The San Diego Chargers edged out a slim 13-10 overtime victory over the St. Louis Rams during the 2001 NFL preseason. However, the promise of a great season for the Chargers quickly turned from a 3-0 start in the regular season to finishing with a nine-game losing streak. The Chargers eventually finished the 2001 season with a 5-11 record.

With the 2002 NFL regular season nearing kickoff, the Chargers are hoping their blend of young talent and experienced veterans will help replace the empty feelings of last year’s disappointing season. At the helm for the Chargers will be new head coach Marty Schottenheimer, who enters his 26th NFL season and serves as the Chargers fourth head coach in the last five years.

The Chargers will enter the 2002 NFL season looking to improve on an offense that showed signs of life last season. The drafting of highly talented running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, proved to be a move in the right direction for the Chargers. The 5-10, 221 pound running back set three team rookie rushing records in 2001, while breaking Lance Alworth’s 36-year-old franchise record for most combined yard from scrimmage posting 1,603 yards.

Despite Tomlinson’s 1,236 rushing yards, the Chargers finished ranked 20th in the NFL in rushing. No other Charger player posted more than 200 yards rushing in 2001, leaving Tomlinson to carry the burden of spearheading the running game.

The Chargers acquisition of seasoned veteran Doug Flutie at the quarterback position helped the team stabilize their passing attack, while Flutie’s knowledge of the position tutored backup quarterback Drew Brees. Although Doug Flutie is listed on the Chargers depth cart as the starter, the second year quarterback from Purdue will challenge Flutie in hopes of making it as a starter.

Under Flutie, the Chargers had the 11th best passing attack in the NFL, posting more than 3,500 yards through the air. San Diego averaged 219.1 passing yard per contest but on scored 16 passing touchdowns.

The receiving core for the Chargers consists of speedy wide out and return specialist Tim Dwight along side 10-year veteran Curtis Conway, who led the Chargers in receptions (71), receiving yards (1,125), and receiving touchdowns (6). By acquiring return specialist Tamarick Vanover from the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers add depth to the receiver position, while allowing Vanover to reserve Dwight as returner.

On the defensive side of the ball, nine-year safety Rodney Harrison and All-Pro middle-linebacker Junior Seau led the way finishing first and second, respectively in tackles in 2001. Harrison enters the 2002 season after leading the team in tackles (90) last year. Also reeking havoc for the Chargers will be defensive end Marcellus Wiley, who led the team in sacks (13) last season. Along side Wiley will be defensive tackles Jamal Williams and Jason Fisk, while Raylee Johnson will play opposite of Wiley at right defensive end.

This defensive core will also be responsible for developing the Chargers first round draft pick (5th overall) from Texas, cornerback Quentin Jammer. At 6’0, 204 pounds, Jammer is scouted as 'a big, physical and athletic cornerback who has the ability to shut down the oppositions top receiver or come up and make a big hit in run support.'

Jammer, along with fellow 2002 draft picks Tonio Fonoti (G, 6-1, 340, Nebraska) and Reche Caldwell (WR, 5-11, 194, Florida) will look contribute to the Chargers efforts at finishing above .500 for the first time since 1995.

Jones is a Rams Public Relations Training Camp Intern.