It's not that I blame Merriman; as he's still clearly hobbled with the knee injury and probably shouldn't even be on the field yet, but let's face it: The Chargers are giving up 25 points and 365 yards per game. They have a paltry six sacks in four games. They're giving up 4.6 yards per carry. They were pushed around by the Steelers offensive line, and they shouldn't be pushing around anybody.
You can attribute that to injuries or whatever, and that might be legit, but the bottom line is that it's not very good. If Shawne Merriman or anyone else doesn't like it, they can feel free to go out on the field and change perceptions, but until they do, "soft" is the label that A.J. Smith and everyone else will give them.
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I agree.
Which is why I maintain that this defense just isn’t very good, and unless/until we get some new and better players, it isn’t going to be very good.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone else find irony
in Albert’s “soft and bewildered” comment, especially considering the track record of the head coach that he hired to replace Marty. I mean, hello! This sort of uninspired play and general deterioration is the hallmark of Norv Turner -coached teams and of underachieving teams in general. The roster is fine;you guys are loaded with talent (even with williams on IR). THere is simply a leadership vacuum exemplified quite acutely and deliciously by (are you ready for irony #2?) Albert’s very comment. Normally, a head co
by tha assman on Oct 8, 2009 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but that's not the case.
The players just aren’t very good. They haven’t been for quite some time. We’re not loaded with talent, as everyone thinks we are. We’ve got a few above average players, but the rest are average or below.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Meh. Truth is in between.
Studs: QB, TE, the WRs, a couple linebackers, a couple DBs, special teams.
Guys: Most of the OL, CB2, most of the linebackers, all of the DEs, fullbacks, RBs.
Liabilities: C, DT, SS (Strong Safety or Same S**t… you decide)
Only two glaring holes, and to AJ’s credit it’s the one that’s hardest to fill and the one that’s hardest to fill on-the-spot, and both were caused by injuries. One other hole, but if our only problem was a lack of a true strong safety, this team would be 3-1 at least.
Way too soon to pack it in. But in order for the defense not to cost us the season, the offense needs to start clicking earlier. Then opponents will have to pass on us and we can put together something scary.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 8, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which linebackers would you classify as studs?
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 8, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Merriman, Philllps, Burnett, and Cooper have all looked studley, at times.
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Oct 8, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had Phillips and Burnett in mind.
Cooper’s a borderline stud. So far this year, I’m classifying Merriman, English and Dobbins as guys, but they’re studlier than average. Siler and Tucker are guys. I give Applewhite an incomplete so far.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 8, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Burnett has really only had one particularly good game so far and Phillips runs a little to hot and cold for my taste. He’ll make a good play, but then he’ll lose contain or just get blown out by a lineman. He’s a little like Weddle in that respect.
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 8, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only linebacker we have that's been consistent this season is Cooper.
Burnett had one good game. Merriman has been injured. Phillips has been average. English has looked like a rookie, though he’s improving.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, part of that consistency involves getting beaten in zone coverage over and over again.
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 8, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Phillips
But he’s no stud.
Cooper seems to be the guy accumulating the stops and he’s probably as good as Godfrey ever was, but he probably falls into the above average category.
Burnett, Dobbins, Merriman, English, Tucker and Applewhite are all weak sauce.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
by Wonko on Oct 8, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cooper has been a damn good ILB
going on three years now. It’s a shame he got suspended in 2008, because having him around instead of [shudder] Derek Smith could have made the difference in the first two games.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
He does certain things really well and other things really poorly. Which evens things out. I’m also thinking he might be one of our freelancers that Norv is complaining about.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
by Wonko on Oct 9, 2009 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely average and below average in the Lines
and AJ is back filling with more retreads and washouts. Even if we do bring in a solid player before the deadline that player has,
Missed our OTAs,
Missed our camp,
Missed half the season
… and now they are supposed to come here and make an impact. Good luck with that this season. Our opportunity to improve our personnel on the lines has passed.
by Trendsearcher on Oct 8, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
odd
but wasn’t it you that brought up the subject, “these are virtually the same players, from the 07 season”? which were 11-5. i mean either AJ is doing a “great” job at finding talent, or he isnt. either Norv is a “good” head coach or, he isn’t. either we have the most talented roster in NFL, or we don’t.
my point is, this is “virtually” the same guys, M.A.R.T.Y, took to 14-2.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
by gatesoftds on Oct 8, 2009 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s really not even close to the same team. Tomlinson, Merriman and Williams were all healthy that year.
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 8, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus different starting linebackers
and cornerbacks, and safeties, and wide receivers, and fullback, and offensive guard, and offensive tackle…
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That, too.
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 8, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking back on that team
it’s kind of amazing that they were as good as they were. They got career years out of just about everyone.
Jamal was the best defensive tackle in the league that year.
Merriman, Phillips, and Castilo all put up sack numbers they didn’t have before that year and haven’t had since. Igor actually played like he wanted to be there.
Godfrey and Edwards played better than either did before or since.
Neal was still at the top of his game.
Rivers, while not having a career year, was amazingly good for a first-year starter.
We all know what kind of year LT had. The offensive line was the best unit in football that year. They ate DLinemen and linebackers for breakfast.
The only weaknesses on that team were safety and wide receiver. The running game and TE covered up for the WRs, and the amazing front seven covered up for the secondary.
