NFL Week 9: San Diego Chargers Midseason Report Card
The San Diego Chargers have been AFC heavyweights for about ten years now, but this season has been very unsuccessful to the halfway point. The Chargers are 3-5,however there are several positive signs.
Quarterback Philip Rivers is playing at a historic level in 2010, winning the AFC Offensive player of the month for October, primarily for his 2,649 passing yards, which is the all time high through eight NFL games.
The Chargers' running attack has not been playing nearly as well as their passing game, but rookie Ryan Mathews is showing promise since returning from an early season injury.
The Chargers' problems start on defense, but the off the field issues are the most glaring, with key players missing significant time due to injuries.
San Diego has given up 20 points or more six times this season, and are 1-5 in these games.
Losing Shawn Merriman is a huge loss, but it was unlikely he would have made a major impact this season, but with his impressive career, who knows.
Now we will look at the Chargers offense, defense, and coaching, and grade all of them through the first eight games of 2010.
Spreading The Wealth, Philip Rivers Is The NFL MVP
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Philip Rivers is having an amazing season, and is passing for historic numbers. Rivers has passes for 2,649 yards, which is an NFL all time high through eight games.
Rivers has thrown 15 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, but the most important aspect of his passing prowess does not show up in the stat sheet.
Rivers has put up epic passing stats without his number one receiver Vincent Jackson, and with all pro tight end Antonio Gates battling injuries nearly every week.
Reliable number two receiver Malcolm Floyd has also missed multiple games this year, but Rivers has not slowed at all.
In a week eight win vs. the Titans, Rivers through to seven different receivers, including many of his running and fullbacks.
Philip Rivers is the MVP of the NFL so far in 2010, and without his all world performances, the San Diego Chargers could easily be 0-8.
An Improving Running Game Is a Good Sign
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The Chargers attempted to fill the void left Ladainian Tomlinson's departure to the New York Jets in April's draft by selecting Ryan Mathews from Fresno St.
The first round pick has shown signs of a possible great talent, but his season got off to a sluggish start after suffering an injury in the opening weeks.
Filling in for Mathews has been handled by Mike Tolbert, who has done a nice job as the feature back. Tolbert has 369 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, compared to Mathews' 340 rush yards and two touchdowns.
Both backs are averaging over four yards per carry, and with each week, both are sure to continue their improvement.
Any life the running attack can give Philip Rivers will be immense in the Chargers attempt to reach the playoffs.
The Defense Has Played Well, But Must Improve
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Statistically the San Diego Chargers defense looks strong, but with injuries to key players, and even some leaving the team, the defense still needs to prove it can win big games.
The Chargers rank second in the NFL in pass rush with 25 sacks. They are on pace to record 50 sacks, something they have not done since 2006, when linebacker Shawn Merriman had 17.5 sacks himself.
But Merriman was claimed off waivers this week by the Buffalo Bills, after the Chargers decided to part ways with an integral part of their defense for the last several seasons.
Merriman had wanted a new contract, but it was apparent the Chargers were not willing to give him his desired pay.
Injuries did not help Merriman's case for a new deal, and he hasn't played at all this season due to injury.
In-season surgery to linebacker Larry English has left the Chargers with young, inexperienced linebackers, who have played well however.
Without it's stars, the San Diego defense must improve to make the playoffs, and prove their own worth in this league on an individual basis.
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Coaching: Norv Turner's Decisions Have Been Suspect at Times
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Norv Turner's tenure in San Diego has been frequently scrutinized. Blessed with having a premier team nearly every season he's been in San Diego, Turner has not produced the playoff success Chargers fans have hoped for.
Turner led the Chargers to the 2007 AFC championship game against the New England Patriots, and became the Patriots' 18th consecutive victim in their historic season.
Last season the Chargers lost in the playoffs to the New York Jets at home, in a lackluster effort.
Norv Turner has done an average job this season, but at 3-5, and the season on the line every week, there is no room for error.
This season may be Turner's last with the Chargers, fairly or not.
Grading The Chargers at The Mid Point
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Offense: An historic passing attack and decent rushing attack have made the Chargers one of the best offensive threats in the NFL. Even with injuries to key receivers and offensive linemen, the Chargers offense hasn't missed a beat.
Grade: A
Defense: With injuries playing a major role, the Chargers have surprised many with 25 sacks, ranking second in the league. But their young players must prove they are for real, and can win games in December.
Grade: B-
Special Teams: The Chargers special teams has not been extraordinary, and a late missed field goal by Kris Brown vs. New England in week 7 hurt badly. The Chargers could have won that game, but took the loss.
Grade: C
Coaching: Norv Turner has done a capable job with the injuries he's had to deal with. Deciding to kick a field goal vs. New England when he still had time to get closer proved costly, as Kris Brown hit the right upright, and the Chargers were beaten by the Patriots.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
The Chargers are 3-5, but play in a weak division. They have many beatable teams remaining, giving the Chargers hope they can make the 2010 NFL playoffs.
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