Shawne Merriman is Out for the Season

by DaBolts on Sep 9, 2008 4:41 PM PDT

It's just been reported that Merriman has decided to undergo surgery to rebuild his knee (Hat tip to Big Blue Shoe and Eaters). Apparently it didn't feel right after the game and he informed AJ Smith that he was going to get the surgery. There is no doubt that he will be missed, he brought huge pressure from that OLB position. You just don't replace a Pro Bowler and not take a hit. Over three years Merriman has put up 40.5 sacks and has been an emotional force on the field. Jyles Tucker looks to be the logical replacement, and certainly had a huge game against the Raiders last year; producing three sacks and recovering a fumble for a TD.

This is the smart move for Merriman, he looked great in straight lines but his ability to cut looked limited. This way Merriman will have time to rehab and come back strong in 2009; the final year of his contract. Hopefully he is young enough that he will bounce all the way back to what Charger fans know is the best linebacker in the NFL. While a tough break coming at the start of the season, it would be a shame if he took a hit that ended his career. Overcoming adversity is a hallmark of great teams, it will be interesting to see how the Chargers respond next week in Denver.

Poll

How do you think this will affect the season?

Wow, our defense is in deep trouble until he comes back in '09.

21 votes

This is going to hurt, we won't see the same pressure.

29 votes

A moderate problem, these backups are not quite up to par.

15 votes

We are going to be mildly worse, but can still take care of business.

17 votes

No impact, the backups have it covered.

8 votes

90 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 11 comments

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Comments

I don't think pressure is an issue

I think pass coverage and run stopping is the big issue. By most accounts, Merriman is one of the best at both of these things, there’s just no way that Tucker can match that. Tucker is a good pass rusher, that’s really his specialty. You could basically say the same for Marques Harris. Although I thing Harris’ body type and speed looks like a better fit for coverage while Tucker’s size and strength look like they could play well in the running game if he learns the proper techniques.

With all due respect, you are not allowed to find our division rivals sexy.

by Wonko on Sep 9, 2008 4:47 PM PDT 0 recs

Based on Sunday

Merriman wasn’t the Merriman we knew anyway, and that wasn’t what was wrong with the defense. Replacements have serious shoes to fill, but I don’t think this turn of events torpedoes the season.

It makes me kinda mad he didn’t try to figure this out in preseason so this was out of the way before heading into game 2 of the regular season.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you?

by Axion on Sep 9, 2008 4:53 PM PDT 0 recs

Amen brother

With all due respect, you are not allowed to find our division rivals sexy.

by Wonko on Sep 9, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up 0 recs

Strange

He didn’t give the least bit of a hint on the radio this morning, of course they would have be innappropriate but still no indication given at all.

Shawne is a very special player but because our incredible depth at LB I don’t think this is going to make a huge impact. Perhaps signing Derek Smith was insurance just in case this happened. In any case, I’d like to see what Waters can do once he is ready to play.

People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.

by sdsuaztec4 on Sep 9, 2008 4:58 PM PDT 0 recs

D. Smith plays ILB

He was signed to take over for Coop’s 4 game absence

by matto619 on Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up 0 recs

Dam!!!!

with Merriman gone the pressure wont be da sme
hopefull marques Harris can fill in 4 him
i heard that harris is a pass rushing “specialist”
dat better be true

Wear the Silver,Wear the Black, Never Retreat, Always Attack!!!

by Jagjivan on Sep 9, 2008 4:58 PM PDT 0 recs

Harrison should be starting!

With all due respect, you are not allowed to find our division rivals sexy.

by Wonko on Sep 9, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up 0 recs

I fricken love that Harrison guy

He should totally play the platoon position. He’s the next Bo Sanders or Deon Jackson.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you?

by Axion on Sep 9, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up 0 recs

It sucks, but we should be fine

AJ’s seriously got some kinda crystal ball considering how deep we are at LB

by matto619 on Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM PDT 0 recs

I'm almost glad he's getting the surgery.

I was afraid the whole game on Sunday that he’d take an awkward hit to the knee and it would just rip apart.

"If I wasn't Bob Dylan, I'd probably think that Bob Dylan has a lot of answers myself." - Bob Dylan

by JollyWaffle on Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM PDT 0 recs

Shame.

I feel badly that Merriman will be out this year, but I’m glad he didn’t hurt himself further. I think the Chargers have solid depth across the board, so they shouldn’t be much worse (especially since he was less than 100%). Really, I just wanted to say hi DaBolts, because I missed the grand opening! Congrats on getting the gig and good luck on the season. Go Broncos!

Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/

by ejruiz on Sep 9, 2008 9:35 PM PDT 0 recs