I wanted to get that "Poll" out of the way, and create a forum to discuss the Chargers. That being said, here's their first "bad news" for 2007.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10250465

I don't know all the particulars, but if someone threw a rock and busted my windshield, I'd punch him too. That being said, I don't play in the NFL, and don't have to worry about their conduct policy either.

Paul Oliver WHAT UP!

I don't know, qpngc. I really was not as enamored with Oliver as a lot of people. I admit, I'm no AJ Smith, or I'd have his job, but I'll wait and see how this one turns out. I know a lot of people point to his game against Johnson to illustrate his talent and ability, but Eric Weddle had the same success against Johnson too. Is Oliver a corner, or a safety? If he's a safety, I think Weddle's a better, and by far smarter and more instinctive player hands down. The Chargers will most likely allow Drayton Florence to move on after this year, and they will need someone to take his place. If Oliver is as talented as some believe, then this will be a good move, allowing him some experience to prepare for next year as a nickel back, as I don't see him taking Jammer's or Cromartie's job as a starter. Another draft strategy Smith uses quite extensively, and successfully, is the compensatory picks he counts on when he loses free agents to other teams, and the Chargers will likely receive another 2-4 of them next year, so the 4th, if the kid pans out, would be worth it, but I still have my doubts about him being any kind of impact player in the NFL. He might fill a role, but I do not personally see him as a starter at this point. Camp is around the corner, so I'll have a much better feel for his abilities and potential in another 4 weeks or so.

ESPN reporting the Chargers have signed 1st round pick Craig Davis.

Chargers ink 5 draft picks to contracts today: 1st - Davis WR; 3rd - Waters ILB; 4th (Supp. draft) - Olliver; 5th - Naanee WR; 7th - Siler LB.

This leaves only 2nd rounder Weddle to sign before training camp opens. Bolts will have all on hand when they start snapping the ball I believe.

http://www.chargers.com/news/press-release...se-20070723.php

San Diego Chargers' Two-Deep (From The San Diego Union Tribune (& Some of my own comments))

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Starter: Philip Rivers

Backup: Billy Volek

Comment: There is no reason Rivers, already Pro Bowl caliber, should not make significant improvement in his second year as a starter and first under the guidance of QB sage Norv Turner. Charlie Whitehurst should push Volek at some point. (Volek is a very nice backup, and Whitehurst could become nice trade bait in another year or two.)

Receiver

Starters: Vincent Jackson and Eric Parker

Backups: Malcom Floyd, Craig Davis, Kassim Osgood and Greg Camarillo.

Comment: This underrated group has a mix of size, hands and speed. If Davis is healthy, the down field threat increases greatly. Slight improvement by Jackson makes him a star. The Chargers are likely to keep six receivers, as Osgood is a special teams standout and Camarillo is too good to let go. (Look out for Jackson this year. His adjustment from a smaller college to the NFL will become apparent this year. A huge WR with great speed.)

Running back

Starter: LaDainian Tomlinson

Backup: Michael Turner

Comment: There is no better 1-2 in the league, and Turner still being here helps everyone rest easier.

Fullback

Starter: Lorenzo Neal

Backup: Andrew Pinnock

Comment: Neal continues to be the class of old-school fullbacks because he is tough and smart. Pinnock is a candidate to replace Turner behind Tomlinson in '08, but will fill in here for another year. (Pinnock is a secret mostly only known to Charger fans)

Tight end

Starter: Antonio Gates

Backup: Brandon Manumaleuna

Comment: Gates does unprecedented things for a tight end and could be even more a part of the offense this year as Rivers gets more comfortable. Manumaleuna is a stellar blocker and an asset as a pass-catcher too. (Scott Chandler will add depth for Gates, and another big target with good hands on certain plays)

Left tackle

Starter: Marcus McNeill

Backup: Roman Oben

Comment: Gigantic and athletic, McNeill was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season and should only be better. Oben, an 11-year veteran, is an asset.

Left guard

Starter: Kris Dielman

Backup: Scott Mruczkowski

Comment: Keeping the tenacious Dielman was a huge piece to maintaining the league's most productive offense. Mruczkowski continues to be a promising player in his third season.

Center

Starter: Nick Hardwick

Backup: Cory Withrow

Comment: Smart and tough, Hardwick made his first Pro Bowl because he is at the heart of the league's top young line. It was important for the Chargers to retain Withrow, a capable veteran.

Right guard

Starter: Mike Goff

Backup: Scott Mruczkowski

Comment: Goff is the old man among the starters and the most overlooked, but he is as consistent as anyone.

Right tackle

Starter: Shane Olivea

Backup: Cory Lekkerkerker

Comment: Olivea gets a bad rap because he's not McNeill, Dielman or Hardwick. But he is nasty and can move surprisingly well. Lekkerkerker is getting better each season. (Olivea is the Chargers OL with the "ATTITUDE," and he is a road grader in the running game...a great 7th round pick)

DEFENSE

Left defensive end

Starter: Luis Castillo

Backup: Jacques Cesaire

Comment: Castillo has been on the verge of stardom for some time. Cesaire is a super sub who is perhaps the line's best from a technical standpoint. (Castillo is perhaps the best pass rushing 3-4 end in the NFL)

Defensive tackle

Starter: Jamal Williams

Backup: Ryon Bingham

Comment: Williams makes the defense go by dictating the line of scrimmage. Bingham must hold off second-year man Brandon McKinney.

Right defensive end

Starter: Igor Olshansky

Backup: Derreck Robinson

Comment: Olshansky is another young end with Pro Bowl potential. He was injured all last year. Robinson, who also played hurt much of the season, is ferociously strong. (Olshansky, a former heavyweight wrestler, is a run stuffer deluxe, and next to Williams he is a major reason teams have difficulty running on the Charger's D...is also under-rated as a pass rusher too)

Outside linebacker

Starter: Shawne Merriman

Backup: Carlos Polk

Comment: Merriman had 17 sacks in 12 games and his suspension was probably the thing that cost him being Defensive Player of the Year. Polk is a fine fill-in.

Inside linebacker

Starter: Stephen Cooper

Backup: Tim Dobbins

Comment: After splitting time for two years, Cooper takes over. All the hard-hitting Dobbins needs is playing time.

Inside linebacker

Starter: Matt Wilhelm

Backup: Anthony Waters

Comment: Wilhelm takes over for savvy veteran Donnie Edwards. He is a little bigger and more physical. The rest remains to be seen. Rookie Waters gets time to learn and make sure ACL healthy.

Outside linebacker

Starter: Shaun Phillips

Backup: Marques Harris

Comment: Phillips might be able to beat anyone in the league off the line and was second in the league among linebackers with 11½ sacks. Harris has shown flashes of rushing ability. (Barring injury, and with a year's starting experience behind him, this will be a breakout year for young Mr. Phillips, IMO...bad news for opponents)

Left cornerback

Starter: Quentin Jammer

Backup: Cletis Gordon

Comment: Jammer has developed the past season-and-a-half into one of the league's top shutdown men, and he led the team with four interceptions in '06. Gordon has improved enough to be considered a passable sub. (Jammer is very under-rated...as is the whole SD secondary...they don't have a Champ Bailey...but other than Denver, who does...man for man depth-wise, their secondary is as good as any in all of the NFL)

Right cornerback

Starter: Drayton Florence

Backup: Antonio Cromartie

Comment: Florence, who has speed and decent instincts, likely will keep this job for his final season as a Charger, though he needs to hold onto some interceptions. Cromartie is the heir to this spot and will see plenty of time this season.

Strong safety

Starter: Clinton Hart

Backup: Eric Weddle

Comment: This is Hart's time after a number of years as a spot player. He has the best hands among the defensive backs. Weddle has time to learn and adjust but will be expected to contribute soon. (Hart is very under-rated)

Free safety

Starter: Marlon McCree

Backup: Bhawoh Jue

Comment: McCree infused leadership into the secondary last season and has the job barring a stupendous preseason by Jue, who is trying to get and stay healthy. (Although Weddle is listed at SS, the Chargers really don't have a SS or FS in their defensive scheme...however, I see him taking McCree's position as time goes by, becoming the Chargers DB signal caller)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place-kicker

Starter: Nate Kaeding

Comment: Scored a team-record 136 points last season and has made 47-of-53 field-goal attempts over the past two seasons. He is much-improved on kickoffs as well.

Punter

Starter: Mike Scifres

Comment: He can boom them high and long and place the ball inside the 10.

(San Diego's kicking game is one of the better tandems in the NFL)

Kick returner

Starter: Darren Sproles

Backup: Michael Turner

Comment: Sproles needs a big preseason to keep his job (and stay on the roster). Turner averaged 26.5 yards on his returns last season, fourth-best in the NFL.

Punt returner

Starter: Darren Sproles

Backup: Eric Parker

(KR & PR is the one area where the Chargers could really use some improvement, IMO.)

Report On Happenings At Charger Training Camp

1st round pick Craig Davis has been even better than advertised so far. He was held out of one practice as a precautionary move, but has practiced hard, and has displayed the hands that AJ Smith has pronounced the best of any WR in the 2007 draft...including one Mr. Johnson. According to the coaching staff, the "not playing through injury" tag that he was labeled with was way off mark, especially considering he ran a 4.37 with an injured groin suffered in the Sugar Bowl, which had not healed when he ran. Tom Shaw, one of the more renowned trainers who was working with Davis and Johnson said that Davis was as fast or faster than everyone he was working with, and he was only 80-85 percent because of the groin. In practice, Davis has made even the difficult catches look effortless, and has made big time NFL catches in huge traffic look routine. The Chargers are ecstatic with his work ethic, ability to pick up the offense very quickly, and his receiving skills. He has a real good chance to make the opening day lineup, and may even be involved in the PR/KR duties, where he's shined too. So far, he looks every bit a No.1 pick, and one taken much too low.

2nd rounder Eric Weddle has looked really good, especially considering he's a rookie, while being matched against Gates on a regular basis in practice. The immediate plan looks to make him the dime back, at the very least, and to pit him against the opponent's TE. He couldn't get any better training than going against Gates every practice. He has picked the D up very quickly, and has quickly shown he is truly a master of the "mental" aspects of the game. He seems to have a "feel" for where a play is going, and being in the right spot. Sure, Gates has made him look bad on occasion, but he has more than held his own, and made some remarkable plays too. Once again, the coaching staff is extremely happy with his progress.

Another DB who is quickly picking things up, and this is honestly surprising to me, is Paul Oliver, taken in the supplemental draft. The coaching staff is very impressed with his physical skills, and he's picked the defensive scheme up quite quickly. He may contribute at some point earlier than most expected, and I must admit, I was not really enamored with him before the draft, and when they drafted him. I have personally seen him as more athlete than football player, but perhaps I was wrong. Time will tell.

Darren Sproles has impressed Turner with his quick feet, and has once again "wowed" the Charger fans, and players too, with his moves in the return game. Turner has been diligently working on installing more 3rd down plays, both offensively and defensively, to increase the Charger's already impressive stats in these areas from last year. He really likes Sproles' ability "in space," and I would not be surprised to see some 3rd down plays specifically designed to take advantage of his considerable ability to make people miss when he gets in the open field, in one on one match ups.

Clinton Hart is having a tremendous camps so far, and looks to have the inside track for the starting SS job...which was really expected anyhow.

The passing game has shown a definite improvement, and not by just a little bit. This should help make even more room for LT in the running game, as defenses will not be able to count on "Marty Ball" plays, especially on 3rd down...not exactly what Charger's opponents wanted to hear.

On the subject of the passing game, Jackson, Floyd, and Osgood have all looked very good too, although I still see Osgood being an elite special teams player, rather than a regular WR. Jackso especially has looked great. He's now catching the ball with his hands, and "attacking" the ball, which will make it hard for opposing DBs to bat away or intercept passes in his direction, since he's 6'5", 240 lbs. Regardless, I think it's safe to say that teams looking for a WR at the end of training camp, will be keeping a sharp eye on the Charger roster for any cuts. This group looks to be really loaded now.

4th round pick Scott Chandler has shown great hands, and he is a HUGE target. He's been very impressive in camp so far.

Brandon Manumaleuna...He's one of the secrets to the Charger's success, and a coup by AJ Smith in a draft day deal with the Rams last year...there is no better blocking TE in the game...and it's not even close...on top of that, he's a nice receiver in the short zone too.

Antwan Applewhite, a rookie FA signed out of San Diego State, has looked very impressive off the edge, and might give the Chargers another weapon on obvious passing plays if his progress continues.

Antonio Cromartie is having a really nice camp...but Drayton Florence has been even better. This is a very interesting and heated battle, and it looks like Flo is holding onto his position for the present time.

Legadu Naane, another 4th rounder looks really good, and will get playing time this year. He has very good hands, very good speed, and great size. Look for him to improve game by game as he is still learning the WR/TE/HB position.

The Chargers have also shown several defensive alignments in camp that resemble the old Bear's "46 Defense." Just another wrinkle opponents will have to plan for.

More later...gotta go take a test.

It’s been awhile since my last post, so I’ll update the Chargers Training Camp progress so far, and give you some clues as to who to keep your eyes on in tonight’s game.

First off, Philip Rivers is having a great camp. Although he won’t play very long, and I don’t know what the game plan is for tonight, Rivers has shown a huge improvement from last year at this time. He knows the offense, and his confidence is obvious. He is reading the defenses way better, and is getting rid of the ball even quicker. He is primed for a big year as both a QB, and a team leader.

LT will not play tonight, but the Chargers have been working on getting him the ball in space via the pass. In a related move, they have been working on numerous packages where LT and Gates are working off of each other on pass routes, which is sure to give opposing defenses a big headache, as LT has great hands, runs precise routes, and could easily play WR in this league if he weren’t a RB.

VJ (Vincent Jackson) is also having a huge camp, and I look for him to become the featured WR this year. He’s huge (TE size), with great speed, and now he’s catching with his hands almost exclusively. He is also showing big RAC potential in camp thus far on short passes.

The Chargers suffered a big blow when WR Eric Parker, who would have started opposite Jackson went down for 10 weeks with a broken bone.

To replace Parker, the Chargers will look to Malcolm Floyd, and No. 1 draft pick, Craig Davis. Both are having big camps so far. Floyd came up with Rivers, and the two of them always seem to be on the same page. You can see they’ve worked extensively together, and Floyd will play a lot tonight I’m sure. So will Davis, who has played like he has a chip on his shoulder, for being doubted about his ability as a 1st rounder. His hands are as advertised, and he has consistently made big-time NFL catches over the middle, and in a crowd in practices. Davis will have an impact, barring injury during the upcoming season, especially as he gains more and more experience with Rivers.

Legedu Naanee is also having a big camp, and is really coming on of late. He has great size, and very good speed, and nice hands. He is also a fearless blocker, and will open a lot of holes when he’s in the game. He’s been working out at WR, TE, and HB. He will make the team, and contribute this year.

Rookie TE Scott Chandler is also having a nice camp, and will also contribute this year. He is a huge target, and can get deep. He will give San Diego very high quality receiving TE insurance if Gates should get injured too. A good draft pick. Turner has worked him hard, and it’s starting to show. His blocking ability has also improved dramatically from pretty much nil, to at least respectful.

Andrew Pinnock is quietly having quite a camp too. He will see a lot of time tonight, in all likelihood. He is the backup FB, but he also has a burst to get to the outside, which Neal doesn’t have.

The Oline is, knock on wood, healthy, and returns all 5 starters intact. This was previously a weakness in San Diego, but they have drafted well there in the last few years, plus and it is now one of the better Olines in the NFL. Depth is very good everywhere, other than perhaps LT, and hopefully McNeil won’t need anyone to replace him. Oben, who went down last pre-season, and was the starter would be his replacement, so that isn’t too bad.

Darren Sproles is having a good camp, not a great camp. He’s looked awesome sometimes, and questionable at others. He needs to step it up, especially on special teams. He has, however, looked really good on plays out of the backfield where he’s thrown the ball in space. He has big time ability to make defenders miss once he gets the ball in these situations. Not only do they miss, but they oftentimes look foolish when they do.

On defense, the Chargers return one of the better 3-4 Dlines in the league. I believe only NE’s can compete with them talent wise. DE Derreck Robinson is having a nice camp too, and along with Jacques Cesaire, gives the Chargers very good reserves at the DE position. Ryan Bingham is listed as Jamal William’s backup on the depth chart, but Brandon McKinney, a 2nd year player out of Michigan State has really improved, and is looking more and more like the eventual replacement for Williams, as he gets up in age. This is a pleasant surprise, as NT depth in case Williams gets hurt was my biggest worry on the Dline. He actually reminds me of a young Williams.

