|
|
 |
|
|
Monday, May 13
How close are the Chargers to being a playoff contender? Marty Schottenheimer has the magic formula to make the Chargers a playoff team. The question is whether he can make the transition in 2002 because it will surely happen in 2003. Schottenheimer's formula is a solid running attack and a tough aggressive defense.
The only thing that could hold the Chargers back is the quarterback position. The team won't start to grow until it finds out at the end of training camp whether Doug Flutie or Drew Brees is the starter. Brees is the future and he should be a good one, but his maturing process may cost the Chargers a game or two. Still, the Chargers have a solid defensive line, star linebackers in Junior Seau and Donnie Edwards and a good looking secondary featuring Ryan McNeil, Rodney Harrison and rookie Quentin Jammer.
|
|
|
After a fast start to the 2001 season that saw the Chargers win five of their first seven games, things went south quickly in San Diego. Talk of a trip to the playoffs was quickly brushed aside as the Chargers lost their last nine games to finish 5-11 for the second straight season, leading to the dismissal of coach Mike Riley. In Riley's place, former Redskins and Chiefs head coach Marty Schottenheimer was hired to run the show. Schottenheimer can be heavy handed at times, and he'll rub some players the wrong way, but he'll get the Chargers to play hard.
San Diego has been busy so far this offseason. Offensively, the Chargers added three new starters. Center Cory Raymer (Redskins) and guard Bob Hallen (Altanta) should help strengthen the offensive line. In a bit of a risk, tight end Stephen Alexander (Redskins) was inked to a five-year deal. While Alexander is talented, he is also an injury risk. After starting all 16 games in 2000 and making the Pro Bowl, Alexander was limited to seven games in 2001 due to injuries. If healthy, Alexander will provide the Chargers with a solid receiving threat.
In a move that left many around the league scratching their heads, the Chargers re-signed wide receiver Tim Dwight to a five-year deal worth $15 million. Despite missing six games in 2001 with a collapsed lung, never playing a full 16-games season and never catching more than 32 passes in a season, Dwight was given a $5 million signing bonus. That's a lot of money for a player who has never played a full season and is generally regarded as a No. 3 receiver. In another risky move, San Diego signed wide receiver Tamarick Vanover to a one-year deal. Vanover, who hasn't played in two years due to legal problems, should help on special teams.
| |
CHARGERS AT A GLANCE
|
| | 
| | LaDainian Tomlinson found the end zone 10 times as a rookie. |
|
2001 record: 5-11
Team rank (NFL): Defense (11th); Offense (12th)
Chargers team news
|
Defensively, the Chargers made a big splash with the addition of linebacker Donnie Edwards (Chiefs), who has recorded over 100 tackles each of the last four seasons. Edwards will line up on the strongside, with Junior Seau on the weakside, giving the Chargers an imposing linebacking corps. On the defensive line, San Diego was dealt a blow when tackle John Parrella signed as a free agent with the Raiders. Free agent Jason Fisk (Titans) was signed to replace Parrella. While Fisk is a decent player, Parrella will be missed.
For a complete list of all the players San Diego has signed and lost so far this offseason, click here.
How they drafted
By all accounts the Chargers had a very successful draft. San Diego grabbed cornerback Quentin Jammer with the No. 5 overall pick. The former Texas standout will be an immediate starter and help give San Diego's defense an identity. While Jammer might not turn into Deion Sanders or Charles Woodson, he will make an impact. In the second round, the Chargers selected guard Toniu Fonoti and wide receiver Reche Caldwell. Both players were projected as first-rounders on many draft boards. Fonoti has a good chance to start at right guard and should provide immediate help to the rushing attack.
For a complete list of San Diego's draft picks, click here.
|
Fantasy Focus
|
|
San Diego's QB situation may be unsettled, but LaDainian Tomlinson is set at running back. As a rookie, Tomlinson erupted for three 100-yard rushing days and scored six of his 10 TDs in the first four games. But Tomlinson's production slowed over the last 12 games, with only one more 100-yard performance. He wasn't helped by missing training camp and half of the preseason because of a holdout. Still, he finished with 1,236 rushing yards and ranked as fantasy's seventh-best RB. He'll improve on those totals with a full training camp, an improved offensive line and conservative head coach Marty Schottenheimer running the show. For more fantasy football news, click here.
-- Roger Rotter, Fantasy editor
|
Unfinished business
Obviously, as the regular season approaches, all eyes in San Diego will be on the quarterback position. There is no doubt that Drew Brees is the quarterback of the future. However, Doug Flutie isn't just going to just step aside and hand the starting job to Brees. The second-year quarterback from Purdue will have to prove on the field that he deserves the job. If the decision-makers in San Diego feel that Flutie gives the team the best chance to win, the job will be his. While Brees might not start the season as the starter, it's a good bet that he will finish in that role.
Another situation to keep an eye is the rumors of the Chargers' possible move to Los Angeles. The Chargers recently announced that they will move their training camp to a sports complex near Los Angeles in 2003, sparking speculation that a permanent move might not be too far behind. While it is only talk at this point, it will be interesting to see how San Diego's fans will react if the team gets off to a slow start and the rumors persist.
Outlook for 2002
The Chargers should be better in 2002, however, a realistic shot at the playoffs is probably another year away. With the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos in the way, the Chargers still figure to bring up the rear in a strong AFC West. However, with another year of experience for Tomlinson, some playing time for Brees and the addition of some promising rookies, the Chargers look like a team on the rise. Eight wins is certainly reasonable, but expecting more than that is asking too much.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell is the NFL editor for ESPN.com.
| |
|
