Should the Chargers Trade Shawne Merriman?
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 6:50 AM PDT
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Printfrom Kevin Acee's 9/7 SDUT article:
While Smith wouldn't be able to call up Al Davis and see if the enigmatic (I'm being kind) Raiders owner will give him a first-round pick, as Davis yesterday did to the New England Patriots for Richard Seymour, Smith might take whatever he can get to rid himself of Merriman.
I didn't say this will happen. But I know Smith fairly well, and it could happen.
A lot of San Diego Chargers fans are upset at this idea. I hold myself back from getting upset about it because I know it won't do any good. In reality, the GM runs everything associated with the team. If A.J. Smith thinks the team is better off without Merriman, that's his call. However, if it blows up in his face he risks losing his job. So it's not really up to the fans if Merriman is going to be traded, it's up to the GM if he wants to take that risk. It sounds like he might.
Consider the following things:
- Shawne's sacks per game went down from 1.4 in 2006 to 0.78 in 2007. I know Chargers fans, myself included, hate to hear people talk about Merriman's production going down after his suspension. However, in the following season his numbers did go down. While it doesn't definitively prove anything, it's not to be ignored.
- A.J. Smith has a better understanding than we do about Shawne's knee. I'm sure he's talked to team doctors and he's certainly watched Merriman perform during practice. Perhaps he's concerned that during this season Merriman's value could go down due to that knee.
- Although Shawne says he was doing the right thing, and it would appear he's the one being backed up by the police and eyewitnesses, that doesn't change the fact that he put himself in a bad position one week before the start of the season. Do you think Luis Castillo or Eric Weddle would be out at clubs and having parties that last all night one week before the start of the season? Merriman doesn't seem like he should have a thick file that bothers the GM, until you compare him to the other players that know to keep their life and their parties in control and away from the NFL season.
- Can you think of another Chargers player that would be judging the Miss USA competition? It's little, seemingly harmless, moves like this that show how eager Shawne is to get his name, and face, in the spotlight. That's essentially the opposite of the type of player A.J. Smith is looking for. He wants somebody who doesn't realize there is a spotlight, and plays the game for his passion and for his team.
- Does anybody else remember those pictures of him pouring champagne on a girl at the club? It's the guys that have a need to be at the club and be at every big event in their area that end up being trouble. Also, those guys can't just turn that off during the season. After practice, after the game and even sometimes the night before a game these guys can typically be found out on the town having too much fun. Chris McAlister was at one point a Pro Bowl cornerback that the Ravens were wary of signing to a long-term deal strictly because of his "off-the-field hobbies", which were very similar to the hobbies of Merriman.
- Yes, Merriman is a great defensive player. After his first two seasons I'd say he was on pace to be one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. However, an argument could be made that most successful defenses in the NFL have more to do with the coordinator than the actual players. Especially in an aggressive 3-4 defense where the question is not "How do we stop that guy?" but is "Where's the blitz coming from?" Want proof? Dick LeBeau and the late Jim Johnson. It didn't matter to them who the players were, they were going to confuse the heck out of the QB and find a way to bring pressure. Remember, James Harrison was a nobody until LeBeau decided to make him somebody. Do I think the Chargers could easily replace Merriman? Probably not, but I do think that Rivera would be creative enough that the defense would still be good in 2009. That may even be a safer bet than hoping Merriman's knee is 100%.
So let's assume that Larry English is not a bust. Let's assume he's a talented player and in Rivera's scheme, the defense would be 3/4 as good without Merriman than with it. Is it worth the risk? If you trade Shawne, you get rid of the worries about his knee and his lifestyle. You get rid of the thought of contract negotiations with a player who wants a long-term deal but the team does not trust because they don't believe he's dedicated enough to the Chargers. What would you do?
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Larry English provides you equal (or almost equal) production without the drama and distractions, then its an easy call.
The problem is, we don’t know that yet. We need to see if Larry English can do it in real NFL games over the course of a season. We can’t have another Jyles Tucker situation where a guy gets three sacks against a porous offensive line (the Raiders) and we think he is the next big thing. But if Larry English can consistently pressure the passer over the course of the season, then no way Merriman is here next year.