On the ILB front, both Wilhelm and Cooper are looking super in camp, although they are holding Wilhelm out tonight for precautionary reasons because of a bruised calf. If it were the regular season, he’d likely start. Keep your eyes on Tim Dobbins, last years No. 4 pick, as he’s having a huge camp. So too is this years No. 3 pick, Anthony Waters. I think both will see significant playing time tonight. After getting off to a slow start, Brandon Siler has been coming on like gangbusters of late too. He too will probably play tonight. So far, I will say the people who questioned the Chargers letting Donnie Edwards go via FA will be shocked to realize the Chargers will likely have improved ILB play, and much more depth than ever. This is a hugely talented and young group. Wilhelm has looked great in pass coverage in practice, which was the big question. Once they let him play a game, we’ll see how that translates, but it appears there will be no let down. He expects to be a playmaker. My guess is it will be much tougher for teams to successfully attack the middle of the Charger D this year than last year, and that’s saying something.

The OLB situation is perhaps the best in all of the NFL, especially on 3-4 teams. Merriman and Phillips are both stars, and I look for even bigger years from both this year, barring injury. Marques Harris and Carlos Polk provide good OLB depth, but the two names to watch for tonight are to rookie FAs, Jyles Tucker, from Wake Forest, and Antwan Applewhite, a local boy from San Diego State. Both have been relentless on the pass rush, one or both will likely make the team, or the practice squad at the very least. These are two nice rookie FA “finds,” something AJ Smith seems to do every year after the draft. I would guess they’ll play tonight, and will be looking forward to seeing them firsthand, and not depending on reports from my friends who still live in San Diego.

The San Diego defensive backfield will be even better this year, than it was last year. Jammer has one CB position nailed down. McCree has one Safety position nailed down. Hart has looked real good, especially since Weddle has pushed him so hard. From all indications, the Chargers trading so many draft picks to get him may have been a super smart move. His ball hawking skills have been apparent from day one, and he is in on almost any play in his area. He is going against Gates in practice, and has mostly held his own. Hart took some “mental” time off in one scrimmage, and Weddle really shined. This immediately corrected Hart’s assumption the job would be his alone, and he’s once again stepped it up, and looks good. Weddle will, if he doesn’t beat Hart out, begin as the nickel back, and be pitted against opposing TEs. I’d say he’s getting the best schooling possible in practice. I would also not be real surprised if he’s the starter by the Charger’s bye week, if not sooner. He’s a player…and a winner. They really like him a lot. Bhawoh Jue is also having a nice camp, so the Charger’s depth at the S position is very solid. At the CB position opposite Jammer, Drayton Florence is having just a super camp, but he has had to, as Antonio Cromartie is having a super camp too. This will be an interesting battle, as Florence is playing for FA, and the Chargers have always liked Cromartie. Either way, when they face 3 WR sets, I don’t know a team in the NFL that can parade 3 quality CBs out like the Chargers now can. Paul Oliver has started to look like he might belong in the NFL, which is a pleasant surprise to me, as I have never been enamored with him. He has quickly picked up the Charger defensive scheme and philosophy, and will probably play STs to begin. Some other young CBs to watch for who are also having good camps are Gabe Franklin, Cletis Gordon, Steve Gregory, and Quinton Jones. However, if Jones is to make the team, I believe he will have to step up in one or both of the return positions.

The Chargers are well set at both Punter and Placekicker, but, if your team needs a punter, you might be interested in rookie Brian Monroe, out of Miami (Fla.). He’s having a great camp, and is kicking the heck out of the ball, with nice hang time.

so who has not had a good camp? Thats what I want to hear.

What are you, a Raiders fan? A Chiefs fan? When you go 14-2, you don't expect to have a lot of people having a bad training camp, especially when you have such a young team. There are people who are not performing well enough to make this team, and I chose not to take up time on them, although I did spend some time on Sproles, who is actually being counted on for the return game, but has not shown the skills the Chargers had hoped for from him in that capacity. I also mentioned some not so well known names for people to watch for, just in case they were interested in doing so. When all is said and done, it will be the Chargers or Broncos who are division champs, and the other will be a WC team. There is, at this point in time, a distinct possiblity that those two could meet in the AFC Championship game...although I think Indy, NE, and Baltimore will have something to say about that too...and perhaps one or two more. I also think that two or more of these teams will probably suffer an injury to a major player, or a number of injuries to one or more positions that will offer teams a huge weakness to attack, either offensively or defensively that will prevent them from making the playoffs, or reaching the SB. It happens to be my opinion, that the Chargers are better prepared for that scenario than most teams are.

I see you've made nine posts...why don't you become a member? It is free. Then, perhaps we can have a more meaningful discussion. Anonymous, or unregistered users usually act like commandos, and their input is usually nil, or profane. If you want to discuss, debate, or just bounce ideas or feelings about this team or player around, then I suggest you join, and keep posting.

Hey Mark,

Since moving to Colorado, I've seen way more of the Denver Broncos than I've ever wanted to. And so far this pre-season, all I've seen from them has been problems. They don't appear to have anything going their way on offense, and this past week both Mike Bell and Travis Henry went down with injuries. Their receiving corps have looked awful, and the only positive connections they seem to hook up on offense is Cutler-to-Scheffler. Defensively, they've been less than stellar as well. I don't think they really measured the affect of losing a pro-bowl linebacker like Al Wilson. They might just be one of the top 10 most overrated teams in the NFL this season. Pre-season power rankings from NFL.com had them listed at #5 overall. But I don't even see them winning their division.

