*** Official 2013 San Diego Chargers **** (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

I think you are overlooking the mad genius of having a roster with depth so paper thin that anyone can easily be replaced using the waiver wire. SD actually has the deepest team in the league since they can all be replaced so easily. For instance they start 4 DB's and just picked up their 3rd most talented DB off the waiver wire.

Good points.

On another note, I think we're about to plumb the depths of lousy uniforms in Chargers' history Monday night. This current batch sucks hard already, but on Monday night they're going with all whites in an attempt at a "white out". :X I've never understood the white out concept - just about every team has a white version of their uniform, it's not like you're distinguishing yourself in any way. Why not go with yellow or blue, at least not every team uses those colors. Is the savings on pigment really that significant?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Any thought on RW posting about SD depth chart?

Vincent Brown is the real No. 2 WR and Woodhead is the true RB2?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Any thought on RW posting about SD depth chart?

Vincent Brown is the real No. 2 WR and Woodhead is the true RB2?

RW?

but yes to your questions. I think Ronnie Brown and maybe thie Fozzy guy could get early down work if (when) Mathews is nicked though and keep woodhead in 3rd down/COP role. Woodhead has also been lining up in the slot as a WR alot

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I'm not sure I see all the reason for the negativity on the Chargers this year. The Chiefs will be better which may pose a problem in division, but otherwise the Raiders are the same (or worse) and the Bronocs are the same (and maybe weaker with Miller out).

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm not sure I see all the reason for the negativity on the Chargers this year. The Chiefs will be better which may pose a problem in division, but otherwise the Raiders are the same (or worse) and the Bronocs are the same (and maybe weaker with Miller out).

1) The offensive line - will be better at run blocking than last year, but showed no sign of improvement in pass protection, meaning they might be the worst pass protecting unit in the league

2) CB - nearly a total unknown at this point

3) Injuries - already lost Ingram and Alexander for the year. Teo hasn't played in weeks. Floyd & Royal already dinged up, the other receivers besides Tutu seem to be injury prone. Glassthews. Gates is injury prone (and old).

4) No depth. I mean none.

5) Coverage units have been shaky in preseason, return units are nothing to get excited about.

6) HIstory

The good news - the defensive front 7 should be pretty good. Matthews has looked good in limited action and the starting OLine has looked good blocking for him. Woodhead could be a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. Green and Allen could be dynamic playmakers down the field. McCoy has a good recent history of tailoring his gameplans to get the most out of the talent available.

The season will boil down to whether the OLine can keep Rivers's jersey clean. If they can't it'll be a reprise of last year - probably worse if/when injury hits. I'm hoping for the best, but planning on that scenario.

 

[BoltBacker]

I'm not sure I see all the reason for the negativity on the Chargers this year. The Chiefs will be better which may pose a problem in division, but otherwise the Raiders are the same (or worse) and the Bronocs are the same (and maybe weaker with Miller out).

They do look better because of the division they are in for sure.

I said early last year I didn't see a playoff victory coming out of the AFC West. The more things change in this division the more they stay the same.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I'm not sure I see all the reason for the negativity on the Chargers this year. The Chiefs will be better which may pose a problem in division, but otherwise the Raiders are the same (or worse) and the Bronocs are the same (and maybe weaker with Miller out).

I agree. Vegas is saying about 7.5 wins, which seems about right to me. But to listen to a lot of casual fans talk, the Chargers are among the two or three most likely teams to draft Clowney next year. I don't see that at all. I think seven or eight wins is pretty likely.

 

[Beerguzzler]

I'm not sure I see all the reason for the negativity on the Chargers this year. The Chiefs will be better which may pose a problem in division, but otherwise the Raiders are the same (or worse) and the Bronocs are the same (and maybe weaker with Miller out).

I agree. Vegas is saying about 7.5 wins, which seems about right to me. But to listen to a lot of casual fans talk, the Chargers are among the two or three most likely teams to draft Clowney next year. I don't see that at all. I think seven or eight wins is pretty likely.

It will boil down to how the Defense comes together. If the secondary proves to be an upgrade and stays healthy, I can see the D becoming a real force and winning a few games for us. The offense needs to focus on ball control and limiting turnovers. We can't afford to get pass happy with the state of the O line.

