The San Diego Chargers are set to kick off their 2014-15 season in Glendale, Arizona where they will face their first tough opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, on Monday Night Football. This first game may have some implications of whether or not we will see the Chargers in January come playoff time as the Cardinals will pose and early test. Although the Chargers are still figuring out roster spots, they must come prepared to take on a Cardinals team that is definitely playoff caliber. The Cardinals finished with a 10-6 record and nearly made it into the playoffs in a stacked NFC.

The Chargers are coming off a 9-7 season in which they sneaked into a wild card spot in the less competitive AFC. They made a valiant push to make it into the playoffs last year by winning their last four games of the season which were all practically do or die games. This push, during the regular season, included a dramatic 27-20 win over eventual AFC champions and division rival Denver Broncos who they eventually lost to in the playoffs.

After making the playoffs, largely because quarterback Philip Rivers had one of his best statistical seasons, they won their first round game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This came as a surprise to many as the Chargers had lost to them earlier in the season at home and the Bengals had a record of 11-5. The Chargers eventually fell to the Denver Broncos in the next round despite giving them quite a fight.

Although they were knocked out in the second round last year, they have a lot to look forward to this year with a resurgent Philip Rivers, a star studded second- year receiver (Keenan Allen), and a strong veteran presence with people such as future Hall of Fame  tight end Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick.

In addition, the Chargers selected Jason Verrett, a cornerback out of TCU, with their first round draft pick. He has a reputation of being a feisty and very competitive player who has a knack for making big plays. The only major weakness in his game is being undersized (5’ 9” and 189 lbs.) and his ability to maintain his own health throughout a season. He has a history of injuries that plagued his college career including a torn labrum that also caused him to miss some this year’s preseason games. However, when he did play, he seemed to fit right in and his shoulder appeared to be in much better condition.

The Chargers have a relatively tough schedule including a second-week matchup with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. The Chargers also finish the season playing four straight playoff contenders from last year. This could prove pivotal if the Chargers again get themselves into a situation where they need to win games in the last stretch of the season to make the playoffs. However, if the Chargers are able to win games that they should against weaker opponents and sneak in a few upsets, it seems realistic that they could make another run into the playoffs in a relatively weak AFC.

Overall, a much improved defense that includes last year pro bowler Brandon Flowers who they signed in free agency and a strong offense led by  Rivers, who looks to build off  last year’s performance, gives Chargers’ fans a lot to look forward to this year. It will be very exciting to see how the new players fit in and how the season plays out.

Key Games:

9/14/14: Seattle Seahawks

10/23/14: Denver Broncos

12/7/14: New England Patriots

12/14/14: Denver Broncos

12/19/14: San Francisco 49ers