NFL Season Preview: San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers had one of the quieter 13 win seasons that the league has ever seen. In the midst of talk surrounding the Vikings, Saints, Colts and Patriots, the San Diego Chargers managed to win 13 games without anyone really paying attention.
The Chargers have had an offseason of drama after the departure of their hall of fame running back. The Chargers have answered the departure of their running back by picking up a running back with the 12th pick in the NFL draft this season. Ryan Mathews will be expected to step right in and carry the load for the Chargers.
One benefit for the Chargers this season will be their receiving core. Vincent Jackson enjoyed the best start of any receiver in the NFL last season and will be expected to be a number one option for Philip Rivers this season. Last year Jackson roped in 68 balls. He will probably be expected to catch more balls this year and will need to step up to the challenge. The Chargers also have the ever consistent Antonio Gates to look to. He will be expected to put up yet another stellar season.
Last year the Chargers scored 454 points. This was the highest total in the AFC. The Chargers will need to continue to score points, but they can’t only rely on putting up gobs of points to win games. The defense will need to continue to be solid. They had the best defense in the AFC West, but they could continue to improve. Their opponents average 20 points a game against them last season and that may not get it done against the top teams in the league.
Tags: Colts, NFL, Patriots, Saints, San Diego Chargers