After dominating the AFC West in recent years, it seems as though the San Diego Chargers are finally ready to bow down in favor of the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders. The Chargers won four straight division titles from 2006-2009, but they were never able to capitalize on their success with a Super Bowl appearance. While they may no longer be the front-runners in the West, they still have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to make the playoffs. Here are some of the Chargers' big additions and subtractions sofar in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Super Bowl 2012
WR Robert Meachem
FB Le'Ron McClain
SS Atari Bigby
DE/OLB Jarret Johnson
WR/KR Eddie Royal
WR/KR Roscoe Parrish
WR/KR Micheal Spurlock
Subtractions:
WR Vincent Jackson
G Kris Dielman
RB Mike Tolbert
OT Marcus McNeill
SS Steve Gregory
Top 5 Needs:
1. Outside Linebacker
Although the Chargers were able to sign Jarret Johnson away from the Baltimore Ravens, the team still needs to look for another pass rush specialist. Although Johnson will definitely help the defense, he had just 20 sacks in 143 games with Baltimore. Antwan Barnes emerged as the Chargers' best sack artist, going for 11 sacks in 2011. Shaun Phillips, however, was a huge disappointment. Phillips had just 3.5 sacks last year, after racking up 11 the year before. San Diego desperately needs someone who can team up with Barnes to form a great duo against the quarterback on passing situations.
2. Offensive Tackle
Starting left tackle Marcus McNeill was curiously cut by the Chargers, but they were able to re-sign Jared Gaither. However, Gaither missed all of 2010 and was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in the middle of the season. San Diego definitely needs to add a security option for Gaither. Aside from that, the team also needs an upgrade over right tackle Jeromey Clary. The best thing that could happen for the Chargers is for Gaither to return to form and start at left tackle while they bring in someone who can challenge Clary for the starting spot.
3. Cornerback
While Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason form a serviceable duo at corner, Jammer turns 33 in June and there are some talks about moving him to safety. The Chargers added free agent Atari Bigby to team up with Eric Weddle at safety last year, but there is no doubt that the team needs to find a suitable replacement for Jammer.
4. Guard
When Kris Dielman announced his retirement, the Chargers' offensive line suffered a major blow. Now that he is gone, they must figure out a way to fill his spot. Besides possibly shuffling current players around, the team needs to add some more depth to this position. Although Tyronne Green and Stephen Schilling are capable players able to come in and get the job done, some new blood will certainly help lend some fire to this downtrodden team.
5. Running Back
Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert might have formed a pretty good 1-2 punch in the running game last year, but there is no doubt that the loss of Darren Sproles' big-play ability out of the backfield really hurt the Chargers' offense. Now that Tolbert has signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, this has become an even bigger need for the Chargers. This need should be addressed at the upcoming draft and I wouldn't be surprised if the team chooses Oregon's LaMichael James when it picks in the third round.
2012 San Diego Chargers Offseason Needs
Click here for the latest odds from the respected site BetFirms.com.
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น