Archive for the ‘San Diego Chargers’ Category
Chargers Clean House- Norv Turner and A.J. Smith Out
Norv Turner
The San Diego Chargers have announced the firing of head coach Norv Turner.
A.J. Smith
General Manager A.J. Smith has also been relieved of his duties as the Chargers react to yet another disappointing season.
Turner and his Legacy
Following three consecutive years of missing the Playoffs, team ownership decided it was time to make a change.
Turner leaves with a 59-43 total record as head coach of the Chargers. However, he was never able to translate his regular season wins into Postseason success. Despite all the talent that’s been at his disposal since Turner arrived as Head Coach in the 2007 season, the Chargers never made it past the AFC Championship Game.
Websites like http://firenorvturner.com/ will be satisfied with this news and for many fans, it is a coaching change that is long overdue.
I myself was pulling for Turner to be fired after last season and was shocked that he was given another year as head coach with the team.
Potential Replacement
Jon Gruden
My top candidate to replace Turner is Jon Gruden. Gruden is the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach who guided them to a Super Bowl victory in 2002. He was fired by the Bucs when the 08 season finished after back-to-back 9-7 seasons.
Since then, the 49-year-old has been an analyst for Monday Night Football on ESPN. He is an Offensive minded coach who would bring some much needed enthusiasm to the Chargers Offense.
Gruden gets my vote as the next head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
Decisions for 2013
After hiring a new head coach and a new general manager, the next big decision that owners need to make will be regarding quarterback Philip Rivers.
Philip Rivers
Rivers is facing an uncertain future for the Chargers after another poor season.
The 31-year-old is coming off his worst statistical year since 2007. To make matters worse for #17, he has 47 turnovers in his last 32 games.
With all the other changes going on for the Chargers, it could now be time for a change at the quarterback position too.
Much will depend on the quarterback class in the upcoming draft along with the available free agents.
Matt Barkley
USC quarterback Matt Barkley is one to keep an eye on in the 2013 draft and would be an intriguing prospect for the Chargers.
The coming months ahead will be crucial for the future of the franchise with a new head coach, a new general manager and possibly even a new quarterback all on the way for the Chargers.
For all your Chargers updates, follow me on twitter.
Week 11 Picks- Previews and Predictions
Norv Turner
Week 11 kicked off last night the Buffalo Bills getting a much needed victory with a 19-14 win over the Miami Dolphins.
Looking ahead to some of the standout games in Week 11 now and there is some fantastic action to watch on Sunday.
There is a great NFC North clash in Detroit as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers take on the Lions. There is another exciting matchup in store in New England as the Indianapolis Colts take on Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Those are just two of the standout games to see this week with plenty more action on show.
Now without further ado, here are my picks for Week 11.
Extra Point
Preview: 5-4 Bucs at 2-7 Panthers
Prediction: Cam Newton gets the edge over Josh Freeman in this one
Pick: Panthers Win
Preview: 4-5 Bengals at 1-7 Chiefs
Prediction: The Bengals get back to .500 on the road against the disappointing Chiefs
Pick: Bengals Win
Preview: 3-6 Jets at 3-5-1 Rams
Prediction: Sam Bradford and the Rams will go one better this week and upgrade their tie to a win
Pick: Rams Win
Field Goal
Preview: 3-6 Eagles at 3-6 Redskins
Prediction: Something tells me the Eagles will finally pull off a bounce back victory
Pick: Eagles Win
Preview: 1-8 Jaguars at 8-1 Texans
Prediction: The Texans shouldn’t have any problems at home
Pick: Texans Win
Preview: 2-7 Browns at 4-5 Cowboys
Prediction: Tony Romo needs to keep the Cowboys winning streak going in their own backyard
Pick: Cowboys Win
Preview: 4-5 Cardinals at 8-1 Falcons
Prediction: Don’t get carried away with the Falcons losing streak just yet
Pick: Falcons Win
Preview: 4-5 Saints at 3-6 Raiders
Prediction: This will be a complete mismatch of styles that gives Oakland the advantage
Pick: Raiders Win
Preview: 6-3 Colts at 6-3 Patriots
Prediction: Tom Brady will show Rookie of the Year candidate Andrew Luck what an elite quarterback looks like
Pick: Patriots Win
Touchdown
Preview: 6-3 Packers at 4-5 Lions
Prediction: The Lions fall even further behind in the NFC North after this one
Pick: Packers Win
Preview: 4-5 Chargers at 6-3 Broncos
Prediction: This game shouldn’t even be close given how poor the Chargers have been playing lately
Pick: Broncos Win
Preview: 7-2 Ravens at 5-3 Steelers
Prediction: Look for Joe Flacco and the Ravens to pull off a statement win in Pittsburgh
Pick: Ravens Win
Brandon Marshall
This week’s Monday night game sees the 7-2 Chicago Bears travel to San Francisco to take on the 6-2-1 49ers.