 

[ebsteelers]

Anyone expecting some noise out of Green early in the year? Or will it be more of a later in the year once Gates breaks down type thing

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

There hasn't been much if anything in the way of Green starting, but given the need at receiver I don't know why they wouldn't get him on the field.

I think he'd be more effective as a WR1 (especially when you measure his blocking against other WRs instead of other TEs) than any other WR they've got. Make Green the #1 (basically replacing Alexander -- but in more of a Brandon Marshall type role), Floyd the deep-threat #2 and Brown or Royal the underneath slot/#3 guy and IMO the passing game would be better.

 

[ImTheScientist]

I think Ryan Mathews has a bounce back year.

 

[ebsteelers]

There hasn't been much if anything in the way of Green starting, but given the need at receiver I don't know why they wouldn't get him on the field.

I think he'd be more effective as a WR1 (especially when you measure his blocking against other WRs instead of other TEs) than any other WR they've got. Make Green the #1 (basically replacing Alexander -- but in more of a Brandon Marshall type role), Floyd the deep-thread #2 and Brown or Royal the underneath slot/#3 guy and IMO the passing game would be better.

thanks for the info. I took a flyer on Green in the 20th round figured at that rate its worth a draft and stash for a few weeks to see if he flashes at all..

I have heard how bad of a blocker he is but what would think they need to get him on the field like you said.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

There hasn't been much if anything in the way of Green starting, but given the need at receiver I don't know why they wouldn't get him on the field.

I think he'd be more effective as a WR1 (especially when you measure his blocking against other WRs instead of other TEs) than any other WR they've got. Make Green the #1 (basically replacing Alexander -- but in more of a Brandon Marshall type role), Floyd the deep-thread #2 and Brown or Royal the underneath slot/#3 guy and IMO the passing game would be better.

thanks for the info. I took a flyer on Green in the 20th round figured at that rate its worth a draft and stash for a few weeks to see if he flashes at all..

I have heard how bad of a blocker he is but what would think they need to get him on the field like you said.

He's a bad blocker for a TE. At 240 he'd assuredly be a better blocker than Vincent Brown or Eddie Royal.

Also I wouldn't really consider this "info". More of a "random musing" type thing. I don't expect it'll actually happen.

 

[ebsteelers]

Understood.

Just trying to decide if he will be worth stashing for a few weeks , or if he doesnt flash the first 2 or 3 games just cut bait

 

[Gr00vus]

If you drafted Green you should hold on to him. You're probably right that he won't get lots of targets early in the season, but as the season goes on I expect him to have a bigger role in the offense both due to continuing to gain experience and due to injuries to Gates and the WRs. He's been the brightest spot of the preseason for the offense after the seemingly improved run blocking IMO. McCoy will find a way to utilize him. If/when Gates gets hurt Green could put up TE1 numbers.

 

[Gr00vus]

Practice squad is full.

Only one WR among the 8 and no RB, but it seems like a good mix of positions.

 

[Gr00vus]

Guys added to the 53 man roster over the last couple of days.

an active Sunday morning that saw them trade for defensive lineman Sean Lissemore, agree to terms with linebacker Reggie Walker and claim defensive linemanDrake Nevis and linebacker Terrell Manning.

 

[ebsteelers]

If you drafted Green you should hold on to him. You're probably right that he won't get lots of targets early in the season, but as the season goes on I expect him to have a bigger role in the offense both due to continuing to gain experience and due to injuries to Gates and the WRs. He's been the brightest spot of the preseason for the offense after the seemingly improved run blocking IMO. McCoy will find a way to utilize him. If/when Gates gets hurt Green could put up TE1 numbers.

i have paired with gronk and dwayne allen.. with te as a flex.. figure at round 20 hes worth the flyer.

 

[Tau837]

Guys added to the 53 man roster over the last couple of days.

an active Sunday morning that saw them trade for defensive lineman Sean Lissemore, agree to terms with linebacker Reggie Walker and claim defensive linemanDrake Nevis and linebacker Terrell Manning.

I love Terrell Manning. He played for my alma mater and I watched all of his college games. He was a great linebacker by the end of his college career, and I expected him to be a good NFL player. I hope he emerges with the Chargers.

