This team, better than its 1-15 record in 2000 indicated, has the potential
to be the most improved team in the NFL in 2001.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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Doug Flutie started five games last season in Buffalo. |
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Location:University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.
Rookies report: July 22
Veterans report: July 27
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 11: San Francisco
Aug. 18: at Miami
Aug. 25: St. Louis
Aug. 31: at Arizona
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Former Bills general manager John Butler was brought in and has already
made an impact in the offseason with several critical acquisitions --
beginning with the kicking out of bust quarterback Ryan Leaf and ending with
the signing of proven winner Doug Flutie.
Man in the spotlight
Flutie, who has a record of 21-9 in games started
since joining Buffalo in 1998, will be the Chargers' starter while he tutors
second-round draft choice Drew Brees from Purdue. Another definite spotlight
player is No. 1 draft pick LaDainian Tomlinson, a running back out of TCU
who's expected to be Rookie of the Year material.
Key position battle
This isn't expected to be much of a battle, but
Tomlinson must come in and show he's the real thing at running back right
away, because the Chargers were without a running game in 2000, with a total
of 1,062 rushing yards for the team. Nineteen NFL backs rushed for more yards
individually last season than the Chargers did as a team.
Biggest adjustment
The offense must begin to gel as soon as possible in an
effort to catch up to the Chargers' formidable defense, which last year
allowed only 3.0-yards per carry to opposing backs. Butler added defensive
end Marcellus Wiley and linebacker Sam Rogers, both from Buffalo, and
cornerback Alex Molden to the defense.
Rookie report
As mentioned, Tomlinson is in the spotlight. Brees, who's
clearly the future, doesn't have a lot of pressure on him to contribute right
away. There is hope that Florida State defensive back Tay Cody and Nebraska
linebacker Carlos Polk step right in to help -- at least on special teams.
Chargers' complete offseason moves