Positive 2010 Outlook: Shawne Merriman
by John Gennaro on May 6, 2010 2:19 PM PDT
Email
PrintAlthough San Diego Chargers Mini Camp is just days away, there is still about 3 months left before the start of training camp. From now until the start of the season, I will be highlighting the biggest keys to the upcoming season and giving you my outlook on them (either positive, negative, or...at times...both). Today we'll start with quite possibly the biggest key to the 2010-2011 defense, Shawne Merriman.
Why you should ignore the haters:
It's not like I don't see the reasons some people have for not liking him. Yes, he wants to be a star. Yes, he probably shouldn't hang out in clubs and with reality stars and whatever. Yes, he wants to make as much money as possible before his career turns him into a cripple.
Here's whymy perspective may be a little different than your own: Shawne is only 6 months older than me. He probably graduated high school a year before me. I am living a 25 year old's life the same time as him. And you know what I'd be doing if I were him? I'd be having a good time. That's what he's doing. It doesn't make him stupid, it doesn't make him selfish and it doesn't make him anything other than human.
Is he healthy?
This is certainly the best opportunity to prove himself to be. Think about it, he was injured for the entire 2008 season. If you forget about him trying (unsuccessfully) to get through that season and playing only one quarter, the guy did not play real football for 20 months. TWENTY MONTHS. That's a lifetime, especially in football. There two big reasons that it's almost impossible for a player to come back strong immediately after missing 20 months.
- Mental - I remember listening to Brian Mitchell host a sports talk radio show in Philadelphia once, and he talked about how after he retired from football for a year his body felt really good and healthy. He thought that it was the best he had felt in years and wanted to give football a try again. He got himself into training camp with some team (I forget which) and immediately knew that he'd never be able to play in the NFL. I don't remember word for word, but in a nutshell he said "I suddenly realized that I was the only guy out there that was afraid. When you play, you have to forget any fear you have. That's easy enough to do when you're playing all the time, but when you spend a year or two in the real world it's almost impossible to go back to that place, in your mind, where you're not afraid of anything."
- Physical - We've all heard it before: the knee was not Shawne's biggest problem in 2010. Was it as strong as it could've been? Maybe, maybe not. However, and I mentioned this when I first saw him in training camp last year, I thought Shawne had gotten into really great "gym shape".....which doesn't always make for the best "game shape". He was big and bulky, but not necessarily fast, quick, agile and flexible....which a lot of times are more useful when rushing the passer (ask Shaun Phillips and Dwight Freeney).
So now Shawne will only be a few months removed from playing, and is certainly closer to being in "game shape" than he was last year. Add in another year to strengthen his knee and get his injury issues from last year healed up, and 2010 Merriman should look/feel more like 2007 Shawne than 2008/2009 Shawne.
Could he be a locker room headache?
Probably the biggest reason I've been a Merriman fan, and have liked him more as time has gone on, is that you can never question his dedication. Seemingly nobody works harder and longer than him, and there are few players that I can see caring more than him. When stories came out about Shawne calling out Antonio Cromartie twice during the 2009 season for his "heart"(read: Cromartie tackled like a 10-year-old girl), I was not the least bit surprised.
This may be considered a character flaw in some locker rooms, but even though he has a head for business....nobody seems to care more about his teammates, and more about winning, than Shawne (with the possible exception of Philip Rivers). That, and a few other things, are what make for a good leader. That's why I wasn't surprised when, at 23 years old, Shawne was named one of the defensive captains of the 2008 San Diego Chargers. It's why I wasn't surprised that he tried to play on his busted-up knee. He's trying to be smart about it and not throw away his career/body, but the guy just really wants to play football and win games. I don't think there's a chance in the world that he could cause locker room problems.
STEROIDS! STEROIDS!
Sigh, get over yourself people. If I get into a car accident today, it's not going to be because I was drunk last weekend. If I take too long to answer a question next week, it won't be because I smoked some pot in high school. So the guy happened to have an absolutely incredible season the same year that he got suspended for testing positive for a banned substance. That also happened to be his second season, his first full season as a starter, so it wouldn't be real surprising if he was just reaching his potential.
But....But....But.....what about 2007? He only had 12.5 sacks in 2007!
First, let us not poo-poo 12.5 sacks. Sack-master Dwight Freeney has gotten more than 11 sacks only 3 times in his 7 seasons. 12.5 sacks is still a very good season, and those 12.5 sacks were gotten in a defense (run by I'm-too-scared-to-blitz Ted Cottrell) that survived entirely off of luck and turnovers. Teddy was fired half-way through the next season for not being nearly aggressive enough, so the change to his defense has to be focused on when somebody tries to claim that "Merriman hasn't done anything since they made him stop taking steroids."
So, what can we hope for from Merriman in 2010?
I'm not going to sit here and pretend this is Wade Philips defense, with Jamal Williams at the nose and a Pro Bowler everywhere else. Shawne probably won't break the sack record. Lucky for us, the Bolts don't need him to. As we saw last year, NFL teams know that Shawne is still a fearsome force when healthy. They know he still needs to be double-covered. If he can stay on the field and even rack up 10-13 sacks, he'll go right back to being the driving force behind a very good defense (because he'll free up guys like Shaun Phillips and Luis Castillo).
