By Steve Adler
As we roll into the 2010 season I am cautiously optimistic about this Chargers team. Although I feel I am the only blogger that is not madly in love with AJ Smith and the way he conducts his business, there is no denying that this Chargers team is the most talented team in the AFC West…again.
In three seasons with Norv Turner at the helm the team is going into the same position in 2010 as it was when Norv took over in 2007, entering the season after a playoff loss to the Jets. The difference? Unlike his predecessor, Norv was given a contract extension. Who says that it doesn’t pay to be a “yes” man?
Enough about my displeasure with AJ and Norv, let’s talk about the guys that strap on the gear.
Things I love about the 2010 Chargers
Philip Rivers – Unlike some people that believe he can walk on water, I simply think he is a very good QB with the potential to be great. The down side (outside of his amazing ability to throw the ball a foot higher than his receiver) is the diminishing talent around him. This is the weakest OL he has had since becoming the starter and this wide receiver group is unproven to say the least. The argument has been made that Philip makes receivers, receivers do not make Philip. I do not buy into that, but we will soon find out.
Antonio Gates – What is not to love about Gates? Coming off his most productive season in 2010, Gates is the best tight end in football. Without VJ on the field, Gates will get a lot more attention and Rivers will have smaller windows to throw into. With that said, Gates is world class and I cannot wait to see him play.
Ryan Mathews – I do have concerns about Mathews. First, will he be able to stay healthy? He was banged up in college and guys tend to hit much harder in the NFL. Second, will he have anywhere to run? The OL looked great in the exhibition games, but will that translate into the regular season. I think week two vs. the Jaguars will speak volumes.
Quinton Jammer – The most underrated corner in the league. Jammer is amazing in every facet with the exception of being able to catch the ball. Jammer enables defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to be more aggressive with blitzes and Jammer tackles like a linebacker.
Chargers Fans – The fans are pumped and ready for another playoff run. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm and it gets me fired up to talk about the team. Football is a game of drama and passion and the fans show that in many ways.
This I hate about the 2010 Chargers
The Chargers OL – McNeil will miss at least the first three games and could sit out the entire season. Hardwick is fantastic…when he is not hurt. Vasquez is great in pass protection but appears lost on run plays. Dielman is nasty and a great guy to run behind, hopefully he can keep his emotions in check. Clary…in my dreams I hear “false start number 66”. This OL has shown the ability to pass protect, but with McNeil out, look for teams to expose that. Many people want to blame LT for the teams inability to run last season, but none of the Chargers HBs were able to run. Week two should set the tone.
Chargers wide receivers – With Vincent Jackson presumably lost for the season this WR group is a bunch of no names. Malcom Floyd showed flashes last season, but he is also a guy that has trouble staying healthy. Nanee only caught 24 passes last season, Crayton was about to get cut by the Cowboys and Craig Davis is the worst of all three rolled into one.
Chargers first half schedule – The Chargers should start 6-0, will they? I would not put my money on it, for one simple reason. I feel like they should start fast every year and they do not! The first half is too easy, if this Chargers team is 4-2 or 3-3 people will start to FREAK OUT! Which leads me to #4
AFC West – If you are not progressing you are regressing. At this point I cannot say the Chargers are a better team than they were in 2009, or 2008, or 2007 for that matter. I can say that every team in the division is better than they were last season. None of them are playoff teams, but they are better. I think that the AFC West has allowed the Chargers to be complacent because getting into the tournament is always AJ’s focus. Plenty of other teams in the AFC could have won this division the last three seasons as well.
Front office decisions – VJ and McNeil are great examples. Three years ago this team was cluttered with All Pro players, now we have a few all pros, a string of bad draft classes and a bunch of me me me guys. AJ’s inability to bring in an impact veteran in areas of need is now hurting the team. The Chargers depth of years past has evaporated. To ask fans to shell out hundreds of dollars to watch a game when you are not fielding the best team you possibly can is a damn shame.
Side Notes:
Shawne Merriman – I would like nothing more than to see Shawne Merriman go off this season. He is the key to the Chargers pass rush and if he is able to command double teams and get to the QB this could be a special season for the Bolts.
Eric Weddle – I think Weddle is a nice player, but that is about it. I hope he turns into John Lynch like people want him to be, but I just do not feel he is that guy.
Injuries – I shake my head when I think about Castillo and Hardwick. We may have to start a poll about which one gets injured first. After last season’s injury issues with the OL why was this not addressed?
Stephen Cooper – This is a big season for Cooper, because he was not the same player last season and disappeared in some games. He needs to assert himself again and become a tackle machine.
Shaun Phillips – In the words of SP95 himself, “You don’t need to like me, I’m famous”. I think that about sums it up.
With that said I see the Chargers cruising through the AFC West with a 10-6 record, winning the wild card game at Qualcomm only to lose in the second round on the road.
Football Fan Spot 