Loosen up, Charger fans. The Chargers offense will be back to top form in 2009. One of the main reasons – the success at the tight end position.

Antonio Gates continues to be one of the top players at his position and one of the better athletes in the league. In 2008, Gates amassed 704 yards on 60 catches (11.7 avg.) and finished with eight touchdowns. These were all Gates’s lowest totals since his rookie season in 2003. Gates, who signed as an undrafted free agent, finished the year with 389 yards on 24 catches.

Gates remains bothered by injuries sustained in 2007 and 2008 seasons. Gates big toe is not to par, an injury that hindered him in the 2007 playoff run. Gates sprained his ankle in 2008 and this, coupled with quarterback Philip Rivers’s ever-improving ability to spread the field brought Gates’s numbers down. However, Gates’s recovery seems eminent and Rivers will be more than happy to have his favorite target back at 100 percent. Expect these two to find a rhythm in 2009.

Gates’s success in 2009 will depend on his ability to get healthy, but also, the play of his supporting cast. Yes, the talent of the wide receiver and running back corps will loosen up coverage on Gates. However, consider the players playing behind Gates in the tight end position. They will provide Gates with relief and contribute to the Chargers offense in more ways than one.

Kris Wilson is currently listed as a fullback on the Chargers roster. At 6-2 and 251 pounds, Wilson has played fullback for much of his career. However, as Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner says, “He’s a tight end.”

Wilson has not generated much offense in his career, totaling just 13 yards on four rushes and 345 yards on 42 receptions with four touchdowns in five seasons. Still, Wilson remains tenacious and hard working. He has proven himself an effective blocker and has begun to better understand the Chargers offense.

Wilson will continue to line up as a tight end in double tight end formations and will block off of the end in many running packages. He may also line up as a fullback in some packages, namely in goalline situations. Wilson will continue to contribute on special teams. He may also be called on to make a catch or two. Essentially, save kicking, Wilson could be asked to do just about anything on offense. And that’s alright with Wilson, who understands the need to remain open for anything.

“When you’re playing on a talented football team, you just have to earn your way out there,” Wilson said.

Fellow tight end Brandon Manumaleuna can appreciate the playing styles of both Gates and Wilson. Manumaleuna has a quiet demeanor, but at 6-2, 288 pounds, he makes plenty of noise on the field. Brandon (many have found it easier to call Manumaleuna by his first name) can provide for the much-needed reception and lay a block to spring the long run.

Manumaleuna ended 2008 with 15 receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns. These numbers are not very impressive. However, several of these receptions were for first downs in critical situations. Moreover, like Wilson, Manumalenua takes on a range of responsibilities. He too knows what it means to be a team player and more importantly, what it takes for the Chargers offense to be successful.

The Chargers tiptoed their way into playoff contention last year. The pieces didn’t seem to click until the latter part of the year, and even then, there were a few close calls. One reason the Chargers were able to find themselves was personnel adjustments made at midseason. The biggest move occurred when former defense coordinator Ted Cottrell was replaced by then linebackers coach Ron Rivera. Rivera slowly brought improvement to the defensive side of things, something he wishes to build upon this year.

In the 2008 offseason, the Chargers brought in Hall-of-Fame Wide Receiver Charlie Joiner and former Chargers runningback Ollie Wilson to help at their respective positions. The Chargers have continued the trend and made a lot of personnel adjustments in the 2009 offseason.

Former Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski returns to the squad after spending the past few seasons as offensive coordinator in Cleveland. Chudzinski, who helped Gates reach career highs in the 2005 season, will also serve as the Chargers assistant head coach. Chudzinski looks to bring some of the offensive success he had in Cleveland back to San Diego. In Chudzinski’s first season with the Browns, the team managed to reach the third-highest totals in team history for both points scored (402) and total yards (5,621).

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Per a recent exchange with a Boltbeat reader, I began thinking about the wide receiver position in the NFL. There are a number of teams that are incredibly talented at this position.

Despite my recent overlook, Denver does boast a talented corps with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal (if he proves to be more than a one hit wonder), and Brandon Stokley. Recently, Jabar Gaffney (formerly with New England) joined the mix.

Speaking of the Chargers’ rivals from the Northeast, New England also brings a talented group. Quarterback Tom Brady will be back in top form as he is able to throw to Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the seasoned yet still-speedy Joey Galloway. Newly acquired Greg Lewis (recently with Philadelphia) will also prove an option.

The Arizona Cardinals are dangerous with the double threat of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (and Steve Breaston running alongside for the ride.) However, Boldin does remain in holdout and although talented, Steve Breaston cannot fill that void. Breathe easy Cards fans. It remains likely that Boldin will suit up in red this season.

The Bills became much better at this position when they acquired Terrell Owens. Owens will be sure to help Lee Evans secure a few more open looks this season.

The Packers remain talented with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and a few dependable up-and-comers.

Argument can be made for the Colts with Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. The Bengals may or may not have improved with the addition of Laveranues Coles. Of course anything will be an improvement from Cincinnati’s performance last season.

So where do the Chargers fit into this list? Well, they’re up there. I’d say top six. (Pause to allow you to develop an argument.) However, if they play to their ability, the corps has the ability to be top three. If.

Chris Chambers remains the Chargers’ number one wide receiver. Injuries last season kept Chambers’s numbers modest. He played in 14 games and tallied 33 receptions for 462 yards, a 14.0 yard-per-catch average and five touchdowns. His longest reception of the season was a 48-yard touchdown. Save touchdowns (Chambers had four in 2007), all of these totals were lower than those of the 2007 season where Chambers only played in 10 games with the Bolts. Still, he managed to amass 129 yards on eight receptions in the postseason. Chambers remains a threat with a resume that boasts nearly 7,000 yards receiving and 52 touchdowns. This was a large part of his contribution last season - taking pressure off some of the Chargers’ younger receivers, including Vincent Jackson.

Jackson is coming off of his best year and looks to improve in 2009. This is a contract year for “VJ” so expect his numbers to rise.

“I’m having a great offseason,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I continue to develop my chemistry with Rivers.”

Can’t argue with that. The chemistry was there last season. In the past, Rivers’s prime target has been tight end Antonio Gates, who has the size of a tight end, but athleticism and hands of a wide receiver. Although Gates remains a valuable option, Rivers spread the ball around last season. Jackson managed to finish with 1,098 yards on 59 receptions for 18.6 yards a catch and seven touchdowns, all career-highs. He also contributed with 69 yards on four rushes. Despite suffering the loss, Jackson reminded fans of his value in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against Pittsburgh last postseason. Four plays into the game, Jackson hauled in a 41-yard touchdown.

He will have a good year, but the level of Jackson’s success will rest on the ability of his counterparts to play to their potential. This doesn’t seem to be a worry for Jackson.

“We have good depth and expect to contribute to another successful year on offense,” Jackson said.

Malcom Floyd also had a career year in 2008 with 465 yards on 27 receptions for an average of 17.2 yards-per-catch. He finished with four touchdowns including a much-needed score in an impressive comeback win at Kansas City. Floyd would prove a strong third (fourth if you consider Gates) option for Rivers. However, Floyd, despite being commended for his gentile and polite demeanor, has yet to sign the second-round tender offered to him in February (worth $1.54 million for the 2009 season). He needs the time to “build that chemistry.” Moreover, the five-year veteran is injury prone.

Last year he suffered a hamstring injury which limited his playing time and a collapsed lung which kept him out of the last few regular season games and a Wild Card victory over Indianapolis. It is possible that ‘Young Malcom” will be dressing in another color come Fall.

Craig “Buster” Davis has not done much to avoid the incessant exploitation of his nickname. You figure it out. In two seasons, Davis has totaled 24 receptions for 247 yards and one touchdown. This isn’t awful for a number four receiver. But it is quite disappointing for a first-round pick. Davis’s one start and 18 games in two seasons is a concern. My thought is that the young Tiger (he was drafted out of LSU) will soon be on another team or back in the bayou.

Although, that’s perfectly fine. The Chargers wide receiver corps is a little unorthodox in composition and a few of these determined players are growing into fan favorites.

Third year player Legedu Naanee is skilled enough to play at a number of positions and he just might soon enough. Naanee has put on some weight this offseason and remains attentive and dedicated. Naanee showed some ability last season with a number of critical first downs. He caught attention when he came up with a big touchdown against Pittsburgh.

Clearly, Darren Sproles earned every bit of that franchise tag this past off-season. Technically, “Big D” (he hates it when I call him that) plays as a running back. However, he is a huge receiving threat as a scat-back. Last season, Sproles brought fans to their feet with 29 receptions for 342 yards and five touchdowns. Sproles’s longest reception was 66 yards for a touchdown. He also accounted for 136 yards on 10 receptions and a receiving touchdown in the postseason, including a five reception, 91 yard effort against Pittsburgh. Sproles also tallied a receiving touchdown in the effort.

Perennial Pro-Bowl attention-getter (for current lack of a better term) Kassim Osgood is back with the team this season. Osgood’s specialty remains special teams. However, in a pinch, Osgood, who is both big and fast, could line up for a long ball.

