Five Keys For Chargers Success In 2012

1. Ryan Mathews becomes elite: In 2012 Ryan Mathews will play a very big role in the Chargers offense. But in order of success Mathews will need to become elite. Mathews will need to be able to all 16 games,not fumble the ball, and take control in the redzone. If Mathews does these three thing well his stats will show. The stats will need to show however if the Chargers are going to have success in 2012.

2. 3rd Down Defense: The Chargers ranked dead last in this stat last year. With new additions in Jarett Johnson, Kendell Reyes, and Melvin Ingram the Chargers should be able to improve. In order for 2012 success that Chargers will need to be top 20 in this stat.

3. OT Games : The Chargers lately have not been to good in overtime. Last year the Chargers got the ball first both times and were not able to win the game. The Chargers will need to win OT games in 2012 if they want success. Because two of them last year were againts the division and they could have really used the wins.

4. Healthy: The Chargers whole team get messed up by injuries last season. The O Line stuck out as the biggest part of the team that was affected by injuries. In 2012 the Chargers will need to stay healthy. Injuries can really hurt a team just like it did to the Chargers last year. In 2012 the Chargers need to stay healthy for success.

5 Rivers Rebound: Last year was very hard for Phillip Rivers. There were talk of him even being MVP. Although Rivers did not have a terrible year last season, he just did not live up to the hype everyone created. If Rivers bonds with his new recievers well and the O Line plays great Rivers very well can return to form. Rivers is the leader of the Chargers. He will need a rebound for the Chargers to succeed in 2012.

LT To Retire Monday As Charger

LT will retire as a Chargers. LT has achieved so many things over his career. He was the MVP in 2006 six. He broke Shuan Alexander scoring record. On top of that he broke 28 team records. He also brough the Chargers as a team back to life. LT will sign a one day contract with the Chargers. Then he will offically retire at 11 AM.

      3 Big Training Camp Battles

No 1 WR         

Floyd vs. Meachem

This should end up being a intresting battle for the No 1 WR. I think that Meachem has more upside and promise but I think that Floyd will end up winning it. Floyd will win it because he has been with team and knows the system. Did anyone know that Floyd had more yards than guys like Santonio Holmes even when he missed four games and as a number 2 reciver. My point is that Floyd is a star when he is healthy and a lot of people really do not know how good he has been in the past and hopefully will be in the future. Another fact about Floyd is that he was on pace to have a better year then V Jax had he been healthy for his four missed games. In the end Floyd should win it because of his talent and knows the system better because this is only Meachems first year.

OLBs

The outside linebacker competition will be great. There are a lot of players that can win the two OLB position. There are four main people that can win the two starting jobs. Melvin Ingram, Jarret Johnson, Antwan Barnes, Shuan Phillips. All of these plays will have a shot at winning the starting jobs but I can already knock off one. I can knock off Melvin Ingram because I think that Ingram will be able to DE, Dl, OLB, and ILB. Ingram will not start this year because he does not play one position. Ingrams will start at multiple position including OLB but he will not be the main starter at every position. Regardless he still will get as much snaps as a starting OLB would. In the End I see this going to Johnson and Barnes. Phillips will get a lot of time at OLB to but he will not start due his injurys last year. Johnson will start because he will show a lot of leadership and has amazing hitting ability. Barnes will start because if his great season last year. With 11 sacks and was really helpful on defense. For that I see Johnson and Barnes winning the Jobs.

SS

My favorite battle out of all of these. It is my favorite because I think that it will come down to better play. The three main canidates are Darrell Stuckey, Atari Bigby, and Brandon Taylor. In the end it will come down the Bigby and Taylor. Stuckey will not win the job because he does not have enough star power to win over the coaches. This is going to be close because I think that Taylor is the better player but Norv loves Bigby. But in my opion the best player should win and thats why I think that Taylor should win the job.

