Remember that easy schedule last season that was supposed to allow the Chargers to jump to a possible 5-0 start. Well, the Chargers lost two of those games, and Mike Riley lost his job because the team appeared to lack the ability to win close games. Toughness and discipline is the strength of new Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer. It took five losses last season with the Redskins for players to recognize Schottenheimer was the boss. Despite a lack of depth, the Redskins responded with eight of 11 victories as they finally started playing Marty Ball.

Schottenheimer's biggest problem this season is the schedule. With an opponents record of 131-109, the Chargers face the league's toughest schedule. They face 10 teams with winning records from last season. However, an early schedule that includes Cincinnati, Houston and Arizona could give Schottenheimer a 3-0 start. Nobody knows the AFC West better than Schottenheimer from his days with the Chiefs. He has the type of runner (LaDainian Tomlinson) who could provide the type of running game Schottenheimer thrives upon. But does he have the offensive line? Most outsiders don't think he does.

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	Drew Brees threw only 27 passes last season.
	Location: UC-San Diego, LaJolla, Calif. Rookies report: July 22 Veterans report: July 25 Preseason schedule:    Aug. 10: Arizona    Aug. 16: Seattle    Aug. 22: at St. Louis    Aug. 28: at San Francisco

Despite the 5-11 season, the Chargers finished 11th on defense, and Schottenheimer believes he upgraded that unit in two spots. Rookie Quentin Jammer is the type of man-to-man cornerback Schottenheimer loves. He recruited Donnie Edwards to the Chargers talented linebacking corps. Don't count out the Chargers as a sleeper in the AFC. After all, Schottenheimer has a great ability to awaken any roster.

Man in the spotlight
Left tackle Damion McIntosh is under the biggest spotlight. The Chargers didn't have the luxury of improving the offensive line much, so McIntosh has to come through protecting the blindside of the quarterbacks. If he fails, Schottenheimer's only option is to switch Vaughn Parker back to the left side.

Key position battle
Schottenheimer's biggest decision is at quarterback. Doug Flutie, who will be 40 in October, and Drew Brees is entering his second season. The two are dead even in the quarterback battle heading into camp. Organizationally, the Chargers would love Brees to win. He's the future. But Flutie is competitive and the easy opening schedule favors him in terms of getting the team off to a good start. Schottenheimer will wait until the last minute to make a decision.

Injury update
The key to the defense is how well defensive tackle Jamal Williams comes off his knee reconstruction. With John Parrella now in Oakland, Williams is the main run-stopper on the defensive line. So far so good on that injury report, but if he tweaks the knee in camp, the front office will be sweating. Cornerbacks Ryan McNeil and Alex Molden had knee problems last season, but they should be fine. Linebacker Carlos Polk has recovered well from shoulder surgery. The best news is that defensive end Marcellus Wiley didn't require extra work on is foot during the offseason.

Rookie report
Jammer should be considered an immediate starter, and guard Toniu Fonoti better be. The Chargers need help on the offensive line, and Fonoti could be a run aid at right guard. Second-round choice Reche Caldwell could help as a third receiver.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.