San Diego Chargers: 5 Things That Could Happen in 2011

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The San Diego Chargers should be better than last season, that's for sure. What isn't for sure, though, is what the story lines will turn out to be. Last season, they were mostly bad:

"Special Teams plague San Diego"

"Another injury for the Chargers"

"Ryan Mathews is a bust"

And so on. As I said, this season should be different. I won't say will, because this isn't a prediction article. This is a "where things appear to be going" kind of article, if you get what I mean.

So, without further adieu, here are five things that could happen for the San Diego Chargers in the 2011 season.

Antonio Gates Starts to Decline

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Don't worry, the rest are better; I just thought starting with possible bad news would be the best thing to do.

Plantar Fasciitis, an inflammation and swelling on the bottom of the foot, is one of the most painful injuries for someone who is constantly running around all day. Antonio Gates knows the exact feeling. He battled this problem last season, when it held him out of six games, weakening the Chargers' offensive leadership.

An injury like this is pretty hard to shake off, and Gates seems to have realized this. He's made it clear that he isn't 100%, but he will try his best to play in every game. Not many players have come back from  game changing injuries and gone right back to their old selves.

Most San Diego fans are scared to lose Antonio Gates, as they should be. He plays a huge role in their offense.

Everyone needs to accept the fact that players do slow down. They can't play at their highest level for their entire careers.

This could happen, but I hope it doesn't. It would be the end of an era in the NFL.

Ryan Mathews Has a Breakout Season

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If this doesn't happen this year, it might the next, or the next, or the—you get the point. Ryan Mathews is considered a bust so far in his career because he hasn't lived up to expectations. The truth of the matter is, when he's healthy, he's great.

Ryan Mathews is explosive in the open field, as well as when turning the corner. Once he heads to the outside, he can be very dangerous. His ability to straight arm a defensive player also adds to his talent. The way he runs reminds me of someone...hmmm, let me think...

LaDainian Tomlinson!

Potential, potential, potential. Ryan Mathews has all the potential in the world to become an elite running back. He isn't LT, and I'm not saying he will be, but he surely can be.

This season is his time to prove why he was worth the 12th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Vincent Jackson Receives a Long Term Contract

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Almost every person who has watched San Diego's preseason games can already tell that Vincent Jackson is Philip Rivers' favorite target, and the two have perfected their chemistry together. The Chargers can see that Jackson is well conditioned, stronger than ever, and ready for the season.

Jackson will have two things to prove:

1. That he deserves a long term contract.
2. That San Diego missed out last season.

Many have speculated that Vincent will be on the trading block, but I have my doubts about that. Will he get a deal during the season, after the season, or not at all? In my opinion, he would be a very tough to lose for San Diego, so they will make an attempt at re-signing him.

Just a side note: Larry Fitzgerald received an unheard of contract worth $120 million for eight years. No, that isn't an exaggeration. Some are saying that the contract will affect other players seeking deals, like Vincent Jackson. I think that's unlikely. If Jackson does receive a contract from San Diego, it will probably be around $60 million for five years.

Darren Sproles Is Forgotten

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The little "lightning bug'', Darren Sproles, is now with the New Orleans Saints. Over his career with the Chargers, Sproles was a big play machine. He isn't an every down back, yet finds ways to reach the end zone. The open field is his strong point. Whether it's catching balls out of the backfield, or returning punts and kicks, Darren Sproles is dangerous.

San Diego couldn't match the price he wanted, so he left. Now it's time to replace him.

A new third string running back is not hard to find. The Chargers drafted Jordan Todman, out of Connecticut. He resembles Darren Sproles in almost every aspect, and is also a great runner.

Losing Sproles on special teams is what many believe will hurt San Diego.

I beg to differ.

Patrick Crayton and Antoine Cason are two very gifted punt returners. While not as elusive as Sproles, they are still consistent returners. As for kickoff returns, Richard Goodman and Bryan Walters (who already returned a 103 yard kickoff for a touchdown in the preseason) will be back to receive.

Yes, no one will ever be as elusive as Darren Sproles, but with the talent on the roster to replace him, the Chargers really shouldn't be worried.

I really think Richard Goodman will come out of nowhere in the return game and surprise everyone.

Philip Rivers Wins MVP

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Philip Rivers—the most controversial player on the San Diego Chargers roster. Either you love him or you don't, but you have to admit they guy has talent.

Besides his physical ability, Rivers' leadership ability alone creates opportunities for the Chargers to become better. Every player on the team gains confidence when playing with him. Rivers' vibe is so important for a team that wants to win.

Last season, Rivers led the league with 4,710 passing yards. He also completed at least one pass to 17 different receivers. It was the best year of his career, and he definitely put up MVP caliber stats. Rivers was in the discussion for the Most Valuable Player award but couldn't come away with it, given his team's average record and missing the playoffs.

Could this year be different? Possibly.

He has the same healthy receivers to work with, including Vincent Jackson. Rivers will also get more production from Mathews and Tolbert, which will open up the play action pass. His team's successes should build as well, earning him a spot among the MVP candidates.

If Philip Rivers plays as sensationally as he did last season, he might have a chance at becoming one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL.