Enemy Lines

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Chargers

They aren't as bad a team as their record showed last season, mostly because they play good defense. Adding Marcellus Wiley gives them two pass rushers [with Raylee Johnson] who can get double-digit sacks, and their tackles, John Parella and Jamal Williams, have nonstop motors....

You still have to know where Junior Seau is on every play if you want to beat them....

Rodney Harrison has a reputation for being dirty, but he's tough and knows where he's supposed to be. I don't see any reason why their defense shouldn't be as good as or better than last year's....

One of their best pickups could be Wade Richey. He had 13 touchbacks for the 49ers last year, and that's big for a team trying to set up its defense with good field position....

On offense Doug Flutie is a leader and a playmaker, and I also like Tim Dwight. He can give them a spark as a punt returner and a third receiver....

But they've got all kinds of question marks. They don't have a stud receiver. Curtis Conway is supposed to be their deep threat, but he's injury-prone. Jeff Graham is a real pro, but he doesn't have a lot of speed. Once Freddie Jones gets healthy, he'll be the star of the passing game....

They've moved Vaughn Parker from right to left tackle, replaced Kevin Gogan with Kendyl Jacox and put Ed Ellis at right tackle, but he's hurt....

Injuries are killing their chances of having a strong running game. I'd be feeling pretty queasy if I were [general manager] John Butler.