My Antonio Gates Blog

The San Diego Chargers capped off the 2009 regular season with 11 straight wins on their way to a fourth straight AFC West division title. However, they couldn't keep it going in the playoffs. They were upset by the New York Jets in the divisional round.

The Chargers still appear to be the most talented team in the West as we near the 2010 season, but just winning another division title will be a disappointment if this team doesn't make a trip to the Super Bowl.

Offense: Despite a pathetic running game, which ranked next to last in the league, the Chargers were one of the most explosive offensive teams in the NFL last season. With a 28.4 points per game scoring average, the Chargers boasted the fourth-best scoring offense in the league.

Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers led the way in 2009, and his right arm will continue to be the focal point of the offense now that LaDainian Tomlinson is a New York Jet. Rivers threw for 4,254 yards and 28 scores with just nine interceptions, while finishing third in the NFL with a 104.4 quarterback rating.

Rivers benefits from having a pair of elite targets in the receiving corps. Antonio Gates is one of the premier pass catching tight ends in the NFL and Jackson is quickly emerging as a top notch wideout. This dynamic duo combined for 147 catches, 2,324 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

The Chargers were the second-worst rushing team in the NFL in 2009, only gaining 88.9 yards per game. While it was tough to part ways with one of the greatest backs in NFL history, San Diego's running game can't get any worse. If anything it should get better with the fresh legs of first round draft pick Ryan Matthews and a healthier offensive line.

Defense: The San Diego defense was solid in 2009, only allowing 20.0 points per game (11th in the NFL), but the Chargers aren't satisfied. Their pass defense wasn't consistent. In fact, they ranked No. 20 in the NFL against the pass, giving up 209.2 yards per game. The Chargers can easily decrease that number if outside linebacker Shawne Merriman returns to form.

Merriman didn't look like himself in his first season back from a serious knee injury. He only tallied four sacks after averaging 13.2 per year through his first three seasons.

The other Shaun, Shaun Phillips, continued his consistently good play with a seven sack campaign. He has now recorded at least seven sacks each of the last five years. The Bolts are also looking for more production from Larry English in his second season.

Kevin Burnett and Stephen Cooper will join the aforementioned platoon to form a solid linebacker unit.

Big Luis Castillo leads the charge up front with fellow vets Jacques Cesaire, Ryon Bingham, Travis Johnson and Antonio Garay chipping in as well.

San Diego struggled to defend the pass last season, allowing 209.2 yards per game through the air (20th in the NFL). More production from Merriman or English will go a long way toward improving this area.

The Chargers shipped Antonio Cromartie to the Jets, but they like what they have in 2008 first round pick Antoine Cason. He joins shutdown corner Quentin Jammer to form a formidable cornerback duo.

Prediction: 1st AFC West - Look for the Bolts to win a fifth straight division title behind the strong right arm of Rivers. NFL lines makes have listed the Chargers as a big favorite to win the AFC West.

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2008 represented a up and down year for the San Diego Chargers. The team started horribly then somehow rebounded to finish 8-8 and managed to steal the AFC West from the Denver Broncos by beating them 52-21 on the final week of the regular season. The Bolts then defeated Indianapolis 23-17 in the Wildcard round before finally bowing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Pittsburg Steelers 35-24 in the Divisional Playoff. The year saw QB Phillip Rivers emerge as one of the NFL's elite and also witnessed the first sign that LaDanian Tomlinson may be on the decline. What kind of options do the 2009 Chargers provide fantasy owners? I now offer my thoughts on the topic.

Rivers really came into his own in 2009 by throwing for 4009 yds and 34 Td's with only 11 Int's. The former NC State product was on point all year long despite the teams early struggles and it was a complete joke that Rivers failed to make the Pro Bowl as he clearly was one of the best QB's all season. Rivers returns this year with pretty much the same offensive unit however it will be hard to duplicate last year's numbers. First, as I will discuss further in a moment, I expect LT to rebound this year and if he does that will cut into Rivers numbers. Furthermore, I not really sold on the Chargers receivers especially when Vincent Jackson is your number one guy. It's tough to get on Rivers case and he is certainly one of the top five QB's available in fantasy drafts along with Manning, Brady, and Brees. I would be surprised but not shocked if he exceeds his 2008 numbers. Draft him around the 3rd or 4th round.

According to all the pundits Tomlinson had a "horrible" year. Since when is a horrible year 1110 yards and 12 total TD's? 99% of the RB's in the NFL would call those stats a CAREER year. It really shows you what kind of career Tomlinson has had when everyone is ready to kick him to the curb after one injury riddled, slightly sub-par year. Granted 3 of his TD's came in week 17 which is the fantasy equivalent of the Pro Bowl week as most leagues conclude the previous week and if I had drafted LT first overall I probably would have been pissed too. But seriously people. Give the dude a break. I don't think LT is the next Shaun Alexander and unlike NFL.com's Michael Fabiano I don't think Tomlinson is done although his days of rushing for 28 Td's are over. From all reports I am hearing out of San Diego Tomlinson is practicing with a chip on his shoulder and is 100% healthy and looking awesome. With Darren Sproles proving to the nation last year that he is a more than adequate substitute despite his size, LT will not have to take the pounding as he did in the past. Sproles will spell LT more this year thus Tomlinson should stay fresh throughout the year. LT has been going anywhere from the late first round to the late second round of the mock's I have been doing. I have even nabbed him coming back around after drafting Peterson number one overall so essentially round 3. If you can get Tomlinson anywhere in the 2nd round you are committing larceny. If you draft him just make sure you handcuff him later in the draft with Sproles.

