San Diego Chargers (13-6)
Even with injuries to key players, the Super Chargers made it to the AFC Championship game. A trip to the Super Bowl next year is not out of the question at all.
2007 Summary:
For the second straight year, the San Diego Chargers were in the post-season. This time though, they would have a lot more success. Under coach Marty Schottenheimer, the Bolts couldn't pull it together and win a post-season match-up. This led to him being fired, and 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner being brought in to take over the head coaching duties. At the time, this was a very shocking move. Although being a very smart offensive mind, Norv Turner stunk as a head coach. This was a team desperate for a playoff win, and their solution was bringing in a head coach with a bad history? Weird. Well, it would certainly pay off.
After a slow 1-3 start, the Chargers would starting rolling, and only lose two more contests the entire season. San Diego was also able to pull it together after allowing rookie running back Adrian Peterson to run for an NFL record 296 yards against them in Minnesota. Maybe this was a team that couldn't preform under pressure, because when nobody was talking about them they would steal victories. Before anyone knew it, the Chargers locked up the number three seed. For the first time in over ten years, the Chargers would win a playoff game with a 17-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans. They would even carry that momentum over the next week when they defeated the 13-3 Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis by a score of 28-24. People were finally starting to notice the Bolts, but they would hit a wall when they had to compete against the 17-0 New England Patriots. Without the injured 2006 MVP runningback LaDainian Tomlinson, and a hurt but still playing Phillip Rivers, the Bolts would fall 21-12. The season, although not ending with a Super Bowl trip, was still considered a success.
Next year, the same 2007 squad will be back together to make a run at Super Bowl 43. This man thinks if they can avoid all the media attention, they can easily take a weak AFC West and make a run for Tampa Bay in February.
TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:
1.) Offensive Tackle:
- After an amazing rookie season, tackle Marcus McNeil struggled in his sophomore year. The right tackle spot also has some questions with Jeromy Clary starting.
2.) Defensive End:
- Luis Castillo has missed several games over the past two season. Considering the Chargers don't have many needs, they can afford to take a high selection in the draft on an end.
3.) Nose Tackle:
The Bolts suffered when tackle Jamal Williams went down to injury. At the age of 32, he will need a replacement soon.
2008 Offseason Moves
Notable additions: LB Derek Smith
Notable resignings: OT Jeromy Clary, WR Malcomb Floyd, QB Billy Volek
Notable releases: OT Shane Olivea, S Marlon McCree, FB Lorenzo Neal
Notable Departures: RB Michael Turner
Grades:
Quarterbacks: A
- Phillip Rivers is one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He showed in the AFC Championship playing injured that he is a true leader. Billy Volek is a solid backup as well, which he showed when leading the Bolts to victory against the Colts in the playoffs.
Runningbacks: A
- Even with Michael Turner on his way to Atlanta, the Chargers are are host to one of the most talented runningbacks in the league. LaDainian Tomlinson was MVP in 2006, and Darren Sproles is shifty enough to take it to the end-zone on any play.
Wide Receivers: B-
Chris Chambers found new life in San Diego, proving to be a big playmaker for them. Vincent Jackson also came up big in the post-season. Malcomb Floyd and Craig Davis provide great depth.
Offensive Line: C+
- The Bolts offensive line took a beating in 2007. Left tackle Marcus McNeil suffered after a great rookie season, right guard Mike Goff is getting old, and right tackle Shane Olivea was cut. Although still a solid line, their is room for improvements throughout the line.
Tight End: A+
- Antonio Gates is the top tight end in the game today. He'll fight for every yard and make all the tough catches. You can't ask for a better tight end than Gates.
Defensive line: B-
- When healthy, San Diego has one of the best 3-4 defensive lines in the league. However, Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo have suffered from the injury big lately. Depth is needed in this unit.
Linebackers: A
- Steroids or not, Shawne Merriman is a quarterbacks worst nightmare. Same can be said for other outside linebacker Shaun Phillips. The inside consists of Matt Wilhelm and Brandon Siler, both capable of getting the job done.
Defensive Backs: A
- He was a risk on draft day, but Antonio Cromartie sure has payed off. He only led the league with ten interceptions in 2007. The other corner, Quentin Jammer, is number one material as well. Eric Weedle occupys the free safety spot, but with the release of Marlon McCree the Bolts may want to add depth behind Weddle and strong safety Clinto Hart.
Special Teams: B+
- Darren Sproles is about as dangerous as they come in the return game (just ask the Colts). Nate Kaeding as long as the game isn't on the line is a solid kicker. Mike Scifres is also an elite punter.
Coaching: A+
- Norv Turner suprised many people by keeping the Chargers an elite team in this league. Even after losing both their offensive and defensive coordinator to begin the season, they were able to recover.
2008 Schedule:
1 Sept. 7 Carolina Panthers 4:15 p.m. 2 Sept. 14 at Denver Broncos 4:15 p.m. 3 Sept. 22 (Mon.) New York Jets 8:30 p.m. 4 Sept. 28 at Oakland Raiders 4:05 p.m. 5 Oct. 5 at Miami Dolphins 1 p.m. 6 Oct. 12 New England Patriots 8:15 p.m. 7 Oct. 19 at Buffalo Bills 1 p.m. 8 Oct. 26 at New Orleans Saints (in London) 1 p.m. 9 Nov. 2 Bye 10 Nov. 9 Kansas City Chiefs 4:15 p.m. 11 Nov. 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:15 p.m. 12 Nov. 23 Indianapolis Colts * 8:15 p.m. 13 Nov. 30 Atlanta Falcons 4:05 p.m. 14 Dec. 4 (Thurs.) Oakland Raiders 8:15 p.m. 15 Dec. 14 at Kansas City Chiefs 1 p.m. 16 Dec. 21 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers * 8:15 p.m. 17 Dec. 28 Denver Broncos 4:15 p.m.
Prediction:
The Bolts will be one of the six teams in the post-season come January, but they won't get far. I have a sick feeling this will be the year LaDainian Tomlinson gets unlucky and misses some time with the same injury he suffered in last years post-season, and without Michael Turner they'll be out of luck. They'll be good no doubt, but with all the media attention I beleive they'll panic. They'll fly by the AFC West, but if they're on top of the AFC, don't expect a Super Bowl trip. The Bolts do better under the radar.
