*** OFFICAL 2009 Chargers Off Season Thread *** (2 Viewers)

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

English signed today:

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/cha...d2-51364c0a72b5

 

[tommyGunZ]

Any of you make it to the Chargers practice at the Q Saturday? I went but turned around and left when they announced the 10am practice was going to start at 11 due to autograph signings.

Cason supposedly looking fantastic early. Anyone there?

 

[Gr00vus]

Looks like I was wrong about Gartrell Johnson not making the roster. Sounds like the battle for the last RB spot is between Bennett and Tolbert. I think it's a mistake as Johnson doesn't look that great to me. I guess they've seen something in practice sessions that isn't evident in the preseason games, because he looks like a plodder to me.

Chargers' roster deadline nearing

Bennett, Tolbert vying for final spots

By Kevin Acee

Union-Tribune Staff Writer

2:00 a.m. August 31, 2009

Running back Michael Bennett has scored a touchdown in all three preseason Chargers games.

With every run he makes, the decision becomes more difficult, the question more pressing.

Is Michael Bennett a luxury the Chargers can afford?

“I like Michael Bennett,” head coach Norv Turner said after Saturday's game at Atlanta. “He's having a good training camp. He's shown he's got juice to make big plays. He's still got that burst.”

Bennett on Saturday took a screen pass and ran 48 yards for a touchdown among his 106 total yards from scrimmage. He has a touchdown in all three preseason games and 59 yards on 18 carries. He has been good at picking up blitzes, he can catch, and he clearly still has more than a trace of the speed that made him the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick in 2001.

“I've been given an opportunity to play and showcase what I can do,” he said. “I'm definitely happy with it.”

But it might not be enough to stay in San Diego, which Bennett earnestly says is his preference.

On a roster deep with backs and precious little space at the bottom, the Chargers' decision before the Sept. 5 final roster cuts will come down to keeping Bennett or fullback Mike Tolbert.

And that judgment will come down to how they feel best protected in the event of a catastrophe — an injury that would keep LaDainian Tomlinson out of a game or games.

With the Chargers not believing Darren Sproles is an every-down back, a scenario without Tomlinson would require them to look beyond their No. 2 tailback.

They will keep fourth-round pick Gartrell Johnson, because they like his potential. But they almost certainly won't want to hand him the ball 20 times or more in a game this season.

So Bennett's fate in San Diego comes down to whether the team's emergency plan at tailback is him or fullback Jacob Hester.

Hester was drafted in 2008 as a fullback/running back hybrid. He spent most of last season working at running back, but he's the starting fullback this year.

If they decide Hester is the fallback option, Tolbert will make the roster. In fact, Tolbert's ability on special teams is what makes this the likely outcome.

But Bennett is forcing them to think.

At 31 years old and about to begin his ninth season in the NFL, he has found a fountain of youth, a flash not apparent in the past three seasons spent bouncing from Kansas City to Tampa Bay before being claimed off waivers by the Chargers last November.

He says his legs are fresh (just 158 touches since 2006) and that reuniting with Chargers strength and conditioning coach Jeff Hurd was a blessing.

“I had him in Kansas City,” Bennett said. “(Hurd is) a guy you're talking about that prepares players to be at their max — the speed training and lifting. Reconnecting with him really helped me.”

The Chargers would be able to go with just Hester at fullback because they have tight ends Brandon Manumaleuna and Kris Wilson ready to work at fullback, if necessary.

But this is a quandary because Tolbert has had a fantastic preseason on special teams. The team's decision makers say he deserves to be on this roster as much as Bennett, and if all goes according to plan (as in, LT remains healthy) Tolbert would likely be able to help the Chargers more than Bennett.

And that's fine with Tolbert, the Chargers' starting fullback most of '08.

“I love special teams,” Tolbert said. “I love to run and hit. What other place can you do that? I'm not doing it on offense. If you can play they'll find a place to put you. I've just been working, and God willing they'll find a place for me on the roster.”

