San Diego Chargers: 10 Players Who Must Step It Up in 2012

The San Diego Chargers will need to work collectively to battle their way back from an 8-8 record, but there are specific individuals who must step it up in 2012 for that to happen.

Free agency has completely changed the look of this team already, and the NFL draft is just around the corner, but the Chargers will have to find a way to work with the pieces they have so far. The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs have been extremely busy in the offseason adding big talent to their roster which makes winning the AFC west alone a stiff test in itself.

Unless San Diego gets production from the following 10 players, I can't see the Chargers preventing another failed season.

10. Donald Butler

Donald Butler has progressed quickly in his first two seasons, and playing under the wing of veteran Takeo Spikes has only helped him develop at the middle linebacker position.

Butler really impressed last season in the middle with 96 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. This is the same player who was strictly a special teams presence just one season ago.

Stopping the run has been a staple of the Chargers defense, and Butler building on the momentum from last season will be a vital part of San Diego's success.

9. Antwan Barnes

Linebacker Antwan Barnes really blossomed into San Diego's lead pass rusher in 2011, and his production will be heavily relied upon once again next season.

After bouncing around the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles in his first four seasons, Barnes finally found a home with the Chargers in 2010. In his first season with the Chargers, Barnes racked up 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks despite playing in only 11 games. The following season, Barnes really stepped into his groove with 41 tackles and 11 sacks.

If Barnes continues to progress in his third season with the Chargers, then there's no telling what kind of numbers he could have in 2012. As San Diego's leader in sacks last season, it's crucial he step up for the defense.

8. Darrell Stuckey

Steve Gregory wasn't the greatest option at safety for the Chargers, but he was a tackling machine in 2011 with 67 total. Unfortunately, Gregory is a member of the New England Patriots now, and second- year man Darrell Stuckey takes over the strong safety position alongside Eric Weddle.

Stuckey doesn't have a whole lot of playing experience, as he was mostly featured on special teams, but the Chargers don't really have other options. Unless San Diego drafts a safety or signs one through free agency, Stuckey will likely be thrown to the wolves in 2012.

The last thing the Chargers need are big problems in the secondary when the pass rush is bad enough already.

7. Eddie Royal

Former Denver Broncos receiver Eddie Royal must be ecstatic to be playing with the Chargers in an offense that actually throws the ball.

Tim Tebow did have his success last season with the Broncos, but Royal was practically useless in a run-first offense. The fourth-year receiver did more blocking than catching last season, and he must be thrilled to finally be playing with an elite passer like Philip Rivers.

In his rookie season, Royal caught 91 balls for 980 yards and 5 touchdowns with former Bronco Jay Cutler under center, which proves Royal can be a valuable asset for an offense when he's playing with a good quarterback.

San Diego should breathe new life into Royal, who must step up in 2012 and help out a thin receiving corps.

6. Corey Liuget

Former 2011 first-round draft pick Corey Liuget didn't have the breakout rookie season that San Diego was hoping for, but now that the training wheels are off, it's about time he start doing what he was brought here for and get some pressure on the quarterback.

The defensive end had 19 tackles and a forced fumble and fumble recovery in 2011, but only one sack for San Diego's struggling pass rush. The release of Luis Castillo puts even more pressure on Liuget to step up and bring the heat for San Diego's defensive line.

Regardless of whether or not the Chargers address their pass rush needs in the draft or free agency, Liuget will be expected to meet his first-round expectations.

5. Robert Meachem

When the Chargers signed former New Orleans Saints wideout Robert Meachem, he was immediately figured to be the replacement to Vincent Jackson and be a star for San Diego in 2012.

Playing with Drew Brees in a pass happy offense really propelled Meachem's career into the limelight and made him a heavily pursued target for most teams. He isn't a real tall strong receiver that enjoys the lob passes, but he's a more traditional receiver who runs well and spreads the field.

With no Jackson in San Diego, Meachem will need to step up in 2012 and fill the void as the No.1 receiver for Philip Rivers.

4. Tyronne Green

It's not for certain that Tyronne Green will automatically take over the left guard spot for the recently retired Kris Dielman but as of right now, he had the most experience playing the position in 2011. But whoever eventually takes over at left guard will need to step up instantly.

Dielman was one of the best left guards in football, and his leadership on the offensive line will be surely missed, but San Diego did re-sign two very qualified leaders in Nick Hardwick and Jared Gaither. Green could be the guy come the start of the season, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers draft a guard in the later rounds to compete.

Green will need to step up to win the starting job in 2012 and prevent an O-line collapse.

3. Ryan Mathews

Third-year running back Ryan Mathews has had sparks of potential in his short career so far, and it seems like the Chargers are just waiting for him to have a breakout season.

Mathews dealt with injuries in each of his past two seasons, but his numbers have been improving. Last season, Mathews reached 1,000 yards rushing and had six touchdowns despite splitting carries with Mike Tolbert. San Diego did bring in former Kansas City Chiefs back Le'Ron McClain to provide Mathews with a true fullback, so it will be interesting to see how he fares with a big lead blocker in front.

The Chargers have really strayed from the running game since Ladainian Tomlinson was let go, but Mathews can bring it back to life if he steps it up in 2012.

2. Larry English

Stepping up in 2012 will not only help the Chargers, but it could help linebacker Larry English keep a job in San Diego.

The 2009 first round draft pick hasn't come anywhere close to living up to expectations, as the intended replacement for Shawne Merriman and fans are fed up waiting for him to do so.

What has been most frustrating is the fact that English hasn't been able to stay healthy, and it's only been getting worse since his first season. In 2010, English played in just eight games and in 2011 he played less with only five games.

Coming out of college, English was looked at as a potential edge rusher to bolster San Diego's pass rush, but that hasn't quite happened.

English's future in San Diego could be cut short if he doesn't step it up in 2012.

1. Philip Rivers

There's no way Philip Rivers was the quarterback in 2011. In fact, the quarterback who was under center last season must have been Rivers' ugly twin, because he played nothing like an elite quarterback.

20 interceptions and seven fumbles made Rivers look like a rookie in his eighth year with the Chargers, and, as the face of this franchise, it's imperative he turn his game around 180 degrees and get back to form. Offense is going to be what keeps San Diego alive in games, and if Rivers can't deliver, then the Chargers might as well throw in the towel right now.

Rivers has proven he's an elite quarterback in the past, but with no Vincent Jackson on his side, it's even more important he show that he can be successful without his No.1 target.