2009 San Diego Chargers NFL Season Predictions

Written June 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry

San Diego Chargers 2009 Predictions The San Diego Chargers snuck into the postseason last year thanks to a late meltdown by the Denver Broncos, but after a surprising win over the Colts in round 1, the Charges were eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champions, as they fell to the Steelers 24-35 in round 2. With every other team in the AFC West in rebuilding mode, the Chargers should win the division for the 4th straight division title and the 5th in the last 6 years.

The Chargers haven’t made many moves this offseason, as the only free agent pick up came in inside linebacker Kevin Burnett. With the 16th pick in this year’s draft the Chargers selected Larry English of Northern Illinois, who adds another pass rushing linebacker to the mix. That was the only pick the Chargers had in the first two rounds, and it doesn’t look like they will get much help from the rest of their draft picks in 2009. The Chargers did lose some players from the 2008 season, as guard Mike Goff is no longer part of the team, after starting every game for the Chargers after coming over from the Bengals in 2004. The Chargers also lost some talent on the defensive line in end Igor Olshansky. The Chargers must think they have a team that is ready to go, as there are some spots this team could have improved over the offseason.

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If running back LaDainian Tomlinson proves he can keep on going, the offense should have no problems putting points on the board in 2009. Its very unlikely we will ever see put up monster numbers again, as he just turned 30, but if he can stay healthy and fresh he is capable of putting up some very good numbers. Look for backup Darren Sproles to get even more touches this season, and the team could wind up using Michael Bennett a little more to help lower the workload of Tomlinson. At quarterback the Chargers have an outstanding playmaker in Phillip Rivers, who put up huge numbers in 2008, including a franchise best 34 touchdown passes. Rivers also led the NFL with an outstanding 105.5 passer rating. One guy that really benefited from the arm of Rivers, was wide out Vincent Jackson, who led the team with 1,098 receiving yards. The passing game should be even better with a healthy Antonio Gates at tight end, who still managed to lead the team with 8 catching touchdowns on a bum toe. No.2 wideout Chris Chambers had his moments in 2008, but was more of a disappointment than anything. Another option in the passing game is Malcom Floyd, who is another big target at 6′5 and 225 pounds. The offensive line is pretty well set on the left side with tackle Marcus McNeil an Pro Bowl right guard Kris Dielman, but the team has some concerns on the right side. Kynan Forney and Scott Mruczkowski will battle for the starting job at the vacant right guard spot, and right tackle Jeromey Clary wasn’t all that impressive in his first season as a starter. The offense ranked just 29th in the NFL in yards per game last season, and that needs to improve this season if they want to be legit Super Bowl contenders. Bet the Chargers -300 to win the AFC West at Sportsbook.com.

The look of the Chargers defense in 2009 weighs in large part on how well star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman can return from a serious knee injury. If Merriman returns the form that made him a Pro Bowl linebacker in each of his first three seasons, it makes this defense a scary bunch, as Merriman makes so many other players better. One guy that will likely benefit from a healthy Merriman is fellow outside linebacker Shaun Phillips, who had a team high 7.5 sacks last season. Stephen Cooper is pretty much a lock at one of the inside backer spots, but there could end up being quite the battle between Burnett, Tim Dobbins, and Matt Wilhelm for the other starting spot. All this and we haven’t mentioned their first round selection of English, who should see time in passing situations. Another big part of the Chargers defense is nose tackle Jamal Williams, who is still a near must double team for opposing teams after 10 years in the league. The Chargers are hoping Luis Castillo starts to play up to the level of the contract they gave him, and Ryan Bingham needs to show he has the ability to step in and take over at the other end spot. The Chargers secondary was picked apart last season, and that had a large part to do with poor play the Chargers got from corner Antonio Cromartie, who had just two interceptions in 2008 after leading the NFL with 10 in 2007. The Chargers need him to return to form this season, as they missed his big plays on this side of the ball last season. Quentin Jammer is a solid option at the other corner spot, but if either Cromartie or Jammer struggles in 2009, look for 2nd year corner Antoine Cason to get more playing time in key situations. At safety the the Chargers return the duo of Clinton Hart and Eric Weddle, and with more pressure likely coming on the quarterback with Merriman back in the lineup, these guys could look much better in 2009. A lot rides on whether Merriman can make a strong return, but with the pick of English in the draft, the Chargers are much better prepared to deal with him not being able to go. Bet the Chargers + 1200 to win the NFL Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: 1st in AFC West (11-5) The Chargers would really have to disappoint to not when the division in 2009, as it doesn’t look like the Broncos, Chiefs, or Raiders are going to pose much of a threat at all. While I think the Chargers win the division with ease, I don’t think this will be the year they make it all the way and win the NFL Super Bowl, in fact I like Steelers, Colts, and Patriots to all play at a higher level than the Chargers in 2009.

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