Chargers transition to Turner; Russell readies for NFL

Denver Broncos

	With new weapons at running back and tight end at his side, Denver's Jay Cutler and his 60 perent completion rate should make opposing defenses sweat this season. AP
	Training Camp Challenges AFC East: Patriots try to adjust to new stars AFC North: Steelers search for old Big Ben AFC South: Can Addai carry Colts' load? AFC West: Broncos hope Cutler is ready NFC East: Cowboys need to use Owens earlier NFC North: Are Bears suddenly vulnerable? NFC South: Can Vick become pocket passer? NFC West: Niners may be team to beat

Challenge No. 1: Help Jay Cutler build on last season's success

Cutler took over the starting QB job with five games left in the season and played surprisingly well. Though he only led his team to a 2-3 record during his starting stint, he almost completed 60 percent of his passes and compiled an 88.5 passer rating. Playing with a solid running game, Cutler was effective and efficient in the scaled down offense that Denver used with him under center. He spread the ball around to several different receivers and relied heavily on his tight ends in the red zone. With the Broncos making aggressive signings during free agency, the talent surrounding Cutler has improved. Travis Henry gives them a big time threat in the backfield and should force defenses to use eight in the box on early downs. New tight end Daniel Graham has enough speed, quickness and savvy to exploit his one-on-one match ups over the middle of the field. With Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler rounding out the group of skill players, Cutler is one of the few quarterbacks with weapons at every position. Finding a way to incorporate more of the offense into the game plan without overloading Cutler is one of the main objectives heading into the season. Expect the Broncos to be aggressive with their play-calling during the preseason, but scale it back if Cutler struggles early.

Challenge No. 2: Get Brandon Marshall onto the field

After watching Rod Smith struggle to get open for most of the season, Mike Shannahan gave Marshall an opportunity to play as the third receiver and he responded by catching 18 of his 20 passes over the six-game period. As the Broncos head into training camp, Marshall may become a start in only his second season. A big, physical receiver with outstanding size and speed, he gave the Broncos another big-play threat on the field. With an average of 15.5 yards per catch and two touchdowns, Marshall not only earned trust of Cutler, which will be vital to his development. Giving Smith a lesser role will be tough, but a strong camp by Marshall will make it easier.

Challenge No. 3: Work the kinks out in Jim Bates' new defense

After failing to produce a dominant defense over the last decade, the Broncos have turned to highly regarded defensive coordinator Jim Bates to build a championship-caliber defense. Bates is the master of the quick turnaround, and looking at the Broncos offseason pick-ups, he appears to have the pieces in place to make a quick transformation. Late additions Sam Adams and Jimmy Kennedy are massive defensive tackles, whose presence up front will free up middle linebacker D.J. Williams to be the playmaker in the middle. Dre Bly teams with Champ Bailey to give the Broncos arguably the best cornerback tandem in the league. And with first-round pick Jarvis Moss potentially offering the explosive edge rusher Denver has been missing, Bates has all of the tools to install his aggressive 4-3 defense. Throwing together a defense with so many new faces is challenging, but the simplicity of the scheme, plus the experience in preseason, should help make the transition smooth.

Kansas City Chiefs

Challenge No. 1: Find out if Brodie Croyle is ready to be the starter

After finally agreeing to deal Trent Green to the Miami Dolphins, the Chiefs enter training camp prepared to hand the keys to the offense to second-year quarterback, Brodie Croyle. Though veteran backup Damon Huard led the team to a 5-3 record with an impressive 11-to-1 touchdown/interception ratio last season, Croyle will be given every opportunity to win the job. Led by a strong running game powered by ultra-productive Larry Johnson, the Chiefs need Croyle to be a sound decision maker and effective passer in Herm Edwards' ball-control offense. Last season Croyle only appeared in two games and did not play enough meaningful snaps to display the skills, or talent, of a franchise quarterback. With so little game experience, the preseason will be crucial to determining if Croyle is ready to step into the Green's place under center. If he is able to take care of the football and make an occasional big throw down the field, he will solidify his status as the starter. But if he falters, the Chiefs have a solid insurance policy in Huard.