Thank you, Adam. I made a post a while back stating that as much as I like DJ Williams, and think he can be successful in the middle, it's the intangibles Wilson gave them as a leader on both the field, and in the locker room, and his defensive play calling that would hurt that D. I too have noticed the chinks that seem to be appearing on their D, especially since Dallas basically ran over them. I think they'd be better off sticking those young DTs in there and going through the growing pains, rather than wasting more dollars on FA. I'm also not to impressed with that offensive line. Yes, this is pre-season, but there are definite weaknesses there a good D can exploit. Still, until I see them fall on their faces, I see them as a dangerous team.

There are certain teams, under certain coaches, that are always competitive. When it comes time to throw down, the Broncos always seem to have the dice in their hands. At the same time, they are a team that is searching for answers on the defensive side of the ball. Their secondary will carry them a long way this year, but if and when they get to the playoffs, I still see them as a team overmatched by the competition.

P.S. My pick is San Diego and Dallas for the SB this year.

How about David Binn. Finally getting the recognition he has long deserved by finally making the Pro Bowl after 13 years. He should go again this year, barring injury.

Any Bears fans out there? We're ready to RRRRUMMMMMMBLE!!!

Well, finally Urlacher made disparaging remarks to someone other than the mother of his child. I'll be curious to see what he has to say after the Chargers win...and Merriman outplays him. He is one classless dude. Good player...but classless.

damn, i thought the whole chargers "classless" talk was over!!

Well thank goodness Philip Rivers had such a "great camp". With the kind of year he's having, could you imagine if he had a mediocre or bad camp?

I'm back, DaveJ. Although I haven't seen the whole season, I've pretty much caught up with what's been happening, and the one thing I see is the Chargers are starting to peak at the right time. With the new coaching staff and all, the timing is about right for things to start clicking. I think Rivers is doing okay, not great, but not bad for his second year as a starting QB. If he can build on this last game, after being seriously injured and returning, and gaining the utmost respect of his teammates for doing so, I think he'll be just fine, and so will the Chargers. Rivers is a leader, but still young too, so he will make a few more mistakes. I actually like our chances next year a bit better after the Tennessee game.

One thing is certain, the Steelers won't be the team to beat NE in the playoffs...and that was before Smith's year ending injury. NE really exposed the weaknesses in the Steeler's D. And, DaveJ, Pittsburgh just may falter out of the No.3 seed, should they falter this week against Jacksonville. Afterwards, they're on the road to St. Louis, and Baltimore, two teams they should beat, but, the Rams can spread the field, and Baltimore is usually a tough game. If you lose this week, I would not be surprised to see Mr. Rivers, and the Chargers take that 3rd seed from you.

If the Pats go undefeated in the regular season, which realistically they probably will, I think I'll root for them to go all the way, as it will be the second undefeated team I will have seen. The only teams I would not be angry with for beating them are the Chargers in the AFC (unlikely), or the Giants in the NFC should they meet in the SB (even more unlikely). Besides, I've always been a BB fan since his days as the Giant's DC, so rooting for NE is not a foreign thing for me. Best coach in the game, bar none right now.

My hope right now is that some integral NE players do get greedy after winning the SB, if that happens, and go FA, along with the "age factor" catching up with a few who will retire, and a few who should have. And that Tom Brady breaks the bank this time. And, that NE doesn't get McFadden in the draft, and trade Maroney for even more draft picks to help compensate.

Good luck to you DaveJ.

Well, today the Lions have a prime opportunity to beat the Chargers. Defensively, the following players are not playing, or at least not starting as of right now. Defense: OLB Merriman; NT Williams; DE Castillo. Offense: FB Neal. Playing with injuries of some significance will be QB Rivers; TE Gates; and OG Goff. On the bright side, all of these players, except for Neal should be healthy by game 16, and Neal is scheduled to be ready for the playoffs as of yesterday.

Conversely, WR Williams is out for the Lions, also a major loss for them.

The 2008 AFC West Champions are the San Diego Chargers after a resounding spanking of the Lions, 51-14. Not only have they won their division, they are now the 3rd seed in the AFC. It all comes down to if they can win their last two games against Denver at home, and Oakland on the road. Pittsburgh closes with two road games in St. Louis and Baltimore.

One point I'd like to make here, that I alluded to awhile back on another post when in a discussion with a Broncos fan, I don't recall who, but at the time, we both agreed Champ Bailey was the No1 CB in the NFL. However, I told him to watch out for Cromartie, who was coming on last year. Today, he broke the Charger's record for Ints in a year, with his 10th, which also leads the NFL. This young man was a great gamble with the 19th pick by AJ Smith two years ago, even though he'd only played 1 game in his final collegiate season due to injury. In another year, he may well be recognized as the best cover corner in the NFL, and once he gets his hands on a ball, it's off to the races.

I would also like to look into the future for the upcoming draft. Many here think the Bolts will take a LB. I highly doubt that. Presently, they do not own a pick in rounds 2 (traded to Miami for Chambers), 3 (part of the Weddle trade with the Bears), or 4 (payment for Oliver in the supplemental draft).

Therefore, as it stands right now, the Chargers two biggest needs are on their defense. One is at Saftey, but this is a lousy draft for that position, so I don't see them taking one with their 1st rounder. The other need is at NT, to groom to rotate in and out with, and eventually replace Jamal Williams. Therefore, they conceivably could take Okam, a player with superior talent, but questionable desire. An OT may be a possiblity too, but I don't think that'll be the direction they take.

Another, more likely scenario is they could trade out of the 1st round, and pickup two or three picks later, and kind of what I think may happen, barring someone AJ really likes at any position taking a big drop. This may be a year when AJ might be tempted to use some of San Diego's surplus salary cap room to bring in one or two FAs too, although he has shown he prefers to not go that route, except for the "under the radar" types of FAs that he can get at bargain prices, such as he did with McCree.

The Chargers have signed K Dave Rayner to handle kickoffs for the game at Oakland. Their regular kicker, Nate Kaeding, has a sore left (planting) leg. He will still handle FGs and XPs, but Rayner will handle the KOs.

On another note, one thing that's opened up both the passing and the running games in SD, was the trade they made with Miami for Chris Chambers. A disappointment in Miami, he's come on with the Chargers. He quickly picked up Norv's offense, and has become another "go to" option for Rivers. Teams are no longer putting 8 men in the box to stop the run as they had been because of Chamber's addition.

The Chargers today sewed up the 3rd seed, and will be playing either Cleveland, or Tennessee next Sunday at 4:15, in San Diego.

They played a lot of their 2nd and 3rd stringers, especially on defense, and a rookie they've been bringing along slowly, and just started inserting in games about 4 games ago showed again AJ Smiths ability to spot good talent, when UDFA OLB Jyles Tucker, out of Wake Forest, had 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a touchdown. This is a kid I mentioned in one of my pre-season posts as being a player to watch. He is very fast, and a pass rusher deluxe. He had a heck of a game today.

The Chargers have extended GM AJ Smith's contract through the 2014 season, giving him $11 million for 5 years, making him the 3rd highest paid GM in the league.

I'll say one thing...if there's any way AJ Smith can come up with Owen Schmitt to become Lorenzo Neal's replacement, he should jump on it. This kid is going to be an awesome NFL Fullback, and whoever drafts him is going to be real happy.

Anybody ever hear the song; "San Diego...Super Chargers!"?....Ha...Ha...Ha...it sucks...but who knows...maybe after this year it'll catch on;)

FB Lorenzo Neal is due to practice tomorrow. He will be re-evaluated afterwards.

San Diego...SuperChargers!!!

With the 27th pick in the draft, and not much afterwards, I think AJ Smith will trade this pick for additional picks later on, or/and next year. I know Phil Savage of Cleveland is looking to trade into the 1st, depending on who's there, so that may be one possibility...and I would think others will come along, as they seem to do every year later in the 1st round. The Chargers don't have a lot of needs, with SS being their biggest, and unless Phillips drops to them, where he would be good value, or one of the top DL, I look for them to trade.

BTW nyyjones, that matchup between my Packers and ur Chargers on a neutral field can still happen, as long as u guys can beat the Pats.

I hate to burst your bubble, PackersPwnage, but if you don't mind, I'd rather have this coming Sunday resemble last Sunday...I'd have to get out all my gear, and become a quick change artist, depending on who had the ball...in other words, I am a huge Giants fan too. What do you figure the odds are on that...or even one of them winning? Oh well...I can only hope. I hate to admit it, but a part of me wouldn't mind seeing NE win, just so they can go 19-0, and finally take away the last bit of bragging rights these obnoxious Miami fans down here have left. I get tired of listening to all these fans, most of whom weren't even born bragging about something they know so little about...BTW...I did see it.

Lol, I don't think either of ur teams will win...

You're entitled to your opinions...but who knows...both teams were big, and I do mean BIG underdogs this last week too...we'll just see.

I think the pack(unfortunately) will handle the giants pretty easily. They are just the most balanced all around team from the NFC. SD could beat NE they run a good 3-4 and they can get to the QB, which you will have to hit or sack brady a good 6 times to beat them. Jammer and Cromartie on the rite day could be the best if not the top 3 duos in the league. Welker may be the problem underneath, though if someone can just get a solid pop on him he may be more likely to drop a few balls.

I agree. The Packers should handle NYG, unless Taucsher and Clifton break down like Flozell did. That won't happen. Before, I would've said that SD had a great chance. However, they're banged up pretty bad.

Be wary of injured dogs.

I'm curious to see how Cromartie, who I've loved from day 1, will fare against Randy Moss, one of the greatest WRs in the history of the NFL.

See my post in the NFL forum...Moss has a history of crumbling against bigger CBs, and not only is Cromartie big, he's an elite athlete too. I don't see Moss being much, if any factor in the game. Welker is the WR I'm afraid of.

We'll see...

A friend of mine told me a couple of days ago he'd heard Rivers had a torn ACL...this has been confirmed, as well as a strained MCL. However, he did practice yesterday, and took about one third of the snaps. Billy Voleck took the others. Rivers is listed as doubtful. If he even steps on the field, you have to give him credit...or have his head examined...I'm not sure which...but you never know when you might get back to this point, do you? Like Jim McMahon did, he may talk a lot...and I don't know that I'm too happy about that...but I like his guts.

Injured on a play with almost no contact. Ouch! Billy Volek versus the Pats! At Foxborough!

After a mighty battle...again NE beats the Chargers. Philip Rivers put on a gallant effort, but in the end it was too many missed opportunities in the red zone that ultimately cost them the game. That, and Lawrence Maroney, who had a heck of a game. We'll go home, lick our wounds, and come out fighting next year. I guess the only consolation is the Chargers covered the spread.

Congratulations to the NE Patriots and their fans on a hard fought game.

Now, it's on to a hopefully successful off-season and draft.

