After two weeks, how much do we really know about the San Diego Chargers? I say we know quite a bit. The great thing is, most of it is positive.
Yes, we’ve played the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. Two teams most feel won’t make the playoffs. I say, who cares?!?! You play the teams on your schedule and hopefully at the end of the year you’re healthy, playing well, and smiling.
Here’s what is making me smile after two weeks.
The Offensive Line: I’m not giving them an A grade but I think they’ve done a fine job. Former San Diego State University product, Brandon Dombrowski has been serviceable and the line as a whole is looking good. They’ve reduced the amount of sacks per game from 2.12 per game in 2009 to 1.5 in 2010. Also, they are giving Rivers time to look downfield and opening holes for the running game.
The Running Game: Last year the Chargers averaged 89 yards rushing per game. After two contests in 2010, the Chargers are averaging 139 yards per game. Some of the kudos go to the tandem of Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert and some to the offensive line. Barring injuring, the Mathews / Tolbert duo should be fun to watch.
The Passing Game: Gates is Gates. Pretty damn amazing that Chargers fans have had the unique pleasure of watching two great ones in Kellen Winslow and Antonio Gates. Name another team that can boast the talents of these two guys? You can’t and we’re lucky. In addition to Gates, Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee have been solid. Both are averaging over 20 YPC. If Patrick Crayton can prove to be an additional threat, we will be just fine. Also, if it doesn’t rain during the rest of our games I don’t see a problem with our passing game☺!
The Defense: They are doing a good job against the run and getting a push up front. Sacks are not coming at a 2006 rate but there is a push. Sometimes that’s all you need. Rivera has done a real nice job disguising the defensive looks. You may not see anyone on this defense make the Pro Bowl, but they are looking more and more like a unit you want to root for. Jacques Cesaire (2 TFL, 1 Sack) and Antoine Cason (2 INT, 1 FF) had monster games against the Jaguars.
Next Opportunity: The Seattle Seahawks
In the NFL, the team who turns the ball over fewer times generally wins. In 2010, the Chargers have a +2 turnover margin while the Seahawks have a -3 turnover margin. Couple this with the fact that our talent is superior to the Seahawks, we should win by two touchdowns. Should and will are two different things and there is rain in the forecast for Sunday (does it rain in Seattle everyday?). The Chargers may have to rely on the run game to win this week. If so, it still shouldn’t be a problem. Bolts to 2-1.
Week 2 Highlights – San Diego Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Filed under: San Diego Chargers Tagged: | Antonio Gates, Bolts, Brandon Dombrowski, Jacksonville Jaguars, jacques Cesaire, Kansas City Chiefs, Kellen Winslow, Legedu Naanee, Malcolm Floyd, Mike Tolbert, Patrick Crayton, Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers, San Diego State University