The other factor is what do you get for him. If its another all-pro level player, say a Julius Peppers, then you probably do it (I’m just throwing Peppers out because he had a contract situation in the offseason). If its a top 15 pick in the first round, I think you do it as well. Then you get a high ceiling player under some sort of cost control for the next 4-5 years who doesn’t have the mileage of a player who has already had major knee surgery and who hopefully doesn’t bring the circus to town with him.
But the more I think about this, the more I think Acee is right. Maybe a deal doesn’t go down this week, but it sure sounds like Charger’s management has reached the tipping point.
I think there’s probably as good of a chance that English is nearly as good as Merriman as there is for Merriman’s knee being 100% healthy.
I think the Chargers would get a late 1st round draft pick. Maybe a 2nd and a 5th instead. They wouldn’t trade him for another player that they’d have to pay huge bucks for. They’d trade him for draft picks.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
In my opinion, a 2nd and 5th wouldn't be enough value.
My hope was that if he did not return next year, we’d get at least a 1st and 3rd via RFA tender, or more if we were to franchise and trade him.
Before this I was optimistic he’d be around another year or two. Now with all this talk about AJ wanting to “rid himself” of Shawne, I fear that this may indeed be his last year.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions
My hope was that if he did not return next year, we’d get at least a 1st and 3rd via RFA tender, or more if we were to franchise and trade him.
The problem with that is the team would still have to sign him to a long-term, big money deal. Do they really want to give up a 1st. a 3rd and sign the most expensive defensive player? I think his price tag brings the trade value down some.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
LB
English may have potential, but I didn’t see much in preseason. But I remember AJ thought Matt Welhelm had potential, and he was a big bust.
Merriman is a proven commodity, and he did look good in the second preseason game. I think he will focus on the game once the season starts. Remember we are talking about a 25 yr old kid, maturity takes time.
Matt Wilhelm was not a first round draft pick. For a 4th rounder, I don’t know that I’d call him a bust.
I think English looked no better or worse than Merriman in the preseason.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
edwards
but AJ got rid of Donnie Edwards, who was a proven commodity at the MLB position, and put Welhelm there and we went downhill in that area since then. I’m saying sometime AJ makes moves without looking at the big picture, Lorenzo (FB)was let go last year and we had fullback problems all year.
…and in Wilhelm’s first year as a starter he collected 97 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 sack. He played just about as well as Donnie. He only started having issues last season, but it’s never been properly explained as to why he so suddenly dropped off. I don’t know that I’d even call that decision a “bust”.
There were not fullback problems all year. Tolbert was very useful until he got injured and Hester got better as time went along. Neither was the blocker Neal was, but neither ever will be. The problems in the running game had more to do with LT and the offensive line battling injuries. Plus, Goff was awful.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
edwards
Yes Welhelm was good his first year, when Merriman was there, Last year Merriman was gone and Welhelm couldn’t cover anyone. That’s when Welhelm showed himself as a bust and was benched.
I don’t think you’re operating off the same definition of bust we are.
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
LT was 16th in yards per game. That’s not a “top running back”.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
LT top ten RB in yards gained
16 RB’s gained over a 1,000 yards last year and LT got 1,110 a top RB in my book. And he is as you know and old guy.
He was a quality back up for a couple seasons and a quality starter for one. That’s pretty decent for a 4th round pick.
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Both Tolbert and Hester were significantly better than Neal in the passing game, 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
blocking was lacking though
Sometimes I would see Hestor go one way and LT another. Isn’t he supposed to be the lead blocker?
Hester is not really a HB. I know everyone wants the stereotypical Lorenzo Neal FB, but those guys aren’t around anymore. Now you get tough guys that can block as well as catch the ball.
For shock value, did you know Tomlinson was a FB for most of his HS football career and his first season as TCU?
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lead blocker means the RB should look to follow him as his first option, but LT didn’t trust him. Not his fault.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was a fair critique his first couple games at the position, but he improved quickly and became rather dependable.
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL
Do you guys remember all those holes that were opened up for Sproles in the Colts playoff game last year? Who do you think opened those huge holes? It was Hester.
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He knows
That was just an example of what could’ve been done if LT wasn’t injured all season.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s still evidence that supports his position.
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I usually like Acee's stuff
But the vitriol with which he speaks of Merriman, even before the incidence, is such that I can’t help but wonder if he has something personal against him. It just seems like he always takes out the time to say something negative about him and then defends it as just “giving the news”.
