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And according to some, it's well on its way.
"I'm not just saying this because it's inspirational or I'm supposed to," said veteran free safety Jerry Wilson. "But I really believe, from the bottom of my heart, that we're going to surprise a lot of people in this league. It's so obvious that there's such a clear difference from last year."
The Chargers' backside brought up the league's rear in '03, allowing an NFL-high 36 touchdown passes.
The secondary doesn't deserve all the blame, as a tepid pass rush came quarterbacks time to make their reads, and receivers to wiggle free of coverages.
But, it's no secret the secondary was picked on often because of its youth, and just plain shoddy play.
Its play cost two people their jobs: defensive coordinator Dale Lindsey and defensive backs coach Jerry Holmes. While the coaches got thrown under the bus, the Chargers are riding with basically the same players.
Kwamie Lassiter has been switched from strong to free safety, where he battles Wilson for a job. Terrence Kiel is getting comfortable at strong safety. The corners, again, are Quentin Jammer, a former fifth overall pick, and Sammy Davis, the team's top pick last year.
Davis, though, is being pushed by Drayton Florence for a starting position. If nothing else, Florence will be the nickel back.
The Chargers are hopeful the painful lessons learned last year will pay benefits in 2004.
"There are no excuses," Wilson said. "Guys can't be saying `we're still young.' Nah, we went through it and did it as bad as we could possibly do it."
Jammer, who paced the Chargers last year with four interceptions, is optimistic.
We got a better pass rush and guys are working to be the best secondary in the league," he said. "It could be unbelievable because we got a lot of talent back there. We just have to keep working at it, and by the time the regular season gets here (Sept. 12 in Houston), we will have it down."
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