For those pimping the Chargers this year (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

In the predictions for this year thread, several people are naming SD as their SB winner this year and winning 4-6 more regular season games this year. I'm 3,000 miles away and admit to not being very much in the loop on Bolts news.

What changed from last year when they went 8-8? I realize each year is different, but some of you have them doing some serious damage this year. Is part of it giving them a pass on last year and they were better than their record indicated?

Personnel wise, did they make any major moves or is part of it just another year together and the maturation process . . .

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Getting Merriman back helps a lot. In addition, the general state of the AFC West has to give Charger fans hope for a strong record. One thing to consider is the schedule. The AFC West teams face the NFC East outside of division.

 

[Banger]

They had a lot of injuries on the lines and specifically to Merriman and they play in a joke of a division. If Merriman can come back and give them a pass rush their defense should improve quite a bit.

 

[PatrickT]

Shawne Merriman

More confidence in Sprole's ability to absorb load from LT

Philip Rivers with a great year under his belt.

Antonio Gates is healthy

 

[Dr. Octopus]

For one they should be healthier, notably Merriman, Gates and Tomlinson. They also added a nice LB, English, in the draft.

Personally I think they underachieved last season and came on strong at the end (playoffs).

 

[Bonfire]

granted in my SD expert but...

i really thing Merriman is the heart/soul of that D. apart from his play (which has been fantasic) they really lacked the edge/attitude without him. i have read reports about his return and know he isnt 100%, but i think he is on track and should be playing at top form by mid-season.

additionally LT injury really hampered him last year, and i have to assume he is healthy until he proves otherwise.

i cant predict injuries, and as such if LT/Merriman are near 100% they are loaded on both sides.

 

[Banger]

For one they should be healthier, notably Merriman, Gates and Tomlinson. They also added a nice LB, English, in the draft. Personally I think they underachieved last season and came on strong at the end (playoffs).

not to mention Cromartie was injured and had surgery and McNeill their LT was injured and had neck surgery in the offseason. Pretty much all their good players with the exception of Rivers, VJax were injured.

 

[jonessed]

San Diego's defense got much better last year after they ousted Cottrell and put in Rivera. It coincieded directly with their late season run. The return of Merriman and a healthy Cromartie should also help quite a bit.

Winning a SB always has a bit of luck to it. A few injuries here or there and you are out, but two healthy All-Pros and a return to Phillip's philsophy should give them a big boost in their D, which was what they were lacking early last year.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

They also lost a whole bunch of close games last year. They had a lot of unlucky bounces.

 

[thatguy]

Shawne MerrimanMore confidence in Sprole's ability to absorb load from LTPhilip Rivers with a great year under his belt.Antonio Gates is healthy

This. And the dismal state of the AFC West.Also, the blown call against Denver kind of set the tone for their season early on, nothing seemed to go their way, either before or after that game (tough loss week 1 Vs Carolina hurt as well). They came on strong and won the division anyway in the face of heavy adversity. So, they're healthy, their divsion is awful, and they are coming off of last season with a lot of confidence. They should easily win 10 games, probably closer to 12.

 

[David Yudkin]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .

- 1 divisional loss

- 2-2 vs. the NFC East

- Losses to TEN, BAL, PIT

If they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.

I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

 

[kylechoffman]

Basically what others have said --- LT healthy, merriman back, One more year under Norv's plan, the weak AFC schedule.

Look at the schedule:

Home - Bal (W or L), Mia (W), Den (W), Oak (W), Phi (W or L), KC (W), Cin (W), Was (W)

Road - Oak (W), Pitt (W or L), KC (W), NYG (W or L), Den (W), Cle (W), Dal (W or L), Ten (W or L)

I put W or L in the games most would think they could lose. 6 games. The others they should win based on total talent. They dont have games in cold weather for the most part this season (Cleveland in Dec could be bad and Ten in December also could be bad).

The key to the bolts postseason is AFC home field. Playing in bad weather kills them. Playing in Indy is ok.

 

[Gr00vus]

- Losses to TEN, BAL, PIT

They'll win one of these, probably two.If they stay healthy this year they're the best team in the AFC.

