Why the Kansas City Chiefs Will Win the AFC West

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

San Diego Chargers

2008 W/L Record (Division): 8-8 (5-1)

Key Additions: LB/DE Larry English, LB Kevin Burnett

Key Losses: OG Mike Goff, DE Igor Olshansky

San Diego has had a relatively quiet offseason, as the team’s greatest additions will come in the return of injured starters Nick Hardwick and Shawne Merriman.

Offensive guard Mike Goff signed with Kansas City after five years in San Diego. His starting spot will be filled by either Kynan Forney, Atlanta’s seventh round draft pick in 2001, or Louis Vasquez, San Diego’s third round pick in April’s draft.

The Chargers’ first-round pick, Larry English, is transitioning from the defensive end position (which he played in college) to outside linebacker. His presence creates a logjam at the outside linebacker position, which already includes Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman.

San Diego’s biggest weakness is their pass defense, which ranked No. 31 in the NFL in 2008. General Manager A.J. Smith has failed to address this deficiency in the offseason, though the pass defense should be aided somewhat by the pass-rushing presence of Shawne Merriman.

The Chargers recent dominance of the AFC West is supported by division titles in each of the last three seasons. During that time, they have owned the rest of the division to the tune of a 15-3 record. However, their win total has declined each of the last three years, from 14 in 2006, to 11 in 2007, to eight in 2008.

Ironically, LaDainian Tomlinson’s production has decreased progressively over the past three seasons as well.

After posting a career high 1,815 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns in 2006, Tomlinson totals dipped in 2007, to the tune of 1,474 yards and 18 touchdowns; which is still outstanding, don’t get me wrong, but is a steep decline nonetheless.

2008 was arguably the worst season of Tomlinson’s career, as he rushed for 1,110 yards and totaled 12 touchdowns, not to mention a paltry 3.8 average yards per carry, while battling a toe injury.

Tomlinson turned 30 on June 23, an age which has signaled a great decline for many running backs in recent memory. If history is any indicator, 2009 figures to be a struggle for L.T., which will translate into disaster for San Diego.

Injuries, egos, and team chemistry issues have prevented the Chargers from reaching the Super Bowl this decade. While their defense is loaded with young talent, the offense could be on the decline as LaDainian Tomlinson’s age begins to work against him.

San Diego is widely regarded as the best team on paper in the AFC West. For them to live up to those expectations, they’ll have to overcome a tough schedule and the same obstacles that have haunted them in the team’s recent past.

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