5/16/13: Former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o may have landed in a perfect spot in San Diego. Of course he is out of the glare of the media from hurtful cities such as New York or Philadelphia, and of course San Diego is the nearest team to his native Hawaii, and of course he gets to go to a warm weather market. But just as importantly, Te'o gets to play middle linebacker in John Pagano's 3-4 defense. He will be able to focus on what he does best and play downhill - rather than cover tight ends or receivers.

5/9/13: The Chargers had to know what they are getting themselves into by drafting Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o - he of the famous fake girlfriend hoax. Veteran linebacker Donald Butler, who will start next to Te'o in the linebacking corps, says that Te'o will get some rookie teasing and jabs. But, Butler says, that comes with being a rookie. As guys know, this is more of a bonding experience than insults. Hopefully Te'o can cope with that and become the professional linebacker that the Chargers want him to be, and devolve into a long running punchline for NFL experts and talk show hosts.

5/2/13: As long as there are offseasons and the need to keep on the front page, the New York Jets will always win the press conference. However, the San Diego Chargers gave their best effort to upstage Gang Green by trading up to grab much maligned Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o with the sixth pick in the second round. They selected offensive tackle D.J. Fluker from Alabama with their first pick. Te'o was considered among the best linebackers in college football last season, but had a terrible game in the National Championship followed up by a poor combine. Oh, and there was that hoax girlfriend thing too.

4/25/13: The Chargers are such a difficult team to handicap. They have talent, but have under performed for years – long enough that they lost their window. Now the Broncos own the AFC West until further notice. So San Diego may be looking to build up their defense as their way to compete in the division. And the division will be better. Oakland is making good decisions under GM Reggie McKenzie, and the Chiefs have quickly rebuilt under Andy Reid. But the Chargers do need to rebuild their offensive line, and they should be able to get a cornerstone left tackle with the 11th overall pick.

4/18/13: The San Diego Chargers will have a new look on offense this year. The team has run the same offense for the past six years under former head coach Norv Turner. New head coach Mike McCoy and new offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt have developed new offense that takes multiple styles. McCoy believes that he will have his team run various styles in the offseason so they can figure out what they do well and what they do poorly. Of course, it would help to get a running back not made out of glass for the first time in a few years.

4/11/13: With the 11th pick in the April draft the San Diego Chargers select ??? The Chargers have a lot of holes to fill after the long reign of terror that former general manger A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner put the team through. But first and foremost must be the offensive line. San Diego has a good quarterback in Phillip Rivers. They have decent receivers and running backs. What they do not have is five men that can consistently protect Rivers and give him time to throw. The Chargers may end up trading up to get Johnson, the super athletic left tackle out of the University of Oklahoma.

4/4/13: Where are the Chargers in the AFC West? Denver seems to have complete control over the division now - especially after the Chargers surrendered 24 unanswered points in devastating Monday Night Game loss last October. The Chiefs are much improved in personnel and coaching. The Raiders...well the Raiders are still allowed to play in the NFL. But the Chargers are on a budget and need to have an outstanding draft to rebuild the team. Bolts fans understand this, and will be accepting - but only if the Chargers make some progress this season and stop regressing.

3/28/2013: When the Chargers make big moves, they make big moves. Of course, for the past few years those big moves have been moving big time players out of San Diego (see: LaDanian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Shawn Merriman, Vincent Jackson for examples). But now they have Danny Woodhead - the scrappy little running back from New England. Many may wonder how much Woodhead's signing affects incumbent Ryan Matthews. Good question, but Matthews should still get the bulk of the carries, as this team tries to forge a new identity under a new coach, general manager and organizational attitude.

3/21/13: If you have not heard the big free agent signings out of San Diego, then do not worry. You have not missed anything, the team has been very quiet this offseason. Chargers fans may just be happy that A.J. Smith and Norv Turner are not in the building any more. However, the Broncos improved by signing Wes Welker, and Kansas City is doing a wonderful job (on paper) of rebuilding that franchise. The Raiders are still the Raiders - so no worries there. But with the Broncos having to cut Elvis Dumervil, could there be a place on the Bolts for him - and weaken a division rival?

Unfortunately your team did not have make the Super Bowl and we are truly sorry. Next year! But that doesn't mean you can't have a great time at the Super Bowl this year. Check out more info on Super Bowl tickets and prices over on the SeatGeek Blog.

