The Top 5 Wide Receivers In The NFL

As NFL offenses move more and more towards a pass-first mentality, the wide receiver position has never been more important. The rules changes that have been implemented in recent years make it easier than ever for receivers to have success out there on the football field. There are plenty of guys who put up numbers, but who are the very best?

According to BOLTHYPE, the following five players are the best wide receivers in the NFL today (Updated 02/08/2010)

01. Larry Fitzgerald



Larry Fitzgerald has been, for some time now, a very, very good player. But it was his dominant performance in the playoffs two years ago, combined with his remarkable consistency since entering the league has allowed him to steadily ascended to his throne as the king of receivers in the NFL. Fitzgerald is, for all intents and purposes, unstoppable. He combines excellent body control and leaping ability with strong and reliable hands, allowing him to win most of his battles when the ball is in the air. A fantastic player who has carved out an excellent career in the NFL so far.

02. Andre Johnson



Andre Johnson, much like Larry Fitzgerald, has flown under the radar for most of his career. He's piled up yards and touchdowns but hasn't gotten much national exposure playing for a traditionally non-playoff franchise. That's beginning to change; you hear cornerbacks around the league talk about Johnson as one of the most difficult guys to cover, and one of the reasons why is his tremendous deep-speed. Johnson is a physical mismatch who can run by guys and strong-arm the ball when it's in the air. He's been the Texans' offense for some time, and that doesn't figure to change anytime soon.

03. Brandon Marshall



Marshall is in the news often, but it's not always for his on-field play. Disgruntled with the Broncos and possibly a malcontent in the locker room, Marshall has also had his fair share of off-the-field issues. As a player, however, Marshall is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the game. Charger fans know first-hand how dominant Marshall can be; in a 2008 Week 2 match-up with the Bolts, Marshall caught 18 balls, setting a Broncos record for most catches in a single game. Physical and tough after the catch, Marshall welcomes contact and hits defenders as hard as they hit him. If Marshall can stay out of legal trouble and not draw the commissioner's wrath, Marshall could go down as one of the game's all-time greats.

04. Vincent Jackson



You'll be hard-pressed to find an elite receiver who defies the 'diva' stereotype more so than Vincent Jackson. VJ is one of the hardest-working players on the San Diego Chargers and that hard-work has certainly paid off. Coming into the league, Jackson was viewed as a project with sky-high potential. Flash forward to today, and Jackson has emerged as one of the league best young receivers and one of the best Charger wide outs in recent memory. Averaging 17.2 Yards per catch thus far in his career, Vincent Jackson has become one of the game's best deep threats. In addition to his ability to catch the ball, Jackson is also a willing and able blocker. He's the total package.

05. Reggie Wayne



It would be difficult to imagine the Colts winning so many games over that last decade without having a guy like Reggie Wayne on their roster. Wayne isn't the biggest guy, nor the fastest, but he is remarkably consistent, has tremendous hands, and excels at route running. Wayne has all the abilities you look for in a top-flight receiver. Making all 16 starts for seven consecutive years, Wayne produces with machine-like efficiency. He displays tremendous football intelligence and shares an uncanny on-field connection with QB Peyton Manning. In many ways, Reggie Wayne is the catalysis for what the Colts do offensively, and his presence on the field opens things up for his teammates.

YOUR TAKE

Agree or disagree with the five players listed above? Use the comment section below and give us your top 5!


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Chargers Draft Picks 2010

The San Diego Chargers hold the following selections in the 2010 NFL Draft:

Chargers 2010 NFL Draft Picks
Round	Pick	Player
Round 1	28	TBD
Round 2	60*	TBD
Round 3	91*	TBD
Round 4	TBD	TBD
Round 5	TBD	TBD
Round 6	Traded to Houston?	Traded to Houston?
Round 7	TBD	TBD

*NOTE: Picks subject to change. Undisclosed draft picks were dealt in trades and compensatory draft picks are still to be announced.


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3 Reasons The Chargers Wont Trade Their Players

This 2010 offseason is likely to be one of the most eventful in recent San Diego Charger history. As the front office begins to formulate plans for fielding a championship-caliber team in 2010, fans are already submitting their ideas for consideration. Among those include trading away some big-name, yet under-performing players. But here are three reasons why the Chargers might not trade their guys away.

THE CHARGERS LOVE COMPENSATORY DRAFT PICKS

AJ Smith is intoxicated with the prospects of receiving compensatory draft picks, almost to a fault. Remember back in 2007 when the Titans were offering Smith a second round pick in exchange for restricted free agent Michael Turner? Smith wouldn't budge from his first and third round price so Turner would end up walking after the season, netting the Chargers only a fourth round compensatory pick.

AJ Smith simply doesn't trade his players away. He'd rather cut them or allow them to finish their contracts and hope the league awards them compensation down the road.

“People don't understand that, particularly locally, that we don't just let players go (without compensation),” says AJ Smith. “They're used to the traditional trades of draft picks and players. . . . (This) is what we call knowing how to utilize the unrestricted free agency and the league compensatory draft awards to our advantage.”

Unfortunately, the Chargers have slipped a bit when it comes to drafting impact players. For a while there, it seemed AJ Smith had the Midas touch, hitting big on high-round choices and undrafted free agents alike. The Chargers haven't drafted a Pro Bowl player since 2006. And while they've shown to be surprisingly active in free agency, they are always shopping with a limited budget.

THE CHARGERS EXPECT TO FIELD A HEALTHIER TEAM IN 2010

Health has been a major factor the past two seasons, so the Chargers could again be crossing their fingers that they'd suffer no major injuries. When healthy, Shawne Merriman and Jamal Williams are two of the best at their position and play significant roles on the defense. Merriman especially has something to prove, so the Chargers might be counting on him to play out of his mind in what is essentially a contract year. And as for Williams, he can still play at a high level and the Chargers would like to keep him around, even if it meant reducing his workload. Additionally, a healthy Nick Hardwick could prove to be a major boon to the team's run game success.

QUESTIONABLE DEPTH AT KEY POSITIONS

Unproven depth at Cornerback and Outside linebacker means Antoino Cromartie and Shawne Merriman will be back as starters. I don't think the team or the fans saw enough of Antoine Cason and Larry English to feel confident about those two starting on the base defense and would probably feel better about continuing to slowly work them in. And even if Cason did move into the starter's role, who would back him up? Who plays nickel? Who is the fourth cornerback? The Chargers lack depth at cornerback and instead rely on defensive backs who can move inside or play deep. Guys like Paul Oliver and Steven Gregory play hybrid positions but they are probably better suited at safety.

