You Stay Classy San Diego

NFL Pre-Season Power Rankings (one team at a time)

3. San Diego Chargers: If it weren’t for the coaching change in the off-season, this would be my number two team in the power rankings. I still think firing Schottenheimer was a mistake. How can such a productive season be construed as a failure, particularly with a first year quarterback? Either way he’s out and the franchise starts fresh with the mediocre Norv Turner. While he may be an offensive mastermind, his previous head coaching stints have been less than stellar.

The only real soft spot on this team is the receiving corps. With Eric Parker injured, first round pick Craig Davis will get a lot of attention in the pre-season. They lack that big play threat in the passing game, but having LT makes up for a lot of things. Their o-line is somehow underrated, and Phillip Rivers shows me no reason why he wouldn’t have a solid year again this year. Gates is the best TE in the league and I think Michael Turner could be the best back-up running back in the NFL. He’s also a really good return man.

One of the big question marks is can d-coordinator Ted Cotrell fit the 3-4 mold? They lost their two inside backers Edwards and Godfrey and are relying on backups to fill in. They have three huge front lineman who are built to stop the run and have maybe the best outside linebacking corps in the league. The secondary is getting better every year as well.

This team has all the makings. They have a tough schedule and likely wont win as many games as last season but they will almost definitely reserve themselves a spot in January. If everything comes together for them they may win it all.

Next: Chicago Bears