DC NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

2007 Record: 11-5

Key Additions:
Antoine Cason (CB) - Draft - Arizona
Jacob Hester (RB) - Draft - LSU
Derek Smith (LB) - FA - 49ers

Key Losses:
Lorenzo Neal (FB) - FA - Ravens
Marlon McCree (CB) - FA - Broncos
Micheal Turner (RB) - FA - Falcons
Drayton Florence (CB) - FA - Jaguars

Offense:
The Chargers have had one of the best offenses for a couple years now, though last year they had a tough time ranking 20th in offense. Expect Philip Rivers to continue to get better, especially with Chris Chambers at WR to help him out. Tomlinson is the best RB in the NFL, but many people worry that he will not be the same without Turner there to back him up. I don't think this will be the case as Hester (one of my favorite college players) is a hell of a short yardage back, and should be able to pick up the slack. Antonio Gates is a stud, and if he can stay healthy this offense should be fine.

Defense:
All around this is a very solid defense. Merriman is a freak (well maybe because of steroids), and he will be running wild again this season. Antonio Cromartie is a hell of a defensive back, and really might be one of the only lock down corners coming into this 3rd year in the NFL. This defense led the league in interceptions and turnover differential. I see them having similar success in 2008.

Overall:
I hate this team with all my heart, because I am a Patriots fan, but you can't deny how good they really are. The question is not whether or not they will make the playoffs, but how far they can actually go. I'm sorry, but I still don't see this team taking down teams like the Patriots, and Colts. They also have a tough schedule in which they play the Patriots, Steelers, and Colts. Still, this is a very dangerous team and if they were in the NFC they would be in the Super Bowl.

Predicted Record: 12-4

Next up will be the Dallas Cowboys

To see the rest of the previews click below
CLICK HERE

Teams done so far:
All AFC Teams

-BMack