Chargers - Broncos Preview

Week 2 is almost here and the Chargers are looking to get their first win...to do so, they will have to win in Denver.

I was pretty disgruntled after last weeks loss, because even with several key players either sidelined or seeing limited action, I felt they should have played better. And sure, it's week 1, but if you start making excuses as to why you lost a game, soon you will be losing more than winning and this franchise can ill-afford that. There are several national sports-writers who deemed the Chargers success last year as a 'fluke' and that they were a one-year wonder. I tend to think the opposite and that the Chargers have the building blocks for a solid squad for years to come, but they will have to prove it on the field before more folks will believe that.

A key injury could be offensive lineman Fonoti, who broke his right hand. Fonoti, and the rest of the offensive line, got beat often last week against a blitz-happy cowboys defense...but Fonoti is a solid run-blocker and is often paving the path for Tomlinson. The team says Fonoti will start and is good to go, but playing with a broken hand has to be less than comfortable.

Denver's defense looked worse than the Chargers last week. With Antonio Gates returning, McCardell emerging as true #1 wide out, this all should mean Tomlinson should find room to run. I look for the Chargers offense to really control the tempo of the game. I also think Denver's offense is less than stellar. It could be a good confidence builder if the secondary and defensive line can perform, setting the tone for the rest of the season. I really think this is a good opportunity for the Chargers to play a solid game and come out with a victory. If the Chargers lose a close game, pending circumstances, may not be the end of their season. But if the Chargers get their asses handed to them and get a beat down, I will seriously question any chance of them being competitive this season.

Chargers 34 Denver 24