NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

by Stan, The Ghosts of Wayne Fontes

I moved to San Diego nearly six years ago and as a lifelong suffering Lions fan; it was rather easy to start following the Chargers. You may have heard of this guy they have, Ladainian Tomlinson? Well, let’s just say you are in the wrong place if you haven’t, but anyway he’s easily able to recapture the lost memories I have of Barry Sanders.

I don’t feel like I am committing sports bigamy in the slightest. That’s why today, I’ve got the distinguished honor to give an insight as to what we can expect from the Chargers this season. It would be easy to litter this piece with a ton of cliché “Anchorman” references, but that would only serve to diminish just how important this season is for San Diego. So instead, I’m putting away the funny suit and letting the lyrics of the Talking Heads be the guide to the 2007 San Diego Chargers.

You start a conversation, you can’t even finish it. You’re talking a lot, but you’re not saying much. (Last Season)

The most exciting team in the NFL last season was none other than the San Diego Chargers. They cruised to a 14-2 record and secured home field throughout the entire AFC Playoffs. They were doing and saying all the right things, but maybe they read too much into their own press clippings, as they appeared to be over-confident in their playoff loss to the Patriots. A near battle royal happened at mid-field after the game and the Chargers were touted as poor sports.

Often times the sports scene in San Diego gets labeled as a group of apathetic and lethargic fans who are only mildly active in the local teams. That couldn’t be further from the truth when speaking about Charger fans. Last season was about swagger and confidence, yet something went wrong and we had to watch Tom Brady get the last laugh.

San Diegans everywhere were stuck with astonishment, as to what had just happened. Many a Charger fan was left with that “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” feeling. It was a somber mood for days and weeks in San Diego following the loss to the Patriots. They were at home, they had the lead, but the dream evaporated when Nate Kaeding missed a 53 yard Field Goal that would’ve only forced overtime.

Heard of van that is loaded with weapons, packed up and ready to go. (The Offense)

If anything last year was supposed to be a transition year for the offense having just lost Drew Brees and handing over the reigns to 1st year starter Phillip Rivers. However, the takeover was seamless, if not perfect. This season figures to only get better. Under the tutelage of a QB guru like Norv Turner and in his 2nd full season on the job, Phillip Rivers is expected to take the proverbial leap.
The departure of Keenan McCardell opens the door for the 6’5” Vincent Jackson, whom the Chargers feel is ready to become the “man” in his 3rd season. The Chargers hope to pair him with another 6’5” WR in Malcolm Floyd. A minor setback in the offensive plans was the recent news that Eric Parker (the most experienced WR on the team) has a cracked toe and will miss up to 10 weeks. The plan was to move him into the slot, but those plans are on hold. Lastly, the Chargers also brought in rookie WR Craig Davis from LSU. How fast he attaches to the offense is still a work in progress.

As for the rest of the cast, LT and Antonio Gates should need no introduction. The offensive line remains intact and with the aid and protection of the unheralded fullback Lorenzo Neal, LT should have open running lanes and Phil Rivers should stand on his feet. It doesn’t hurt to have depth at RB in the likes of Michael Turner either.

Hold tight, wait till the party’s over. Hold tight we’re in for nasty weather. (Defense)

An underrated note to mention about this defensive unit is the addition of Coach Ron Rivera. He was the Defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears last season and watched his window of opportunity be shriveled from head coach to coordinator to merely a LB coach. You don’t think he’s got a chip on his shoulder…something to prove?

There is only one direction for this young, quick and nasty defense to go…and that is up. If we thought they were dominating at times last season, wait till we get a load of them this season. Ted Cottrell runs the basic 3-4 defense, which plays to the strong suit of the Chargers who are stacked at Linebacker. Williams, Castillo and Olshansky are three bruisers up front. And sitting tight on the outside are Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman and Shaun Phillips, best of luck contending with that.

For the past few seasons the most noticeable weakness in the Chargers defense has been their secondary. However, with a menacing front seven, they’ve been able to prevent that Achilles heal from being exposed. Yet, be warned they are still very susceptible in this department. Florence, Jammer, McRee and Hart round out this unit and they’ll be looked upon to make even greater strides of improvement this season.

And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife. And you may ask yourself: Well…How did I get here? (Coaching staff)

After the collapse, yet again at home in the Playoffs last season…somebody had to take a fall. Rumors were rampant that it was going to be head coach Marty Schottenheimer. Fans wanted blood, they wanted resolution and as far as many were concerned, Marty-Ball had taken this team as far it could possibly go. However, the real reason behind the changing of the guard was the on-going rift between Vice President A.J Smith and Marty. They couldn’t seem to mend the fences and finally Marty was let go, which led to a bender (maybe).

