San Diego - which is German for "a whale's vagina" - prides itself on being the ultra-cool capital of Southern California. The laid-back environment seems like it would be the perfect elixir for someone looking for a respite from the cruel, brutal realities of life in the National Football League.

But instead serving as an oasis of repose, San Diego was the site of one of this offseason's more volatile feuds. At the center of the menacing vibrations were general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Marty Schottenheimer. The two power-mongers went toe-to-toe regarding the offensive and defensive leaders on the team, with each man scoring one victory.

First, there was the decision not to retain veteran quarterback Drew Brees, who signed with New Orleans. Smith determined that Brees, coming off should surgery, was too expensive to keep along with 2004 first-round pick Philip Rivers. Schottenheimer, who will be 63 in September, was upset because his Super Bowl caliber team now has to work through the growing pains of a first-year starter.

Next, the battle was over inside linebacker Donnie Edwards. Edwards has led his team in tackles every season since 1998 and has missed only one game due to injury in his 10-year career. However, Smith spent all season trying to trade the heart of the Chargers defense. This wasn't just to the dismay of Edwards, who felt he had been "disrespected", but it was also another thorn in the side of the Schottenheimer.

Despite the cat fighting, the Chargers return over 20 starters for the second straight season. Last year they were victimized by poor play at home and a brutal schedule, but they have positioned themselves to make The Leap this season. While I felt they were overrated throughout 2005, I believe this club, which has gone 21-12 in its last two seasons, has the composition of a true AFC title contender.

AAs long as Rivers and Schottenheimer don't screw it up.

Here's Doc's 2006 San Diego Chargers Preview:

2005 Record: 9-7 (4-4 home, 5-3 road)
2005 Rankings: 10th offense (12th pass, 9th run); 13th defense (28th pass, 1st run)
2005 Against the Spread: 9-6-1 (4-4 home, 5-2-1 road); 5-11 vs. total (3-5 home, 2-6 road)
2006 Odds: 25/1 to win Super Bowl, 10/1 to win AFC, +215 to win AFC West, 9 wins O/U
2006 Strength of Schedule: 20th (.488 opp. win %)
Key stat: The Chargers defense allowed just 3.5 yards per carry last season, second-best in the NFL.

Key acquisitions: Marlon McCree, S (from Houston); Brandon Manumaleuna, TE (from STL); Aaron Shea, TE (from Cleve.); Rashaun Woods, WR (from S.F.); Antonio Cromartie (draft); Marcus McNeill, OT (draft).
Key departures: Drew Brees, QB; Reche Caldwell, WR; Sammy Davis, CB; Jamar Fletcher, LB; Ben Leber, LB.

Offense: A key stat to keep an eye on for the Chargers this season is third-down conversion rates. They were fifth in the league last season at 42.7. That was Brees and the control and familiarity that he had with the offense. Rivers has the physical talent, and is blessed with LT and Antonio Gates, but don't expect him to operate as efficiently as Brees. Further, first-round bust Rashaun Woods needs to contribute. Keenan McCardell is entering his 15th year. All five starters on an outstanding line return.
Defense:With all 11 defensive starters back I expect an improvement on their No. 13 ranking. The front seven is staunch, with Edwards, Williams and Merriman leading the way. The key is in the secondary, against which teams completed 60 percents of their passes for an average of 225 yards. Also, SD corners managed a miniscule three interceptions, by far the lowest total in the NFL. The Chargers drafted Cromartie and picked up McCree to address that very concern.
X-factor: LT. Rivers is clearly on the hot seat. But the best way to keep the pressure off of the youngster is with a strong running game. LT needs to stay healthy and continue to be a workhorse.
Outlook: I have to say that I agree with Marty Ball on this one. The Chargers have all the pieces in place to be a contender in the AFC. Then you rip out their heart by changing quarterbacks - going to a guy who has never been a starter. That's a tough call. Continue to play them as an Under team, since they were the fifth-highest scoring team in the league in 2005 but just 5-11 against the total. That tells me that the oddsmakers are jacking those numbers up.

Questions or comments for Robert? E-mail him at robert@docsports.com or check out his Insider Page here.