Bennett, for his part, knows he has proved he can still play and will land somewhere if he gets cut here. But he's grown fond of his teammates and believes the Chargers are on the precipice of something special.

“It's a great feeling (to be doing well), but at the end of everything I want to be here,” he said. “I want to be a part of this team. I think we have a chance to win a Super Bowl. It will be a magical season, and I want to be part of it.”

Union-Tribune

In a season this team has legitimate championship aspirations I'd think they'd want to keep Bennett around as insurance. He's looked really good this preseason. I'd figure that means it'll be Tolbert who's let go, but I've been wrong about their though process here so far, so who knows.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

can they put gartrell on the practice squad? or does he have to clear waivers?

Im very worried about Clary and the RG position.

Championship calibre team except for those 2 spots.

 

[Gr00vus]

You have to go through waivers before you can go on the practice squad. I think they should try it with Johnson, but the like his potential I guess.

Im very worried about Clary and the RG position.

The right side of the line is ugly right now, plain and simple. It's disconcerting that more effort has not been made to address this over the last 3 or so seasons. Maybe Vasquez pans out, but that's not something you want to be gambling on with this squad. They need to keep Rivers's jersey clean. The run blocking sucks overall right now too. Stock up for the short route runners at this juncture.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Im very worried about Clary and the RG position.

The right side of the line is ugly right now, plain and simple. It's disconcerting that more effort has not been made to address this over the last 3 or so seasons. Maybe Vasquez pans out, but that's not something you want to be gambling on with this squad. They need to keep Rivers's jersey clean. The run blocking sucks overall right now too. Stock up for the short route runners at this juncture.

this is why for the first time ever I actually passed on LT in a FFL draft. killed me to do it. that Right side flat out sucks.Darnell Dockett destroyed Clary early in that Arz game

 

[Gr00vus]

this is way for the first time ever I actually passed on LT in a FFL draft. killed me to do it. that Right side flat out sucks.

I only had a chance to draft LaDainian in one league so far - passed him over for Randy Moss. I can't describe how sickening it felt to do that.

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

this is way for the first time ever I actually passed on LT in a FFL draft. killed me to do it. that Right side flat out sucks.

I only had a chance to draft LaDainian in one league so far - passed him over for Randy Moss. I can't describe how sickening it felt to do that.

Care to share your draft slots for these two picks?

 

[Gr00vus]

this is way for the first time ever I actually passed on LT in a FFL draft. killed me to do it. that Right side flat out sucks.

I only had a chance to draft LaDainian in one league so far - passed him over for Randy Moss. I can't describe how sickening it felt to do that.

Care to share your draft slots for these two picks?

I guess I misspoke a bit. In one league I had the 2 slot and took Jones-Drew (after the 1 slot took Michael Turner). I don't remember the exact pick LaDainian went at in that one, but it was in the back half of the 1st round for sure. In another 2 drafts I had the 8 slot. In one league LaDainian went ahead of my pick, in the other I took Moss and the next guy took LaDainian.

 

[tommyGunZ]

this is way for the first time ever I actually passed on LT in a FFL draft. killed me to do it. that Right side flat out sucks.

I only had a chance to draft LaDainian in one league so far - passed him over for Randy Moss. I can't describe how sickening it felt to do that.

Care to share your draft slots for these two picks?

I guess I misspoke a bit. In one league I had the 2 slot and took Jones-Drew (after the 1 slot took Michael Turner). I don't remember the exact pick LaDainian went at in that one, but it was in the back half of the 1st round for sure. In another 2 drafts I had the 8 slot. In one league LaDainian went ahead of my pick, in the other I took Moss and the next guy took LaDainian.

Yeah, that's a pretty ####### suspect move there Gr00vus. I hope LT makes you eat that all season long.I drew the 3 slot and the 12 slot in my two long time leagues this year. I didn't think twice with the 3rd pick. LT is back with a vengence this year....

