San Diego Chargers: Finally a Season Without a Downfall?

Every year, San Diego seems to have one thing that stands out. Last season, it was special teams. That unit can't get any worse, and with the new coach, things look promising.

December is clearly the Chargers' favorite month, but September, on the other hand, is not. Each year, San Diego gets off to a slow start, but with their excellent play in the winter, they seem to figure a way out. 

In 2010, it was different.

2-5 was the Chargers' record entering week eight. Everyone assumed it was just another one of those slow starts, which it was. San Diego went 7-2 the rest of the season, yet did not reach the playoffs. Why? The Kansas City Chiefs surprisingly had a 10-6 record that won the AFC West.

The Chargers are working extra hard in practice to get ready for this year more than ever. Coming off a short off-season because of the lockout, San Diego, as well as every other NFL team, will have to put the pieces together fast.

Philip Rivers leads the offense coming off an incredible year. He will have Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews in his backfield, with the help of Jordan Todman. Here's the best part for Charger fans. Vincent Jackson is back all year, as well as Malcom Floyd. Did I mention Antonio Gates is close to 100%? Along with those three receivers, Patrick Crayton, who had his best NFL season last year until going down with a broken wrist, and Seyi Ajirotutu will be helping in the slot. The leagues number one offense from a year ago became even more explosive.

As for the defense.

Eric Weddle returns to San Diego, well, him and his fat paycheck. He won't be alone in the coverage. Bob Sanders, who has been battling injuries the last couple of seasons, will also aid as a safety. In the linebacker core, Shaun Philips remains with Larry English who is impressing at training camp. Takeo Spikes and Travis Laboy add to the help. Antonio Garay, Luis Castillo and Corey Liuget are up front. That could be the best pass rush in the league. Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason will be the cornerbacks once again. In my opinion, both of them are the most underrated defensive backs in the entire NFL.

So the offense, which was number one last year, got better. And the defense, which was also number one last year, got better as well. Then why are the Chargers ranked number 10 in the preseason power rankings?

San Diego hasn't looked this good on paper since 2006, the last year of the Schottenheimer era. We'll see if they get off to another slow start, if the special teams improved, and if they can become clutch in late game situations.