NFL Team Reports: AFC West

Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News’ 32 NFL correspondents. Check back each day for the latest news on your team.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers could be without RT Jeromey Clary(notes) for the rest of the season. He has ligament damage in his left ankle and will definitely miss several games. Brandyn Dombrowski(notes) will start in Clary’s place. If Clary is deemed to have a chance to come back for a potential playoff run, the Chargers will consider saving a roster spot for him. …

Jeromey Clary(notes)
SportingNews.com - Nov 24, 9:16 am EST

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The Chargers have found the balance they were searching for. An offense that had been so reliant on big plays has slowed down and put more emphasis on the run—and it has translated into victories. In four victories during their five-game winning streak, the Chargers have run more times than they’ve passed. By jumping ahead early, they have been able to control the clock. —Kevin Acee

Denver Broncos

Lee Rasizer wonders if the team will dismiss WR Brandon Marshall’s actions Sunday as easily as rookie RB Knowshon Moreno(notes) did.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have other pressing needs but must focus on improving the offensive line in next year’s draft. The Chiefs could use an upgrade at four of the five positions; they are fine at left guard with Brian Waters(notes).

Branden Albert(notes), a first-round pick last season, hasn’t secured the left tackle spot. He has the necessary skills but has been inconsistent. He might be a better option on the right side if the Chiefs can find a left tackle to take his place.

The lack of an effective line set back the Chiefs back in everything they tried to do on offense. The running game has been spotty at best, and the passing game hasn’t found a rhythm. More important, QB Matt Cassel’s(notes) development may have been set back because he been constantly under pressure.

The Chiefs could also use a pass rusher, a wideout, a playmaking safety and a tight end, but those priorities might have to wait. The Chiefs have three picks in the first two rounds, including the second-rounder obtained from Atlanta for Tony Gonzalez(notes). —Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

Coach Tom Cable has committed to QB Bruce Gradkowski(notes) for the rest of the season but no further. He isn’t ready to say Gradkowski is a long-term solution. He also isn’t sure what to make of JaMarcus Russell’s(notes) future, considering Russell hasn’t done much in his 25 career starts to show he is an NFL starter.

Gradkowski is starting because Cable feels as if he gives the Raiders the best chance to win. The best case for Gradkowski is that plays well enough to merit consideration for the starting job next season. If he doesn’t, he at least will be approached about re-signing as a backup. Gradkowski has a history with quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett dating to their time together with the Buccaneers.

The wild card in the equation is veteran Charlie Frye(notes). Cable is fond of Frye for his work ethic and knowledge of the offense. He, too, will be considered for the starting job next season. —Steve Corkran
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