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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]