 

[Gr00vus]

Yeah, that's a pretty ####### suspect move there Gr00vus. I hope LT makes you eat that all season long.

I hope so too.

LT is back with a vengence this year....

I think he's just an above average back in a good/great offense now. I like Moss's upside better. I guess had I had pick 9 and Moss off the board I'd have taken LaDainian.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

TRADE TODAY - addressing the other need besides the right side of the Oline - DE opposite Castillo

The Chargers sent an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to the Houston Texans Monday in exchange for defensive lineman Travis Johnson. The team also signed seventh-round pick Demetrius Byrd to a four-year contract.

Johnson (6-3, 303) was the 16th overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft and appeared in 54 games in four seasons with the Texans. He add depth add depth along the defensive line.

Also Monday, the Chargers signed wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, their seventh-round pick in April’s draft, to a four-year contract.

In addition to the two additions, the Chargers also made three subtractions Monday. The team waived wide receiver Greg Carr, offensive tackle Dan Gay and wide receiver Rodgeriques Smith. All three players joined the Chargers as undrafted free agents in April.

With the moves, the Chargers’ roster currently stands at 78 players. They have make three more transactions by Tuesday at 1 pm in order to reach the NFL-mandated limit of 75 players.

 

[Gr00vus]

TRADE TODAY - addressing the other need besides the right side of the Oline - DE opposite CastilloThe Chargers sent an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to the Houston Texans Monday in exchange for defensive lineman Travis Johnson. The team also signed seventh-round pick Demetrius Byrd to a four-year contract.Johnson (6-3, 303) was the 16th overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft and appeared in 54 games in four seasons with the Texans. He add depth add depth along the defensive line.Also Monday, the Chargers signed wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, their seventh-round pick in April’s draft, to a four-year contract. In addition to the two additions, the Chargers also made three subtractions Monday. The team waived wide receiver Greg Carr, offensive tackle Dan Gay and wide receiver Rodgeriques Smith. All three players joined the Chargers as undrafted free agents in April.With the moves, the Chargers’ roster currently stands at 78 players. They have make three more transactions by Tuesday at 1 pm in order to reach the NFL-mandated limit of 75 players.

Interesting that they signed Byrd - can't be good news for Buster.Does anyone know any details on Johnson?

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

TRADE TODAY - addressing the other need besides the right side of the Oline - DE opposite CastilloThe Chargers sent an undisclosed 2010 draft pick to the Houston Texans Monday in exchange for defensive lineman Travis Johnson. The team also signed seventh-round pick Demetrius Byrd to a four-year contract.Johnson (6-3, 303) was the 16th overall selection in the 2005 NFL Draft and appeared in 54 games in four seasons with the Texans. He add depth add depth along the defensive line.Also Monday, the Chargers signed wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, their seventh-round pick in April’s draft, to a four-year contract. In addition to the two additions, the Chargers also made three subtractions Monday. The team waived wide receiver Greg Carr, offensive tackle Dan Gay and wide receiver Rodgeriques Smith. All three players joined the Chargers as undrafted free agents in April.With the moves, the Chargers’ roster currently stands at 78 players. They have make three more transactions by Tuesday at 1 pm in order to reach the NFL-mandated limit of 75 players.

Interesting that they signed Byrd - can't be good news for Buster.Does anyone know any details on Johnson?

They are going to put Byrd on the IR, so it wont effect Buster. As for Johnson, he is made out of the same glass as Castillo.

 

[Gr00vus]

They are going to put Byrd on the IR, so it wont effect Buster. As for Johnson, he is made out of the same glass as Castillo.

I'd figure long term the Byrd signing affects the WR corps. Floyd and Jackson are FAs after the season. I think the front office will find a way to keep Jackson around. Floyd could go several ways depending on what kind of season he has. I think Chambers is gone after this year (he's a FA too) unless he's willing to take a major pay reduction (which I doubt) and the Chargers decide they don't want to give the position to a younger guy (like Floyd). Nanee will be around. Osgood's signed through next season. So assuming Jackson, Nanee and Osgood are there next year, that leaves 3 spots at WR. Byrd just took one of those. Let's assume they keep one of either Floyd or Chambers (I'd lean towards Floyd). That leaves one spot. Davis has done absolutely nothing to think he'll get it so far, and hasn't done much this preseason. Considering the big contracts the Chargers are going to have to hand out to some guys this season, I'd be surprised if the Chargers carry Davis and his approximately 1.5 to 2 million a year contract (unless something crazy happens and he actually plays like a 1st round draft choice for this entire season) considering he's not helping the team much.The Byrd signing is a writing's on the wall kind of thing for Davis.Didn't Johnson start 14 games last year?

 

[Gr00vus]

Now the Defense with Merriman back might be better, but they are still weak at one DE spot, ILB and Saftey.

[hijack]Agree on the problem at DE, disagree on ILB and Safety. I think Burnett at ILB and eventually Ellison at S will be solid at those spots this year.[/hijack]

hijack/Burnett isnt a 3 down player. A rookie at S? hmmm end hijack/

Yeah Ellison's a rookie, but he's already displayed better ball skills and ability to read and react than Hart. He's also a hammer. It's just a matter of time before he becomes the starter. I think the Chargers got a real steal with him, but we'll see.As for Burnett, are you basing your opinion off what he did in Dallas or what he's done with the Chargers so far? Because to me he looks great out there right now. He's making plays all over the field and looks good in coverage.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Now the Defense with Merriman back might be better, but they are still weak at one DE spot, ILB and Saftey.

[hijack]Agree on the problem at DE, disagree on ILB and Safety. I think Burnett at ILB and eventually Ellison at S will be solid at those spots this year.[/hijack]

hijack/Burnett isnt a 3 down player. A rookie at S? hmmm end hijack/

Yeah Ellison's a rookie, but he's already displayed better ball skills and ability to read and react than Hart. He's also a hammer. It's just a matter of time before he becomes the starter. I think the Chargers got a real steal with him, but we'll see.As for Burnett, are you basing your opinion off what he did in Dallas or what he's done with the Chargers so far? Because to me he looks great out there right now. He's making plays all over the field and looks good in coverage.

I hope you are right on Burnett.

 

[Gr00vus]

Now the Defense with Merriman back might be better, but they are still weak at one DE spot, ILB and Saftey.

[hijack]Agree on the problem at DE, disagree on ILB and Safety. I think Burnett at ILB and eventually Ellison at S will be solid at those spots this year.[/hijack]

hijack/Burnett isnt a 3 down player. A rookie at S? hmmm end hijack/

Yeah Ellison's a rookie, but he's already displayed better ball skills and ability to read and react than Hart. He's also a hammer. It's just a matter of time before he becomes the starter. I think the Chargers got a real steal with him, but we'll see.As for Burnett, are you basing your opinion off what he did in Dallas or what he's done with the Chargers so far? Because to me he looks great out there right now. He's making plays all over the field and looks good in coverage.

I hope you are right on Burnett.

Me too. He's markedly better than Wilhelm and one dimensional Dobbins. Maybe that's not saying much, but given the other guys they have on D they don't need a superstar there, just somebody solid, and Burnett has looked it so far this preseason.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Burnett sure looks like an every-down player.

 

[GoBirds]

I need the homers take on how LT looks going into the season. I know he has been limited in the preseason games but what are you hearing? What do you expect?

Am picking 4th and if faced with Forte am thinking of going for LT.

 

[Gr00vus]

This season I'd rather have LaDainian than Forte. In truth they should have pretty similar years but I like the Charger offense and schedule more than the Bears.

Like I've been saying throughout preseason, I haven't seen the acceleration of past years from LaDainian, but the lateral quickness and vision are still there. He's an above average NFL running back right now in a top 3 offense.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sounds like Michael Bennett is going to be the odd man out. He should land somewhere else in need of running back depth based on what I've seen from him this preseason. Probably means Sproles will get a handful more touches as a result.

