Broncos Must Keep Pace in a Suddenly Competitive AFC

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) scores a 21 yard touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Tough times out west

In a matter of days, the AFC West quickly became the NFL’s best division.

The Chiefs have already made a few nice moves, but their top signing was without a doubt Jeremy Maclin, who finally gives their offense a legit threat on the outside. Maclin brings with him 10 touchdown grabs to go along with 1,318 receiving yards. His arrival in Kansas City also reunites him with head coach Andy Reid, the same coach who drafted him in Philadelphia.

Out on the coast, the Raiders and Chargers were both busy customers, as well.

Oakland, armed with enormous amounts of cap room to work with, began by luring premier center Rodney Hudson away from the Chiefs. On the defensive side of the ball, they’re front seven is coming together quite nicely with the additions of linebackers Malcolm Smith and Curtis Lofton. Both are pretty solid in their own right, but the signing of defensive tackle Dan Williams gives Jack Del Rio’s defense a huge boost.

If the level of competition in the AFC West hadn’t already risen to new, unwanted levels for the folks out in Denver, the Chargers piled on even further by “stealing” guard/tackle Orlando Franklin out from under the Broncos. Besides the signing of Franklin and veteran receiver Jacoby Jones, San Diego’s biggest move was actually the re-signing of shutdown cornerback Brandon Flowers.

If one thing is certain in the AFC West next season, it’s that every game between these four rivals will be nothing short of must-see T.V.