Bleacher Report - Articles by James Stephens Jr.

San Diego Vs. Oakland: Dethroning The Chargers

James Stephens Jr. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:33:26 -0400

The Chargers have won 11 straight against the Raiders, and the big question is when will the Raiders beat the Chargers?

The Raiders and Chargers have a notorious rivalry towards each other, and recently Oakland can't find a way to take down the San Diego. Compare the many differences between the two foes:

Oakland has had many issues with the quarterback position, and it has usually cost them the game. Oakland has signed Jeff Garcia who has had a solid career with many teams like San Fransisco, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia. How he does with the Raiders will be the big question.

In order to stop San Diego's powerhouse offense, the Raider will definitely have to play the run game a lot better, but they'll have to play the pass game better too.

With Rivers coming off his best season it will be even harder for Oakland to stop their offense.

The game plan this year for the Raiders must be to make up for the embarrassing performance last game when they were shut down 34-7.

Padres Off to a Strong Start

James Stephens Jr. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:47:02 -0400

The Padres have started the season with hope.

Now in June, they are only two games under .500 wins. This is a lot better than their previous performance from last year, having the worst record in the league.

Adrian Gonzalez leading the team to victories along with people like Scott Harriston and Tony Gwynn Jr.

The team does have some players that are in deep slumps this season.

Brian Giles in early June is hitting under the .200 mark and this isn't the normal Brian Giles. He has hit more than 250 career Home Runs.

If Giles can get out of this slump and hit at least .250, the Padres will have a much better chance at becoming at least a wild card team in the postseason.

There has been a lot of talk of former Cy Young winner Jake Peavy being traded, but still Peavy has chosen to stay in SD. Keeping Peavy or trading him can benefit your team and hurt your team.

First, he is a pither with a long career in front of him and the Padres organization knows that. They also know that they could do a lot more to help the team by trading him.

Either way the Padres have shown that there is a chance this season.

LaDainian Tomlinson: Searching for a Super Season

James Stephens Jr. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:25:04 -0400

Future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson looks to bounce back after the toe injury that slowed his early season and the groin injury which ended his playoff season.

Tomlinson has been prone to injuries the last two years and it has ended his Super Bowl hopes in 2007 and 2008.

Although Tomlinson is still adjusting to the Norv Turner offense, he has been productive both years under Norv's command.

There are many obstacles in the way for Tomlinson this season. Keeping him healthy is the main focus.

In order to keep him healthy for the upcoming season, he will have to receive fewer touches. Fewer touches could result in more passing from Philip Rivers, or more touches for the utility running back Darren Sproles.

There are high hopes for Tomlinson this year, but there is no doubt in my mind that the man will produce because that is how he plays.

If San Diego can keep Tomlinson healthy and productive, I believe this can be a Super Bowl team.

Keep your faith strong, San Diego.

San Diego's Top Five (Offense)

James Stephens Jr. — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:05:40 -0400

These are the top 5 offensive players who be a key factor in the Chargers success in 2009. There are many players who will affect the way the Chargers will play this season. Every body will be expected the best they can perform and will be a huge asset how the offense performs this year. I will be looking at who will be a difference maker, who will be the main producers, and who will make the biggest plays in the clutch. Those players are: -Ladainian Tomlinson -Vincent Jackson -Philip Rivers -Antonio Gates -Kris Dielman These are the players who I think will be the difference maker in the 2009 season.

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AFC Playoff Picture 2009

James Stephens Jr. — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:00:48 -0400

There are always six teams from each conference that go to the playoffs every year. There are many reasons to believe teams like the Colts, Steelers and Patriots are teams you think that will go all the way. I'm going to give my pre-season predictions for the AFC Playoffs.

AFC West

There are very talented teams in the division, however, I think that San Diego will win it.

The Chargers will be getting the outstanding pass rusher, Shawne Merriman, back with a full season to heal that knee which became an issue in 2008. He is arguably the best outside linebacker in the AFC. He is a morale booster and a impact player for that team.

The Chargers will also get a chance for defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to receive a full training camp with the very talented San Diego defense. As we saw last year Rivera greatly improved the San Diego defense after the departure of Ted Cottrell.

AFC South

I see the Colts taking the division this year for many reasons.

You have the MVP, Peyton Manning leading the offense, with weapons like Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai. They have a very solid defense with players like Bob Sanders (Defensive Player Of The Year in 2007) & Dwight Freeney (who finished the season third in sacks).

This team, however, lost some great assets such as Tony Dungy, a phenomenal head coach who had taken Manning to his first Super Bowl win over the Bears in 2006.

The team lost the outstanding Marvin Harrison. This is a huge loss because he would open up more receivers like Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark.

I am not convinced that the Titans, Texans, orJaguars will be in the playoff mix this year. Although Jeff Fisher is a good coach with a talented team, the Titans lost Albert Haynesworth, and I don't think they are in a stable condition at the quarterback position.

AFC North

You have to give the title to the Super Bowl Champs.

Ben Roethlisbeger is a two-time Super Bowl champion with good receivers like Hines Ward and Santanio Holmes. The offensive line could use a little work in the upcoming season, but a solid offense all around.

The defense is good with the Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and many others. The Steelers could plug anyone in and still only allow 75 rushing yards a game.

There is another team in this division that I think could possibly be a wild card team again.

The Baltimore Ravens have Joe Flacco entering his sophomore season with a little more experience. They have a solid offense with multiple weapons, and they may have lost their defensive coordinator, but I'm still convinced they have one of the scariest defenses.

AFC East

There are so many great teams in this division. You have the Bills, Patriots, Jets and Dolphins. But I believe the Patriots will not win the division this year.

There are many holes and flaws in the Patriots. Sure, you get back Tom Brady but in the past two years they have lost Rodney Harrison, Donte Stallworth, Mike Vrabel, & Jabbar Gaffney.

That is too many holes to be playing with on your team. However, I do believe they will be a wild card contender.

The winner of this division will be the Jets. There is too much talent on that team to not win. You have a great offense and a solid defense.

The arrival of Mark Sanchez will be an interesting question. Junior quarterbacks are risky. I think he has a lot of talent, but he has not had a lot of college starts. However, I think he will have a Matt Ryan-style rookie year and take his team to the playoffs.

San Diego Chargers Look To Keep Their Offense Strong and Fresh

James Stephens Jr. — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:52:18 -0400

The Chargers look to keep a solid offense in the 2009 season. But it will take some All-Star performances from everyone out there.

A good offense isn't complete without a quarterback. With Philip Rivers coming off a season with career-high stats; having thrown 34 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions and having the highest rating in the whole NFL, San Diego will need their young, but very capable quarterback healthy.

Running backs shouldn't be a problem this year if LaDainian Tomlinson doesn't become injured early this season, but in order to do that you will need to either give him fewer touches or fewer receptions.

San Diego also franchised the amazing multi-purposed, Darren Sproles, who can return kick & punts, block, run the ball, and be a receiver. Keeping Tomlinson healthy could be a major factor this year as it did in the 2007 & 2008 season.

Rivers is equipped with many of options like Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, and many more. If the Chargers plan to have a better offense, everyone has to do their part, because the Chargers struggled running the ball in 2008. Lets see how they perform in 2009.