Know Thy Enemy: The San Diego Chargers

Jul 26, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te

The Seahawks are getting ready to take on the San Diego Chargers this evening, which means that we fans are getting ready to watch some Seahawks football for the first time in a long time.

To help us prepare, I’ve asked for help from Ernie Padaon from Bolt Beat, Fansided’s Chargers affiliate. He has graciously agreed to answer a few questions on the Chargers. Take a look.

What new faces are you most excited to see on the field for the first time in this game? Why?

I am looking forward to seeing all the rookies on the field Manti Te’o, D.J. Fluker and Keenan Allen especially. This is an exciting rookie class that the Chargers brought into town and I think that they can help lead the Chargers back into contention. Also looking forward to seeing Danny Woodhead, who may be out this Thursday, and Dwight Freeney when they hit the field.

The Chargers seem to be being hurt awfully hard by the injury bug this year. Is there cause for serious concern, or does the team have the depth to overcome it?

The injury to Danario Alexander is unfortunate, but it was at a position that we had some depth at. Keenan Allen and Vincent Brown will have to step up and make plays, but I feel that both players will be able to step in and step up. I also feel that Eddie Royal will get a good opportunity to make plays now also.

From an outsiders perspective, Phillip Rivers seemed to regress a season ago. How do Chargers fans view him, and is their concern that the team needs to draft another QB soon?

Most fans are willing to give him another year. He has done so much in the past and we tend to blame his issues on the poor team that was built around him. The offensive line was bad and he lost a lot of his weapons. The new management in town has helped build up the team around him a little.

I know we’ve yet to see the team on the field, but at this point, what area of the Chargers would you say is the strength of the team?

Before seeing them on the field, the strength would be on the defensive side of the football. The defensive line (if they stay healthy) is one that has a ton of potential. Corey Liuget is an underrated talent and can be a Pro Bowler this season and Kendall Reyes is ready to make a name for himself. Cam Thomas can put pressure on quarterbacks from the nose tackle position. Definitely a strong group of starters there.