Chargers Have Reason to Believe They're Team to Beat

Vinnie Iyer - SportingNews.com

Five games into the season, after a home loss to Denver, the Chargers were 2-3 and 3 1/2 games behind the Broncos in the AFC West.

Since then, San Diego has won six consecutive games, with an average margin of victory of 17.5 points. Although it wasn't quite an extreme makeover, a team that is considered to have the NFL's best collection of individual talent has come together as one of its best complete teams.

"We were just trying to find ourselves at that point in the season," running back LaDainian Tomlinson told reporters. "I don't think there's any question that we're obviously a much different team."

The Chargers now are 8-3, tied with Cincinnati for the AFC's second-best record behind 11-0 Indianapolis.

Even though the Colts are undefeated, here are five reasons why the Chargers are the team to beat in the AFC:

1. A swarming defense. In Week 1, the unit was dealt a big blow when nose tackle Jamal Williams was lost for the season with a triceps injury. That caused struggles against the run, and with the offense slow to get out of the gate, the defense was worn down and rendered ineffective.

Now with the offense off to faster starts in games, it has allowed the defensive playcalling to more aggressive. There has been less confusion on both the front seven and secondary.

"The biggest thing is everyone is flying around, stepping up and making plays," rookie outside linebacker Larry English said. "Getting sacks, interceptions, fumbles, fumble recoveries, scoring on defense -- we've done a great job of executing those things."

2. Philip Rivers. The man he replaced in San Diego, Drew Brees, is getting much-deserved attention in New Orleans. In the MVP race, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady all get mentioned before Rivers.

But Rivers has done something none of those elite quarterbacks have this season: Produced a touchdown in every game.

In the past few weeks, Rivers has been more accurate and improved his passing efficiency. He also has received help from an improved running game and a growing number of contributing skill players. If Rivers gets into a postseason duel with another top quarterback, the Chargers like their chances.

3. A versatile offense. Considering the depth of weapons in the passing game, Tomlinson is now just a complementary component.

The team once traded for Chris Chambers because it was hurting at wideout, but it could afford to release him Nov. 2 because of great depth and skill at receiver.

With Vincent Jackson (6-5), Malcom Floyd (6-5) and Legedu Naanee (6-2), Rivers can choose a nice-sized, athletic target every time he drops back.

Then there's still the ultimate mismatch over the middle, tight end Antonio Gates, who is on pace for career highs in catches and yardage.

"Put a linebacker on him, put a cornerback on him," cornerback Quentin Jammer said of Gates. "He can get open against anyone."

4. Coach Norv Turner. Because of his Washington and Oakland failures, Turner has taken heat for not getting San Diego to a Super Bowl yet. But for the second consecutive year, he has his team peaking at the right time. Turner and his staff also have learned how to maximize the roster.

"The strength of our team right now is that we're getting great contributions from a lot of different areas," Turner told reporters.

5. Terrific special teams. The Chargers have many capable and willing contributors here. Darren Sproles is a threat to score with every return. Kicker Nate Kaeding and punter Mike Scifres are consistent and clutch players. And the San Diego coverage units also are solid, where reserves such as Naanee and fellow wide receiver Kassim Osgood, a two-time Pro Bowler, are stars.

For many teams, the kicking game is an X-factor. For the Chargers, who do everything well, it might be the deciding factor in the playoffs.

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

----

More football news

More sport news

Sports home

Copyright 2012 by SportingNews.com