In my estimation the Chargers receiving corps is average at best with Jackson leading the way with 1098 yards and 7 TD's. After Jackson the Chargers have Chris Chambers, Malcom Floyd, and Legedu Naanee essentially rounding out the position. I had Chambers last year and was starting him before he got hurt and the former Wisconsin product was actually on a pretty nice TD run before his injury. He would have one catch and that catch would usually go for a score. Then he fell off dramatically after sustaining the injury and was subsequently firmly entrenched on my bench. As for Jackson, a lot of people think he has the potential to break out this year and that belief is illustrated by the fact that he has been going around the 4th-5th round of the CBS Sports mock drafts. In my estimation that is too high for him but that is only my take and if you have a gut feeling that he will perform then draft him. The Chargers sport a potent offense and Jackson is unquestionably the number one receiving option on the squad along with TE Antonio Gates. Im just pointing out that 2008 was the first time that Jackson has been over 1000 yards and I honestly view him no more than a number 3 receiver or Flex option. Furthermore, Jackson has a accumulated a series of DUI's one of which is currently being litigated on and thus will be a character risk for any owner that selects him. To his defense, he does have Rivers throwing him the ball and that will certainly help as will the fact that the Bolts offense is capable of putting up serious points. If you have a gut feeling about Jackson take him I just personally don't have that gut feeling and will more than likely avoid him on draft day. As for Chambers, Naanee, and Floyd, avoid all until they prove they are capable of putting up consistent stats. Floyd, based on his last year's performance is the wildcard to watch for the Chargers early on as he and Rivers seemed to form some nice chemistry as the season progressed.

TE Gates remains one of the NFL's elite at the position. 2008 witnessed his yardage drop significantly but TD's remaied on par. Last season Gates caught 60 passes for 704 yards and 8 scores. The yardage total was clearly Gates lowest output since his rookie campaign but I don't really think that there is any cause for concern. First, Gates turns 29 tomorrow so age is not a factor. Furthermore, the stubborn toe injury that may have played a part in his yardage totals dropping is healed and Gates appears to be 100% healthy. Finally, he is still the number 1 option in the potent passing attack led by Rivers. In summary, don't be swayed by the somewhat off year that Gates had in 2008. The former Kent State product still remains one of the best at his position. Draft him behind Dallas Clark and Jason Witten only.

The Chargers DST is one of the best options for fantasy owners heading into 2009 for a variety of reasons. First, Shawn Merriman returns this year after missing nearly the entire season in '09 after undergoing knee surgery. Furthermore, the Chargers used their first round pick in this years draft on OLB Larry English out of Northern Illinois thus giving the Bolts a very formidable duo at LB pairing the rookie along with Merriman. Moreover, Sproles is threat to return every punt or kickoff he touches for a score. The Chargers DST struggles early then came on late much in the same way the entire team did and that was without the services of Merriman and English. Look for this unit to be one of the best fantasy options in '09 and expect them to be off the board after Pittsburgh, NE, and possibly the NY Jets who will no doubt be stout defensively with new Head Coach Rob Ryan in town. Next up: The Denver Broncos.

Chris Limburg is the fanatical purveyor of OaklandRaidersCentral.com: A Oakland Raiders/Fantasy Football blog that provides commentary on everything that is the NFL. Sign up for my free newsletter at [http://www.oaklandraiderscentral.com] and receive my fantasy football e-course that will prepare you for your draft and enable you to dominate your league in 2009.

The San Diego Chargers are entering the 2010 season with a brand new look, at least at one position, but it's a new look that has big implications for the club. The team got rid of future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who broke records, won an MVP and led the club to success for much of the past decade.

In getting rid of Tomlinson, they feel that they are moving past a player who is beyond his prime, and has been steadily declining for the past two or three years. They are also ditching his ego and his demand for the spotlight. They still have a talented group of running backs, including some of their young draft picks, as well as the super speedy and diminutively sized Darren Sproles, also a key member of the special teams.

Now the team is fully in the hands of star quarterback Philip Rivers. Rivers is one of the best in the game, and can put up huge numbers. He'll have more of an opportunity to do so, without needing to worry about upsetting Tomlinson. He has all of the weapons you could ask for, still, particularly with tight end Antonio Gates. They are missing wide receiver Vincent Jackson currently with a contract dispute which may or may not get resolved for the season.

