Trying to evaluate just what the San Diego Chargers need with the offseason is a difficult task. Do you evaluate them as a 13-3 juggernaut that tripped itself up in a less than ideal situation? A few limited tweaks would then be all that is necessary.
Or do you look to the team as a bit of an overachiever? A 10 win team that found a way to win a few extra times? This approach obviously warrants a much deeper consideration, and a few broader changes.
The answer lies somewhere in between. Both looks share the common thread of a change to the running game. That one is the team’s first priority with Tomlinson’s slim chance of a return growing even slimmer.
Past that, it becomes a difficult order of [...]
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This offseason, the San Diego Chargers have a few key concerns, as well as a host of smaller ones. Looking back at the 2009 season, what stands out most is the NFL’s 31st-ranked rushing attack despite the backfield’s strong resume.
What bodes well for the team is that four of the league’s five worst rushing teams boasted dynamic and effective offenses alongside winning records (Indianapolis, San Diego, Houston, and Arizona). Three of those were playoff teams, with the last-place Colts earning a Super Bowl bid.
That tells us that San Diego need not necessarily improve to the league’s upper half in running the football. It does not, however, mean that moderate improvement is not necessary.
What went [...]
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Just three and a half hours before the Chargers playoff game against the New York Jets, wide receiver Vincent Jackson was calling backup quarterback Billy Volek for a ride after spending a brief time in handcuffs.
Jackson was stopped at 10 a.m. by a police officer who set a speed-trap along Murphy Canyon road. While not speeding, Jackson was pulled over due to the loud music from the his car. The officer cited that Jackson was operating contrary to a California law that prevents “the operation of any sound amplification system which can be heard outside the vehicle from 50 or more feet” (except for extenuating circumstances).
That stop itself was minor, given that the area was an empty non-residential location. Jackson’s response when asked to show license and [...]
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January 21, 2010 by
Paul Preibisius |
49ers,
atlanta,
Bears,
Broncos,
carolina,
chicago,
Denver,
Dolphins,
falcons,
Football,
Giants,
houston,
Jacksonville,
Jaguars,
Miami,
New York,
NFL,
Panthers,
pittsburgh,
Playoffs,
san francisco,
Steelers,
tennessee,
Texans,
Titans
With several teams falling just short of the playoffs this year, it begs the question, what of these teams can find a way to secure the two or three extra wins necessary to take themselves into the playoffs. This mid-range covers all 7-9 and 8-8 teams, as well as the 9-7’s that fell short of a wildcard berth.
Chicago Bears
The Bear narrowly avoided entrance to the first list by way of back to back wins to close out the year. A preseason darling for a deep postseason run, Chicago lands itself as one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
Why They Can: Defensive emotional leader Brian Urlacher was gone for the year. With him back the team will have more fire and swagger. Jay Cutler may be turnover prone, but he can air the [...]
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When the Chargers went to face the Jets, they were a hot team looking to advance to face an opponent they had historically fared quite well against. Something happened in between the start of the playoffs and that date with Indianapolis however. The Jets.
Vincent Jackson, expected to be shut down by Darrell Revis had seven catches for 111 yards. Phillip Rivers put up nearly 300 yards. Mark Sanchez was held to being perfectly average, with just 100 yards on 12 of 23 passing with a TD and a pick. Thomas Jones was even stuff for less than three yards a carry and the attacking Jets defense only managed two sacks.
On paper most of what the Chargers wanted to happen would have seemed to. But in a game of inches, the team was buried on three plays.
The first goes to Nate [...]
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January 17, 2010 by
Lars Hanson |
2010 NFL mock draft,
Brady Quinn,
Calvin Johnson,
Eagles,
Lions,
Matt Hasselbeck,
Matt Stafford,
Michael Crabtree,
Mock Draft,
Mock Draft updated,
Pete Carroll,
Richard Seymour,
Seahawks,
St. Louis Rams
In my first installment of my 2010 NFL Mock draft I received a lot of comments with people speaking out about two or three of my picks. Mainly Tim Tebow going sixth to the Seattle Seahawks, Gerald McCoy 12th to the Miami Dolphins and Jahvid Best 21st to the New York Jets.
So far no new big names have thrown their name into the 2010 draft pool. However I would like to point out that UW quarterback Jake Locker IS NOT going to be in the 2010 mock draft. I have seen at least five or more mock drafts in the last few days with Locker still in them.
So with that being said [...]
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The second round of the NFL playoffs have now been decided. In the AFC midseason monster Cincinnati and perennial powerhouse New England were both roughed up at home by their wildcard opponents. Coming out of the fifth seed, the victorious New York Jets are now the team San Diego will face in the divisional round.
New York topped the Bengals 24-14 in Cincinnati to advance to the divisional round of a playoffs they nearly missed. The Jets slipped to 4-6 by week 11, suffering a 1-6 skid after looking strong in by opening the year with a three game winning streak that included a statement match against division rival New England.
The Jets once more caught fire to closed the year with five wins in six games. The run included a match against Indianapolis where the Colts lead the [...]
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The Cleveland Browns defeated the Oakland Raiders 23-9 for their third straight win and have established an identity along the way. The Browns have become a running team. In wins over the Steelers, Chiefs and Raiders, the Browns have rushed for 686 in the three games, an average of just over 228 a game.
Jerome Harrison has emerged as the key force in this new found rushing attack, gaining 148 yards on a team record 39 carries. Harrison who gained 286 yards last week, also ran for a 16 yard touchdown to give the Browns a 7-0 lead. Derek Anderson passed 19 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi for the other Cleveland touchdown.
Cleveland took advantage of three Charlie Frye interceptions and 13 Raider penalties for 126 yards, to hold Oakland to just nine points. Cleveland turned it over just [...]
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The Seattle Seahawks have reported Mike Holmgren has turned down an offer to join them in a senior leadership position. Holmgren said thanks but no thanks. It is speculated Holmgren wanted more control than Seattle was offering.
According to Holmgren, the Cleveland "czar" job is his if he wants it. With Seattle now out of the picture, it looks like he will be coming to Cleveland to rebuild the once proud franchise. Holmgren's decision could come as early as Monday.
How much rebuilding the Browns will require will be totally up to Holmgren. It's still not sure just what role(s) he would have, but he will probably have total control of the football operations. It looks like Eric Mangini and staff will have the final three games to state their case to remain in Cleveland. Anything [...]
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Pro Bowl voting closes December 21. Here’s my 2009 ballot.
NFC (*starter)
QB: Drew Brees, Saints*
QB: Brett Favre, Vikings
[...]
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