The Chargers will be relocating from San Diego to Los Angeles this season making a team in an already stacked division struggle even more to make the playoffs. Philip Rivers finally has many weapons and the defence is average if healthy but they have to compete with the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos. If they stay healthy the Chargers will be in the playoff mix but ultimately the move to LA will prove too much.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Kenjon Barner, Russell Okung
Departures: Brandon Flowers, DJ Fluker, Stevie Johnson, Manti T'eo, Danny Woodhead
Offence:
Even after leading the NFL in interceptions a season ago, Rivers returns for another go with the Chargers but this time in a new city. Rivers is still among the good quarterbacks in the NFL but he will need to work on his ball security for the Chargers to be successful. Melvin Gordon broke out in his sophomore season after failing to record a touchdown in his rookie year giving the Chargers a viable running option with Branden Oliver behind him. Keenan Allen missed 15 games last year and is the number one receiver on this team; getting Allen back gives Rivers his best weapon back. Mike Williams was drafted seventh overall to add to the air attack and he should like he did for the National Champion Clemson Tigers.
Speedy Travis Benjamin will work out of the slot with reliable Dontrelle Inman and last year's breakout star Tyrell Williams giving the Chargers five very good receivers. Antonio Gates is one of the best tight ends ever and even with age gives Rivers a solid target as he mentors future star tight end Hunter Henry. Russell Okung was the biggest free agent addition at left tackle as the Chargers try to improve a weak offensive line. Joe Barksdale will be the other starting tackle while Matt Slauson and rookie second=round pick Forrest Lamp start at the guard positions. Spencer Pulley and Max Tuerk will compete for the starting center job.
Defence:
Joey Bosa won defensive rookie of the year after missing the start of the season as he got to the quarterback with ease and he should keep improving as he gets used to the NFL. Patrolling the defensive line with Bosa will be Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget who both mainly clog up the running game. Melvin Ingram is the best linebacker on this team as he does a good job getting to the quarterback but he is no star yet. Denzel Perryman is good at stopping the run but is just average while Jatavis Brown and Kyle Emanuel need to improve. If those two don't improve, Jeremiah Attaochu and Joshua Perry could compete for a starting position midway through the season. Casey Hayward exploded last year in his first year with the Chargers as he led the NFL in interceptions and became a shutdown corner. Jason Verrett is underrated but he struggles to stay healthy only appearing in four games last season. If he stays healthy the Chargers could have two true lockdown cornerbacks. Desmond King was drafted to be the nickel cornerback and will play in three cornerback sets. The safeties need some work as Dwight Lowery and Jahleel Addae or below average with Adrian Phillips, Craig Mager and Trovon Reed backing them up.
Special Teams:
The kicker will be Josh Lambo for the Chargers while Drew Kaser - coming off a good rookie season - will be the punter again. The kick returns will be done by Isaiah Bruce while Travis Benjamin gets a shot at punt returns with Bruce behind him if he does not succeed.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
|
Mike Williams
|
Joey Bosa
|
Keenan Allen
|
Brandon Mebane
|
Travis Benjamin
|
Corey Liuget
|
Russell Okung
|
Melvin Ingram
|
Matt Slauson
|
Jatavis Brown
|
Spencer Pulley
|
Denzel Perryman
|
Forrest Lamp
|
Kyle Emanuel
|
Joe Barksdale
|
Jason Verrett
|
Antonio Gates
|
Jahleel Addae
|
Philip Rivers
|
Dwight Lowery
|
Melvin Gordon
|
Casey Hayward
|
7. Mike Williams
38. Forrest Lamp
71. Dan Feeney
113. Rayshawn Jenkins
151. Desmond King
190. Sam Tevi
225. Isaac Rochell
Top 10 Players:
10. Denzel Perryman
9. Mike Williams
8. Antonio Gates
7. Melvin Ingram
6. Jason Verrett
5. Keenan Allen
4. Joey Bosa
3. Melvin Gordon
2. Casey Hayward
1. Philip Rivers
Season Prediction: 7-9 (4th in AFC West)
Last Year: 5-11
Photo credit for Russell Okung goes to http://www.denverbroncos.com/. Philip Rivers goes to http://www.cbc.ca/. Joey Bosa goes to https://www.si.com/. Melvin Gordon goes to http://www.cbssports.com/.
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