 

[Banger]

Sounds like Michael Bennett is going to be the odd man out. He should land somewhere else in need of running back depth based on what I've seen from him this preseason. Probably means Sproles will get a handful more touches as a result.

so they're going to hold onto G. Johnson instead? I thought they'd probably do that.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sounds like Michael Bennett is going to be the odd man out. He should land somewhere else in need of running back depth based on what I've seen from him this preseason. Probably means Sproles will get a handful more touches as a result.

so they're going to hold onto G. Johnson instead? I thought they'd probably do that.

Sounds that way, we'll see Saturday.

 

[Gr00vus]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

 

[Gr00vus]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

I think if English can avoid tripping over his own shoe laces Merriman is gonzo. Whether he's charged and/or guilty of the charges or not, just being around that kind of person and allowing himself to be in that kind of situation is another last straw. A.J.'s made it abundantly clear he's not going to keep guys who repeatedly exhibit bad decision making whether it's on or off the field.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

I think if English can avoid tripping over his own shoe laces Merriman is gonzo. Whether he's charged and/or guilty of the charges or not, just being around that kind of person and allowing himself to be in that kind of situation is another last straw. A.J.'s made it abundantly clear he's not going to keep guys who repeatedly exhibit bad decision making whether it's on or off the field.

I dont know, the dude is one of the best when healthy. I mean Jamal got a DUI he isnt going anywhere and same with Vjax and I think they try n resign him. The roids thing is one thing, but this whole dating a freak show chick is poor judgement. Lets face it the chargers have had alot of players with run ins with the law but no one of substance has been shown the door. But we are talking about the same guy who let Brees n Turner walk, so.......

 

[Gr00vus]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

I think if English can avoid tripping over his own shoe laces Merriman is gonzo. Whether he's charged and/or guilty of the charges or not, just being around that kind of person and allowing himself to be in that kind of situation is another last straw. A.J.'s made it abundantly clear he's not going to keep guys who repeatedly exhibit bad decision making whether it's on or off the field.

I dont know, the dude is one of the best when healthy. I mean Jamal got a DUI he isnt going anywhere and same with Vjax and I think they try n resign him. The roids thing is one thing, but this whole dating a freak show chick is poor judgement. Lets face it the chargers have had alot of players with run ins with the law but no one of substance has been shown the door. But we are talking about the same guy who let Brees n Turner walk, so.......

A.J.'s seemed unhappy with Merriman's off field exploits the entire time he's been in S.D. The television appearances for example. I just get a sense that A.J. really doesn't like the guy, but I'm not an insider, just a message board clown. Maybe a huge season from Merriman changes things (although going by preseason I'm still cautious about how close he'll be to what he was before the injuries). Don't forget they've currently got Sproles franchised - it remains to be seen how they approach his situation as well.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Burnett sure looks like an every-down player.

Merriman's latest stunt has overshadowed the most important Bolts news of the weekend. Thank goodness Burnett seems to be fine - I had some bad thoughts when he was laying on the turf Friday nite.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

I think if English can avoid tripping over his own shoe laces Merriman is gonzo. Whether he's charged and/or guilty of the charges or not, just being around that kind of person and allowing himself to be in that kind of situation is another last straw. A.J.'s made it abundantly clear he's not going to keep guys who repeatedly exhibit bad decision making whether it's on or off the field.

I dont know, the dude is one of the best when healthy. I mean Jamal got a DUI he isnt going anywhere and same with Vjax and I think they try n resign him. The roids thing is one thing, but this whole dating a freak show chick is poor judgement. Lets face it the chargers have had alot of players with run ins with the law but no one of substance has been shown the door. But we are talking about the same guy who let Brees n Turner walk, so.......

