While the Broncos conquered the league by winning Super XL with a defensive approach last season, could San Diego finesse their way to the top of the AFC West in 2016?
(Nov. 28, 2015 – Source: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America)
The common phrase in the NFL is simply put “defense wins championships.” It certainly won a championship last season for the #1 ranked Denver Broncos defense. Now defense has never (since I’ve been alive at least) been the strongest facet of the Chargers organization. While names like S Weddle (recently signed with Baltimore), LB Junior Seau, DB Quientin Jammer and OLB Shaun Phillips all ring a bell and spark as notary figures in franchise history, the Chargers still do not strike as a hardy defensive football team.
AROUND COVER32
Dallas: Cowboys reflect on national tragedy
Megatron: Calvin Johnson explains why he retired
Fantasy Football: The Golden Tate era begins
All or Nothing: Bruce Arians is must-see TV
Contrarily, San Diego does and has always had strengths in regards to finesse. When I say finesse I am referring to their ability to execute a west coast aerial assault (vertical passing game), the history of effectively implementing stretch runs in the ground game (though HB Melvin Gordon caused backsliding last season) and they love to toss the post routes to their TE Antonio Gates. Also, this finesse includes the fact that they have always had decent special teams execution. Even with the departure of HB Darren Sproles in 2010 and WR Eddie Royal in 2014, They still have names like Super Bowl XLVII Champion WR Jacoby Jones and slot threat WR Stevie Johnson. Jones was utilized to return punts and kick-offs to get quality field position for the offense while Johnson played as a intermediate threat in the red zone and in 3rd and long situations. Recently Craig Aukerman who spent several years as a assistant in the department was promoted into a the role of Special Teams Coordinator for 2016. He’ll be looking to expand the efficiency of an already high powered formula finesse franchise.
When looking at the inner-divisional opponents the Chargers will face, it’s hard not to notice the offensive abilities within the AFC West. The Raiders see a young promising future in QB Derek Carr while the Kansas City Chiefs and Head Coach Andy Reid still believe firmly in the strength they possess with their west coast offenses. While the Broncos and Chiefs both have astute defensive rosters, the Chargers and Raiders rely on pass heavy attacks and finesse to collect wins on the season. The contrast within the dynamics of the teams in their division are clear and the main ingredient necessary for the Chargers to have success in 2016 is self-will. Head Coach Mike Mccoy and company will definitely hit the drawing board in order to get this finesse franchise back to running on all cylinders in 2016.
Follow us on Twitter : Cover 32_SD
The post Finesse in the AFC West appeared first on Cover32.