[SBRforum Staff]

San Diego looks to improve on their '05 showing behind a new QB Rivers and offensive weapons Tomlinson and Gates.


By: Ben Burns
http://www.benburns.com

Despite a difficult schedule, the 2005 Chargers finished with a 9-7 record. They were widely considered to be the best team not to make the playoffs. This year's schedule is somewhat easier. However, the team will be directed by an untested quarterback, with Philip Rivers stepping in to replace Drew Brees.

Oddsmakers aren't expecting that the departure of Brees to result in a significant drop off, as they are projecting that the Chargers will come close to matching last season's record. The 'over/under' line for San Diego's number of regular season wins currently sits at 8-1/2.

A closer look at this year's team and schedule appears below.

Offense
Remember when the Chargers were so dismal that Eli Manning wouldn't play for them? After back-to-back winning seasons, that seems like ancient history. Philip Rivers, the player that the Chargers got for Manning, inherits the job after the Chargers let Drew Brees 'bolt' for New Orleans. It remains to be seen whether Rivers will develop into one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

Working in his favor, Rivers has enjoyed the luxury of learning the system the past two seasons. However, its unlikely that he will become a superstar overnight. Lets not forget that for every Ben Rothlisberger, a pivot who immediately excelled, there are dozens of quarterbacks who take a pounding in their first season. First round selections (Rivers went fourth overall) are no exception. In fact, many San Diego fans are still bitter about Ryan Leaf, the second overall pick in the 1998 draft (behind Peyton Manning) who failed to get the job done in the pros and is considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history. If Rivers struggles for an extended period of time, A.J. Feely will get the call.

Despite the potentially shaky situation at quarterback, the Chargers still have two of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons.

LaDanian Tomlinson has scored 80 touchdowns over his first five years and has thrown for another four. Last season, he rushed for 1462 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns and added another 371 receiving yards with four receiving touchdowns. He remains among the best backs in football.

Antonio Gates returns at tight end. The All-Pro had 89 catches for 1101 yards last season and has 23 touchdowns over the past two seasons. That's the most ever by a tight end during a two-year period.

Defense
The run defense ranked first in the entire league last season, allowing just 84 yards per game. The secondary was porous though and ranked in the bottom third of the league with 225 yards against. The 19.5 points per game which the Chargers allowed per game was acceptable in 2005. The defensive unit will need to be even better this season, as its unlikely that the offense will match last season's 26 point-per-game pace.

The Chargers were able to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season. They ranked fifth in the NFL with 46 sacks. but had a mere seven interceptions. The Chargers attempted to address this concern by drafting cornerback Antonio Cromartie with their first round pick. Cromartie has plenty of athleticism and may eventually develop into a star. Its unlikely that he will have a huge immediate impact though and the secondary remains somewhat suspect.

Schedule
The Chargers had a brutal travel schedule last season and were forced to play five games in the Eastern Time Zone. This year, they'll play just three 'early' games. There won't be any easy games within the division. Denver and Kansas City should both be strong again and Oakland should improve.

[bigboydan]

Rivers looked alot better than i expected last night.

[EBone]

Dan, it is only preseason but I expect Rivers to be every bit as good and probably better than Brees ever was at SD. This is a bit bold but I'll stand by it. I believe he's the real deal.



E

[bigboydan]

your right E, it was only the preason. he did play the whole first half against a bunch of scrubs. so, i guess we should really see how he does after he sees more first string defenses.