YOUR TAKE

Should the Chargers trade away their players for draft picks, or are they better off staying with what they have and adding some new players to the mix? Sound off in the comment section below with your offseaon plan.


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Joey Porter Wants To Play For The Chargers

A frustrated Joey Porter joined WQAM in Miami and vented his frustrations with the Dolphins organization. Porter explains his frustrations stem from a broken relationship with the coaching staff, saying he was blacklisted in a sense and kept out of games during crucial times as punishment. Feeling underutilized and unwelcome in Miami, Porter is seeking an exit and has identified the San Diego Chargers as a potential fit for him.

There is no question Joey Porter is a fiery individual, outspoken and passionate. But Porter backs up his talk with production.

A four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers, Porter has 92 sacks in his illustrious 11 year career; 32 of those sacks came in his three year stint as a Dolphin. But Porter felt his role was significantly reduced last year, and says the Dolphins never gave him a real explanation.

"I feel like I'm an every down player," says Porter. "I'm supposed to be out there on the field when the game's on the line, not on the sideline. I was on the sideline in the fourth quarter of games cheering. Just a year ago I was the guy winning those games. I don't know what happened. But at the same time, if that's how they're using me, I feel it's best to let me leave and help some other football team that can use me."

Porter explains it's not a matter of money or contract issues. He just wants to be out there on the football field, not on the sidelines.

"I'm not asking for anything different. I'm not asking for any more money. I'm asking to play."

A nagging hamstring set him back out of the blocks in 2009, but in the final seven games of the season, Porter recorded a sack in every game. And just two seasons ago, Porter led the league with 17.5 sacks. He is convinced his abilities have not diminished and that he can still be highly productive. But at this point, his relationship with the Miami Dolphins appears past repair. Porter says he can't trust the organization and that it would be best if they would just release him.

Wanting to stay close to his home state of California, and also wanting to stay in a 3-4 defense, Porter identified some potential fits out West.

"San Diego, Arizona, San Fransisco. Those are good fits. I feel they can use my services."

Source: WQAM

YOUR TAKE

Should the Chargers take a chance on Joey Porter? Would he provide the veteran leadership that the Chargers need on defense? As one of the final 8 playoff teams, the Chargers can only sign one free agent - does Porter fit that equation?


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San Diego Chargers 2009 Season Recap

Another season has come to a close, with the Chargers finishing 2009 on an 11-game win streak only to lose once again in the playoffs. For those just getting over the misery of another early playoff exit, sit back and enjoy the 2009 season in review...


2009 Offseason

Following a Divisional -Round playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers, the Chargers settle in for a long, hard look at what turned out to be a mostly disappointing 2008 season. After being handed the AFC West crown by the biggest Denver nosedive since John's last flight, the 8-8 Chargers had to figure out if they were a team on the rise, or a team falling back down to the dregs of mediocrity.

In the 2009 NFL Draft, the experts speculated that the Chargers would be taking a running back, an offensive lineman, or a defensive back. As a big fan of NFL Draft experts, the Chargers AJ Smith selected a defensive end, Larry English, and told him that he would be playing linebacker. And to continue the trend of injuries that persisted throughout the previous season, the Chargers drafted injured WR Demetrius Byrd with their final pick. Said GM AJ Smith, “Injuries are a part of the game, and we will continue to corner the market in them!”

2009 Preseason

It was a mostly uneventful preseason, with the Chargers going 2-2. In an effort to increase the effectiveness of LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers gave their star running back his first substantial preseason playing time since his days playing for the Waco, TX YMCA. The Chargers only had one significant injury during the preseason, losing backup defensive tackle Ryon Bingham for the season. To provide depth on the defensive line, a trade was made to acquire Travis Johnson, who had battled injuries for most of his career. Upon joining the Chargers, Johnson promptly hurt himself.

September

Shawne Merriman made headlines early in the month for mistaking Tila Tequila for a mentally stable, somewhat attractive celebrity. Said Merriman, who was accused of beating Tila, “I apologize to all my fans, because I thought that girl was actually a shorter Hines Ward. Lasik, here I come.”

The Chargers went 2-1 in September in regular season games, with wins over the Raiders and Dolphins, and a close loss to the Ravens. In the loss to the Ravens, coach Turner’s play-calling came into question when he chose to rush himself up the middle on 4th down, promptly getting stuffed by the Raven’s Ray Lewis. Almost as disappointing was the Chargers win over the Raiders. Playing as if this was a Wednesday walkthrough, the Chargers played touch football and got pushed around and beat up by the more physical Raiders, losing starters Nick Hardwick, Louis Vasquez, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Williams, a water-boy, two hot-tubs, and Norv Turner’s lucky rubber ducky.

It was in the month of September that Norv Turner issued a motivational speech on-par with the likes of the greats of this country. Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, even Martin Luther King Jr. would have been lucky to match the eloquence of Turner when he said, "I don't think right now we're as good as you that cover us think or expect us to be; I don't think we're as good as what our fans want us to be." That was on par with Donald Trump saying "I like money," or Rosie O'Donnell saying "I like cheese fries."

October

In October, the struggling Chargers went 1-2. They suffered an excruciating loss to the Steelers to kick off the month. While the Chargers mostly got beat on both sides of the ball in Pittsburgh, one play worth noting involved the Chargers' special teams. After a Chargers' punt, Jacob Hester stripped the ball from the Steelers Tila Tequila and returned it for a touchdown. A disappointed Tila left the game and tweeted "I was not ::hiccup:: drunk!" and then made out with ESPN's Suzy Kolber.

In what was seen as the game that would determine the rest of the season, the Chargers returned from their bye week ready to trounce the Denver Broncos. Most Chargers fans called this a must-win game over an AFC West rival, and the Chargers lived up to the hype. Until kickoff, where they promptly lost to Denver to fall 27.5 games behind the current AFC West leader. Only a colossal collapse by the Broncos, unlike anything seen since way back in 2008 could help the Bolts get back into the playoff race. And a win against the Chiefs the following week was the first step toward recovery.

October saw the Chargers continue their 2009 season theme, "Hurt for all and all for hurt!", with an injury to Antwan Applewhite sending him to the IR, and injuries to Merriman and Kevin Burnett slowing their seasons. In other news, Clinton Hart was released after 6 years with the team because of his believable impersonation of a special teamer playing strong safety.


November

The Chargers carried their season-long one-game win streak into the month of November, where they eventually went 2-2. Just kidding Chargers fans! You probably already know that they went undefeated in November, winning 5-games using the proven strategy of starting players no one has really heard of. Mainly due to injuries, Chargers players who saw significant playing time in the month of November included Kevin Ellison, Paul Oliver, Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Aaron Boone, Kris Wilson, Scott Mruczkowski, Brandon Dombrowski, and LeeLee Sobiesky. Again, I'm kidding! That wasn't actress LeeLee Sobiesky trying to tackle in the backfield, that was Antonio Cromartie.

The month of November also saw the premier of the "wild-frog" formation, with former TCU Horned Frog LT taking snaps behind center, and then sitting on his lilly pad until his offensive line remembered how to run-block. Wide receiver Chris Chambers was also released in November, amid news that he was cheating on his wife and teammates with none other than Tila Tequila. Chambers' release came before he was able to officially become the 1000th member of the Facebook group, "Chargers Who Make Dumb Decisions".

On a positive note, it was in this month that Philip Rivers led his team to a last-minute victory over the New York Giants, forcing the national media to continue to blame Rivers for Jay Cutler being a total tool. Said Eli Manning after yet another loss to the Chargers, "Drool, Duh, Snorrrrrrt, Drooooooool."

Not to be forgotten, the Chargers released their list of the 50 Greatest Chargers, a list of some of the greatest players ever to never win a Super Bowl. Left off the list was former QB and occasional fugitive Ryan Leaf, who's poor play made him the person most responsible for many the Pro Bowl players the Chargers have on their roster today. Who said nothing good came from the drafting of Leaf?

Moving ahead to complete their list of the 50 Greatest Injured Chargers, Jerome Clary, Eric Weddle, Kevin Burnett, and Luis Castillo all missed significant time due to injury.


December

The Chargers took a 6-game win streak into December, with their eyes set on the playoffs and the Pro Bowl. While the team clinched their 4th consecutive AFC West title, which is as many titles as the Raiders have averaged wins in the last four seasons, players like Antonio Cromartie tried to pump up their Pro Bowl bids. Proving that marketing is more valuable than tackling, Cromartie took to Twitter to solicit votes for his Pro Bowl campaign, successfully earning a 3rd alternate selection.

In an exciting Christmas Day game, the Chargers beat the Titans 42-17. While the Chargers put their dominant offensive capabilities on display, the Titans, who left their playbook in their other pants, could only call one play: 34-Power-Chris-Johnson-needs-2000-yards.

And it wouldn't be the Chargers without a number of significant players out due to injury. Shawne Merriman, Eric Weddle, Luis Castillo, Scott Mruczkowski, and Jacques Cesaire all missed time due to injury. For those keeping score, the Chargers used 127 players just to make it through the season (for comparison, the Raiders had as many coaching staff fight-club injuries throughout the season).


January

Having locked up their spot in the playoffs as the AFC #2 seed, the Chargers took their final week off to go to Seaworld, beating the Redskins 23-20. In the two weeks between the end of the regular season and their first playoff game, LaDainian Tomlinson released his viral video campaign for Nike entitled "Pants On The Ground", a tribute to his offensive line's run-blocking techniques.

In their first playoff game, the heavily favored Chargers faced off against the Jets, who squeaked into the playoffs on the strength of everyone letting them win. As expected, the Chargers destroyed the Jets, and tore through the Colts in the following week to face the Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. I'm sorry, I meant Super Bowl LXXV, played in the Golden State Retirement Community (home of the Golden State Raiders!). No, this season the Chargers actually lost to the Jets in one of the greatest mental breakdowns since Gary Bussey did anything.

Offseason

Speculation about potential roster changes is running rampant with the looming expiration of the collective bargaining agreement. The Chargers have a number of key players who should remain the property of the Chargers for another year before any decisions have to be made regarding long-term commitments. Still, players like Merriman, Cromartie, Jackson, and Clary are on the hot seat due to injury, inconsistent play, and poor judgment. It is all but certain that LaDainian Tomlinson will be released, a move that will obviously fix the teams run-blocking problems. That's what we call thinking outside of the box.

In other outside of the box roster moves, the Chargers will also trade Cromartie for a toaster- "It's cheaper and tackles as well," said coach Turner. They will allow Merriman to return and earn the astronomical long-term deal that they are unwilling to pay him. Inspired by the movie "The Blindside," Vincent Jackson will be adopted by the Spanos family and converted into a right tackle- "I'm not sure, but I think his problem is that he just doesn't make enough money yet," said team President Dean Spanos. And Jerome Clary will stick around because AJ Smith will not draft an offensive lineman in the first three rounds, instead choosing three running backs. You know, to improve the teams run-blocking.



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Stephen Cooper Embraces Role As Captain Of The Bolts Defense

Often times, the most steady of players get overlooked by the fans and the media, and the San Diego Chargers have a handful of these types. Quentin Jammer is probably the most underrated player on the Chargers, but he's got a few teammates who go about their business with little flash but are dependable and consistent. Put Stephen Cooper in that group. Since becoming a full-time starter, Cooper has become the leader of the defense, a favorite of the coaching staff, and a player who commands the respect of opposing offenses.

While the Chargers' defense has had some vulnerabilities, it isn't for Cooper not doing his job. Stephen Cooper is as productive as any other player at his position. His average stat line over the past three years? 100 tackles, 6.5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.

Steady, dependable, consistent.

Through hard work and a never-quit attitude, Cooper inspires his teammates. Whether in practice, studying film, or lifting weights, he leads energetically by example and charisma. When asked if this was a role he embraced, Cooper says sees it as a natural transition.

"We've got a real young team, and I've been here 7 years now," explains Cooper. "I've been here through the ups and downs here in San Diego. I've been there, so it's kind of natural to take the role of a vocal leader on the defense."

As the captain of the defense, Stephen Cooper is tasked him getting his teammates in position on the field and making adjustments as necessary. His coaches allow him to audible and freelance a bit, but one of Cooper's biggest strengths is his discipline and commitment to the defensive philosophy.

"Ron gives me a lot of flexibility in changing the defense, depending on the situation of the game, says Cooper. "It's about fitting in with the scheme. Ron puts us in a great position to make plays. In a 3-4 defense the linebackers get opportunities to make a lot of plays."

The Chargers don't have many three-down defensive players, but Cooper is a guy who stays on the field regardless of down and distance. Due in part to injuries, as well as the Chargers having many specialists on the roster, there is a constant rotation going on in the defense. The Chargers employ a variety of looks and packages specifically designed to counter the play which they are expecting to see. This takes a tremendous amount of preparation to execute, and while it might make things more hectic on the sidelines as the coaches send guys on and off the field, Cooper is there ready to lead the huddle.

