San Diego Chargers Pre-Camp Position Review, Pt. 1 of 5

In this series, we'll take a look at the San Diego Chargers' roster with an eye toward who is returning, who is gone, and whether or not the team has improved itself heading into the preseason. In this first installment, let's take a look at the backs and receivers:

Quarterback

Returning

• Rivers, Volek, Whitehurst

Additions

• None

Questions

• Can the line provide the protection to keep Rivers healthy and focused?
• Is there a plan for another young QB to come in once Whitehurst walks next year?

Outlook

In the words of Bush 41..."Stay the course." Rivers is healthier than last year, the clear leader of the team and seems poised for another Pro Bowl-worthy year. What Billy Volek lacks in ideal size for his position, he certainly makes up for in experience and ability to step in quickly and effectively. Charlie Whitehurst has never really had his shot and walks next year, but this seems again to be a position of strength.

Running Back

Returning

• Tomlinson, Sproles, Bennett, Hester

Additions

• G. Johnson, Brinkley

Questions

• What becomes of Bennett?
• Which category does Hester belong in, and will we see more this year?
• Will Johnson be another middle round find like Michael Turner, or lucky to contribute on special teams?

Outlook

LT turns 30 next month and the mileage of his eight seasons can't be dismissed lightly. Last year was the first year he did not top 300 carries and even then he only missed by eight, that load would take a toll on anyone. While some were eager to pull the plug on his career last year, he still managed to finish seventh in the NFL in touchdowns and 10th in rushing yards.

Back to help lighten the load on LT is Darren Sproles, whose homerun ability provides a great complement and a dangerous weapon. A more equitable job-sharing arrangement seems like the logical choice going forward, much as teams like the Giants, Panthers and others have instituted in recent years.  

Fullback

Returning

• Tolbert, Hester, Latsko

Additions

• Rentmeester

Questions

• Will Tolbert be able to establish consistency and stay healthy?
• Is this a deep enough group, especially if Hester can't really be considered a true fullback?

Outlook

Tolbert flashed enough last preseason to make Lorenzo Neal expendable, then battled injuries and inconsistency during the season.  Norv likes to throw to the fullback (meaning Neal and his brutal hands were on borrowed time due to more than just his age and salary), but if the Chargers are to establish the running game they claim to want, this must be an improved area of the team in 2009.

Tight End

Returning

• Gates, Manumaleuna, Wilson

Additions

• Sperry

Questions

• While A.J. Smith has purposefully avioded draftng TE's the past two years, is bringing in just one UDFA enough of a developmental pipeline?

Outlook

When healthy, Gates is among the most dangerous weapons in the league.  The Charger offense is entirely different without him, even more so that when LT is out.  Because Gates is not an exceptional blocker, having Manu and Wilson around helps the running game and pass protection.  Manu even comes up with a key first down from time to time.  Gates' game changing abilities make this a tremendous strength of this team, so the only concern is what to do if he's not available.

Wide Receiver

Returning

• Chambers, Jackson, Floyd, Davis, Naanee, Osgood, Banks

Additions

• Byrd, C. Martin, Carr, Childs, R. Smith

Questions

• Can Jackson become a true No. 1 WR?
• Can (Bust)er Davis become a reliable threat at least as a slot WR?

Outlook

Assuming Byrd needs time to both recover and adjust to the NFL, and that none of the UDFA's explode on the scene, this is basically the same group as last year.  Chambers, Floyd and Naanee are more or less known quantities, so that puts pressure on Jackson to become a more consistent force and on Davis to stay on the field and be productive.  True, consistent threats on the outside could make this among the league's most dangerous offense, especially when the running game and Gates are operational.

Overall Summary

The Chargers' bizarre and disappointing start to the season and all the talk about LT's status may have obscured the fact that this was the NFL's second-highest scoring offense.  This may seem impressive when one considers the injuries to Hardwick, McNeill, Gates and LT over the course of the year, but the relative weakness of the AFC West should also be considered.  Additionally, the consistency of the offense is definitely still a question mark and one that cannot be laid entirely at the feet of a line that played somewhat erratically at times.

San Diego scored over 30 points six times during the regular season last year, and scored 20 or less on six other occasions.  This is too talented a group for peaks and valleys like that.  Certainly, health will play a key role, but equally as important will be the consistency of particular players.  Vincent Jackson's play embodied the highs and lows of the offense in general; at times he looked unstoppable but drops at key moments still plagued him.  

The Chargers' skill positions are talented, but injuries the past couple years have exposed them as lacking in options when key players are not available or at full strength.  It is impossible at this point to know precisely, but few of the additions seem to be ready to add to the Chargers' attack, so growth will need to come from within.  That said, few NFL teams can boast enviable depth across the board and having been consistently among the top 5-7 scoring offenses the past few years speaks well for this group.