ESPN AFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

I asked you to keep filling the mailbag and you have made me proud. So here is a mid-week version of the AFC West mailbag.

Brad: do you see the chiefs splitting carries between larry johnson and jamaal charles? It seems the load larry had to carry has taken its toll, leaving him open to injuries.

BW: Yes, somewhat. Charles was drafted for both the present and the future. Johnson is getting up there in age for a running back and he is coming off a broken foot that prematurely ended his 2007 season. But Johnson is still the man as far as being the primary ball carrier in Kansas City. Yet, Charles will get his share of carries this season. I believe the system will work for both players as Johnson will be fresher than in recent years and Charles will get valuable experience.

Jim: hi i've bee around football-baseball for about 25 years high school, college,pro, arena, as a coach and player, i just feel the chiefs are not going to be THAT bad, it was the first time they lost double digit games in a real long time( vermeil 1st year then i think 88) there schedule is nothing, yea Croyle has questions, but the ol did get a minor improvement and the defense is above average, Croyle just can't loose games, he has Johnson, Gonzalez, and Bowe all very good options... i'm not predicting super bowl but 7-9 9-7 could be realistic.. thanks and keep up the excellent work Bill have a good day.

BW: Jim, there's little doubt that you know your stuff. But still I do think you may be a tad optimistic, believing the Chiefs will hover around a the .500 mark this year. Now, in 2009 or 2010, this team might be on the rise. But it's just too early to tell what this team can do. This is a total rebuilding year. If Kansas City can win six games it should be looked upon as a good building block.

Jason: Who has a better corner tandem? Broncos- Bailey and Bly, or the Raiders?

BW: Good question, Jason. I covered the Broncos the last four years and I love Champ Bailey. I think he's one the finest players, regardless of position in the NFL. And Bly is solid. They make a good pair. But they are both getting a little older, and right now, I think I'll go with the Oakland corners. But just by a shade. Nnamdi Asomugha is the real deal and DeAngelo Hall is a solid player. It'll be fun to watch them to work together. If Oakland is going to enjoy a resurgence it may be fueled by these cornerbacks. Again, I think the Denver pair is good. But let's give Oakland a slight edge, simply based on age.

Steve: Out of chaos, the universe was born. So do you at least see a playoff push for the Oakland Raiders this year?

BW: Interesting wording, Steve. It seems like you pay attention. The Raiders are no doubt getting better. The defense is solid and the skill position players on offense have improved. But there are still issues on both lines, and too much youth at key positions. The Raiders are going to win some games this year, but it's hard to project them as a playoff team. Not quite just yet.

Allison: What are the possibilities that the Chiefs would consider signing Eric Parker? We need a legitimate 2nd or even 3rd receiver, and once he is healthy he would be a great fit in KC. Do you think Carl and Herm are THAT stubborn with their 'youth movement', even though he is not considered old for his position?!!

BW: I can see it. I could also see them see Parker ending up in Oakland or Denver. But the Chiefs want to see how their young receivers developed first. Kansas City had some interest in Koren Robinson earlier this offseason, but they are still committed to the youngsters. If Parker, just cut from San Diego, is still available in a few weeks and the Chiefs aren't happy with the progression of their youngsters then maybe this could be a pairing.

Josh: The AFC West has one of the best, if not the best running games in the NFL, especially if KC can get back to where they were two years ago. But who is the best passing team in the AFC West division or has the most potential?

BW: You are very astute, Josh. Each team in the AFC West has a chance to be very strong in the rushing game. Without getting too carried away I can see all four teams being in the top 10 NFL rushing this year. But the passing game is a different story. San Diego has the only established passing game and Denver is well on its way with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. I think San Diego has the best passing game right now, but Denver could surpass it soon.

Justin: Do you think Derrick Thomas will ever get into the Hall of Fame?

BW: Yes I do, Justin. In fact I'm surprised, though great former Kansas City linebacker isn't already in the Hall of Fame. He was a dominant player. Getting into the Hall of Fame is a process and it often takes great players a few years to go through the selection process. Don't be surprised if Thomas gets elected in the next few years. When he does get elected it will be well-deserved.

Osiris: Will Denver sign Shaun Alexander or Cedric Benson?
BW: I don't think so. Denver likes its group of running backs. It would take a couple of injuries for the Broncos to make one of those type of moves. Remember, Denver studied Shaun Alexander and chose to sign Michael Pittman instead, because it thought Pittman fit the system better. I don't think Denver will go there unless it gets desperate.

Steven: Will Antoino Cromartie emeage this season as a top cornerback this season in the AFC West and possible NFL, and will he be a key asset to the Chargers in a possible trip to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa ?

BW: I think Cromartie has already emerged as a top-flight cornerback. He led the NFL in interceptions last year and was a Pro Bowl player in his second year. People in the league know how good this guy is. With Quentin Jammer on the other side of Cromartie, opposing teams will have to go after Cromartie occasionally because Jammer will live up to the challenge of being picked on. I truly think the Chargers are a Super Bowl contender and one of the reasons is because the Cromartie and Jammer.

San Antonio: Could Eddie Royal be the next Devin Hester?

BW: Let's cool our jets a little bit. I hear great things about Royal and the Broncos are thirsty for a solid return man. Still, it would be unrealistic to expect that he could have the same impact as Hester. And that's no knock on Royal -- that goes for any return man in the league. Hester is probably the greatest return man in the history of the league. The Broncos will be happy if Royal brings one to the house every year.

Thanks and keep them coming.