San Diego Chargers: X-Factors for Upcoming Season

The San Diego Chargers have been very busy this offseason. Come this August, the Chargers will look and play like a whole new team.

Every area on the team will be better. San Diego lost a couple of players, mainly Vincent Jackson, but they were replaced. It'll make forgetting them a lot easier—something that wasn't said when Darren Sproles wasn't re-signed last season.

The Chargers have the stars in Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews, Eric Weddle and new linebacker Melvin Ingram, but who are the players that could dictate if they succeed or not?

Here are the three X-factors for the San Diego Chargers in 2012.

3. Quentin Jammer

Quentin Jammer, recently famous for his comments regarding the new pad policy by the NFL, is entering his 11th season in the league. His production has been down the last couple of years mainly because of age. Although he's on the down end of his career, Jammer understands his role.

Leadership plays a big role in any sport. Quentin Jammer is the starting cornerback for that reason. His experience benefits other players like Antoine Cason, Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright.

The secondary has needed some help for a while now. Eric Weddle will lead the passing defense, but Quentin Jammer must play well for the Chargers to stop quarterbacks like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.

2. Takeo Spikes

Takeo Spikes was brought in last offseason and so far, it's been the best decision they've made in a while. He may not be a force on defense like former teammate Patrick Willis, but his consistency has made him a valuable asset to San Diego's defense.

Melvin Ingram will debut in the NFL this season with the Chargers. Everyone knows that he's a stud. The only reason he fell to the Chargers in the draft was because of his short arms. Takeo Spikes and his leadership will affect the way Ingram plays his rookie season, as well as Antwan Barnes and Donald Butler.

Eric Weddle is the leader of the entire defense, but Spikes will make sure the middle, the heart, of the defense succeeds.

1. Le'Ron McClain

The last time the Chargers had a dominant running back, it was LaDainian Tomlinson. Yes, LT was one of the best and there will probably never be anyone else like him, but we must give credit where credit is due.

Lorenzo Neal was Tomlinson's lead blocker for most of his career. The only time he wasn't, was his last couple years in San Diego, when his production lowered immensely.

Fullbacks make a big difference. Le'Ron McClain will be the difference for the Chargers. His experience and talent will propel Ryan Mathews into elite status, making him a top-five running back in the league.