 

[Gr00vus]

Guys added to the 53 man roster over the last couple of days.

an active Sunday morning that saw them trade for defensive lineman Sean Lissemore, agree to terms with linebacker Reggie Walker and claim defensive linemanDrake Nevis and linebacker Terrell Manning.

I love Terrell Manning. He played for my alma mater and I watched all of his college games. He was a great linebacker by the end of his college career, and I expected him to be a good NFL player. I hope he emerges with the Chargers.

Manning might be active Monday night already to fill in on special teams.

Walker and Manning both may be needed on special teams.

The Chargers are carrying six inside linebackers on their roster, a likely indication the team isn't counting on Manti Te'o (foot sprain) to be ready to handle much, if any, of a role Week 1. Te'o's absence would make Bront Bird the starting Mike linebacker, so Bird won't see his usual special-teams involvement.

Walker and perhaps Manning will be asked to pick up the slack.

Bront Bird starting =

 

[tommyGunZ]

Did you hear Bird's interview on 1090 yesterday Gr00ves? The guy is fascinating - he was running a sewage company in North Dakota prior to getting signed.

 

[Gr00vus]

Did you hear Bird's interview on 1090 yesterday Gr00ves? The guy is fascinating - he was running a sewage company in North Dakota prior to getting signed.

No I didn't catch it. Do they podcast? Since I moved closer to work I don't have as much time in the car to listen, and also my 1090 reception has gotten much worse. Plus it seems most afternoons/evening drive time is Padres baseball right now.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Did you hear Bird's interview on 1090 yesterday Gr00ves? The guy is fascinating - he was running a sewage company in North Dakota prior to getting signed.

No I didn't catch it. Do they podcast? Since I moved closer to work I don't have as much time in the car to listen, and also my 1090 reception has gotten much worse. Plus it seems most afternoons/evening drive time is Padres baseball right now.

Usually they do - someone was hosting in place of Darren Smith yesterday so it's not up yet.

Interesting guy, but yeah, I share your disappointment with him starting. That's ugly. Teo needs to get healthy soon.

 

[Gr00vus]

Did you hear Bird's interview on 1090 yesterday Gr00ves? The guy is fascinating - he was running a sewage company in North Dakota prior to getting signed.

No I didn't catch it. Do they podcast? Since I moved closer to work I don't have as much time in the car to listen, and also my 1090 reception has gotten much worse. Plus it seems most afternoons/evening drive time is Padres baseball right now.

Usually they do - someone was hosting in place of Darren Smith yesterday so it's not up yet.

Interesting guy, but yeah, I share your disappointment with him starting. That's ugly. Teo needs to get healthy soon.

Don't worry, Jonas Mouton will be along any minute to fix things right up. Thanks A.J.!

 

[Tau837]

Report: Chargers QB Philip Rivers restructures contract

While Peyton Manning was busy throwing an NFL-record tying seven touchdown passes on Thursday, another AFC West quarterback was busy doing something too: Philip Rivers.

Rivers and the Chargers put the finishing touches on a contract restructure that will clear $3.32 million in 2013 cap space for the team, according to UT San Diego.

The 31-year-old quarterback won't be making less money in 2013, he'll just be making it in a different way. Before reworking the contract, Rivers was set to make $12 million in base salary in 2013. However, under the restructured deal, Rivers will make $7 million in base salary and the other $5 million will be converted into signing bonus money.

The conversion from base salary to bonus money means the $5 million can be counted over the life of the contract, which in this case means the money will be spread over the final three seasons of Rivers' current deal.

Restructuring a deal this is close to the regular season is definitely a little odd, but UT San Diego has a theory: the paper believes the Chargers will use the $3.32 in cap savings to sign linebacker Donald Butler to an extension.

The Chargers kick off their 2013 season on Monday when they host the Texans.

