Tuesday, July 6, 1999

Strongest units

Editor-in-chief Ron Pollack names the strongest unit on every team

Part 3 of 6: AFC West

By RON POLLACK, Editor-in-chief

AFC East|AFC Central|AFC West
NFC East|NFC Central|NFC West

Part 1||2|3|4|5|6

Denver Broncos|Kansas City Chiefs|Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers|Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos: Running backs.

Yeah, their offensive line, receivers and linebackers are all very impressive, but the only choice here can be the running backs. After all, Terrell Davis is the best player in the NFL these days. He always seems to be running downhill, is great on the cut-back run and is no threat to become an unruly prima donna. He plays with the hunger of a player who came into the league with no fanfare, which is exactly what happened. The icing on the cake for the Broncos’ running backs is the fact that Howard Griffith has developed into an excellent fullback.

Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive linemen.

Some NFL insiders might choose the Chiefs’ defensive linemen, but that unit has players who run too hot and cold for my tastes. The Chiefs’ offensive line, by comparison, figures to be the best OL group in the NFL if OG Dave Szott can return to his pre-injury form. Szott, OG Will Shields and C Tim Grunhard make up a sensational interior of the offensive line. OTs Victor Riley and John Tait are young but have enormous potential. If Riley and Tait develop quickly, this line could become truly dominant.

Oakland Raiders: Defensive backs.

CB Charles Woodson is going to be one of the biggest superstars in the NFL for years to come. He has what it takes to shut down receivers, as well as make huge plays. CB Eric Allen was playing at a Pro Bowl level last season before he got hurt. The safeties aren’t in the same league as the cornerbacks, but if Woodson continues to develop and Allen plays anywhere near how he did last season, the job of the safeties will be made considerably easier.

San Diego Chargers: Linebackers.

Junior Seau is the best outside linebacker in the NFL. He plays with an intensity and enthusiasm that are a joy to watch. Lewis Bush and Eric Hill are not superstars, but both are solid players who can be good contributors.

Seattle Seahawks: Defensive linemen.

This was a close call between the defensive line and the linebackers. DE Michael Sinclair does not get the publicity he deserves, but he is one of the most productive sack artists in the NFL. When you look at Sinclair, you don’t think you are watching a dominant performer, but somehow he keeps getting to the quarterback. DT Cortez Kennedy is not what he was in his prime, but he is still a very good performer. At times, DT Sam Adams can be very effective, but he hasn’t put it together on a consistent enough basis. DE Phillip Daniels is a potential guy at this point who hasn’t put it all together. This year’s first-round pick was also spent on the defensive line, as the Seahawks took DE Lamar King, who must prove that he can play against top-level competition after coming from a small school. He has a big upside.

Wednesday: NFC East

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