"Some guys are great run stoppers, some guys can cover better than others. It all depends on what package you are in and what the game situation is that determines who is on the field. It doesn't really matter who's beside me. I think Ron Rivera does a good job of rotating guys in on the d-line and defensive backfield."

But with so many packages and so few three-down players, doesn't it mean that the defense will suffer more breakdowns? Cooper doesn't think so.

"I think it makes it easier when guys have less things to think about," Cooper says. "When you rotate guys to play in a certain package, they can focus on their package and those defensive calls. Myself, I'm a guy that plays every down, every package and there is a lot more thinking involved, but I've been in this defense for years so it makes my job a lot easier and I can make the most of it."

The Chargers defense is young and they've faced some big challenges when they lost key players. But the expectations are extremely high here in San Diego, and when mistakes are made and players are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, the patience of the fans wears thin quickly. However, Cooper assured me that players are indeed held accountable for their actions on the field by their teammates.

"Everyone is accountable and everyone knows what's expected of them," states Cooper. "It's about going out there, doing your job, and executing. Guys on both sides of the ball know what they are supposed to do and when they are called upon and they don't do it, they need to understand that they are going to be held accountable if they don't do their job."

Strong words from a respected leader like Cooper ring true inside the locker room. The Chargers are determined to improve their defense next year, and Stephen Cooper is going to be a key part of their return to dominance.


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Chargers Chatting With Prospects At The 2010 Senior Bowl

The 2010 Senior Bowl is underway in Mobile, Alabama and has become one of the most important events on NFL scouting departments' calendars. The nation's top senior prospects come to this week-long All-Star event, hoping to shine in front of NFL coaches and personnel people. The San Diego Chargers are in attendance and have already started visiting with prospects. While not always a true indication of legitimate interest, the Chargers do have a history of drafting players whom they've scouted first-hand down at this event.

According to various sources, the San Diego Chargers have been seen visiting with the following prospects:

George Selvie, DE/OLB
South Florida
6'5" 247lbs

Brandon Lang, DE/OLB
Troy
6'3" 256lbs

Cameron Sheffield, DE/OLB
Troy
6'3" 256lbs

Roddrick Muckelroy,DE/OLB
Texas
6'2" 236lbs

Garrett Graham, FB
Wisconsin
6'3" 234lbs

Eric Norwood, LB
South Carolina
6'1" 246lbs

Perrish Cox, CB/KR
Oklahoma State
5'11" 189lbs

Tyson Alualu, DT/DE
California
6'2" 290lbs

D'Anthony Smith, DT
Louisiana Tech
6'2" 300lbs

Andre Roberts, WR/KR
Citadel
5'11" 192lbs

Mardy Gilyard, WR/KR
Cincinnati
6'0" 179lbs

Jeremy Williams, WR/KR
Tulane
6'1" 205lbs

Jacoby Ford, WR/KR
Clemson
5'9" 181lbs

Jimmy Graham, TE
Miami
6'7" 259lbs

Shawn Lauvao, OG
Arizona State
6'3" 300lbs



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4th And Goal With Jeff Williams

Today is my birthday, and all I wanted for my birthday are a couple of Chargers playoff victories. So much for that idea! Now I come out of my week-long exile to discuss what happened, and what the future holds for the Bolts.

The Chargers ended the season on an 11-game win streak because of better talent, incredible ability on the offensive side of the ball, and a renewed focus on game awareness and character. Finally, we all thought, these guys have grown up and are now living up to the hype that has followed them for 3+ seasons.

But in the playoffs, they became everything they were not.

The Chargers lost to the Jets because of a poorly concocted game plan, an inability to make plays on offense, and a self-indulgent, irresponsible performance that bordered on asinine. The Jets didn't beat them, the Chargers beat themselves.

Let me give some credit where credit is due. The Jets' gameplan was to stick around long enough for the Chargers to implode, and it worked out pretty well for them. Even though the Chargers outgained them 359-yards to 269-yards, the Jets held Norv's high-powered offense in check almost as often as the Chargers shot themselves in the foot.

So enough about that painful end to the Chargers season...what is coming this offseason? Let's look at some of the big topics that will be discussed in the weeks and months ahead:

IS LT DONE AS A CHARGER?

Due $5-million in 2010 and with a $2-million roster bonus to be paid in March, we are likely to know sooner rather than later if LT will be back next year. Personally, I think he is Chargers history, not just because of the money but also because of the offense. With Philip Rivers and a ton of good receivers, we don't need to spend a lot of money on a running back.

CAN THE CHARGERS KEEP DARREN SPROLES?

He made over $6-million this season. Do not expect that to happen again. The Chargers will work on a signing him to multi-year deal, but that may expose him to the free-agent market before it gets done.

IS SHAWNE MERRIMAN WORTH KEEPING?

In what may become a more debated issue than the potential release of LT, Merriman's off the field drama, his penchant for injury, and the big bucks he will demand all make his status on the team a big question mark. There's a good chance he will return on a one-year deal as a restricted free-agent, but would you be surprised if AJ Smith invited some other team to take a chance on him?

THE NFL DRAFT!

It's great that we have all of our top draft picks available this year. As was previously reported here on BOLTHYPE, the Chargers could go in any number of directions. In evaluating AJ Smith's draft history one thing is clear: you can identify the team's greatest weakness, and then assume that AJ Smith will not draft for it in the first round. The Chargers will need a new running back, a lot of help on the defensive line, and I would still argue for a right tackle. Assume that none of those positions are taken in the first round.

*My picks for today's games: I'm pulling for Drew Brees, but it will be Colts over Jets and Vikings over Saints.

YOUR TAKE

Agree or disagree with anything I said? Has the past week giving you time to reevaluate your stance on the Chargers? What would you like seen done in the offseason? Let's chat in the comments section below...


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Tomlinson Unhappy With Role in '09 But Not Ready To Retire Yet

In an interesting interview with San Diego radio station Double X 1090 AM, Ladainian Tomlinson answered a number of questions, including his perceived role on the Chargers, whether or not he has played his last game in San Diego, and if retirement is in his near future.

In the interview, a dejected Tomlinson came clean on a variety of issues, not the least of which was his unhappiness with his role on the Chargers of 2009. LT clearly stated that every year's team is different, and while he had a career low in production, he wasn't happy with the number of opportunities afforded to him this past season.

