San Diego Chargers Can Spell Trouble for Peyton Manning in 2012

Since NFL.com broke the news that Peyton Manning is negotiating a deal with the Denver Broncos, many have been ready to proclaim the Broncos as the front runners for the AFC. However, Manning would first have to overcome the San Diego Chargers, a team that has had his number more often than not.

The Chargers have frequently undermined the image of Manning as a model of ruthless scoring efficiency. In November 2007, they forced him into six interceptions.

Week 12 of the 2010 season saw the Chargers' defense steal four more Manning passes. They returned two for scores, part of a 36-14 romp in Indianapolis.

The key to the Chargers' success against Manning has been one thing: pressure. Not sacks, but rather a constant barrage of intense pressure.

No team, the New England Patriots included, has gotten to Manning more consistently. The Chargers have excelled at moving him off his spot, attacking his footwork and preventing him from stepping up.

The defensive pieces are still in place for San Diego to do the same in 2012. Antwan Barnes is as talented a pure pass-rusher as any in the game.

He forced Manning into an interception in 2010 and in tandem with Shaun Phillips, Barnes can terrorize Denver's potential new signal caller.

Up front Antonio Garay dominated the line of scrimmage in that 36-14 win, literally pushing linemen back into Manning's face all game long. If the Chargers retain Garay, expect him to be a constant threat to Manning again this season.

A weak division is perceived as one of the main benefits of Manning's possible link up with the Broncos. Yet the AFC West may not be as kind as expected.

The Chargers have the jinx on him and Romeo Crennel is sure to throw multiple schemes in his way. Then there is the Oakland Raiders' fearsome defensive line rotation led by Richard Seymour.

Manning may not find it so easy to smoothly navigate the AFC West.