If the age-old maxim "defense wins championships" is correct, the San Diego Chargers may win the Super Bowl this season. The Bolts have the top overall defense in the NFL led by the top-rated pass defense and the 4th-best rush defense. Conversely, the Chargers have one of the best QBs in the NFL in Philip Rivers, the best TE in Antonio Gates, a serviceable set of WRs and RBs that have made due while key members of the offense have been injured, involved in a contract hold-out, or suspended. All of that being said, the Chargers' are 3rd in the NFL in total points scored. So...how did they become 7-6?
The 2010 Chargers have finally learned how to win on the road. They lost their first four road games, albeit by a small margin, to mediocre teams like STL, OAK, SEA, and KC. After starting the season with a typical Charger slow start and a 2-5 record, they flipped a switch and have reeled off a 5-1 record ever since. The Chargers do a great job of playing to the level of their opponent as seen in wins over Jacksonville (38-13), Indianapolis (36-14), and with their 3-point loss to the top team in the AFC, New England. This San Diego team is schizophrenic for sure, but they are also very dangerous.
Antonio Gates will sit out on Thursday night as the Niners travel south to face the Bolts in San Diego. Pro Bowl WR, Vincent Jackson is finally back from his hold-out and subsequent suspension, and ready to produce while Gates gets healed before the playoffs. Philip Rivers is contributing yet another Pro Bowl-like season despite the offensive personnel limitations. The backfield triumvirate of Mathews, Tolbert, and Sproles, have finally attained a normal level of good health. This team is primed and ready for a very strong playoff run...but, not so fast. They absolutely MUST win their next three games to have a chance. The chances are that the Chiefs will lose at least one of their next three and maybe even two. The Chargers will win the tie-breakers, which would give them yet another West Division title. 10-6 is now a reality as the Chargers face San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Denver to finish out the regular season.
Despite the many hurdles for the Chargers' offense, Philip Rivers is still a top 5 fantasy QB. Antonio Gates is still the #1 TE for fantasy production in 2010, despite missing three games and playing injured for most of the season. RB Mike Tolbert, who has filled in for the injured rookie RB Ryan Mathews, has produced more fantasy points than the Jets' LaDainian Tomlinson. It hasn't been a great year for the Chargers in fantasy terms, but the future still looks bright. Ryan Mathews should have a break-out fantasy season in 2011, Rivers will most likely be a top 3 fantasy option at QB, and Gates will always be a top-notch TE.
The Phenom
http://www.fantasysportsphenom.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment