Chargers 53

My thoughts on the Chargers 53-player roster to start the season.

For me, QB Cardale Jones making the cut was the biggest surprise. Jones didn't play well during the preseason and I didn't think the Chargers would go with three QBs. Anthony Lynn brought Jones over from Buffalo after Lynn took over as Head Coach of the Chargers last season. All I can figure is that Lynn isn't ready to give up on Jones just yet.

You just gotta root for the undrafted free agents that make the team. Chargers have an obscure record of 22 straight seasons with at least one UFA making the team. This year three made it.

RB Detrez Newsome. I wrote about Newsome in my last Chargers post. The way he played during the preseason there was no way he could be cut. Newsome won't get many touches during the season with RBs Melvin Gordon, Austin Eckler, and 7th round pick Justin Jackson also on the team, but he's proven he can carry the load should Gordon suffer an injury (42 carries, 159 yds, 2 TDs in the preseason). This is an interesting group with Eckler and Jackson adding big play capabilities.

CB Brandon Facyson just played well. At 6'2" 197 lbs he's a big corner. Getting the chance with Jason Verrett's season ending injury, Facyson just played solid corner whenever he was in the game. Chargers are keeping seven CBs and even without Varrett, this is a very talented group.

WR JJ Jones made the team as a return specialist. He didn't see the field much as a WR, but averaged 12.6 yds on seven punt returns  (including a 72 yd. TD) and averaged 22.8 yards on six kick off returns. At 5'10" 172, Jones is one of those quick guys with break away speed that is a threat to break one anytime. Travis Benjamin returned punts last season and it's yet to be seen if Jones will take over those duties or just return kick offs.

Other than that it was pretty much what everyone expected.

Despite rumors of bringing TE Antonio Gates back, Chargers stuck with former Bronco Virgil Green and Sean Culkin who was the best of rest during the preseason. I still found it strange that they signed Je'Ron Hamm after Culkin played well in the first preseason game. Hamm didn't seem to make any impact.

K Caleb Sturgis is the guy with all the pressure on him. With the Chargers kicking woes last season being given as one of the major reason for the team not making the playoffs the spot light will be pointed directly on Sturgis on every kick. I can't imagine how tense it will be when he has to attempt his first game winning kick.

Bring on the Chiefs, I can't wait for the season to start!