It’s really amazing how everything just came together that year. I think it’s questionable whether those players were really that great, or if a bunch of them decided to have a career year at the same time.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by maestro876 on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know.
but in another post “you” brought it up, that his was “virtually” the same team. my point is, and still is, to many things have changed in coaching and the weaknesses of our team have not been addressed. the organization has been trying to patch together a SB team for the 3 seasons now.
the only option i see, is to let Norv coach out his contract. if nothing else but to justify his release. let AJ fulfill his obligations as GM, to install a new coaching staff, make some moves getting players. and if it doesn’t pan out, let him run out his contract, and look for a replacement.
realistacally, if the chargers win a SB this year, they have a lot of FA that are keys to our success, that will want ridiculous amont of money. so the majority will walk, and we’ll be a rebuilding stage any way, which would be a good time to start from scratch.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
by gatesoftds on Oct 10, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh...
I know that’s the mantra, but it’s not really true anymore.
McNeill? Declining, replaceable. May be RFA anyway.
Merriman? Replacement on roster. May be RFA.
Jackson? OK, that’s one… unless he’s an RFA.
Gates? He’ll want to be paid, but he’ll want to stay.
Sproles? Low positional value.
Cro? Replacement on roster. Might be RFA.
Clary? 2nd-round RFA should be more than enough.
Osgood, Floyd, Chambers, Dobbins, Manumaleuna? Hardly stars. Some will have to be replaced (Osgood, Chambers), some will get new contracts (Floyd, Manumaleuna), Dobbins might be RFA.
This is not the last year of the window. Fret not: they have every chance to be a good team next year.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 11, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
the d is playing soft right now
and i think it’s probably a 50-50 split between personnel and coaching…we’re not that deep and we’ve got some injuries to overcome…could we be healthy and rolling by the end of the season? absolutely…but i still think norv needs to go…he’s taken this team from great to “what the hell is wrong with them?” faster than i thought possible…i was no fan of marty’s playoff track record, but he didn’t have much to work with in kc anyway…norv inspires no one
...ya'll are brutalizing me... ronnie dobbs
by notorioushbi on Oct 8, 2009 10:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If this is what it takes to light a fire under their asses then I'm all for it.
LETS PLAY LIKE WE HAVE A PAIR GUYS…I LOVE THE CHARGERS AND THE CITY DOES TOO LET’S GO GET THAT CHAMPIONSHIP GOT DAMMIT!!!
Chance favors the prepared mind.......
by Gorditoe1 on Oct 8, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
let me just finish my thought
I dont disagree with albert’s comment. The defense is playing soft. I dont really even have a problem with his being frustrated and venting some of that frustration. But that sort of comment to the media is a head coach’s job. Lighting a fire under a team is a head coach’s job. No other GM would feel the need to do something like this. Well, I shouldnt say categorically no other GM-this certainly could happen in oakland or dallas. What you guys have is a failure of leadership. You guys and the cowboys are mirror images. Talented rosters being squandered by ineffectual coaching. Look, everybody has holes on their roster. Plenty of teams would kill for their holes to be limited to the areas that bolthead mentioned above.
by tha assman on Oct 8, 2009 8:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So far, the Chargers have played four teams. Two of those teams are better than the Chargers and two of them are worse. The Chargers may have lost to the better teams, but they beat the worse ones.
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 8, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they're only better
because they are better-coached. Neither the ravens nor the steelers have better talent; they have simply been better at developing and motivating that talent over the past 3 years.
by tha assman on Oct 8, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They have better talent on the line of scrimmage.
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 8, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You, and Merriman, have a point
This kind of criticism is usually limited to originating from those actually in the locker room. But what you’ve both missed is that AJ’s ego knows no bounds.
by CoastalBronco on Oct 8, 2009 9:22 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
When he started his comments he should have used words like "we" and "us",because it ultimately is an organizational effort...Front Office,Staff and Players.
That’s called accountability and team cohesiveness.
Chance favors the prepared mind.......
by Gorditoe1 on Oct 8, 2009 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
another sign of lack of leadership
I don’t know if Cro’s just making excuses but it does make sense. They played soft zone coverage the whole game….they rarely took chances and attacked big Ben.
By Michael Blunda of ProFootballWeekly
Sitting at 2-2 with a defense that has been getting gashed, there is plenty of concern in San Diego. Not only is the “D” giving up 151 rushing yards per game, but it ranks near the bottom of the league in first downs allowed and third-down efficiency. From what we hear, playing within coordinator Ron Rivera’s scheme has been a major challenge for some of the players. CB Antonio Cromartie got himself in hot water by saying that the reason he played so poorly in the Week Four debacle at Pittsburgh was because he was forced to play zone coverage. CB Quentin Jammer, meanwhile, didn’t blame anyone in particular but said many defenders had been straying from their assignments to make up for the errors of others. Obviously not pleased with his unit’s performance, Rivera had an extended meeting with the defense during the bye to inform them that no one’s job was safe. Getting everyone on the same page will be his next goal.
by slimsocal678 on Oct 9, 2009 9:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you think Cro gets to choose the coverage scheme?
They played soft zone coverage the whole game….they rarely took chances and attacked big Ben.
They tell him exactly how much of a gap to give the receiver on every play. It is up Cro to somehow make the coverage happen.
by Trendsearcher on Oct 9, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
see, we have three of the best man-coverage CBs in the league that excel when left one-on-one (usually because there’s a blitz happening). Yet, Rivera and Cottrell seem to prefer to leave these guys in zone (where they’re not very good).
If there’s one thing that winning teams do faster and better than the Chargers consistently, it’s playing to their personnel. Anyone think Belichick would be dropping Cromartie and Jammer into zone coverage? I don’t.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John (obviousman) on Oct 10, 2009 6:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he ( who shall not be named)
had cro and jammer in man coverage, he’d have 3 more SB rings
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
by gatesoftds on Oct 10, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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