The Associated Press
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (10-8)
New faces: CB Brandon Flowers, CB Brandon Ghee, RB Donald Brown, rookie CB Jason Verrett, offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
Key losses: QB Charlie Whitehurst, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.
Strengths: QB, RB, WR, TE, LB.
Weaknesses: DL, DB.
What’s New: Chargers will continue to refine up-tempo offense coach Mike McCoy introduced last season, which allowed Philip Rivers to post impressive numbers and win Comeback Player of Year award. Rivers will have new offensive coordinator; Reich was promoted from QBs coach after Whisenhunt was hired as Tennessee’s head coach. Rivers led NFL with 69.5 completion percentage and threw for 32 TDs against 11 interceptions.
Expectations: Fans are back on bandwagon after Bolts ended three-year playoff drought and beat Cincinnati on road before losing in divisional round at Denver. Charges should return to playoffs, but face tough schedule, including NFC West, and have to contend with Peyton Manning and defending AFC champion Broncos twice. A deep playoff run might be year or so away.
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