NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

2010 Record: 9-7



Offense:



This team was 1st overall in offense last year, and a big reason for that is what Rivers has been tearing it up. With Vincent Jackson back and playing a full season I think things will only get better for Rivers. The key is going to be keeping Ryan Matthews healthy. He averaged 4.3 yards a carry, which is nice, but he needs to prove he can stay on the field. Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the NFL when he is healthy, but he is another guy that needs to prove he can be healthy. This team put up a bunch of point last year, and this year I think they will only improve on that.



Defense:



This team was also first in overall defense (I know crazy right?), and it also should be better as they used four of their first five draft picks to bolster an already impressive defense. Cory Liuget should get a lot of playing time, and I think he could be a beast. The Chargers have one of the best CBs in football. With all that being said there is no reason to believe this Chargers defense will experience a drop off this year.



Overall:



How does a team that was first in offense and first in defense go 9-7? Turnovers, and special teams. I find it hard to predict whether or not these things are fixed, but my gut is telling me that the Chargers are in for a big regular season. The big thing for them is not starting out so slowly, which they seem to do every year.



2011 Record: 12-4