The Chargers have missed the playoffs for the past two years where before they were considered one of the league's elite teams. Continuity in order to get back to their former glory is what they've decided to focus on during the postseason which explains why owner Alex Spanos kept embattled general manager A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turner. This team could do a complete turn around with quarterback Philip Rivers and emerging star running back Ryan Matthews taking things over alongside a beefed up defense.
With an uncharacteristic 25 turnovers, 20 of those interceptions, Rivers was spotty for most of last season but towards the end he found his elite form. Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson is gone now but he can aim for newcomers Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal. With his first 1,000-yard rush season is Mathews who gained 1,546 yards from scrimmage. With a foot that's hopefully getting better is tight end Antonio Gates who is due for a big season after catching seven touchdown passes. What we don't know is if the lack of an impact player at wideout will have any effect where before they masked the loss of Jackson with depth. Are Meachem and Royal good enough to force defenses to turn their attention onto them and away from others? Left tackle Marcus McNeill was released while left guard Kris Dielman has retired. Both were Pro Bowl linemen. Jared Gaither needs to protect Rivers' blind side while Tyronne Green provides interior muscle. With Gates health a concern after 10 years of playing that's been rattled injury, he still shows signs of being fit and will be a huge playmaker for this team.
Last season, opponents managed to convert 49% of San Diego's third downs making the big emphasis for the draft on adding pass rushers, evident with first round pick Melvin Ingram. A more stout defense will be seen by this team with linebacker Donald Butler comfortable in his second season and also linebacker Jarret Johnson. Inconsistent play at the secondary caused by cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason made them struggle all while the team didn't acknowledge it. Free safety Eric Weddle has blossomed into an all-pro player. What is unsure is if Ingram can have an impact. A playoff drought could continue to be in this teams future if the chargers struggle to take down the quarterback. Unless Corey Liuget increases production, this defense will be stuck with little front line depth and no leading star. The strong safety spot will be fought for by veteran Atari Bigby and third-round pick Brandon Taylor.
After missing most of last season with a knee injury, Nate Kaeding, one of the all-time most accurate regular-season kickers, will be returning. Mike Scifres is a reliable punter while the return game should so spark with Royal in the lineup. Captain Jacob Hester returned after testing free agency. Special teams ace Mike Tolbert is gone.
After this season, there's a chance Turner could potentially lose his job, especially if the Chargers don't make it far into the playoffs. A post season game hasn't been won since 2008 but now he has new coordinators in Pagano after Greg Manusky was fires and Hunter after Clarence Shelmon retired.