I’ll be posting a full preview of that game on Monday.
For all your NFL picks/previews/predictions and more, follow me on twitter.
Thursday Night Football- Chiefs vs Chargers Preview
Ryan Mathews
Week 9 kicks off tonight with a divisional clash from the AFC West as the 1-6 Kansas City Chiefs tackle the 3-4 San Diego Chargers at Qualcomn Stadium.
The game is live on NFL Network for American viewers and will also be shown on Sky Sports 1 in Ireland.
So without further ado, here is my preview of the game.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Jamaal Charles
Stadium- Qualcomn Stadium
Kick Off- 5:20 p.m. in San Diego/1:20 a.m. in Ireland
What to Watch
Shaun Phillips
Chiefs Running Game vs Chargers Defense
- Given their current quarterback situation, the Chiefs priority on offense should be running the football with track star Jamaal Charles in the backfield. He is one of the fastest backs in the NFL and a real weapon in the run game.
- However, the Chiefs are yet to fully utilize Charles and he’s had only seventeen carries in their last games. It will be interesting to see how many carries he sees against the Chargers second ranked run defense.
Chargers Pass Rush vs Chiefs Offensive Line
- The Chargers pass rush has been highly disappointing this year with just 12 sacks on defense. Veteran pass rusher Shaun Phillips is the leader of this unit and he leads the team with 5 sacks.
- On the opposite side of the ball, the Chiefs offensive line will set out to stop Phillips and the Chargers pass rush. This will be a key battle to watch as the Chiefs will need to protect their quarterback in the pocket regardless of who starts between Brady Quinn and Matt Cassel.
Chargers Passing Game
- Philip Rivers and the Chargers passing game aren’t living up to expectations this season and currently rank as the 21st best in the league. Whether its the receivers or the quarterback, the passing game is a problem that needs to be fixed for a team with plenty of players capable of contributing through the air.
- The stats don’t read well for #17 especially with 8 total turnovers in his last three games. Rivers and the passing game simply must step up if they are to pull off the win tonight.
Who to Watch
Justin Houston
Justin Houston- Outside Linebacker- Chiefs
- Justin Houston has been one of the few bright spots on the Chiefs defense in 2012. Starting opposite Tambi Hali, Houston has been a consistent contributor and currently leads the team with 6 sacks.
- Now in his second season in the league, he is progressing into a true force coming off the edge with a great first step along with excellent strength. Chargers right tackle Jeromey Clary will need to keep a close eye on Houston at all times to tonight to protect quarterback Philip Rivers.
Ryan Mathews- Running Back- Chargers
- It’s been a difficult campaign thus far for running back Ryan Mathews. After missing the first two games through injury, he is now back in the starting lineup after being slowly worked back into the backfield.
- He recovered from a slow start and has rushed for 249 yards in his last three games and is arguably the only skill position player that the Chargers can count on right now. Look for Mathews to shine tonight against a below par run defense.
Philip Rivers- Quarterback- Chargers
- 2012 was supposed to be the year that Rivers rebounded from his worst season as a starter and got the Chargers back to the Playoffs. Seven games into the campaign and that has’nt been the case.
- Not only has he continued his recent struggles but he his play has been mediocre at times which has led to major question marks being asked about his future with the team. Rivers will be looking to improve and lead the Chargers to victory tonight.
