If you were to choose the most surprising team to be in the bottom four of the league standings so far this season, you probably would choose the San Diego Chargers. They currently sport a rather less than impressive 3-10 record. If the Chargers were to win their last three games, they would land at 6-10. This would be the worst season the Chargers have had since 2001, when they finished 5-11. And that’s being generous, it is unlikely that they will finish 6-10 with their remaining schedule consisting of Miami (5-8), Oakland (6-7), and Denver (10-3).
The Chargers are well known for the ability to fight through injuries every year, and this year they are facing many injuries. Star wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a season ending injury mid-way through this season, Malcolm Floyd went out with an injury a few weeks after Allen did and just recently made his return. This left the Chargers wide receiver depth chart very thin. Stevie Johnson is also battling a chronic injury. Dontrelle Inman became the new go to wide receiver. Antonio Gates missed the first four games due to suspension, leaving Ladarius Green the starting job. Green and Gates both suffered injuries mid-way through the season, but are now healthy.
Also the running backs have taken a hit. Danny Woodhead didn’t play a snap last year due to a knee injury and hasn’t been productive since. Brandon Oliver also suffered an injury. Melvin Gordon hasn’t lived up to expectations this year either, but due to injuries he was almost forced to become the starter. Gordon was benched against Denver after putting the ball on the ground twice.
Despite all of this, Philip Rivers surprisingly re-signed with the Chargers on a multi-year deal only a couple games into the season. He was leading the league in passing yards for most of the season as well, so Rivers hasn’t missed a step. Rivers has almost 4,000 yards passing with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Remember, this is mostly without his best receivers Allen and Floyd. Oh, and don’t forget the injuries to the offensive line. DJ Fluker and King Dunlap have been battling chronic injuries all season.
Currently the Chargers are tied for the worst record in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and the Tennessee Titans at 3-10. With tie breakers and other factors, they would have the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft if it were to start today. San Diego needs help at many positions, including the offensive line, cornerback, defensive line, and safety. Assuming they will give Melvin Gordon a couple more years to develop and with the return of Keenan Allen next year, we probably won’t see them use their pick on an offensive skill player.
This year their best defensive player is second year cornerback Jason Verrett. Verrett had a highlight reel interception off of Alex Smith last week, which was the first time Smith was picked off in a matter of weeks. Eric Weddle is typically their star defender, but Verrett has been showing out. He virtually shut down Antonio Brown when the Bolts played the Steelers in October. Weddle has made it pretty clear he will be leaving San Diego after this year, and with Brandon Flowers getting carted off last week the Chargers may need to help out Verrett at defensive back in this years draft. Some say they should draft Florida star Vernon Hargraeves III.
The Chargers offensive line has had struggles, along with the defensive line. Joe Barksdale also sustained an injury against Kansas City last weekend. There is constant injuries and Philip Rivers is almost always under pressure. Some say they should draft Notre Dame star right tackle Ronnie Stanley Jr. On the contrary, the Bolts defensive line hasn’t had one player obtain more than three sacks this season and are 25th in league in sacking the quarterback. Some say they should draft Ohio State standout Joey Bosa, or Oregon prototype Deforest Buckner. We should see an immediate improvement next season for the San Diego Chargers.