Chargers running to a championship

Chargers running to a championship?
Editor's Note: As training camps open up around the NFL this week, we will start breaking down the 2009 . This is the first of a number of reports looking at different positions on the team.
While most coaches will tell you that defense wins rings, most NFL experts will tell you that even the greatest passing games in history needed a substantial running game to be successful.
Even though the San Diego Chargers do not field a Peyton Manning or a Jerry Rice, they do have agutty QB in Philip Rivers and some good wide receivers.
That being said, the team's offense revolves around future Hall-of-Fame running back .
Today we take a look at the running backs/full backsand what they can do to lead the Chargers to a repeat of their AFC Western Division crown and possibly a deeper run in the playoffs (lost to Pittsburgh in AFC divisional playoffs last season) in 2009.
LaDainian Tomlinson - Rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 TD'sin 16 games last season despite injuries. Tomlinson, who has rushed for nearly 12,000 yards in his career (drafted in 2001 out of TCU), saw his yards-per-carry averagefall below 3.9 last seasonfor the first time since his rookie year. A healthy Tomlinson is critical to the team's success in '09.
Darren Sproles - A spark plug out of the backfield, Sproles accounted for nearly 700 yards of offense last season, catching five passes for TD's. Also a threat to return punts and kick-offs for TD's,Youth Miami Dolphins Jerseys, Chargers were smart to ink Sproles in the off-season. If Tomlinson is hit once again by injuries, Sproles (drafted in 2005 out of Kansas State),Yeremiah Bell Jersey, who scored the winning points on a 22-yard scamper vs. Indianapolis in OT inlastseason's AFC Wild Card game,could be a major thorn in the side of opposing defenses once again.
Michael Bennett - If Tomlinson and/or Sproles need a breather, the Chargers can look to Michael Bennett (drafted in 2001 by Minnesota Vikings out of Wisconsin) to plug the hole. Having also played for Kansas City and Tampa Bay, Bennett was claimed off waivers midway through last season. He rushed for only 12 yards in action with the Bucs, but could see some time this season for the Bolts.
Mike Tolbert - Tolbert saw action in 13 games last season, accounting for one touchdown through the air. While on rushing for 37 yards last season, Tolbert (Coastal Carolina) at 245 pounds could be a good blocking back or see spot duty carrying the ball.
Jacob Hester - With his first season behind him, Hester will hopefully be more comfortable with the offense in '09. Hester (drafted in 2008 out of LSU), who totaled 95 yards on the ground last season and accounted for two TD's (one rushing, one receiving), needs to have more of an impact this time around. Since the Chargers figure to beina number of close games this season, Hester mayget a chance to prove himself and give Tomlinson and Sproles a breather when needed.
Billy Latsko- Not a household name by any means, Latsko (Florida)could see some time at fullback, but more likely has a shot to have an impact on special teams.
Wednesday: A look at the wide receivers/tight ends