2006 San Diego Chargers Preview

The San Diego Chargers come into the 2006 season with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The main question mark for the Chargers is whether or not third year quarterback Phillip Rivers will be able to take the place of departed Drew Brees. The Chargers decided that Rivers was their quarterback of the future and chose not to resign Brees. While Rivers was a top five selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, he has taken a limited number of snaps and is unproven, although he is looking very promising in the pre-season. Rivers will have plenty of weapons to choose from, having the most explosive running back in the game with LaDanian Tomlinson and one of the best tight-ends in the league in Antonio Gates. On the defensive side of the ball, second year linebacker Shawne Merriman will highlight a much improved and very athletic unit. Along with Merriman, Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards will also be counted upon to get after the quarterback as well as helping out with the run defense and in coverage. Cornerback Quentin Jammer is the best cover man in a secondary that struggled from time to time last year. If the defense can be mediocre this season, the Chargers have an explosive enough offense that can compete for the AFC West title as well as take them to the Super Bowl. And while they are playing in one of the toughest divisions in football and will be led by a very inexperienced quarterback, this team has very high expectations for the 2006 season.

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