What's New?
Following a 14-2 season, it’s understandable if a team doesn’t bring in a lot of new faces, but about the only significant change from last year’s San Diego Chargers team to this one is in the coaching staff. Out is Marty Schottenheimer and in is 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Generally teams with such gaudy regular-season records don’t change head coaches unless it’s necessitated by retirement. But the Chargers one-and-done act in last year’s playoffs, along with a shaky relationship with general manager A.J. Smith, pushed Schottenheimer out the door.
The problem is, I’m not so sure Turner’s any better. He’s a fantastic coordinator and has some great weapons in LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates to work with, but he has yet to prove he can lead a whole team. And until he takes a team deep into the playoffs, he will face the same stigma that has faced Schottenheimer for years.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Craig Davis, WR LSU
2nd Round - Eric Weddle, S Utah
3rd Round - Anthony Waters, LB Clemson
4th Round - Scott Chandler, TE Iowa
5th Round - Legedu Naanee, WR Boise State
7th Round - Brandon Siler, LB Florida
Who's Gone?
LB Donnie Edwards (Chiefs)
LB Randall Godfrey (Redskins)
OT Leander Jordan (Falcons)
S Terrence Kiel (released)
TE Ryan Krause (released/Browns)
WR Keenan McCardell (released)
TE Aaron Shea (released)
What Needs to Change?
The biggest thing that really needs to change with this squad is they need to win in the playoffs. They are an extremely talented team, but there is a lot of competition at the top of the AFC. Their biggest physical weakness is the defensive secondary, which ranked 13th in the league. The team hopes, however, the addition of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell will help in that area.
And if the Chargers hope to achieve true elite status and potential dynasty material, quarterback Philip Rivers needs to take another step forward in his development. The team had probably the best traditional running game in the league last season -- they were second to only the Falcons in total rushing yards-- but were just middle of the pack at throwing the ball.
Under Pressure to Perform
Norv Turner - This may be his first year at the helm, but Turner will be expected to win now. The 2007 Chargers are loaded with talent, and anything short of a deep run in the playoffs will be considered a failure. This team has Super Bowl aspirations, and just getting to the playoffs again won’t get it done.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 4th (365.0)
Rushing Offense - 2nd (161.1)
Passing Offense - 16th (203.9)
Overall Defense - 10th (301.6)
Rushing Defense - 7th (100.8)
Passing Defense - 13th (200.8)
Prediction - There’s no doubt the Chargers are among the best teams in the league, but are they any better off with Turner as their head coach? That’s the question everyone will be asking come January.
Record:11-5 and first in the AFC West
