Chargers encouraged by DL play

Going into last week’s game against the Broncos, the Chargers thought their improved health on the defensive line would help them play against the run, and at least by the numbers, that appears to be the case.

Entering Monday’s game, the Chargers were allowing 151 rushing yards per game, and opponents were averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Denver gained 101 yards on the ground and averaged 3.1 yards per attempt. The Broncos had five runs on which they were stopped for no gain and eight more in which they were limited to two yards or less.

Having more healthy bodies available helped everyone up front perform better. Defensive tackle Ian Scott played 20 snaps in his 2009 debut, and Travis Johnson played 16 in his first action since Week 1.

"For the first time we were stout in terms of guys that are really good at their positions," Rivera said. "We got Ian back and he’s a bigger body who plays with better leverage. We got Travis back who gives us a 300-pound guy at the end rotation. Plus it helped to give the other guys more of a break."

After playing 64 snaps at Pittsburgh, defensive end Luis Castillo had his workload reduced to 42 against Denver and defensive end Jacques Cesaire went from 45 against the Steelers to 33 verses the Broncos.

"It was great to be able to go hard and know that you had somebody else coming in within three or four plays," Castillo said. "It lets you play with a better tempo out there because you are a lot fresher."

over 2 years ago John Gennaro 20 comments 0 recs |

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Ian Scott definitely surprised me

I was expecting him to play into the oblivion that is the DL. I expected something Cesaire-like where you knew he was on the field, but never really noticed he was there. Instead, I think his name was actually called 1 or 2 times. Considering that he wasn’t a starter that’s a pretty nice way to get your 2009 season going.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 23, 2009 11:00 AM PDT reply actions

Ditto

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 23, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Definitely.

Watching and re-watching the game, his presence was noticeable.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 23, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Scott will be part of what turns this team around.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 23, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions

It’s certainly possible.

by Richard Wade on Oct 23, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Rotating the Beef

It was great to be able to go hard and know that you had somebody else coming in within three or four plays

This should be on AJs To Do List if he survives until next season. AJ … Linemen are not QBs. You can not and should not expect a high level of performance out of a single Lineman if he is on the field for every snap. What a CONCEPT? Thanks for that one Luis!

Maybe AJ should pick up a few extra Linemen next year?

by Trendsearcher on Oct 23, 2009 12:43 PM PDT reply actions

I've been saying that for a half a decade (at least)

You can hope, but maybe you should not expect.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 23, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

We were supposed to start with....

Castillo
Williams
Cesaire

Bingham
Scott
Martin
Nwagbuo (maybe)

That’d be a good rotation. This new one isn’t terrible, but AJ’s had to replace half of the rotation:

Castillo
Nwagbuo
Cesaire

Johnson
Scott
Boone

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 23, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Martin would not

have been a part of your first case “good” rotation. He is not even playing on the current rotation. He is not ready to contribute on the NFL level. Perhaps some day he will be.

by JeromeB on Oct 23, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

OG either

We had some beef in camp, I just didn’t think it was a very good grade of beef. Compared to some of the other teams that actually make the acquisition of Linemen a priority.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 23, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Not to be negative, but did it really matter?? Our defense still coulnd’t get off the field and stil gave up big plays, especially on 3rd downs. 2nd half was torture for our entire team and fan base in that Bronco’s game.

Ron Rivera, your scheme is not working. You should try to simplify the defense. NT is an excuse, because Denver doesn’t have a big name NT but they sure can play defense.

It’s about the scheme, it’s about making adjustments when u lose a guy like Williams. We have not done that. I don’t hink Rivera is cut out to our D-coor.

by BOLTUREYE on Oct 23, 2009 1:00 PM PDT reply actions

Not to be negative, but did it really matter??

Yes, it did.

by Richard Wade on Oct 23, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

That’s nice, but as long as the LB’s continue their non-play, it won’t make a bit of difference. Add that together with the Safety’s often missing in action and it’s no wonder the defense is on the field all game long.

by philiprules on Oct 23, 2009 1:12 PM PDT reply actions

As the D line improves, so will the LBs. In a 3-4, the D-line’s job is to take up blockers to free up the LBs. That haven’t been happening.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 23, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Oh, I see. It’s the DL’s fault the LB’s can’t fill a run hole. And the DL’s all have to suck up double teams so our LBs can run free to maybe put pressure the QB. Is that it? Pullllllease.
There used to be the day where Merriman or Phillips could take on that one-on-one block and beat it. But no longer. Cooper has been average, Burnett has been a complete waste of money, Merriman has zero burst past any blocker no matter how big and ponderous and Phillips has just plain disappeared. I’ll cut English some slack because I never really expect much from rookies.
And I really don’t understand this ongoing “blame it on AJ” thing (other than he can’t pick coaches worth a damn). Havn’t the Chargers consistently been picked as the most talent deep team for the past couple years. Sounds like he’s been doing his job. Provide the talent. It’s just for whatever reason, that talent is either not motivated enough (maybe they all need to work at Enterprise RAC for a while) or the coaching is atrocious.

by philiprules on Oct 23, 2009 3:50 PM PDT reply actions

Soooo, you're fine with the DL play as it is?

Or you just wanted to rant?

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 23, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

you rant on occasion too wonko...let the guy have his moment....he's hurting :(

Chance favors the prepared mind.......

by Gorditoe1 on Oct 23, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions

The defensive line’s struggles really have had a lot to do with the struggles of the linebacking corps whether you choose to accept that or not. Also, Burnett has been pretty effective. Merriman isn’t the player he once was and Phillips isn’t as good without Merriman commanding the respect he once did. Cooper is a little better than average, but not by much. English is progressing nicely, but he’s no DeMarcus Ware.

by Richard Wade on Oct 24, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions

If we assume

that Merriman, for whatever reason, is no longer on the team next year and English takes his place, by my count we need at least 4 new starters on defense:

Nose Tackle
Defensive End
Inside Linebacker
Strong Safety

If possible we should also look to upgrade the other inside linebacker spot as well. We’ll probably have to look to the draft for a nose tackle. Maybe Martin will be ready to play DE next year, but we should look to free agency for that spot as well. For the inside linebacker spots we should look to the draft, but also consider signing a veteran. For strong safety, I still think we should sign Sean Jones, currently on a 1-year deal with Philadelphia.

We're boned.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 24, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions