So many factors go into a successful NFL team. For the Chargers, there are a few keys that will determine how far they make it this season. Here are five important aspects to the game that coach Mike McCoy will need his team to execute for success in 2014.
Win the turnover battle: After forcing just six turnovers in the first 10 games of the season, the defense had an impressive 11 takeaways in the final eight, including the playoffs. It’s no coincidence they won six of those – or that they had four takeaways in a playoff win over the Bengals. They must improve on that over minus-2 for the season, and that starts with the defense making plays.
Convert on third down: The Bolts were at the top of the league in third-down efficiency last year, converting an impressive 49 percent (101 of 206). They also converted five of six fourth-down opportunities, second to only the Broncos. One of the keys to converting is keeping it to short yardage on third down and giving the three-headed running back group a chance to move the chains. If they lead the league in third-down efficiency again, that will bode well for Philip Rivers and the offense.
Keep Philip Rivers upright: No offense to Kellen Clemens. He was admirable as an emergency fill-in starter in St. Louis last year. But he’s not going to lead this team to the playoffs. They need Rivers – coming off one of his better seasons with 4,478 yards passing and a 32-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio – to lead this offense. Make no mistake: This offense runs through Rivers. The bolo must be feared!
Finish the job: Kicker Nick Novak tied a team record with 34 field goals last season, missing just three kicks all year. While that’s great for him, it means a lot of touchdowns that didn’t materialize for the offense. Those FGs will have to turn into TDs for this team to be competitive.
Dominate the division: Yes, the defending AFC champ Denver Broncos are the cream of the West and will be a formidable foe both times they face the Bolts. The key is to handle the rest of a weak division – the Chargers will most likely be favored in both matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders. Win those four games, and shooting for a split with Denver, will be a huge advantage in securing another playoff berth.