Aside from losing Marty, the Chargers initially saw Wade Phillips (Defense) and Cam Cameron (Offense) get head coaching gigs elsewhere in the NFL. This left a wave of confusion, as to which direction the Chargers were headed. Why would they let their top two coordinators walk away, if they knew Marty was out?

Enter Norv Turner, who isn’t quite sure what he’s gotten himself into. On the one hand, he was given keys to a brand new Porsche; a team on the cusp of Super Bowl contention. Yet, what direction could he possibly go with this team? They were 14-2 last season and with that come the expectations. This town is starving for the team to advance deep into the playoffs, while LT is still in his prime. And based on Tuner’s track record, this is his last chance to rectify the snapshot of his coaching career. His failed attempts in Washington and Oakland will always linger over him if he can’t keep this Charger team rolling.

Turner’s staff includes Clarence Shelmon (Offense) and Ted Cottrell (Defense). If there is one area where the pressure will be applied, it’s headed onto the shoulders of this staff.

It’s hard to imagine, that nothing at all...could be so exciting, could be this much fun. (Fantasy Impact)

It seems like the Chargers in terms of Fantasy Football are linked to one person, LT. And for good reason, as LT alone could’ve and should’ve carried many a team to a Fantasy title last season. His season alone was more prolific than the entire Raiders team, as he scored more offensive TD’s. His value need really not be explained. However, a common misconception about the Chargers overall Fantasy value is that LT hoards all the points.

Not the case, as many will attest that Antonio Gates provides thee most stable option at Tight End, despite having somewhat of a down season by his own standards. Now, a full year under their belts working together, we can expect big things out of the Gates-Rivers combo. In fact, Vincent Jackson and his long and lanky frame makes him a “sleeper” WR with a great deal of TUP. Let’s not forget that Nate Kaeding is one of the Top 5 Fantasy Kickers out there and throw in a defense that’s sure to be snagged in the Top 5 defenses and you’re looking at a team loaded with Fantasy options.

The feeling returns, whenever we close our eyes. Lifting my head, looking around inside. (Intangibles)

Expectations. Expectations. The sting from last season has only raised the expectation level exponentially. If any ingredient plays the key determining factor this season for the Chargers, it will be how they manage all the pre-season accolades bestowed upon a team with Superbowl or bust aspirations.

Cover up and say goodnight…say goodnight. (Gambling)

The Chargers opened the “off” season as the early 4:1 favorite to win the Superbowl. Since that time, they’ve gone anywhere from 6:1 or 7:1…you just gotta poke around to find the best odds. Last season, the Chargers were 9-7 against the spread and generally a goldmine on “overs.” However, keep in mind that if recent history tells us anything, the Chargers are going to be laying a lot of points each week, proceed with caution.

Snap into position, bounce till you ache. Step out of line and you end up in Jail. (Off the Field Antics)

The Chargers managed to fly under the radar just a little thanks in large part to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, in 2006 the Chargers were becoming a main staple on the police blotter. A.J Smith set out this off-season to clean-up some of that troubled reputation. In response to LB Steve Foley being shot the previous off-season, the team moved on…innocent or not. Safety Terrence Kiel was officially let go and the movement was set. Still though, the Chargers aren’t a criminal free zone, but at least the culture is attempting to shift. And there have been NO reports of Shawne Merriman leaving a bottle of the “clear” around or near his locker…yet.

I don’t know why, I love her like I do. All the trouble you put me through. (Cheerleaders)

If one set of cheerleaders in this league are sure to never disappoint it’s the “Charger Girls.” They pull out all the stops every single season, from the scantly clad to sexy costumes for Halloween. They are never short of giving the fans their true monies worth…you know, if you really want HQ T&A. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s always beautiful in San Diego, so you never have to worry about these girls ever needing to cover up to stay warm. Unfortunately, the 2007-08 squad was just recently announced after rigorous testing and their individual profiles have yet to be revealed on the Chargers website. However, you can always take a gander at the group photo or scour the 2006-07 addition and realize, you’re never getting less than an “A-“ as an overall score for this squad.

This ain’t no party, this ain’t disco, this ain’t no fooling around. (Overall Prediction)

The Chargers still have a bitter taste from last season. However, the turnover in the coaching staff and Norv Turner at the helm doesn’t seem to bode well for a team seeking the confidence to take the next step. The Broncos improved to an extent in the off-season, the Chiefs always impose a threat and even the Raiders can claim they too got a little bit better. If anything the AFC West is going to be tough, as always. The Chargers have all the tools to be the favorite and should very well lend another year of reign, yet that reign will not come courtesy of a 14-2 record. You’re looking at a hungry, very hungry team, but 11-5 and probable Division Champs seems like the most logical scenario given everything that happened this past off-season. They should very well compete for the Conference Championship come playoff time.

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