AP Pro32 comments about Chargers

NEW YORK (AP) Comments on the San Diego Chargers by the AP Pro32 panel (ranking in parentheses):

Rick Gosselin (Dallas Morning News, 12): If Philip Rivers can minimize turnovers, Chargers will again contend for Super Bowl; his 25 in 2011 took San Diego out of contention.

Cris Collinsworth (NBC Sports, 13): Ryan Mathews must take pressure off Phillip Rivers. Too many turnovers.

Ira Kaufman (Tampa Tribune, 13): Vincent Jackson and Kris Dielman represent key departures.

Alex Marvez (Foxsports.com, 13): Uncharacteristic flurry of free-agent signings reflects general manager A.J. Smith's realization that he, like head coach Norv Turner, is on hot seat after two years out of playoffs. Team's hopes still rest on arm of quarterback Philip Rivers.

Clark Judge (CBSSports.com, 14): There's a sense of urgency here; now Bolts must act on it.

John Lynch (Fox Sports, 14): Pressure is on in San Diego for this team to deliver. To do so, Phillip Rivers needs to return to elite form and new defensive coordinator John Pagano needs to light fire under his unit.

Chris Berman (ESPN, 16): First time in decade Bolts won't be favored in AFC West; could help.

Clifton Brown (Sporting News, 16): Philip Rivers should have bounce-back year, but team's Super Bowl window has closed.

Pat Kirwan (SiriusXM NFL Radio/CBSSports.com, 16): A lot of people are down on Chargers, see them as underachievers. I think Rivers and company will surprise. QB cleaned up interceptions in second half of year, but defense needs to get after passers.

Dan Pompei (Chicago Tribune, 16): You can't count out team that has Philip Rivers at QB. It would be shocking if Chargers were not in hunt.

Bob Glauber (Newsday, 17): Philip Rivers says he's ready for big comeback after last year's interception-riddled season.

Rich Gannon, CBS Sports/SiriusXM NFL Radio, 20): Chargers will score points but will struggle on D initially.

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Updated July 31, 2012