I am always curious what die hard fans feel. I am a bears fan and I see limited SD games. But from what I see even with; Lt, gates, neal, chambers, vjack(who could be a monster someday) and a good o-line. I personally think the offense needs something. In my opinion Rivers is a little better version of trent dilfer. An above average game manager. All I could think of yesterday is how bad SD looked in the red zone. I know LT wasn't in there and Rivers is playing hurt(which I love). But with alll of those peices, sometimes I just think they should be more explosive, or maybe they are and I am hoping for more consistancy.

I hope chicago signs turner(and he brings mcneil with him).

You have to remember this is only Rivers' 2nd year as a starter. Next year, I think you'll see a big improvement, which he had this year in the second half of the season. The call down by the goal line, to run wide, was not a good call, especially after taking a timeout to "dream" that up. I was scratching my head there myself. You are right about VJack...and he has turned into a monster with a breakout 2nd half also...coinciding with Rivers' surge, BTW. LT not playing was no doubt a factor, but the Chargers are a deep team, and injuries occur, so that can't be used as an excuse, no matter how much they missed him. Overall, they went much further than Marty ever took them, and it was a very successful year. I look at it this way, they lost to a team that is now 18-0. They have nothing to be ashamed of, plus they have a very young, very deep, and very talented team...as Arnold would say..."I'll Be Back!"

Thanks for the clarification. You guys will be fine with sproles replacing turner.

Having traded away their 2nd and 3rd round picks, and exchanged their 4th in last year's supplemental draft for the rights to Paul Oliver, the Chargers 1st round pick is pretty much all Bolts fans need to concentrate on for most of the draft...although Donnie Edwards should bring them at least a 4th round compensatory pick, and perhaps a 3rd rounder.

That said, the Chargers are likely to focus on defense if they keep their No1, although a trade is not out of the question...even up, nor the selection of a top notch OT should one drop to them, especially a mauler type for the RT position. However, assuming they stay at 27, here are some names they will look favorably on.

Phillip Merling JR DE Clemson 6-5 280 - IMO, he would have to really drop for the Chargers to get him at 27...IMO, he's top 15, perhaps top 10. He has big-time ability, and may be even better than Long. Merling has run the 40 between the mid 4.6s and mid 4.8s. He can rush the QB, or drop back in coverage. He has the size and the frame to play DE in SDs 3-4, and would add much needed depth and give them a very strong rotation. (They do need a NT to groom and backup Jamal Williams...but there is not a DT who slips into the NT position in this draft that warrants a 1st round pick) Almost all of these players are possible top 15 picks who would have to drop into the Charger's laps, but someone will drop in this draft that other teams will overlook for some reason, and Smith will pounce on.

Gosder Cherilus SR OT Boston College 6-6 320 - the type of player AJ Smith really loves, and is the mauler type the Chargers hoped Olivea would become at RT for their running game.

Kenny Phillips JR S Miami 6-2 210 - Did not have that good of a year, but will probably not last until pick 27, where his value actually is at. Will probably go to someone who reaches for need in the top 15, but he is not a top 15 player based on the year he had. SS is actually the Charger's biggest need, so if he did drop, that would be an ideal situation, depending on what AJ thinks of his maturity and citizenship.

Derrick Harvey JR DE Florida 6-5 250 - A college DE who may be able to play standing up in SDs 3-4.

Keith Rivers JR LB USC 6-3 220 - Sort of reminds me of ex-Charger/Chief and current Chief Donnie Edwards. All over the place and excellent in coverage. Good value at 27.

Calais Campbell JR DE Miami 6-8 285 - I really like this guy. He could go top 10, or he could drop to 27, and if he does, I'm quite certain AJ will snap him up. IMO, barring injury, will be a very good to great pro for a long time. I met him once and spoke to him in a very short conversation. Speaks very well, and looks to have good character. Huge, and very well built is all I have to say. Had a "down' year this year compared to his monster year last year, but with the coaching he'll get at the next level, he could very well turn into something special.

Phillip Wheeler SR ILB Georgia Tech 6-2 245 - Is having a great week at Senior Bowl practice, and has all but certainly moved way up many teams draft boards. Very fast.

As for the NT position, the Bolts will probably address that at some point, either with their compensatory pick, or in rounds 5-7. At that point, they may look at someone like Arkansas' Marcus Harrison, who could be groomed for the NT position. They will likely look for another RB in the draft, someone who runs downhill, either from the RB or the FB position to take Turner's place.

These are all very early projections and subject to change after the combine, right up to the draft. They used to be an open book, but the Chargers have become very good at disguising their intentions ever since Smith took over as GM, so who knows what they will actually do.

For those who don't know, the Chargers fired WR coach James Lofton right after losing to the Pats. Apparently, as the story goes, when the Bolts got off to a rough start, he was rallying support to take over as HC if AJ moved to fire Norv, and Norv got wind of this. In a classy move, Norv said nothing, and let it go for the team's sake until they lost in the playoffs. Afterwards, it didn't take him long to get rid of Lofton, whom many believed had HC potential.

In his place, the Chargers have hired former Charger/Houston great, Charlie Joiner as their new WR coach...a very good move, IMO, and someone who I used to love watch play.

The Chargers will be playing the New Orleans Saints in London, England on October 26th.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/index.html

I would like to point out the inaccuracy of the recently posted...and pinned Official Chargers depth chart. You can go to the official Charger web site for the most accurate and up to date info, or NFL.com for better information than was posted here. I have been putting an accurate one together, and will post it later this week.

