The foundation of the Charger's defense has cracked. With Jamal Williams out for the entire year with a torn triceps muscle, the entire balance of the team and the season is thrown off. If the defense can't stop the run anymore, San Diego may not even win this terrible division and get into the playoffs.
This makes today's game an even more crucial test as the Ravens talented running backs will provide a good measuring stick as to what San Diego is capable of without Williams. In the past with Williams out, the middle of the defense was soft and other teams were able to control the clock and keep the Charger's offense off the field.
Rookie Vaughn Martin and last year's practice squad player, Ogemdi Nwagbuo will have to step up and play better than anyone expects for the Chargers to win today and have a chance this season. Nwagbuo did play reasonably well last week, recording San Diego's only sack against the Raiders. The Ravens will pound the middle and see what these guys are made of.
With the crucial injury to Williams, and LT out what looks like at least one more week, what looked like the most promising season in years is now under serious threat. Someone else on the team will have to step up and start making big plays.
Who will it be? The drama for today's game could not be greater. I'll stick with my prediction: Chargers 16, Ravens 14, but now this is simply a huge roll of the dice. Keep your fingers crossed in Chargerland!
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