His remaining contract, from Spotrac:

YEAR BASE S. BONUS MISC. CAP HIT DEAD2013 7,000,000 5,576,667 1,200,000 13,776,667 11,310,0012014 13,800,000 1,666,667 1,200,000 16,666,667 4,533,3342015 15,750,000 1,666,667 - 17,416,667 1,666,667I have been of the opinion all along that the Chargers will stick with Rivers at least through 2014, and probably for the remainder of his career. Does this restructuring make it more or less likely that the Chargers would consider moving on after 2013/2014/2015?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Any Charger Homers interested in going to the game tonight? I have a 3 yr old and an 8 month old, so I can't make it - my season tickets (13 rows from the field on the 7 yard line) are available for 1/2 face if you're interested.

 

[cstu]

Any Charger Homers interested in going to the game tonight? I have a 3 yr old and an 8 month old, so I can't make it - my season tickets (13 rows from the field on the 7 yard line) are available for 1/2 face if you're interested.

Sure, if you don't babysitting a 5 yo.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Any Charger Homers interested in going to the game tonight? I have a 3 yr old and an 8 month old, so I can't make it - my season tickets (13 rows from the field on the 7 yard line) are available for 1/2 face if you're interested.

Sure, if you don't babysitting a 5 yo.

 

[cstu]

Report: Chargers QB Philip Rivers restructures contract

While Peyton Manning was busy throwing an NFL-record tying seven touchdown passes on Thursday, another AFC West quarterback was busy doing something too: Philip Rivers.

Rivers and the Chargers put the finishing touches on a contract restructure that will clear $3.32 million in 2013 cap space for the team, according to UT San Diego.

The 31-year-old quarterback won't be making less money in 2013, he'll just be making it in a different way. Before reworking the contract, Rivers was set to make $12 million in base salary in 2013. However, under the restructured deal, Rivers will make $7 million in base salary and the other $5 million will be converted into signing bonus money.

The conversion from base salary to bonus money means the $5 million can be counted over the life of the contract, which in this case means the money will be spread over the final three seasons of Rivers' current deal.

Restructuring a deal this is close to the regular season is definitely a little odd, but UT San Diego has a theory: the paper believes the Chargers will use the $3.32 in cap savings to sign linebacker Donald Butler to an extension.

The Chargers kick off their 2013 season on Monday when they host the Texans.

His remaining contract, from Spotrac:

YEAR BASE S. BONUS MISC. CAP HIT DEAD2013 7,000,000 5,576,667 1,200,000 13,776,667 11,310,0012014 13,800,000 1,666,667 1,200,000 16,666,667 4,533,3342015 15,750,000 1,666,667 - 17,416,667 1,666,667I have been of the opinion all along that the Chargers will stick with Rivers at least through 2014, and probably for the remainder of his career. Does this restructuring make it more or less likely that the Chargers would consider moving on after 2013/2014/2015?

I'm not sure it matters. That's still $12M they can save on the cap by cutting him. The problem is who are they going to start if they cut him next year?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Report: Chargers QB Philip Rivers restructures contract

While Peyton Manning was busy throwing an NFL-record tying seven touchdown passes on Thursday, another AFC West quarterback was busy doing something too: Philip Rivers.

Rivers and the Chargers put the finishing touches on a contract restructure that will clear $3.32 million in 2013 cap space for the team, according to UT San Diego.

The 31-year-old quarterback won't be making less money in 2013, he'll just be making it in a different way. Before reworking the contract, Rivers was set to make $12 million in base salary in 2013. However, under the restructured deal, Rivers will make $7 million in base salary and the other $5 million will be converted into signing bonus money.

The conversion from base salary to bonus money means the $5 million can be counted over the life of the contract, which in this case means the money will be spread over the final three seasons of Rivers' current deal.

Restructuring a deal this is close to the regular season is definitely a little odd, but UT San Diego has a theory: the paper believes the Chargers will use the $3.32 in cap savings to sign linebacker Donald Butler to an extension.

The Chargers kick off their 2013 season on Monday when they host the Texans.

His remaining contract, from Spotrac:

YEAR BASE S. BONUS MISC. CAP HIT DEAD2013 7,000,000 5,576,667 1,200,000 13,776,667 11,310,0012014 13,800,000 1,666,667 1,200,000 16,666,667 4,533,3342015 15,750,000 1,666,667 - 17,416,667 1,666,667I have been of the opinion all along that the Chargers will stick with Rivers at least through 2014, and probably for the remainder of his career. Does this restructuring make it more or less likely that the Chargers would consider moving on after 2013/2014/2015?

I'm not sure it matters. That's still $12M they can save on the cap by cutting him. The problem is who are they going to start if they cut him next year?

I can't imagine the Chargers cutting a healthy Rivers prior to his contract running out.

 

[Beerguzzler]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

 

[BoltBacker]

Report: Chargers QB Philip Rivers restructures contract

While Peyton Manning was busy throwing an NFL-record tying seven touchdown passes on Thursday, another AFC West quarterback was busy doing something too: Philip Rivers.

Rivers and the Chargers put the finishing touches on a contract restructure that will clear $3.32 million in 2013 cap space for the team, according to UT San Diego.

The 31-year-old quarterback won't be making less money in 2013, he'll just be making it in a different way. Before reworking the contract, Rivers was set to make $12 million in base salary in 2013. However, under the restructured deal, Rivers will make $7 million in base salary and the other $5 million will be converted into signing bonus money.

The conversion from base salary to bonus money means the $5 million can be counted over the life of the contract, which in this case means the money will be spread over the final three seasons of Rivers' current deal.

Restructuring a deal this is close to the regular season is definitely a little odd, but UT San Diego has a theory: the paper believes the Chargers will use the $3.32 in cap savings to sign linebacker Donald Butler to an extension.

The Chargers kick off their 2013 season on Monday when they host the Texans.

His remaining contract, from Spotrac:

YEAR BASE S. BONUS MISC. CAP HIT DEAD2013 7,000,000 5,576,667 1,200,000 13,776,667 11,310,0012014 13,800,000 1,666,667 1,200,000 16,666,667 4,533,3342015 15,750,000 1,666,667 - 17,416,667 1,666,667I have been of the opinion all along that the Chargers will stick with Rivers at least through 2014, and probably for the remainder of his career. Does this restructuring make it more or less likely that the Chargers would consider moving on after 2013/2014/2015?

I'm not sure it matters. That's still $12M they can save on the cap by cutting him. The problem is who are they going to start if they cut him next year?

I can't imagine the Chargers cutting a healthy Rivers prior to his contract running out.

I can't imagine the Chargers paying Rivers ~17mil/season for even one more year let alone two, and Rivers hasn't seemed willing to reduce his salary at all.

 

[BoltBacker]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

Why? How is next offseason different than the last offseason?

BTW, how did Rivers restructure his contract without adding more years? I thought in the Meach conversation it was said that to restructure his contract you'd have to add more years onto the contract.

 

[BoltBacker]

I'm not sure it matters. That's still $12M they can save on the cap by cutting him. The problem is who are they going to start if they cut him next year?

Worst case: Sanchez competing with a rookie(drafted round 1-2)

Best case: Freeman competing with a rookie(drafted round 2-4)

I don't think either of those guys are going to get a big payday. Especially when compared to $17mil for a single season. I've actually always liked Freeman and think he gets blamed for far too much whenever anything goes wrong in TB.

 

[Gr00vus]

For whatever reason, I'm starting to walk myself up from my 4 wins projection. This happens right before the opener every season for me - I start thinking about how things would go if everything broke right. Stupid optimism.

 

[Beerguzzler]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

Why? How is next offseason different than the last offseason?

BTW, how did Rivers restructure his contract without adding more years? I thought in the Meach conversation it was said that to restructure his contract you'd have to add more years onto the contract.

Because I don't expect 3 LT's to go in the first 4 picks.

 

[BoltBacker]

For whatever reason, I'm starting to walk myself up from my 4 wins projection. This happens right before the opener every season for me - I start thinking about how things would go if everything broke right. Stupid optimism.

If nobody else gets hurt they'll probably finish with ~7 wins, not that I'm exactly looking forward to just below middle of the pack. But I'm also not expecting Mathews, Gates, etc to be healthy all year either. And they have been playing Russian roulette with Rivers behind that line for years now.

 

[BoltBacker]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

Why? How is next offseason different than the last offseason?

BTW, how did Rivers restructure his contract without adding more years? I thought in the Meach conversation it was said that to restructure his contract you'd have to add more years onto the contract.

