2009 Chargers: A Look Back

What happened? It was the middle of October and I, along with most everyone else, had the Chargers all but dead... a lowly 2 and 3 record and a loss to the Broncos had me implying that the Chargers would be in contention for the worst team in the AFC West at that point.

Well the Chargers haven't lost a game since and even the week 17 matchup against the Redskins, which had the Chargers field mostly backups, was still another tally in the win column for the Chargers...although many wouldn't give much credit for that win one must note that the Indianapolis Colts haven't won a game with their backups in and they were playing inferior competition as well.

The biggest difference has been the improvement of the defense...and sure, the defense is certainly nothing to brag about but it doesn't have to be anything special, just adequate and if it is able to at least put up noticeable resistance for opposing teams, the Chargers have a chance to win any game with their offense. But the defense, especially in the latter part of this season, has seemed to be much improved ... goal-line stands have been statement plays for the defense with the Charger d winning many of those battles which then provides a huge momentum boon for the entire team.

The other two aspects that I think have really helped the Chargers be successful was the lack of penalties and the kicking game, namely Nate Kaeding. The Chargers don't seem to be getting those untimely penalties that can kill a drive and Nate Kaeding has been absolutely money this season, a person could easily scratch several Charger wins off the board if Kaeding hadn't been as consistent as he has been this season.

But a person doesn't have to dig too deep to find what the 'identity' of this San Diego Charger team is and why they were able to win their last 11 games in a row...the offense...and to be more specific the passing offense. The Chargers are still among the lowest in the league for rushing and that's by design. The Chargers are a pass first team with multiple threats and quarterback Phillip Rivers that can accurately and effectively deliver the ball to those threats. Vincent Jackson, at the beginning of the season, was on a tear. Teams began to double cover him and all of a sudden there's Antonio Gates wide open all the time. When you over compensate for both of them then here's a swing pass to Darren Sproles... just too many weapons the Chargers have for most teams to account for.

Keep mistakes to a minimum and if the defense plays well, the Chargers most certainly can contend for the Super Bowl...