"I think I did the things that I could do with this year's team," explains Tomlinson. "Every year, whatever the team needed me to do I gave my heart and soul to it. Whether it was giving me the ball 350 times and another 50-70 times catching the ball, I played my heart and soul for this team. But this year, I wasn't asked to do that type of stuff. My numbers were as low as they've ever been. So I felt that I did what I could, with this team."

So was Tomlinson used correctly this year? Was he happy with his role?

"No I wasn't," Tomlinson says. "I wasn't happy. No one is going to be happy with the least touches of their career. I don't know any running back that would be happy with that. Absolutely not, I wasn't happy with not touching the ball as much as I thought I would."

Given the direction of the Chargers offense, will Tomlinson be back in a Chargers uniform next year?

"I can't really answer that right now to be fair. I need to give myself a little more time before I could really say," says Tomlinson.

Is retirement something LT is considering at this time?

"No, I'm not ready to retire," states Tomlinson. "I still love the game. I have a lot of passion for the game, and I feel like I can contribute to it. So no, not at this time. I'm still chasing the dream of winning a championship. That's the number-one goal. You put your body through a lot to play this game, but you want to win a championship at some point and be able to know what it feels like to hold that trophy."

And as far as restructured contracts go, would LT consider taking less money?

"Nope," Tomlinson flatly replies.

SOURCE: Double X Sports Radio

YOUR TAKE

Does hearing this interview change your perspective on the matter? Do you feel strongly that the Chargers keep or let go of Tomlinson? I'd really be interested in hearing your take, join the conversation in the comments section below.


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Chargers Mock Draft Database - 2010

With needs along the offensive and defensive lines, combined with question marks at running back, cornerback, and wide receiver, the months leading up to the start of the 2010 NFL Regular season should be eventful to say the least. The Chargers are a team that prefers to build through the draft, so lets take a look at who the experts think the Bolts will take come draft day:

Chargers Draft Projections - Updated 02/04/2010
Expert	Pick	Position
Scott Wright	Jahvid Best	Running Back
Mel Kiper	CJ Spiller	Running Back
Rob Rang	Ryan Matthews	Running Back
WalterFootball	Jared Odrick	Defensive Tackle
Todd McShay	TBA	TBA
Chad Reuter	CJ Spiller	Running Back
National Football Post	TBA	TBA
Chris Steuber	Charles Brown	Offensive Tackle
OurLads	Jahvid Best	Running Back
Pat Kirwin	TBA	TBA
Bucky Brooks	CJ Spiller	Running Back
Rotoworld	Dan Williams	Defensive Tackle
Don Banks	Jonathan Dwyer	Running Back

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Chargers Extend Head Coach Norv Turner Through 2013

The San Diego Chargers have extended Norv Turner's contract by three years; Turner is now signed through the 2013 season.

Says team owner Dean Spanos:

“I’m extremely proud of the job Norv has done with this team. In three seasons he’s led the team to three division titles. I’m confident that if we strengthen our roster and continue to provide Norv the assets he needs, this team will have continued success.”

Source: Chargers.com (Chargers sign Turner through 2013)

YOUR TAKE

What's your take on this signing? Was this the right move? Turner's .648 winning record is the highest in team history. He's helped the development of Philip Rivers and has really opened up the passing game. On the other hand, Turner has yet to win an AFC Championship and has shown at times to no disciplinarian, instead relying on the coaching staff and team captains to address locker room issues. Use the comment section below and contribute to the discussion!


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Chargers Lose In Divisional Round To The Jets 17-14

The San Diego Chargers drop a huge playoff game at home to the visiting New York Jets, as they lose a game that wasn't as close as the scoreboard would indicate. Costly penalties, missed opportunities, a slow start, and a lack of rhythm all contributed to heartbreaking Chargers loss.


THE GOOD

* Antonio Gates proved once again why he is the best player on the Chargers offense. This guy is so good it's unbelievable. There is no question in my mind we are watching a future Hall of Famer play. Gates' amazing one-handed catch along with his drive sustaining first downs were critical in keeping the Chargers competitive in this game.

* Vincent Jackson showed exactly why he is considered one of the best in the game, as he played with an incredible fire and intensity. 7 catches for 111 yards accounted for more than 30% of the team's total offense. Jackson's toughness and competitiveness is not lost on the fans, and I hope the Chargers' front office does the right thing and re-signs this incredible player.

THE BAD

* The onside kick was a very questionable call; why make that decision when the Jets were struggling to drive the field on offense? I'm not sure the playoffs are the appropriate time to gamble considering the circumstances.

* Malcom Floyd was given opportunities to shine, and he failed to capitalize. I'm a big Floyd fan, but with such a stingy Jets secondary led by Darrell Revis, we were counting on him to make plays. Instead he dropped passes and was called for costly penalties.

THE UGLY

* Penalties haunted the Chargers today; whether it was a headbutt, a unsportsmanlike kick of a challenge flag, or a facemask penalty, the San Diego Chargers we supposed to be known for their poise but they broke character today, and it cost them.

* Nate Kaeding missed every field goal he attempted today. We know about his postseason struggles, but why such a juxtapose? Why is it that he is the most accurate kicker during the regular season, but when the Chargers need him to make big kicks at home, he misses badly? It's a very strange situation and I'm not sure it's anything that practice or preparation can fix.

YOUR TAKE

You watched the game, so let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below. All in all, was this a successful season or do you consider this season a failure. What did the Chargers fail to do in this game in order to win? Sound off!


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4th and Goal With Jeff Williams - 2009 Playoffs Edition

What is the difference between this year’s San Diego Chargers, who this weekend prepare for their first playoff game of the season (in case you forgot or something), and previous Chargers teams? Maturity and experience are certainly at the top of the list. The young wide receiver and offensive line units have grown by leaps and bounds since last year. But the most important difference has to be injuries, or in this post-season a lack thereof.

Think about it. In each of the last three seasons the Chargers have been mostly the same team playing the way. They have gotten off to slow starts, their offense has been stellar while their defense has been inconsistent yet solid when it counted. But when you look at the health of the team, you’ll find that a majority of the Charger's recent injury problems occurred at the beginning of this season, while a majority of previous injury problems occurred in the middle and end of the regular seasons in 2007 and 2008, leading to struggles in the playoffs.

This is the Chargers’ best chance yet win it all. I don’t base that statement on a stellar 13-3 regular season or an 11-game win streak. I base it on the health of the team. I am a firm believer that a healthy Chargers team would have beaten a then tiring-yet-perfect Patriots team in the 2008 AFC Championship game, and I believe that a healthy Chargers team this year will win it all.

