The San Diego Chargers have a new head coach and new regime coming in with head coach Mike McCoy and general manager Tom Telesco and after watching quarterback Philip Rivers get battered around last season, the team has focused on upgrading the offensive line in the offseason and training camp.
The Chargers selected D.J. Fluker with their first round pick in the draft and the team also signed free agent Max Starks from the Steelers to play left tackle. According to ESPN.com, so far Starks is getting a tough battle for the position, as King Dunlap has established himself in camp and could end up ahead of the veteran heading into the preseason. McCoy released the first depth chart of the season and after Dunlap worked most of the time with the first team offense, Dunlap got the nod to start early on. Dunlap struggled last season with the Eagles and now the Chargers may have two viable options at left tackle to help protect Rivers. Last season Rivers threw for 26 touchdowns and over 3,600 passing yards, but the team ranked 24th in the league in passing yards per game and that will need to improve this year.
Rivers will be helped along with a more consistent running game and if Ryan Mathews and Jackie Battle can stay healthy, the team should improve from its ranking at 27th in the league in rushing yards per game. Rivers will have Keenan Allen as another wide receiver in the mix with Malcom Floyd and Danario Alexander and if he can cut down on his interceptions, the Chargers will be able to challenge for the AFC West title with the Denver Broncos.
The team is looking to get more aggressive on defense as well and adding rookie Manti Te'o should help improve the linebackers and Eric Weddle is coming back after a fantastic season in the secondary. Head coach Norv Turner is now with the Browns and the Chargers are hoping to open things up more like how things were when McCoy was with the Broncos. Starks has won two Super Bowls in his career and while Dunlap is ahead of him now, things could change during the preseason. The team also has Brandon Taylor back after activating the safety off of the PUP list.