Butler quickly released the underachieving, counterproductive Ryan Leaf, officially labeling the former number-one pick as a gigantic bust. Free agent Doug Flutie was then signed to replace him when Buffalo decided Rob Johnson would be their starter and they didn't need Doug anymore. The 38-year-old veteran will be the starting quarterback for the Chargers, and should be a tremendous improvement over the level of play Chargers' fans saw last season.

Flutie was also brought in to mentor rookie quarterback Drew Brees, who the Chargers were fortunate to pick up with the first pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. After trading the first pick in the draft to the Atlanta Falcons, the Chargers picked up running back LaDainian Thomlinson with the fifth overall pick and then Brees in the second round. Brees has great long-term potential and will probably be brought along slowly, but Thomlinson should see some quality playing time and should make an immediate impact.

Butler also brought in free-agent wide receiver Tim Dwight to bolster the receiving unit, and also signed offensive lineman Ed Ellis to help out one of the weakest lines in the game.

The defense was the strength of the team last year, keeping many games closer than they should have been. Defensive lineman Marcellus Wiley and linebacker Sam Rodgers came over from Buffalo and are both quality players. Wiley recorded 10½ sacks last season, and is a solid, young pass rusher.

The Chargers also upgraded, and added depth to their secondary by adding cornerbacks Ryan McNeil and Alex Molden.

Overview

The Chargers have improved dramatically, if nowhere else, certainly at quarterback. Having an established veteran like Flutie will give this offense the confidence it lacked in 2000, but don't look for them to be explosive. LaDainian Thomlinson should see a lot of action, and he should have a fine rookie season.

The defense, which will be led again by veteran linebacker Junior Seau, should be very solid and will keep the Chargers in a lot of games again this year. This team was not as bad last season as a 1-15 record would seem to reflect, but they certainly will not be challenging for the Super Bowl either. I don't see the San Diego Chargers challenging the Broncos and Raiders this year, but they may give the Chiefs and Seahawks a good race for third place in the west.