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High-powered Chargers set to tackle Panthers

Sep 7, 2008 - 12:52 PM Carolina at San Diego, 4:15 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Injuries played a big part in ending the San Diego Chargers' season in 2007. They could play just as big a role in 2008.

Considered one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl, the Chargers take the first step against the visiting Carolina Panthers in Sunday's season opener.

San Diego was one game away from the Super Bowl last season, falling to the undefeated New England Patriots, 21-12, in the AFC title game.

The loss was particularly bitter since the team's three offensive stars, all-world running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Pro Bowl tight end Antonio and quarterback Philip Rivers were either sidelined or badly hobbled by injuries.

Tomlinson is back to full health and Gates and Rivers are getting close, but amid the good news, the Chargers learned that standout linebacker Shawne Merriman has two torn ligaments in his left knee.

Despite being told by four doctors that he needs surgery, Merriman plans on playing the season, but it remains to be seen if he can match the form that produced 39 1/2 sacks in his first three seasons.

Nonetheless, optimism abounds in San Diego, fueled by an eight-game winning streak - including a divisional playoff victory at Indianapolis - prior to the loss to the Patriots.

It all starts with Tomlinson, who has missed just one game in seven seasons while going over 1,000 yard in each and rushing for 115 career touchdowns. He also has at least 51 receptions in each season.

Gates had 75 receptions and nine scoring passes last season, but when he was slowed by a toe injury in the postseason, wide receivers Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson stepped up, combining for 34 receptions and three TDs in the three playoff games.

The Panthers also had their share of injuries, including a season-ending elbow injury to quarterback Jake Delhomme, who underwent "Tommy John" surgery after playing in just three games.

Forced to play four different quarterbacks, Carolina endured a five-game losing streak on the way to a 7-9 record.

Although the Panthers fortified their wide receiving corps with the signing of Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, they will enter Sunday's game shorthanded.

Hackett may not play due to a toe injury and No. 1 wideout Steve Smith is serving the first of a two-game suspension imposed by the team for punching cornerback Ken Lucas in practice.

That will put the onus on the running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart, the No. 13 overall pick in the draft.

Carolina also needs a return to form from defensive end Julius Peppers, who has looked outstanding in the preseason. Peppers managed just 2 1/2 sacks in 2007 after reaching double digits in four of his first five seasons.