The Chargers have been projected to be one of the teams to beat in the AFC for several years running. They have never been able to live up to all of that hype, and all of those expectations before, even when they have had phenomenal regular seasons. Now though, it feels like some of the pressure and those burdens have been removed, and Rivers, Gates and Co. are ready to finally make their impact felt on the league in the playoffs.

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The San Diego Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the NFL that has yet to win a Super Bowl. They have all the right pieces in place but have yet to get over the hump.

The Chargers have perhaps the easiest division to win, the AFC West - with the Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos there are no serious threats at all to challenge for the division title. Anything less than a Super Bowl appearance will be a disappointment for the franchise.

They have everything a team needs to be a contender, QB Philip Rivers is among the best in the league, an explosive running game with Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett, and LaDaninian Tomlinson, wide receivers Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, and a stellar defense with Shawne Merriman, Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromarti, and Stephen Cooper.

The defense hasn't lived up to their potential just yet though.

Whatever the reasons are that the Chargers haven't won the Super Bowl, they could be the classic underachievers. But 09' should prove to be a make or break year for head coach Norv Turner.

Turner's career record is under .500 and if he can't lead the Chargers to a strong playoff run with the talent the Chargers have, he might be looking at the wanted ads at the end of the season.

The AFC is extremely difficult to win this year - Baltimore Ravens have an offense for the first time, the Indianapolis Colts have Peyton Manning and always a threat, the New York Jets are improved with a top-notch defense, the New England Patriots have a healthy Tom Brady again, and the Pittsburgh Steelers should be a contender.

The Chargers have a good balance, both running and throwing the ball, which gives them a chance to win every game. The Chargers must play up to their potential if they ever expect to play in February.

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The San Diego Chargers have some questions marks this year as key players have departed although our expert insiders for NFL Picks project them to finish #1 in a weak AFC West Conference. The Chargers will be led by their quarterback Phillip Rivers who is one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks and an explosive offense that scored at least 20 in every game last season.

Rivers put up ungodly numbers last season as he was the best quarterback in the AFC West with a passer rating of 104.4 only behind Drew Brees and Brett Favre. Rivers is known for his big time arm as he has thrown for 105 touchdowns verses 44 interceptions in four years as a starter while going a perfect 19-0 in December and January regular season games. He has plenty of options to utilize with an elite receiving core featuring Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd who combined for 192 catches and 18 touchdowns in 2009.

The Chargers will have to help Rivers and the passing game out this season by improving a running game that only produced 3.3 yards per carry. They made some key changes in the backfield this offseason by letting go of future hall of famer LaDainian Tomlinson and will now rely on the speedy Darren Sproles plus draft pick Ryan Mathews out of Fresno St. The Chargers made a great pick here and filled a need as Mathews led the nation with a gaudy 150.7 yards a game and will be a good combination for Sproles who is unable to carry the load as a full time back.

The Charger defense will be a question mark coming into the season after taking a huge gamble by letting go of a big play cornerback Antonio Cromartie and his 15 interceptions over the past three years. Cromartie will be replaced by cornerback Nathan Vasher from the Chicago Bears so they will need Shawne Merriman to get back to pro bowl form to help their pass defense after he only had four sacks for the Chargers in 2009. The defensive line lost nose tackle Jamal Williams so the Chargers hope Antonio Garay, Ogemdi Nwagbuo and rookie Cam Thomas can secure their rushing defense which gave up 117.8 yards a game ranked 20th in the NFL last year.

The Chargers will be able to score points on anyone but the defense is a huge question mark for the 2010 season. They are in a weak AFC West division so their offense can overcome some deficiencies although when they get to the playoffs, their weaknesses will be exposed once again with an early exit out of the playoffs.

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One of the best young quarterbacks in the entire NFL is none other than San Diego Chargers great Philip Rivers. He seems to have the full package when it comes to the physical abilities needed to play the position too. Rivers has become quite popular in recent years and play with a large amount of passion for the game and for winning.

Here is a look at five things you may not know about San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

Let's Play The Broncos Again!
Through the 2009 NFL season, Philip Rivers has thrown more touchdown passes against the Denver Broncos than he has against any other team in the NFL. His 14 TD passes against the Broncos are just one ahead of the 13 he has thrown during his career against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Someone Had To Be First
The first NFL touchdown pass that Rivers ever threw came in the fourth quarter of the last game of the 2004 season, a 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. It went for 13 yards and was caught by receiver Malcom Floyd.

The One Timers
Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson have played a huge role in how successful Rivers has been during his four years as the starting quarterback of the Chargers. During that time, those two have caught the bulk of the touchdown passes. Four players during that time have caught just one touchdown pass apiece from Rivers. The one touchdown club members are Craig Davis, Jacob Hester, Lorenzo Neal, and Kris Wilson.

Out Of The Gates And In The Lead
No player in the league has caught as many touchdown passes from Philip Rivers as the great Antonio Gates. During their time together, they have hooked up for 32 touchdowns already.

Run Little Guy, Run
Through the 2009 season, the longest touchdown pass of Philip Rivers career has been an 81 yarder that was thrown in a 24-20 week two loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was caught by running back Darren Sproles in the first quarter and had given the team the lead.

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