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Very proud of these Chargers. They far exceeded my expectations for this year.
I'm sure I could list 20-30 things we learned this year, but imo these were the biggest takeaways from 2013:
1. I thought the team looked prepared and disciplined most weeks and usually didn't make the same mistakes on a week-to-week basis. Very much the polar opposite of what had been the norm the past few years. Someone around here posted Norv's mantra used to be "we'll fix this." Well things seems to get fixed much quicker under this regime.
2. Absolutely amazed at the offensive line improvements this year. They were arguably the worst in the league last year. If TT (and Joe D.) could improve the line that much in one offseason, I can't wait to see what it will look like next year.
3. Keenan Allen: Confirmed what we thought in the offseason, that he has elite skills. But I didn't expect the massive success he had THIS year. Thought it would take a couple years. He was a top 10, possibly top 5 WR the second half of the season.
4. King Dunlap was the "find" of the offseason. The Chargers have two outstanding run blocking tackles, just need to continue to improve at pass blocking.
5. Ingram confirmed he has the skills to be an elite pass rusher. Agree with Weddle that he needs to continue to work on his game.
6. The secondary outperformed my expectations, albeit my expectations were pretty low. Addai was a solid find. Still one of the weaker areas on the team though and probably needs to be upgraded.
7. Te'o is still a ways away. Looked better the last 7 games or so, especially in pass coverage. But his tackles and angles aren't there yet imo.
8. L. Green took a big step this year, and needs to take another one next year.
9. WR crew needs another threat. Not sure what they're gonna do with Malcom or Alexander.
10. McCoy proved he can lead. The team bought in to his system and seemed to respond to him. I liked that he entrusted guys like Mathews and Green, who I thought were limited too much in years past.
11. Woodhead gives us lots of matchup advantages. Good compliment to Mathews. Still worried about Mathews longevity though. Having watched him going back to college, he's hurt pretty much every year. Nice to see him stay relatively healthy this year.
12. Rivers is back! (now with Bolo ties)
I'm sure I missed stuff. Also sure there's lots of negative stuff I could point out. But I'm in a thankful mood today for the Chargers season, and we've got a whole offseason to talk about all that.
I'm sure I could list 20-30 things we learned this year, but imo these were the biggest takeaways from 2013:
1. I thought the team looked prepared and disciplined most weeks and usually didn't make the same mistakes on a week-to-week basis. Very much the polar opposite of what had been the norm the past few years. Someone around here posted Norv's mantra used to be "we'll fix this." Well things seems to get fixed much quicker under this regime.
2. Absolutely amazed at the offensive line improvements this year. They were arguably the worst in the league last year. If TT (and Joe D.) could improve the line that much in one offseason, I can't wait to see what it will look like next year.
3. Keenan Allen: Confirmed what we thought in the offseason, that he has elite skills. But I didn't expect the massive success he had THIS year. Thought it would take a couple years. He was a top 10, possibly top 5 WR the second half of the season.
4. King Dunlap was the "find" of the offseason. The Chargers have two outstanding run blocking tackles, just need to continue to improve at pass blocking.
5. Ingram confirmed he has the skills to be an elite pass rusher. Agree with Weddle that he needs to continue to work on his game.
6. The secondary outperformed my expectations, albeit my expectations were pretty low. Addai was a solid find. Still one of the weaker areas on the team though and probably needs to be upgraded.
7. Te'o is still a ways away. Looked better the last 7 games or so, especially in pass coverage. But his tackles and angles aren't there yet imo.
8. L. Green took a big step this year, and needs to take another one next year.
9. WR crew needs another threat. Not sure what they're gonna do with Malcom or Alexander.
10. McCoy proved he can lead. The team bought in to his system and seemed to respond to him. I liked that he entrusted guys like Mathews and Green, who I thought were limited too much in years past.
11. Woodhead gives us lots of matchup advantages. Good compliment to Mathews. Still worried about Mathews longevity though. Having watched him going back to college, he's hurt pretty much every year. Nice to see him stay relatively healthy this year.
12. Rivers is back! (now with Bolo ties)
I'm sure I missed stuff. Also sure there's lots of negative stuff I could point out. But I'm in a thankful mood today for the Chargers season, and we've got a whole offseason to talk about all that.
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