The San Diego Chargers Made Themselves Contenders

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos guard Orlando Franklin (74) pass rushes during the first quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Improved the Offensive Line

The Chargers already had a group of road-graders on the offensive line but the pass-protection was sub-par. So they went ahead and addressed the offensive line so they can protect Rivers better. They picked up guard Orlando Franklin and right tackle Joe Barksdale in free agency this offseason.

Franklin is going to play left guard, next to left tackle King Dunlap to sure up the left side of the line. Adding Barksdale allows D.J. Fluker, a liability in pass-protection, to kick inside to right guard. Then Chris Watt returns at center so the Chargers will be ready to roll on the offensive line in 2015.

That Week-17 loss illustrated Fluker’s inability to protect Rivers so the Barksdale move is underrated. The improvement in pass protection will not diminish the run-block as both players added are road-graders too. The offensive line will average around 6’6″, 326 pounds and push guys around along the line of scrimmage.

Next: Game-Changing Running Back