San Diego Chargers: 5 Predictions For The 2015 NFL Season

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) waits to take the field before the start of the Chargers gain against the St. Louis Rams at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

They just missed the playoffs last season and had another productive draft. Here are five NFL predictions that should come true for the San Diego Chargers in 2015.

Melvin Gordon wins Rookie of the Year

A prediction this writer has made a couple of times already in the past few weeks. The situation couldn’t have worked out much better for Melvin Gordon. He goes to a team that needed a running back, which means he’s all but guaranteed to start right away. The threat of a Pro Bowl quarterback is sure to keep the box free of extra defenders and he’ll have a creative play caller in Mike McCoy who should be able to get him some openings for big plays. All of that plus his own natural talent and it’s not hard to see Melvin Gordon coming away with the Rookie of the Year award.

Philip Rivers signs his contract extension

Fear lingers on about the impasse between the Chargers and their star quarterback Philip Rivers regarding his contract. Only one year remains and he has made no move at all to open talks about an extension. Rumors persist it has to due with the lack of stability the franchise is at for the moment, given the ongoing whispers they are moving to Los Angeles. Word is Rivers has no desire to do so. Hence the reluctance to talk. In the end, it’s more likely this is about money. Both sides have their own numbers in mind and neither is remotely close. Given time though, history says something will get worked out since their best opportunity to trade him passed with the draft.

Denzel Perryman starts ahead of Donald Butler

Improving the run defense is among the top priorities for the Chargers heading into the 2015 NFL season. That was a big reason they made Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman one of their top draft choices. Though undersized a bit, the kid is known as a solid tackler who delivers some vicious hits when he gets a bead on ball carriers. The technical term would be a “tone-setter.” That is something San Diego wants and needs on their defense, which is why it won’t take long for Perryman to replace veteran Donald Butler in the starting lineup.

Jeremiah Attaochu notches double digit sacks

He really didn’t see much action last season but that didn’t stop Jeremiah Attaochu from finding ways to make an impact. As the Chargers continue to seek answers at outside linebacker, the time may be right for the second-year kid to get his extended look. They took him in the 2nd round for a reason. He’s athletic, talented and passionate about the game. Attaochu will not only improve his stats from last year, he’ll reward the faith of the team by being their first double-digit sack producer since 2011.

Titus Davis wins the third receiver slot

Michael Floyd and Keenan Allen should take their customary spots at the top two receivers for Philip Rivers. That will leave an interesting competition for the third slot. Initial assumptions would think Jacoby Jones and Austin Pettis are favorites given their experience and past success. However, fans may soon start to hear the name Titus Davis being mentioned during training camp and the preseason. The undrafted free agent receiver lacks speed but has surprising quickness, good hands and solid route running. He knows how to get open on key downs, which is why the #3 slot position is perfect for him and why he’ll win over his more experienced counterparts.

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