2008 San Diego Chargers Preview

Defense
The San Diego defense produced some Soccer jerseys fine numbers, picking off 30 passes and making 42 sacks. The team's turnover margin was plus-24, which was best in the NFL. DT Jamal Williams is a top performer. If Lewis can stay healthy and compete in all 16 regular-season games, the D-line will be topnotch. Corner Antonio Cromartie, who took down a NFL best 10 picks, is a true athlete. Strong safety Clinton Hart grabbed five interceptions. The LB unit features Shawne Merriman (12.5 sacks) and Shaun Phillips (8 sacks).
Special Teams
The Chargers special teams are very fine. Placekicker Nate Kaeding , who was off-and-on last season, has a stellar accuracy rate over the past three years. Punter Mike Scifres is simply the best in the NFL. Return man Darren Sproles, who can break a big play any time, is a master at establishing excellent field position.
Overview
If this team can stay healthy, they will vie for the Lombardi Trophy. The Chargers may be one of the top three teams in the AFC. Being in a relatively weak division helps them. The conference crown is just about a given for this team.
Sunday, August 24, 2008 -- For three of the past five seasons, the San Diego Chargers (11-5) have been in the post-season. Head coach Norv Turner enters his second season with a club that could simply dominate the conference.

For the Chargers to get to the post-season and make a run at it, RB LaDanian Tomlinson has to remain in good health.
Offense
Although the Chargers launched an offense that was fifth in points, QB Philip Rivers (460 ATT, 270 COMP, 3,152 YDS, 21 TDs, 15 INT) led an air game that was 26th. The San Diego receiving unit is sound and the offense line offers good protection, but Rivers still throws too many picks. As he starts his fifth season watch to see if the QB to make better decisions when it comes to his throws. The ground attack is led by the best of the best—LaDanian Tomlinson (315 ATT, 1,474 YDS, 4.7 AVG, 15 TDs). When healthy, he is unstoppable.