Predicting San Diego Chargers’ 53-Man Roster in 2013
Predicting San Diego Chargers 53-Man Roster
For San Diego Chargers fans, the Norv Turner era is finally over as they failed to make the playoffs in the last three seasons and some would argue it could have been a season too late. The Chargers hired Mike McCoy; he was the division-rival Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator since 2010.
That seemed to be the big downfall in most games: inconsistent offensive production. There were four games where they scored at least 30 points in a game, and they won all four of them. That being said, there were three games where they didn’t break double digits and they lost all three of them — even to the Cleveland Browns where they lost 7-6.
They drafted some notable players in the first three rounds that should help their team perform better: right tackle D.J. Fluker, inside linebacker Manti Te’o and wide receiver Keenan Allen. In most cases, taking a right tackle early in the first round would be laughed at, but a team can’t have their franchise quarterback on the ground as much as Philip Rivers was last year as he was sacked 49 times. As for inside linebacker, they lost a big leader and someone who could have mentored Te’o in Takeo Spikes who is seen as one of the most intense linebackers in football history. Keenan Allen was thought be an early second-round pick due to the fact of his size, speed and route running abilities. However, he had an established injury history that likely scared off some teams to invest bigger money into him. It should also be noted that second-year rush linebacker Melvin Ingram is out for the season already with a torn ACL suffered in Organized Team Activities
All and all, what will we learn from the San Diego Chargers in 2013? If Rivers struggles, then it wasn’t all Norv Turner’s fault; if the team flourishes, then it was all of his fault.
Quarterbacks
The San Diego Chargers have one of the simplest depth charts at the quarterback position as Philip Rivers has been the starter since 2006 and hasn't looked back. It is amazing that Charlie Whitehurst is still on the team.
Quarterbacks: Philip Rivers, Charlie Whitehurst and Brad Sorensen
Running Backs
The running back situation is downright frightening for the San Diego Chargers as their starting running back Ryan Mathews is so often injured that he hasn't finished a complete season since his junior year of high school. Behind him is Danny Woodhead, who is an undersized running back who may or may not be the change of pace the team wants. Their fullback situation s fairly solid as Le'Ron McClain is an excellent bruising fullback who can contain the best run stopping defenders in the league.
Halfbacks: Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown
Fullback: Le'Ron McClain
Receivers
This receiver corps has struggled ever since the loss of Vincent Jackson as any team would miss an extremely talented 6-foot-5, 230-pound wide receiver. They could have a potential steal in Keenan Allen. If he can stay healthy this year, he could flourish into their number one receiver by the end of the season. As for the Tight ends, Antonio Gates is coming to the end of an excellent career and he should teach second-year tight end Ladarius Green some tricks of the trade to become as good of a tight end as he was for his entire career.
Wide Receivers: Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown, Eddie Royal, Danario Alexander, Keenan Allen, Robert Meachem and Richard Goodman
Tight Ends: Antonio Gates, John Phillips and Ladarius Green
Offensive Linemen
Arguably the weakest point on the entire team, it was so weak that they allowed their franchise quarterback Philip Rivers to be sacked 49 times last year. They added monster right tackle D.J. Fluker who should anchor down the strong side of the offensive line. As for the rest, we shall see how well this unit gels before the season starts.
Offensive Tackles: Max Starks, King Dunlap, Michael Harris, D.J. Fluker and Brandyn Dombrowski
Offensive Guards: Chad Rinehart, Rich Ohrnberger, Jeromey Clary and Johnnie Troutman
Centers: Nick Hardwick and Colin Baxter
Defensive Linemen
Their Defensive line wasn't that good at creating enough pressure up the gut to help out the linebackers or secondary at all. They didn't do much of anything to add to the unit either, which will not end well for the team.
Defensive Linemen: Corey Liuget, Jarius Wynn, Kendall Reyes and Jamarkus McFarland
Nose Tackles: Cam Thomas and Kwame Geathers
Linebackers
The San Diego Chargers lost leadership in Takeo Spikes and Shaun Phillips only because of injuries they added on to this linebacker corps. They added Dwight Freeney, who is exceptionally talented. However, he is on the wrong side of 30 and this is his only second season as a 3-4 outside linebacker which could bode some problems come week 1.
Outside Linebackers: Jarret Johnson, Thomas Keiser, Dwight Freeney and Larry English
Inside Linebackers: Manti Te'o, Jonas Mouton, Donald Butler and D.J. Smith
Defensive Backs
This part of the team has been drastically overhauled after Antoine Cason left for the Arizona Cardinals and Quentin Jammer was not re-signed to the team. Additionally, Eric Weddle has been a solid free safety. However, he is still drastically overpaid. As a result, it has made the value of position soar as a result.
Cornerbacks: Derek Cox, Steve Williams, Shareece Wright and Johnny Patrick
Free Safeties: Eric Weddle and Darrell Stuckey
Strong Safeties: Marcus Gilchrist and Brandon Taylor
Special Teams
The San Diego Chargers special teams hasn't changed much in a few seasons, which isn't a bad thing. Punter Mike Scifres as an extremely strong and consistent leg as he booms the ball.
Kicker: Nick Novak
Punter: Mike Scifres
Long Snapper: Mike Windt
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