San Diego Chargers: Shaking Things Up in the AFC West

Though the Denver Broncos have stolen all of the headlines this off-season, the San Diego Chargers are quietly and quickly restoring their roster.

Though they haven't added a Peyton Manning caliber player, the busy off-season just might make the Chargers primed to steal the AFC West crown in 2012. Who knows, maybe Manning restores greatness to Denver and has a happy ending their. Or, there is a very real possibility that he cannot adjust to life out west or his injuries could even prevent him from playing at his Hall of Fame level.

San Diego is quite content with letting that situation pan out because they are adding to their core group of players.

Though the Chargers lost Vincent Jackson, it wasn't at all unexpected. Mike Tolbert walked away to Carolina. They have released a proven player in Marcus McNeill. But in the process, they have added over 15 unrestricted free agents thus far.

Did the passing game suffer with the loss of a Pro Bowl receiver in Jackson? Absolutely. But they added an impressive Robert Meachem, a proven Eddie Royal and a player with upside in Roscoe Parrish. They also added Michael Spurlock to provide depth at the position.

The Chargers actually added veterans across the board.

They bolstered their offensive line with the signing of Jared Gaither. He provides a solid frame at 6'9'' and 340 pounds. Tight ends Dante Rosario and Randy McMichael, both experienced players, were added to provide depth and blocking. Even familiar face Charlie Whitehurst was brought back.

On defense, an experienced and proven winner was signed in Atari Bigby. At the very least he can provide experience and leadership for younger players. Linebacker Jarret Johnson was also signed to compete for action.

Although the San Diego Chargers aren't stealing headlines in 2012, they are stocking up to make the playoff run that they didn't have last year. Coach Norv Turner knows he's on thin ice and needs results in 2012. Pro Bowl quarterback Phillip Rivers needs to make amends for his 20 interceptions.

Give the Chargers some credit for shaking up their roster though. They have added some proven players who are ready to step up and contribute. They have added some "project" players and guys with potential. They have even stolen some former division rivals.

So while we don't entirely know how the Chargers will perform this season, give them credit for wanting to get better. They were not content with last year and actually are doing something about it. Very few teams have taken action like San Diego has to improve its football team.

And what Chargers fan wouldn't love seeing Manning buried to the ground in his new territory, the AFC West?