San Diego Chargers, Look Back, Outlook

After astutely watching all 18 games (attending five of them), this is one man’s opinion on what the San Diego Chargers need to do to be successful in 2009. The San Diego Chargers completed a disappointing 8-8 season with a 35-24 divisional play-off loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving up 146 rushing yards to Willie Parker(1).

In order to avoid another disaster in 2009, they must come out of the gate fast. In 2008, they started 3-5 before going 5-3 in their final eight games, while sneaking into the playoffs.

With Shawn Merriman going down after trying to play on an injured knee in week one, it seemed to take a little steam out of the team. Key injuries to LaDainian Tomlinson (groin and toe), Antonio Cromartie (hip), Antonio Gates (toe), and offensive lineman Mike Goff either slowed down or hurt the team.

Also, the drug suspension of middle linebacker Stephen Cooper hampered them. Cooper’s replacement, Matt Wilhelm did not play effectively. The extent of Cromartie’s injury wasn’t revealed until after the season.

He played with a fractured hip, an injury he suffered in the season opening game against Carolina (2). He seemed to shy away from hard contact and was picked on by opposing quarterbacks.  It also looked as though he took too many chances, going after interceptions instead of playing his man. 

He was burned for a 72-yard touchdown by Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne in the playoffs (1). He missed a sure tackle on that play. After a stellar 2008 season, his play dropped off drastically.

The question remains, if he was hurt, why wasn’t he replaced with rookie Antoine Cason? Cromartie had 10 interceptions in '07 and finished with just two in '08 (1), while placing himself at risk for permanent damage.

Depth and lack of ability in the offensive line was exposed as a nicked up Tomlinson found little to no room to run. Center Nick Hardwick missed the season's first three games after foot surgery and then spent the season enduring the pain and getting himself ready to play on Sundays (8).

With Mike Goff (now with Kansas City) out, he was replaced by fourth-year player, Scott Mruczkowski, who played adequately. To further compound the situation, there wasn’t a capable fullback to lead block for Tomlinson. With the departure of Lorenzo Neal (now a member of the Oakland Raiders), this was big problem.

Trying to run off-tackle plays and picking up short yardage was almost impossible. Lack of creativity in the play calling and inopportune turnovers by Phillip Rivers must be avoided. On defense, the Chargers must put pressure on the quarterback up the middle and not just from the edges. Aging nose tackle Jamal Williams must be rested from time to time. 

Fourth round pick Vaughn Martin (Western Ontario), from Canada of all places, may have a major role in spelling Williams. He will be expected to contribute, despite playing only two years of college ball.

Martin registered 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries at Western last year (6). The idea of drafting first round pick Larry English (Northern Illinois) is thought by many to be a replacement for Shawn Merriman in the event he leaves via free agency next spring.

English may have been brought in to replace Shaun Phillips on the other side should Merriman re-sign.  Phillips was considered "MIA" most of the year, but did tie for fifth on the team in tackles with 74 and was first in sacks with seven. More quarterback pressure was expected from him in '08 and he was largely invisible.

Phillips got into trouble on April 26, 2009, in downtown San Diego, when he allegedly punched a security guard in the face. He was charged with misdemeanor battery (3). If Phillips experiences any more off-field problems, GM AJ Smith has been known to cut ties with “questionable character” players.

The Chargers face more legal trouble with nose tackle Jamal Williams (DUI February 1, 2009) (4) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (DUI January 6, 2009) (4). These things must be dealt with early so they don't become distractions.

The Chargers also signed free agent linebacker Kevin Burnett, and re-signed guard Kynan Forney (7), to add depth and training camp competition.

In order for this team to excel in 2009 they must do the following.

Get Off to a Fast Start.

Three of their first five games are at home, which includes their bye in week five, followed by a home game against rebuilding Denver in week six. The Chargers play at Oakland in week one against a team they’ve dominated over the past few years. 

The Chargers also play at Pittsburgh in week four, where they lost a tough 11-10 “cold weather” game last season. It shouldn’t be as cold in Pittsburgh on October 4, 2009. However, the Steelers are the champions and the Chargers don’t play well in Pittsburgh. San Diego could possibly be 5-0 or 4-1 at this point. 

Last year, the Chargers were 1-3 in games in the eastern time zone. Again, they have four eastern games (at Browns, Giants, Steelers, and Titans), three are playoff teams (Giants, Steelers, Titans). They must win at least three of the four games.

Avoid  Off-field Distractions/Suspensions to Key Players.

See above concerning Williams, Phillips, Cooper, and Jackson.

Show Balance, Mix, and Creativity on Offense

It’s been said that this team has become a pass first, run second team. They must find ways to occasionally get Darren Sproles and Tomlinson on the field at the same time, and take more chances with Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson deep, while mixing them effectively with Antonio Gates on deep to mid-range routes. Whatever happened to the half-back option with LT?

Hope that Mike Tolbert (fullback) and offensive lineman can block effectively.

Put Pressure on Opposing Quarterbacks, Especially on Third Downs

They must also shore up the middle of the defense from nose tackle to free safety. When the free safety (Eric Weddle) leads the team in tackles (127) (5), there’s a problem. Poor tackling has been a problem for the Chargers the past two seasons and must be rectified as well.

Be Business Like and Don't Read Press Clippings.

Since their 14-2 season in 06, this team has not shown focus in winning games. They believed they’d win just by showing up. The knock on Norv Turner has been him not being able to motivate. It’s not his style. The players must motivate themselves.

Stay Injury Free or at Least Minimize Their Injuries

Although questions remain about the fullback position with Mike Tolbert, we should see better play from the offensive line and a greatly improved pass rush with the return of Shawn Merriman and the infusion of young talent.

Taking more chances downfield may increase the risk, but if Phillip Rivers could reduce his 11 interceptions by a mere four, he could have another great season. After questions about his future with the team were answered, a healthy and determined LaDainian Tomlinson could put up big numbers behind better blocking. If these things happen, this team could win 11-13 games this season.

Sources/References

(1) CBSSportsline.com (May 15, 2009)

(2) Kevin Acee San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer (Contact) (January 12, 2009)

(3) Debbi Baker San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer, Kevin Acee San Diego Union- Tribune Staff Writer (April 27, 2009)

(4) Chris Jenkins San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer

(5) San Diego Chargers.com (May 15, 2009)

(6) NFL.com

(7) The Associated Press (May 13, 2009)

(8) Kevin Acee Union-Tribune Staff Writer (January 15, 2009)