"You know what you're getting with Jamal," Bannan said. "That's a big man who knows how to play, who knows what needs to be done, and he's done it for a long time."
front as soon as free agency opened, signing Williams, Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green. Several personnel executives have said Williams, who missed virtually all of last season with a torn muscle in his arm, still can be a difference-maker, especially on first and second downs, as he moves into his 13th season.
McDaniels tried to bulk up the defensive
The new Broncos jerseys were trampled over the season's final 10 games a year ago, with five teams topping 170 yards rushing in those games. Denver had a playoff spot on the line when the Chiefs rushed for 317 yards in the season finale.
And the Chargers? They cut Williams and LaDainian Tomlinson as they try to hang on to what they've got and keep their roster young enough to "keep moving on," as Williams said. Running back Ryan Mathews is the player the Chargers hope will keep them running ahead of the pack. Coach Norv Turner was so smitten with him on draft day, he predicted Mathews would have 250 carries and 40 receptions this season.
ASHBURN, VA - JULY 30: Washington Redskins jerseysquarterback Jason Campbell (#17) talks with fans on opening day of training camp July 30, 2009"You feel like draft day all over again," Campbell recently told Oakland reporters regarding his change of scenery.
The Raiders, meanwhile, may have solved their longtime problem at quarterback by acquiring Jason Campbell in a trade with the Redskins. The former first-rounder gives Oakland a chance to end its alarming parade at the position.
In Kansas City, running back new Thomas Jones jersey could prove to be the steal of free agency, a five-time 1,000-yard rusher the Chiefs scoped up days after he was released by the Jets.
Williams was snared by the Broncos to be the linchpin of a revamped defense after it collapsed against the run in a 2-8 finish last season.
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has said the Chargers are "the bar right now in the division," but each of the four teams made an impact move in the offseason in an attempt to change the balance of power.
the Chargers closed things out with 11 consecutive regular-season victories. In 2008, the Chargers made up a three-game deficit to the Broncos in the final month, including a win over the Broncos in the season finale to make the playoffs. They won six straight to finish 2007; 10 in a row to end 2006; and nine out of 10 down the stretch in 2004.SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 12: Tackle Jamal Williams #76 of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during their preseason NFL game on August 12, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Freelance | Donald Miralle)
Last season the Broncos raced out to the lead, but
"It's a tough division, tough," Williams said. "You have to be physical, tough and you have to stay in it to the end to win it. We always kept ourselves in position early and then finished strong. That's guys making big plays in big games at important times."
But Williams is a Bronco now, looking at the Chargers like the rest of the division — from back in the pack.
Jamal Williams knows exactly, right down to the last bloody knuckle, how the West is won. Five times in the past six years, the team he spent 12 seasons with, the San Diego Chargers, won the AFC West title. The only blip in that streak was the Broncos' run to the AFC championship game in 2005.
没有评论:
发表评论