Bolts' dynamic duo: Freeney and Ingram - Eric Williams
San Diego’s pass rush was anemic last season. The Chargers finished with just 35 sacks in 2013, tied for 23rd in the NFL. Even worse, the Chargers had just 10 sacks on third down, second-worst in the league.
2014 NFL Predictions - Scott Kacsmar
The Chargers couldn’t stop teams until later in the season when they fared well with Cincinnati (especially in the playoffs) and even stole a win in Denver on a Thursday night. The division’s really not up for grabs, but I like San Diego as a solid Wild Card team with a chance to upset just about anyone in the AFC.
Staff Predictions 2014 - Vincent Verhei
Vince Verhei: San Diego Chargers. I feel bad about this, because I really like Philip Rivers and I'd like to see him and his team do well. But I don't see the defense being any better than it was last year, and I don't like their odds against the NFC West.
2014 NFL Preview: The Broncos Vs. The Hopefuls - Benjamin Morris
But good news, Chargers fans! This is preferable to consistency across scenarios. As I said with Rodgers, strategic shortcomings are fixable. And while playing the worst in the most important spots may get a quarterback a reputation as a choker, those are the most likely spots for his play to improve (as he regresses toward his own personal mean).