2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers

Last Season: 9 – 7

2011 NFL Draft: DT Corey Liuget (Illinois, Rd. 1/Pick 18), CB Marcus Gilchrist (Clemson, Rd. 2/Pick 18), LB Jonas Mouton (Michigan, Rd. 2/Pick 29), WR Vincent Brown (San Diego St., Rd. 3/Pick 18), CB Shareece Wright (USC, Rd. 3/Pick 25), RB Jordan Todman (UConn, Rd. 6/Pick 18), G Steve Schilling (Michigan, Rd. 6/Pick 36), LB Andrew Gachkar (Missouri, Rd. 7/Pick 31)

Key Additions: S Bob Sanders, LB Takeo Spikes

Key Losses: RB Darren Sproles

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Philip Rivers — 4,710 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Philip Rivers — 30

• Rushing yards — Mike Tolbert — 735 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Mike Tolbert — 11

• Receiving yards — Antonio Gates — 782 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Antonio Gates — 10

• Tackles — Eric Weddle — 96

• Sacks — Shaun Phillips — 11

• Interceptions — Antoine Cason — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Vikings

Week 2: @ Patriots

Week 3: Chiefs

Week 4: Dolphins

Week 5: @ Broncos

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: @ NY Jets

Week 8: @ Chiefs

Week 9: Packers

Week 10: Raiders

Week 11: @ Bears

Week 12: Broncos

Week 13: @ Jaguars

Week 14: Bills

Week 15: Ravens

Week 16: @ Lions

Week 17: @ Raiders

Analysis: The San Diego Chargers were looking to finally get over the hump in the AFC playoffs last season and make the Super Bowl. Instead, turnovers and a lackluster defense buried the Chargers early and they gave up the AFC West crown to the Chiefs. They finished strong, however, going 7-2 after a 2-5 start. With QB Philip Rivers still at the helm the Chargers have as good a chance as anyone. Rivers is a statistical machine, passing for over 4,000 yards the past three seasons and an average of about 30 touchdowns over the same time period. With WR Vincent Jackson locked down early and raring to go, the offensive production should be on par. RB Ryan Matthews had a not-so-pleasant rookie season, but the Chargers still think he can produce. RB Mike Tolbert stepped up last year and will back-up Matthews this year. On the defensive side, the Chargers picked up free agent S Bob Sanders and LB Takeo Spikes, with both contributing to an already solid defense. The only question is the defensive line. DT Antonio Garay had a good season in 2010, but defensive ends Jacques Cesaire and Luis Castillo will have to help around the ends. The Chargers still have all the makings of a playoff contender, and if they can handle a scrappy Chiefs team, they should return to power in the AFC West.

2011 Season Prediction: 10 – 6, AFC West champions

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