The 2003 Chargers: A Brand New Beginning (Madden NFL 25)

[RayLenearl]

Game: Madden NFL 25 (XBOX)
Roster: Madden04
Sliders: Default
Draft Classes: 2004



2003 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: SEASON PREVIEW
BOLTS OF LIGHTNING: CAN SCHOTTENHEIMER'S SQUAD SHOCK THE NFL?

The dog days of summer are fading, and with them, the memories of last season's disappointments for the San Diego Chargers. After finishing a mediocre 8-8 in 2002, the Bolts enter the 2003 campaign with renewed vigor and something to prove in the competitive AFC West.

Head coach Marty Schottenheimer, entering his second year at the helm in San Diego, has been blunt about his expectations. "We're not here to be average," he told reporters during the final week of training camp. "This organization, these fans, they deserve a winner. We've put in the work, now it's time to see results."

The spotlight shines brightest on quarterback Drew Brees, who enters a pivotal third NFL season. After starting all 16 games last year with mixed results (3,284 yards, 17 TDs, 16 INTs), the former Purdue standout knows this could be a make-or-break year for his career as a starter.

"I've learned a lot about what it takes to succeed at this level," Brees said. "The game has slowed down for me. I'm seeing defenses better, making quicker decisions. I feel ready to take that next step."

He'll have help from superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who has already established himself as one of the league's premier backs after just two seasons. "LT" amassed 1,683 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2002 and appears poised for another monster campaign behind an improved offensive line.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of camp has been the emergence of undrafted rookie tight end Antonio Gates. The former Kent State basketball player hasn't played organized football since high school but has displayed remarkable natural ability.

"He's a special athlete," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "His background in basketball translates well to the tight end position – he understands spacing, body control, and has tremendous hands."

On defense, the addition of safety Kwamie Lassiter from Arizona should bolster a secondary that struggled at times last season. Cornerback Quentin Jammer, the fifth overall pick in 2002, looks more comfortable after a full NFL season under his belt.

The defensive front seven remains anchored by linebacker Donnie Edwards, who led the team with 129 tackles last year after returning to his hometown team. "This defense has a chip on its shoulder," Edwards said. "We've got something to prove."

The Chargers open their season at home against the Oakland Raiders, a fitting test against last year's AFC champions. The schedule doesn't get any easier, with matchups against Pittsburgh, Denver, Tennessee, and Atlanta among the challenging slate.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have set the Chargers' over/under win total at 7.5 games, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding this team. Are they pretenders or contenders? Can Brees take the next step? Will the defense hold up against high-powered offenses?

The answers begin to unfold Sunday at the brand-new Zilker Stadium, where a capacity crowd will welcome their Bolts with thunder in their voices and lightning in their hearts, hoping this is finally the year San Diego returns to prominence.

"We're building something special here," Schottenheimer said. "The foundation is in place. Now it's time to put up the walls and see just how high this structure can go."

[RayLenearl]

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Drew Brees (#9) - 88 OVR - The third-year signal-caller from Purdue looks to establish himself as the franchise QB
Doug Flutie (#7) - 78 OVR - Veteran backup brings experience and mobility

Running Backs

LaDainian Tomlinson (#21) - 99 OVR - Elite all-purpose back coming off a stellar sophomore campaign
Jesse Chatman (#24) - 70 OVR - Change-of-pace backup with good burst
Lorenzo Neal (#41) - 85 OVR - One of the league's premier fullbacks and devastating lead blocker

Wide Receivers

David Boston (#89) - 84 OVR - Big-bodied free agent addition brings physical presence
Eric Parker (#88) - 78 OVR - Emerging talent with good route-running skills
Kassim Osgood (#81) - 71 OVR - Special teams standout with developing receiving skills
Reche Caldwell (#82) - 67 OVR - Second-year player with upside
Tim Dwight (#87) - 74 OVR - Versatile veteran and return specialist

Tight Ends

Antonio Gates (#85) - 85 OVR - Undrafted rookie with basketball background showing tremendous potential
Justin Peelle (#84) - 67 OVR - Second-year blocking tight end with reliable hands
Josh Norman (#83) - 62 OVR - Depth option with special teams value

Offensive Line

Damion McIntosh (#77) - 77 OVR - Left tackle protecting Brees' blind side
Kelvin Dielman (#68) - 72 OVR - Converted defensive lineman showing promise at left guard
Jason Ball (#60) - 72 OVR - Undersized but intelligent center
Solomon Page (#74) - 74 OVR - Veteran right guard adds stability
Corey Raymer (#66) - 72 OVR - Veteran starting center
Vaughn Parker (#70) - 70 OVR - Experienced right tackle rounds out the line

