NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers


Key Additions: 
DT Corey Liuget (draft)
CB Marucs Gilchrist (draft) 
LB Travis LaBoy (FA)
LB Takeo Spikes (FA)
S Bob Sanders (FA)
WR Laurent Robinson (FA)


Key Departures:
WR Legadu Naanee
RB Darren Sproles
LB Kevin Burnett
LB Antwan Applewhite
LB Stephen Cooper
LB Brandon Siler 


Report:

San Diego was the number one offense in the NFL for a reason, Phillip Rivers. Rivers had the best year of his career passing for 4,710 yards and 30 TD. His stats are even more impressive considering he didn't start the season with a legitimate wide receiver. WR Vincent Jackson held out and was suspended and only played half the season. While Jackson was out Rivers made WR's Malcom Floyd and Legadu Naanee consistent targets. Vincent Jackson and Malcom FLoyd have re-signed and along with WR Laurent Robinson to add depth. Favorably, the Chargers had veteran TE Antonio Gates who had the usual Antonio Gates type season to soften the burden. San Diego may have been the number one offense, but they were ranked 15th via the ground game. In the beginning of the season they relied on rookie RB Ryan Matthews to carry the load. Matthews was hurt for most of the year and was not able to get into his groove, so most of the carries were given to RB Mike Tolbert. RB Darren Sproles has left for New Orleans so the option of using him is gone. Both of the running backs are back once again Matthews is expected to start at the beginning of the season. The offensive line is all back which makes the odds for another great offense very probable. 


Most of the Chargers defense should look the same, except for the linebackers. The only starter staying is Shaun Phillips, and they expect former first round draft pick Larry English to occupy a more important role. San Diego also took LB's Takeo Spikes and Travis LaBoy from the 49ers. The D-Line is anchored by DE Luis Castillo, DT Antonio Garay, and DE Jacques Cesaire. They drafted DT Corey Liuget who wins the award for coolest last names. He should be a great addition and replace one of the starters. The secondary's key cog S Eric Weddle has re-signed which is huge for San Diego. CB's Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason will be the starters with Dante Hughes and rookie Marcus Gilchr as the nickel and quarter. At the other safety position there should be a battle. Veterans Steve Gregory and Paul Oliver were here last year and should battle alongside S Bob Sanders who could be a free agent steal. 


The special teams was the reason this team failed to reach the playoffs. K Nate Kaeding is ony the more consistent kickers in the league. P Mike Scrifes is back and hopes that less of his punts are blocked this coming season. KR Darren Sproles is gone which leaves a hole at that position. 

Review:
For a team that had the number ranked offense and defense and not make the playoffs makes for a very disappointing season. Phillip Rivers returns and will have his top targets together for a full season. If the running game can produce this offense will be lethal and defense won't know what to do. On defense thier newcomers will decide if it can be number one again. Too sum it all up, if their special teams can get together they will most likely return to the playoffs. 


Division Finish: TBA