
A lot of people are wondering what’s wrong with the San Diego Chargers. That seemingly simple question, however, does not have an easy answer. On paper, the Chargers look good in the four statistical categories that generally define teams. They have the top-ranked passing attack in the NFL and a solid running game that falls in the middle of the pack. Defensively, the Chargers have put up formidable numbers as well. They boast a top-10 run-stopping unit and a secondary that is holding opposing receivers to the lowest yards per game in the league. “We’re a good secondary. We know what we can do,” said cornerback Antoine Cason. “We can go out there and be physical with people and make plays.” Although the Chargers have solid numbers in these normally telling statistics, they’ve fallen short in other aspects of the game that are sometimes overlooked. Simply put, they haven’t done the little things it takes to win. There have been well-documented problems on the special teams, as well as a tendency to turn the ball over. The Chargers rank near the bottom of the league in takeaway-to-giveaway ratio. In a 23-20 loss to New England on Oct. 24, the Chargers turned the ball over four times in the first half. That was too much to overcome, despite a valiant second half comeback and a defense that kept making plays to stop the Patriots’ vaunted passing attack. “They’ve got a good secondary. They’ve got good players back there and they’ve got a good rush, which made it tough on us,” said New England wide receiver Wes Welker. “They did a good job across the board of keeping us in check and keeping us off the field.” With the season still in its first half, changes can be made. The Chargers have enough talent and character to play with anyone in the league. If they can find a way to drastically cut the mental mistakes, there’s no doubt a playoff run in San Diego could still be in the cards. “That team is very talented and very explosive,” said Patriots receiver Deion Branch. “I mean they’ve got everything. I’m pretty sure they’re starting to string everything together, they’re starting to play a little bit better.” The road back to prosperity isn’t going to be easy. The Chargers take on the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans (5-2) at Qualcomm Stadium Oct. 31 and then go on the road to face the upstart Houston Texans Nov. 7. Tennessee at San Diego Sunday, Oct. 31, 1:05 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium TV: CBS All-time series: Chargers lead 24-16-1 Last meeting: Chargers won 42-17 at Tennessee Dec. 25, ’09 Key matchup: Chargers offensive line against Tennessee defensive line — The Titans have one of the most physical defenses in the league and the Bolts will need to control the line of scrimmage to establish their running game and protect Philip Rivers. Players to watch: Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson returns to the team two days before the game after a lengthy holdout. Will he be a part of the Bolts’ game plan or even used as a decoy? Fun Fact: The last meeting between these two teams at Qualcomm Stadium was in the Wild Card Round of the 2007 playoffs, a Chargers’ victory. Prediction: Tennessee 27, Chargers 24 Chargers at Houston Sunday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. Reliant Stadium TV: CBS All-time series: Chargers lead 3-0 Last meeting: Chargers won 35-10 at San Diego Prediction: Houston 31, Chargers 17
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