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 Sep 8, 2009 7:38 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I know what you’re referring to, but I always take it as vitriol from AJ Smith. Maybe that’s just me.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
I try to tell people that Acee doesn't hate Merriman.
When he’s just talking with his own opinion, he always speaks really highly of him. The issue is that when he reports what he’s hearing in the front office, people get all upset because the FO doesn’t like Merriman all that much, and people think it’s Acee “hating”.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Without Merriman, the Chargers Pass Rush was gone
Did anyone see the 2008 season?? Anyone at all? Our secondary got roasted because quarterbacks had all day to throw. Anyone who looks at the stats or saw last season and the season before can see the obvious drop off in the pass rush. It was as if the Chargers D was half as good without Merriman – in fact it was if you look at the pass defense rankings.
I love AJ, but sometimes it’s ok to just be quiet and see what happens on 09 before telling Acee that you’ve got a big file on a player. When, in management, does it every serve the best interest of an organization, to criticize someone in the organization publicly? Answer: Never. That is true for every organization. Seriously, what does it accomplish other than to create resentment? What does creating resentment from a star player accomplish? Motivation? Yeah, if you ever had a chance at the best conditions for negotiating a contract with Merriman, that chance is likely gone and maybe they planned on getting rid of him regardless, however, why not leave every option untainted? What purpose does this negativity serve other than satisfy an ego? Egos can be very expensive to maintain.
Bolts in 09 win it all
That’s why the Chargers drafted Larry English. If Merriman were traded, English would take his place. Also, the pass-rush got better once Rivera took over. Sproles didn’t beat the Colts by himself.
I don’t think AJ Smith talked about or showed his file to Acee to fuel his own ego. I think it was more a fact that fans wouldn’t understand if Smith were to say “I’m getting really tired of this guy and his antics.” By showing that he keeps tabs on all of his players and Merriman’s name comes up significantly more than others, AJ was illustrating that Merriman is more of a headache than the other players.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who was the last BIG name guy smith traded?
It’s not really his style, he just lets guys walk at the end of the year and gets nothing in return. It’s really the only complaint I have about AJ.
I agree that he possibly could’ve gotten something for Turner, but nobody was going to trade for him when they knew that AJ didn’t want to pay him top-dollar to keep him around.
Who else has he let walk?
Trades are not really Smith’s thing….which leads me to believe Merriman won’t be traded, but it was interesting to hear that it’s being considered. The only “big” trade I can recall AJ being a part of was getting Chambers, but apparently nobody has caused Smith more grief than Shawne.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
Brees’ injury at the end of the season probably had a lot to do with the way that went.
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
and he was offered a contract.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
fair contract
Fair for a team that had major injury concerns for the player, and fair for a guy who probably would only be competing for the starting job if not that year then the next, considering the next man up. Only 2 teams offered Brees a contract, the Saints and Chargers, and Brees considered both.
by Hoot1969 on Sep 8, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
^What he said. How much should the Chargers have offered the injured Brees when they had Rivers sitting there ready to step in?
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Also it looks like Smith will let Sproles walk at the end of the season
but I can understand that move.
Ridiculous
No way Merriman get’s traded this year. NO WAY. Let’s not get caught up in Acee’s desire to be on the edge and to capitalize on the current situation and drive some eyeballs to the SDUT. It is ridiculous to even think it. AJ wants a dominating defense and the best way to get that is with Merriman on the field. I don’t care how good English is, he won’t provide the consistent level of play that Merriman will. Merriman and English may be on the same plane as far as talent and drive goes, but Merriman has A LOT more experience, both in the NFL and in this defense. Merriman may make some bad decisions off the field (and in my mind, this is his first… compare that to multiples for VJ and Shaun Phillips), but he makes too many good decisions on the field for AJ to even think about getting rid of him.
I’ll start buying Acee’s “inside information” as soon as he starts being right more than he is wrong. (LT is not gone, Bennet is not gone, Forney is gone, etc…)
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 8, 2009 8:43 AM PDT reply actions
Anyways, I do think that Acee over-reached with this bit of analysis.
I even tried to call him out on it in his mailbag, and all he said was “You’re right. I made that up. I didn’t talk to anyone in the organization and just went completely wild. Read carefully.” That kind of pissed me off, because I never accused him of making anything up, simply of going too far with a bit of opinion (which he admitted was “analysis” or opinion in the previous mailbag entry).