A.J.'s seemed unhappy with Merriman's off field exploits the entire time he's been in S.D. The television appearances for example. I just get a sense that A.J. really doesn't like the guy, but I'm not an insider, just a message board clown. Maybe a huge season from Merriman changes things (although going by preseason I'm still cautious about how close he'll be to what he was before the injuries). Don't forget they've currently got Sproles franchised - it remains to be seen how they approach his situation as well.

yeah I dont think he's 100% either. It's year two that you really see the old player after the knee injury. time will tell.I want our team healthy heading into January just once! one time!!!!!!

 

[tommyGunZ]

So how much of Merriman's Raider contract money will be guaranteed?

LOLI think that SD does all it can to sign Vjax and McNeil, then tag Merriman for next year. see how it goes.I think this whole tequila thing got overblown, I doubt there is a trial or punishment

I think if English can avoid tripping over his own shoe laces Merriman is gonzo. Whether he's charged and/or guilty of the charges or not, just being around that kind of person and allowing himself to be in that kind of situation is another last straw. A.J.'s made it abundantly clear he's not going to keep guys who repeatedly exhibit bad decision making whether it's on or off the field.

I dont know, the dude is one of the best when healthy. I mean Jamal got a DUI he isnt going anywhere and same with Vjax and I think they try n resign him. The roids thing is one thing, but this whole dating a freak show chick is poor judgement. Lets face it the chargers have had alot of players with run ins with the law but no one of substance has been shown the door. But we are talking about the same guy who let Brees n Turner walk, so.......

A.J.'s seemed unhappy with Merriman's off field exploits the entire time he's been in S.D. The television appearances for example. I just get a sense that A.J. really doesn't like the guy, but I'm not an insider, just a message board clown. Maybe a huge season from Merriman changes things (although going by preseason I'm still cautious about how close he'll be to what he was before the injuries). Don't forget they've currently got Sproles franchised - it remains to be seen how they approach his situation as well.

My read is that much of the Merriman crap is overblown, but I think Acee is closer to the organization than anyone else and his insistence that Merriman is a goner is certainly the most authoritative and credible view out there, IMO.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

My read is that much of the Merriman crap is overblown, but I think Acee is closer to the organization than anyone else and his insistence that Merriman is a goner is certainly the most authoritative and credible view out there, IMO.

Really??? Accee??? didnt he totally miss the whole LT story? he had his bags packed. Now this situation might be different cuz I know AJ dont like Merriman, but we all saw how average that D was without him. I dont think we can win the superbowl without him (right now)

 

[tommyGunZ]

My read is that much of the Merriman crap is overblown, but I think Acee is closer to the organization than anyone else and his insistence that Merriman is a goner is certainly the most authoritative and credible view out there, IMO.

Really??? Accee??? didnt he totally miss the whole LT story? he had his bags packed. Now this situation might be different cuz I know AJ dont like Merriman, but we all saw how average that D was without him. I dont think we can win the superbowl without him (right now)

You'll get no argument from me. As I said, I think Merriman's Hollywood stuff is overblown; results are a higher priority and anyone who watches Charger football knows the difference between the defense w/ and w/out Merriman. That's the hard part for AJ Smith IMO. He's no nonsense, but he's also results oriented, which makes Merriman a tough call.That being said, if English really is a stud, the defense will likely be better anyway with a full year of Rivera, a 100% healthy Cromartie, and English. Perhaps Merriman's absence was overblown with all of the other bad bounces our defense got last year? In the end, an outstanding year from Light's Out culminating in a Super Bowl win renders this decision moot.

 

[Gr00vus]

Perhaps Merriman's absence was overblown with all of the other bad bounces our defense got last year?

I don't think so. He pretty much warped the game around him by forcing offenses to scheme extensively on how to deal with him and thereby create lots of opportunities for his defensive teammates that they just weren't getting without him. So there are two main questions going forward - can Merriman get back to that himself, and/or can English replace that in an effective way. I have no idea about either question, but what I've seen so far from both in preseason makes me think if either thing does happen, it won't happen right away. I can see a few early season hiccups yet again with the D - and that's before Castillo inevitably gets hurt.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Perhaps Merriman's absence was overblown with all of the other bad bounces our defense got last year?

