San Diego Chargers: Always Trying to Fix What Isn't Broken

It is hard to even imagine the San Diego Chargers without LaDainian Tomlinson.  Yet the speculation in San Diego is that the Chargers could cut ties with the 30-year-old running back who has helped lead the team from mediocrity to the cusp of the Super Bowl. 

The Chargers are certainly in the discussion when any conversation arises about the league's elite teams and they have been a popular choice to make the Super Bowl over the past few years. However, those predictions have failed to materialize. 

Injuries have derailed LT's season the past two years, but the Chargers would be mistaken to think they will get better by releasing one of the greatest running backs of this generation. 

The Chargers are a team that seem to have lost their identity since Marty Schottenheimer departed two years ago. AJ Smith has done a great job placing talent on the field, but at some point the finger pointing needs to reach back to the man pulling the string upstairs.

Marty seemed perfectly equipped to take a franchise without an identity and instill in the players a "can do" attitude that turned these perennial losers into an astoundingly talented and capable team. However, as is well documented, Marty seemed unable to take the team over the hump due to his conservative play-calling that often left the Chargers relying upon the final two minutes to win or lose.

The Chargers appear to have lost some of that attitude and attention to detail since Marty left. What motivates these Chargers? Norv Turner? Recently dismissed Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell? Ron Rivera?

It seems the only thing that motivates these Chargers is the impending doom of missing the playoffs.  Two seasons ago it took an abysmal start for the Chargers to find the spark to make the playoffs and make their run into the AFC Championship game.

Is that enough for Charger fans? This team has too much talent to rely upon a Broncos collapse, or a sudden bout of inspired play to reel off a string of victories.

This year it took a 4-8 start for the Chargers to find that "spark."  At what point do you question AJ's decision to hire Turner, and Turner's inability to motivate the players. Is winning in the playoffs enough?

Marty seemed able to get the most out of this team, but couldn't win the big games. Norv seems unable to get anything out of the team, but they rise to the occasion in the playoffs. What's the better option? 

How about door number three? The Chargers need to fix what's broken, and it's not LT, and it's not Merriman; it's the puppet masters.

AJ's removal of leaders like LoRenzo Neal and Donnie Edwards have left the Chargers with a lack of leadership, and Norv Turner seems to be doing just enough to keep his job, but since when is that good enough?

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