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Wednesday, July 18
Updated: August 22, 7:27 PM ET
 
Chargers: Looking up in San Diego
By Mark Cannizzaro
Special to ESPN.com

This team, better than its 1-15 record in 2000 indicated, has the potential to be the most improved team in the NFL in 2001.

 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Doug Flutie
Doug Flutie started five games last season in Buffalo.
  Location:University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, Calif.
Rookies report: July 22
Veterans report: July 27
Preseason schedule:
 Aug. 11: San Francisco
 Aug. 18: at Miami
 Aug. 25: St. Louis
 Aug. 31: at Arizona

Former Bills general manager John Butler was brought in and has already made an impact in the offseason with several critical acquisitions -- beginning with the kicking out of bust quarterback Ryan Leaf and ending with the signing of proven winner Doug Flutie.

Man in the spotlight
Flutie, who has a record of 21-9 in games started since joining Buffalo in 1998, will be the Chargers' starter while he tutors second-round draft choice Drew Brees from Purdue. Another definite spotlight player is No. 1 draft pick LaDainian Tomlinson, a running back out of TCU who's expected to be Rookie of the Year material.

Key position battle
This isn't expected to be much of a battle, but Tomlinson must come in and show he's the real thing at running back right away, because the Chargers were without a running game in 2000, with a total of 1,062 rushing yards for the team. Nineteen NFL backs rushed for more yards individually last season than the Chargers did as a team.

Biggest adjustment
The offense must begin to gel as soon as possible in an effort to catch up to the Chargers' formidable defense, which last year allowed only 3.0-yards per carry to opposing backs. Butler added defensive end Marcellus Wiley and linebacker Sam Rogers, both from Buffalo, and cornerback Alex Molden to the defense.

Rookie report
As mentioned, Tomlinson is in the spotlight. Brees, who's clearly the future, doesn't have a lot of pressure on him to contribute right away. There is hope that Florida State defensive back Tay Cody and Nebraska linebacker Carlos Polk step right in to help -- at least on special teams.

Offseason moves
Players signed Players lost
WR Tim Dwight (via trade)
OL Ed Ellis (signed as free agent)
RB Terrell Fletcher (signed as free agent)
QB Doug Flutie (signed as free agent)
CB Ryan McNeil (signed as free agent)
CB Alex Molden (signed as free agent)
K Wade Richey (signed as free agent)
LB Sam Rogers (signed as free agent)
DE Marcellus Wiley (signed as free agent)
 FB Robert Chancey (released)
S Mike Dumas (released)
OL Kevin Gogan (released)
CB DeRon Jenkins (released)
QB Ryan Leaf (released)
CB Darryll Lewis (released)

  • Chargers' complete offseason moves







    •  More from ESPN...
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    The Broncos spent ...

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    There are plenty of new faces ...

    Raiders: Super expectations
    After last season's run to ...

    Seahawks: Can Seattle take flight?
    The Seahawks added a number ...


    AUDIO/VIDEO
    audio
     LaDainian Tomlinson tried to remain positive during his holdout.
    wav: 94 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

     San Diego GM John Butler went out and signed one of the best leaders in the NFL, Doug Flutie.
    wav: 705 k
    RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

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