Preseason Chargers

So this past weekend the Chargers played their 2nd preseason game in which they lost to Chicago 24-3. It's preseason and I don't get too concerned about the score but here's just a few notes I've made about the Chargers this year so far.

1. Phillip Rivers was allegedly to have a stronger arm than Brees yet the playcalling has been for all short pass plays as it was with Brees. If the Chargers continue to call and just run conservative short-yardage pass plays defenses will stack 8 in the box or just cheat their secondary in making it not only tough for those short passes but also be ready for any Tomlinson runs. This needs to change and the Chargers need to find ways to open the offense up.

2. For 2 years many a Charger fan has been high on Darren Sproles the kick and punt return specialist. I have not been. He does seem to have fairly respectable returns when he doesn't fumble but none have been in a really timely manner and I do believe he has never taken one all the way back for a touchdown. He broke his fibula and is out for the rest of the season and from the talk of some Charger fans it is like we lost our best player. I tend to think that change may be a good thing in this area.

3. Speaking of special teams... in the Charger-Bears game the Chargers were extremely lackluster to put it mildly. No downfield punt coverage, giving up a punt return for a kickoff and nothing special on any of the Charger returns. Clearly an area that should be addressed regardless of the players executing them.

From what I've seen so far, I think the defense is playing better but has yet to be tested by a high-powered offense. Pass coverage has looked better, but again, against no stellar reciever. Overall, based on what I've seen so far, I think the team should play better than last year and make the playoffs.