* I find it interesting that most of the media outside of San Diego keep talking about what the Jets have to do to win this game. On one hand, I’m getting a little tired of the lack of attention being paid to the Bolts. Maybe they are jealous of our near perfect “winter” weather, our beautiful sunsets, or our crazy-good Mexican food. On the other hand, that really is a sign of respect. Everyone expects the Chargers to win, and when they aren’t talking about the Jets great defense or great rushing attack, all of the “experts” are still picking the Chargers to win.

* I like Rex Ryan. He is brash, in your face, and is a nasty defensive coordinator. He is as different from Norv Turner as Tony Saragusa is from anyone at an Anorexics Anonymous meeting. Back in 2007 when AJ Smith began interviewing candidates to replace Marty Schottenheimer (may he retire in peace), my first choice was Ryan. It’s very interesting to see Norv and Rex now squaring off in the playoffs. I don’t see this game coming down to the prowess of the head coaches, but if it did, right now I’d put my money on Norv. Unless we were talking about their prowess in Sumo wrestling. Or hot dog eating. But I digress. Let Ryan do the talking… we will let Norv do the winning.

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After following BOLTHYPE on twitter, be sure to follow me! JSWilliams75


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10 Things You Might Not Know About BOLTHYPE

10 things you might not know about BOLTHYPE, along with a request for feedback on how we can do things better. Your opinion matters, so please read and let us know!

10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BOLTHYPE

1. We've got a cool News section that automatically updates with the latest Chargers news from the most respected sites. Just click the NEWS link up top or you can manually scroll down to the bottom of any page and viola!

2. We're on Facebook and Twitter and are pretty active: we post links to cool stores, have discussions about interesting sports topics, and even do contests/giveaways - friend and follow us!

3. You can comment on any post here at BOLTHYPE and have your take read by thousands of fans. We encourage you to log in with a name so that chatting back and forth is easier. We are also experimenting with a more advanced commenting system that allows you to connect with a Twitter, Google, or Yahoo account so try it and let us know how you like it!

4. We post great pictures on our Picasa page - we've become well-know for posting high-quality, original phots from Chargers training camp and practices. We've uploaded hundreds of pictures, go have a look!

5. We've interviewed players, coaches, and executives and are in good-standings with the team. We are always looking to get more insider-type access, and your continued support will help make that happen!

6. We have a YouTube channel which we hope to be more active on - subscribe to our channel and demand that we produce more videos! Who knows, we might even start producing a show!

7. We have message boards that we need to do a better job of being active on. If you guys sign up and start posting new threads, we promise to promote it better and put more effort into it. We need admins, anyone interested?

8. We stay active all year long, even after the NFL season has come to a close. BOLTHYPE is the premier destination for Chargers draft projections and coverage, and we are deadly accurate when it comes to identifying the team's draft needs. Also, we attend mini camps and training camps where we try to give you a perspective on the new rookies, so

9. We are looking for part-time bloggers, so if you like what we do here and want to contribute, your takes could be read by thousands of fans. We don't publish anything on BOLTHYPE simply for trying to milk pageviews; we try to bring editorial-quality to every post we publish on this blog. Players, coaches, media, and fans read BOLTHYPE daily, and we take a tremendous amount of pride in everything we do. If that approach is congruent with your writing style, we'd love to hear from you!

10. We've been blogging about the Chargers since 2006 and have produced more that 700 posts since that time. When founder and editorial director Rob Zepeda worked for AOL's Fanhouse as their Chargers blogger, BOLTHYPE was put on hold for a season, but BOLTHYPE is back and better than ever! We don't call ourselves experts, but we like to think we know what we're talking about :)

HOW CAN WE GET BETTER?

Let us know how we can improve what we do here; always open to feedback, we appreciate you visiting us and want to continue to set the bar for what an independent sports blog can be!



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Three And Out: January 15, 2010

As we approach the divisional round of the playoffs, Ladainian Tomlinson says he still has gas left in him, former USC teammates Mark Sanchez and Kevin Ellison reunite on the football field, and are the New York Jets really the biggest underdogs in the playoffs?

TOMLINSON ACCEPTS REDUCED ROLE, BUT ISN'T READY TO RETIRE

Via Facebook and Twitter, I asked a number of Charger fans if they felt Ladainian Tomlinson would retire if the Chargers win the Super Bowl this year. A valid question, considering all the speculation that the Chargers will release their highly paid, yet infrequently utilized star player. At 30 years old, Tomlinson is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, but the fans seemed split 50/50 on how they felt about an LT return next season; would Tomlinson take a cue from John Elway and retire on a high note, or does his path take him down an Emmitt Smith-like career? If the Chargers win the Super Bowl, will LT get his ring, take his trip to Disneyland, and call it championship career?

"I think that would mean my career is complete, from everything I've wanted to do in this league," Tomlinson said. "That doesn’t mean that I retire, because I won't until I feel like it's time."

SOURCE: Yahoo Sports

FORMER TROJANS KEVIN ELLISON AND MARK SANCHEZ PREPARE TO FACE EACH OTHER ONCE AGAIN

As a safety at USC, Kevin Ellison practiced daily against his opponent this week, Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez. Both players are very familiar with each other, and will likely try to exploit one anothers' tendencies and bad habits. However, neither player is surprised by the others' early success in the pros:

"He's an awesome player and so competitive," Sanchez says of Ellison. "To see how well he's doing as a rookie is awesome. You almost knew it was going to happen by just the way he played and his work ethic; he deserves it. It's going to be very fun to see him before the game. But once the whistle blows, it's time to get down to business."

While Mark Sanchez has proven to have a bright future in the NFL, it is enormously difficult for a rookie quarterback to win the NFL, let alone the playoffs. If there is a noticeable flaw to the young QB game, it's his propensity to make a bad decision with the football and give up a turnover; only Jay Cutler threw more interceptions (26) than Mark Sanchez (20).

Ellison should be liking his chops at the opportunity to pick off his former teammate, and indeed comes into this Sunday's game with plenty of confidence:

"I used to get after him in practice," Ellison said. "I don’t want to brag too much, but we had some good afternoons out there."

SOURCE: Chargers.com

ODDS AND ENDS (Courtesy of OddShark.com)

Finishing off the divisional weekend schedule on Sunday is the Jets at San Diego. At the Chargers are a 7-point favorite in this one.

