The San Diego Chargers head into the 2010 season off their fourth straight AFC West division crown, after they finished the 2009 season 13-3. The Chargers earned the No.2 spot in the playoffs and were considered a big threat to win it all last season, but instead were one and done after losing to the New York Jets at home in their first game. The Chargers are still the favorites to win the West this season, but the door to winning a Super Bowl seems to be closing in San Diego. Here is a look at what the Chargers will bring to the table in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the AFC West.
Offense: Just how good the Chargers are this season will depend on quarterback Philip Rivers, who is coming off a monster season where he threw for 4,254 yards with 28 touchdowns to just 9 interceptions.
The days of LaDainian Tomlinson in a Charger's uniform or no more, as the future Hall of Fame running back is now a New York Jet. To replace Tomlinson the Chargers traded up in the first round of the draft to select Ryan Mathews, who will look to turn a running game around that finished 31st last year with just 89 yards a game. Mathews will be joined by the speedy Darren Sproles in the backfield, who is very dangerous catching passes out of the backfield.
The Chargers are without leading wide receiver Vincent Jackson for at least the first three games of the season, but there is a good chance Jackson will hold out much later into the season. That means Malcom Floyd will have to step in and play like a No.1 receiver, and guys like Legedu Naanee, Josh Reed, and Craig Davis will have to step up their games as well. The Chargers still have one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Antonio Gates, who figures to be even more a part of the offense with Jackson on the sidelines.
The Chargers are hoping to have left tackle Marcus McNeil signed to a long term deal by the start of training camp, but there is a good chance he may hold out as well. If McNeil isn't in the opening day lineup look for Brandyn Dombrowski and newcomer Tre Thomas to fight for the starting job. The Chargers have one of the best guards in the NFL in Chris Dielman, and have a lot of high expectations for second year starter Louis Vasquez at the other guard spot.
Defense: The Chargers no longer have Jamal Williams to hold down the nose tackle spot. Look for Ogemdi Nwagbuo to start in place of Williams with rookie Cam Thomas also getting in on the action. Luis Castillo and Jacques Cesaire are both back at the two end spots, and the Chargers would like to see more out of Castillo this season.
At linebacker the Chargers bring back Brandon Siler and Stephen Cooper on the inside, and both are solid NFL players, but what this unit needs is a big year from outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. In 2009 fellow outside linebacker Shaun Phillips led the way with seven sacks, while Merriman had just four.
It looks as though the Chargers are ready to throw Anoine Cason into the starting corner spot opposite of Quentin Jammer, as the team traded away 2009 starter Antonio Cromartie to the Jets. Look for Darrel Stuckey to start at strong safety opposite of free safety Eric Weddle this season.
Prediction – 1st AFC West: I still think the Chargers are the team to beat in the AFC West, but the room for error is slim, as I believe the Raiders and Chiefs will be breathing down their neck all season if they don't get off to a good start.
Check out where I have the rest of the teams finishing the year in my 2010 NFL Predictions. If you are thinking about betting on the NFL this season, be sure to check back each week for our live NFL odds, giving you the best chance at a winning season.
