San Diego Chargers: Expectations For Manti Te’o

ByJoel Childers|

Once a legitimate candidate to win the Heisman Trophy, Manti Te’o has been extremely quiet player in the NFL. In terms of personal life, that is probably for the best, as Te’o was all over the news a few years ago because of a fake girlfriend, but the San Diego Chargers may be about ready for him to make headlines for his play on the field.

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Te’o was highly touted coming out of college in Notre Dame, and was expected to be a top draft pick. The Chargers traded up in the second round to take him at 38th overall, and immediately plugged him into their defense. A foot injury kept him out of action for a few games in 2013, but he managed to accumulate 73 total tackles, a solid number for a rookie player.

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He seemed to take a step back in 2014, as another foot injury limited him and he made only 31 total tackles through Week 14. In the final three weeks of the season, on the other hand, Te’o was simply dominant. He had 30 tackles from week 15-17 against three straight teams with winning records.

Te’o kicked off this stretch in Week 14 when he became one of only nine players to pick off New England’s Tom Brady in 2014, and he managed his first sack by bringing down San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick. It could be that Te’o was finally able to find his stride, and realize the potential that everyone believed he had coming into the league.

He has a lot of work still to do if he truly wants to be considered one of the NFL’s best, but he may be realizing what it takes to be a leader on his team. He’s accepting responsibility, and demanding the best from his teammates:

"“We all can do a better job, especially up front,” Teo said, according to ESPN’s Eric D. Williams. “Just being more stout, knowing where everybody’s going to be and just having that mindset that we’re going to make a play. Definitely each one of us can do better at that.”"

This season will also be Te’o’s first under new linebackers coach Mike Nolan, and a change in coaching staff always provides the possibility of improvement. He could be in store for his best season yet.

He needs to stay healthy, but he’s certainly in a position to lead his team’s defense. He’s got all the physical abilities, and has begun to establish himself as a leader on a defense with few veteran players.

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te’o (50) celebrates after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 38-35 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Te’o is hoping to build off of his 2014 success and carry it over into the new season. His team is hoping he can as well, as their defense struggled mightily in the run game in 2014.

The Chargers were 26th in total run defense last year, including giving up a frightening 4.5 yards per carry. They didn’t give up many yards through the air, but that could be due to the fact that opposing teams knew they could run wherever they wanted when facing San Diego.

As the anchor in the middle of the field, Manti Te’o will be relied upon to shore up a leaky run defense, and if he can stay healthy he will be able to do just that.

A healthy Manti Te’o is one of his team’s best defenders, and playing a full 16 game schedule will give him a chance to prove it.

If he misses more time this season then people will begin to question his high draft position, but he should have a breakout year in 2015 and emerge as the clear leader of the San Diego defense.

2015 Predictions For Manti Te’o:

115 total tackles, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles

Next: Chargers: Buying Into Ladarius Green

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