Prediction
Philip Rivers
This is a crucial AFC West battle with a loss for either team putting the final nail in the coffin for their respective Playoff hopes.
Coming off yet another disappointing loss, I think Norv Turner and the Chargers get the win back home in San Diego.
Chiefs 6 Chargers 22
So that’s your preview and prediction, hope everyone enjoys the big game.
Monday Night Football- Chargers vs Broncos Preview
Philip Rivers
After some fantastic games yesterday, Week 6 concludes tonight with an exciting AFC West clash between the San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.
The game will be live on ESPN in America and on the BBC Red Button in Ireland.
So without further ado, here is a full preview of Week 6 Monday Night Football.
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning
Stadium- Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Kick Off- 6:30 p.m. in San Diego/1:30 a.m. in Ireland
What to Watch
Shaun Phillips (95)
Broncos Offensive Line vs Chargers Linebackers
- The Broncos offensive line has done a great job of protecting quarterback Peyton Manning after allowing ten sacks through five games. This group is a big reason why the Broncos aerial attack has impressed in the early stages of the new season.
- Things haven’t been as impressive for the Chargers linebackers. Shaun Phillips is the only player with more than one sack and they will be hoping to put plenty of pressure on Peyton tonight.
Broncos Wide Receivers vs Chargers Cornerbacks
- Demaryius Thomas and the rest of the Broncos receivers are all seeing increases in their production thanks to the benefit of having Peyton Manning at quarterback. Currently fifth in the NFL in passing yards per game, these wideouts should be major contributors to their offense.
- On the other side of the ball are the Chargers cornerbacks featuring veteran starters Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason. Jammer and Cason have steadied their play this year and will look stay solid again tonight.
Chargers Running Game
- The good news for Chargers fans is that staring running back Ryan Mathews participated fully in practice this week. The bad news is that Mathews is still having difficulty carrying the ball this season and is yet to have a game with more than fifteen carries.
- Mathews is one of the best backs in the league when healthy but health has been the issue for him throughout his short career. He should share carries again with backup Jackie Battle in the backfield.
Who to Watch
Von Miller (58)
Von Miller- Linebacker- Broncos
- Von Miller is quickly turning into one of the best defensive players in football. After a rookie season season in which he had 11.5 sacks, he currenty has five sacks though five games in this campaign and will definitely be looking to add to that total tonight.
- With Miller coming off the edge, the Chargers will look to left tackle Jared Gaither to protect quarterback Philip Rivers. In this battle, the edge definitely goes to Von Miller and the Broncos.
Ryan Mathews- Running Back- Chargers
- As I mentioned earlier, there is no doubting Ryan Mathews has exceptional ability as a running back and he is definitely one of the most promising players at the position right now. The problem with Mathews is his inability to stay healthy and also his ongoing consistency issues.
- He is no stranger to the sidelines or fumbles and that must change if he is to turn his potential into production. The Chargers offense will be counting on Mathews to perform tonight in the run game.
Matt Prater- Kicker- Broncos
- How can a kicker be a key player to watch out for? When your name is Matt Prater and you are one of the best field goal kickers in the game than you will always be a key player.
- He is currently seven for seven so far this season on field goal attempts. Add to that 100% record his ability to make a kick from anyway over 50 yards and Prater could end up having a major influence on the outcome of tonight’s game.
Prediction
Philip Rivers
This game should be a high scoring battle as two of the best quarterbacks in the game go head-to-head.
In a crucial divisional game in front of a prime time audience on Monday Night Football, I have a feeling this will be a shootout.
Chargers 33 Broncos 30
So that’s your preview and prediction, hope everyone enjoys the game.
Monday Night Football- Chargers vs Raiders Preview
Philip Rivers
The San Diego Chargers kick off their 2012 season with a AFC West clash against division rivals Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football.
Last year was a disappointment for both the Chargers and Raiders as they both finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
However, both teams will be looking to bounce back this time around and get off to a winning start on Monday night.
With Raiders’ fans at the Coliseum likely to be even louder on opening night, this one should go down to the wire.
Now without further ado, here is the preview.