Because I don't expect 3 LT's to go in the first 4 picks.

To me that type of thinking is part of the problem.

If Lance Johnson had been there at pick #11 the OL wouldn't have been fixed. Fluker wasn't a bad pick imo, but one guy is not going to fix the mess that is the SD OL. One and a half guys(Fluker+Dunlap) barely puts a dent in the problem. If Telesco puts fourth the effort to fix the OL he has thus far it'll take 5 years to have a solid set of starters and some depth on the OL. That's assuming none of them end up being flops.

Maybe all the excuses why AJ couldn't invest draft picks and FA $ to actually build up the OL is still fresh in my memory. It all feels more of the same to me. Well, Mathews is a special talent that you have to trade multiple picks to draft him. If you don't trade multiple picks to take a special talent like T'eo you end up starting a guy like... Bront Bird? Circumstances conspired against fixing the the OL this year, but next year...... I've heard all of it before.

 

[Beerguzzler]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

Why? How is next offseason different than the last offseason?

BTW, how did Rivers restructure his contract without adding more years? I thought in the Meach conversation it was said that to restructure his contract you'd have to add more years onto the contract.

Because I don't expect 3 LT's to go in the first 4 picks.

To me that type of thinking is part of the problem.

If Lance Johnson had been there at pick #11 the OL wouldn't have been fixed. Fluker wasn't a bad pick imo, but one guy is not going to fix the mess that is the SD OL. One and a half guys(Fluker+Dunlap) barely puts a dent in the problem. If Telesco puts fourth the effort to fix the OL he has thus far it'll take 5 years to have a solid set of starters and some depth on the OL. That's assuming none of them end up being flops.

Maybe all the excuses why AJ couldn't invest draft picks and FA $ to actually build up the OL is still fresh in my memory. It all feels more of the same to me. Well, Mathews is a special talent that you have to trade multiple picks to draft him. If you don't trade multiple picks to take a special talent like T'eo you end up starting a guy like... Bront Bird? Circumstances conspired against fixing the the OL this year, but next year...... I've heard all of it before.

I never expected it to be fixed in 1 offseason. I expected 2, which is why I say it will be fixed following this offseason when we have our 1st round bookend tackles. If the value is there I also expect a 3rd rounder at OG or C. Lines can't be fixed over night. I think he didn pretty well considering this offseason, but we are still severely handicapped by the dead money that AJ left. It's not till 2015 that we'll be out from under all that dead cap space he left behind. Luckily that should be just in time to extend Liuget.

 

[Raider Nation]

Hopefully Gates has a productive night. Gonna need 5 for 50 or a TD out of him.

C'mon, big fella!

 

[Beerguzzler]

Hopefully Gates has a productive night. Gonna need 5 for 50 or a TD out of him.

C'mon, big fella!

That will be easy to do. The Texans are really hurting up the middle of the D. There's no way Mays can cover Gates and he's going to shred that rookie at S.

 

[BoltBacker]

I never expected it to be fixed in 1 offseason. I expected 2, which is why I say it will be fixed following this offseason when we have our 1st round bookend tackles. If the value is there I also expect a 3rd rounder at OG or C. Lines can't be fixed over night. I think he didn pretty well considering this offseason, but we are still severely handicapped by the dead money that AJ left. It's not till 2015 that we'll be out from under all that dead cap space he left behind. Luckily that should be just in time to extend Liuget.

I read this a lot.

I don't think you can go from an F- to an A+ overnight. Agreed. But you should be able to go from an F- to a D+ or maybe even C- in an offseason imo. This isn't a case where you have a B- and it's an uphill battle to build the best OL in the game. But if you are at bottom, after an offseason you are still dead last... it just isn't a priority. Even in your scenario the team has bookend tackles and possibly a mid round pick fighting for playing time with three terrible interior lineman. So 2/5ths of the way there after 2 years. Again, assuming that one of those tackles isn't a complete bust. There are plenty of people that think Fluker may end up being a better guard than he will be a tackle. Tonight will definitely be a test for him.

The salary cap stuff is just an excuse. Plenty of OLman got signed this offseason for reasonable prices just as plenty of lineman were drafted after the first round this year when SD obviously felt like it wasn't a priority to draft anyone after Fluker.

