Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: San Diego Chargers
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions start the 2015 regular season with a road game against the San Diego Chargers. For a preview of the Chargers, we check in with Bolt Beat.
I got together with Ernie Padaon, editor of Bolt Beat, for a Q&A to get up to speed on the Chargers offseason and how their fans are thinking about the team as training camp approaches.
Here are my questions followed by Ernie’s answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"The Chargers fixed some of the holes on the offensive line with the signing on Orlando Franklin and added a playmaker in the draft by taking Melvin Gordon. The team still needs to find a way to stop the run on defense. The team will be better with a consistent running game and with some people up front to block for Philip Rivers."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"Melvin Gordon is the obvious answer. He will be the team’s starting running back and he will get plenty of opportunities to make some game changing plays. He had an amazing college career and will be looking to bring some of that game breaking ability to the Chargers offense."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"The Chargers still need to find a way to stop the run. The team didn’t add many pieces to the defensive line or at the linebacker spot to fix that issue. The team also needs to be able to get some pressure on the quarterbacks. The defense got younger with Dwight Freeney and Jarret Johnson gone.The young guys will have to prove their worth."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"The team should be better with a consistent running game. Ryan Mathews was out for most of last season and we were never able to find a consistent back to take the load on offense. Branden Oliver had his moments, but he still couldn’t take all the pressure himself. The Chargers were also without Danny Woodhead for most of the season.The offensive line will be better this season. The team focused on adding some size up front and will be looking to create some huge holes for the backs to run through. Look for this team to pound it with the ground game. That will open it up for Philip Rivers to fling it around."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"It is a toss-up. In the first game of the season, anything can happen. We don’t know exactly the makeup of all teams at this point, so we will see what goes down."
For more on the Chargers, check out Bolt Beat.
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