2008 San Diego Chargers Season Preview

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2008 San Diego Chargers Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
To the surprise of no one, the Chargers are one of the favorites to win “the big game” this season.

The Bolts have become the NFL version of the San Antonio Spurs, looking for ways to coast through the regular season without injury in order to prepare to make a deep playoff run.

They have virtually no weaknesses on either side of the ball. The biggest issue they’ll be faced with is in the backfield. Yes, L.T. is still L.T. But don’t underestimate the losses of both fullback Lorenzo Neal and backup Michael Turner.

Neal is one of the most bruising, best road-plowing lead blockers the game has ever seen. He’s repeatedly paved the way for pro-bowl seasons.

Turner was one of the game’s best backups, but is now the starter in Atlanta. Rookie back Jacob Hester out of LSU, speedster Darren Sproles, and rookie Marcus Thomas will now act as Tomlinson’s backups. Hester is really a fullback, Sproles is only 180 lbs., and Thomas is inexperienced. Expect Sproles to get the bulk of the carries when Tomlinson rests, and don’t be shocked if L.T.’s numbers dip slightly without a dependable understudy.

Last season cornerback Antonio Cromartie had a breakout pro-bowl campaign. Expect Quentin Jammer to get more attention this season, as opposing offenses try to avoid helping Cromartie repeat his 10 interception 2007.

Safety Eric Weddle, whom the Chargers paid a huge bounty for the chance to draft before last season, is extremely athletic and could be on the verge of a breakout of his own.

Breakout season, not slew of zits.

Draft Analysis
San Diego only had five picks in April’s draft, but had really no pressing need.

They had the 27th overall pick, and chose Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason. Cason was projected as the second best cornerback in the draft, behind South Florida’s Mike Jenkins, who went to Dallas two picks earlier. Cason will replace nickel back Drayton Florence, who left as a free agent.

Jacob Hester was the Chargers’ next pick, and will likely split time filling the now vacant roles of both Neal and Turner.

Running back Marcus Thomas out of UTEP, the Chargers’ fifth round pick, could be one of the more underrated players in this draft class. Thomas is a slasher without a lot of speed but deceptive quickness. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. If Sproles struggles or L.T. gets hurt, Thomas could prove to be a steal.

Now that you read the San Diego Chargers preview check out the rest of the AFC West teams including the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos.

Related Pages:
Chargers Official Site
NFL Wagering Odds