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San Diego Chargerswww.chargers.comLocation:
San Diego
Camp Opens
JULY 25
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Is Mathews the answer to team's rushing woes?
After releasing LaDainian Tomlinson the stage is set for rookie Ryan Mathews to take over the bell-cow role. San Diego only rushed for 89 yards a game last year, and I expect Mathews to get close to 18-20 touches a game and produce more than 1,000 yards. Last year, Denver rookie running back Knowshon Moreno had 275 touches for 1,180 yards and nine touchdowns, and there's no reason to think Mathews can't have the same kind of season. Camp will tell us a lot more about the possibility of this scenario, and with Phillip Rivers under center commanding the offense, Mathews will get the call.
How will Jackson be dealt with?
The preseason could be a volatile time for the Chargers and WR Vincent Jackson, who might feel he has nothing to lose by sitting out camp since he will start the year on a three-game suspension. The Chargers coaches will treat his absence like it was an injury and work around the problem. The first guy expected to step up should be Legedu Naanee. He's a big target and flashed some talent at times last year. Acquiring WR Josh Reed to handle the slot duties was another good move to compensate for Jackson's absence. This passing offense is still built around TE Antonio Gates,who will get more targets this year if Jackson is gone. Malcolm Floyd is another big receiver that will get more targets and don't be surprised if the Chargers make a move for another veteran receiver during camp.
Can Merriman return to form?
The good 3-4 defensive teams never stop drafting outside linebackers. When the Chargers selected Larry English in 2009 -- while they already had Pro Bowler Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips -- the move was understood. Merriman is playing for a contract, and a 10-sack season will land him a big pay day. Merriman has only had four sacks in his last 15 starts after having 42 in his previous 37 starts. Camp should tell the story if he is ready to return to his old form. If he's not ready to perform we are sure to see more of English in the preseason. If Jyles Tucker impresses this summer the Chargers would be sitting on enough depth to head in any direction they want.-- Pat Kirwan
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 -- Forrest Lee, Blog Blitz Blog Blitz has you covered, with a fan's view of your favorite team. For more on the Chargers and the every other team in the NFL, check out the latest from our team of bloggers. » Blog Blitz RB Ryan Mathews
Mathews won't become the next LaDainian Tomlinson overnight, but the rookie has major upside. Already atop the Chargers' depth chart, Mathews appears to be heading for a featured role under coach Norv Turner, who's had a lot of success with running backs in his career. Mathews, who also has a very favorable schedule, is worth as much as a late first-round draft pick.-- Michael Fabiano 
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