green Bay), he appeared never to have a worry in the world. He is approaching this job with a calmness that only should help the Oakland organization.

On young players on the roster: “We’ve got some young players on our team that I’m excited about. I’m excited about the receiving corps. I’m excited about Tyvon Branch at the safety position. I’m excited about the opportunity to get to work with Rolando McClain as a middle linebacker. There’s a reason why he was drafted so high. I think Darren McFadden is someone I’m excited about, still a developing player. When you look at our team, we really have some young talent that has a chance to grow. How you can sustain success in this league is to develop young players. That’s critical.”

My take: Yes, the Raiders have taken some major hits in the offseason, but they also have some solid, young talent. That is their chance to be competitive.

On Oakland’s top defensive assets: “Our strongest area, I think defensively, is we’re going to be good up front. I think that’s been a key asset to the team over the last couple years. We’re big, we’re physical up front. And then I think we’ve got team speed all over the field. I think where we need to get is, we have to be able to develop some of the young players, some of the young talent. You look at DeMarcus Van Dyke, Chimdi Chekwa and some of the draft choices last year that we’ve got to develop. Rolando McClain is one of those guys we’ve got to develop. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get to work with those guys. We do have talent. We’ve got to bring them along.”

My take: There is no doubt, the Raiders’ defensive assets are on the front line. It all starts there. Oakland must have good health up front as it continues to develop in the back seven.

On free agency: “Here’s the first thing: There’s good players out there. They really form most of your team. We weren’t able to go out there and make the big splash, the big name, through free agency. We won’t be able to go out and make the big splash, the big name through the draft, because we don’t have a first- or second-round draft choice. What we’ve got to be able to do, we have to find those value picks that fit what we want to do, offensively, defensively and in the kicking game, that allow us to do that. Then, we’ve got to develop of them as coaches.”

My take: It’s the right attitude. He has no other choice.

On whether the Raiders will play a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme: “No, we haven’t decided any of that yet. We’re still going through the process of acquiring talent, looking into who we’re going to have on the team next year. Once we get through the draft, we’ll have a better feel [for] what we want to do there.”

My take: I think Allen has to be already leaning toward a particular scheme. I don’t think there are many players who will be available at No. 95 who can sway his opinion on whether to run a 4-3 or a 3-4. The existing talent is flexible enough to play both schemes, and I think we will see, as Allen has said in the past, Oakland use multiple sets.

Here are some thoughts on the San Diego Chargers signing former Kansas City Chiefs' fullback Le'Ron McClain to three-year deal and on the team setting up a visit with Denver Broncos free agent receiver Eddie Royal:

• The McClain addition could be a sign that the Chargers are out of the Mike Tolbert talks. He is visiting in Kansas City. Tolbert wouldn’t necessarily be replacing McClain in Kansas City and the same could be true with McClain in San Diego. UT San Diego reported this week that practice squader Frank Summers would replace free agent fullback Jacob Hester. If Hester is brought back it would be as a backup and as a special teamer.
• McClain, who is a cousin of Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain, is a tough leader and a good blocker. He played in all 16 games last season as a Chief. He had 15 carries and 14 catches. The former Raven had 902 yards on 232 carries in Baltimore in 2008. But he has had a total of 89 carries in the past three seasons combined.
• Either way, McClain is a solid, tough addition to San Diego’s offense.
• As for Royal, I can see why San Diego is interested. It needs another receiver and the pickings are getting slim. Royal, who was reportedly close to signing with Washington to reunite with former Denver coach Mike Shanahan earlier in free agency, can help as a slot player and as a returner.
• Royal excelled under Shanahan as a rookie and I think Norv Turner would find a way to make him useful. A rotation of Malcom Floyd, Robert Meachem, Vincent Brown and Royal would be a pretty nice group for Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers to work with.

Here are three Oakland players who could be affected by the hiring of Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as head coach:


Michael Huff, defensive back: It was reported right after the season that the Raiders would move Huff from safety to cornerback. However, that was when Hue Jackson was the coach; all bets are off now. Allen was a standout safety at Texas A&M and was a secondary coach during his stint with the New Orleans Saints. I could see Huff staying at safety, but it will be interesting to see what Allen does with him.


Kamerion Wimbley, linebacker: Denver pass-rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil excelled under Allen. Wimbley has a lot of ability and he can take over games, but the Raiders need to see him do it more often than he did last season. Wimbley had seven sacks in 2011, but four of them came in one game at San Diego. It’s inexcusable that someone with Wimbley’s ability had sacks in just four games last season.


Rolando McClain, linebacker: Allen needs to take McClain under his wing. The No. 8 overall pick in 2010 has potential — but he has a long way to go to become a consistent player. McClain is not terrible, but he needs some good coaching and it will be worth Allen’s time to work with McClain.

Fired Chiefs coach Todd Haley released a statement. He thanks the team and the city and expressed a desire to stay in the NFL. He had been connected to the opening at Arizona State.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports the Chargers could be eliminated from the wild card race Sunday.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson is still not sure when Darren McFadden will return from a foot injury. But Jackson said McFadden’s injury will not require surgery and he is still hopeful the star running back will be able to play this season. He has missed six games.

Oakland linebacker Rolando McClain spoke to the media for the first time since has was arrested in his hometown in Alabama two weeks ago. He did not discuss the arrest.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports that former Chargers linebacker Lew Bush died Thursday at 42.

It continued a terrible trend. He was the seventh player from the Chargers’ 1994 Super Bowl team to die before the age of 45. Bush joined San Diego in 1993 as a rookie and played seven seasons there before three seasons in Kansas City.

The other players to die from the AFC title team were linebacker David Griggs (28, auto accident, 1995), running back Rodney Culver (25, airplane crash, 1996), linebacker Doug Miller (28, struck by lightning, 1998), center Curtis Whitley (39, overdose, 2008), defensive lineman Chris Mims (38, heart, 2008) and defensive lineman Shawn Lee (44, cardiac arrest, 2011).

Our condolences go out to Bush’s family and to the Chargers organization.

In other AFC West news:

Oakland middle linebacker Rolando McClain told the Oakland Tribune that he is done talking to the media for his career. That might be difficult as players are contractually obligated to speak to reporters. McClain was arrested on assault charges in his hometown in Alabama last week.

Denver’s Von Miler isn’t the only impressive rookie pass-rusher.

Chargers linebacker Donald Butler missed his second day of practice with a foot injury he suffered at Jacksonville on Monday night. Linebacker Shaun Phillips didn’t practice Thursday because of a nagging foot injury.

One player to watch from each AFC West team in Week 14:

Demaryius Thomas, receiver, Denver: Thomas has been known as a talent, but an injury-prone player since being the No. 22 overall pick last year. But Thomas showed his great potential by grabbing four passes for 144 yards at Minnesota last Sunday. If Thomas can build upon his big game this Sunday against Chicago, it will be a huge boost for Denver’s offense.

Justin Houston, linebacker, Kansas City: The rookie had three sacks Sunday in a victory at Chicago. The talented pass-rusher showed great pressure, and it will be interesting to see if he can build on that huge performance Sunday at the Jets.

Rolando McClain, middle linebacker, Oakland: McClain is still in the spotlight after his arrest last week in Alabama. The defensive signal-caller can help put himself in good graces by leading a strong effort as visiting Oakland takes on the runaway train that is the Green Bay Packers’ offense.

Malcom Floyd, receiver, San Diego: Floyd showed his importance to this offense Monday night in a 24-point win at Jacksonville, with four catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. After missing four games with a hip injury, Floyd deepens the Chargers’ offense and he has a good rapport with Philip Rivers. His health helps this team immensely.

A look at a terrible day for the Oakland Raiders, who lost to the Miami Dolphins 34-14:

What it means: Oakland was uncompetitive and badly outplayed by the 4-8 Dolphins. Miami led 34-0 until late in the game. Oakland dropped to 7-5 and now is tied with Denver for first place in the AFC West. Oakland is 4-2 on the road this season.

Palmer struggles: Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer wasn’t overly impressive Sunday. Yes, he ended up with 273 passing yards and two touchdown passes, but he had his issues. Palmer is going to need to take the next step if the Raiders are going to reach the playoffs.

McClain plays: Oakland linebacker Rolando McClain played Sunday, three days after being arrested in his hometown in Alabama on assault charges. McClain did not start but had a team-high eight tackles.

Missing firepower: The Raiders need to get healthy. They were missing running backs Darren McFadden and Taiwan Jones and receiver Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore. That is a lot of speed on the sidelines. The team is hopeful McFadden will return next week for the first time since Oct. 23.

Seymour ejected: Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour was ejected for throwing a punch at a Miami offensive lineman. It was the third time in three years with Oakland that Seymour has been ejected from a game. He will likely face a stiff fine, if not a short suspension.

Penalties a problem again: Oakland was penalized 10 times for 91 yards. The Raiders are the most penalized team in the NFL. They improved in that area last week when they were flagged just six times for 44 yards.

Run attack stopped: Oakland couldn’t do much against Miami’s stout run defense. It had just 46 yards on 14 carries. Michael Bush had just 18 yards on 10 carries. Because the Dolphins jumped so far ahead, the Raiders had to abandon the run.

What’s next: Oakland plays at unbeaten Green Bay as the Raiders begin the final quarter of the season.