2007 San Diego Chargers

The 2007 San Diego Chargers season will begin with the team trying to improve on their 14-2 record in 2006, not with an improved regular season record, but ultimately with the improvement of a Super Bowl victory, and in order to do this, the Chargers are undoubtedly more concerned with the greater test of their abilities: the post-season. The Chargers will return a defensive unit that finished the 2006 season #1 in multiple defense statistical rankings and an offensive unit that was even more impressive and sees the addition of Craig Davis, Legedu Naanee, and a Vincent Jackson who has grown extensively, all of whom will collectively attempt to solidify the Chargers receiving game, arguably the only weakness the Chargers have had on offense.

Offseason
After a postseason loss to the New England Patriots, offensive and defensive coordinators Cam Cameron and Wade Phillips left for new coaching jobs with the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys respectively. Marty Schottenheimer, after originally being told he would stay as head coach, was fired in February. Replacing Schottenheimer was Norv Turner, who was signed to take over the helm later in the month. Turner, who installed the Chargers current offensive set when he was the Chargers' offensive coorindator in 2001, was selected to be the head coach largely due to the fact that he would maintain the offensive game plan that lead the team to its best regular season record in team history. Turner also agreed with general manager A.J. Smith on the hiring of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, who had worked with Phillips when both were with the Buffalo Bills and later was the defensive coordinator with the Bills. Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who interviewed for the Chargers' head coaching job, was hired to coach the Chargers' linebackers instead. Smith also re-signed Charger free agent offensive guard Kris Dielman to a six-year contract that will virtually guarantee him almost $17 million and put him around $40 million over the life of the deal. Linebacker Donnie Edwards was not offered a contract and signed with his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers released veteran wide receiver Keenan McCardell during the offseason along with safety Terrence Kiel.

2007 NFL Draft
The Chargers started out by making the 30th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft due to their 14-2 season in 2006. They selected Craig Davis out of Louisiana State University. In the second round, the Chargers made a trade with the Bears in order to move up and select safety Eric Weddle at slot 37#. He was selected as a possible replacement to Terrence Kiel, who was released earlier in the off-season following his arrest on drug charges during the 2006 season. The Chargers exchanged their second round selection in 2007 as well as third round, fifth round and 2008 third round selection. The Chargers also selected linebacker Anthony Waters from Clemson University, who missed his senior season due to a leg injury.

Training Camp
The Chargers will open training camp with 21 of 22 starters returning including 11 Pro Bowlers. QB Phillip Rivers will return after taking over for Drew Brees in 2006 and helping the offense score a NFL-high 30.8 points a game. The starting RB position is filled with league M.V.P. LaDainian Tomlinson and lead reserve Michael Turner will return. The primary competition appears to be heading into training camp on offense to be at WR where number 1 draft pick WR Craig Davis must work his way up the depth chart while competing with hold overs Vincent Jackson, Eric Parker and Malcom Floyd. The offensive line starting unit returns entact with competition expected for reserve roles. On defense the primary competition will take place at CB where 2006 1 st round selection Antonio Cromartie will try and unseat veteran Drayton Florence. Safety Eric Weddle who the Chargers traded several draft picks for will compete with Clinton Hart and Bhawoh Jue for playing time opposite Marlon McCree. Donnie Edwards starting ILB will have to be replaced after his release, based on the current depth chart and last seasons training camp under study Matt Wilhelm has the inside track for the starting role however the Chargers did draft Anthony Waters along with Brandon  Siler who could challenge for playing time. In addition returning ILB Tim Dobbins should see more action after a solid 2006 season in reserve. Stephen Cooper who started several games at the strong side or run side ILB position is expected to start full time in 2007 with the departure of ILB Randel Godfrey. Special teams again will be the major factor on several players ability to make the roster. , Darren Sproles RB/KR who missed the 2006 campaign due to injury will be in a battle to make the roster. The Chargers agreed to contract terms with six draft picks, Craig Davis , Anthony Waters ,Paul Oliver , Legedu Naanee , Brandon Siler and Eric Weddle  signed  On July 23 2007. The Chargers had previously signed Scott Chandler which means all drafted players are expected to be in attendance at the start of training camp. 7/28/2007 marks the opening of training camp and it runs through August 22. Camp is held at Charger Park 4020 Murphy Canyon Rd San Diego C.A. 92123. 8/4/2007 10am Fan Fest will be held at Qualcomm Stadium 9449 Friars Rd San Diego, CA 92108. All events are free and open to the public.

Week 1: vs Chicago Bears
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (FOX): Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color commentator)
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 2: at New England Patriots
''at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
 * Game time: 5:15 p.m. PST/8:15 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play) and John Madden (color commentator)


 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 3: at Green Bay Packers
''at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
 * Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. CST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 4: vs Kansas City Chiefs
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 5: at Denver Broncos
''at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST/2:15 p.m. MST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 6: vs Oakland Raiders
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 8: vs Houston Texans
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings
''at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
 * Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. CST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 10: vs Indianapolis Colts
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 5:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play) and John Madden (color commentator)


 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 11: at Jacksonville Jaguars
''at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
 * Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 12: vs Baltimore Ravens
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs
''at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
 * Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. CST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans
''at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
 * Game time: 10:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. CST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 15: vs Detroit Lions
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (FOX):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 16: vs Denver Broncos
''at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
 * Game time: 5:00 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Tony Kornheiser (color commentator) and Ron Jaworski (color commentator)
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA

Week 17: at Oakland Raiders
''at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California
 * Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
 * Game weather: TBD
 * TV announcers (CBS):
 * Game attendance: TBD
 * Referee: TBA