3/14/13: San Diego has been fairly active in free agency, though not signing any big name players. The Chargers have been hurt by big defections and trades in recent years - remnants of the previous regime who shall go nameless here out of respect for Chargers fans everywhere. But the Bolts have signed or are reported to sign Richard Goodman, Chad Reinhart, King Dunlap, and Louis Vasquez. These are the gritty guys that work in the trenches and provide the blocks. The Chargers released Randy McMichaels who never defined much of a role for himself, even with Antonio Gates numerous injuries.

3/7/13: San Diego fans may lament the past decade or so when they were at the top of the AFC West just about every year but never could make it all the way. In the past year, the Broncos leapfrogged the Chargers and are the undisputed kings of the division. With Alex Smith and Andy Ried arriving in KC, the Chiefs may be better prepared for the coming season as well. The Chargers have let a lot of talent walk out the door and are now essentially rebuilding. Many are even questioning keeping QB Phillip Rivers, who has regressed the past two seasons with mediocre talent around him.

2/14/13: The Chargers' reputation is much more vaunted than their actual team. Philip Rivers has had some great years, as has tight end Antonio Gates. But gone are the days of LaDanian Tomlinson and Vincent Jackson. In reality, San Diego's offense does not scare anyone anymore. Letting Jackson leave through free agency was a big blunder, so much so, that wide receiver may be the teams biggest need. Right now, the AFC West belongs to Denver, and the Chargers must revamp this offseason if they want to retake their crown, rather than live in mediocrity like the Chiefs and Raiders.

2/7/13: It is always interesting how the coaching wheels revolve in the NFL. Just a few years ago, Ken Whisenhunt was hired by the Arizona Cardinals to be the head coach after a successful stint as Pittsburghs offensive coordinator. In one magical year, he led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl and was among the top coaches in the league. After a dreadful 2012 campaign, he was fired and now finds himself as the OC for the Chargers. San Diego does not have the weapons of a few year ago, but still has a franchise QB and some skill players to contend for a wild card spot.

1/31/13: It will be very interesting to see how new GM Tom Telesco and new head coach Mike McCoy view the draft. After former GM A.J. Smith and former head coach Norv Turner slowly destroyed a championship contending roster with bad personnel moves, lousy coaching, and generally poor management, the team is in need of a massive rebuild. Will they address problem areas? Will they trade up to get some one they really want? Will they follow the Jeff Fisher model and trade down and collect draft picks? The team is not tipping its hand yet, but it is certain that this is a crucial draft for the franchise.

1/24/13: Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers needs fixing. The early years of his career were filled with highlight reel plays and big stats. The last two years, however, have been miserable with Rives throwing 50 interceptions and being simply mediocre. The Chargers hope new head coach Mike McCoy can fix Rivers. McCoy is best known for flexibility. He catered an offense to Tim Tebow and even won a playoff game. Then he readjusted with Peyton Manning to earn the best record in the AFC. It may be a bit of a gamble, but McCoy may be the right man for the Chargers job.

1/17/13: The search to replace fired general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner continues in San Diego. Both were given their walking papers after the Chargers again underachieved and failed to make the playoffs. Much of the blame has to go to Smith, who's hardline stance has driven off several skilled players, including wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Norv Turner will reportedly be named the new offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the Chargers appear interested in former Bears coach Lovie Smith, former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhut, and Colts offensive coordinator/interim head coach Bruce Arians.

1/10/13: San Diego just finished their first week in the post A.J. Smith and Norv Turner eras, likely to the delight of many of their fans. While AFC West Rival Kansas City opted to hire a coach (Andy Reid) first, the Chargers want to secure their GM before the coach. Regardless, the rumor mill surrounding the new coach is in full swing and names like Doug Marrone, Mike Holmgren, Jim Mora, and Lovie Smith are being thrown about. Who will end up being the coach is anyone's guess, but there are worse things than being highly paid in San Diego.

1/3/13: San Diego sent Norv Turner out with a victory in his final game as head coach. The Chargers held on to for a 24-21 win over the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers took a 24-7 lead into the fourth quarter, but Terrelle Prior, in his first ever start, led Oakland to two late scores - making the game somewhat interesting. Phillip Rivers continued his mediocre play, throwing for only 151 yards and two TDs. Both Turner and GM A.J. Smith - literally answering the prayers of many Chargers fans. No replacements have been named, but Andy Reid may be on the short list.

12/27/12: For those that did not see it, the Chargers punished Jets QB Greg McElroy repeatedly in a 27-17 win. San Diego's defense recorded 11 sacks, including 3.5 by Kendall Reyes. It would have been a great time to have San Diego as your defense in your fantasy league. Tight end Antonio Gates caught his 82nd touchdown catch, earning the franchise lead over Lance Alworth. Phillip Rivers was not particularly strong, completing only 11 of 22 for 165 yards, fortunately he did not need to be. The Chargers finish their season hosting the Oakland Raiders this coming Sunday.

