Chargers’ staff shows faith in receiving core, offense

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Robert Meachem (12) on the sideline during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

This off-season, head coach Mike McCoy and general manager Tom Telesco have showed faith in some of the guys that Chargers fans would like to see in a different uniform. Telesco spoke last week at the combine about his faith in Ryan Mathews and now the team is saying they want to move forward with wide receiver Robert Meachem.

Meachem made a name for himself as one of the Saints’ many receivers. He caught 40 or more passes in three of his four seasons in New Orleans. In 2009, Meachem caught 45 passes for 702 yards and 9 touchdowns as a number three receiver. 2009 was also the year the Saints won the Super Bowl.

In 2012, Meachem was acquired by the Chargers in free agency and signed a four-year $25.5 million contract. And what did he do to earn that contract during the season? Nothing. He was targeted 32 times and only caught 14 of those passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Meachem has shown that he is more than capable of stepping up and being a threat at the receiver position. His year in 2009 was better than the Chargers’ leading receiver, Danario Alexander’s 2012 season. But with Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal still under contract, Alexander likely to sign a one-year tender, and Vincent Brown coming back from injury, Meachem will have to step it up if he wants to make his presence felt in the Chargers offense.

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With all of the receivers on this roster, the new staff is excited about what they and Philip Rivers can do this up-coming season. Last week Telesco raved about Brown’s return from injury, calling him a “great route-runner” and said he had “high hopes” for Brown.

Now granted, a new coach and his staff wouldn’t come in and say that they have no faith at all in their new team but make no doubt about it, there’s talent on this offense. The staff has made it clear that they’re going to address the most needy position on their offense, offensive line, very soon. They’ve said that Louis Vasquez was their “top priority” this off-season and Telesco has also said that he wants to sit down with struggling offensive tackle, Jared Gaither.

Telesco and McCoy both love Rivers and have said that they’re looking to build around him this off-season. With the underrated talent on this team, it could mean great things for the Chargers this season.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @Welch1048.