The Chargers have also brought in some young talent this season. Chargers’ seventh round draft pick Demetrius Byrd was in an unfortunate car accident prior to the draft and was therefore overlooked by many teams. However, Byrd is recovering well and his work-ethic could land him a spot with the Bolts. Chargers personnel are hopeful that Byrd will prove a more sound decision than his LSU counterpart, Davis. Byrd could impress as he appears one of those “football players” that General Manager AJ Smith loves so much.

As with every summer, the Bolts locker room is also hosting a number of undrafted free agent wide receivers. Unfortunately, with such a talented pool to compete against, most of these young hands will be gone come the final roster. However, anything can happen. Hopefully the end result will be well received. Wordplay!

Last season, fans did not get to see much of the “Lights Out Dance.” You do remember the dance, don’t you? It went something like this: Quarterback goes down. Defensive player hops up. While jumping and stomping the ground, player pretends to pull a tattooed light switch strategically placed on his forearm. Oh, memories.

Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman missed the 2008-09 regular season with injury. Unfortunately, the Chargers saved a bit of money on their energy bill. Rumors swirled regarding Merriman’s departure and vulnerability of the Bolts defense. Still, despite a rough beginning, the Chargers defense survived, barely.

Expect the Bolts defense to resurge in 2009. Sorry Spanos, SDG&E will have a hand on your money clip soon enough. Merriman has returned, flipped the intensity switch and is eager to charge up his teammates.

Merriman’s presence will foster an immediate improvement in the Chargers pass rush, which was at the bottom of the barrel in 2008. The additions of inside linebacker Kevin Burnett and first-round draft pick Larry English (OLB) will provide the team with the ability to send a few more skilled rushers, which will likely cause opposing quarterbacks to quiver, sacks to increase and turnovers to soar.

Granted, the Chargers have a difficult schedule ahead of them. It’s the season of The Birds for the Bolts and even Hitchcock wouldn’t know what to expect. The Chargers play the Seahawks, Cardinals and Falcons in preseason and host the Ravens and Eagles in Weeks Two and Ten, respectively. Other formidable opponents include the Dolphins, Steelers, Giants, Cowboys, Titans and Redskins, oh my. If you didn’t catch the underlying theme, most of these teams boast pretty good quarterbacks. Still, with the way AFC West opponents are looking, even a decent record will merit the Chargers another trip to the playoffs.

The Chargers defense will undoubtedly prepare for each opponent with equal reverence. However, save Philip Rivers, the quarterback lineup in the AFC West is a weak one.

Matt Cassel and the Chiefs could prove to be problematic. Cassel was quite mobile when the Chargers faced the Patriots last season (Cassel joined the Chiefs in the offseason). Still, the Chiefs offense does not boast the same arsenal as the Patriots and a quarterback can only scramble for so long. Jeff Garcia brings a little more leadership and experience to the Raiders offense. However, Raiders General Manager Al Davis did not provide Garcia and his soon-to-be understudy JaMarcus Russell with much support this offseason. (Russell will likely lose his starting spot to the seasoned Garcia early on.) Kyle Orton can manage a team and hit wide receiver Brandon Marshall with a few lobs. But then again, Orton has about as many weapons in Denver as he did in Chicago. We all saw how that worked out.

So, Coach, let’s get these boys on the field. And, please, bring the house.

Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

Skeptics may contend, but Larry English should prove a sound investment. If English fulfills his potential, the Chargers linebacking corps will be big, fast and physical. Moreover, the unit will be relatively young. So, should General Manager AJ Smith manage to keep Merriman on for a few more seasons, the Chargers defense will only get better, particularly under the helm of Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera, a respectable linebacker in his playing days.

AJ Smith continues to make the right decisions and has found another “football player” in English. Smith continues to push for players that appreciate the game for the game and are willing to do whatever it takes for their team to win. (See recent early picks such as Eric Weddle and Jacob Hester who possess both character and ability.)

If this doesn’t convince you of Chargers personnel being able to pick ‘em, perhaps this will. Over the last ten years, the Chargers have had more draft choices earn Pro Bowl honors than any other team in the NFL (Philadelphia Daily News). Of the last 20 draft picks, six ended the 2008 season as starters. Prove em right, Mr. English.

Admittedly, Larry English was not on my radar. I was thinking running back. I was wrong.

The defensive end out of Northern Illinois was the 16th overall pick and the first round selection of the San Diego Chargers.

English is an OLB who joins a squad with Shawne Merriman coming off a serious injury. The rookie is fast, gets to the ball, sees the field, the only question mark being his lack of size compared to your top tier linebackers.

The running back issue is apparently not an issue at all. Bolts are looking to improve their defense and apparently will field nearly the same offensive squad this season. Without a 2nd round pick, it was an easy day for San Diego.

Here’s a YouTube highlight video of Larry English… impressive stuff:

The FanSided.com Sports Network proudly presents our first ever network-wide live NFL Draft chat. That’s right; NFL bloggers from all 32 team sites will be checking in to discuss the 2009 NFL Draft and all the news and rumors that go along with it. If you want knowledgeable, real-time commentary on the entire draft, then this chat is for you. Thanks for joining us, and keep the comments and questions coming (but clean and respectful, please).

NFL Mocks is the Home for the first FanSided.Com Live NFL Draft Chat

With the ‘09 Draft in a few days, there are plenty of mocks, theories, ideas, bickering, and guessing as to what’s going down come Saturday.

Phil Barber from the Press Democrat out of Santa Rosa posted a great article on the Top 10 NFL Draft-Day Blockbuster Trades. Your San Diego Chargers made #1:

1. 2004 THE SWAP: Chargers trade QB Eli Manning to Giants for QB Philip Rivers, third-round selection in 2004, and first- and fifth-round choices in 2005.

THE FACTS: Everyone expected the Chargers to trade the No.1 overall pick when Manning said he wouldn’t sign with them out of Mississippi. They couldn’t get a deal done by the time the Giants picked at No.4, so the two teams wound up trading the players rather than the picks. San Diego took K Nick Kaeding with the third-round selection, and LB Shawne Merriman with the 2005 first-rounder.

THE WINNER: Don’t bother weighing Manning’s Super Bowl win vs. Rivers’ production. Merriman easily swings the balance of power to the Chargers.

The Chargers official website also posted Draft Day Memories from Philip Rivers, Antoine Cason, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Nate Kaeding.

Mocks over at Sporting News and SI have the Bolts selecting the running back out of Georgia, one Knowshon Moreno. BoltBeat.com would like to announce its official endorsement of this choice. Thank you for the applause.

Knowshon Moreno

Moreno has met with the Chargers, no doubt the impression has been made. Will he be called by San Diego at #16? If he’s still on the board, I think it’s a no-brainer.

If the Chargers go running back at all, surely Beanie Wells comes to mind. That’s fine. But I see a team biting on him too early. Both running backs will come at a bargain due to the extremely impressive offensive linemen class this year.

All the scheming and plotting from the blogosphere is fun, but there is still LaDainian Tomlinson to consider. With a career implosion from Mike Vick and a record-setting MVP year, the trade-up for the Chargers in the 2001 draft is now brilliant. Depending who you ask, the wheels might be falling off L.T. and it could be time to let him go. The shelf life of a running back is getting shorter and shorter. A few less than stellar seasons gave cause for concern and rise to Darren Sproles.

While Sproles is good, he’s not the heir apparent to Tomlinson. Enter Knowshown. It’s a smart and safe move with little risk. I don’t see Moreno going past #16, so it could be advantageous for the Bolts to trade down if all else fails.

Regardless of how it goes down, don’t be surprised to see yet another powder blue draft day surprise.

The preaseason schedule was announced and the Chargers find themselves being attacked by birds.

The Seattle Seahawks will nest at Qualcomm for the fourth year in a row to get things going.

Then the Bolts are off to battle the Super Bowl runner-up Arizona Cardinals.

The Hitchcockian portion of the tour ends with the Chargers swooping into Atlanta and facing the Falcons.

Preason and my weak analogy is capped with a home game against the San Fransisco 49′ers.

Nothing spectacular to look forward to, but football is football. Is it August yet?

Several media outlets are reporting that Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler will be traded out of Denver.

From Yahoo! Sports:

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said that the team came to the decision after both he and head coach Josh McDaniels tried unsuccessfully to reach Cutler.

“Numerous attempts to contact Jay Cutler in the last 10 days, both by head coach Josh McDaniels and myself, have been unsuccessful,” Bowlen said. “A conversation with his agent earlier [Tuesday] clearly communicated and confirmed to us that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos. We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded.”

It goes without saying that Jay Cutler will be out of the AFC West, which is only good news for the Chargers.

New head coach Josh McDaniels and Cutler are both equally idiotic in this situation and the team is going to suffer because of it. The Broncos will not be better without Jay Cutler.

Listening to Mad Dog Radio on XM today, Andy Gresh was tossing out scenarios for a then possible trade for Cutler. One was the Buffalo Bills sending Trent Edwards and a #1 draft pick to Denver for Cutler. Might make sense.

Nevertheless, there is a short list of teams where Cutler could land. If not Buffalo, I’d imagine he ends up with the Jets or Browns. Either way, don’t care that much.

It’s just nice to say, so long Jay.