San Diego Chargers: State of the Franchise—2009

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Defense

Shawne Merriman is back.

Those four words mean a drastic turnaround for a dismal defensive performance last season. The majority of San Diego’s problems stemmed from their utter inability to rush the passer or create any kind of pressure.

If Merriman’s return isn’t enough, or if he’s not his old self after major knee surgery sidelined him last season, first-round draft pick Larry English should factor in nicely and make a huge difference for a team that ranked 24th in sack output last season.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie gathered a whopping ten interceptions in 2007, but last season Cromartie grabbed a measly two.

Pressure on the quarterback should result in more turnovers, as evidenced by the 2007 version of their squad which ranked first in turnovers with 48, 30 of those being interceptions. Last season, they ranked 11th in interceptions and an abominable 17th in total turnovers.

Of course, the pressure of creating pressure on the quarterback can’t fall squarely on the shoulders of Merriman; other players must step up as well. Defensive tackle Jamal Williams remains an anchor on the front line, despite age and injury.  

It’s hard to tell how much of a difference one player will make to a squad, but the absence of Merriman last season caused the defense to drop from the fifth overall ranking to 15^th in just one year.

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