Also stated in this report, is that ILB is the Charger's biggest need in the draft/off-season. Again, this is erroneous information. ILB is considered a team strength. Tim Dobbins is currently listed as 2nd string on the official web site, but I believe it would be more accurate to say the Chargers are very high on both Brandon Siler and Anthony Watkins, who I believe if the season started today would be the two primary backups. When I say the Chargers are very high on these two, that's exactly what I mean. The Chargers may bring in another ILB, but it will be to compete with Dobbins to backup the others, and it will be a low round, 6th or 7th, or an UDFA. They could possibly bring in a lower priced UFA too, someone like Lehman from Detroit perhaps.

The bigger needs for San Diego in this off-season are SS, CB, NT, OT, and RB, at least on paper.

As far as the draft is concerned, the Chargers have but one 1st day pick, their 1st rounder. They traded their 2nd and 3rd in the Weddle trade, and their 4th rounder was given up for Paul Oliver in the supplemental draft...more about him in a moment. They will, however, receive either a 3rd or 4th round compensatory pick for losing Donnie Edwards in last year's FA.

The RB, who will be the replacement for Michael Turner who will leave via FA, is probably already on the team. Germane Race, or/and Tyronne Gross will emerge as Turner's replacement, and the RB who will give LT his breaks. I believe they will leave Sproles in his current position as KR/PR and 3rd down RB specialist, as he is very valuable there. They are especially very high on Race, and he had a very nice rookie training camp. He was one of those players teams "bank," by putting them on injured reserve for hangnails, or other similar maladies so they can prevent another team from claiming him. This is a move by AJ Smith who understood Turner would be gone after the season via FA.

The real needs are on defense, just not at ILB.

SS is their biggest need. McCree is the weak link, but he is an adequate player. He also brough much needed veteran leadership when it was much needed to a young Charger's secondary when he arrived, so he served his purpose by instilling a strong work ethic in the Charger secondary that will carry over after he's gone. Weddle will take his place next year, and the play from that position will improve vastly from what he showed in his rookie year. He appears to be worth everything the Chargers gave up for him. Clinton Hart is the other S, and he is a good player who most don't know about. He does sometimes lose concentration, but is a player many teams wouldn't mind having. Depth will be what the Chargers will look for here, as there really aren't any SS in the draft that stand out. Miami's Phillips is most often considered the best S in the draft, but he didn't have that good a year, so IMO he's a question mark. He has ability, but will it transfer, and will he mature and put in the effort needed at the next level to be very good? I have my doubts. So SD will probably find a S in the later rounds. Also, they are presently considering moving Paul Oliver to S, and there is a good chance this will happen. His speed is more suited to that position, and would in fact be an asset there, and he would give them another ball hawk back there. He would likely become Weddle's backup, making FS a very strong position. Therefore, it will be a SS they will likely draft at the S position. A UFA, perhaps someone like Gibril Wilson may also be brought in to provide depth and experience.

CB is another area where they have a need, especially if Oliver is moved to S since they will also lose Drayton Florence to FA. This is one of 3 positions I believe they are likely to use their 1st rounder on, and the likely one considering the quality depth at the position in this draft. Another talented young corner to bring along, and eventually play across from Cromartie when Jammer leaves will keep this unit among the better ones in the league.

NT is also a need. Jamal Williams remains if not the best, then one of the two or three best NTs in the league, and probably has two more years before his skills begin to deteriorate. A young NT to groom and put in a rotation would be ideal, as it would probably prolong William's career too. Unfortunately, there are no NT type DTs who warrant a No1 selection, so this is another area they will fill later in the draft, or via UDFA. The Chargers do not require their NT to rush the QB. They require him, in their 3-4, to occupy 2-3 blockers, freeing up the lanes for their LBs and DEs, especially Castillo, so an UDFA is definitely a possibility here. The Chargers are very good at finding hidden gems in this area ever since Smith became GM, and 1-3 almost always make the final roster every year.

ROT is presently a low-grade need too. However, the Chargers are still high on Olivea. He needs to develop the mean streak they want from him for the running game. Clary is No1 on the present depth chart, and he does show some promise too. However, if one of the elite Ts in this draft drop, especially a road-grader ROT who has a mean streak, look for the Chargers to jump on him depending upon who else is on the board.

Those are the Charger's main needs. In all instances, these will be players who start out as backups unless a stud ROT is the pick. One thing to keep in mind here is they have no "glaring" weaknesses. AJ Smith will likely pick the BPA when the Chargers pick, or trade out of the 1st and pick up more picks in the later rounds. If a player he has rated very high (in other words, a player he sees as an "impact" player) slips, he will no undoubtedly pick him regardless of position, even if that is another OLB. Another thing to remember is Smith is a GM who puts a very high priority on a player's "team first attitude," and his morale character, so if a talented player with off-field or mental character issues is there, he will not draft him. The Chargers have a lot of very good players, several of them among the elite at their positions in the NFL, but they do not have any "ME" players, and Smith will not add that type of player who would ruin the chemistry he's built with the players he's brought in.

All in all, the Chargers, even with their limited number of draft picks, are already a contender next year, and for the foreseeable future. They do not have many roster spots available, period, and like last year they would have to pare off talented players when they make their final cuts. Undoubtedly, they will once again "bank" one or two players on injured reserve for next year, as they did with the RBs this year. Their team is still very young, and most of their best players are just now beginning to enter what will be their prime 4-6 years where skills and experience merge, and players reach their full potential. Barring a run of significant injuries, the Chargers right now have the depth to once again compete next year for the SB, and likely will.

Here is a list of teams that have been confirmed as showing an interest in Chargers FA RB Michael Turner:

Chicago Bears - Turner's hometown team
Seattle Seahawks - Goodbye to Alexander the Great
Carolina Panthers - Big, downhill runner they love...only he has 4.4 speed to go with his 237 lbs. - Goodbye to Foster
Houston Texans - Goodbye to Green