Will Chargers finally make a run in 2013?

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers fans react during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

For Chargers fans, the past few years have been bleek. Much like Cowboys fans but on a much quieter scale, Chargers fans think the same thing every year: Will  this be the year? And they keep getting the same results again and again. And with the NFL combine creeping up and draft day getting closer and closer, Chargers fans have to start wondering, “Will the Chargers finally make a successful run this year?”

After a lackluster season where their season started going downhill in week nine, the Chargers are looking to come out revamped in 2013. They’ve got a new head coach in Mike McCoy and he’s making changes left and right on the staff. This has got to be good for the Bolts. While some fans are torn about the departure of Norv Turner, most would agree that it was much needed. The offense has been going south for some time now and last season seemed to be straw that broke the Charger’s  back. The Chargers were 24th in passing yards and 27th in rushing yards.

It’s obvious that quarterback Philip Rivers is frustrated. His best target on the outside, Vincent Jackson, is gone and Antonio Gates has been battling injuries the past couple of seasons. The Chargers need to get him some talent in the receiving core. Yes, there are some young guys that will improve in time and a veteran here and there, but they don’t have a true number one guy. San Diego doesn’t need to rush out and put their first pick on a receiver. This draft class is deep in almost every position but no clear player stands out at receiver. The Bolts could wait until a later round and steal a guy like Stedman Bailey out of West Virginia. With comparisons to Carolina’s Steve Smith, Bailey fits in with the physical play that San Diego was once known for.

December 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Another concern for the Chargers is at running back. They need to get the running game back on track. Ever since LaDanian Tomlinson left, fans have been aching for that feature back to praise every game. While it is more likely that the Chargers will run a two-back system, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they draft a running back early to take some time away from Ryan Matthews.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers will look to fill some much needed areas. The defense wasn’t awful last season but it could use some help in the secondary. With Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason both likely out, the Chargers will fill their needs via free agency and the draft. San Diego could possibily make a play on Jets star Darelle Revis. Either way, the defense will need strengthened up a bit.

Now I know it seems cliche and obvious to say “If the Chargers get better players, they’ll be better.” But just look at the Philadelphia Eagles. All that talent with nothing to show for it. The San Diego Chargers have a new coach, new staff, and with some new talent, they’ll be looking at a new mentality. If they can pull it together, this team can go deep in the playoffs. They just need the right attitude and Chargers fans are hoping McCoy can provide that for them.

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) celebrates with cornerback Shareece Wright (29), safety Sean Cathouse (40) and linebacker Larry English (52) after intercepting a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports