Chargers vs. Falcons Preseason Preview

The Chargers will face the Falcons tonight in the 3rd preseason game. Here are the big questions that still need to be answered:

Can the offensive line block? The run game has been horrible so far and the pass blocking revealed itself as a problem as well last week. I'll be watching right tackle Jeromey Clary for any sign of improvement. I'll also be looking for any push at the line of scrimmage on run plays. It doesn't look like LaDanian Tomlinson will go so we'll have to see what the other backs can do.

The UT reports that the right guard competition is still open between Kynan Forney and Louis Vasquez although Vasquez did not look stellar last week. He will get the start tonight, see if he can show growth in his 2nd NFL game.

On defense, we finally get to see Larry English make his debut. They used to call him "Darth Vader" because of his asthma and the evil things he would do to quarterbacks. Can he get to the quarterback in the NFL? Can he diagnose run plays, react, get off blocks, and stop a ball carrier at the line of scrimmage? If he can, and Merriman can truly recover from his injuries, the Chargers may suddenly become one of the most feared defenses in the NFL.

Will the secondary be able to ball hawk like it did last week with Kurt Warner? Matt Ryan is an excellent young quarterback with great passing options in Roddy White (pick this guy for your fantasy squad) and free agent acquisition Tony Gonzales (who just kills the Chargers). Safety Clinton Hart made some horrible plays and some good plays last week. Can he be consistent? Steve Gregory is in competition for that safety position, but he's been out for a week with the flu. He needs to get some playing time if he's going to have a chance.