Glen Cieske
All-Star
Coming off of a disappointing loss to the Bengals (cpu) in the 1st round of the playoffs last year, the Chargers looked to become more efficient on defense while starting a youth movement on the Offensive side of the ball. The retirement of future hall of fame TE Antonio Gates meant the Chargers would have big shoes to fill in the redzone, which is where Gates had the most impact during the 2015 season. With Phillip Rivers beginning to show his age the Chargers were looking to find a young QB to come in and progress until Rivers retired.
The Chargers found that young QB and more. During the course of the pre-season Aerion Hunter proved he could lead this team and found himself as the opening day starter. TE Jermaine Gresham was signed in FA to take over for Gates. Gresham isn't the greatest receiving TE, his greatest strength is his ability to block. The Chargers also went out and signed WR Marvin Jones, RG Kevin Zeitler and HB LaGarette Blount in FA to bolster the offensive side of the ball.
During the draft the Chargers had there eyes on two QBs, Aerion Hunter and Max Jeter. With Jeter off the board to Chicago it was an easy choice when it came to their pick. After the selection of Hunter, the Chargers took a best available approach, drafting Jimmy Hendrix CB with their second 1st round pick. Hendrix had an excellent rookie year starting as the #2 CB, he had 4 INTs and 1 sack. The Chargers continued on the offensive side drafting WR Ben Hall and RB Aundre Frazier. WR Ben Hall became a dynamic return man and a day 1 starter as the slot receiver for the offense. Hall tied for second on the team in receptions with 36 and second on the team with 639 yards. Hall also had 1 KR and 1 PR for a TD this season. Aundre Frazier came in as the #2 RB and gave the Chargers coaching staff the ability to give Gordon a break and still be able to run the ball. Frazier compiled 75 carries for 353 yards and 2 TDs.
Off-Season Outlook:
Do not expect the Chargers to be big spenders in FA. With Phillip Rivers contract still on the books money will a scarce. They will look to fortify a couple positions and focus on the draft. In the draft the Chargers will be looking for players on the defensive side of the ball, with Flowers and Weddle getting up there in age there replacements should be found sooner rather then later.
Look ahead to the 2017 season:
With a new stadium will come a new defense. The Chargers staff has hinted they would like to move to a Hybrid defense. Owner/GM Glen Cieske has mentioned that they have a lot of talent that can play multiple positions and this is something we have been aiming for since day 1. On Offense the Chargers will look to be more dynamic through the air now that Hunter has his rookie year out of the way. Hunter had 70 less pass attempts in 2016 then Rivers did in 2015.
The Chargers found that young QB and more. During the course of the pre-season Aerion Hunter proved he could lead this team and found himself as the opening day starter. TE Jermaine Gresham was signed in FA to take over for Gates. Gresham isn't the greatest receiving TE, his greatest strength is his ability to block. The Chargers also went out and signed WR Marvin Jones, RG Kevin Zeitler and HB LaGarette Blount in FA to bolster the offensive side of the ball.
During the draft the Chargers had there eyes on two QBs, Aerion Hunter and Max Jeter. With Jeter off the board to Chicago it was an easy choice when it came to their pick. After the selection of Hunter, the Chargers took a best available approach, drafting Jimmy Hendrix CB with their second 1st round pick. Hendrix had an excellent rookie year starting as the #2 CB, he had 4 INTs and 1 sack. The Chargers continued on the offensive side drafting WR Ben Hall and RB Aundre Frazier. WR Ben Hall became a dynamic return man and a day 1 starter as the slot receiver for the offense. Hall tied for second on the team in receptions with 36 and second on the team with 639 yards. Hall also had 1 KR and 1 PR for a TD this season. Aundre Frazier came in as the #2 RB and gave the Chargers coaching staff the ability to give Gordon a break and still be able to run the ball. Frazier compiled 75 carries for 353 yards and 2 TDs.
Off-Season Outlook:
Do not expect the Chargers to be big spenders in FA. With Phillip Rivers contract still on the books money will a scarce. They will look to fortify a couple positions and focus on the draft. In the draft the Chargers will be looking for players on the defensive side of the ball, with Flowers and Weddle getting up there in age there replacements should be found sooner rather then later.
Look ahead to the 2017 season:
With a new stadium will come a new defense. The Chargers staff has hinted they would like to move to a Hybrid defense. Owner/GM Glen Cieske has mentioned that they have a lot of talent that can play multiple positions and this is something we have been aiming for since day 1. On Offense the Chargers will look to be more dynamic through the air now that Hunter has his rookie year out of the way. Hunter had 70 less pass attempts in 2016 then Rivers did in 2015.