ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Chargers Writer Robert Murdock    

Through the period of time between 1990, and 2003, the San Diego Chargers had won just two Division titles, and had only three seasons which resulted in a winning record. Of the past four seasons, they have won three Division titles, and all four seasons ended with a record above .500. Other than in the 2005 season, when they posted a 9-7 regular season record, and narrowly missed the playoffs in what was then a tight race in the AFC West, the Chargers appear to have taken one step closer to the Super Bowl, in each season since 2004.

 In the 2004-2005 season, they played against the New York Jets in the Wild Card round and suffered a heartbreaking loss on a missed Nate Kaeding field goal. They got themselves one step closer in the 2006-2007 season by posting a 14-2 regular season record, earning them a Division title and a spot in the Divisional round of the playoffs. At half–time of this game, it appeared they would beat the New England Patriots, and move on to the next round. That’s when everything went wrong.

A series of unfortunate mistakes, including Drayton Florence getting called for unnecessary roughness on fourth down, Eric Parker’s fumble of a punt, and the one that sticks in most fans’ minds as the nail in the coffin, Marlon McCree’s fumble of an intercepted Tom Brady pass late in the 4th quarter. After a dismal start to the 2007-2008 season which most attribute to various coaching changes, the Chargers battled their way to another Division title, and a seed in the AFC Championship. Though they put forth a valiant effort, in the end the injury riddled Chargers were unable to hurdle the final gate to the Super Bowl, and lost again to New England .

Despite all of the improvements, the Chargers and General Manager A.J. Smith are not impressed. “We haven’t done a thing. We heard all the nice things that is said about us and how we’re an elite team. But we haven’t done anything yet. We’re trying to get to what Pittsburgh , Indianapolis , the Giants, and what New England has accomplished.” (quote: B.Williamson, ESPN.com) The unfulfilled goal to which Smith is referring is of course a Super Bowl victory.

A Super Bowl victory, in and of itself is a difficult enough achievement to accomplish, as this is the ultimate goal of every NFL team going into a season. Every win needed to get there, must be earned regardless of the opponent. The Chargers will have additional obstacles when the next season begins. Starting Inside Linebacker Stephen Cooper will serve a four game suspension for violating the league’s substance policy. Pro-Bowl Tight End Antonio Gates is still recovering from a serious toe injury, as is stand-out starting Center, Nick Hardwick from a foot injury. Whether either will be ready at the start of the regular season, is still uncertain. The Chargers’ Pro-Bowl Quarterback Philip Rivers required off-season surgery to repair a torn ACL (knee), and though he appears to be making swift progress, it remains to be seen whether he will be at 100 percent when game time arrives. All-Pro Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson also suffered a knee injury (MCL), though his performance in post-draft mini-camp suggests that he will be ready to go.
 
In addition, the Chargers will have new starters at the Free Safety and Right Offensive Tackle positions in Eric Weddle, and Jeromey Clary, respectively. It is at this point unknown whether the starting Fullback spot left vacant by Lorenzo Neal’s release will be filled by Andrew Pinnock, who is rumored to need micro-fracture surgery, or recent 3rd round draft pick Jacob Hester. The player to fill the #3 Cornerback spot is still to be announced and apparently will be decided through competition in training camp. The top candidates seem to be rookie 1st round draft pick Antoine Cason, third year Charger Cletus Gordon, and Paul Oliver who is in his second year as a Charger, after being selected in the 4th round of last year’s Supplemental Draft. When the Chargers face off against teams such as New England, and Indianapolis who tend to often utilize the Spread Offense, the play of the Cornerbacks listed on the depth chart behind Quintin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie will be extremely important.

While the Chargers look to be competitive contenders throughout the next handful of seasons, there is somewhat of a sense of urgency to navigate that final step to the Super Bowl. Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson does not yet appear to be slowing down, though he is most likely well into the second half of his career. Also, the contracts of several key players, will be up for renewal at roughly the same time, around two to three years from now.

At this moment in time the Chargers seem to have everything they should need to attain their ultimate goal. Should they play to the capacity of their abilities, and are able to avoid key injuries such as those they suffered before, and during the previous post-season, odds appear very much in favor of them making that final push to Super Bowl glory.