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I'm happy with the Chargers' handling of free agency, rookie contracts, and veteran re-signings. Sanders (if he can remain upright), Spikes, and LaBoy are helpful defensive pick-ups, and Liuget should start at DE. LaBoy should add situational pass rushing from outside LB, a solid back-up.

Hot off the press is the great news that Malcolm Floyd signed a 2 year deal, with the Chargers swooping in right when the Baltimore Sun was reporting the Ravens were looking to sign him, and the Vikings and Cardinals were showing interest also. Important No. 2 WR to compliment No. 1 VJ, TE Gates, and Crayton in the slot, and save and except little Sproles (a big loss, including his excellent ability to pick up blitzes) and Naanee (no effort to re-sign and no big loss), the offense is intact and even upgraded with additions and health.

This surprises me, as I anticipated more key losses. VJ, Gates, Floyd, Crayton, Ajirotutu, and newbie stud-to-be Vincent Brown look to provide Rivers with a lot of excellent opportunities. All five offensive linemen returning and healthy, with contracts in place, which is huge for Rivers and Mathews. I worry about Gates staying healthy, and Mathews staying healthy, holding onto the ball, and whether he will fulfill expectations.

This is a veteran team, and with Sanders, Spikes and LaBoy added (thank you very much for those two LBs, 49ers), there is even more veteran leadership. I like the new defensive coordinator, Manusky, from the 49ers. We'll see how he does.

Picked up the excellent special teams coach from TB, Rich Bisaccia, which should pay dividends. Hope he can put a unit on the field that will fix the S/Ts which was atrocious last season.

It's early, but so far I am cautiously optimistic. I'm going to pop a gasket if yet another slow start occurs. First up is Minnesota, and the Bolts need some payback after being SHREDDED by AP in Minnesota a couple of years ago. That was a record-setting beatdown, and a repeat of that at the Chargers' house would be a disastrous start to what should be a promising season.