San Diego Chargers Predictions
Folks from San Diego used to joke around about the question of whether they wanted good weather or a Super Bowl-caliber team. This year, they have both. The Chargers took another step forward by beating the Colts on the road to earn a trip to the AFC Championship Game against New England. Despite playing with injuries to their three best weapons in Philip Rivers, LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates, the Chargers nearly handed the Patriots their first loss of the season. Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla. still goes through the Patriots, but the Chargers are ready this year more than ever to accomplish this feat. Let’s see how things play out in the AFC West with our 2008 San Diego Chargers predictions below.
Offense:
Philip Rivers showed his role as a team leader by playing with a torn ACL in the postseason last year. Nobody will ever question his toughness again, and Rivers now has the respect of his teammates more than ever which is huge for a starting quarterback in this league. Backup Billy Volek decided to return even though he could have been a potential starter elsewhere. It was Volek who led the Chargers to an improbable win over the Colts in Rivers’ absence. Charlie Whitehurst, who the Chargers have high hope for, remains the No. 3 quarterback.
Tomlinson should contend for another NFL rushing crown this year due to his work ethic. There’s no doubt he’ll rehab harder than anyone in the league to make sure he’s 100 percent entering the 2008 season. He’s still in the prime of his career and could start the season with a chip on his shoulder after being blasted unfairly by the media for not testing his sprained knee more in the AFC title game loss to New England. Backup Michael Turner finally left for a starting job in Atlanta, so that opens the door for rookie Jacob Hester from LSU as the backup. Also Darren Sproles will get more touches, but his tiny frame relegates him to situational play, mostly on third downs.
Chris Chambers hopes to build on his first year with the Chargers, after coming over in a trade with Miami part way through the season. Chambers and Rivers worked great together and that partnership will only get better as Chambers becomes more acclimated to Rivers and the offense. Vincent Jackson’s performance improved greatly upon Chambers’ arrival as he played his best down the stretch. Craig Davis was an up-and-down guy that never really hit his stride. The Chargers are banking on Davis maturing as a decent No. 3 receiver in his second year with the team. Antonio Gates is still one of the best tight ends in the game and a deadly red zone target.
The Chargers’ offensive line is the biggest question mark on the team heading into the 2008 season. Top-notch center Nick Hardwick didn’t get toe surgery until late in the offseason, which could sideline him early in the regular season. Right tackle Jeromey Clary replaced Shane Olivea in the starting lineup and has but six NFL starts under his belt. Left tackle Marcus McNeill will admit his played dropped substantially from his ‘06 campaign despite making the Pro Bowl for a second year. The guards are set with Kris Dielman and Mike Goff. But depth at tackle is a concern. L.J. Shelton was signed to a two-year deal from the Dolphins, but aside from him the Chargers are an injury away from paying a heavy price for their lack of backups at the most important positions on the offensive line.
Defense:
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jamal Williams remains a dominate force in the middle, but with 10 years of experience his body is slowly giving away. Defensive ends Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky just keep getting better, but Castillo will have to avoid the trainer’s room more after missing seven starts last year. Stopping the run is Olshansky’s forte. Ryan Bingham a tackle and Jacques Cesaire at end are key backups whose contributions go overlooked with all of the big names on this defensive unit.
Shawn Meriman and Shaun Phillips are terrors on the outside at linebacker, combining for 20 sacks a year ago. The inside play was good last year, despite having to break in two new starters in Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm. Cooper was the Chargers’ leading tackler, but he’ll miss the season’s first four games after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The Chargers have protection though after signing free agent Derek Smith from San Francisco in the offseason.
Antonio Cromartie emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the game last year. Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions. But what was most impressive was how he scored touchdowns off an interception return, a failed field goal and a fumble recovery. Quentin Jammar has blossomed into a reliable corner and a steady force in run support. Eric Weddle must replace veteran Marlon McCree at free safety, who left for the division rival Broncos in the offseason. Antoine Cason will fight for a nickel role in his rookie season. This spot is vacated due to Drayton Florence leaving to play for Jacksonville. This secondary benefits from the heavy pass rush their front seven puts on opposing quarterbacks.
Info Plays 2008 San Diego Chargers Predictions:
All of the pieces are in place for another Super Bowl run this season. Health to their best players is a major concern, but if they stay intact there’s not reason the Chargers can’t beat out the Patriots and Colts of the world for their shot at representing the AFC in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla. One thing is certain, the Chargers will be winning the AFC West division in a landslide. The Raiders will likely be their best competition, and the Chiefs won’t pull off any upsets over San Diego like they did last year. Denver knows they can’t compete as indicated by getting outscored 64-6 in two losses against this same Chargers’ team a year ago.
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