2008 NFL Season Preview: #4 San Diego Chargers

Division: AFC West
Last Years Record: 11-5
Head Coach: Norv Turner
Offensive Coordinator: Clarence Shelmon
Defensive Coordinator: Ted Cottrell

Key Additions:
LB Derek Smith
T LJ Shelton

Key Losses:
RB Michael Turner
CB Drayton Florence
S Marlon McCree
FB Lorenzo Neal
T Shane Olivea

Offensive Breakdown:
The goal for the Chargers is the same as every other team in the NFL, to win the Super Bowl. But with one exception, they are one of the few teams that has the capability of accomplishing their goal. The Chargers of 2007 were one win shy of the Super Bowl, but ran into the hottest team since the 1972 Dolphins. The Patriots beat the banged up Chargers 21-12, but the Chargers believe that they can be best in the NFL as long as they are healthy. Philip Rivers gained a lot of respect by just playing in the AFC Championship, as he was playing on one knee in which his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee was “totally gone" (it required reconstructive surgery in the offseason). He has also dealt with his share of critics for his sportsmanship, some say he is just fiery while others look at him as a cry baby. He has even gained himself a new nickname, "Marmalard" in reference to his poor sportsmanship. But the Chargers fans love him, I even saw a commenter on a message board say that he is the best quarterback in the NFL. I don't understand it, but the fans of the Chargers believe that Stan Humprhies is one of the greatest of all-time, so they are pretty delusional as it is.

Along with the rehab that Marmalard is going through, their all-everything LB Shawne Merriman is dealing with tears in both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee. All four of the doctors he has talked with have prescribed surgery, he and the Chargers have decided to go against the doctors wishes,he stated that he will play as long as his knee can take it. So can the Chargers rebound from a tough loss in last years AFC Championship to bring back a Super Bowl Championship to the beautiful city of Whales Vagina?

Philip Rivers showed a lot of leadership in his gutsy play in the AFC Championship, but he is more than guts and douche. He has a quick release and plays smart, and is one of the reasons the Chargers have been contender the last two seasons. His decision-making ability and his strong arm are his biggest attributes, but his recovery will hold back his improvement to an extent. In case Rivers has injury issues this year, the Chargers have Billy Volek. A capable back-up, who led the team in a decisive last-minute drive over the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs.

LaDainian Tomlinson is the best back in the NFL and is near the peak of a Hall of Fame career. Tomlinson is going for his third straight rushing crown, he rushed for 1,474 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, and shows no signs decline. LT is seventh in the NFL all-time with 129 touchdowns and 18th on the NFL all-time rushing list. He will continue to climb the charts with what should be another MVP caliber season. Rookie Jacob Hester and the speedy Darren Sproles are going to do their best to replace Michael Turner, who left for Atlanta in free agency.

Chris Chambers came to Chargers in a trade midway through last season (from the woeful Dolphins), and has been a great complement to their Pro Bowl tight end. Chambers is a reliable receiver who can draw defenders away from Gates. Antonio Gates has long been the number one passing option in San Diego, he is a dynamic presence as linebackers cannot keep up with his speed and his size overwhelms cornerbacks. He is fantastic the red zone, but must stay healthy. He is coming off of an offseason surgery on his toe. Vincent Jackson was the number one before Chambers arrival, but his numbers grew once Chambers came to town. Expect Jackson to be even more of a threat as Chambers gets more in tune with the offense and Gates being healthier. Craig Davis needs to prove himself, as he was just average in his rookie season.

They have a monster hole to fill on the offensive line at center, where Nick Hardwick could miss the season with an injured foot. Veteran Jeremy Newberry was signed as a potential replacement, but Newberry has also dealth with his share of injury problems and is not exactly reliable. Otherwise this group should be fine. Left tackle Marcus McNeill, left guard Kris Dielman, right guard Mike Goff, and right tackle Jeromey Clarey are all consistent lineman, though Clarey could eventually be challenged by former Cardinal and Dolphin L.J. Shelton. Cory Withrow and Scott Mruczkowski will join Shelton as the backups.

Defensive Breakdown:
The Chargers' defensive line is among the best in the league (on paper), but they must remain healthy(does that sound familiar?) in order to stay among the elite. Pro Bowl nose tackle Jamal Williams is 32 with shaky knees, while end Luis Castillo has missed large chunks of time due to ankle problems. The most reliable member of the group is Igor Olshansky, who will continue to hold down a spot at end. Backups Ryon Bingham, Jacques Cesaire all had to start games last year due to injuries to Williams and Castillo, and should be prepared to be a major part of the d- line rotation once again.

San Diego was dealt a blow in April, when it was announced that inside linebacker Stephen Cooper would miss the season's first four games after testing positive for a banned stimulant. Cooper's absence helped create an opportunity for former niner Derek Smith, who figures to start on opening day alongside holdover Matt Wilhelm. Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman knee injury could be devastating to the entire team, the three-time Pro Bowler is the heart-and-soul of the defense (even if that soul is as vapid and dense as they come). Shaun Phillips is dangerous coming off the edge, and will have to be great if Merrimans knee becomes an issue. Backups in the linebacking corps will include Anthony Waters on the inside and Marques Harris and Jyles Tucker on the outside.

The Chargers don't only have the best running-back in the league, they may have the best cornerback in the league in Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie blew up in 2007, he led the NFL in picks during his second season in the league, including a memorable game when he intercepted Peyton Manning no fewer than three times. He is joined by Quentin Jammer, who had 61 tackles last seaosn but only one interception. If Jammer has any trouble, help is on the way with first-round pick Antoine Cason who could switch from nickel to a more substantial role when he proves to be ready. Cletis Gordon should be the fourth cornerback. At safety, Eric Weddle will replace Marlon McCree at free safety, while Clinton Hart will hold onto his job on the strong side. Steve Gregory and Paul Oliver are the backups at safety.

Season Outlook:
Even with all the question marks coming into this season, the Chargers look ready to take over in the AFC. The Colts and Patriots are going through more turnover then the Chargers, and play in a lot tougher divisions. The AFC West should help out whatever injury issues they may have. Having LT run the ball for them doesn't hurt either. I see them winning 13 games, the AFC West crown, and making the AFC Championship yet again. As a Raider fan it hurts for me to admit this, but they are extremely good and they look like a Super Bowl team, well right now.



Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 07 CAR @ SD 4:15 PM FOX
Week 2: Sep 14 SD @ DEN 4:15 PM CBS
Week 3: Sep 22 NYJ @ SD 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 4: Sep 28 SD @ OAK 4:05 PM CBS
Week 5: Oct 05 SD @ MIA 1:00 PM CBS
Week 6: Oct 12 NE @ SD 8:15 PM NBC
Week 7: Oct 19 SD @ BUF 1:00 PM CBS
Week 8: Oct 26 SD @ NO 1:00 PM CBS
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: Nov 09 KC @ SD 4:15 PM CBS
Week 11: Nov 16 SD @ PIT 4:15 PM CBS
Week 12: Nov 23 IND @ SD 8:15 PM NBC
Week 13: Nov 30 ATL @ SD 4:05 PM FOX
Week 14: Dec 04 OAK @ SD 8:15 PM NFL NETWORK
Week 15: Dec 14 SD @ KC 1:00 PM CBS
Week 16: Dec 21 SD @ TB 8:15 PM NBC
Week 17: Dec 28 DEN @ SD 4:15 PM CBS