Bolts rush game regaining elite status in 2011?

By FanSided Staff
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It’s no question that the San Diego Chargers are one of the more prolific passing offenses, but a 1 sided offense doesn’t get you very far. Now you can’t bag on the 2010 Chargers offense too much in the sense that their running game was middle of the pack, ranked 15th in the league. After many years of being spoiled with one of the greatest running backs in the history of the league, what will it take to get the Bolts back to the top in rush offense? Well, this years schedule is a nice start!

The San Diego Chargers have one the more “rush friendly” schedules in the league this season. (click here to see full rankings.) In fact when looking at the Bolts 2011 opponents and how they fared against the run last year, it’s clear to see that the opportunity for both the Chargers and Ryan Mathews to hit the high road is now! The Chargers average 2011 opponent allowed 120 yards per game! So if we say that Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert are an “average” running back tandem (which I would rank them higher) that would project us out as a team with 1920 yards rushing. Now that’s what I call the path to success. Ryan Mathews could very easily break out and post up his first 1000 yard rushing season this year, with Tolbert gaining well over 500.

Not only do the Bolts feature a dynamic duo in the speedy/agile Ryan Mathews and the bruiser Mike Tolbert, but the Chargers added a new lethal weapon to the offense in Jordan Todman. Todman is a “Darren Sproles” type back who works well in screen pass game and can also break away in the open field. If you remember my earlier post on Todman you will remember that he put up elite numbers and place near the top in all tests. If you did not get a chance to see my article on him or just want to refresh your memory, click here.

In combination with a top ranked passing game, new receiving weapon Vincent Brown, Vincent Jackson back (most likely), and Antonio Gates back to full health the Bolts offense could prove to be unstoppable in 2011.

http://youtu.be/GyfxWmN0m9Y

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