Why This Is a Special Year for The Bolts
By BoogaP
Feb 3, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Vince Lombardi Trophy is seen at a press conference in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at the J.W. Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
Now that we are only 76 days away from the opening game of the 2012 season, the number of storylines for our Chargers is growing by the minute.
Today is the last day of a three day mini camp for the Bolts. Needless to say, the season is sneaking up quicker than I think any of us even realize.
This offseason has been a complete success in my opinion. I really like the way that free agency was handled and I absolutely love the draftees that the team brought in this year.
I still can not believe that we were able to pick Melvin Ingram. It makes absolutely no sense to me. He was touted before, during, and after the draft as the best pass rusher available in this draft class. And by some miracle he happens to fall into our laps at #18 in the draft. For those of you that even try to bring up the short arm “issue”, go ahead and exit stage left.
The more this offseason progresses the more things seem to give me this feeling that there is something special about this season. I’ve been saying it for a while now and, in this article, I will highlight some of the things that stand out to me. The points I have already noted are just the tip of the iceberg.
Any of you that have read my articles are aware of the fact that I believe that this is the year that our Chargers finally break through and bring the Lombardi trophy home to San Diego for the first time.
The story started to be written at the end of last year when the Chargers failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. All we can hope for, and believe in, for that matter, is that this story has that “NFL” fairy tale ending. An ending which includes Philip and company hoisting that ever so popular trophy with that gleam that some have spoken about in the past.
Here are some of the things that lead me to believe that this indeed will be a special year for our San Diego Super Chargers.
– Rivers has so many motivations this season which include: Manning thinking this is easiest way to get another ring, way too many turnovers last year, great supporting cast, although he has plenty of years left in him, the time is slowly slipping away, etc.
– No head shaking draft picks! This is my opinion but I was really happy with our draft.
– Seems like we no longer have any malcontents on the roster.
– No arrests up to this point. Fingers crossed.
– No holdouts.
– Draft picks were all signed early on. We were the fifth team in the NFL to have all draft picks signed. I know the rookie wage scale helped with this but I was very pleased and a bit surprised. There are plenty of players on other squads that are still unsigned as of today.
– Needs seem to have been filled through both the draft and F.A. Let’s be honest, we haven’t exactly been able to say that the last couple years. I wouldn’t mind seeing another CB brought in for depth, but overall I’m very happy.
– We were very aggressive in F.A. in comparison to years past. I really like the WRs we brought in and Jarret Johnson. Plus, McClain was a great pickup amongst others.
– We actually have quality depth at almost all positions. As our BoltBeat editor Ernie has so astutely pointed out, the camp battles this year are very, very interesting. ;)Wink. wink ;). I couldn’t be happier with the fact that people are fighting for their respective positions. Fierce competition breeds excellence. All players get better when they are forced to compete at the highest level.
– Our second year studs actually have an offseason. We have some great young talent. I’m really excited to see what they can do after getting a full offseason under their belts.
– When you add that young talent to the already established veteran experience and leadership, this is how Championship teams are built.
– AJ and Norv are fighting for their jobs. Unfortunately, for the AJ haters, AJ might have done enough this offseason to buy him a future past next year. In my opinion, even if ,by some nightmare, we don’t make the playoffs again, I believe he is still the G.M. Norv on the other hand? He’s canned if this year isn’t a success.
– Mathews is in his third year and many of us believe that this will be his breakout year. The guy looks like huge. He came into camp in great shape unlike last year.
– Our coaching staff is littered with ex-coordinators. The better leadership we have surrounding Norv the less he’ll have to do. Plain and simple. Norv should be taking “How to Delegate” classes. We have the staff to spread the responsibilties out.
– Two years without the playoffs. If you look back in the last 10 years, or so, teams like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis went two “playoff-less” seasons and then brought home the Lombardi.
– We’re completely under the radar for the first time in years. If you have seen any of the power rankings ( which are hilarious this time of year) we are ranked lower than all three other teams in our division. Really? Anyway, my point is that we are playing the role of underdog this season. I love it! Take us for granted. Don’t crown us Paper Champs. Nobody has ever won a Championship on paper.
– We’re healthy! Shhh, I don’t want to jinx anyone.
– The threats/talks of a relocation to Los Angeles. I have already mentioned that I will be a Chargers fan even if they play on the moon. I hope to never have to be put in a situation to have to make that decision. They belong in San Diego. The true Chargers Fans deserve for them to stay in San Diego.
– The AFC West is a very tough division. I never bought into the “haters” saying that this a weak division. It has only gotten better with the addition of Manning, the health of the Chiefs, and the overall remodeling by GM Reggie McKenzie of the Raiders.
– The organization just seems to be more focused in terms of adding up a lot of what I have already stated.
– LaDainian Tomlinson retired a Charger. I get goosebumps even saying that in my head. This happens even more so when typing it out.
– It’s our damn time people!!
– And lastly, but certainly not least, one of the greatest players to have ever played a professional sport has got our backs from way up top. #55 Junior Seau. Let’s do it for him. Let’s get him and L.T. a ring with the San Diego Chargers, so to speak. I know what the haters and some of the other “fans” will have to say about that statement. You all know where you can go. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya!
These are the things that stand out in my mind right now. I’m sure to have forgotten some things. I am sure to be reminded by some of you via email or in the comments section below.
I love all the emails and comments that I get because it shows that people are reading my articles. It shows that people are supporting both BoltBeat.com and our Chargers.
Not even I could complain about either of those things. There is something special about this year and I can’t help but feel proud that I’m calling it now before the season even starts.
What flavor kool-aid is this, you ask? The kind that will taste even better if you start drinking it now and don’t stop until that parade is marching down the streets of the finest city in the world. What city is that? San Diego, of course.
#BoltUp!!!
BoogaP!!