Chargers break huddle for the start of a new Season

The San Diego Chargers will kick off the 2009 season against their division rival Raiders in Oakland on Monday night. After wrapping up the preseason with a 26-7 win over the 49ers and a record of 2-2, the Bolts are ready to start anew and make another run at a championship. Sharing the AFC West with the likes of Kansas City, Denver, and Oakland makes them an easy pick for the division crown, and there are some who believe the Chargers will be right there with the other favorites in the AFC for making the Superbowl.

Last year the Chargers were favorites as well, but struggled throughout the 08’ season and found themselves in a big hole at 4-8 with just one quarter of the games to be played. But San Diego rallied and with the help of a Denver collapse, went into January as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. With a record of 8-8 and a division title the Chargers knocked off the Colts in the first round and made it to the divisional playoffs where their improbable run finally came to an end at the hands of the eventual Superbowl Champion, Pittsburgh Steelers.

This year the Chargers want to take their playoff journey a couple steps further and win it all, and they should have the means to make a serious push. Phillip Rivers had a career year in 08’ and emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the game. He finished the season with a 105.5 rating, over 4000 yards passing, and 34 touchdowns, but had to sit back and watch another one of his fellow QB draftees capture a Vince Lomabardi trophy. Rivers is still looking for his first, and you can bet that #17 will be hungrier than ever for that ring, but he’ll need help on offense. For this the key will be Ladanian Tomlinson and the running game. LT had one of his worst performances last year as he was hampered by injuries. Some question whether the star half back has anything left, but for San Diego there is comfort in knowing that Tomlinson is at least healthy for the start of the grueling 16 game schedule.

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In the early part of the 08’ campaign, one of the most glaring weaknesses for the Chargers was their defense. They were one of the worst in the league, especially against the pass, but late in the year, and after the firing of their defensive coordinator, the Charger D began to come on strong. It was one of the keys to their amazing comeback, and it will be an integral part of any success they have this year as well. Although, he has been mired in some controversy during the preseason, Shawn Merriman, a.k.a., Superman, will be a much welcomed addition to their defense. Merriman is a big time playmaker and was sorely missed last season when he spent his time on injured reserve. Look for big things from Merriman and perhaps comeback player or the year.

The Chargers are a well balanced team and very talented, but as they say any team can win on any given Sunday. San Diego will still have to be at their best if they want to beat the Raiders. Oakland may be a mess both on and off the field, but the Chargers can’t take them lightly, and they need to get off to a good start, both for Monday’s game and the season ahead.

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent