Powering Down: San Diego Chargers' Next Season in Question?

The last seven years have been very prosperous for the San Diego Chargers.

They have watched first-hand the consistent decline of their most hated divisional rivals in Oakland. Seen a dramatic turnaround from previous losing seasons powered by an All-Pro and record-breaking running back. Not to mention five out of the last seven division titles.

All things considered, one would have expected to see a Super Bowl Ring for such a franchise. However the football gods of old have not yet deemed them worthy of that title.

Sadly the opportunity has been there for the Chargers and somehow always appears to elude them. The 2004 to '08 seasons showed the greatest amount of success for them statistically, but their seasonal achievements never proved to be enough to carry them to the Super Bowl, even with the advantage of home field.

They have still impressively held onto their dominance of the AFC West, even with the dismissal of Marty Schottenheimer after a 14-2 season. The question looking forward into 2010 is whether they will be able to do so again with the loss of Tomlinson.  

If history is a teacher, then it shows us that, on any given Sunday, any one individual or team can rise to the occasion and defeat the odds. That being said, will there be anyone left in San Diego to do so? Lackluster performances on the season from Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie allowed them both to be put in the hands of the New York Jets, a decision that may come back to bite the Bolts.

Shawne Merriman also is a question mark, with a foot injury that hurt his stats and drama off the field, he too may be cast to the wayside. If so, this could be another Drew Brees, and Merriman could show another franchise that his best is yet to come.

Also, considering that Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are both up for grabs as well, this could be a very rough off season for the Chargers. The real issue though is not the releasing or resigning of individuals but the chemistry of the players. Philip Rivers has done well at the helm, but with so much disarray and so many what ifs, can he really pull this team together to maintain its success?

It's a tough call, no question—one that will not be definitively answered till the season starts and the rosters are all set. One thing is certain, though—the Chargers have been king of the hill in the AFC West. They will have to fight every game to show that they can stay atop it.