 

[Banger]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

but they can just as easily beat Ten and/or Balt. and they may go 3-1 vs. the AFC East.

 

[David Yudkin]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

but they can just as easily beat Ten and/or Balt. and they may go 3-1 vs. the AFC East.

I'm guessing you meant the NFC East, cause they only play MIA from the AFC East.SD has gone 5-1 the last three years in the AFC West, so those giving them extra wins for being in a weak division will need to get them to play better out of conference.I'm not saying that the Chargers are a bad team or will miss the playoffs or anything, only that they will need to make a decent turnaound to be a SB contender.

 

[Banger]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

but they can just as easily beat Ten and/or Balt. and they may go 3-1 vs. the AFC East.

I'm guessing you meant the NFC East, cause they only play MIA from the AFC East.SD has gone 5-1 the last three years in the AFC West, so those giving them extra wins for being in a weak division will need to get them to play better out of conference.I'm not saying that the Chargers are a bad team or will miss the playoffs or anything, only that they will need to make a decent turnaound to be a SB contender.

they were a bad call and break from 10-6 last year with all the injuries and a better Denver team. Denver has taken a step back, the Chargers have gotten healthier, haven't lost anyone and are extremely talented on both sides of the ball. I think 10-6 is probably their floor.

 

[Gr00vus]

are extremely talented on both sides of the ball.

Don't forget ST. With Kaeding, Scifres, Osgood and Sproles the Chargers have one of the top STs in the league.

 

[David Yudkin]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

but they can just as easily beat Ten and/or Balt. and they may go 3-1 vs. the AFC East.

I'm guessing you meant the NFC East, cause they only play MIA from the AFC East.SD has gone 5-1 the last three years in the AFC West, so those giving them extra wins for being in a weak division will need to get them to play better out of conference.I'm not saying that the Chargers are a bad team or will miss the playoffs or anything, only that they will need to make a decent turnaound to be a SB contender.

they were a bad call and break from 10-6 last year with all the injuries and a better Denver team. Denver has taken a step back, the Chargers have gotten healthier, haven't lost anyone and are extremely talented on both sides of the ball. I think 10-6 is probably their floor.

Give them the bad call game and they would have been 9-7 last year. The crux of the argument for them being 4 or 5 wins better this year is better health and more luck? So basically, it sounds like not a lot of churn roster wise and they are going to war with essentially the same group of guys.

 

[Gr00vus]

Give them the bad call game and they would have been 9-7 last year. The crux of the argument for them being 4 or 5 wins better this year is better health and more luck? So basically, it sounds like not a lot of churn roster wise and they are going to war with essentially the same group of guys.

I don't think people understand how many injuries they had to deal with last year + Cottrel really held the team back, particularly in the early season.In terms of "same" guys, they've helped fill some holes by picking up Burnett at ILB and I expect Ellison to shore up the safety spot at some point in the season. Outside of those areas the right side of the OLine and DE remain question marks going into the season. They've tried to address those spots with quantity to make up for the lack of quality, we'll see if they can sift some wheat from the chaff there. Let me leave you with this thought: IF English produces the way he's expected to AND Merriman gets back to 100% this could be the best pass rush the Chargers have ever had.

 

[Banger]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

but they can just as easily beat Ten and/or Balt. and they may go 3-1 vs. the AFC East.

I'm guessing you meant the NFC East, cause they only play MIA from the AFC East.SD has gone 5-1 the last three years in the AFC West, so those giving them extra wins for being in a weak division will need to get them to play better out of conference.I'm not saying that the Chargers are a bad team or will miss the playoffs or anything, only that they will need to make a decent turnaound to be a SB contender.

they were a bad call and break from 10-6 last year with all the injuries and a better Denver team. Denver has taken a step back, the Chargers have gotten healthier, haven't lost anyone and are extremely talented on both sides of the ball. I think 10-6 is probably their floor.

Give them the bad call game and they would have been 9-7 last year. The crux of the argument for them being 4 or 5 wins better this year is better health and more luck? So basically, it sounds like not a lot of churn roster wise and they are going to war with essentially the same group of guys.

