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2005 Team Report: San Diego Chargers
Quarterbacks
Starter: Drew Brees
Starting QB: The 2004 Comeback Player of the Year, Drew Brees enjoyed a breakout season last year. The former second round pick set career highs in touchdowns, completion percentage, and passer rating, and threw a career-low 7 interceptions. Aside from accumulating individual statistics, Brees also endeared himself to Charger fans by leading San Diego to its first playoff appearance since 1995, and its first division title since 1994. Last offseason, Brees' status as the team's starter seemed in jeopardy after the front office maneuvered a draft-day trade with the Giants to acquire N.C. State's Philip Rivers. But when Rivers missed most of training camp due to lengthy contract negotiations, Brees remained the starter heading into the season. He played well and kept the job. He enters 2005 with much of the same offense he finished last season with, and will again be playing for a new contract, having been "franchised" during the offseason.
Backup QB: This season is another audition for Drew Brees: if he repeats last year's performance, he probably gets a long-term deal as the Chargers' QB for the forseeable future. If he falters, he probably heads out of town and Philip Rivers becomes the quarterback of the future. Rivers was a top five draft pick last year, but got little playing time. He has the physical tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL and the Chargers are still very high on him, but he hasn't been able to get onto the field in game situations to show his stuff. The Chargers will most likely part with either Brees or Rivers after the season. The team will not have to make that decision, however, until next April or so. For now, the team has the luxury of grooming a top five draft pick behind a veteran QB coming off a trip to the Pro Bowl.
Running Backs
Starter: LaDainian Tomlinson
Starting RB: LaDainian Tomlinson is a football stud, pure and simple. Despite a nagging groin injury that hampered him during most of the season, he still managed 1,776 total yards and eighteen touchdowns. The Chargers didn't lean on Tomlinson quite as heavily last year as they had in the past -- in part because of his injured groin, and in part because other playmakers (e.g., Antonio Gates) emerged to help carry the offense. Despite the drop-off in touches, especially in the passing game, Tomlinson still managed to record a career high in touchdowns and performed relatively close to his average fantasy draft position. While the Chargers will once again make an effort to spread the ball around, Tomlinson will still be the primary weapon on offense, and will justifiably be the first player taken in most fantasy football drafts this season. Backup RBs: The Chargers released Jesse Chatman on the eve of training camp, leaving second-year RB Michael Turner and rookie Darren Sproles to back up Tomlinson. Turner has good size and quickness, and in Week 17 when Tomlinson was rested, Turner carried 15 times for 87 yards, and added 4 receptions in his most extensive action. If Tomlinson is injured, Turner would probably become the primary ballcarrier while Sproles would provide a change of pace. Sproles will see action in certain packages, mostly on passing downs, but will primarily make his mark on special teams. Andew Pinnock is a big back who spent the last two seasons backing up Lorenzo Neal at fullback, but he has the versatility to play tailback as well.
