5 Key Reasons Why the San Diego Chargers Are Running out of Electricity

Since 2005, The San Diego Chargers have won five division titles and have never had a losing season.

However, it seems as if the Chargers' position at the top of the AFC West has come to end, for now. While the Chargers have a franchise quarterback, it seems as if the organization is about to go through many big changes.

Here's a look at the top five reasons why the Chargers are running out of electricity.

5. Coaching and Front Office Changes

The Chargers are open about their decision to let Norv Turner go. Perhaps surprising will be their decision to let the general manager A.J. Smith go after season's end.

A.J. Smith has been a polarizing figure in San Diego starting with his decision to draft Eli Manning in 2004 against Eli's request. The one simple truth is that Smith has done things his way.

And as far as players go, it worked.

However, the hiring of head coach Norv Turner will more than likely be the end of Smith's run in San Diego. Norv Turner has won three playoff games with the Chargers and made an appearance in the AFC championship game in his first year as head coach. But since then, he is 0-2 in the playoffs and the Chargers haven't made the post-season since 2009.

I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing to lose both (I would keep Smith), but it seems as if this will be the start of a rough road back to playoff contention.

4. Vincent Jackson and an Unproven Wideout Corps

Vincent Jackson is arguably a top ten wide receiver and after this season Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent.

Whichever team lands this guy will automatically make their wideout corps much better. However, it seems like the Chargers will not have a chance to re-sign him, which will hinder San Diego and Philip Rivers' chances to get better.

With Jackson's departure, the Chargers need to hope that guys like rookie Vincent Brown pans out. If not, that leaves injury-prone Malcolm Floyd as a viable option.

3. Inconsistent Quarterback Play

Even though Rivers squeaked his way into a pro bowl, Philip Rivers has never thrown this many interceptions (19) in his career.

He also has one of the lowest quarterback ratings in his career.

One other stat to note is that Rivers has thrown the most passes of his career this year, which can equate to how difficult this season has been for the Chargers.

Rivers has proven in the past that he can throw the ball, but recently it looks like he is becoming more of a gunslinger than the pocket passer that has lead to his past success.

2. Injuries to and Retirement of the Offensive Line

If any team is going to have success in the NFL, then it has to have a successful offensive line. The San Diego Chargers have had a talented corps of linemen and there is no better example than pro-bowl guard Kris Dielman.

Dielman has played his entire career with the Chargers and has been a force for a long time. However, the Chargers' game against the Jets lead to his concussion which further led to a season-ending seizure. Dielman has stated that he will consider retiring this offseason. If he does, it will prove to be a devastating  loss to the O-line.

Left tackle Marcus McNeill had a spinal injury this year which put him on the IR. If he does return, it has been speculated that the Chargers may try to trade him if he passes his physical.

Nick Hardwick has recently reported that he may consider retirement, looking at his colleagues and other NFL Alum.

The Chargers will have very little success if the woes at the line continue.

1. The Emergence of the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos

Heading into week 16 this year every team had a shot at the AFC West division title. However, the Chargers and the Chiefs are out and the Raiders and Broncos remain. 

The Chargers have had the most success in the AFC West over the past decade; however, it seems as if the Chargers are going to be behind the pack for a while unless they bring in the much needed personnel.

One thing is for certain: The Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos have caught up and the sun will be setting somewhere else in the west.