12/20/12: San Diego had aspirations of contending this season. But that is all it was, aspirations. The Chargers are now a deflated team and mailed in a weak effort at home, losing 31-7 to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. Philip Rivers was limited to just 121 yards and one score, and the running game and defense could not hold up. Fans are calling for the head of Head Coach Norv Turner, and they may well get their wish. Now there is speculation that the Chargers may cut ties with Philip Rivers as well. The team has a shot at some redemption this Sunday when they travel to New York to face the disfunctional Jets.

12/13/12: The San Diego Chargers have certainly underachieved this season, and have struggled mightily since choking away a large second half lead to the Denver Broncos several weeks ago. So the offensive outburst at Pittsburgh against a rejuvenated Steelers team was more than shocking. Quarterback Phillip Rivers only threw for 200 yards, but did toss three touchdowns. Wide receiver Danario Alexander continues his strong play, scoring two more touchdowns and looking like a real threat when healthy. The win put the Chargers at 5-8 on the season. Next up is the equally disappointing Panthers at back at home.

12/6/12: San Diego hosted the Chargers this past Sunday, but unfortunately continued to struggle and lost 20-13. The Chargers have not been the same team as they were in September ever since they blew a large lead at home to Denver over a month ago. The offense, which still has a lot of talent at the skill positions is underachieving as the howls for coach Norv Turner's dismissal continue to rise. San Diego now sits at 4-8 and the Denver Broncos have secured the AFC West title for the season. There may not be too much left to play for, but the Chargers do travel to Pittsburgh this coming Sunday.

11/29/12: A very tough loss for a team that has suffered repeated disappointments this season. San Diego, playing at home against the Ravens, took a 10-0 lead into the half, but allowed Baltimore to come back and force overtime. The Ravens ended up winning 16-13 and dropped the Chargers to 4-7 on the year. The AFC West crown is likely out of reach barring a monumental collapse, and San Diego will probably be on the outside looking in for a wild card spot. The disappointing season may be the last for head coach Norv Turner, which would make many Chargers fans happy.

11/22/12: San Diego hosts Baltimore this week, but even an upset win may be a case of too little, too late. The Chargers suffered a devastating loss to Denver last Sunday, which pretty much assures the Broncos of the AFC West crown. It also left the Chargers at 4-6, and only a puncher's chance of earning a wild card birth. The calls to fire head coach Norv Turner are growing in Southern California, as many fans cannot understand why the team consistently underachieves, despite having a relatively strong roster. This may be the year Bolts fans get their wish, as missing the playoffs may be the final straw for coach Turner.

11/15/12: Now it may be time to panic. The Chargers had hoped to fly under the radar in the AFC West while the rest of the league monitored Peyton Manning and the Broncos. But a 34-24 loss to Tampa (who has suddenly become an offensive juggernaut) leaves the team at 4-6, two games behind the Broncos. San Diego has a chance to get back to one game down on Sunday when they travel to Denver. Another loss, though, would essentially give the Broncos the division and the Chargers will have to get a lot of wins and a few breaks to make the playoffs.

11/8/12: The San Diego Chargers finally got a much needed win in the Thursday Night game, this time against Kansas City. While the Chiefs may be the worst team in the NFL this year, their defense managed to keep Phillip Rivers and company in check for most of the night. The final score was 31-13, but two of the Chargers' touchdowns were interceptions returned for score. Rivers and Gates finally connected for a touchdown, but it is more of relief for a team that had not scored a TD in six quarters. Some Charger fans showed up with signs begging ownership to fire Norv Turner, but he seems to have a reprieve for at least another 10 days.

11/1/12: The Chargers are struggling and fans have to hope that they are not witnessing the beginning of a free fall. San Diego could only muster two field goals at Cleveland, before falling 7-6. Many good teams have a week where they inexplicably fall to a far inferior opponent. But the Chargers have not looked the same since the second half of the Monday Night loss to the Broncos, when they surrendered a 24 point lead in the final 30 minutes. At 3-4, they are not out of the playoff hunt, and have a chance to get back to 500 when they host the Chiefs this weekend.

10/18/12: San Diego had a chance to open up some breathing room between themselves and the Denver Broncos on Monday Night, and even staked themselves a 24-0 halftime lead. But the team disintegrated in the second half as the Chargers offense turned the ball over six times. Instead of heading into the bye week at 4-2 with a two game lead in the division, the Chargers are tied with the Broncos at 3-3, and now the Broncos have the edge in head-to-head matchups. They can right the ship after the bye with games against Cleveland, KC, and Tampa before a week 11 rematch at Denver.

