It’s almost impossible to fathom that a team which led the NFL in total offense failed to make the postseason. However, that is precisely what happened to the San Diego Chargers in 2010. It’s evident that Philip Rivers cannot lead the team to the 2011 playoffs on his own. The backfield that once featured future Hall-of-Famer LaDainian Tomlinson must improve if the Chargers hope to improve upon their 8-8 record.
One of the problems that prevented the San Diego Chargers from making the 2010 playoffs was a lack of consistency in the running game. Foot and ankle injuries to rookie starter Ryan Mathews plagued San Diego throughout the 2010 season. In 13 games games, Mathews mustered 678 yards to go with 7 rushing touchdowns. Obviously, the Chargers want to make him their feature back, but in order for that notion to be successful, Mathews must improve his durability and reduce his fumbling (5 fumbles, 3 lost in 2010).
Although Mike Tolbert did a formidable job stepping in and making starts in Matthews absence, at 5’9″ and 245 pounds, Tolbert is built more like a goal-line back than a starter. In 2010, he rushed for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although Tolbert flourished in wins, his stats during losses were less than desirable. In losses against the Raiders, Rams, Patriots, and Cincinatti, Tolbert rushed for 11, 3, 5, and -2 yards respectfully. Also, like Matthews, Tolbert fumbled 5 times, 3 of which were lost. In 2011, Tolbert must improve his consistency, dominate the goal line and hold on to the ball if the Chargers hope to make the postseason.
Also, with the departure of Darren Sproles to the New Orleans Saints, San Diego needs to find a suitable third-down back that can surprise opposing defenses with outside runs and catch passes out of the backfield. Besides being the team’s third-leading rusher, Sproles also led the Chargers in receptions in 2010. It is imperative that Mathews step up and be that versatile back who can take the third-down snaps.
Jacob Hester, who was featured prominently as a lead blocker in 2010, is set to be the third back in 2011. In 2010, Hester ran for only 60 yards and no touchdowns, but did manage 145 receiving yards. Although Hester will shoulder more of the load out of the backfield this season, he will also need to clear the way for Mathews and Tolbert out of the fullback spot.
Jordan Todman, the Chargers sixth-round pick, will look to improve the Chargers running game in 2011. Todman beat up weak Big East defenses last season as collegiate junior, rushing for over 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if he can perform that well against professional competition during the preseason and earn playing time during the regular season.
With weapons like Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, and Malcolm Floyd, the Chargers will have a great deal of success through the air in 2011. However, if the team becomes one dimensional as they were in 2010, they can kiss their playoff chances goodbye.