San Diego Chargers Season Preview

NFL Spin Zone’s goal is to be your one-stop destination for all things NFL. With the season quickly approaching, we will be bringing you some Q&A’s with editors around the Fansided Network to give you an idea of how each team should fare in the upcoming season.

Up next is the San Diego Chargers. Ernie Padaon, site editor from BoltBeat.com,  took some time out of his schedule to answer a few questions and give us an informed look at what to expect from the San Diego Super Chargers this season.

Spin Zone: What are your realistic expectations for San Diego this season?

Bolt Beat: The expectations from the Chargers fans have not changed from the previous few years. We expect to be in contention for the Super Bowl! The rest of the league may have forgot about us, but we know the talent level on this team and we should be able to contend.

NFLSZ: Who are a few players that need to perform this season or their futures with the team will be in jeopardy?

BB: Larry English needs to have a good year. He was our first round draft pick a few seasons ago and was brought in to take over the spot from Shawne Merriman. He has struggled to even get on the field and we need him to contribute at the outside linebacker position this year!

NFLSZ: What players are poised for a breakout year?

BB: Ryan Mathews is due for a breakout year. If he can just stay healthy and hold onto the ball, he should be able to put up some numbers on this offense.

Vincent Jackson also will have a killer year. He is back for the whole season and is ready to make an impact. He has things to prove and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Being the number 1 target for Philip Rivers helps also.

NFLSZ: What is the Chargers biggest strength heading into the season?

BB: The offensive passing attack! Philip Rivers had monster numbers last year and had limited targets to throw to. This year he will have Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, Patrick Crayton and Antonio Gates at the start of the season.

NFLSZ: What worries you about the team?

BB: First and foremost: Injuries! We brought in Bob Sanders to help out the defense and he has a history of having issues. Our middle linebacking spot is really thin and it would be devastating if Takeo Spikes went down.

NFLSZ: Where do you see San Diego finishing in the AFC West?

BB: If we do not finish first in the division, then this season is considered a failure.

NFLSZ: What are some storylines to follow with the Chargers this year?

BB: At the beginning of the year, we need to make sure that this team gets off to a quick start. We have been playing catch up for the last few seasons and we can’t afford to do that anymore.

NFLSZ: Predict the team’s record.

BB: 11-5

NFLSZ: How will the shortened offseason effect your team this year?

BB: Since most of the guys on the team are returning players, it doesn’t hurt us too much. It mostly hurts the players that are fighting for a spot on the team. The undrafted free agents that we usually find that can make an impact.

NFLSZ: What can fans expect from Bolt Beat this upcoming season?

BB: The staff on Bolt Beat is great and have a lot to offer. We will do our best to bring all the breaking news and entertainment to the fans.