By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network) -

REPORT DATE: July 25th (Rookies), July 30th (Veterans)

SITE: Chargers Park, San Diego, CA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: With No. 1 wideout Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill both looking like long-term holdouts, and with rookie running back Ryan Mathews something less than a sure thing as he prepares to take over for LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers fans are understandably nervous about the direction of the team's offense. General manager A.J. Smith looks content to roll with the likes of Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, Josh Reed and Buster Davis if Jackson fails to show up, and veteran Tra Thomas is a fail-safe if McNeill stays away. As for Mathews, Darren Sproles remains to keep the pressure off. But if this group struggles at all in the summer, Smith could be under further scrutiny. The defense has its issues as well. The all-important nose tackle position is a battle between holdovers Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Antonio Garay and rookie fifth-rounder Cam Thomas (North Carolina). A deficient pass rush needs former first-rounders Shawne Merriman and Larry English to come out of camp playing better than they did a year ago. And, in the secondary, Antoine Cason and ex- Bear Nathan Vasher are battling to start opposite Quentin Jammer.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE:

Aug 14 - vs. Chicago, 9:00 PM Aug 21 - vs. Dallas, 9:00 PM Aug 27 - at New Orleans, 8:00 PM Sep 2 - at San Francisco, 10:00 PM

07/23 12:36:38 ET