The San Diego Chargers have had a more than unacceptable season so far in 2010. With a 2-5 record and looking up from the bottom position in the AFC West, they are not looking too comfortable with the way things are going. Losing games to the Rams and the Patriots by a total of 6 pts in those losses. They just can’t seem to finish the games out, with turnover problems; this doesn’t help matters in the win column either.

The Chargers have been playing without Vincent Jackson in 2010 so far because of a contract dispute. Jackson has definitely put up nice numbers in his tenure in California with 3400 yards and 25 TDs in 5 seasons. Meanwhile, in that period, the Chargers were a more formidable team to defend against going with a 32-16 record in that time span, with Jackson as a starter.

Philip Rivers has certainly established himself as top tier QB in the NFL over the last 4 years, no question. The Chargers losing their games this season by an average of 5.6 points can’t be put on Rivers. Who has also evolved 29 year old Malcolm Floyd’s game to another level, with 513 yards and 3 TD this season. His receiving yards are only 263 from breaking his career high, which will likely be broken this year. Of course, Antonio Gates has been marvelous, as always, with 540 yards and 8 TDs, and rookie Ryan Matthews has been slightly unconvincing with an excellent 4.7 yards per carry but only 1 TD. On the 2010 season, without Vincent Jackson, Rivers has still thrown for 2,344 yards, good for 1st in the NFL, with 13 TDs, which is 2nd.

Jackson will be able to play in the Colts game, Nov 28th. Now, by that time, the Chargers can have a potential record of 2-8. With games against Tennessee, Houston and Denver in that span, all very losable games. By Nov 28th, will the games really matter as far as a playoff appearance goes for the Chargers? Would Jackson really care?

I find it doubtful. If he really cared, he wouldn’t have complained about his 3.2 million dollar contract he was scheduled to make in 2010 and been there for his guys. I understand it always comes down to money, don’t get me wrong.

But . . . really?

Jackson has only been playing for 5 seasons, he still has a great deal to prove, this isn’t a hall of fame guy here complaining about his value or reputation, it’s a 27 year old WR who lately has success playing at a high level. With career high of 68 catches in 2009. Only 1000+ yards in a season twice. Let’s slow down Vincent Jackson.

Is Jackson overvalued? I don’t know about all that, he has great size at 6-5. Solid hands, and good speed, but his way of thinking is lousy, and that can wreck a team quickly. Hopefully he will outgrow it. Whoever Jackson plays with over the next few years, hopefully they get a more matured and team oriented guy on their team, than this guy we have seen (or not seen) this year.

If the Chargers are actually going to compete I don’t believe it will be Jackson that makes the difference. It will be their top notch defense and Philip Rivers that does it.
 

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