One problem this season has been the offensive line.  While they have done reasonably well with pass blocking; the run blocking that paved the way for LT to set a record for TDs in 2006 has been lacking.  Last weeks victory against the Raiders was a much better performance; but even there LT was averaging just under 4 yards per carry.  Currently Football Outsiders ranks the Chargers unit as 26th in the league with 3.88 yards per carry; the Giants are number one with 5.2; Cincinnati ranks dead last with 2.84.  They rank in the middle in terms of getting stuffed and runs of 10+ yards.  Their power run game is surprisingly good with 71% success (short yardage situations); the best is Washington with 78% success.  In terms of pass blocking the Bolts allow just under 6% sacks on throwing plays, good for 15th in the league.  Here is a quick look at the current starters (Unless otherwise noted all stats are coming from Football Outsiders). 

Marcus McNeill via i2.chargers.com

Left Tackle Marcus McNeill
McNeill had a Pro Bowl year as a rookie in 2006; he was really dominant. Something of a surprise in the second round, he was taken so late due to a fractured hand and a spinal issue that made teams hesitant to draft him too high.  He also had a reputation of not hitting the weight room.  There was no question he looked like a steal in 2006.  McNeill gave up more sacks and was less dominant despite having both hands out of a cast.  In preseason this year he looked set to have a comeback but a freak accident where he slipped and took a knee to the top of his head left him with a stinger that took him out of the first four games.  He has subsequently been uneven; sometimes looking like his rookie year; but running left behind him and Dielman has not had nearly the same punch.

Runs headed off tackle are averaging 3.42 yards; good for just 26th in the league.  Even though the first four games McNeill was out; that number really surprised me as the left was always where LT ripped big gainers the last few years.  The Chargers run 15% of their plays towards the end; 11% towards the tackle.  Around the left end runs are averaging a paltry 2.3 yards; I haven't been looking but I wonder if teams are selling out to cover runs to that side.  So runs around left end and off left tackle rank 28th and 26th in the league on what used to be the Chargers best side.

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Forgetting for the moment this season, the Chargers face some big decisions over the next few years over which players to keep and whom to let go.  The main pain probably won't start next year, but the year after that; and in part it depends on if the collective bargaining agreement is renewed or not.  If the CBA is not renewed, the Bolts will get to keep some players an extra season at bargain prices.

Lets start off with the important contracts that expire after next season:

2008 -Igor Olshansky, Mike Goff, Darren Sproles

2009 - Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, Shawne Merriman, Philip Rivers

20010 -Stephen Cooper, Antonio Cromartie, Antonio Gates, Jamal Williams, Eric Weddle

Most seem to expect Olshansky to be a goner, while steady he has never been a game changer.  Darren Sproles on the other hand is likely to find another club willing to guarantee him more touches; the club has apparently agreed to let him test the market and decide if it can afford him after that.  Mike Goff has been very consistent and quite good; but does have a number of seasons under his belt now.  I can see them keeping him or letting him go depending on what the draft leads to.

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