From The Drive to The Jumpsuit - History and Tradition of the AFC West

The first category of the team breakdowns continue with a look at the history/tradition of one of the most hostile divisions in the NFL.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - Like most franchises, Denver got off to a slow start, not making the playoffs in their first 17 years of existence.  Their luck started to turn after making the playoffs in 1977, followed by John Elway's refusal to play in Baltimore in 1983.  The Broncos were the beneficiary of Elway's bluff and the franchise reaped the benefits.

Elway led the Broncos to 5 Super Bowls, the first 2 after dramatic victories over the Browns known as "The Drive" and "The Fumble".  However, the Broncos didn't bring home the title until Elways last 2 seasons with the help of Terrell Davis and Coach Mike Shanahan.

Since Elway's retirement in 1998, the Broncos have remained competitive, making the playoffs four times.  Shanahan stayed on board until last season before the team turned the reigns over to Josh McDaniels.

13/20

Kansas City Chiefs -  Formerly the AFL's Dallas Texans, the Chiefs franchise was dominant in the 1960s, with 3 AFL Championships and a Super Bowl title in 1969.  After joining the NFL the following year the Chiefs never experienced tat level of success again.

The 70s and 80s weren't kind to Kansas City, making the playoffs just twice and experiencing 11 losing seasons over the 2 decades.  The 90s were a much better time for the Chiefs, as Coach Marty Schottenheimer turned the team into a playoff regular, including cameos by Joe Montana and Marcus Allen.  Still, the franchise failed to return to the big game.

The post-Schottenheimer era has looked a little closer to the pre-Schottenheimer years, as the team has just 2 playoff appearances and more losses than wins.   Overall, the franchise's best years appear to be in the AFL and its struggled to establish itself as a true contender in the NFL

7/20

Oakland Raiders - Let's face it, the Oakland Raiders of today are viewed as football purgatory.  However, that hasn't always been the case.  Behind one of the brightest young minds in football in Al Davis (yes, the same Al Davis), the Raiders of the 70's and 80's  were a far cry from the product on the field today, winning 3 Super Bowl titles and making the playoffs almost every year.

Before John Madden was famous for his video game, commentary, and the turducken, he led the Oakland to their first Super Bowl Title.  After Madden bolted for TV, the team won its second title in 1980 and its third in 1983 after a move to Los Angeles

Since its return to Oakland in 1995, the franchise has not been nearly as successful.  Despite a Super Bowl appearance in 2002, the franchise has been marred by a coaching carousel, terrible draft picks, and bad jumpsuits.  One has to wonder if their return to prominence is postponed until a new owner takes charge.

12/20

San Diego Chargers - The Chargers of the 1960's were a perennial AFL contender, including a title in 1963.  Like the Chiefs, times weren't so good for the Chargers after the merger of 1970, failing to make the playoffs until 1979.

The Chargers became playoff contenders in the late 70s/early 80's under Dan Fouts and a wide open offense, not to mention this catchy theme song.  The team made its first Super Bowl appearance after the 1994 season (though I'm sure they don't remember that game too fondly).  They didn't make the playoffs again until recent years, in which they have sdgfi a playoff regular behind Ladian Tomlinson and a stingy defense.

Still, the biggest question in Charger's history remains...Why did they ever stop wearing those powder blue jerseys?

8/20