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

 

[Dragon1952]

They also had a few injuries in the OL last year with Nick Hardwick, Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman missing 6 games combined. Gates, Tomlinson and Chambers were all hampered with injuries. Merriman being out was huge, as they were not able to generate a consistent pass rush. Malcolm Floyd and Darren Sproles had coming out parties. And Rivers appeared to come into his own.

DC Ron Rivera came to the team in mid-season last year, now he gets them all the way through camp and pre-season. The addition of Larry English helps the 'D' bigtime. The secondary will benefit from greater pressure on the opposing QB's.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

Wanna go for another bet this year? I'll take SD going 6-0 in the division, if they lose even 1 division game you win. They will beat NY, Wash, and split Philly/Dallas. 3-1They will beat Tenn rather easily and they will split Pitt/Bal. 2-1That's 11-2...12-4 should be easy for them to reach. A 1st round bye and an inside track to making it to the Super Bowl in maimi where they played 15 years ago, destiny Mr Yudkin, it's not something that you can pin a stat to always. I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

 

[Gr00vus]

I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

I think NE's D is suspect. They're starting to look like the Clots. I wouldn't be surprised to see your Phins give the Pats trouble in the division this year.

 

[Ghost Rider]

they were a bad call and break from 10-6 last year with all the injuries and a better Denver team

And they were not recovering an onside kick against the Chiefs away from being a 7-9 team. It goes both ways, ya know.I see the Chargers going 10-6, maybe 11-5, this season. Not as good as the Patriots, Steelers or Titans, but in the second tier.

 

[David Yudkin]

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

The Pats were decimated with injuries too last year and played in a tougher division and went 11-5. The Pats lost Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas, and a host of other guys for several weeks at a time last year.I guess I'm still trying to slot SD over NE, IND, PIT, BAL, TEN on the food chain. Plus I'm sure there will be 1-2 other newcomers this year.

 

[David Yudkin]

At first blush schedule wise, I see . . .- 1 divisional loss- 2-2 vs. the NFC East- Losses to TEN, BAL, PITIf they do win one of those three games, they have been known to lose to teams they shouldn't.I see 10-6, which should easily win their division. IMO, they look like a candidate to be playing the first week of the playoffs and would then have to win out on the road.

Wanna go for another bet this year? I'll take SD going 6-0 in the division, if they lose even 1 division game you win. They will beat NY, Wash, and split Philly/Dallas. 3-1They will beat Tenn rather easily and they will split Pitt/Bal. 2-1That's 11-2...12-4 should be easy for them to reach. A 1st round bye and an inside track to making it to the Super Bowl in maimi where they played 15 years ago, destiny Mr Yudkin, it's not something that you can pin a stat to always. I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

They should have been 6-0 last year, so I'll pass on this one.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

I think NE's D is suspect. They're starting to look like the Clots.

Yes that's true, but they have the offense and weapons to go ### for tat all day long. In a shootout they can still crucify you. It won't be a surprise to see them in a few 41-35 type contests. But I think when they jump out on teams 28-7 in the 1st half, their defense knows they have to stop the pass...even a suspect defense can do alright when the opposing offense suddenly becomes 1 dimensional. Don't underestimate Bellicheat's ability to coach, seriously he is one of the all time bests so you have to respect that.

 

[Ghost Rider]

They will beat NY, Wash, and split Philly/Dallas. 3-1They will beat Tenn rather easily and they will split Pitt/Bal. 2-1That's 11-2...12-4 should be easy for them to reach. A 1st round bye and an inside track to making it to the Super Bowl in maimi where they played 15 years ago, destiny Mr Yudkin, it's not something that you can pin a stat to always. I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

They will beat Tennessee rather easily? Really?12-4 will be easy to reach? Really? I'll concede that 6-0 in the division is very doable, but given the many tough games they have, I think 12-4 is their ceiling, if everything goes their way, so it won't be easy.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

The Pats were decimated with injuries too last year and played in a tougher division and went 11-5. The Pats lost Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas, and a host of other guys for several weeks at a time last year.I guess I'm still trying to slot SD over NE, IND, PIT, BAL, TEN on the food chain. Plus I'm sure there will be 1-2 other newcomers this year.