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Carson Palmer
Unlike the Raiders, the Chargers are coming off a solid preseason and will hope to continue that momentum going into this one.
Philip Rivers and the rest of the offense will be depending on new receivers Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal in the passing game and running back Ronnie Brown in the running game without the absent duo of Ryan Mathews and Vincent Brown.
The Chargers defense will likely be more aggressive under new defensive coordinator John Pagano and rookies like Melvin Ingram, Kendall Reyes and Brandon Taylor will be asked to step up and make an early impact for the team.
As for the Raiders, Carson Palmer simply must have a more consistent season if they are going to be successful this year and he’ll have to deal with a revamped Chargers defense that will be looking to blitz him every chance they can get.
On defense, their defensive front seven is among the best in the league with standout players Richard Seymour and Rolando McClain but it’s their secondary that lets them down as they are yet to replace Nnamdi Asomugha with any real talent at cornerback.
Impact Players
Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden- Running Back- Raiders
Raiders running back Darren McFadden is back to full health and will see plenty of carries in the game.
Richard Seymour- Defensive End- Raiders
Seymour will look to cause havoc in the Chargers rushing attack and will also be valuable vs the pass.
Philip Rivers- Quarterback- Chargers
As the Chargers leader on offense, Philip Rivers must play better this season and that starts on Monday night.
Eric Weddle- Safety- Chargers
Weddle will help out in coverage and will also spend more time playing in the box to stop McFadden.
Shane Lechler/Mike Scifres- Punters- Raiders/Chargers
These two are the top punters in the league right now and will certainly make an impact in the game.
Key battles to watch
-
Eric Weddle
Raiders wide receivers vs Chargers Secondary
- The first key battle to watch will be how the Chargers secondary matches up against the Raiders group of young wide receivers. The Raiders boast a speedy group of receivers (Darius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, Juron Criner and Rod Streater) who are all capable of making an impact. Chargers starting cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antonie Cason are in for a tough night and they will have to be on their game if they are going to stop these receivers.
Raiders running game vs Chargers defense
- If everyone can stay healthy, the Raiders will have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL this year and they are led by former Arkansas Razorback Darren McFadden. McFadden only played in seven games last season due to numerous injuries but he’s now back to 100% and will be a key factor in the Raiders offense. The Chargers defense will not only have to stop McFadden in the run game, but they will also have to watch out for backups Taiwan Jones and Mike Goodson.
Chargers offensive line vs Raiders defensive line
- The Chargers offensive line will be without starting left tackle Jared Gaither in this game due to injury. Unfortunately or rather inevitably, Gaither suffered an injury setback which means undrafted rookie Mike Harris will start the game at left tackle. On the opposite side of the ball, the Raiders have arguably the best front four in football with Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston. The Raiders d-line will be solid vs the run and will also cause problems for Rivers in the passing game.
Chargers pass rush vs Carson Palmer
- Let’s face it, Carson Palmer isn’t anywhere near the quarterback that he once was and is now one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league. In fact, I ranked him as the seventh worst on my list of starting quarterbacks last week and I don’t expect him to have a good game going up against the Chargers pass rush. Just as the Raiders defense will lean heavily on their defensive line, the Chargers will be doing the same with their pass rushers and so expect them to be getting plenty of pressure on Palmer.
Special Teams battle
- I highlighted punters as impact players earlier and that’s because of the special teams battle that will likely unfold. The Raiders have the best punter in the NFL in Shane Lechler and the Chargers have the second best in Mike Scifres. The Raiders also have kicker Sebastian Janikowski who was voted onto the AFC team that went to the Pro Bowl last year. The Chargers have Nate Kaeding at kicker who is a two time pro bowler who missed last season due to injury. Safe to say, special teams will be a key factor in this game.
Prediction
Philip Rivers
In what should be a close game, I see the Chargers just edging it. Raiders 27 Chargers 28
And finally…
So that’s your preview and prediction.
Lets go bolts!!!
Vincent Brown breaks ankle: What does this mean for the offense?
Vincent Brown injured
The Chargers aren’t having much luck with injuries this preseason and have lost yet another contributor on offense.
