2010 AFC Dissapointment

Looking back at the unpredictable 2010 NFL regular season, there are couple shocks that amaze my eye when glancing at the AFC final standings throughout each division.
The Jacksonville Jaguars could make a claim for biggest AFC disappointment as they blew an opportunity to win the AFC South division and knock Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts out the playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals also come into the picture as they went from division winners last year (undefeated in the division last year) to being ousted out of playoff contention from the beginning of the season (2-4 division record this year). The Tennessee Titans join the ballot as well with a less than spectacular year for Chris Johnson to the drama in acquiring Randy Moss. In conclusion, the winner for biggest AFC disappointment (Drum roll please…): The San Diego “Super” Chargers!
After having a sensational 2009 season with a 13-3 record and 1st round bye, they follow up 2010 with a 9-7 record joining the all other teams that view the postseason from the couch. Their record is no indicator of how much talent their team posses or how good they are. Instead, it indicates their inconsistency throughout the whole season!
Despite the holdout by Vincent Jackson, the team had an average year record wise, but ironically led all opponents in statistics. A team that was ranked in the league’s top 3 in total offense and defense barely finishes over .500 and fails to make the postseason. Riddle me that? They can only blame themselves as they dug a deep ditch for themselves to climb out of starting the season at 2-5. Winning the AFC West for four consecutive years and making the playoffs every year since 2005, makes a team a little complacent. The AFC West is already looked at as one of the weaker NFL divisions, but that doesn’t mean the Bolts should play like it is.
Even with the rocky start, the Chargers still were in playoff contention, but canceled all hope after losing 34-20 to a decaying Bengals team in Week 16. Becoming content leads to this, you have to stay hungry at all times.
With Phillip Rivers under center as general, the Bolts future is bright. This type of adversity strengthens a team’s character. The Chargers will learn from their mistakes as many teams have in the past. Even though the Kansas City Chiefs were effortlessly eliminated out the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens, they’ll be striving again next season to wear the AFC West crown. San Diego just has to accept the challenge and play similar to the 2009 season when they were ruthless against opponents ending the season on a 12 game winning streak.