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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at referees after a replay went against the Chargers during the third period against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at referees after a replay went against the Chargers during the third period against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

Last year, all the San Diego Chargers had to do was beat the Kansas City Chiefs and backup quarterback Chase Daniel in Week 17 to reach the playoffs for a second straight year. This time, San Diego failed to get it done, falling 19-7. The loss led to an offseason with plenty of storylines for a team that suddenly has urgency with aging stars.

General manager Tom Telesco signed left guard Orlando Franklin to a five-year deal and re-signed left tackle King Dunlap, giving quarterback Philip Rivers some protection. The Chargers also appeared to hit on their first two picks of the draft with running back Melvin Gordon and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman. Headed into 2015, San Diego has plenty of hope.

Major Battle

What happens at inside linebacker? The aforementioned Perryman is a downhill thumper who fits beautifully in the run game, but who does he take playing time away from? Donald Butler was once a promising young player but many are annoyed at his perceived lack of physicality. On the other side, Manti Te’o was a second-round pick in 2013 and expected to be a solid contributor, but he has 122 tackles and one sack to this point.

Expectations

The Chargers are hoping to win the AFC West for the first time this decade. San Diego will have plenty of competition from the Denver Broncos and Chiefs, but with Rivers it always has a shot. The Chargers are not a Super Bowl team, but could reach the postseason. However, the four-game suspension of Antonio Gates hurts, and the front seven needs to find a pass rush.

Next: Oakland Raiders

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