New England 12-4Miami 9-7NY Jets 6-10Buffalo 4-12Baltimore 11-5Pittsburgh 10-6Cincinnati 8-8Cleveland 3-13Houston 10-6Tennessee 10-6Indianapolis 8-8Jacksonville 4-12San Diego 12-4Oakland 4-12Denver 4-12Kansas City 4-12SD and NE get byes, Bal and Hou win the division, Pit and TN make the playoffs...Miami pushing but not quite.

 

[Banger]

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

The Pats were decimated with injuries too last year and played in a tougher division and went 11-5. The Pats lost Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas, and a host of other guys for several weeks at a time last year.I guess I'm still trying to slot SD over NE, IND, PIT, BAL, TEN on the food chain. Plus I'm sure there will be 1-2 other newcomers this year.

I'd probably put them behind NE and in the mix with Pit, Ind..I think Ten and Bal take a step back this year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

They will beat NY, Wash, and split Philly/Dallas. 3-1They will beat Tenn rather easily and they will split Pitt/Bal. 2-1That's 11-2...12-4 should be easy for them to reach. A 1st round bye and an inside track to making it to the Super Bowl in maimi where they played 15 years ago, destiny Mr Yudkin, it's not something that you can pin a stat to always. I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

They will beat Tennessee rather easily? Really?12-4 will be easy to reach? Really? I'll concede that 6-0 in the division is very doable, but given the many tough games they have, I think 12-4 is their ceiling, if everything goes their way, so it won't be easy.

Oh no, they could go 14-2 possibly but you have to be realistic too Tennessee is overrated going into this year. I list them going 10-6 but they could easily slide back to 8-8 and someone else take their spot. They lost their best DLineman and their QB play is going to rear its ugly disgusting gross rancid macabe head this year and show its true colors. Kerry Collins is bottom 5 for starters in the NFL imo, and the guy behind him ain't too good either. It won't be like last year, no way.

 

[Gr00vus]

I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

I think NE's D is suspect. They're starting to look like the Clots.

Yes that's true, but they have the offense and weapons to go ### for tat all day long. In a shootout they can still crucify you. It won't be a surprise to see them in a few 41-35 type contests. But I think when they jump out on teams 28-7 in the 1st half, their defense knows they have to stop the pass...even a suspect defense can do alright when the opposing offense suddenly becomes 1 dimensional. Don't underestimate Bellicheat's ability to coach, seriously he is one of the all time bests so you have to respect that.

I totally respect that. I think he's had that team overachieving to a heretofore unseen degree for a few years. He and Brady are what keep them in the upper echelon. I just think this year the talent/age level have slipped to an extent he won't be able to completely cover up. I think the Phins D will pose some problems, and they don't play in a dome so bad weather could cause problems for them against squads who can grind it out.

 

[David Yudkin]

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

The Pats were decimated with injuries too last year and played in a tougher division and went 11-5. The Pats lost Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas, and a host of other guys for several weeks at a time last year.I guess I'm still trying to slot SD over NE, IND, PIT, BAL, TEN on the food chain. Plus I'm sure there will be 1-2 other newcomers this year.

I'd probably put them behind NE and in the mix with Pit, Ind..I think Ten and Bal take a step back this year.

I can see TEN not doing as well, but I think the BAL offense will be stronger this time around.

 

[David Yudkin]

I like them or NE to be playing in Miami come February.

I think NE's D is suspect. They're starting to look like the Clots.

Yes that's true, but they have the offense and weapons to go ### for tat all day long. In a shootout they can still crucify you. It won't be a surprise to see them in a few 41-35 type contests. But I think when they jump out on teams 28-7 in the 1st half, their defense knows they have to stop the pass...even a suspect defense can do alright when the opposing offense suddenly becomes 1 dimensional. Don't underestimate Bellicheat's ability to coach, seriously he is one of the all time bests so you have to respect that.

I totally respect that. I think he's had that team overachieving to a heretofore unseen degree for a few years. He and Brady are what keep them in the upper echelon. I just think this year the talent/age level have slipped to an extent he won't be able to completely cover up. I think the Phins D will pose some problems, and they don't play in a dome so bad weather could cause problems for them against squads who can grind it out.

I realize the Pats D looked pretty exposed in the preseason games, but they literally were running like 4 vanilla defenses to death. They showed pretty much nothing in terms of trying to confuse offenses and rarely blitzed at all. They will be better in the regular season, and if they do score 21+ points by halftime every week they will be able to worry only about the pass in the second half.The Rams defense from however many years ago wasn't great either, but when they could key on the pass they suddenly put up impressive defensive numbers.NE will face tests from:- Teams that can sustain long drives and keep Brady off the field- Teams that can pass all day long- Teams that can rush the QBHowever, an opponent may need 2 of the 3 to win.

 

[Gr00vus]

They will be better in the regular season, and if they do score 21+ points by halftime every week they will be able to worry only about the pass in the second half.

Starting to sound like the late 70's/early 80's Chargers. I can tell you how those stories all ended. NE is still a top 4 or 5 NFL team, I just don't see the marked separation between them and the rest of the pack that we've been accustomed to in years past.Anyway - did I mention the Chargers are pretty much the healthiest they've been since 2006 heading into the season? Even Buster Davis has played in every preseason game!

 

[Ghost Rider]

Tennessee is overrated going into this year. I list them going 10-6 but they could easily slide back to 8-8 and someone else take their spot. They lost their best DLineman and their QB play is going to rear its ugly disgusting gross rancid macabe head this year and show its true colors. Kerry Collins is bottom 5 for starters in the NFL imo, and the guy behind him ain't too good either. It won't be like last year, no way.

It wouldn't surprise me to see the Titans come back to the pack a little bit, and they always seem to fail in January, but they are never an easy out for any team.

 

[David Yudkin]

They will be better in the regular season, and if they do score 21+ points by halftime every week they will be able to worry only about the pass in the second half.

Starting to sound like the late 70's/early 80's Chargers. I can tell you how those stories all ended. NE is still a top 4 or 5 NFL team, I just don't see the marked separation between them and the rest of the pack that we've been accustomed to in years past.Anyway - did I mention the Chargers are pretty much the healthiest they've been since 2006 heading into the season? Even Buster Davis has played in every preseason game!

The Fouts era Chargers were often Bottom 5-10 in points allowed. The recent Pats have been Top 10 in fewest points allowed in 5 of the past 6 years. We'll see if the Pats can keep that up (I have some doubts myself).

 

[pizzatyme]

they were 11-5 two years ago with basically the same crew and 8-8 when decimated with injuries.

The Pats were decimated with injuries too last year and played in a tougher division and went 11-5. The Pats lost Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas, and a host of other guys for several weeks at a time last year.I guess I'm still trying to slot SD over NE, IND, PIT, BAL, TEN on the food chain. Plus I'm sure there will be 1-2 other newcomers this year.

New England 12-4Miami 9-7NY Jets 6-10Buffalo 4-12Baltimore 11-5Pittsburgh 10-6Cincinnati 8-8Cleveland 3-13Houston 10-6Tennessee 10-6Indianapolis 8-8Jacksonville 4-12San Diego 12-4Oakland 4-12Denver 4-12Kansas City 4-12SD and NE get byes, Bal and Hou win the division, Pit and TN make the playoffs...Miami pushing but not quite.

Dude. You are nuts if you think Indy goes 8-8 and misses the playoffs. 3rd in the division?

 

[Sinrman]

Personally I think it'll be the same ol' same ol'. Get into the playoffs and fall short. Many are predicting them to go to the Super Bowl and maybe even win, but I don't think so. I agree with others that they haven't made many changes to put them over the hump. Getting Merriman helps a good deal on defense, but they just seem to be missing something still...

 

[Muahahaha]

Football Outsiders "system" projects them as Super Bowl champs for the following reasons:

1. Pythagorean wins was more like 10, not 8. They lost close games.

2. They were the #1 offense in DVOA last year. They were particularly strong in all aspects of their passing game, except for passing to TEs, which was ranked 13th. They expect Gates to be better as he will be healthier. They also expect LT to be a little healthier and better. They think the offense will rival the 2007 Patriots.

