Quick 2012 Review
The San Diego Chargers finished second in the AFC West last season with a 7-9 record, a disappointing year after their 8-8 2011 season. Quarterback Philip Rivers had a down season and the Chargers struggled as a whole. The Bolts missed out on the playoffs for the third season in a row. They did however, win three of their last four games which pushed them to their 7-9 record. The disappointing season resulted in the firings of head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith.
2013 Schedule
9/9 vs. Houston - 10:20 EST ESPN
9/15 @ Philadelphia - 1:00 EST CBS
9/22 @ Tennessee - 1:00 EST CBS
9/29 vs. Dallas - 4:25 EST FOX
10/6 @ Oakland - 4:25 EST CBS
10/14 vs. Indianapolis - 8:40 EST ESPN
10/20 @ Jacksonville - 1:00 EST CBS
BYE WEEK
11/3 @ Washington - 1:00 EST CBS
11/10 vs. Denver - 4:25 EST CBS
11/17 @ Miami - 1:00 EST CBS
11/24 @ Kansas City - 1:00 EST CBS
12/1 vs. Cincinnati - 4:25 EST CBS
12/8 New York Giants - 4:25 EST FOX
12/12 @ Denver - 8:25 EST NFLN
12/22 vs. Oakland - 4:25 EST CBS
12/29 vs. Kansas City - 4:25 EST CBS
Schedule Analysis
The Chargers face some good teams this year and will have a bit of a challenge this season. They play three teams that were in the playoffs last season (Houston, Washington, and Indy) not to mention their division rival Peyton Manning and the Broncos. They also face the Bengals and Dolphins, two teams that could surprise this year. They have two primetime games; both good matchups. The first Monday Night game of the season is Chargers and Texans, that’ll be a good one and an early test for the Bolts.
Offensive Outlook
Last season the offensive line and receivers were a concern for the Chargers and resulted in a poor performance by Rivers who was 338-527 with 3,606 yards for 26 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The past two seasons Rivers has thrown 59 turnovers, he needs to prove he still has what it takes to take a team to the playoffs.
This season the offense welcomes running back Danny Woodhead who has had a nice career with the New England Patriots. Woodhead will add some pop to this offense and give Rivers more options.
Tight end Antonio Gates has always been key to this offense and running back Ryan Mathews and wide receiver Malcom Floyd have been good targets for Rivers. They also drafted wide receiver Keenan Allen in order to give Rivers some more weapons on that offense.
The offensive line has become a concern for the Chargers as Rivers hasn’t had much protection. They drafted D.J. Fluker and plan to keep him at right tackle where he can flourish in the NFL.
Overall, there should be improvement with this offense. There are guys who need to prove their worth, especially Rivers, and they need to prove themselves this year. San Diego went out and got some guys to help rejuvenate Rivers and the offense by providing him with some more options.
Defensive Outlook
John Pagano will remain the Chargers defensive coordinator this season and there have been some changes to the defense.
After Melvin Ingram tore his ACL in OTA’s the Chargers added veteran linebacker Dwight Freeney via free agency. The duo of draftee Manti Te'o and Donald Butler could be a dynamic one.
When it comes to the D-line, they have solid starters such as Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes, and Cam Thomas, but not a lot of depth. They’ll need them to stay healthy this season.
The Chargers defense will have to do without their longtime corner Quentin Jammer who signed with Denver this offseason. They were able to sign Derek Cox, but they’ll need him to stay healthy. Eric Weddle will have another dynamic season as he has proven to be one of the best safeties in the league.
The Chargers have a lot to prove this year. There’s not a lot of hype about them, and the Broncos are the clear favorite for the division, but the Chargers welcome a new coach in Mike McCoy and expect some change this year. Three seasons without a playoff appearance, the Chargers clearly want that to change.