Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the San Diego Chargers.
2014 in a nutshell: A strong start from Philip Rivers and a surprisingly good season from the defense helps them win nine games, but with Rivers hurting they lose three of their last four games and narrowly miss out on the playoffs.
Why 2015 could be different: A healthy Rivers has MVP potential, and while they lost top back Ryan Mathews, they added solid veterans Orlando Franklin, Stevie Johnson and Patrick Robinson. And they were hit harder by injuries last year than every other team in football except the Giants, per Football Outsiders. Law of averages should be on their side this time around.
Major additions: Top pick Melvin Gordon is supposed to replace Mathews, while Franklin, Johnson and Robinson should all play key roles.
Major losses: Mathews (although he had trouble staying healthy anyway), Eddie Royal and cornerback Shareece Wright. All are very replaceable.
Breakout watch: On defense, they’ll expect a healthy and productive season from top 2014 pick Jason Verrett at nickel corner. On offense, we’ll see if talented young tight end Ladarius Green can take the torch from the 35-year-old Antonio Gates, who is suspended for the first four games of the season.
Position to watch: It’s Melvin Ingram’s final chance to prove he can stay healthy and live up to his billing from the 2012 draft at outside linebacker, while third-year linebacker Manti Te’o is always a player to watch in the middle.
Prediction: I still worry about the defense but I actually think this team can make a playoff push with nine or 10 wins, which might even land it in Denver’s range.
