9:45 PM
Football
For those who have been reading these previews for the past few years this may seem like a broken record: The Bolts should win the Super Bowl this season. This year there are several good reasons for making such a claim. The 2010 Chargers finished last season as the number one team in both offense and defense. Despite those heady statistics the Bolts failed to win their division or even make the playoffs. Why? Because their special teams were NFL record type bad and cost them at least two or three games. Head coach Norv Turner and General Manager A.J. Smith deserve all the credit and blame for a forgetful 2010. Smith addressed this team's problems by acquiring some key veterans, drafting special team players, and by hiring several new coaches. If the Bolts can turn their special teams around, then they will win their division again and rejoin the post-season tournament.
BUILDING ON 2010
The NFL's number one offense (in yards) is led by Philip Rivers who is in his prime and considered one of the elite QBs in the league. If one compares his numbers to Peyton Manning's over the past two years Rivers has outperformed his rival and has a better passer rating. Despite injuries that forced him to throw to seventeen different receivers, Rivers still led all QBs in passing yardage in 2010. He probably has the tallest set of receivers to throw to that any quarterback ever enjoyed. If Jackson, Floyd, and Gates can stay healthy, Rivers might even crack the 5,000 yard plateau. Rivers was undefeated in December until last year and is hungry to return to the playoffs. He's a proven winner who has blossomed under Turner and is determined to win it all. I'm sure Turner would prefer Rivers not throw for 5,000+ yards and instead have a more balanced attack for defenses to worry about. After a good preseason second year running back Ryan Matthews looks poised to have his first 1,000 yard season. Injuries prevented him from breaking out last season so fullback Mike Tolbert was called upon to do his best impression of a tailback and he didn't disappoint. Both backs have surprising speed and a nose for the endzone. The same offensive line returns with capable backups so this unit will be scoring a lot of points this season.
The number one rating for the defense was something of a surprise considering that Smith got rid of two Pro Bowl players in Merriman and Cromarte. The secondary actually played better and the pass rush improved without those two. The Bolts were number one against the pass and better than average against the run. Now that two other teams in their division (KC and Oakland) are so good at running the ball the Bolts must improve against the run. The addition of Takeo Spikes and Bob Sanders should help improve the run defense as well as bring veterans leadership to this squad.
As good as the other two units were, the special teams were down right embarrassing last season. It seems that every week they gave up a kick return for a TD or had a punt blocked. As a result a new special teams coach was brought in. Rich Bisaccia, who did a good job in Tampa Bay, seems to have solved the nightmares of 2010. He has one of the best punters in the league in Scifres and Kaeding continues to be the NFL's most accurate kicker. If this unit can avoid mistakes and do it's job of winning the battle of field position, then the Bolts will be playing games in late January.
THE OFFENSE
The same cast returns from last year with the exception of Sproles who is now a Saint. The other backs will pick up the slack as Matthews, Tolbert, and Hester will be catching more screens and dump passes in 2011. Vincent Jackson was franchised so he's making about $10 million more this season than last so he's a happy camper. Floyd, who was allowed to test free agency, came back to bookend this skyscraper receiving corp. Patrick Crayton adds veteran experience while youngsters Goodman, Brown, and Walters bring speed to the mix. Antonio Gates began training camp in pain as his foot problems continue. This may be the most important foot in football as it supports a future Hall of Fame tight end who is also Rivers' favorite target. The biggest question will probably be: "Can he stay healthy long enough to contribute in the post-season?" Randy McMichael is an experienced backup and third stringer Kory Sperry has shown ability to get open. When Smith signed Jeromey Clary to return as the right tackle the GM might have overpaid him, but he maintained the continuity of an offensive line that boasts three Pro Bowl players (LT McNeill, LG Dielman, and center Hardwick). Louis Vasquez continues as the right guard while backups Green, Mruczkowski, and Dombrowski all have spot started in the past. Rivers is not only good, he's also durable. If he does get injured, then experienced backup Billy Volek will step in and get the job done. Matthews, who had such a disappointing 2010, seems primed to have a breakout year. Look for him to not only rush for over 1,000 yards, but also catch more passes as well. Tolbert will be counted on in short yardage situations to pick up the tough real estate. If this squad can cut down on fumbles and stupid penalties, then it should be the NFL's best offense again in 2011.
THE DEFENSE
Greg Manusky replaces Ron Rivera as the new defensive coordinator with the challenge to maintain this team's number one status. That lofty status last season as the number one yardage defense was a little deceptive since they were only number ten in scoring defense. However, they were the best pass defense in the league and tied for second in sacks. They were good against the run (number four), but inconsistent. AJ Smith made his number one draft pick a defensive end to help matters. Cory Liuget seems undersized for the position and has been blown off the line consistently in preseason. The Bolts may do better to have veteran Jacques Cesaire start and use Liuget as a designated pass rusher because he's relentless in his pursuit of quarterbacks. Antonio Garay emerged as the number one nose tackle and had a fine season. He returns as well as Luis Castillo at the other end. Vaughn Martin could break into the starting lineup at either end and Cam Thomas backs up Garay at nose tackle. In another move to help against the run Smith acquired 14 year veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes to play in the middle. Second year man Donald Butler will be a virtual rookie starting at the other middle spot. Butler missed all of 2010 with an injury and is sure to benefit form Spikes' experience. If Spikes gets hurt the Bolts have little experience to back him up because after veteran Ni'll Diggs there are only rookies Mouton and Gachkar left. This is undoubtedly the weakest link in the Chargers defense. The outside linebackers are led by Pro Bowler Shaun Phillips who was the Bolts best pass rusher in 2010. Who starts opposite him is anyone's guess as Travis LaBoy, Larry English, Antwan Barnes, and rookie Darryl Gamble all have a shot. My guess is that LaBoy will start with Barnes in on passing situations and English riding the bench nursing another injury. Smith also added a former Defensive Player of the Year in Bob Sanders. The ex-Colt hasn't played much in recent years due to injuries, but if he can play just half the schedule at strong safety he will add to this unit's toughness and experience. He teams up with free safety Eric Weddle to make one of the best safety tandums in the league. Quentin Jammer returns for a tenth season as one the the NFL's most consistent corners. He's joined by Antoine Cason at the other corner and Dante Hughes as the nickelback. Steve Gregory and Darrell Stuckey backup the safeties while rookies Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright are in reserve at the corner spot. The defense may take a step back due to it's weakness at middle linebacker, but the secondary will hold up against the pass in the fourth quarter when opponents try to catch up to the Bolt's high scoring offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Last season the loss of Pro Bowlers Kassim Osgood and David Binn certainly hurt the special teams, but even their exit couldn't explain the wholesale collapse of this unit. New coach Rich Bisaccia certainly has his work cut out for him as he must mold a unit that will protect the punter better, smother kick returners, and open lanes for the Bolts' young returners to set up Rivers and company with good field position. It's not clear right now who the returners will be yet, but Walters, Goodman, and Crayton will all probably get a chance to return kickoffs with Cason as the main punt returner. Mike Windt replaces long time (17 years) long snapper David Binn and has big shoes to fill. He'll combine with Scifres as the holder and Keading doing placements as they attempt to continue Nate's record accuracy. If Scifres gets just average protection he should again be one of the NFL's top punters. Basaccia's boys will be under the microscope for the first few weeks of the season to see if they can avoid last season's mistakes and return this squad to being one of the NFL's best.
CONCLUSION
Many believe the Chargers are one of the best teams in the league, but have yet to prove they can succeed in the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. The competition in the AFC is stiff as the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts have all won Super Bowls in recent years. One of the things Rivers is missing in his resume is a ring. After this season that will be corrected and the Bolts s will finally earn the name: SUPERCHARGERS.
By Tim Wayne
BUILDING ON 2010
The NFL's number one offense (in yards) is led by Philip Rivers who is in his prime and considered one of the elite QBs in the league. If one compares his numbers to Peyton Manning's over the past two years Rivers has outperformed his rival and has a better passer rating. Despite injuries that forced him to throw to seventeen different receivers, Rivers still led all QBs in passing yardage in 2010. He probably has the tallest set of receivers to throw to that any quarterback ever enjoyed. If Jackson, Floyd, and Gates can stay healthy, Rivers might even crack the 5,000 yard plateau. Rivers was undefeated in December until last year and is hungry to return to the playoffs. He's a proven winner who has blossomed under Turner and is determined to win it all. I'm sure Turner would prefer Rivers not throw for 5,000+ yards and instead have a more balanced attack for defenses to worry about. After a good preseason second year running back Ryan Matthews looks poised to have his first 1,000 yard season. Injuries prevented him from breaking out last season so fullback Mike Tolbert was called upon to do his best impression of a tailback and he didn't disappoint. Both backs have surprising speed and a nose for the endzone. The same offensive line returns with capable backups so this unit will be scoring a lot of points this season.
The number one rating for the defense was something of a surprise considering that Smith got rid of two Pro Bowl players in Merriman and Cromarte. The secondary actually played better and the pass rush improved without those two. The Bolts were number one against the pass and better than average against the run. Now that two other teams in their division (KC and Oakland) are so good at running the ball the Bolts must improve against the run. The addition of Takeo Spikes and Bob Sanders should help improve the run defense as well as bring veterans leadership to this squad.
As good as the other two units were, the special teams were down right embarrassing last season. It seems that every week they gave up a kick return for a TD or had a punt blocked. As a result a new special teams coach was brought in. Rich Bisaccia, who did a good job in Tampa Bay, seems to have solved the nightmares of 2010. He has one of the best punters in the league in Scifres and Kaeding continues to be the NFL's most accurate kicker. If this unit can avoid mistakes and do it's job of winning the battle of field position, then the Bolts will be playing games in late January.
THE OFFENSE
The same cast returns from last year with the exception of Sproles who is now a Saint. The other backs will pick up the slack as Matthews, Tolbert, and Hester will be catching more screens and dump passes in 2011. Vincent Jackson was franchised so he's making about $10 million more this season than last so he's a happy camper. Floyd, who was allowed to test free agency, came back to bookend this skyscraper receiving corp. Patrick Crayton adds veteran experience while youngsters Goodman, Brown, and Walters bring speed to the mix. Antonio Gates began training camp in pain as his foot problems continue. This may be the most important foot in football as it supports a future Hall of Fame tight end who is also Rivers' favorite target. The biggest question will probably be: "Can he stay healthy long enough to contribute in the post-season?" Randy McMichael is an experienced backup and third stringer Kory Sperry has shown ability to get open. When Smith signed Jeromey Clary to return as the right tackle the GM might have overpaid him, but he maintained the continuity of an offensive line that boasts three Pro Bowl players (LT McNeill, LG Dielman, and center Hardwick). Louis Vasquez continues as the right guard while backups Green, Mruczkowski, and Dombrowski all have spot started in the past. Rivers is not only good, he's also durable. If he does get injured, then experienced backup Billy Volek will step in and get the job done. Matthews, who had such a disappointing 2010, seems primed to have a breakout year. Look for him to not only rush for over 1,000 yards, but also catch more passes as well. Tolbert will be counted on in short yardage situations to pick up the tough real estate. If this squad can cut down on fumbles and stupid penalties, then it should be the NFL's best offense again in 2011.
THE DEFENSE
Greg Manusky replaces Ron Rivera as the new defensive coordinator with the challenge to maintain this team's number one status. That lofty status last season as the number one yardage defense was a little deceptive since they were only number ten in scoring defense. However, they were the best pass defense in the league and tied for second in sacks. They were good against the run (number four), but inconsistent. AJ Smith made his number one draft pick a defensive end to help matters. Cory Liuget seems undersized for the position and has been blown off the line consistently in preseason. The Bolts may do better to have veteran Jacques Cesaire start and use Liuget as a designated pass rusher because he's relentless in his pursuit of quarterbacks. Antonio Garay emerged as the number one nose tackle and had a fine season. He returns as well as Luis Castillo at the other end. Vaughn Martin could break into the starting lineup at either end and Cam Thomas backs up Garay at nose tackle. In another move to help against the run Smith acquired 14 year veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes to play in the middle. Second year man Donald Butler will be a virtual rookie starting at the other middle spot. Butler missed all of 2010 with an injury and is sure to benefit form Spikes' experience. If Spikes gets hurt the Bolts have little experience to back him up because after veteran Ni'll Diggs there are only rookies Mouton and Gachkar left. This is undoubtedly the weakest link in the Chargers defense. The outside linebackers are led by Pro Bowler Shaun Phillips who was the Bolts best pass rusher in 2010. Who starts opposite him is anyone's guess as Travis LaBoy, Larry English, Antwan Barnes, and rookie Darryl Gamble all have a shot. My guess is that LaBoy will start with Barnes in on passing situations and English riding the bench nursing another injury. Smith also added a former Defensive Player of the Year in Bob Sanders. The ex-Colt hasn't played much in recent years due to injuries, but if he can play just half the schedule at strong safety he will add to this unit's toughness and experience. He teams up with free safety Eric Weddle to make one of the best safety tandums in the league. Quentin Jammer returns for a tenth season as one the the NFL's most consistent corners. He's joined by Antoine Cason at the other corner and Dante Hughes as the nickelback. Steve Gregory and Darrell Stuckey backup the safeties while rookies Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright are in reserve at the corner spot. The defense may take a step back due to it's weakness at middle linebacker, but the secondary will hold up against the pass in the fourth quarter when opponents try to catch up to the Bolt's high scoring offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Last season the loss of Pro Bowlers Kassim Osgood and David Binn certainly hurt the special teams, but even their exit couldn't explain the wholesale collapse of this unit. New coach Rich Bisaccia certainly has his work cut out for him as he must mold a unit that will protect the punter better, smother kick returners, and open lanes for the Bolts' young returners to set up Rivers and company with good field position. It's not clear right now who the returners will be yet, but Walters, Goodman, and Crayton will all probably get a chance to return kickoffs with Cason as the main punt returner. Mike Windt replaces long time (17 years) long snapper David Binn and has big shoes to fill. He'll combine with Scifres as the holder and Keading doing placements as they attempt to continue Nate's record accuracy. If Scifres gets just average protection he should again be one of the NFL's top punters. Basaccia's boys will be under the microscope for the first few weeks of the season to see if they can avoid last season's mistakes and return this squad to being one of the NFL's best.
CONCLUSION
Many believe the Chargers are one of the best teams in the league, but have yet to prove they can succeed in the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. The competition in the AFC is stiff as the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts have all won Super Bowls in recent years. One of the things Rivers is missing in his resume is a ring. After this season that will be corrected and the Bolts s will finally earn the name: SUPERCHARGERS.
By Tim Wayne
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