New York has been playing must-win football for nearly a month now and after downing Cincinnati last week they’ve won three-straight and six of their last seven games. The Jets got past Cincinnati 24-14 as a 2.5-point underdog. Two rookies performed very well in the win, as Mark Sanchez passed for 182 yards with a TD and Shonn Greene rushed for 135 yards and a TD on 21 carries. The New York defense took care of the rest, holding the Bengals to 281 yards with three sacks and an interception.

The Chargers were the hottest team in the NFL at the end of the regular season after winning 11-straight. During their streak they were also a cool 7-3-1 ATS. San Diego’s last loss came in Week 6 on October 19 versus Denver. With a balanced offense led by Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson the Chargers outscored their opponents 330-184 during their long winning streak.

When the Jets and Chargers last met in 2008 San Diego ripped New York 48-29 as an 8-point favorite. The Chargers have won two in a row against the Jets, but in their last four home games against New York, San Diego is 1-3 SU.

CHARGERS WALLPAPERS

Couple of sweet Chargers wallpapers made by Jason, definitely check them out!






SOURCE: PhotoIntoPainting.com


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Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan Gushes About Darren Sproles

New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan is known for being outspoken and unafraid of talking a bit of trash. But when the topic of Chargers Running Back Darren Sproles came up, Ryan's eyes lit up in appreciation of the Bolts' electric playmaker as he described Sproles as 'exceptional'

"It's funny, I guess I never realized how exceptional he was until I really started watching tape. And then it's like 'Wow!' He is special, there is no doubt," says Head Coach Rex Ryan.

The Jets have a similar weapon of their own in Leon Washington, and their experience covering the explosive back will be very important in how they choose to match up with Sproles. While not openly admitting it, Rex Ryan basically stated that they'll have someone 'spying' Sproles whenever he is in the game. Whether they use a safety, a linebacker, or a combination of both, the Jets will be committed to not letting Sporles beat them (or so they'll try):

"What a talent he is," Ryan says. "He's very similar to (NY Jets Running Back) Leon Washington; he's that dangerous of a back. Dangerous returner, dangerous out of the backfield, dangerous running the football. We've got to limit his catches and touches on the ball, there is no question."

Ryan finished his thoughts on Sproles with an anecdote of how impressed he was with the young man after meeting him:

"This Sproles kid, I've met him before, and what a class-act he is. Just a great person. Extremely hard worker; I was blown away by the way the kid was working. But wow, what a talent."

It's be interesting to see how Darren Sproles is utilized against the Jets. All the talk this week has so far been about the big matchup of Vincent Jackson and Darrell Revis. While there is no doubt that those two elite young players are at the top of their game, Sproles could be the overlooked X-factor in this game and he could prove to be a difference maker for the Chargers.


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Three And Out: January 10, 2010

The San Diego Chargers and New York Jets are set to face eachother next week in So Cal, and Ladainian Tomlinson's stolen MVP ring is recovered down in Texas. Also, the Electric Glide.


JETS HEADING TO SAN DIEGO IN A REMATCH OF 2004-2005 PLAYOFF GAME

With the Jets emerging victorious against the Cincinatti Bengals, the Chargers now have an opponent for which they can game-plan for. The Chargers match-up favorably against the Jets, as New York's strengths do not pose direct threats to what the Chargers will look to do. As we've seen, the only way teams have been able to beat the Chargers is to score 30+ points against them and the Jets simply lack the firepower to match up offensively with the Bolts.

With that said, we are in the playoffs and the last time the Jets came here for a playoff game, they left many brokenhearted Charger fans in their wake (Pennington leads winning drive after Chargers miss field goal)

TOMLINSON'S MVP RING STOLEN, THEN RECOVERED

Dallas Police have recovered Ladainain Tomlinson's stolen TCU MVP ring this week while investigating a shooting at a Pleasant Grove apartment complex. From the article:

"Somebody shot through a wall of the apartment and we got the call," says Johnson. "After we made a couple of arrests in the apartment, we discovered the ring in the kitchen. We asked if anybody in the house played for TCU and it was fairly obvious that this was a stolen item."

The Chargers head of security has been notified and the ring sits in the DPD's found property department. The ring was reportedly given to Tomlinson after winning the Dan Rogers Award as the team's MVP while at TCU in 1999.

Thanks Wally for the heads up!

SOURCE: PigskinTexas.com

LT's NEW DANCE VIDEO: ELECTRIC GLIDE

Charger fan "Raiders Suck" sent this over earlier, and I almost hit my head on the ground from falling over laughing so hard. Looks like a viral Nike commercial - love it...




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Playmaker He May Be, Shaun Phillips Remains Team-First

Think about some of the most consistent players on the San Diego Chargers roster, and a few names probably come to mind; the All-World Antonio Gates produces year in and year out with a machine-like efficiency. Philip Rivers, always in the MVP conversation, efficiently puts up gaudy stats each and every season. And lets not forget how quietly Quentin Jammer seems to wrack up tackles while shutting down his half of the field. But there's another name as deserving as any to be included in such an impressive list; Outside Linebacker Shaun Phillips.

While some players may go out looking for the spotlight, Shaun Phillips keeps his focus on the job at hand. As steady as anyone, Phillips, in his four years as a starter, has averaged 66.5 tackles and 8.5 sacks a season - those numbers are on par with just about anyone who plays the position.

"I've played pretty consistently every year," says Phillips. "If you look at my numbers, they're pretty much the same. The only stat that's a little higher (this year) are my forced fumbles. But I go out there and play every play like it's my last."

It's that exact "play every play like it's my last" mindset that has allowed Phillips to approach the game as unselfishly as he does, while still making the most of the opportunities he's given.

On a Chargers defense that was desperately looking for a difference maker, someone to turn the tide of a game, Shaun Phillips was there. The 7 Forced Fumbles he generated in 2009 was tops in the NFL, as well as a Chargers team record.

Candidly nicknamed "The Other Guy" by the national media, Phillips has emerged from the shadow of teammate Shawne Merriman and has established himself across the National Football League as a true playmaker.

When presented with the idea that 2009 might be his best season yet, Phillips predictably disagrees.

"I don't think so," says Phillips. "It's funny how you get more notoriety when you make big plays. People hear your name more and they look at you more."

Phillips, always one deflect individual accolades back to his teammates, maintains that any success he has is a direct result of the other ten men on the field with him. It's his job to do whatever the team needs him to do, even if that's not putting up huge sack numbers and making tons of plays behind the line of scrimmage.