3. Their defense DVOA was 20th. Merriman and Cromartie should be healthier and much better, so they are expecting vast improvements.

4. They have the 10th easiest schedule in the league, based on oppenent DVOA.

5. The median age of both the defense and offense is 28, right smack in the middle of the prime years.

Aaron Schatz, however, thinks Norv will blow it and puts either the Colts or NE in the Super Bowl....

 

[PahtyTom]

2 points

1. They were much better than an 8-8 team last year as evidenced by their first round playoff win over the Colts and their very good point differential.

2. Obviously, they add Merriman

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Shawne Merriman and Kevin Burnett are two potential big upgrades at OLB and ILB plus it sounds like Cromartie is much more focused and in great shape after dealing with lots of off-field paternity issues all last year.

also, their division seems to have gotten worse with the Broncos trading Cutler and bringing in a new offense/defense, the Raiders being the Raiders, and the Chiefs also implementing a new offense/defense and trading away Gonzalez.

 

[Gr00vus]

it sounds like Cromartie is much more focused and in great shape after dealing with lots of off-field paternity issues all last year.

He also had a busted hip all last season.

 

[David Yudkin]

Shawne Merriman and Kevin Burnett are two potential big upgrades at OLB and ILB plus it sounds like Cromartie is much more focused and in great shape after dealing with lots of off-field paternity issues all last year.also, their division seems to have gotten worse with the Broncos trading Cutler and bringing in a new offense/defense, the Raiders being the Raiders, and the Chiefs also implementing a new offense/defense and trading away Gonzalez.

The AFC West was none too great last year either, so getting out of the West is not really the issue. It's the rest of the AFC that's the big question.

 

[Tau837]

To summarize:

1. Better collective health. Last year, these starters missed games and in many cases also played other games hurt: Hardwick, McNeil, Dielman, Chambers, Tolbert, Merriman, Castillo, Cooper, Tucker, Hart. And these starters played hurt for most of the season: Tomlinson, Gates, Cromartie.

2. Ron Rivera as DC throughout offseason and full season. Big upgrade on Cottrell.

3. New additions. English, Burnett, Ellison, and Johnson could all make a positive impact.

4. Road Schedule. Last season, the Chargers had to travel cross country for 4 east coast games, and they had 5 road games that kicked off at 10:00 am PST. This year they only have 3 east coast games, and they have no 10:00 am PST games.

5. Hopefully no Ed Hochuli like loss this year. That's worth one more win all by itself.

Also: The Chargers lost 8 games by a total of 34 points... only one loss was by more than 7 points. They won 8 games by a total of 126 points. It seems unlikely that they will again lose as many close games.

 

[Maven]

Last years offense + 2 years ago defense + ####ty AFC west = SB

 

[hostile]

For one they should be healthier, notably Merriman, Gates and Tomlinson. They also added a nice LB, English, in the draft.

Personally I think they underachieved last season and came on strong at the end (playoffs).

not to mention Cromartie was injured and had surgery and McNeill their LT was injured and had neck surgery in the offseason. Pretty much all their good players with the exception of Rivers, VJax were injured.

This.Plus, the "addition by subtraction" of Cotrell @ DC and Mike Goff on the o-line.

The right side of their line still sucks, imo, but they were decimated by injuries, had a bad DC, and poor o-line play. I dont think anyone has mentioned Hardwick was injured or playing hurt most of the year too.

David, you said you have TEN ahead of them, but I would put them above or on par with TEN. TEN has showed that w/o Fat Albert in the lineup, their D's complexion changed a lot. I'm very interested to see if their D can support their O this year, losing Haynesworth.

 

[Judge Smails]

Merriman/English/Schedule

 

[Donnybrook]

I agree with Yudkin here.  IMO, San Diego usually plays to the level of their competition.  KC came close to beating them twice last season.  They got past Indy in the playoffs because they won the toss.  

 

[massraider]

I think Super Bowl is optimistic, but I also think that a team with such an easy division schedule can build momentum, get home field, and make some noise.

I do think the D is weaker than some think, and they have problems on the right side of the line, but that might not manifest itself till the playoffs.