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Jamal Williams (#76) - 91 OVR - Massive nose tackle anchors the 3-4 defense
Raylee Johnson (#97) - 74 OVR - Veteran defensive end provides leadership
Adrian Dingle (#95) - 74 OVR - Athletic end brings pass-rush ability

Linebackers

Stephen Cooper (#54) - 79 OVR - Rookie MLB should make an immediate impact
Donnie Edwards (#59) - 87 OVR - Tackling machine and defensive quarterback at inside linebacker
Zeke Moreno (#54) - 69 OVR - Hard-hitting inside linebacker complements Edwards
Ben Leber (#51) - 73 OVR - Steady outside linebacker with good instincts
Matt Wilhelm (#57) - 66 OVR - Rookie brings depth to inside linebacker corps
Marcellus Wiley (#75) - 74 OVR - Converted to OLB in the 3-4 scheme to utilize pass-rush skills

Secondary

Quentin Jammer (#23) - 87 OVR - Former top-5 pick looks to build on rookie season at cornerback
Sammy Davis (#22) - 78 OVR - Rookie first-rounder brings athleticism to cornerback position
Kwamie Lassiter (#42) - 74 OVR - Free agent addition brings experience to free safety position
Jerry Wilson (#27) - 74 OVR - Steady strong safety completes the defensive backfield
Drayton Florence (#29) - 78 OVR - Rookie cornerback adds depth
Vernon Fox (#36) - 70 OVR - Backup safety and special teams contributor
Terrence Kiel (#48) - 72 OVR - Backup strong safety and return option

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicking Game

Steve Christie (#8) - 70 OVR - Veteran placekicker remains reliable
Mike Scifres (#5) - 72 OVR - Rookie punter with powerful leg
David Binn (#50) - 80 OVR - One of the league's most consistent long snappers

Return Specialists

Tim Dwight (#87) - 97 OVR (KR), 95 OVR (PR) - Explosive returner capable of changing games

COACHING STAFF

Marty Schottenheimer - Head Coach (2nd season with Chargers)
Cam Cameron - Offensive Coordinator
Dale Lindsey - Defensive Coordinator
Steve Crosby - Special Teams Coordinator

TEAM STRENGTHS

Elite running game led by superstar LaDainian Tomlinson
Promising young quarterback in Drew Brees
Solid linebacker corps anchored by Donnie Edwards
Excellent special teams, particularly in the return game

TEAM WEAKNESSES

Question marks in the secondary
Offensive line cohesion
Depth concerns at several positions
Lack of proven pass rushers

The 2003 Chargers have the pieces to compete in the AFC West, but much will depend on Brees' development and the defense's ability to contain high-powered division rivals. With Tomlinson as the centerpiece, this team has the potential to surprise the experts who have them pegged for another mediocre season.

[RayLenearl]

2003 Regular Season:

Week 1 - Sunday, September 8
Opponent: Oakland Raiders
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:05 PM PT

Week 2 - Sunday, September 15
Opponent: @ Carolina Panthers
Location: Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 3 - Sunday, September 22
Opponent: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 4 - Sunday, September 29
Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:25 PM PT

Week 5 - BYE WEEK

Week 6 - Sunday, October 13
Opponent: @ Denver Broncos
Location: INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver
Time: 1:05 PM PT

Week 7 - Monday, October 21
Opponent: @ Arizona Cardinals
Location: Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona
Time: 6:00 PM PT

Week 8 - Sunday, October 27
Opponent: New Orleans Saints
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:05 PM PT

Week 9 - Sunday, November 3
Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns
Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 10 - Sunday, November 10
Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:05 PM PT

Week 11 - Sunday, November 17
Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:25 PM PT

Week 12 - Monday, November 25
Opponent: Baltimore Ravens
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 6:00 PM PT

Week 13 - Sunday, December 1
Opponent: @ Atlanta Falcons
Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 14 - Sunday, December 8
Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs
Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 15 - Sunday, December 15
Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:15 PM PT

Week 16 - Sunday, December 22
Opponent: Denver Broncos
Location: Zilker Stadium, San Diego
Time: 1:15 PM PT

Week 17 - Sunday, December 29
Opponent: @ New England Patriots
Location: Gillette Stadium, New England
Time: 10:00 AM PT

Week 18 - Sunday, January 5
Opponent: @ Oakland Raiders
Location: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
Time: 1:25 PM PT

Schedule Notes:

Five primetime games highlight national interest in Tomlinson and the Chargers
Tough road stretch in first half of season with three away games in first four weeks
Balanced home/away split with challenging AFC West divisional matchups
Late-season clash with defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers
Season concludes with critical divisional game against the Raiders

[RayLenearl]

LEAGUE UNVEILS COMPLETE OVERHAUL OF RULES AND SCHEDULE
By NFL Beat Reporter | August 15, 2003

In what analysts are calling the most dramatic transformation in NFL history, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue today announced a comprehensive package of rule changes, playoff expansion, and a 17-game regular season schedule that will debut this September, reshaping professional football as we know it.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era for the National Football League," Tagliabue declared at NFL headquarters. "These forward-thinking changes will enhance player safety, increase competitive balance, and deliver more of what our fans love most—football."

