Dan Pompei

The Giants were the most opportunistic team in the NFL last year. The Patriots were the most consistent. But it was the Chargers who were the most talented.

And, though they have taken a few hits, the most talented they remain.

Looking at their roster, there is little not to like. And there is quite a bit to love.

Weaknesses? Well, you could say the passing game could be more productive. Twenty five teams threw for more yards than the Chargers did last year, and 17 quarterbacks had higher passer ratings than did Phillip Rivers. But the passing game should be more consistent and explosive this year now that wide receivers Chris Chambers and Craig Davis have been in the system for awhile.

You could say they aren't as strong at the safety position as they are at most other positions. But they cleared a spot for 2007 second round pick Eric Weddle to start this year, and he has the capacity to make them very strong at free safety.

As far as the Chargers' strengths, well, where shall we begin? How about with LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back on Roger Goodell's green earth? If Tomlinson had been able and healthy against the Patriots for the AFC Championship game, who knows how history might have changed?

Antonio Gates probably is the best receiving tight end in football, and he's also an honorary member of an offensive line that features two Pro Bowlers in Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman.

On defense, the front seven is outstanding. Linebacker Shawne Merriman is an MVP candidate, and he has backup in the form of Shaun Phillips, Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams.

Antonio Cromartie was the best playmaking cornerback in the NFL last season, and first round pick Antoine Cason should help the depth at the corner position.

On special teams, the combination of Nate Kaeding, Mike Scifres and Darren Sproles is as good a trio as there is in the league.

So the Chargers have everything it takes to win big in the NFL. Now it's just up to them to prove it.

Hot seat
To some Chargers fans, Rivers always will be the player the Chargers gave up Drew Brees for. While Brees has played wonderfully in New Orleans, Rivers has been sound but has gone through typical growing pains.

The expectations were high for Rivers, in part because he was the fourth pick in the draft, in part because he was one of the most accurate passers in NCAA history and in part because he was replacing Brees.

It's time for Rivers to start fulfilling some of those expectations. He has the ability and work ethic. He has the complementary players. And he has an offensive system which he should excel in.

Overheard at camp
Last year in training camp and preseason, the Chargers ballboys worked up a better sweat than Tomlinson. The theory has been that Tomlinson doesn't need much work to get ready for the regular season. Why risk getting him injured or beating him up?

But after getting off to a slow start last season, averaging less than three yards per carry in his first three games, Tomlinson may be in for more work this time around. It will be up to Tomlinson and coach Norv Turner to figure out a way to get him work without wearing him down.

Coming and going
It will be more important than ever to keep Tomlinson healthy because Michael Turner isn't around to pick up the slack anymore. The free agent signed with the Falcons, leaving the Chargers without a proven backup tailback.

Even their fullback picture has changed, as longtime team leader Lorenzo Neal was released and Jacob Hester was drafted to augment veteran Andrew Pinnock.

The Chargers lost two other starters, as tackle Shane Olivea and safety Marlon McCree found new homes elsewhere.

Prediction
The Chargers may be a more effective team this season because of the growth of young players such as Rivers, Weddle, Cromartie, Davis, tight end Legedu Naanee and Jeromey Clary. The defense also should benefit from having one year of experience in the system run by coordinator Ted Cottrell.

If the Chargers are not one of the best teams in the NFL, it will be a huge disappointment. They have what it takes to win 13.

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