AFC WEST - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2006 PREVIEW

This is the beginning of the Philip Rivers regime in San Diego, and although we think he is a stud in the making, he will go through the normal growing pains this season.

Departed Quarterback Drew Brees proved that 2004 was not a fluke by following it up with another great year last season passing for over 3500 yards and 24 touchdowns, so Rivers has big shoes to fill. Yes Antonio Gates may be the best tight end in football, but we still have concerns about the San Diego wide outs, and getting on the same page as Rivers in his first year as a starter could be a problem. There are no worries at running back with LaDainian Tomlinson, but as great as he is he may see his numbers decrease a bit if Rivers starts off slow, as defenses could then concentrate on LT and the running game.

Believe it or not, San Diego had the best rushing defense in the NFL last year allowing a measly 84.3 yards per game on the ground. However that statistic should be taken with a grain of salt, as the Chargers were torched in the secondary for 243.0 yards, 30 th in the league. That unit was the main reason this team struggled to finish over .500, and their first draft choice cornerback Antonio Cromartie of Florida State has some medical issues that may slow his development in his rookie year. The Chargers did add some help with free agent signee safety Marlon McCree, formerly of Carolina, but that is not an earth-shattering move that will change the complexion of the defense. With the unproven Rivers at quarterback and a porous secondary, we look for San Diego to take a step back this year and probably finish below .500.

2006 Prediction: 3 rd Place AFC West