17-GAME SEASON BREAKS TRADITION

Breaking with decades of tradition, the NFL will expand from a 16-game to a 17-game regular season schedule. Each team will play an additional interconference matchup, with AFC teams hosting the extra game in 2003, alternating with NFC teams in future years.

"The 17th game creates new rivalries and competitive opportunities while giving fans more of the game they love," explained NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay. "We've carefully structured this to maintain competitive balance."

Teams will still have one bye week, extending the regular season to 18 weeks with the Super Bowl now scheduled for February rather than January.

Players have expressed mixed reactions to the longer season. "It's another game of wear and tear on the body," said Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks. "But it's also another game check and another chance to compete."

KICKOFF REDESIGNED FOR SAFETY

The traditional kickoff has been completely reimagined, with the kicking team now lining up at the receiving team's 40-yard line and blockers from the receiving team positioned just 5 yards away—a dramatic departure from the high-speed collisions that have characterized kickoffs for decades.

"It's basically a new play altogether," said Chargers special teams coordinator Steve Crosby. "We're essentially throwing out our old kickoff playbook and starting from scratch."

EXPANDED PLAYOFFS CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The postseason field will expand from 12 to 14 teams, with seven teams from each conference now qualifying for the playoffs. Only the top seed in each conference will receive a first-round bye, creating an expanded six-game Wild Card weekend.

"More meaningful December football in more NFL cities," explained Tagliabue. "This format keeps more teams in contention longer while rewarding the conference's top performer with a valuable bye week."

The new structure means:

Seven teams from each conference qualify (up from six)
Only the #1 seed receives a first-round bye (down from two teams)
Wild Card weekend includes six games (up from four)
#2 seed hosts #7 seed, #3 hosts #6, and #4 hosts #5

PLAYER SAFETY REVOLUTION

A series of rule changes will dramatically alter how the game is played:

Helmet-to-helmet contact now results in automatic penalties and possible ejections
Horse-collar tackles have been banned entirely
Enhanced protections for "defenseless" receivers
Quarterbacks receive additional protection when sliding
Players cannot lower their head to initiate contact with the helmet

"Tackling technique is going to have to evolve," said Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. "The game is changing right before our eyes."

OVERTIME GETS MAKEOVER

The sudden-death overtime format has been replaced with a system ensuring both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball, even if the first team scores a touchdown. Although, during the regular season, if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession, they win. NFL clubs also approved shortening overtime in the regular season to 10 minutes from 15.

"It adds a new layer of strategy," explained Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. "Now we'll have to think about whether to take the ball first or second if we win the coin toss in overtime."

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Technology will play an unprecedented role this season:

All scoring plays and turnovers automatically reviewed
Officials using tablet devices for replay reviews
Defensive players now allowed radio communication in helmets
Advanced player tracking technology for statistical analysis

"These technologies should lead to fewer missed calls and more consistency," said veteran referee Ed Hochuli.

Other notable changes include:

Practice squads expanded to 16 players
Game-day active rosters increased to 53 players
Enhanced concussion protocols requiring independent evaluation
Play clock reduced to 40 seconds
Expanded replay official authority

Coaches across the league are working overtime to adapt before the season kicks off next month. "The team that adjusts fastest will have a huge competitive advantage," said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. "It's almost like learning a new sport in some ways."

Some veterans have expressed concerns about adapting their playing styles mid-career, while rookies see opportunity in the changes.

As teams scramble to prepare for what will undoubtedly be the most different NFL season in memory, one thing is certain: the game millions of Americans have grown to love is entering an unprecedented era of change, all set to unfold when the season kicks off on Thursday, September 2nd, 2003 when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Kansas City Chiefs.

[RayLenearl]

CHARGERS 15, RAIDERS 9

Game day arrived with perfect Southern California weather. Zilker Stadium, with its gleaming exterior and lightning bolt-shaped roof, was packed with fans donning powder blue and gold, matching the AFL throwback uniforms that the Chargers returned to permanently starting this season.

The atmosphere was electric as the Chargers prepared to face their bitter division rivals, the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders, coming off a Super Bowl appearance the previous season, entered as favorites behind their aging but dangerous quarterback Rich Gannon and receivers Tim Brown and Jerry Rice.

The first half belonged to the defenses. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski connected on field goals of 32 and 24 yards in the second quarter, while the Chargers' offense sputtered with Brees under constant pressure from the Raiders' front seven.

The halftime score: Raiders 6, Chargers 0.