After Ryan Mathews got injured on the very first play during last week’s preseason opener vs the Packers, the injury bug struck again last night as wide receiver Vincent Brown suffered a broken ankle in the preseason win against the Dallas Cowboys. Just to add insult to injury, (literally) Brown was just after catching an 18-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.
According to Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego, he will undergo surgery and is expected to be out for at least 8 weeks. (
Vincent Brown has broken ankle. Expected to miss at least eight weeks. That means at least five games, probably.—
(@UTKevinAcee) August 19, 2012
)
So what does this mean for the offense?
Ryan Mathews injuried
This is another devastating blow for the offense with yet another playmaker heading to the sidelines alongside Ryan Mathews. Without Mathews or Brown, free agent acquisitions like Ronnie Brown and Robert Meachem will be asked to step up and contribute in their absence.
What makes this injury so devastating for both Brown and the Chargers is the timing of it. Brown was having a great training camp and was taking advantage of the opportunity that was left by Vincent Jackson.
After a solid rookie year, he looked as though he was set for a big improvement this season. As I already pointed out on this blog, I predicted Brown to have a big year (
http://mrnfl.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/chargers-sign-parrish-a-breakdown-of-the-updated-wide-receiver-depth-chart/
)
Now likely to miss half the year, the offense will be now be without the starting running back and one of the best receivers.
Other notes from last night’s game
Melvin Ingram
- Quarterback play improved- Philip Rivers had a much better game in this one compared to last week vs the Packers. He was much more effective with his passing and in reading the defense. Although he did throw two interceptions, those were the only two passes he missed all game. Backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst also looked good during his time in the game as he passed for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
- Running back is still an issue- With Ryan Mathews out injured, their is still no clear leader in the race to replace him. Although there are plenty of options at the position with veterans Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle competing with rookie Edwin Baker for carries, all of them are yet to show if they are capable to start in the regular season.
- Shareece Wright stepped up- Second year cornerback didn’t make much of an impact in rookie season last year and only played in seven games due of injury. However, Wright has managed to stay healthy so far this season and is finally showing what he can produce. He had a huge game last night with one interception, one sack, one forced fumble and three tackles. If can keep playing like this, he may manage to force his way into the starting lineup.
- Melvin Ingram is for real- The selection of first round-pick Melvin Ingram is just getting better and better for the defense. Ingram has already shown enough potential in two preseason games to draw comparisons to former Charger Shawne Merriman. After impressing in his first game last week, Ingram impressed again last night and also managed to get his first sack. Ingram looks set to have a big year and I stand by my prediction of 10 sacks for him in his rookie season.
What’s next for the Chargers?
Christian Ponder
Next up for San Diego is a trip to Minnesota play the Vikings on Friday.
This should be the last time that the starters play significant snaps before the regular season begins. The third preseason game is usually used as the final warm up for the starters and so expect them to play an entire half vs the Vikings.
Chad Johnson
Chad Johnson
The final point I wanted to bring up was the availability of Chad Johnson. I mentioned the Chargers as a possible destination for Chad last week. (
http://mrnfl.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/chad-johnson-gets-cut-timeline-of-events-and-whats-next-for-85/
) With Vincent Brown out, I think it could make sense to bring in another receiver.
But with A.J. Smith and Norv Turner running the team, the likelihood of the them bringing in a troubled 34-year-old receiver coming off a poor season seems a little far fetched.
But on the off chance that this does happen, I would be ecstatic as Chad is my favorite receiver in the league. If it doesn’t happen, there’s always Madden 13 to make sure that it does!!!
Chargers preseason opener recap (Links)
Packers-vs-Chargers-highlights
The Chargers got their preseason off to a winning start last night with a 21-13 victory against the Green Bay Packers.
Here’s a recap of the game with links:
Next up for San Diego is a home game vs the Dallas Cowboys on August 18th.
What to watch in Chargers preseason opener
Philip Rivers
Norv Turner
Robert Meachem
Jarret Johnson
Melvin Ingram
Ladarius Green
Lets face it, this is preseason football after all and so don’t expect to see many of the starters given any significant playing time. For now at least, its the backups time to shine and there will be a number of players looking to make an impact in preseason and that starts vs the Packers on Thursday. Although the Chargers roster appears to have much greater depth going into this season compared to years past, there are still some concerns.