Fullback: Lorenzo Neal was brought in two seasons ago to spring LaDainian Tomlinson for big gains, not to garner any big gains himself. Neal has carried the ball 34 times in two seasons in San Diego after carrying it just 32 times the previous six seasons combined. Needless to say, Neal isn't known for his rushing skills. His career yards-per-carry is just 2.9, and he has scored exactly one rushing touchdown this millennium. His production in the passing game is a little more involved, having caught about one pass per game throughout his career. Still, none of his stats make him worthy of being on a fantasy team. His value lies much more in "real" football, as his blocking skills have been among the best at his position over the last decade.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker
Starting WRs: Keenan McCardell, the 13-year veteran, came to San Diego in Week 7 of last season and paid immediate dividends. With the flashy Antonio Gates constantly receiving double- and triple-teams, McCardell provided a steady counter for opposing defenses. McCardell missed the last three games of the regular season with a hamstring problem, but returned against the Jets to haul in a beautiful touchdown, proving his return to health. McCardell will again be expected to fill an important role this season. Eric Parker worked with the first unit during the team's May and June mini-camps. When healthy, he has been a reliable target for the Chargers who has also demonstrated a knack for making big plays. Parker set career-highs in 2004 in nearly every category, and could improve upon those numbers in 2005. He will be challenged for his starting job by Reche Caldwell, however. Backup WRs: Reche Caldwell was on his way to an excellent 2004 season when a torn ACL ruined cut it short. Caldwell's statistics through five games had him on pace for a 54-963-9 season. By all accounts, Caldwell's offseason recovery has gone well, and he should eventually make a complete recovery. As we've learned with other players coming off that injury, however, one cannot expect that Caldwell's complete recovery will come this season. It will take some time build up strength in the knee before he can return to his old self. Even if he starts off slowly, there is a good chance that he'll return to form sometime around mid-season. Third-round draft pick Vincent Jackson may be the best athlete of all the Charger WRs, but it could take him some time to adjust to the NFL game. Depending on how quickly he makes that adjustment, he could play a big role in the offense this season or he could be relegated mostly to play special teams. Kassim Osgood has prototypical size at 6'5" 209 pounds and big-play potential evidenced by his outstanding 20.0 yards per catch. Osgood's playing time was sporadic last year, and he's still considered a project. He is an excellent special teams player, and that may be his primary role this year.
Tight Ends
Starters: Antonio Gates
Tony Gonzalez started it. Antonio Gates is now perfecting the transition from power forward to dominant tight end. An undrafted free agent find, Gates turned in one of the all-time great seasons by a tight end last year, setting a league record for touchdowns by a tight end (13). Gates blends perfect size (6'4", 260 lbs) and incredible athleticism to form an almost indefensible weapon. To say QB Drew Brees seeks out Gates in the red zone is an understatement. Of Brees' 68 redzone passes last season, 26 went to Gates. Eight of those red zone targets came at the goal line. Gates missed the first several weeks of training camp while trying to negotiate a long-term contract, but ended his holdout when he reported to the team on August 21. Gates had been placed on the Roster Exempt list before ending his holdout, which will cause him to miss the first regular season game. Backup Tight end(s): With 29 receptions through three seasons, Justin Peelle's role in the San Diego passing offense is not very large. Should an injury befall Antonio Gates, there is at least a good chance for Peelle to snare some redzone touches, as HC Marty Schottenheimer doesn't like to alter his playing style regardless of who is on the field for him at the time. Keep in mind, however, that this isn't a simple plug-and-play scenario with Peelle. His athletic skill is nowhere near that of Antonio Gates. If Peelle sees significant time, it means that the Chargers are either blowing someone out, getting blown out, or Antonio Gates is hurt. Ryan Krause played in only one game last year -- in week 17 when Antonio Gates was resting -- but he was impressive enough that the Chargers will look for ways to get him on the field this season in certain packages, probably as an H-back. Place Kicker Nate Kaeding : The Chargers used a third round pick to grab last year's top kicking prospect. Kaeding responded with a solid rookie season (except for the last kick in the playoffs). He was 20 of 25 on FGs (80.0%) and 54 of 55 on PATs. He was particularly accurate on longer kicks (5 of 6 from 40-49 yards and 3 of 5 from 50+ yards). The one area below expectations was kickoffs, which were average and got shorter as the year progressed. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Darren Sproles [r], Drayton Florence, Michael Turner, Vincent Jackson [r] During the offseason, the Chargers lost their top KR, Tim Dwight, leaving an open competition this year. Fourth round draft pick RB Darren Sproles returned kickoffs (23.4 avg) for Kansas St. last year, and is the early frontrunner. Two current players saw limited action: CB Drayton Florence (4 returns, 11.8 avg in 2003), and RB Michael Turner (4 return, 18 yards in 2004). Second round draft pick WR Vincent Jackson returned both punts and kickoffs all four years for Division 1-AA Northern Colorado. Punt Returners: Darren Sproles [r], Eric Parker, Drayton Florence, Vincent Jackson [r] WR Eric Parker led the team in PRs last year (27 returns, 8.8 avg), although the team has suggested they would like to eliminate his returns due to his offensive responsibilities. That means that Sproles, Florence, Jackson, or someone else needs to emerge as a viable option. Sproles was drafted specifically for his return skills and was impressive in the team's first mini-camp, so he will likely be given every opportunity to win the job. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Shane Olivea, RG Mike Goff, C Nick Hardwick, LG Toniu Fonoti, LT Roman Oben
The Chargers offensive line was one of the biggest surprises of the 2004 NFL season. The Chargers preseason last year was full of questions with only two starting spots appearing locked up. Two rookies started out of the gate last season in center Nick Hardwick and tackle Shane Olivea, and both did an outstanding job. Nobody expected either player to start, let alone play at a high level, but each surprised with a strong effort. Guard Toniu Fonoti rediscovered his strong run-blocking skills that made him a dominating rookie back in 2002 and also made significant improvements in his pass protection skills. He now appears to be a possible future Pro Bowler. Finally Mike Goff and Roman Oben aren't elite linemen, but they bring both experience and leadership to the table. The depth isn't tremendous but there is some talent in reserve. This unit is aggressive, plays with an edge, and appears to have a wonderful future ahead of them. One word of caution, however, OL Coach Hudson Houck, a noted miracle worker, has joined the Dolphins in the same capacity. Team Defense The darlings of the NFL a year ago, the San Diego Chargers turned a 4-12 season with the top overall draft pick into a 12-4 record and a trip to the playoffs. The emergence of Drew Brees to Antonio Gates, along with LaDainian Tomlinson's annual All-Pro performance, certainly had a lot to do with their success, but the defense also had a hand in the turnaround. After finishing with the league's 27th and 30th ranked overall defense in 2003 and 2002, respectively, the Chargers hired Wade Phillips as Defensive Coordinator to revamp the unit. He brought in a 3-4 front, which did its job in turning the Chargers into the #3 run D. Yet, the pass defense left a lot of room for improvement. Only Kansas City (263.3) gave up more yards per game through the air than San Diego's 253.3. They finished last year with a #16 overall ranking which should turn into a nice building block for the upcoming season, in which they return all 11 defensive starters from a year ago. Defensive Line
Starters: RDE Igor Olshansky, LDE Jacques Cesaire, NT Jamal Williams
Starting DL: DE Igor Olshansky returns after starting all 16 games as a rookie. Considered a raw prospect with impressive size (6'6 309) and quickness to match, he proved to be a stout run defender who offers little as a pass rusher (typical 3-4 defensive end). Jacques Cesaire enters his third season at the other end, but will face stiff competition from rookie first-round pick Luis Castillo. Cesaire started 12 games in 2003, but like Olshansky he offered little to the box score. Together they combined for just 63 tackles (46 solos) and 1.5 sacks, leaving them with very little fantasy value. On the interior, Jamal Williams returns for his eighth season in San Diego. With a history of injuries, durability was certainly an issue entering last year, but he seems to have shook the injury bug (started 30 games now over the last two seasons) and he's coming off possibly his best all-around year after posting four sacks with 32 solo tackles as the Chargers nose tackle. Backup DL: Depth at DE is provided by DeQuincy Scott and Dave Ball. At 6'1" 260 lbs., Scott has his limitations as an end in the 3-4, but his potential comes as a situational pass-rusher. Ball played in just 10 games as a rookie in 2003 because of a foot injury but he appears to be a good fit in the scheme. Although he is not especially quick or strong, he plays with great leverage and know-how to get to the quarterback. If nothing else, Ball should see the field during passing situations. The Chargers switched to a 3-4 defense a year ago without really having the personnel in order, especially along the defensive line. The addition of Luis Castillo appears to be a perfect fit, a 6'3", 300-pound defensive end with quickness and agility. The depth at nose tackle behind Jamal Williams is somewhat thin. If the need should arise, both Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky could slide inside for short stints.
Linebackers
Starters: ILB Donnie Edwards, ILB Randall Godfrey, OLB Steve Foley, OLB Ben Leber
Starting LBs: The 3-4 switch and a move to ILB didn't seem to have an effect on Donnie Edwards, who posted his third straight 100+ solo tackle campaign while leading the team in both interceptions (5) and passes defended (14). At 32-years old entering his 10th NFL season, Edwards remains one of the most athletic and productive linebackers in the game. The same can't be said for fellow ILB Randall Godfrey. Also 32 and entering his 10th season, Godfrey appears to be on the way down. He didn't miss a single game during his first five years but he hasn't played a full season since, missing 12 games over the last four. Godfrey's days as a fantasy impact player are likely over. Steve Foley and Ben Leber return after having combined for 95 solo tackles and 12 sacks a year ago. A six-year vet, Foley was signed from Houston last year and handed a starting job. They obviously saw something that we didn't because, with just 46 solo tackles and one sack from 01-03, Foley didn't appear to be a free-agent "catch". He certainly paid dividends for the Chargers with career highs across the board: 48 solo tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions, 12 passes defended and five forced fumbles. Talk about filling up a box score. While Foley flourished in the new scheme, Leber actually regressed. He has great size at 6'3" 244 lbs. and a nice all-around game but his production slipped, leaving him with little value as a fantasy linebacker (47 solos, 2 sacks). He has been a rock thus far, playing in all 48 games during his three year career (starting 46). Backup LBs: With the 12th selection in the draft the Chargers acquired combo LB/DE Shawne Merriman. With the prototypical skills of a 3-4 OLB, the Chargers did a great job this year of finding guys to fit their scheme, and it should show on the field. Athletic and physical, Stephen Cooper picked up 25 solo tackles a year ago in limited playing time. At 6'1", 235 lbs. he doesn't have ideal size for the position, but he plays strong at the point of attack and has a good nose for the ball. Shaun Phillips, a former college DE who picked up four sacks as a rookie last year, should be a primary backup on the outside. With great size (6'3" 262 lbs.) and pass rush skills, the Chargers will look to find ways to get him more involved. Matt Wilhelm is a strong run defender entering his 3rd year with the team, who also a key component of the Ohio State team that won a national championship. Marques Harris is a former defensive end who showed enough as a pass rusher during the preseason to make the team as an undrafted free agent.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Quentin Jammer, CB Drayton Florence, S Terrence Kiel, S Jerry Wilson
Starting DBs: Quentin Jammer, the fifth overall pick in the 2002 draft, is a big, physical corner with terrific strength and speed. Jammer's coverage skills are better than his ball skills: he has struggled to make plays on the ball when he's been in position to do so. Early indications from training camp are that offseason LASIK surgery has had a beneficial effect in that area. Opposite Jammer is Drayton Florence, another physical corner with size and speed. Florence entered the lineup last year when Sammy Davis was injured, and played well enough to enter the 2005 season as the starter. SS Terrence Kiel has become one of the top young safeties in the game. With good quickness and solid run support, Kiel produced 71 solo tackles with a sack and two picks last year, his second in the league. If there's a fault in his game, it's his coverage ability, which needs to improve for San Diego to effectively defend the pass. Last year's starter at free safety, Jerry Wilson, enters training camp atop the depth chart at that position again, but will face competition from free agent acquisitions Bhawoh Jue and Clinton Hart. Wilson is a former CB with decent quickness, but was often a step slow last year when helping in deep coverage. Backup DBs: CB Sammy Davis, the 30th overall pick in 2003, has started 26 of the 28 games that he's played in over his first two seasons, but a leg fracture allowed Drayton Florence to step into the starting lineup a year ago, leaving Davis as the nickel back entering the 2005 season. Davis has good quickness and adequate speed, but is inconsistent in coverage. CB Jamar Fletcher, a former first-round draft pick acquired from Miami in last year's David Boston trade, had a very strong preseason and will push Davis for the nickel job. The Chargers brought in former Packer Bhawoh Jue to upgrade the free safety position, but he wasn't able to beat out Jerry Wilson for the starting job during the preseason. Neither Jue nor Wilson, however, should excite you very much from a fantasy perspective.
Last modified: 2005-09-06 13:34:55
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