Part 29 of a 32 part series, a running back position analysis of each franchise.
It could be argued that no roster is the league is as stable and set for the future as the Chargers. The credit goes to General Manager A.J. Smith who received a healthy five-year contract extension in January for his work in the draft and ability to lock-up the teams’ core players to long-term deals before they hit the open market.
Building through the draft has gone a long way in terms of continuity and confidence throughout the organization. It has also taken the Chargers from a bad team to one of the leagues elite, and the best in the AFC West.
In terms of what some would call newsworthy or huge headlines like last off-season, this off-season will provide none.
The same coaching staff returns with two changes WR Coach James Lofton & RB Coach Matt Simon were released. The team brought in Hall of Famer & Charger All-Time leading receiver Charlie Joiner to coach the receivers. Ollie Wilson was brought in to coach the Running Backs.
This is a big change from last season with the departure of both coordinators Can Cameron & Wade Phillips for head coaching positions and the eventual firing of Marty Shottenheimer after a 14-2 season. The Chargers started the season losing 3 of 4 games under new coach Norv Turner and were 5-5 with 6 games to play before going on a winning streak that would take them to the AFC Title game.
The 2007 campaign saw the Chargers enjoy their most successful season since 1994. The Chargers won their first playoff game since that season beating the Titans, then went to Indianapolis and upended the favored Colts.
The Chargers advanced to only their fourth AFC Championship game in team history.
The Chargers lost to the Patriots who remained undefeated going into the Superbowl. The Chargers put up a fight & didn’t go down easily despite a gimpy Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates and an injured LaDainian Tomlinson making a cameo appearance.
Some won’t like this but it must be said, The Chargers should’ve started Billy Volek at QB and Michael Turner at Running Back for that game because both were healthy.
He took some hits for not playing in the AFC Title game but he has proven his durability by playing through injuries before.
The Chargers needs going into free agency and the draft are NT, RT, CB, OG, and Safety. The Chargers as a team rushed for 127.4 yards per game which ranked 7th in the league.
· LaDainian Tomlinson: 5’ 10” 220 lbs, 315 Att, 1,474 Yards, 4.7 YPC Avg, 15 TD’s
· Michael Turner: 5’ 10” 237 lbs, 71 Att, 316 Yards, 4.5 YPC Avg. 1 TD
· Darren Sproles: 5’ 6” 181 lbs, 37 Att, 164 Yards, 4.4 YPC Avg, 2 TD’s
· Eldra Buckley: 5’ 9” 207 lbs. rookie free agent from Tenn- Chattanooga
14 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Sean Fitzgerald about 1 year ago
Excellent article...good analysis!
Frankly, I'm glad when anyone keeps from listing ILB as a need area in this draft, but this article is good well beyond that! Nice job...
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Thanks for the comments, the only reasons some people are under the mistaken notion that ILB is an area of need 1) They weren't watching 2) 2007 was both Cooper & Wilhelm's 1st year starting. The strange thing about those views is that Cooper was the first guy not named Donnie Edwards to lead the team in tackles in the past six seasons. Wilhelm started off slow but came on strong ending the season second on the team in tackles with 97. Like most 3-4 teams, the LB corp is solid. There was also the WTF game in Minnesota that really brought up the ILB thoughts, when history was made.
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Sean Fitzgerald about 1 year ago
Yes...those are possible reasons, but let me add another: lack of analysis of the condition of the roster and failure to take into account the GM. When you look at who they have, the contracts they've signed them to, and the draft picks spent on ILB the past two years, it really seems to lack common sense. Just makes me wonder about the so-called experts that make up these mock drafts...
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Sean do me a favor and notice the star rating above the comments and rate the article. I want to thank you in advance.
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XXX XXX about 1 year ago
This man can break it down... Excellent article series as I have said but I gotta keep saying it...
Chargers they have the squad to really make challenges for the next two/three years, if they keep up what they have managed to achieve so far in terms of roster, I think they are the real deal.
Sproles is expected to step up and backup LT and I think that will could be a viable option...
Good point which I believe to Jeff is the Chargers must learn and learn quick, the fitter man no matter what, should be played, the extreme position they found themselves in last year, where their top guys all were not close to being 60% fit, showed a lack of many things judgement being the main one, and I was dissapointed at the franchise for the decisions they made for that game. It was against the New England Patriots, they must learn from the mistake down the stretch last year.
LT started slowly last year, very slow, and then roared home, it will be exciting to see what he is like after his first real injury, his play I think will be the same, but the first seed of not being wholly invincible has been plantedlets hope not to deep.
Jeff keep writing your my man on the NFL aswell as Sean Crowe...
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Thanks for the comments, I agree with your takes, it appears that Sproles is the guy or one of the rookie free agents unless another runner is drafted or brought in as an undrafted free agent. The Chargers have to learn that you have depth for a reason and when the starter is not healthy that is when the back up has to perform. Especially after the Colts' game in the playoffs.
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Alby do me a favor and notice the star rating above the comments and rate the article. I want to thank you in advance.
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Skiez Smith about 1 year ago
Jeff,
It was very well written article. You did your homework well. Keep up the good work.
You should come to work for ESPN since they are all jokers. They don't know what they are talking about.
Good luck to Raiders and always enjoy the rivalry spirit.!!!
Go Bolts
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Thanks for the comments, "Do thy Duty that is Best" I agree ESPN should be attempting to hire me. I'll make sure not remind anyone of Emmitt Smith who is true comedy i you ever hear his alledged commentary. The Last two years in a row I've had great seats to the Chargers vs. Raiders game, 1st or 2nd row at the 50 yard line. My uncle is a huge Chargers fan so we talk often. I'll return the Good luck to the Chargers and will also always enjoy the rivalry spirit.
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Skiez do me a favor and notice the star rating and rate the article I would appreciate it.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
actually, goff is 32
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
You are correct Mike and I thank you for making him one year younger. Good Job, he will be 33 by the end of this season. He is going into his 11th season. Do you think now or later is a better time to acquire some depth behind the guy. Oh and lets not forget the Right Tackle position as well.
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
You are correct Mike and I thank you for making him one year younger. Good Job, he will be 33 by the end of this season. He is going into his 11th season. Do you think now or later is a better time to acquire some depth behind the guy. Oh and lets not forget the Right Tackle position as well.
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
You are correct Mike and I thank you for making him one year younger. Good Job, he will be 33 by the end of this season. He is going into his 11th season. Do you think now or later is a better time to acquire some depth behind the guy. Oh and lets not forget the Right Tackle position as well.
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