Aug 31, 2015
Bolts hoping for Tomlinson-like surge with Gordon aboard
The San Diego Chargers hope Melvin Gordon is the true heir to LaDainian Tomlinson's reign in SD after years of disappointment with Ryan Mathews. And that improved running game helps Philip Rivers get back to his Tomlinson-era form.
The Chargers finished with an identical 9-7 record to 2013’s squad last season, but this time around it wasn’t good enough for a spot in the playoffs. Head coach Mike McCoy was praised after the team’s fortunate playoff berth two years ago, but when those same nine wins didn’t equal a spot in the postseason last year – as they shouldn’t – McCoy was seen in a less favourable light. Norv Turner could get the Chargers’ nine wins; McCoy was brought in to take the Chargers to the next level.
Offence
Notables: QB Philip Rivers, RB Melvin Gordon, WR Keenan Allen, TE Antonio Gates
2014 Ranks
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Pass Yards/Game256.1 (10th)
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Rush Yards/Game85.4 (30th)
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Points/Game21.8 (17th)
Defence
Notables: DT Corey Liuget, ILB Manti Te'o, OLB Melvin Ingram, FS Eric Weddle
2014 Ranks
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Pass Yards/Game214.2 (4th)
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Rush Yards/Game124.1 (26th)
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Points/Game21.8 (13th)
Offensive Breakdown
Is Philip Rivers more than a nine-win quarterback?
Speaking of stuck on nine wins, the Chargers surprised many when they finally locked up quarterback Philip Rivers to a long-term extension midway training camp.
For Chargers’ fans, whether they liked Rivers or not, it was a tense off-season. Seemingly due to relocation rumours, Rivers spent the off-season never fully committing to the team past his current contract, apparently unenthused about the prospect of playing in Los Angeles. It got to the point rumour mongers and draftniks were suggesting a Rivers trade to Tennessee for the second-overall pick, presumably for the Chargers to take Marcus Mariota. That never happened, and now Rivers is tied to the Chargers, be in San Diego or elsewhere, through 2019.
Now don’t get me wrong, you can win with Rivers. Since taking over as a full-time starter with the Chargers in 2006, only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have more regular-season wins than the 33-year-old, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
Philip Rivers' Career Stats as Starter
Year | Completions | Attempts | Yards | Touchdown | Interceptions | Wins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | 284 | 460 | 3,388 | 22 | 9 | 14 |
2007 | 277 | 460 | 3,152 | 21 | 15 | 11 |
2008 | 312 | 478 | 4,009 | 34 | 11 | 8 |
2009 | 317 | 486 | 4,254 | 28 | 9 | 13 |
2010 | 357 | 541 | 4,710 | 30 | 13 | 9 |
2011 | 366 | 582 | 4,624 | 27 | 20 | 8 |
2012 | 338 | 527 | 3,606 | 26 | 15 | 7 |
2013 | 378 | 544 | 4,478 | 32 | 11 | 9 |
2014 | 379 | 570 | 4,286 | 31 | 18 | 9 |
Having a decent QB in the NFL is sometimes half the battle, but after a quick start to his career, Rivers has averaged just 8.4 wins over his last five seasons. Maybe starting over with a new QB wouldn’t have been a terrible idea. Sure the Chargers would have taken an initial step back, but at this point Rivers likely is what he is and that may not be a championship quarterback.
Rivers' and the Chargers’ fall off the last five years coincided with the departure of star running back LaDainian Tomlinson and the disappointing play of replacement of Ryan Mathews. Now comes Melvin Gordon, and if he can prove to be more Tomlinson than Mathews, the Chargers’ could recapture their Tomlinson-era productivity.
Gordon will certainly be given the chance to shine, just ask any fantasy football junkie. Any running back worthy of a first-round pick these days should be in for big things.
PLAYER TO WATCH: TE ANTONIO GATES
Before Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, there was Antonio Gates (and I suppose Tony Gonzalez), one of the first tight ends to be more exciting red-zone target than boring inline blocker. As Gronkowski and Graham continued to emerge and climb fantasy football Top 200 lists, Gates faded into the background, but has since experienced a resurgence. Gates’ 12 touchdowns last year were the second highest of his career, proving that at 35 and in his last season, he can still help what could be a potent Chargers’ offence this season. Gates will miss the first four games of the season due to suspension, possibly giving a look into the future at tight end for the Chargers.
IN: OG Orlando Franklin, WR Stevie Johnson, WR Jacoby Jones
OUT: C Nick Hardwick, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Eddie Royal
Defensive Breakdown
Chargers' front seven needs to help out strong secondary
The Chargers’ front seven has some talented pieces, and helped the team to a very impressive ranking against the pass (fourth in the league), which was somewhat surprising considering their struggles rushing the passer.
Former first-round pick Melvin Ingram broke out a little last year with four sacks in nine games, but will need a combination of consistent health (he’s missed 19 games the past two seasons), and continuing productivity to help the Chargers improve their sack numbers. Corey Liuget actually led the team in sacks last year with 4.5, a decent number for a 3-4 defensive end, but can’t be tops again this year if the Chargers are to improve on their ninth-ranked defence of a year ago.
The bigger reason for the team’s staunch pass defence is their secondary. Eric Weddle and his giant beard stayed away during the off-season and may be in his last year with the Chargers, but for the time being at least, is a very solid anchor for the secondary at free safety. Brandon Flowers is a solid cornerback and Jason Verrett, coming off a promising rookie campaign, is another strong piece as well.
The team’s linebacking corps should be solid too, with Manti Te’o looking better and second-rounder Denzel Perryman added to the mix. Donald Butler is a better linebacker than he showed last year, and a return to form could help San Diego threaten a Top 5 spot in defensive rankings.
IN: CB Patrick Robinson, SS Jimmy Wilson
OUT: OLB Dwight Freeney, SS Marcus Gilchrist, OLB Jarret Johnson, CB Shareece Wright
Draft
The Chargers paid a hefty price to move up in the draft and select Gordon, but if they think he can do to their offence what Ladainian Tomlinson used to do, he’ll be well worth it. And while they aren’t ready to label him a future Hall of Famer like Tomlinson, there are plenty of people that think the Wisconsin product do wonders for Philip Rivers and the Chargers. Denzel Perryman had first-round grades from a number of draftniks and should be a nice pickup in the second round. The two should carry a small draft class – only five players – to a solid grade years down the line.
2015 Draft Class
Round | Overall | Player | Position | College | Height | Weight |
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1 | 15 | Melvin Gordon | RB | Wisconsin | 6'1 | 215 |
2 | 48 | Denzel Perryman | ILB | Miami (FL) | 5'11 | 236 |
3 | 83 | Craig Mager | CB | Texas State | 5'11 | 201 |
5 | 153 | Kyle Emanuel | OLB | North Dakota State | 6'3 | 255 |
6 | 192 | Darius Philon | DT | Arkansas | 6'1 | 298 |