The Chargers could also turn to their rebuilt running game to maintain explosiveness on offense. While that would seemingly pose a
Michael Turner jersey challenge based on the team's struggles a season ago (San Diego ranked 31st in rushing with an average of only 88.9 yards per game), the addition of Ryan Mathews is expected to eliminate some woes.
The rookie has big shoes to fill, as he replaces LaDainian Tomlinson. In his
Barry Sanders jersey last season in San Diego, Tomlinson averaged just 3.3 yards per carry and had just three runs over 20 yards.
Mathews, who was selected with the 12th overall pick, produced 1,808 rushing yards as a junior at Fresno State to lead the nation in rushing yards per game. As the Chargers' feature back, Mathews will add more juice and explosiveness to the
Matthew Stafford jersey attack. Although he's regarded as a speedster with nimble feet, he has excellent power, balance and body control between the tackles. His burst will mask some of the offensive line deficiencies, and continue to provide Rivers with play-action opportunities.
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Darren Sproles is another weapon capable of making a significant impact. The diminutive threat is a dynamic runner/receiver with the good quickness. Sproles produced nine plays that covered at least 20 yards last season, and his ability to
Calvin Johnson jersey turn screens into long gains make him that much more dangerous. While some have taken Sproles to task for failing to emerge as the feature back, he still amassed 840 yards from scrimmage, and scares opponents because he can score from anywhere on the field.
Coryell terrorized the league with a high-powered offense that relied on a precise aerial attack and a physical running game. With a cast of Hall of
Zach Thomas jersey Famers (Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow and Charlie Joiner) manning the skill positions, the Chargers reeled off three consecutive AFC West titles from 1979-1981.
Though Turner's roster might lack the individual pedigree of those legendary units, the collective explosiveness of the modern group offers the potential to rival their predecessors' record-breaking output. The 2010 contingent could even make a run at the Lombardi Trophy that has eluded the franchise.