WR

OLB SS

Chargers Running The Wildcat At OTAs

Today at OTAs the Chargers were running the wildcat offense in 11 on 11 scrimage. One of the main reason the Chargers are running this is because new addition Ronnie Brown. Brown Ran the wildcat in Miami in 2008 and it worked well. The Dolphins made the playoffs that year as well. The people mentioned running the wildcat were Brown, Royal, and Spurluck. This is great news for Spurluck because it can give him a spot on the roster if he performs the wildcat well. Overall the wildcat will not dictate the chargers offense. I think that it will be simmilar to the plays that they ran will LT. With all the wepons in the wildcat it will be hard for the defense to line up with them. If the Chargers succeed in this offense this will be a major for the offense.

What Ronnie Brown Can Do For the Bolts

The Chargers recently signed former pro bowler Ronnie Brown to a one year deal. Ronnie Brown has shown his talent in his years with Miami. Brown will be able to provide a lot of help at the third down back position but not as much to affect Ryan Mathews Value. Brown will provied decent pass blocking. He can also catch balls on top of that to create more yards. Overall if the Chargers were unsure if they wanted to add one Brown was the right choice. I expect him to get around 35 carries as a backup this season.

Top 5 Chargers to Watch Out For

1 Vincent Brown: Brown has amazing talent overall. He has shown his outstanding playmaking ability last season. This year Brown should have a bigger role in the offense and catch more balls. Should Brown be able to stay healthy and get some time on the field he should be someone to watchout for next season.

2 Shaun Phillip: Phillips is a great linebacker for the Chargers. He was injured throughout last season and did not match the over 10 sacks he did prior to last season. Phillips is coming back strong and if he can stay healthy and get playing time he should be able to get back to that over 10 sack form he was in the 2010 season and is someone to watch out for next season.

3 Brandon Taylor: Taylor was drafted by the Chargers in the third round. Taylor is someone to look out for because he has a chance at being a starter at safety. If he starts and stays healthy he should be somone to look out for this next season. Taylor will also show some leadership like he did at LSU.

4 Jarret Johnson: Johnson is someone to watch out for. Chargers signed him in March. Johnson is not going to be a 10 sack guy but what makes him someone to look out for is his leadership. Johnson is going to see some time on the field, and he will show that he can tackle, make plays, and leadership. He is someone to look out for this season.

5 Eddie Royal: Eddie Royal is someone to look out for because of his talent and what he can do with it at different position. Royal was signed by the Chargers in Mid March. Royal can not only catch he can also return Punts and Kicks. Royal had a great rookie year but since then he has not had the best QB. Rivers will be able to get the ball in Royal's hands if he is healthy and gets playing time. But regardless he is someone towatch out for.

Honorable Mentions Larry English, Jonas Mouton, Antione Cason.

Bolts Prepping Big Role For Mathews

Acording to Peter King of sports illistrated the Chargers are prepping a big role for Ryan Mathews. Mathews is in his third year and everyone is expecting him to have a break out year. Peter King even said the Mathews would get close to "400 Carries" do not know how true that is but if it is the Chargers are really prepping somthing big for Mathews. Norv has said that this is his year to take that next step. Norv has had great backs for example one like Ricky Williams who Norv compares Mathews to. 

The CB Depth Search 

I suspect that the Chargers will bring in some CB depth. There were to primary targets that could really help. The first is Andre Goodman. Andre Goodman was a great player in Denver but his contract was to high so Denver ended up parting ways with him. Since his ways were over with Denver he went on to visit Tennesse and was not signed. Goodman would provide a lot of help in the Chargers secondary. But the only problem is Goodman may be worth to much money. But regardless he would really help out the Chargers. The second Target I found was Drew Coleman. Coleman has a lot of things he could bring to San Diego. Like Goodman he would provide a lot of help in the secondary. Coleman's price however is simmilar to Goodmans. The only problem is that the Jets and Titans have intrest in Coleman. But overall if the Chargers want to help the CB's out these two would really help them out. 

 Chargers Most Sleeper/Promising Youngsters

1 Vincent Brown:We have all seen some of the outstanding plays from Vincent Brown. Down the road I think if things go as planned he can be Top 15 Reciver in the NFL. But it will take time though because he is going to be compeating with Royal for the Number 3 recieving slot. But the future looks bright for Vincent Brown if things go as planned. Some people would not consider him a sleeper but i feel that his name can be heard a whole lot more.