"We're beating ourselves out there," Schottenheimer fumed in the locker room. "Brees, you need to get the ball out quicker. Offensive line, you need to give him time. And someone besides LT needs to make a play!"

The third quarter continued the defensive struggle, with neither team able to move the ball effectively. Brees had completed just 2 of 8 passes heading into the fourth quarter, while Tomlinson was finding little room to run against a stacked Raiders defense clearly designed to stop him. The tension in Zilker Stadium was building as the final quarter began with the Chargers still trailing 6-0.

Finally, with 5:54 left in the fourth quarter, kicker Steve Christie connected on a 30-yard field goal to put the Chargers on the board. Raiders 6, Chargers 3.

Then came the moment that would be replayed on highlight reels for weeks. With just 1:15 remaining and the Chargers facing 2nd-and-7 from their own 18-yard line, Brees dropped back, pump-faked, and found Gates streaking down the seam. The young tight end caught the ball at midfield and outran the Raiders secondary for an electrifying 82-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt failed, but the Chargers now led 9-6.

The Raiders, with their veteran leadership, weren't done. Gannon quickly moved them into field goal range, relying heavily on tight end O.J. Santiago who had been their most reliable receiver all day. Janikowski connected from 31 yards with just 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 9-9.

With overtime looming, Brees and the Chargers had one last chance. Starting at their own 30-yard line after the kickoff, Brees connected with Eric Parker on a go route. Seventy yards later, he was in the end zone with just 3 seconds on the clock. Despite another missed extra point, the Chargers had pulled off a miraculous 15-9 victory.

In the locker room afterward, Schottenheimer addressed his jubilant team: "That's how you respond to adversity. That's Charger football. But this is just the beginning, gentlemen. We've got a long season ahead."

Brees, still catching his breath, smiled as reporters crowded around his locker. "Sometimes it's about quality, not quantity," he said of his efficient 4-for-10, 187-yard performance. "And guys like Antonio Gates and Eric Parker stepped up when we needed them most. That's what great teams do."

Rookie cornerback Sammy Davis, whose fourth-quarter interception of Gannon set up the Chargers' first touchdown, added: "Coach told us to keep fighting, and that's what we did. This defense doesn't quit."

As fans streamed out of Zilker Stadium into the San Diego night, there was a renewed sense of hope. Perhaps this would be the year the Chargers finally reached their potential. The 2003 season was off to a perfect start.

SCORING SUMMARY

Q2 - OAK: Janikowski 32-yd FG (3-0)
Q2 - OAK: Janikowski 24-yd FG (6-0)
Q4 - SD: Christie 30-yd FG (6-3)
Q4 - SD: Gates 82-yd pass from Brees (kick failed) (9-6)
Q4 - OAK: Janikowski 31-yd FG (9-9)
Q4 - SD: Parker 70-yd pass from Brees (kick failed) (15-9)

STATS

PASSING

SD: Drew Brees: 4/10, 187 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
OAK: Rich Gannon: 19/28, 174 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

RUSHING

SD: LaDainian Tomlinson: 17 carries, 93 yards, 0 TD
OAK: Charlie Garner: 6 carries, 26 yards, 0 TD

RECEIVING

SD: Antonio Gates: 2 rec, 108 yards, 1 TD
SD: Eric Parker: 2 rec, 79 yards, 1 TD
OAK: OJ Santiago: 7 rec, 64 yards, 0 TD
OAK: Tim Brown: 3 rec, 35 yards, 0 TD
OAK: Doug Jolley: 2 rec, 28 yards, 0 TD

DEFENSE

SD: Sammy Davis: 1 INT
SD: Ben Leber: 1 SACK
SD: Carlos Polk: 1 SACK

[RayLenearl]

Week 1 Scores

Ravens 27, Chiefs 43
Packers 28, Eagles 33
Steelers 20, Falcons 14
Cardinals 27, Bills 21
Titans 35, Bears 30
Patriots 31, Bengals 14
Texans 17, Colts 31
Jaguars 21, Dolphins 16
Panthers 27, Saints 21
Vikings 20, Giants 17
Raiders 9, Chargers 15
Broncos 29, Seahawks 35
Cowboys 7, Browns 27
Washington 24, Buccaneers 17
Rams 24, Lions 17
Jets 38, 49ers 44

Players of the Week

NFC Offense: Jeff Garcia (QB - 49ers)
34/43, 431 passing yards, 3 passing TDs
5 carries, 28 rushing yards

AFC Offense: Chad Pennington (QB - Jets)
20/35, 303 passing yards, 4 passing TDs
2 carries, 9 rushing yards

NFC Defense: Warren Sapp (DT - Buccaneers)
6 tackles, 3 sacks

AFC Defense: Patrick Surtain (CB - Dolphins)
6 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble