The San Diego Chargers are ready to take steps for the future in the 2013 season with new head coach Mike McCoy and one thing he has done since taking over is reworking the offensive line and one of his biggest moves was signing free agent Max Starks to play at tackle.
Starks spent his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers at left tackle protecting Ben Roethlisberger and now he will try and protect another first round draft pick in Philip Rivers, who is in desperate need of a left tackle. Last season the Chargers had issues on the offensive line and gave up way too many sacks, resulting in poor timing and too many turnovers for Rivers, who has given up nearly 50 over the past two years.
Rivers was sacked 49 times last season and Starks likely has the inside edge to start over King Dunlap, who was signed in the offseason. The team has Jared Gaither last year, but after dealing with disappointing play and injury issues the team let him go despite the cap hit. Starks has been to the playoffs with the Steelers and won two Super Bowls, starting once at right tackle against the Seahawks and once at left tackle against the Cardinals in 2009.
Starks has been a consistent player during his career and he has started 96 of the 123 games he has played in the regular season and he has made eight starts while appearing in 10 playoff games. Starks is a big man at 345 pounds and after playing nine seasons with the Steelers he will be a primary option for the Chargers. He is a tough player as well and he was able to play all 16 games last year after tearing a knee ligament the previous season in the playoff loss against the Broncos.
The Chargers have more workouts starting in early June and Starks previously played in the Senior Bowl with Rivers when the two were prospects. By experience Starks has the edge, as Dunlap has just 19 starts over five years and the team is hoping to improve on offense with an upgraded line. Last year the team ranked 24th in passing yards per game and 27th in rushing yards per game.
Starks is ready to compete for the position according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego and said that he knows that Dunlap will be working hard to get on the field. Said Starks: "I wouldn't want them to say, 'Hey, we've got a guy here, but as soon as you sign, we're just going to move him out. No. To my understanding, he's been here longer; he's been taking the reps so far. I'm a brand new guy, so I don't mind being the new kid on the block and earning my opportunities."