2 Shareece Wright: Wright is overall looks very promising. After coming out of USC in the NFL draft last year Wright has not seen that much playing time. But with Jammer a Free Agent and consideration of moving to saftey, Wright may get his shot. But he needs to be wait and he will get his chance to be the great he was at USC in the NFL.

3 Jarrett Lee: Lee is a very special just by the look of him. He lead the LSU tigers to a 9-0 with 14 TD and only 3 INTS with QB rating of over 150 before Jordan Jefferson took over after his suspension. The only problem is he will likely not be able to seeing any playing time. Lee also is not guranteed a spot on the team even the odds are good he does. Overall Lee looks very promising and if he gets oppurtunity he will grab it but it may take time.

4 Brandon Taylor: Taylor another LSU graduate has a lot of promising that some people are not aware of. Taylor was drafted by the Chargers in the 3rd Round. The Sleeper rookie has a lot of upside. Let me remind of another safety that AJ traded up for, Eric Weddle. Who last year was easily one of the best safeties in the league, if not the best. Brandon Taylor has a big chance to earn him self a starting job a the Strong Safety position. He is going up againts Atari Bigby, Corey Lynch, and Darell Stuckey. One of these four will not make the team but Brandon Taylor has a 99 percent chance of making it. But if Brandon Taylot wins that starting job watch out for what he can do.

Why the Chargers should let Ryan Mathews be the third down back

Over free agentcy the Chargers have had intrest in adding a third down back. This is not the best idea if they want Ryan Mathews to go to that next level. For example if Mathews was able to play all 16 games and got Tolbert's carries he would be the top 5 back in the NFL. Now Tolbert is gone and now this should be Mathews chance to be an all down back. Tolbert was able to get about 40 percent of carries and a lot more goal line attemps. Tolbert average for carries was nearly 1 yard less. If Mathews could stay healthy and get over 300 carries he can be a top back in the NFL. If you add another third down back like Tolbert was, then I do not believe that Mathews can get over 300 carries. Meaning that he may not be able to make that next step. As of now that Chargers say Mathews has the best chance at being the third down back. But there still is intrest in guys like Jackie Battle for the third down back. I feel if the Chargers are going to add somthing it should be Corner because they need help there after Florence signed with Denver.

Three Rookie Signings 

The Chargers have agreed to terms with three rookies, including Melvin Ingram,Kendell Reyes,and David Molk. Each deals were for four years. The Chargers wanted to get there rookie contracts done so they could relax and be prepared for training camp. Melvin Ingram was a great 1st round pick that will make an impact early. Kendell Reyes is a second round pick that will also make an impact and will help the Chargers front seven like Ingram. David Molk has a lot of upside and can be great but he needs to be able to stay healthing. 

Chargers 53 Man Roster Predictions

QB 1 Rivers 2 Whitehurst 3 Lee. Amount 3 QBs

RB 1 Mathews 2 TBD 3 Brinkley 4 Baker. Amount 4 RBs

FB 1 McClain 2 Hester. Amount 2 FBs

WR 1 Meachem 2 Floyd 3 Royal 4 Brown 5 Parrish 6 Spurlock Amount 6 WR

TE 1 Gates 2 Green 3 McMicheal Amount 3 TEs

OL 1 Hardwick 2 Gaither 3 Hardnot 4 Clary 5 Vasquez 6 Henderson 7 Molk 8 Green 9 Downbrowski 9 Ols

DE 1 Cesiare 2 Castillo 3 Luiget 4 Reyes Amount 4 DEs

DT 1 Garay 2 Thomas 3 Brown Amounts 3 DTs

ILB 1 Spikes 2 Mouton 3 Butler 4 Williams Amount 4 ILBS

OLB 1 Ingram 2 Barnes 3 Philips 4 Johnson Amount 4 OLBS

FS 1 Weddle 2 Polks Amount 2 FSs

SS 1 Taylor 2 Bigby  Amount 2 SSs

CB 1 Jammer 2 Cason 3 Ghilchrist 4 Wright Amount 4 CBs

K Keading Amount 1

P Scifres Amount 1

LS Windt Amount 1

Mock Draft Top 15

1 Colts: Andrew Luck

This is an obvious pick by the Colts because this is overall the safer pick. Luck reminds of of Peyton Manning coming out of college but I do not think Luck will be as good as Manning ever. The Colts have also already decided on Luck.

2 Redskins (Via St. Louis) Robert Griffin III

RG3 is seen as the guy that may have the better future and might climb father then Luck. I agree because I feel that RG3 has more talent around him. But it will all come down to weather RG3 and Shanahan can work together.

3 Vikings Matt Kalil

Kalil is a great linemen do not get me wrong but this is not the right pick by Vikings if they take Kalil. I think the Viking should take ethier Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackman. These two guys would just have more impact with Viking then Kalil.

4 Browns Trent Richardson

Richardson is perfect for the Browns. He will help out whoever the starting QB is in 2012-2013. Ricardson would also help the Browns from an offensive standpoint. I do not see Richardson being top 5 back in the NFl at best I see him being a Top 15 in his prime. But I would not be suprised if he already is a top 15 back after his first year.

5 Bucaneers  Morris Claiborne

Claiborne would make a huge impact for the Bucs. He will be a good replacement for when Ronde Barber retires next year. Claiborne reminds me of Champ Bailey.

6 Rams (Via Washington) Justin Blackman

Blackman could be very big for the Rams. He would also help Sam Bradford out a lot. 

7 Chargers (Via Jacksonville) Micheal Floyd

Wait! I know that many will disagree with this but I think that the Chargers will trade up for Floyd. AJ Smith went to Notre Dame pro day and after said he was "Impressed" with Micheal Floyds pro day. Let me remind you that AJ Smith rarely visits pro days. AJ Smiths job is on the line this year and if he does not make the playoffs this year he will likely be fired. Thats why I think that he will trade up for a great reciever in Floyd which can make a huge difference for the Chargers.

8 Dolphins Ryan Tannehill

I think that Dolphins have to draft Tannehill if he falls to the 8th pick. Tannehill is a good QB but is very overated. He is a big risk also due to his foot injury. But I think he will be a lot like Blaine Gabbert in his first year.

9 Panthers Dontari Poe

The Panthers will need help on Defense and Dontari Poe is the answer. He is a very underated player in the draft.

10 Buffalo David Decastro

The has been a lot of buzz going around about the Bills going for a wide reciver in the 1st round. But a disagree the are fine on wide recievers and need a better line to protect there QB.

11 Chiefs Luke Kuechly 

Kuechly is very nice player and I think one of the best pass rushers in the draft. The Chiefs would have a great pass rusher in  Kuechly.

12 Seahawks Kendell Wright

The Seahawks need a reciever badly. With the adding of Matt Flynn in the offseason the Seahawks need to give Flynn a better recevier core if the want him to live up to his expectations. 

13 Cardinals Fletcher Cox

Cox Just like Kuechly is a great pass rusher. The Cardinals need help on Defense and Cox could be there answer.

14 Cowboys Mark Baron

Mark Baron is the best safety in the draft he can be such a great player in the NFL and the Cowboys now that.

15 Eagles Micheal Brockers

Brockers is the perfect answer for the Eagles. The Eagles need a better pass rusher and Brockers has all the tools the be the Eagles best pass rusher in the future.

Chargers May Suprise with Reciever in Draft?

Acording to Bill Williamson of ESPN the Chargers may suprise with a reciver in the draft. I think that if Floyd were on the board they would take because AJ Smith likes him a lot. Also they could trade up for a reciever. Also Kendell Wright is another option, I am almost sure Kendell Wright will not be drafted before the Chargers 18th pick in the first round. If Wright were on the board also I think he is possibilty.

The Three Signings

Today on 4/13/12 the Chargers made three moves in free agentcy. They signed Mario Henderson OT, they resigned Mike Windt LS, and resigned Brandyn Dombrowski OT. These moves will help the Chargers put depth in the OL and improve in special teams. Overall these signings could make a diference.

Special Teams

The Chargers haved signed three KR/PR. They signed Eddie Royal, Roscoe Parrish, and Micheal Spurlock. The reason I think special teams is important is because if your punt returner can average at one of the top returners off the league in yards it can decide between a Field Goal or a Punt. Eddie Royal is a top Kick Returner and a Punt Returner. That why I feel that he and the other returners they signed can make a difference in punt and a field goal. This is important because back when the Chargers played the Broncos at home. They lost in OT due a missed field goal by Nick Novak. If Eddie Royal was returning a kick and returned for just 5 yards more which he has averaged I am pretty sure that Nick Novak would have made that field goal I know that there were other people that messed up like when Mike Tolbert lost yards and made the field even longer. If they won and if everything went as it did the Chargers would have won there division at 9-7. That why I think that the three punt and kick returners the Chargers Signed can make a big defference on both sides of the football.

Acording to Boltbeat here our the Chargers New Free Agent's Numbers

11 Eddie Royal

12 Robert Meachem

13 Roscoe Parrish

6 Charlie Whitehurst

33 Le'Ron Mclain

58 Demorrio Williams

87 Micheal Spurlock

88 Dante Rosario

50 Ricky Elmore

96 Jarret Johnson

Fully Story is on boltbeat.com

What happened to the Back Up Running Back Search?

Just a few weeks ago Jackie Battle Chief's Running Back visited the Chargers and left without a contract. Now the focus has changed to the draft and adding depth to the OL. I think that the top two fits for the Chargers Back Up Running Back are Jackie Battle and Joseph Addai. It used to Micheal Bush but he ended up signing with the Bears but the Chargers did not want to get him for the price he was asking. Last year after Jamaal Charles was placed on the IR due to torn ACL Jackie fought his way up the depth chart and he did.  But then right when he was having his career year he got injured in week 16 with a foot injury.Overall Jackie battle had his career year and also sharing time with guys like Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones. Thats why I think it is a good fit because he has shown he can put up good numbers regardless if he is sharing time with others. Joseph Addai was pretty much injured all year but the one year he played all of his games he was a top running back. This is also a good fit because when he plays he has shown he can put up great numbers. Both of theese guys would be a great Back Up.

Chargers Considering S Crocker?

One of the Chargers needs is SS after having Stephen Gregory go to New England the Chargers need a SS. According to ESPN that the Chargers may be one of the teams considering him. The other teams Were the Chiefs and Broncos. Crocker is an average safety but could turn out to be an above average one. Crocker was Recently released by the Bengals. If he does sign with the Chargers he will likely be the starter. After a year of injuries for Bob Sanders the Chargers do not have any intrest in Re-Signing him. Sanders only played 3 games before getting injured. 

Overview for Bolts 18th Pick

The Chargers in the 2012 NFl Draft have the 18th pick. Acording to Bill Williamson of ESPN that the Chargers may trade down for a better pick in the 2nd round. I think that this is a great idea because I think that the Chargers can get a pass rusher in Whitney Mercilus at a 20-23 pick range but also letting them target S Harrison Smith out of Notre Dame in the 2nd round. This is good also because the Chargers may be able to get a lineman out of the trade. Also acordding to @UTkevinacee that the Chargers GM AJ Smith was very impressed with WR Micheal Floyd at his Pro Day. If the wanted Floyd they would have to trade up. But if the Mark Baron S Alabama was still on the board they would likely take him if he is still on the board.

Mario Henderson Update

According @UTgehlken stated recently on his twitter that the chargers were in contract talks with Mario Henderson. The former Raider tackle who was cut in training camp for being out of shape from the lockout. On Monday, April 2nd, Henderson reported on his facebook that he would be joining the Chargers but now it is Sunday and no deal has been made. The Chargers want a quick answer from Henderson. This would be silly for Henderson to not take this chance for redemption. Henderson would be one of four backups for the Offensive Line on the Chargers. If he does not reply soon they may change their focus back to the backup running back chase, which was the focus that shifted a few weeks back after Jackie Battle former Chief visited the Chargers. For more updates check back later.

Chargers New Nike Uniforms

The Chargers overall new Uniform does not look that different. It has the same colors. You can begin the to Pre Order the new Uniforms on April 15th.