Charlie Whitehurst
On offense, backup quarterback is starting to become a issue. After Charlie Whitehurst got hurt in Training Camp, the Chargers signed veteran Kyle Boller on a one-year contract. The only problem was that Boller decided to retire from football after just one day after signing with the team.
This left the team with unproven rookie Jarret Lee as the only backup for Rivers and so the Chargers opted to bring in former San Diego State quarterback Kevin O’Connell. O’ Connell has spent most of his career just fighting battling to stay on a roster after spending time with the Patriots, Lions, Dolphins and two stints with the Jets. Preseason will be his chance to show that he is capable of being a reliable backup for Rivers.
Larry English
On defense, although there are plenty of backups who will be looking to make an impact, there’s really only one player who stands out and that’s Larry English. Since being drafted in 2009, he has only managed to make 7 career sacks and he’s also made just 4 starts in his career as a Charger.
With Shaun Phillips, Jarret Johnson, last seasons sack leader Antwan Barnes and this years first round pick Melvin Ingram already on the roster, English knows this could be his last chance to make an impact. He needs to perform well in preseason if he wants to have a future with the Chargers and that starts against the Packers.
Undrafted surprises
Daryl Gamble
The Chargers have the longest streak in the NFL of fifteen consecutive seasons with at least one undrafted free agent making the 53-man roster after training camp. Daryl Gamble kept that streak going last season after his impressive performance in the first preseason against the Seattle Seahawks. Gamble had 8 tackles and a sack in that game and for just a brief few players, he was slightly reminiscent of a rookie Shawne Merriman. Unfortunately for Gamble, injuries limited his playing chances in his rookie year and he failed to make an impact.
Mike Harris
Eric Weddle and Shaun Phillips
San Diego Chargers: Post-Draft Defensive Breakdown
Eric Weddle
Last week I looked at how the offense was shaping up going into this season (see
http://mrnfl.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/san-diego-chargers-post-draft-offensive-outlook/
) and now it’s time to look at the defensive side of the ball.
It seems almost impossible to think that the Chargers had the number 1 ranked defense in all of football just two years ago under former defensive coordiantor Ron Rivera.
But after Rivera leaft to become the Head Coach of the Carolina Panthers last year, the Chargers defense struggled and finished the season ranked 16th in the league.
To go from the best defense in the NFL to just about average isn’t something Chargers fans were hoping for. But with the introduction of new defensive coordiantor John Pagano and after several key offseason moves like re-signing Antonio Garay, signing Jarret Johnson and drafting Melvin Ingram, the defense is looking to bounce back this season.
So what will the defense look like in 2012? Let’s find out.
Defensive End
Defensive End Corey Liuget
Starting with the defensive line and it looks like it’s going to be a mixture of veteran leaders with promising young players at defensive end.
The team drafted UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes in the second round of the draft and he’ll be asked to make the transition to 3-4 defensive end for the Chargers.
Reyes will compete with last year’s first round pick Corey Liuget to start at defensive end. Liuget will be looking to improve on an inconsistent first season during which he showed flashes of potential along with rookie mistakes.
On the other side of the line and the team welcome back Luis Castillo to the mix. Castillo was initially released but has since reworked his contract to stay with the team. If he can stay clear of injuries, he should continue to be a key player for the defense. Veteran Jacques Cesaire should serve as Castillo’s backup.
Projected DE Depth Chart: LE: 1- Luis Castillo 2- Jacques Cesaire RE: 1- Corey Liuget 2- Kendall Reyes
Defensive Tackle
Defensive Tackle Antonio Garay
Defensive tackle is looking like one of the strongest positions on the Chargers defense.
Antonio Garay is the only true nose tackle on the roster and he was re-signed to a new two-year deal this offseason. He is a solid run stopper who is a real force inside but is usually replaced on 3rd down passing situations.
Aside from Garay, there are two improving defensive tackles waiting in reserve.