10/4/12: For all the talk that the Chargers always take off September, the team is 3-1 and leading the AFC West. The lone loss was a home tilt against the Atlanta Falcons, who may well be the best team in the NFC this year. But otherwise, the Chargers have won the games they should win - most recently a 37-20 beatdown of the division rival Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Phillip Rivers has looked good so far, but, aside from Atlanta, has not faced a great defense. He should have another week to pile on stats, as the Bolts head to the bayou to face the aimless New Orleans Sants.

8/16/12: Minnesota's best player, Adrian Peterson, was removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list this week, so naturally the media blew it out of proportion. The Vikings had to make the move to get AP in practice. Had he started the regular season on the PUP list, he would have been ineligible for the first six weeks. Then he may have missed another three weeks, or even the entire season. That is not really an option for a team in need of playmakers. Toby Gerhart has been taking first team snaps, and has shown he can handle the job well, at least in the near term.

8/2/12: With the Broncos rise last year, and San Diego both underachieving last season and losing some key players this offseason, the Chargers are really flying under the radar for the first time in years. While many fans call for a replacement for head coach Norv Turner, he is, in fact 49-31 in the regular season over five years. Playoff letdowns are still a sore point, and the team missed the postseason the past two years. But the Chargers may finally be healthy, particularly in the offensive line and star tight end Antonio Gates. Denver will remain the favorite to win the AFC West, but the Chargers still could surprise either for the division or a wild-card spot.

7/26/12: After missing the playoffs for the past two seasons, losing some key players in the offseason (such as Vincent Jackson and Mike Tolbert) and being considered the underdog in the division for the first time in years, the Chargers are trying to get back to their winning ways from a few years ago. Philip Rivers seems to be taking a stronger leadership position and is more focused than in the past. Antonio Gates is finally healthy and looking to return to the form that made him the top tight end in the league. And a lot of draft help on defense should provide some improvement over last year's underachieving squad.

This week, former San Diego Chargers All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons. Tomlinson retired as a member of the San Diego Chargers, the team that drafted him with the 5th pick out of TCU in 2001 and the team that he played 9 of his 11 seasons for. Tomlinson remarked that he would rather make the Hall of Fame than win a Super Bowl, and that statement has been debated quite a bit this week. His numbers certainly do support his future placement in the Hall of Fame, as he amassed over 13,000 yards to go along with 145 touchdowns over the course of his illustrious career.

5/23/12: The Chargers announced they will formally retire Junior Seau's #55 jersey this season, joining only Dan Fouts (#14) and Lance Alworth (#19) in that honor. Players and fans alike continue to honor and respect Seau's memory. Even longtime Charger LaDanian Thomlinson shared how much Junior inspired him with his constant community service. Additionally, running back Curtis Brinkley was awarded the team's Ed Block Courage Award. Brinkley survived a gunshot before entering the NFL, and had to sit out a season. He was undrafted, but made the team and played in 13 games in two seasons, and now has a chance to be Ryan Matthews number one backup.

5/15/12: Its been a tearful few weeks in San Diego, as the team and city have mourned the death of Junior Seau with several events highlighting his life and achievements. An estimated 20,000 attended a public memorial at Qualcomm Stadium, many wearing Seau's #55 jerseys from his time in San Diego. On the football field, the Chargers have a great chance to sneak up on the rest of the division this year. With so many paying attention to the Broncos and Raiders, the Chargers seem to have slipped under the radar, but still posses one of the most potent offenses in the league.

5/11/12: The San Diego Chargers have been crowned AFC West champs for the last several preseasons, and with good reason - the the rest of the division was a mess. The year, however, they have the good fortune of being an underdog. The Broncos are the consensus favorite after signing Payton Manning, while the Chargers lost #1 wide receiver Vincent Jackson (signed with Tampa as a free agent). However, Jackson missed a lot of games over the last few years, yet the offense was just fine. Defense was a bigger issue, and the Chargers drafter Melvin Ingram and Kendall Reyes to help out.

5/3/12: San Diego drafted defense with their first three picks, highlighted by selecting defensive end Melvin Ingram from South Carolina with the 18th overall pick. Ingram is considered tremendously versitile and can play linebacker as well. Sadder news from May 2, however, as former long-time Charger great Junior Seau was found dead of a gunshot wound to his chest in his Oceanside home. Seau played in the NFL for 20 years with the Chargers, Dolphins, and Patriots. He was drafted by his hometown Chargers in 1990 and amassed 545 tackles, 56.5 sacks, and 18 interceptions in his career - and is considered one of the best linebackers to ever play.

