The San Diego Chargers: 5 Question Marks For Success

5. Darren Sproles made remarkable strides last year as a 3rd down back and injury replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson., but is it reasonable to expect him to repeat that performance?  The answer is, of course, no.  L.T. finally looks completely healed, and even though the Chargers will try to spell him often to keep him fresh, L.T. will once again be carrying the load for the Bolts.  Sproles is a talented and explosive back, but he will be used almost exclusively as a 3rd down back, and in 2 back sets.   And he is still their best return man.  Can you say limited touches?

4.  San Diego had a wildly inconsistent passing game last year.  Vincent Jackson showed flashes of brilliance last year, but the rest of the squad was lackluster to say the least.  No Charger has worked harder this off season or impressed more in camp than Jackson.  Built like a tight end with breakaway speed, Vincent Jackson could be the most improved wide out in the AFC this year, and San Diego may once more shred defenses through the air, which will open more holes for L.T. and Sproles.  Chris Chambers and Malcom Floyd are good enough to prevent safeties from over-committing to coverage on Jackson.

3. Phillip Rivers showed greatly improved decision making last year.  Still fiery and vocal in his leadership, he finally grew up and became the stabilizing centerpiece of the offense.  His receiving corps is ready to perform at a high level and Antonio Gates looks healthy and ready to return to top tight end form.  I fully expect Rivers to emerge as the #1 AFC quarterback this year while leading San Diego's Super Bowl charge.

2. Shawne Merriman showed up for camp healthy and eager to return to top form and immediately impressed quarterback Phillip Rivers.  The whole defense appears healthy heading into preseason, and once again San Diego will be able to keep steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks, something they failed to do entirely last year.  Without Merriman, the Charger defense completely collapsed, which means San Diego will need their stud linebacker to stay on his feet for a full season.  But as an insurance policy they used 2 of their top 3 picks on defensive lineman in this year’s draft.

1. Without L.T. in the lineup every week, San Diego cannot win the Super Bowl.  Arizona came close without a reliable running game last year, but their receiving corps is far superior to anything San Diego has had since Wes Chandler, Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow.  Even if Vincent Jackson makes the leap to elite receiver status, which I believe he will, it will not be enough to rise above the Steelers, Titans and Patriots without an effective running game, although they are almost certain to win the West again.  The Super Bowl hopes of the San Diego Chargers will once more rest on the shoulders of their best player, who admits to having visions of Emmitt Smith’s all time rushing record dancing in his head.  And you know what?  The San Diego Chargers wouldn’t have it any other way.