Vaughn Martin and Cam Thomas both made solid contributions on defense last year career-high numbers last year (Martin had a career-high 47 tackles and Thomas had a career-high 4 sacks) and both will see plenty of playing time again this season.
Expect to see Martin line up at both defensive end and tackle as he is a versatile d-lineman.
Thomas will be used more at defensive tackle and should step in to replace Garay on passing downs.
Projected DT Depth Chart: 1- Antonio Garay 2- Vaughn Martin 3- Cam Thomas
Outside Linebacker
Outside Linebacker Shaun Phillips
A couple of familiar faces return from last season along with a few new additions at outside linebacker.
Veteran Jarret Johnson was signed as a free agent acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens and is expected to start alongside Shaun Phillips. Johnson is an experienced run stopper and Phillips will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing year in which he had a career-low 3.5 sacks.
Waiting in reserve are rookie Melvin Ingram and Antwan Barnes. Barnes was the team leader last year with 11 sacks and should continue to fill in for Shaun Phillips as a pass rushing specialist.
Ingram will be used at a number of positions in his rookie year and could possibly have an Aldon Smith-type impact for the Chargers. Despite the fact that he isn’t likely to start, don’t be surprised to see Ingram finish the year with 10 sacks.
Finally we get to former first-round pick Larry English. English is entering his fourth season with the team and has just 7 sacks in his NFL career. He should see some playing time as a converted DE/OLB pass rusher.
Projected OLB Depth Chart: LOLB: 1- Jarret Johnson 2- Melvin Ingram 3- Larry English ROLB: 1- Shaun Phillips 2- Antwan Barnes
Middle Linebacker
Middle Linebacker Takeo Spikes
Both starting middle linebackers from last year stay in tact as Takeo Spikes looks set for a second season starting alongside Donald Butler.
Spikes will be hoping to follow up his successful first season with the team in which he had over 100 tackles. Butler is still improving and will only get better in his second year as a starter.
In reserve, Demorrio Williams and Jonas Mouton are expected to serve as backups. Williams is a former Kansas City Chief who was one of the Chargers first free agent signings this offseason and Mouton is hoping to bounce back from a rookie season ending shoulder injury and could see playing time on special teams.
Projected MLB Depth Chart: 1- Takeo Spikes 2- Donald Butler 3- Demorrio Williams 4- Jonas Mouton
Cornerback
Cornerback Quentin Jammer
Cornerback apears to be the weakest position on defense going into the season. Starters Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason have both had individual issues in the past.
Jammer will be 33 years-old by the time the season starts and is clearly coming towards the end of his career. Cason can often be exposed by better quarterbacks in the league and is still showing signs inconsistency despite being a four-year veteran.
Last year’s rookies Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright are the only other cornerbacks currently on the roster. Both showed signs of promise but it is still unclear if they will ever develop into full-time starters.
The Buffalo Bills recently released former Drayton Florence and the former Charger may be worth bringing back to San Diego to compete at cornerback.
Projected CB Depth Chart: 1- Quentin Jammer 2- Antonie Cason 3- Marcus Gilchrist 4- Shareece Wright
Safety
Free Safety Eric Weddle
And finally we get to the safety position where Eric Weddle returns as one of the league’s best.
Weddle has been an All-Pro for the past two seasons and is coming off another impressive season in which he had 7 interceptions. He will continue to start at free safety.
Moving to strong safety and the Chargers have three players fighting for the starting role. Darrell Stuckey has yet to start a game for the Chargers and should continue to act as a backup this season, perhaps moving to play behind Weddle at free safety.
Atari Bigby is another possible option. Bigby is another offseason signing and despite being injury prone in the past, he can still be a solid contributor when healthy.
The final candidate for the starting job is rookie Brandon Taylor. Taylor was drafted in the third round and should step in to start immediately at strong safety.
Projected S Depth Chart: FS: 1- Eric Weddle 2- Darrell Stuckey SS: 1- Brandon Taylor 2- Atari Bigby
So that’s my breakdown of the San Diego Chargers Defense. Check back next week when I conclude my breakdown of the Chargers roster with a brief breakdown of the Chargers special teams.
Follow me on twitter for further updates