I don’t think AJ Smith would trade Merriman in the middle of a championship push, when his #1 stated goal is to win a Super Bowl. If he were to do so, well, then that’s on him. If he does that and our defense goes in the tank, I’d lose a lot of respect for the man for letting his personal feelings get in the way of business. I’ve never thought he makes decisions based on ego, despite what some think, but were he to trade Shawne before this season is over, I would have a hard time not believing it.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 9:02 AM PDT reply actions
he's a great player
he is a leader, great plus. Especially in a rookie contract.
by not humble enough on Sep 8, 2009 9:03 AM PDT reply actions
And John, I hope you're right about the coordinator being more important than the player.
But it seems to me that were it true, the Steelers would never have down years on defense. Yet they do. 2006, for example. 2007 they were ranked #1 in yardage, but I watched that game and they weren’t really dominating, and were easily exploited by good teams (Patriots, Jaguars twice, even the Broncos). 2008 was the first year in a long time they really had a dominating defense. They got through the playoffs in 2005 based on luck (Carson Palmer’s knee, Vanderjagt’s missed FG) and offense. I really doubt their defense will be as good two years in a row.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 9:07 AM PDT reply actions
I mean to say, "I watched THEIR games, and they weren't really dominating..."
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Looking at DVOA...
Under LeBeau, the Steelers defense has been #3 three times, #1 once and #10 once.
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 Sep 8, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I bet you’d see the same thing with Jim Johnson in Philly.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
DVOA is a useful stat
but it isn’t perfect. You also have to look at the variance and weighted DVOA. In 2006, for example, PIT overall was #3, but under weighted DVOA they were #12, meaning they got worse as the season wore on. They also had a really high variance, meaning they were up and down a lot from game to game.
Interestingly enough, the Charger defense in 2006 that everyone loves to extol was only #16 in overall DVOA, and got worse as the season went on, finishing #21 in weighted DVOA.
The 2007 San Diego defense, under that bastard Cottrell, was only 17th in overall DVOA, but was #1 in weighted DVOA. That means that as the season wore on they were the best defense in football.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I can’t fault Merriman for marketing himself
I’ve never liked that San Diego and its players get treated like provincials by the national media. AJ may not like SM’s personal promotion campaign and his work outside the facility, but that opinion doesn’t make it a bad thing. Merriman is bringing a good deal of positive media attention to the team and the city. I see that boost as a good thing.
I’m sure if Merriman had the choice he wouldn’t want situations like Sunday night to occur, but it did. And as more information is coming out it seems like he did the best he could in a bad situation. We have to remember Terrence Kiel died just last year in part due to DUI. If Merriman knew that the chick was off her gourd, then I think he did the right thing.
And if she was drunk, and now is continuing her complaint and spewing these steroid slurs; well I think she will get everything that is coming to her.
Right on
I think it is very unfair to fault a guy for having fun off the field, which is basically what all those bullet points are saying. It would be foolish to trade a guy on that basis, seeing as how every young player on the Chargers can been seen “having fun” downtown on the weekends.
Its also extremely unfair to question his commitment to his sport and his teammates due to his attention seeking personality. Thats a harsh shot at a player who seems to be well liked in the clubhouse.
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
I’m not saying I agree with the bullet points, but I did want to mention them. As I said, one of the things I found out from reading Next Man Up is that front office types don’t like the way it looks when a guy wants attention for himself (rather than his team) and when a guy is willing to party in-season. It was the reason Chris McAlister was sent home from San Diego before a road game and a reason why the team was hesitant about giving him a long-term contract (until he turned things around).
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I know you were
just repeating information from other articles, and its not necessarily your opinion.
I just don’t get the difference between Merriman judging a beauty contest and Peyton doing 437 commercials a year. In fact, one seems like a lot more self promoting than the other. Lets all remember he became famous because he’s the nastiest pass rusher in football, not because he self promotes.
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
I think the biggest thing that pissed off AJ
was the Friday Night Football night appearances in LA. These would have required him (had Shawne actually played last year) to fly to LA on Friday, then back to San Diego Saturday before games. On away games, he was going to fly to LA, do the show, then Saturday fly to wherever the game was separate from the team.