5/2/12 - Junior Seau, a former star NFL Linebacker, died early Wednesday May 2nd, at the age of 43. Seau was found in his bedroom by his girlfriend. He was discovered with a gunshot wound to the chest and a revolver was found near his body. The police are investigating Seau's death as a suicide. The police added the investigation is not expected to be finished until next week. Seau played 20 seasons in the NFL for the Chargers, Dolphins, and Patriots, made 12 Pro Bowls and was named to the 1990s All-Decade Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

4/25/12: San Diego has the tools to win the AFC West, after letting the Broncos claim the division last year. The Chargers seemed to lack any sense of urgency and are widely considered to have underachieved throughout Norv Turner's tenure as head coach. The team lost number one wideout Vincent Jackson in free agency to Tampa, and replaced him with Robert Meecham, formerly of the New Orleans Saints. Draft needs include cornerback, linebacker, as well as the defensive and offensives lines. San Diego addressed the D-Line in the first round by selecting Melvin Ingram from South Carolina with the 18th overall pick.

4/17/12: A couple of years ago, the Chargers could get off to slow start and easily rally to win the AFC West crown. But the rest of the division has caught up with San Diego and the Chargers now have a very challenging schedule, including five games east of the Mississippi River. On the positive side, however is the fact that they do have five primetime games: Week 1 Monday Night at Oakland, Week 5 Sunday Night at New Orleans, Week 6 Monday Night vs. Denver, Week 9 Thursday Night vs. Kansas City, and Week 16 Sunday Night at the Jets.

San Diego Chargers Tickets - Team History

Though they play their home games in the beautiful San Diego climate, the Chargers and their fans take their football very seriously. They've called Qualcomm Stadium home since 1967, recently winning four straight AFC West titles from 2006-2009. The 'lights out' era popularized by electric linebacker Shawne Merriman may be over, but the Chargers still possess an elite quarterback, very possibly the best tight end to ever play the game, a defense whose statistics look tremendous on paper, and the second-best passing attack in the league. Now it's just a matter of turning those numbers into a record that properly reflects their talent.

San Diego Chargers Tickets - 2011 Season Info

Their 9-7 2010 was certainly deceiving. Notorious for starting slow and finishing strong, San Diego began the year 2-5, and even a very solid 7-2 final 9 games could not spare the team from missing the playoffs. On offense, quarterback Philip Rivers has proven himself to be a true competitor and, in Tom Brady fashion, capable of making his teammates play at a higher level. Vincent Jackson's return to full-time duty gives the team a bona fide number one option at wideout, though the Chargers may be one of the rare teams that doesn't require such a player. Tight end Antonio Gates certainly draws plenty of attention from opposing defenses, and spark plug Darren Sproles is good for a handful of highlight reel plays every season. The team selected running back Ryan Mathews very highly in 2010, and while it is certainly not appropriate to call Mathews a bust, he did not quite play up to expectations last season. A lot of that was health-related, and Mike Tolbert filled in extremely well, but a healthy Mathews with a year under his belt is a better long term option for the team.

San Diego Chargers Tickets - 2011 Schedule

Week 3 gives San Diego its first crack at a division rival, as they play host to a Kansas City Chiefs team that dethroned the Chargers in the division in 2010 and ended their 4-year run as champs. If the Chargers can make it to Week 12 without playing themselves out of contention, they have a great shot of winning the division in 2011. Already known for their ability to end seasons playing their best football, the Chargers have, at the moment, only one team (the Baltimore Ravens) over their final six games considered to be a clear-cut playoff contender. Of course, in the NFL, that's always subject to change.

San Diego Chargers Tickets - The Players

The Chargers have one of the most effective offenses in the league. Philip Rivers is one of the best QBs in the league wins any way possible. Their receivers have been scarce and plagued with injuries over the year. This year Vincent Jackson plans to come back full force. Patrick Crayton also has been an asset to the team. However, Antonio Gates has been Rivers go to when he goes out for a pass. He's a big target with a great pair of hands. Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert weren't as productive as LT was but they definitely were able to establish a run game. The Defense doesn't have any big names but they work as a unit rarely letting up big plays. In 2010-2011 they were 1st in yards, 1st in pass yards, 4th in rush yards and 10th in points. The Chargers need a few more pieces to the puzzel and they will definitely be fighting for a championship soon.

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