I don't think so. He pretty much warped the game around him by forcing offenses to scheme extensively on how to deal with him and thereby create lots of opportunities for his defensive teammates that they just weren't getting without him. So there are two main questions going forward - can Merriman get back to that himself, and/or can English replace that in an effective way. I have no idea about either question, but what I've seen so far from both in preseason makes me think if either thing does happen, it won't happen right away. I can see a few early season hiccups yet again with the D - and that's before Castillo inevitably gets hurt.

exactly merriman was what other teams O feared.

 

[Gr00vus]

Editorial on the Tila Tequilla incident:

Turner declined to detail what he said directly to Merriman, but the linebacker described his coach and team President Dean Spanos as “supportive.” That the meeting did not include General Manager A.J. Smith is open to interpretation, but probably not a “supportive” sign.

Shawne.By the sound of it this chick isn't going to go away any time soon regardless of whether charges are levied or not. Incredibly stupid move on Merriman's part to choose to associate with this low caliber person/attention whore. Chick's saying she's got bruises from the "incident" showing up after getting checked out at the hospital (where they found pretty much no damage). Does she really think rational people would believe that? She's also hinting at dishing more dirt on Merriman going forward. Classy. I wonder how much it'll cost to buy her mouth shut.

 

[Gr00vus]

Here's the Chargers' practice squad.

Gary Banks	  WR	 TroyDarry Beckwith LB Louisiana StateSimeon Castille CB  AlabamaCorey Clark	   T  Texas A&MAndre Coleman  DE AlbanyJames Holt			LB KansasBilly Latsko		FB FloridaRyan McDonald  C Illinois

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Editorial on the Tila Tequilla incident:

Turner declined to detail what he said directly to Merriman, but the linebacker described his coach and team President Dean Spanos as “supportive.” That the meeting did not include General Manager A.J. Smith is open to interpretation, but probably not a “supportive” sign.

Shawne.By the sound of it this chick isn't going to go away any time soon regardless of whether charges are levied or not. Incredibly stupid move on Merriman's part to choose to associate with this low caliber person/attention whore. Chick's saying she's got bruises from the "incident" showing up after getting checked out at the hospital (where they found pretty much no damage). Does she really think rational people would believe that? She's also hinting at dishing more dirt on Merriman going forward. Classy. I wonder how much it'll cost to buy her mouth shut.

yeah she will probably rat him out for HGH roids or coke, whatever he is into. #######. but he sure can play.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Kevin Acee ranks the roster -- who's most important to the team?

1. Shawne Merriman

His presence alone will make everyone better and give others a chance to make plays. If he still has the knack for timely sacks, the Chargers will win a lot.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson

Healthy, he makes defenses respect the run, which opens up all sorts of possibilities on this potent offense.

3. Jamal Williams

There is no one even close to him when he’s healthy. He dictates the flow of opposing offenses.

4. Philip Rivers

He doesn’t make mistakes, and he’s shown he’s capable of winning games late. He and receivers locking on means more room for LT.

5. Antonio Gates

Rivers’ main safety net. The big man makes big catches; appears healthy and strong.

6. Marcus McNeill

Healthy again, he moves so well for such a tall man, and those long arms make him a good protector for Rivers.

7. Kris Dielman

Mean and angry most of the time he’s on the field. Now a perennial Pro Bowler.

8. Kevin Burnett

His smarts and aggressiveness have set a new tone in the middle of the defense.

9. Vincent Jackson

Size and skill allow him to get himself in great position to make so many improbable catches.

10. Eric Weddle

In second year as a starter, he’s going to be put in position to make more plays.

11. Quentin Jammer

So steady for years, and yet it was clear he had his best preseason.