I think that the front office thought this was a major “me-first” thing. They probably thought it would interfere big time with team chemistry and relationship, considering the team often practices Fridays and Saturdays, and always flies in and out of away sites together.
My guess is that’s a major incident in AJ’s “thick folder” on Merriman.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
good point
forgot he even did that.
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
Also Merriman skipped some OTAs this summer
to vacation in Europe.
For a guy coming off a major injury, in a contract year, you’d think he’d want to get in as much work as possible.
This was another big red flag in AJ’s folder I think.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
You should’ve written this post.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I just have a near-encyclopedic knowledge
of things that interest me. Things that don’t interest me, in one ear and out the other.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
And your absolutely right John
that teams care about these sorts of things. Fans tend to be myopic and focus solely on field performance, but teams have to be concerned with so much more. That’s why it’s been obvious for a couple years that Merriman will almost certainly never be offered a long-term contract in San Diego.
If he goes back to Baltimore or to Washington and becomes the next Lawrence Taylor, well, then that’s AJ’s mistake and he’ll have to live with it and its taint on his legacy. But given what we know about Shawne, it’s equally likely that he won’t last long enough in the league to approach those numbers.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope I'm wrong too
and Shawne is here for 10 years and becomes better than Lawrence Taylor.
I just don’t think it’s very likely.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Baltimore makes the most sense as SM's next home
He grew up in Maryland.
by Trendsearcher on Sep 8, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
That's what I've thought for a long time.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Crabcakes and football
THATS WHAT MARYLAND DOES!
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
He's young,not married,and doesn't have any kids.Alot of the players on the team that are in the spotlight do.
Rivers is married with kids,so is LT,Weddle,Jammer etc.My point being is that responsibility to a family and the time you spend with them makes a man cut down drastically on social appearances.So of course he’s going to go out, have fun,& meet women,that’s what young rich kids do.
It’s not an excuse for all his discretions but he has a right to enjoy his youth as well.He can’t just stay at home saying"I play for the Chargers I’m gonna stay home and watch a movie and eat popcorn tonight,forget about meeting girls and clubbing".(EXAMPLE) He will change as soon as he feels he’s ready for it.
Let’s not forget how we looked at life when we were younger.Also this started because some LIL GIRL couldn’t handle her liquor.Yes it’s true he shouldn’t have put himself in that position.But he was and did,and there’s nothing he or anybody else can do about it now.A.J would be a fool to let go of a talent like him,at least he’s not toting guns and shooting himself in the leg,or fighting dogs,selling drugs etc.
NEVER MISS A GAME,WHETHER BY BEING THERE OR WATCHING AT HOME,FO SHO!!!
AJ may not like SM’s personal promotion campaign and his work outside the facility, but that opinion doesn’t make it a bad thing. Merriman is bringing a good deal of positive media attention to the team and the city. I see that boost as a good thing.
I don’t think anyone sees it as a “bad thing” necessarily, but I think it worries AJ that there’s a player on his team that craves that attention. That can lead to selfishness or worse.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
Maybe its AJ
I don’t think anyone sees it as a "bad thing" necessarily, but I think it worries AJ that there’s a player on his team that craves that attention. That can lead to selfishness or worse.
The craving certainly can lead to some bad things. I’ve had enough of #85’s cancerous antics. But to me most of SM’s activities have been very professional. And most of his comments and actions have been very mature. Up to this point SM extracurricular activities don’t seem out of line to me.
Maybe the issue is AJ’s? Maybe AJ has trouble dealing with marquee talent, and the special circumstances these players inherently attract? If that is the case, then I think this short coming limits the upside of our franchise.
by Trendsearcher on Sep 8, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
AJ has an idea of the kind of team he wants
and what it should mean to be a Charger. To him (from what I can tell; I don’t know the guy), a Charger should put the team before all else (except maybe family) and limit off-the-field activities. Charitable works are encouraged, but activities designed to promote the individual are counter-productive. AJ probably thinks they’re detrimental to the team identity and team chemistry, and that all self-promotion should be centered around football performance.
I think that AJ believes a team that is filled with selfless individuals who don’t make a big deal out of themselves is the best kind of team.
I don’t think you can say AJ has a problem with marquee talent. It doesn’t follow that talent equals Hollywood—look at Philip and LT on our team, as well as Brees, Brady, and others. I think it’s more accurate to say AJ has a problem with guys who don’t make the team the #1 thing in their lives, and spend a lot of energy on outside pursuits.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Like
Campbell soup commercials?
who’s that in the background?
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
First, I don't think LT films those ads during the season
though I could be wrong.
Second, LT doesn’t party, or if he does, you don’t hear about it because he doesn’t hang around with people who turn them into media affairs. Shawne does.
The only time you ever hear LT in the media is to discuss football, or to do charitable works. Those are the kinds of activities the team approves of.
Brady, arguably the biggest star in the NFL the last couple years, has never done one commercial to my knowledge (though I could be wrong).
Philip has never starred in a commercial, and only appeared briefly in one of LT’s commercials in 2007, and in an ESPN commercial in 2006 (I believe).
Phil is the kind of guy AJ wants and likes. He’s a family man who makes it clear that football is the #1 most important thing in his life above everything else (save his wife and 100 daughters). And notice Philip is the guy who got the big extension.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I completely agree
I’m just trying to make a point about this self promotion thing. Most good players do it and i don’t think it has affected his relationship with his teammates and has yet to be seen if it affects his on field play. I just don’t see the harm in it.
But its AJ’s team, he can be as hard-line as he wants. I’m sure he’s aware that that kind of attitude can scare away a lot of talent, unless you are in the midst of a dynasty.
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
You're right in that it's a danger.
But then again, we don’t sign big free agents. So I don’t think AJ is all too worried about scaring them away.
And some off-field activities are permitted. It’s the ones that are negative, and ones that distract from football that he doesn’t like.
I’m worried about Vincent Jackson. I think the Chargers should pay him his due and keep him, especially if he performs again this year, but I’m afraid the multiple DUIs will hurt those chances.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 8, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions
exactly
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 8, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
VISA-Brady...right?
With his O-Line as well and his girlfriend at a fancy restaurant.
NEVER MISS A GAME,WHETHER BY BEING THERE OR WATCHING AT HOME,FO SHO!!!
AJ has had other difficultlies with this sort of thing in the past
I don’t think you can say AJ has a problem with marquee talent.
Remember that gaff regarding LT’s comments last spring? AJ is a great talent evaluator. He got through that power struggle with Marty Schottenheimerr. But it seems like he does best negotiating with prospects and journeymen.
I agree with his avoidance of signing the big name free agents, but is this strictly a reasoned strategy on his part, or is there also some compensation for his own personal limitations? Either way he’s done a great job building this team. It would be sad if he couldn’t keep it together due to his own feelings. Well no body is perfect.
by Trendsearcher on Sep 8, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Hard to replace an All-Pro
AJ thinks you can bring in a rookie to replace an All-Pro. It will take some time for English to play at SM level.
The Brees thing did not hurt as Rivers stepped up. But was not a true rookie. Edwards did not work out because Wilhelm was not consistent enough. Same thing with Lorenzo. Hopefully Hester will work out. I hope English works out too. But SM should stay for this year.
It’s worth remembering that neither Edwards nor Neal played especially well after being let go.
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 Sep 8, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I am not saying that English...
…is a sure deal in terms of production by any means, nobody is a sure deal; Seymor may be awful in Oakland…But it is worth noting that Merriman was very productive his rookie season, so we know that it is possible to be a productive rookie linebacker with San Diego. English could (hypothetically) produce very well his rookie season.
Formerly Blount#9...
only an offer I couldn't refuse
I would only consider trading him for “an offer I couldn’t refuse”. I can’t really think of anyone I would trade him for with the possible exception of J. Peppers. I definetly wouldn’t trade him to another afc west team. Yes, it’s unfortunate that it appears he is a party animal and craves attention. Although, he said he only had one drink that night and the other reports are he was drinking bottled water. But, I fall into the camp that believes AJ lets his ego get in the way. He totally mishandled the LT situation. He also mishandled the Marty situation. If he was going to release marty, he should have done it when top head coaches were still available. I do not think Norv is a top quality Head coach.
Not that bad
IMO, SM is a good teammate who gets into trouble off the field. He’s not a TO who causes problems within the organization. He is a good player and a good teammate who does not think he’s bigger/better than the team. But he does get into trouble off the field. I think as long as he’s a team player you keep him.
by justinmichaelmccabe on Sep 8, 2009 11:50 AM PDT reply actions
Absolutely not
There is no way that a team is willing to put together a package that is worthy of losing Merriman right now. You cannot trade a former All-Pro when his value is at a career low, not to mention he is in a contract year.
If Merriman were to put together a dominant first half of the season and sign a contract extension, along with English putting up numbers worthy of an quality OLB, it could might be something to consider at that point.
Tila Tequila
I’m not really a fan of San Diego, but i’m tired of “Fan Girls” causing trouble for celebrities, as a Former Law Enforcement Officer, we didn’t let intoxicated people sign charges, we had them wait till they sobered up. i would say 97% of all problems were solved that way at a great savings to the Public Officials(City, County, State) time and money, it takes a god bit of public funds to arrest people for charges made by drunk people,
Excactly
This makes perfect sense. In fact if we consider a warrent like this as a legal contract, a drunken person is impared and imparment is a valid reaon to nullify a contract.
I wonder if the officers did any sort of feild sobriety testing on Tortilla? As the worm turns on this maybe we’ll learn more.
by Trendsearcher on Sep 8, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
we didn’t let intoxicated people sign charges, we had them wait till they sobered up.
I was wondering why they let a drunk girl arrest make a citizen’s arrest.
Anyone else hopeful that she caused this scene and was leaving because Shawne turned her down?
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
Bologna
If AJ trades this man or lets him go for whatever reason it will be the beginning of the end for him..the guy can draft players..we all know that but you dont trade i guy for being a star….Shawn makes the defense click…if AJ expects this team to win and win for years to come, you lock him down with a great contract…SD fans will never get over the lose…it will be worse than Seau because we at least saw Junior reach his full potential…
I think I miss Junior more than, I'd miss Merriman
Junior is a local. AJ let down a Homie.
Get the whole re-building thing with Junior, but at the time I don’t recall the Chargers raising a white flag of surrender and telling us all to tune back in a few seasons. They kept selling tickets to see this substandard product. With Seau the cut hurt more than just at the football level, community ties were strained.
When a local kid makes good and reaches the top of his game playing his entire career with the home team. I think the team has an obligation to go the extra mile for that player. The Padres did it for Gwyn. The Charger missed the chance with Junior. In today’s press release I wouldn’t surprised if Seau, washed his hand of San Diego and entered the Hall of Fame as a Patriot.
by Trendsearcher on Sep 8, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Disagree
Comparing Gwynn and Seau is almost blasphemy in my opinion. Gywnn was probably the still the best hitter on the field until the day he retired, so keeping him at a discounted price was a no brainer for management. Seau was not as productive his last year with us and was an injury time bomb (proved by being injured constantly and eventually released by Miami).
I thank Seau for his services here, but I do not like the guy. He pretty much washed his hands clean of San Diego when he announced his retirement, attended a retirement party thrown by the Chargers, then 24 hours later signed with the Patriots.
This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber-texpadre
Gwynn barely even played his last year
He only got one pinch at bat in his final game as a Padre…
Only Charger Jersey I own is a Seau… Only Padres Jersey I or my kids own are Gwynn jerseys. I think they are very similar.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 8, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
wait until His career plays out
The uproar and AJ bashing would reach a new level if Merriman were to continue his HOF career elsewhere. Seau was virtually done when he was let go, Harrison’s best days were over (he fit well in a system on a great team he didn’t have to carry). Merriman, if he gets it all back this year, can be a Lawrence Taylor-like impact player.
Don’t think you’d miss that, just because he isn’t from Oceanside?
AJ is holding his cards close to the vest. He will make his play When He Has To. Why show your hand before the flop? 56 still has to prove he’s back, and if he does, he won’t be going anywhere.
Would you rather play with him or against him?
Which would be worse?
I don’t think AJ (or Philip Rivers) would be very comfortable watching Merriman line up on the other side of our offensive line. We just gave rivers a 6 year extension- I would hate to see SM pull another Priest Holmes and put his lights out before then.
not just no, but hell no...
i’d add something better to the conversation, but my wife wants to spend time with me…what’s that all about?…can’t wait for the season to start tomorrow…happy NFL eve sports fans
...ya'll are brutalizing me... ronnie dobbs
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