I have a feeling San Diego is going to have to do better than 8-8 to win the AFC West this season. Philip Rivers had a very positive season last year -- despite the playoffs, where Sproles was a star and the team once again failed to produce a championship. This offense that, with Rivers, has progressed to pass first, still cherishes the run and pushes the ground game with strong and fast running backs. With LT back and hopefully healthy and with Sproles to spell him, Rivers will be set with his tools for the ground attack. With respect to the air attack, Rivers has Jackson, Chambers, Gates and a few other potential receivers to target. San Diego is a strong team and I have always liked their chances to take control of their division and even the league, but they never seem to pull their complete act together when it matters. I think they have the entire tool set, but just need to be patient and let things fall into place. Luck needs to be on their side as well and this has been a commodity. With Denver in a state of flux and KC and Oakland always questionable, San Diego could shine, but they will need to work together and capitalize on all talents. I project 11-5 with losses to Pittsburgh, NY, Baltimore, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
8/21/09 update:
What can you say about San Diego. This team's depth chart runs deep. Rivers has Volek behind him, LT has Sproles and now Michael Bennett, who looks good after several lackluster seasons and the wide out group has endless possibilities. I am looking at San Diego as a team to watch, not only because they are explosive, powerful and had heartbreaks in the past, but because they have what it takes to be champions and I think their wait is nearly over. LT is aging, well by any means, but with two strong backs to spell his workload, might be even more productive. Rivers now has three years of experience under his belt, this should make a difference and help him lead the team. The supporting cast in San Diego is super talented and they should be solid again this season.
Rivers has proven that he can be an NFL fantasy stud with over 4,000 yards, 34 touchdowns and just just 11 interceptions in 2008. Why can this team not win a championship? Rivers has solid receivers and a huge ground attack with LT and Sproles, but for some reason San Diego cannot break the habit of exiting the playoffs early. Rivers will be a stud again this season with numbers similar to last year, but hopefully the team's luck turns up and everything comes together. I have projected an 11-5 season, which will require the receiving core to produce, the running game to explode and open passing lanes and the defense to stand up. Only time will tell, but I figure Rivers is good for another 4,000 yards and 30 plus touchdowns.
After flip flopping between Kansas City and Tampa Bay the past few season, Michael Bennett appears to have found a new home in San Diego. With his experience and proven ability in the past with Minnesota, Bennett could be a darkhorse on this roster and in the league. LT and Sproles have both shown their prowess and Bennett has been productive in the past when he is healthy. I had him on my roster in 2003 when he rushed for over 1,200 yards, not bad. This season, Bennett will be used to spell LT and Sproles, but look out for his ability to steal some of the limelight. This guy can run and he is not afraid to bust down the field if he is given running room. Look for this trio of backs to be dominant in the league.
Gartrell Johnson might be a rookie, but this back out of Colorado State can run. He faces a tough season ahead, with LT, Sproles, Bennett and probably Hester ranked higher on the depth chart, but it would not surprise me to see this young ball carrier get some carries here and there. In the pre-season he has seen some work, most likely for the coaches to get a better eye on him, but in my opinion, he has not let them down. Look for this kid to make a difference if he is given a shot and to learn as much as he can so that his future is promising. I rank Johnson as a super sleeper because he and Bennett could see solid playing time and yardage towards the end of the season if LT and Sproles are rested.
I hate to call Sproles a handcuff, but he is until LT gets hurt or is unproductive. This is just the reality for a player who is on any team with a star running back. I sincerely hope Sproles has a chance to spell LT more this season and consequently both backs will stay healthy and productive, but LT will likely demand carries and a chance to regain his composure following an injury plagued season with lower than expected numbers. Sproles had 1 rushing touchdown and 5 reception touchdowns last season replacing LT and showcased his abilities when provided the opportunity. Sproles is speedy and has great hands. Look for him to capitalize on the chances he gets on the field. he is another Michael "the burner" Turner and will eventually see his heyday, but until then wait and watch patiently.
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