"It's not just about me," explains Phillips. "It's a team-first defense, a team-first concept, and I bought in to the system. Therefore you're not going to see me with 15 sacks because I do so many other things for my team. I drop in coverage, I play tight ends man-to-man, I anchor in the run game, I pass rush. I can do a little bit of everything for my team, and that's my role on the team and I understand that. I've adopted our defensive philosophy; it's a team-first concept. I do my job to the best of my ability, and give them what they expect from me."

The Chargers are currently on a team-record eleven game winning streak, have a first-round bye in the playoffs, and are widely regarded as the Super Bowl favorites. But things weren't always so optimistic for the Bolts. Indeed, nothing comes easy in the NFL, and the Chargers had their fair share of early struggles.

Jamal Williams, the foundation by which the Chargers 3-4 defense is built upon, goes down early in the 09 season and the outlook on the team did not look good. A 12 year veteran, Williams, although as dominant as ever, was playing on borrowed time and the Chargers had no proven depth behind him. His loss was an enormous blow to what had the makings of an otherwise good defense.

The Chargers would start the season 2-3, and in those three losses they'd give up more than 30 points per contest. Scrambling to compensate for such a huge loss in Williams, the Bolts would need a few weeks to get the right personnel in place, and as such a new rhythm would need to be established.

"It took a little while to get adjusted to the defensive lineman that were in the game now, Phillips recalls. "With Jamal we basically knew where the ball would go every time. That made the defense a lot easier in the run game because every play would go outside. But if it did go inside we knew it would cut back because Jamal was going to either defeat his man or get penetration and force the cut back. Therefore, the inside linebackers would get to make a lot more plays."

"But losing Jamal made us realize that we had to have a team-first defense, and that it would take all of us to step up, and that's what we did. A lot of guys took it upon themselves to step up and play their role."

Once the confusion had subsided and the everyone got used to the new faces in the huddle, the Chargers defense played with a renewed vigor. After their 2-3 shaky start, the Bolts would reel off 11 straight wins, due much in part to the markedly improved play of the D.

During that eleven game span, the Chargers defense allowed an average of less than 17 points per game. Not only is that an impressive statistic, but it's also a clearly defined goal the defense sets for themselves week in and week out.

"We understand that we have a good offense and that they're going to score points," says Phillips. "We have to do our job to get the ball into the offense's hands as much as possible because we know what type of players they have on that side of the ball. We know that we need to hold teams to 17 points or less, and if we do that, we win ball games."

Determined, focused, and ready, Shaun Phillips would rather not talk about potential and possibilities now that his team is in the playoffs. Don't ask him about what team he wants to face or what day he'd like to play on. He doesn't have the time or energy to devote to speculation; this man is all football.

"If I'm worried about whether we should play this week or that week, then we've already lost. We have one common goal, and that's to win one game at a time. Whenever we get an opportunity to play, we've got to be ready. Whoever they tell us to play, then that's who we've got to take out."


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Three And Out: January 05, 2010

The San Diego Chargers' playoff date is set, their 2010 opponents have been revealed, and their right tackle is entrenched...


(Photo Credit: Mike Nowak/San Diego Chargers)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 2010 OPPONENTS REVEALED

In addition to playing the teams withing their division, the Chargers will also take on the NFC West, which on paper looks to be a very favorable draw. However, the Chargers also have to play the AFC South, a division that includes the always deadly Colts, the physical Titans, and the high-powered Texans:

Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots

Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals

Briefly glancing at the opponents, I see at least 11 winnable games... if not more. Anyone care to guess the Chargers 2010 record?


TURNER PLEASED WITH PLAY OF DOMBROWSKI

Brandyn Dombrowski seems to have entrenched himself as the Chargers' starting right tackle, even with the veteran Jon Runyan healthy and available. Coach Turners says he's "very impressed" with the way Dombrowski has been playing. Runyan has been serving as a mentor to Dombrowski, and seems to have no qualms about being a reserve.

I'm not one to argue with the head coach about offensive linemen, but either Norv Turner is easily pleased or the Chargers have had some incredible depth at Right Tackle over the years; Shane Olivea in 2007, Jeromey Clary in 2008, and Brandyn Dombrowski in 2009.

I think Right Tackle is a position that can definitely be upgraded via the draft; am I off-base in that thinking? What do you guys think?


CHARGERS PLAYOFF GAME SET FOR JANUARY 17, 2010

The league has announced the that Chargers will host their division round playoff game in San Diego against either the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, or the New York Jets.

I think the Jets would be the easiest team of the three, but don't tell that to Shaun Phillips. He tweets, "No one ask us what team do we wanna play Cin or the Jets. If we would rather play one team besides the other. Then we lost already. Bolts."


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Grade The 2009 San Diego Chargers Season

Well, 2009 is now officially in the books and what a year it's been for the San Diego Chargers and their fans. From extreme frustration to supreme confidence, the Chargers have taken their fans on quite the roller coaster ride, but we've certainly gotten our money's worth. Looking back, how would you grade the San Diego Chargers 2009 season?



OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE

PASSING GAME

NFL RANK: 5th in Total Passing Yards (4,024), 2nd in Points Scored (431), 3rd in Passer Rating (104.5)

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RUNNING GAME

NFL RANK: 29th in Total Rushing Yards (1,373), 31st in Average Yards Gained per Attempt(3.3), 3rd fewest Big Rushing Plays (only 7 plays of 20+ or 40+ yards)

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BLOCKING/PROTECTION

NFL RANK: 6th fewest Sacks Allowed (25), 4th fewest QB Hits Allowed (52), 5th most Rushing TDs (17)

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PLAYCALLING/COACHING

NFL RANK: AFC West Champions, AFC Conference Playoffs #2 Seed, 12+ wins

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DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE

RUN DEFENSE

NFL RANK: 3rd highest Avg Rushing Yards Allowed Per Attempt (4.5), 10th highest Avg. Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game (121.2), 6th fewest Rushing TDs Allowed (10)

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PASS DEFENSE

NFL RANK: 9th fewest Avg. Yards Allowed Per Game (204.9), 5th fewest plays of 40+ Yards Allowed (6), 16th in completion percentage (60.6)

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SACKS/TURNOVERS/BIG-PLAYS

NFL RANK: 9th in Sacks (34), 11th in Interceptions (14), 5th in forced fumble (17)

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PLAYCALLING/COACHING

NFL RANK: AFC West Champions, AFC Conference Playoffs #2 Seed, 12+ wins

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SPECIAL TEAMS PERFORMANCE

2nd most FGs made (29), 3rd most PATs made (48), 12th in Average Kick Return Yards (23)

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