Weekly Rant

Bolts = Recharged??

By Amanda DeSandolo

With a solid defense and fierce offense the San Diego Chargers have been a huge threat in the AFC, winning the AFC West title five out of the last six years, even though they have not been able to capitalize with a Super Bowl Victory. In 2009 the Chargers continued their streak with an impressive 13-3 season until they came to a screeching halt up against the New York Jets during the playoffs. With the departure of their former MVP running back LaDainian Tomlinson and all the drama around star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, the Chargers could be headed for turmoil. Have the Bolts recharged their offense enough in the offseason to win the division title for the fifth straight time and possibly win their first Super Bowl in franchise history? Let’s take a closer look….

Now that Tomlinson has found a new home in New York, much of the Chargers’ fate lies in the hands of top-notch quarterback Philip Rivers. In 2009, Rivers had the third highest quarterback rating in the league, throwing for 4,254 yards with 28 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions. If San Diego plans to have a productive season offensively, Rivers must continue to produce excellent numbers, and I expect him to do just that.

Unlike Rivers, Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson will not be on the football field week one of the 2010 season. The artist now known as V-Jax, will miss at least the first three games of the season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension could be the least of the issues, however, since there is a chance that Jackson will holdout (due to contract negotiations and the refusal to sign a restricted free agent tender) even further into the season, possibly up to week 10. This could be huge disappointment not only to the Chargers and their fans, but to many fantasy owners as well. Unless Jackson and San Diego come to terms before the season, I highly recommend staying away from him until very late rounds in your drafts. With V-Jax’s future unknown it will allow others to step up and show their talent. This means Malcom Floyd will be the number one wide receiver to start the season. Floyd showed flashes of potential, and is a big bulky target standing 6”5. He should do an admirable job filling in for Jackson, and don’t be scared to start him in fantasy. Rounding out the Chargers current WR corps are free agent veteran Josh Reed, and youngsters Legedu Naanee and Craig “Buster” Davis. Also, let’s not forget they still have one of, if not the best, tight ends in the league: Antonio Gates. Last year Gates produced 1,157 yards from 79 catches and 8 touchdowns. Count on an even bigger display in 2010 as he is without question Rivers’ “go-to guy” in the passing game. So put your mind at ease Charger fans, you still have plenty to be excited about!

While I think the passing game will remain sturdy, San Diego needs to have the threat of a rushing attach. Enter rookie Ryan Mathews. The kid from Fresno State (1st round- 12th overall) needs to get off to a strong start for this team to be successful. Mathews produced excellent numbers in college (1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns) even with missing some time. Personally, I think Mathews will be a stud in the NFL and I expect big things from him this year in fantasy. I predict he will have very solid numbers: 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns at least. He’s been drafted consistently in the late first to mid second round in standard scoring formats so far this summer. While Mathews is slated to be the Chargers every down back, speedster Darren Sproles also has the ability to break one anytime he touches the ball. Expect Sproles to be the 3rd down back and possibly roll out as a WR on trick plays. Fantasy wise, Sproles is decent insurance for Mathews but don’t count on a very productive season.

Even with Jackson drama and fond farewell of #21 (Tomlinson), the Chargers are still very capable of causing some serious damage in the AFC. There’s a lot riding on Mathews and he has some enormous shoes to fill, but with a balanced attack the Chargers offense should hum along just fine. The AFC doesn’t have the powerhouse logjam of teams like it did a couple years ago, and the Chargers certainly will vie for a Super Bowl berth. Personally, I don’t think San Diego is strong enough to win a Super Bowl this year, however I do see them winning another division title and expect them to be serious contenders In 2010.