2. Running back – As great as Ladainian Tomlinson’s career has been, his days as a Charger should be numbered.  Many fans will look at his past body of work, and believe that the run game’s lack of success isn’t his fault.  The physical reality of a 30-year-old running back in the NFL is a harsh one though, and not even LT can escape it.  I look at a successful young back like Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs and conclude that a powerful young running back can overcome deficiencies in the offensive line.  I can’t even say the offensive line is fully to blame for our running woes anyway – Darren Sproles weighs less than 200 pounds and is relatively easy for a 250 pound linebacker to arm tackle, and Tomlinson was tackled one on one in the open field all season.  All of LT’s quickness has vanished quicker than he used to juke defenders, and it’s time for the Chargers and fans to move on.

3. Kicker – This one is just too easy.  Nate Kaeding is very accurate in the regular season, then lays eggs in the playoffs.  He is shaping up to be what Mike Vanderjagt was to the Colts all those years they failed in the playoffs, a very accurate kicker who somehow always missed when it counted the most.

4. Offensive tackle – The offensive line performed admirably for being underpowered most of the regular season, but right tackle is still an area of concern to me.  Jeromey Clary is certainly not bad, but he certainly isn’t stunning either.  While paying close attention to plays where Rivers was sacked, it almost always comes from the right side.  Because of the pressure from pass rushers on the strong side, Rivers is forced to step up in the pocket much sooner than he should have to.

5. Defensive line – The right defensive end spot belongs to Luis Castillo, who won’t be going anywhere any time soon.  The left side starter is backup extraordinare Jaques Cesaire.  While Cesaire is a decent starter, he is backed up by Alfonso Boone, a practice squad player the Chargers signed as a stop-gap due to midseason injuries.  A higher quality defensive end, even if used only as a backup at first, would go a long way to helping the Chargers run defense.

6. Outside linebacker – Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, and Larry English currently man this position, but I have a sneaking suspicion Merriman has played his last game as a Charger.  English was drafted as insurance for just such an occasion, so this would purely be a depth need.

Despite what I’ve posted before, I will not go so far as to say the Chargers need to replace Norv Turner.  If he is going to be fired though, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.  One thing the team could look at is the strength and conditioning coach, who might be part of the reason for the team’s slow, weak starts.  Then again, that may just be looking for a scapegoat who isn’t actually on the field.  Whatever the Chargers choose to do, I hope they do it fast.  The sooner they act, the more will be available to them.