Update: San Diego Chargers Position Battles

by Grey Suit on Aug 27, 2009 7:00 AM PDT in San Diego Chargers Training Camp/Preseason

The Chargers have three position battles going on this preseason in which the starting job is up for grabs. Here is a quick look at how these battles have shaped up so far this preseason.

Right Guard:

This battle has been decimated by injuries. Kynan Forney, the favorite to win the job, suffered a neck injury a few weeks ago and was not able to play last week against the Cardinals. Louis Vasquez, the Chargers 3^rd round pick this year, who is trying to steal the starting job away from the veteran missed the first preseason game due sprained left foot he sustained during training camp.

Forney played well in his start against the Seahawks and has been said to have had a great camp so far. Vasquez stumbled a bit in his first career NFL star against the Cardinals. He struggled in both the passing game (allowing two sacks) and in the running game. With a great camp and Vasquez’s struggles Forney should have the starting RG spot all but locked up to start the season if he can remain healthy.

Defensive End:

Defensive End has been another position that has been bitten by the injury bug this preseason with Jacques Cesaire being out of the first two preseason games with a calf strain and Ryon Bingham being out until September with a torn tricep muscle. The injuries to the two veterans have allowed Rookie Vaughn Martin ample playing time so far this preseason. Martin has played ok so far but, as expected, has looked a little rough around the edges. Martin is definitely a physical specimen and with a little polish should become a force to be reckoned with in years to come but I just don’t see him getting anywhere near a starting job this season. I really think this job is Cesaire’s to lose if he can stay healthy. Of the three candidates Cesaire has the most experience and has started for this team in the past. Also it is thought that Bingham will most likely spend more time at NT reliving Jamal Williams this season than playing DE.

Inside Linebacker:

This has been a great battle so far this offseason. Tim Dobbins who finished the 08 season as the starting MLB next to Stephen Cooper is currently penciled in as the starter so far this preseason. However Kevin Burnett has done everything in his power to change that. Burnett has played very well in both preseason games on both defense and special teams. I don’t think Dobbins has done anything to lose the starting job but he has not played at the same level as Burnett and if Burnett continues to play at a high-level I think his starting job may be in serious jeopardy.

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Burnett/Dobbins

Actually, Burnett has moved up to #1 on the team’s official depth chart and has started taking all of the reps with the number ones in practice. I think Dobbins will be the backup for both ILB spots, but not a starter.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 7:26 AM PDT reply actions

Yep

Forney, Cesaire, Burnett, unless there are injuries.

What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on our souls.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 27, 2009 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Forney and Cesaire

Their injuries….I don’t know. I know the team says they’ll be ready for Week 1, but if they’re not in there against the Raiders I think they face a real chance of losing their starting jobs for the remainder of the season.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions

I think Martin is at least a year away

It would be amazing if Martin’s technique would come far enough to take the #1 job from Cesaire in two weeks. Cesaire isn’t much better at rushing the QB than Martin, but I think he holds his own on the running plays better. And he keeps the cows errr. O-linemen off the Line Backers so they can make the play at the edge.

Cesaire looses the spot if he misses half a season, and Martin has the chance to grow into the position.

by Trendsearcher on Aug 27, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Martin def has the physical gifts

once he learns the techniques he will be a great player

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 27, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I agree

but I think if he isn’t in the starting lineup by week 1, that buys Vaughn at least 2 more weeks of starting time. It’s not like Jacques can miss all of training camp (which is essentially what is happening) and then suddenly be ready to go.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Agreed on Martin not being ready

It is starting to look like Ogemdi has a real shot of starting (I think a better one than Martin) at least until Bingham is back and maybe even after that.

I noticed a post that says Martin has some type of “Groin Pull”, seems like a convinient time for an injury.

by JeromeB on Aug 27, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

They wouldn't lie about that injury

Not during the preseason. What they want for Martin is as many reps as possible, so the other injuries on the line have sortof been a blessing in that sense.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 28, 2009 4:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Not saying that it is not true

I agree that they would not make up an injury for a preseason game. But if he is beat out by Ogemdi and they decide that Martin does need a year before he is ready to really contribute in the NFL, a nagging groin injury could be a good reason to put him on IR.
I have no reason to believe that this is the case, other than Ogemdi outperforming Martin on the field (in my opinion).

by JeromeB on Aug 28, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions

IR

Guys don’t really get put on IR for nagging groin injuries. IR is typically reserved for players that will be hurt for an entire season (like Merriman and Buster Davis last season). So if the Chargers were to throw Martin on IR with a groin strain, they’d probably have some explaining to do to the league offices.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 28, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Buster Davis last season

Coincidently Buster Davis was place on IR last season with a groin injury. Perhaps my choice to use the word “nagging” was not an appropriate one, it is not the first time in my life that I have worded things poorly.

I am not saying that it will happen, I just think Martin may have a great future so they can’t lose him. But I think that there are other players on the D Line that give them a better chance to win this year, which is what I would like them to do.

by JeromeB on Aug 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I think Martin learns a lot more this season playing

than he would on IR. Just because he has another year under his belt, doesn’t mean he’ll be any better. He needs to get into games and see live action to be get better. Him in rotation with Bingham and Cesaire was a great situation. With Cesaire’s nagging calf injury and Bingham out for who knows how long, the situation is not as great. Even so, I think Martin will learn much faster playing weekly than not.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 29, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed, If?

If the goal this season is to develop Martin to his fullest potential in the fastest time possible, then I agree 100%. He would progress much faster on the roster than he would on IR(the NFL does have a rule that players on IR are not supposed to be allowed to practice with the team, so this would slow his development). But I personally would like to see the players kept on the active roster that give the Chargers the best chance to win, at this point I think Ogemdi is playing better than Martin. Who knows maybe they will keep them both.

While IR may have been intended for players with serious injuries teams have abused the system for years. Even though the NFL has tinker with the rules of late it continues to be used as a way to stash players. The simple fact that the NFL has the rule of IR players not being allowed to practice with the team points to the fact that they know some of the players on IR have injuries that are not season ending.

by JeromeB on Aug 29, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

hmmm which depth chart are you looking at?

the one on the chargers web site still has Dobbins starting.

http://www.chargers.com/team/depth-chart.html

by Grey Suit on Aug 27, 2009 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions

That has to be old

-Tolbert is the starting FB
-No rookies, no Merriman, no Burnett

This is the official up-to-date Chargers depth chart

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Plus there was the article in the NCTimes earlier this week

stating categorically that Burnett had the job. I don’t see how anyone who has followed this camp could say Burnett won’t be the every-down linebacker.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 27, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions

What is the source & date on this chart John?

It still has Cletis Gordon on it…

Is the Chargers.com site the best place to look for depth charts?

by Trendsearcher on Aug 27, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions

The source is from the Chargers media guide for the Falcons game. It’s 3 days old (released the same day Gordon was cut).

Chargers.com will be the best place to look for depth charts once they begin to update it, which probably won’t be until Week 1 of the regular season. For now, right here is the best place to look for depth charts.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Wired into the Collective

The source is from the Chargers media guide for the Falcons game. It’s 3 days old (released the same day Gordon was cut).

John you are connected! Did they send your complementary smoking jacket along with your membership credentials to the First Class Media Lounge?

by Trendsearcher on Aug 27, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

RAMS?!?!

The Chargers played the Rams this preseason?! The hell you say.

How bout the Cardinals.

by BORTZ on Aug 27, 2009 7:54 AM PDT reply actions

D'oh

I was watching the Rams replay against Atlanta when I was writing this.

by Grey Suit on Aug 27, 2009 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions

Geez

Should we give Steve the death penalty?

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 27, 2009 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions

How funny would it be

if I banned one of the authors?

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 27, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Pretty damn funny so long as it isn’t me.

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 Aug 30, 2009 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Ogemdi!

Moving up the chart at DE. Plus next to Legedu Naanee he has the coolest name on the Chargers. Oh yeah, Andre Coleman is up there too; though I haven’t noticed him on the field much.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 27, 2009 12:33 PM PDT reply actions

Acee is pretty sure Ogemdi will make the team.

I think he’s right.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 27, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Especially now

They are saying Martin has some kind of groin pull.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 27, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

5 WRs drops Osgood

6 WRs keeps him. Looks like Kassim is on the bubble.

by Trendsearcher on Aug 27, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions

As Wonko has stated

for a team making a Super Bowl push now, you don’t cut Pro-Bowlers.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 27, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

KO isn't anywhere close to the bubble.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 27, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I've seen nothing to suggest Osgood leaving

…But I’ve posted that I thought it could happen. Speculation based on his being really noting more than a ST player. Admittedly, a gunner and PRo Bowl caliber one, but a guy that has taken shots at the coaching staff and management. IIRC he said, when asked about Norv Turner as a head coach, (paraphrasing) “he’s an excellent offensive coordinator.”

Maybe I just wanted Charly Martin to make the team so much I was looking for someone to cut. I’m a firm believer that people like AJ and Norv, and the decision makers in the FO have forgotten more about football than I’ll ever know. It’s fun to second guess personnel moves, but more times than not, my gut reactions are those of a fan, and not a businessman. I may hate the decisions the Brass makes, but as a fan I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt most of the time.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 27, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

They've had plenty of time to get rid of him

And probably some teams that would like a pro bowl special teamer. Why would they cut him now when they get nothing and lose a pro bowler? It just doesn’t make sense at all.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 27, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

if KO were to get cut

It would solely be because of numbers. I think the only way the numbers might work against him is if we have some injuries who we want to keep on the 53 man roster. If you keep a guy like Bingham on the roster even though he can’t contribute until week 3, then you have to keep another DT on the roster as a backup. If you have a few of those situations, a guy like KO might get squeezed. Then again, someone else might get squeezed first.

I think KO will be on the roster, but I don’t think it is an absolute sure thing.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 27, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

It will be a numbers game, although I’m not at all convinced that it should be. So he’s a Pro Bowler at ST – big whoop. He makes it as a Pro Bowler & Scifres doesn’t? That should tell you what the Pro Bowl is all about.

I’m standing by what I’ve been saying – there are other guys who can contribute as much in ST & more at their position than Osgood. He probably stays, but I really can’t see why he should. Milligan was a ST Pro Bowler, too – where is he now?

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Aug 28, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Why do KO's two missed receptions in the last two games stick in my mind?

The first miss was sort of over thrown, he had a chance to run under it but didn’t get out of the route fast enough to turn his head and locate the ball. Timing on KO’s part maybe. Over throw on Volek’s part maybe.

Last week across the middle, it seemed like KO got a serious case of “alligator arms”. Dude is a stud. I don’t know why he’d be worried about taking a bump, but it looked that way to me.

Even though he’s great on special teams, I think he’s a receiver first. He got to make those receptions. I’ve got questions, and I’m a KO fan.

by Trendsearcher on Aug 28, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions