Team MVP:
The Chargers have an MVP... and he goes by L.T.
LaDainian Tomlinson, despite his injury woes a season ago, should be back and true-to-form for the '08 campaign. His bench riding effectively killed Bolts' Super Bowl run last year which proves the obvious- Tomlinson is the anchor on offense. While there are several key guys on the team, L.T. holds the key to the Super Bowl.
Break-Out Player:
I expect the medium sized Darren Sproles to have an extra large year. Word coming out of camp is the preeminent punt return specialist will keep his job, so look for him to run amuck in the wobbly AFC West. Sproles comes in at 5'6", but he has that Devin Hester-type quickness that can really cause some damage. The Chargers have a lot of speedy guys to run the ball back, but Sproles has that elusive factor which makes opposing special teams coaches lose their job. He didn't have great output throughout last year, but that was more from lack of opportunity. Week 15 against Detroit last year showed he can get you over a hundred total yards and a few scores. Nothing but upside with Sproles, and at the very least he'll put on a showcase for other teams that might want him in exchange for a draft pick or two.
Biggest Disappointment:
Unfortunately for Bolts fans, tight end Antonio Gates still hasn't practiced and is not game ready. His toe isn't right, hasn''t been since last season. You can't rush him back on the field. I can't see Gates starting the season at full speed. The importance of preseason practice, drills, scrimmages and fake games can't be overlooked. So long he's at 100% come mid-season the Chargers will be fine. In the meantime, Gates on a bad wheel hampers the biggest threat he represents- the underneath passing game. To that end, his injury causes ripples in the offense whose remaining surefire weapon is at running back, where the defense can hone their focus. The Bolts o-line can expect plenty of defenders standing eight in the box.
Fantasy Stud:
It's all about LaDainian Tomlinson. I don't see something monstrous like 28 touchdowns again, but he's good for 15+ scores and 1300+ total yards easily. Find me anyone that will turn that down. Should be the #1 overall pick in most leagues.
Offensive Outlook:
Philip Rivers says he's fine, but I'm not sold. Tomlinson says he's fine, but he won't be doing much of anything in the preseason. Gates isn't saying anything, and doing less. The big threats on the team are in question. I don't mean to downplay the rest of the guys on offense, but it comes down to those three and without much depth, the Chargers could have a tough year if the injury bug keeps biting. Chris Chambers will have something to say at wideout and has every opportunity to be a big time number one receiver. All things being equal, glass is half full, living on a non-injury prayer (and in a supremely week division), the offense can put up some numbers and march toward the playoffs with ease.
Defensive Diagnosis:
Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Antonio Cromartie. Starts and ends with them.
You have the new guy in Antoine Cason ready to step when need be, Quentin Jammer and Eric Weddle are still there, so it's surprising that this Chargers defense doesn't get that much press. They will put the ball back in Rivers' hands quickly and often. They're flying around the field and hitting hard. This defense handled the Colts in the RCA Dome and nearly passed the Pats at Foxboro in the playoffs last year. Defense has only gotten better in the off-season.
"Red Letter" Game:
Well, that has to be Week 1 against Carolina.
Or not.
The truth is, and I really don't like pandering to New England, but it has to be Week 6 against the Patriots. The week before they''re at Buffalo, come all the way back to toil with the Super Bowl losing Patriots, then it's off to England to test the Saints. It's a brutal road trip leading into their bye week. If the Chargers can fend off the Patriots and leave London a winner, it will be best case scenario for the Bolts who have an easier second half of the schedule.
Projected Record/Outlook:
11-5. The Bolts might let a few slip away early, and could let a few go as they rest players going into the postseason. Chargers should walk away with the division and hang onto the third seed in the playoffs at worst.
This franchise has never been so poised to hoist the Lombardi Trophy as it is right now. Some are calling it a make-it-or-break-it year. I don''t know if I'd lay down such a bold statement, but the window is closing quickly. This is their best chance at winning it all. As clich A-A as it sounds, anything less than a Super Bowl appearance will be a disappointment.
Parting Smack:
Kansas City Chiefs: Sweet Lord, where to begin. Was it ESPN.com saying this team could actually be perfect...ly winless? Jumping over the Chefs (sic) this season will be as easy as South Park's Eric Cartman jumping the homeless on his skateboard. The opening day program at Arrowhead Stadium is going to have a picture of that Monopoly guy standing there in a Chance Card pose with his pockets turned out, the caption will read: "Apologies in advance. Tickets non-refundable."
Oakland Raiders: I don't know what wreaks more, the Raiders record over the past five years or Al Davis' animated corpse in the owner's box. I can see a Silver & Black-to-Back losing season which will only add to the mediocrity and alcohol abuse so accustomed to by Raiders fans spanning California suburbs and penitentiaries. What about Darren McFadden, you might say? How did Randy Moss work out? Exactly.
Denver Broncos: A team that actually might lose to the Chiefs. At least Denver spikes the water with a concoction that breeds 1,000+ yard running backs every year. Maybe it's the altitude. Gets the team a little light headed. And they would have to be light headed, high as a kite, and stoned to the bajeezus to think they have a shot in hell at breaking .500. The Broncos have yet to fill the shoes of that toothy hall-of-famer named John, and won't anytime soon.
- Johnny Heck
Original Story:
http://boltbeat.com
Original Story:
http://boltbeat.com
TOM324thg said August 11, 2008
JohnnyHeck replied August 12, 2008
As with any team, once your starting running back hits the field and the playbook is opened up, that's when you can truly start debating the pros and cons on offense. You can't get too high or low until the season starts. Just get out with no injuries and at least one win.
dt584ever said August 12, 2008
Have a nice day
DIE HARD CHEIFS FAN FROM FLORIDA
JohnnyHeck replied August 14, 2008
I am no San Diego homer. Far from it. I am being realistic and basing these rants and raves on past performance.
Fact: The Chargers have not been a force in the playoffs.
Fact: The Chargers absolutely tanked against New England a few years back.
I draw a slight similarity between San Diego's struggle in the postseason and the Colts before they finally got over the hump.
On to Kansas City… yes, Chiefs did beat the Bolts in week 4 last season, sending the team to 1-3. The Chargers looked bad. 'Marty' chants echoed throughout the 'Q'. From there, however, the Chargers went 10-2, while Kansas City went 2-10. That's not a personal attack. Your team was attacked by ineptitude and anyone who spins otherwise is drunk.
Bottom line for the Bolts- I see this season as being the best chance for the Chargers to make it all the way. With the Colts and Patriots, there are many teams in the AFC with a legit shot at the crown. I look forward to seeing how it plays out.
Truth be told, I wouldn't mind seeing a tight AFC West race to the last game.
ArrowheadAdam said August 12, 2008
damagus78 replied August 17, 2008
AZScott said August 12, 2008
ArrowheadAdam said August 13, 2008
TOM324thg said August 13, 2008
ArrowheadAdam said August 13, 2008
JohnnyHeck replied August 14, 2008
ArrowheadAdam said August 13, 2008
ArrowheadAdam said August 13, 2008
Love4DaStar said August 13, 2008
TOM324thg said August 13, 2008
dt584ever said August 13, 2008
Have a wonderful day
DT584EVER
ArrowheadAdam said August 14, 2008
TOM324thg said August 14, 2008
TOM324thg said August 14, 2008
sPankR2178 said August 14, 2008
JohnnyHeck replied August 14, 2008
I switched a few games up, that's my bad. You're right- the Bills game is after the Pats. Slight oversight, but the point is still valid. It's a coast-to-coast battle then off to London. At Miami, home for New England, off to Buffalo then over the pond.
If that little gaffe is all it took for my post to lose 'respect' in your eyes, well, I don't know what to tell you except a hardy congrats for having a stellar ability to nitpick.
Thanks for the insight. I hope Rivers' knee does hold up. Looked good against the Cowboys.
sPankR2178 replied August 16, 2008
ArrowheadAdam said August 14, 2008
sPankR2178 replied August 16, 2008
dt584ever said August 14, 2008
DT584EVER
TOM324thg said August 14, 2008
JohnnyHeck said August 15, 2008
bigk910 said August 17, 2008