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The San Diego Chargers’ Opinion Corner: Time to Rebuild

December 1st, 2012 at 6:47 AM
By Timothy Lee

It may be time for the Chargers to think about the offseason and the future. If last week’s loss against the Ravens was any indication, this team is in need of a huge lift. The problem: it just may be too little, too late.

 

The choice to play for the future is never easy. At 4-7, second in the NFC West, they are not mathematically out of the playoff hunt, but realistically it was over last week. This season, however, was more optimistic than previous coach Norv Turner teams.

 

The reasoning behind this statement is simple – there was less talent on paper for the Chargers in 2012. Instead of a bona-fide number one wide receiver like Vincent Jackson, they got a combination of Malcolm Floyd and Eddie Royal. The old reliable was still there in Antonio Gates and there was plenty of optimism for Ryan Matthews, but he was hurt to begin the year. The offensive line was raw, unreliable, and a weak spot. And last, but not least, the pass rush (a definite strength in Charger teams of the past) was not exactly a bright spot in the defense. In fact, nothing on the Chargers’ defense, besides the run prevention was solid. The lack of pressure in the front seven and an aging secondary was going to be a problem all year. This year was built to be an excuse year for Turner and unfortunately, for those who were sympathetic to his defense, it may be his last.

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The San Diego Chargers Must Win This Week

November 17th, 2012 at 5:59 AM
By Timothy Lee

The Chargers (4-5) are on “must-win” alert. San Diego will travel to Denver for a pivotal divisional game that may determine who wins the AFC West.

The matchup is a rematch of last month’s chaotic and historic game against the Broncos. In that game, the Broncos (6-3) tied the Chargers atop the AFC West standings after an epic 35-24 victory. The Broncos faced a 24-0 deficit at halftime and managed to score 35 unanswered points for the fourth-greatest comeback in league history. This week definitely has the most at stake for the Chargers because their postseason hopes cling onto the result of this game.

They will need to beat the Broncos’ sixth-ranked defense that is clicking at the best time. With 12 sacks over the past two games, the matchup to watch will be the Chargers’ offensive line vs. the front seven of the Broncos. Forget the MVP-like season from Peyton Manning; the Chargers must establish an offense to ensure a shot at winning. Even more important, the Chargers must prevent those costly turnovers that just hand games over to opponents.

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Jared Gaither Officially Ruled Out Vs. Tampa Bay

November 11th, 2012 at 9:28 AM
By Nick Erickson

Jared Gaither will yet again be sidelined with an injury. He was listed as questionable and has been ruled out of play. 

Other inactives include Seyi Aijiotutu, Antwan Barnes, Brandon Taylor, Chris Car, Jonas Mouton, and Ladarius Green.

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Chargers Will Need to Stop Red Hot Doug Martin to Win Sunday

November 11th, 2012 at 9:24 AM
By Nick Erickson

The Bolts head to the east coast to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Where they will go head to head with an up and coming elite back in the NFL in Doug Martin. 

Surely, the theme around the defensive meetings this week will be how to stop the red hot Doug Martin in his tracks. 

The answer may be tougher to find with a versatile back in Doug Martin. The key however, will lie in the Chargers ability to tackle Martin upon the first contact. 

Martin can do the most damage after his first contact because of his innate ability to find open field when the play has broken down. The Bolts will need to return to fundamentals this week to insure solid tackling at the line and not allow Martin to capitalize with a big run. 

The Chargers can also stack the line to not allow Martin to get big holes in the middle of the field and rely on solid corner tackling. However that may not be possible because of former Charger Vincent Jackson on the outside. He will pose a threat on the outside and they will need to resort to deep zone coverage or man to guard the deep threat in Vincent Jackson. 

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Halftime: Chargers’ Offensive Progress Report is Offensive

November 9th, 2012 at 6:11 PM
By Timothy Lee

The San Diego Chargers are lucky to be sitting at 4-4 with half the season to go. Amazingly, the Chargers sit in the second position in the weaker AFC West behind the 5-3 Broncos, but a lot must change if they want to sniff the playoffs. The offense has been stagnating in all facets.

The run, ranking 20th in the league with 105.9 YPG must improve. The team’s confidence in running back, Ryan Matthews is curious at best. The expectation after the announcement for Matthews’ starting position was a return to the Chargers’ electric ground game. Unfortunately, injuries and a suspect offensive line has limited Matthews as nothing more than a spectator.

The passing game also needs a little work. With just an average of 217.2 YPG, ranking 22th in the league, the bulk of the blame is on the degenerating progress of QB Philip Rivers. With just a 12-10 TD/INT, disappointing is an understatement. The most frustrating thing to see for Charger fans is the red zone turnovers. As a result, the team’s 23.1 PPG, ranking 16th, is off the expectations of the team.

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