The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

My Dallas Cowboys kicked off the NFL preseason with a 20-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game. To all the “haters”, a win is a win, and we will take it.

Yes I have every second of Jerry Jones induction to the hallowed Hall recorded for posterity as well.

This week, all NFL teams are in action for week one of the NFL preseason, and this week we take a look at the AFC WEST as we wrap up the AFC coverage, getting you ready for the NFC NORTH next week.

DENVER BRONCOS:

Training camp report dates: rookies (July 23) and veterans (July 26).

Location: UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado.

HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP: Trevor Siemian vs Paxton Lynch.

Head coach Vance Joseph says the position is wide open, he’s 50/50 on deciding a starter, either way.

While the smart money is on Siemian, who has the respect of the team’s two stud wide receivers and a firm grasp of the playbook, Lynch’s measurables and arm strength will be hard to ignore for long.

If protection is shoddy, the nod goes to Siemian, who is more proficient against heavy traffic in the pocket.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION:

HC Vance Joseph. The 44-year-old is the new face of the Broncos at a time when the organisation could really go in one of two directions. Gary Kubiak won a Super Bowl because of his ability to manage the offensive talent and personnel around him with an even hand.

Joseph comes in with ready to get his hands on a dominant Broncos defense, from a potent secondary to Vaughn Miller, one of the best pass rushers in football. If the defense takes a step forward, the Broncos are still very much in contention despite the West being one of the league’s toughest divisions.

BIGGEST Camp Question Mark:

Offensive Live : Can Matt Paradis pick up where he left off? One of the league’s premier centers had surgery on each hip this offseason, but he should be on the field participating once camp opens. This is huge for an offensive line that should be much-improved from last season -- Ronald Leary was an overlooked part of Dallas’ O-line success and could end up coming into his own with the Broncos --

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS:

Training camp report dates: rookies (July 24) and veterans (July 27).

Location: Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP : Back up QB position

Most important position battle: Patrick Mahomes vs. Tyler Bray (for the backup QB job).

The Chiefs are obviously not concerned with Mahomes vs. Smith just yet, but they would definitely love to see Mahomes blow the current second-string quarterback out of the water to save them a roster spot.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: DE Tanho Kpassagnon

Watching Kpassagnon’s Villanova film is like going back to the early Create-A-Player days on “Madden” when you could pump a player’s attributes up to something Herculean and set him loose on the mere mortal public.

BIGGEST Camp Question Mark:

How different might the Chiefs look toward the end of camp? The club just changed general managers less than two months and team rosters will be trimmed from 90 to 53 in the matter of a few hours.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: (I can’t believe I just typed that)

Training camp report date: rookies and veterans (July 29).

Location: Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California.

HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP :

Rookie WR Mike Williams thrown into the competition for a starting position. For as many rookie wideouts as we’ve seen over the past few years come in and change a franchise, we’ve also seen some high-profile busts. No “ Bust” here though, Williams is a gamer.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: DC Gus Bradley

Bradley might not be out of head coaching for long - and for the moment, he can raise his profile with the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year (Joey Bosa) and a slew of recent first- and second-round picks across his defensive line. Can he find his groove in LA?

BIGGEST Camp Question Mark: New Head Coach Anthony Lynn

Lynn has spent his first few months as a new head coach talking up the Bolts’ temporary micro stadium and lauding the challenge of establishing the organization in Los Angeles. The city is very much up for grabs right now, so winning now can sway the city in the Chargers direction. Lynn must lean on the side of caution when using the “Us against the world” approach, it backfired for former Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher.

OAKLAND RAIDERS:

Training camp report dates: rookies (July 24) and veterans (July 28).

Location: Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California.

HOTTEST POSITION BATTLE IN CAMP: Offensive Line Right Tackle

Oakland had some less-savory options at right tackle for the upcoming season. In camp, we’ll need to gear up for the Austin Howard-Marshall Newhouse battle for the RT spot. The Marshawn Lynch return will only work as well as the right side of the offensive line can.

General manager Reggie McKenzie is balancing a ton on his shoulders and had to make some difficult financial choices in free agency. Now we’ll see if his faith in Newhouse and Howard is well-placed.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: RB Marshawn Lynch “ Beast Mode” is back !

The Lynch-Oaktown reunion, in his hometown will be one of the most heavily anticipated storylines of the season.

Training camp gives the football world something tangible, in regards to Lynch’s comeback. It’s easy to conceive how much better QB Derek Carr could be with a tier running game.

BIGGEST Camp Question Mark: The recovery of QB Derek Carr.

Despite assuring reporters he’s good to go, and his broken leg suffered last season, would not be a factor moving forward. However, serious injuries like this can resurface and re-aggravate. Carr was clearly the lifeblood of the 2016 Raiders, leaving the entire offense punchless in his absence. The hope is to see him at full speed in late July.

Until next week, when we bring you the NFC NORTH, let there be football! Even if it’s only preseason.