 

[Raider Nation]

Hopefully Gates has a productive night. Gonna need 5 for 50 or a TD out of him.

C'mon, big fella!

That will be easy to do. The Texans are really hurting up the middle of the D. There's no way Mays can cover Gates and he's going to shred that rookie at S.

Rivers with 4 TDs. None to Gates, and now he probably doesn't even need to throw much more.

I really, really hate this stupid hobby.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

you guys might as well furnish that basement and get comfortable

 

[Tau837]

He likely gets this year and next as well. I expect our O line woes to be fully addressed following the next offseason so really there will be no excuses in 2014. He will have 1 year in the offense and should have adequate protection. That being said, we are winning this season too you bastards!

Why? How is next offseason different than the last offseason?

BTW, how did Rivers restructure his contract without adding more years? I thought in the Meach conversation it was said that to restructure his contract you'd have to add more years onto the contract.

Because I don't expect 3 LT's to go in the first 4 picks.

To me that type of thinking is part of the problem.

If Lance Johnson had been there at pick #11 the OL wouldn't have been fixed. Fluker wasn't a bad pick imo, but one guy is not going to fix the mess that is the SD OL. One and a half guys(Fluker+Dunlap) barely puts a dent in the problem. If Telesco puts fourth the effort to fix the OL he has thus far it'll take 5 years to have a solid set of starters and some depth on the OL. That's assuming none of them end up being flops.

Maybe all the excuses why AJ couldn't invest draft picks and FA $ to actually build up the OL is still fresh in my memory. It all feels more of the same to me. Well, Mathews is a special talent that you have to trade multiple picks to draft him. If you don't trade multiple picks to take a special talent like T'eo you end up starting a guy like... Bront Bird? Circumstances conspired against fixing the the OL this year, but next year...... I've heard all of it before.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'd like to say I'm surprised. I'd like to say that, but I can't. I guess one unpleasant surprise was the defense was pretty underwhelming tending to bad all the way around. The front 7 was getting worked regularly on runs. Who the #### is that Marshall DB guy and why was he "playing" so much - he looked like he didn't belong on the roster.

In FF Matthews owners can't be thrilled about what went down last night in terms of utilization.

Eddie Royal almost had me convinced I was wrong about him, right up until he dropped that easy 3rd down pass.

 

[Gr00vus]

It was like Norv came back to coach the second half. :X

 

[Tau837]

The RB usage is absolutely baffling to me. I thought it was an A.J.-Norv thing with Mathews, but apparently not. Per PFF, here are the snap counts from last night:

25 Brown

20 Mathews

10 Woodhead

PFF ratings for them last night:

+1.1 Mathews

+0.5 Woodhead

-0.7 Brown

In 13 carries, Mathews had 33 yards rushing, including 24 yards after contact. He broke or avoided 2 tackles. Not great, but not bad at all, considering it felt like the defense was meeting him in the backfield and/or at the line consistently. He caught both of his targets for 22 yards and a TD, with 17 yards after the catch. He had a positive pass blocking rating. What does he have to do to earn more touches?

Moving on, Clary and Fluker graded out terribly at run blocking - PFF ratings of -3.4 and -3.9, respectively. I get that the Texans have a good DL, but isn't that area supposed to be a strength for those two? That's not going to get it done. Phillips also graded out poorly (-1.5)... if he isn't going to do any better than that, it would be nice for Green to get more than 8 snaps.

Speaking of that, here are the WR snaps:

54 Floyd

51 Brown

31 Royal

What is Allen's health situation? I hadn't heard anything and assumed we might see him last night.

It's going to be a long season...

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

they did better than the bloodbath that I thought was coming.

little bit somber because I thought they had it won

That defense is awful as is the Oline

I agree that Mathews should be playing more, but he is an injury risk. Ronnie Brown has nothing left to give

 

[Gr00vus]

And why the #### didn't McCoy use his timeouts to save some time at the end of the game for a last ditch attempt at a FG?

And yes, the OLine was awful, particularly in the 2nd half.

Re: Allen, they don't think he's ready yet.

Agreed on Phillips - he gave them very little at TE, might as well let Green have the reps.