Training camp goals: Chargers
Camp goals | Strategy and personnel | Camp calendar
Training camp goals
1. Coaching ‘em up
After winning two AFC West titles in three years and compiling an NFL-best regular-season mark of 14-2, Marty Schottenheimer was forced out. Enter Norv Turner, who is known for two things: being an offensive guru and a bust as an NFL head coach.
This will be Turner’s third shot directing his own squad and the Chargers fans’ fingers are crossed this time is the charm. In stints with the Redskins and Raiders, Turner’s mark is 58-82-1.
The Chargers’ brass is quick to point out those franchises produced teams not nearly as stout as the Chargers. And that assessment is right on.
Turner takes over a team that is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. That said, Turner still needs to prove he can lead an entire team, and not just one aspect of it.
Turner, though, won’t need any time making adjustments to the Chargers’ high-powered offense, led by NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. It was Turner, as the offensive coordinator, who installed the scheme back in 2001.
2. Getting the inside right
The Chargers, after going 14-2, have few questions and not many positions unsettled. But that’s not the case at inside linebacker, where the Chargers must find ample replacements for veterans Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey.
The plan is for Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper, two guys who have paid their dues, to fill in for the two 12-year pros.
In short stints, Wilhelm and Cooper have done little to show they can’t do the job. But filling in occasionally and doing it on a weekly basis are two different things.
It’s critical Wilhelm and Cooper prove early that they are up to the task. The Chargers have a had a stout run defense for years and that helped fuel last year’s showing as the top team in sacks. When the Chargers are successful on the early downs, it puts rivals in obvious passing situations which the linebackers on the edge — Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips — can take advantage of.
3. Establish a solid wide-receiver group
While nearly every other position strikes fear into defensive coordinators, the wide receivers’ spot remains a work-in-progress.
With veteran Keenan McCardell not invited back, the team turns to third-year pro Vincent Jackson as the go-to guy. Jackson has the size and speed to be a difference-maker but he has had problems avoiding injuries and playing with consistency.
The team burnt its top pick on Louisiana State’s Craig Davis, hoping his ability to run after the catch will increase his productivity.
Eric Parker is the No. 3 receiver, but he first must put a disastrous showing in last season’s playoff loss behind him.
