Chargers’ offense hoping to lead the way to victory

By Ben McCoy  |   Sunday, September 10, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

San Diego Chargers
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For the San Diego Chargers, plenty of challenges abound for the team's season opener in Oakland.

First-year starter Philip Rivers is coming off of a mediocre preseason, completing 65.2% of his passes, but also being on the receiving end of five sacks. Should he get injured, the team is left with rookie Charlie Whitehurst as its only other quarterback.

Keeping Rivers protected in the pocket is going to be the number one priority of an inconsistent offensive line made up of rookie tackle Marcus McNeill, who recently suffered a hand injury in practice.

On the other side of center is right tackle Shane Olivea who has had a strong training camp and preseason, but will be pitted opposite of defensive end Derrick Burgess, who collected a league-leading 16 sacks last season. However, Olivea is no slouch when it comes to stopping the d-line rush.

Last fall, Pro Bowlers Michael Strahan and Shaun Ellis were among those who couldn't beat Olivea for the sack. Two of Burgess' sacks against the Chargers last season occurred in Week 6, a game that Olivea missed due to an ankle injury. Olivea is confident in his ability to guard the passer, and points to challenges he faces in practice as great preparation for games like these.

"The work that I do against Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman every day in practice really helps me get ready for those speed rushers," Olivea said. "Those guys make me better. I'm lucky to have talented pass rushers like that on my team."

One thing you can count on for sure is a steady diet of LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson seems to put up his best performance against the Raiders, racking up five 100-yard games, 1,215 yards rushing, nine touchdowns, 42 receptions - two for TDs, and has even thrown two touchdown passes in his 10 career meetings against Oakland. Coach Marty Schottenheimer has plenty of confidence in his team's workhorse.

"If you watch him out here in practice, he's ready to go," Schottenheimer said. "He's going full speed all the time. He's chomping at the bit. We feel pretty good about the fact that he's rested and ready to go."

Schottenheimer is 25-7 in his career versus the Raiders - more wins against the club than any other coach in NFL history.

Look for the Chargers to win this one on the ground, mixed with a solid medium-gain game courtesy of All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates.

Final score: San Diego 28, Oakland 21.

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