This coming 2016 season will mark the 10-year anniversary of possibly the greatest San Diego Chargers team ever.
It was a team that included youngsters such as young Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd, a terrific offensive line, defenders such as Luis Castillo, Shaun Phillips, Jamal Williams, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and not to mention that year’s NFL Most Valuable Player LaDainian Tomlinson.
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The coaching staff was equally as illustrious, headed by Marty Schottenheimer while also including the likes of Wade Phillips, Rod Chudzinski, and John Pagano. The 2006 squad finished first in the NFL in points scored and seventh in the NFL in points scored against. The 2015 Chargers scored an average of 20 points per game; the 2006 Chargers scored an average of 30.8 points per game.
Rivers, in his first season as a starter, compiled a completion percentage of 61.7 percent, 3,388 yards, and 22 touchdowns compared to just nine interceptions. The team did not need much out of Rivers, given that they had one of the greatest running backs of all time.
Tomlinson totaled 1,815 rushing yards on 5.2 yards per carry. Both of those numbers alone are already astounding. Yet, Tomlinson’s greatness does not stop there; the running back finished the season with an NFL-record 31 total touchdowns. L.T. also finished the season with 56 receptions and 508 receiving yards, not to mention his 20 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
On defense, Merriman and Phillips combined for 28.5 sacks; last season’s leading Chargers’ duo combined for 16.5 sacks. Jamal Williams at the time was one of the league’s best nose tackles, making 69 total tackles and 2 sacks.
The team itself went an NFL-best 14-2 for the 2006 season. Many viewed this team as the organization’s best hope for winning the Super Bowl. The team flopped in the postseason, losing their first game to the New England Patriots. After the season, Schottenheimer was fired and replaced by Norv Turner.
Many players, including Tomlinson, viewed this head coaching change in a negative light (according to Elliot Harrison of NFL.com). Since 2006, Chargers fans have lusted for a team built like this one. In 2016, fans can only hope that the rebuilding of the team can lead the Chargers to the playoffs once again.