12. Darren Sproles

The $6.61 million man will have a bigger role. They can’t tackle what they can’t see.

13. Antonio Cromartie

So capable. If he can blend consistency in with spectacular, he’ll change game after game.

14. Mike Scifres

The defense’s best friend.

15. Nick Hardwick

Smart and a great downfield blocker.

16. Louis Vasquez

Big, physical and he can move. He better quickly get down some of the intricacies of working with those next to him.

17. Shaun Phillips

A strong preseason and return of Merriman might portend his biggest year yet.

18. Jeromey Clary

The Chargers have to help him when he faces the best and fastest, but he is a more than adequate right tackle.

19. Stephen Cooper

Teammates call him the smartest player on defense. Rarely took a misstep in preseason.

20. Luis Castillo

Potential? Time to live up to it.

21. Jacob Hester

Three or four big blocks a game, that many catches and/or runs add up to be pretty important.

22. Nate Kaeding

23. Chris Chambers

24. Steve Gregory

25. Kassim Osgood

Receiver or not, what he does on kicks can’t be discounted.

26. Clinton Hart

27. David Binn

This might be ranking him a little too low. A bad snap, which he never does, can be disastrous.

28. Jacques Cesaire

29. Antoine Cason

30. Larry English

31. Brandon Manumaleuna

32. Travis Johnson

33. Legedu Naanee

There will be at least one game where he makes the memorable play.

34. Malcom Floyd

35. Vaughn Martin

36. Antwan Applewhite

37. Tim Dobbins

38. Paul Oliver

39. Kris Wilson

40. Ogemdi Nwagbuo

41. Scott Mruczkowski

42. Mike Tolbert

43. Kevin Ellison

44. Jyles Tucker

45. Brandon Siler

46. Buster Davis

47. Brandyn Dombrowski

48. Michael Bennett

He’s here because they think he’s great insurance. But he’s not LT. And you hope he doesn’t have to play.

49. Tyronne Green

50. C.J. Spillman

51. Gartrell Johnson

52. Billy Volek

53. Charlie Whitehurst

 

[tommyGunZ]

Very subjective list - I don't know how much I agree with it though. Volek has looked good in spots, but I think Philip Rivers is the most valuable and indispensable player on this roster.

 

[Gr00vus]

Very subjective list - I don't know how much I agree with it though. Volek has looked good in spots, but I think Philip Rivers is the most valuable and indispensable player on this roster.

I was thinking that myself. I'd put him and Jamal at the top of the list.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I think Tomlinson is way too high on that list. Although from a fantasy perspective I'm higher on Tomlinson and lower on Sproles than almost everybody else, from an NFL perspective it's the opposite. The Chargers would be fine with Sproles and Bennett instead of Tomlinson.

I also think it's weird that Kevin Burnett is eleven spots higher than Stephen Cooper.

If we move Tomlinson down, it's hard to argue with the remaining top three -- Merriman, Jamal, and Rivers. Put them in whatever order you want, but those guys are all essential to the Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations.

Good to see Scifres get some love at number 14. He's more valuable than a lot of people realize, IMO.

 

[Gr00vus]

Good to see Scifres get some love at number 14. He's more valuable than a lot of people realize, IMO.

I might put him up at 4th, 5th or 6th most valuable behind Rivers, Williams, McNeill, maybe Dielman/Merriman.I agree about Cooper/Burnett also.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Very subjective list - I don't know how much I agree with it though. Volek has looked good in spots, but I think Philip Rivers is the most valuable and indispensable player on this roster.

I was thinking that myself. I'd put him and Jamal at the top of the list.

Acee said he doesnt make mistakes? I recall several late game INT's that cost the chargers the game. Buffalo, NO in London two examples.He corrects that, and we really got something. But I agree him and Merriman are 1a & 1b

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Vasquez named starter at RG. Hope the kid shows up this year, need him

And back to Acees ranking - Clary? worst RT in all of football dude couldnt block me