That's pretty much what I'm expecting to. And the love-hate relationship between Shawne and the Chargers fans will go back to romance, and we'll all scream for the team to keep him, and all will be well. All it's going to take is a little health, luck and flexibility.
38 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I have always liked Merriman
but I was sucked into believing in him last year around this time. I will believe it when I see it. And if I do see Merriman circa 2007 on the field this year, I will be among the angry mod demanding he be signed to a long term deal (and by long term I mean 3-4 years). Impact players like Merriman ‘07 don’t come around very often, we definitely don’t have anyone else on our defense who seems to have the skill set to take over a game on that side of the ball. But like I said, I need to see it first.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on May 6, 2010 2:55 PM PDT reply actions
When I saw him in training camp I remember thinking “he’s built like a bowling ball, that’s not good.” I’ll make my full judgement when I see him in camp.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
Do you know if training camp is going to be open to the public or are they going to do the same thing as last year where only a couple of days are open at Qualcomm?
I just want to get paid to draw naked girls, is that so much to ask?
No idea. Gotta imagine it’ll be open to the public, at least some days, unless they’re still doing construction.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
I think Acee mentioned
that it’ll be closed again.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains."
Bolts From The Blue - Heavy with the facts, slightly less heavy with the opinions.
by Zach (maestro876) on May 6, 2010 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Merriman’s success is dictated by the D-line and Rivera
Shawne’s knee is probably as good as it is going to get. He doesn’t looks as fast as he once was, but he’s still good enough to consistently get in the backfield.
The problem last year was we had to stay in the box to cover the run, very little blitzing. And certainly that was due to a banged up line, but could it have also been a little conservatism on Rivera’s part?
If that D-Line can’t stop the run in 2010, Shawne Merriman is gonna have rotten results. And even if the D-Line holds, if Rivera gets conservative Merriman looks bad. We’ll see…
I just like seeing that opposing QB throwing off his back foot with a Charger jersey flying at him.
Very little "blitzing"
You must be watching different games then me, yes he has to respect the run just like any other front 7 defender. But in passing situations he looked to be rushing the passer nearly every time he was in.
IMO
Absolutley Merriman was going after the QB on passing downs
… but look where he was starting from…
Merriman started many of those passing downs in the 3 point stance at a 4-3 DE spot, heads up with the Tackle. Basically playing pass, but starting from a position that still gives a degree of run defense.
If we really want to get Merriman (or any OLB) to the QB on passing downs we need to get him in a two point stance outside the Tackle, an edge rush into the backfield.
If our 3 D Linemen can hold on a 3rd and long, we can afford to send one or both OLBs. And IF we send two OLBs on a pass play that QB has very little time to make the read and beat our blitz.
by Trendsearcher on May 7, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
This makes little sense to me
In passing situations the Chargers like almost everyone else in the entire NFL go to nickel or dime, and that uses a four man fronts usually. But even in something like a 335 nickel Merriman would be much better suited to play as a DE as opposed to a LB. The guy flat out didnt play that well last season, I dont know why people try to make excuses for him. The old school Merriman wasnt really a prototypical speed guy anyway, he got sacks by using many moves including the straight bull rush.
I just chalk it up to the knee, I know he had foot problems too; but knee reconstruction concerning multiple ligaments is a very big deal for any athlete especially someone who has to be strong and fast.
IMO
Mr Hollywood
I agree that Shawne is a good player and all that. But, his love of the lime light is why I don’t see AJ signing him to a long term deal. That, and his not having surgery to repair the knee sooner upset AJ (me too) Several doctors told him he needed surgery. If he had had the surgery, he could have come back sooner and not missed an entire year and be less thanj 100 percent the following year. Also, as some have mentioned, he will need to have a good year to show he’s worth “the big bucks”. If he has a good year (assuming he plays this year) AJ may try and trade him or use the franchise tag on him. Remember, he hasn’t signed his tender offer, so technically he’s not under contract. Or so I’ve read.
idk
hes not the same.But I’m still siked to see the two shauns and especially larry english
Reppin SD (Z-G)
I wonder
if Merriman will tweet about this article. I would be shocked to find out that he doesnt read all these things soon after they appear on the net
IMO
It was 2008. Seems like he was +1.05M richer for the single game.
from NFL.com
“Do players receive the same salary when they are on injured reserve as they would if they were active? Players who are sent to injured reserve by a club receive their full salary unless they signed a split contract. A split contract designates a base salary for a player if he makes the team and a lower salary if he winds up on injured reserve. Typically the only players signing a split contract are undrafted rookies and a few veterans with severe medical histories.”
Merriman’s contract. signed 5-year deal thru 2009-2010 season worth a guaranteed 9M as part of a 11.33M deal on 8/1/05- + the total of the deal could be worth up to $15.73M- + he receives a 1.244M roster bonus very early in the deal rather than a signing bonus- + he receives a 6.35M option bonus that is payable over the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of the deal- + the includes 4.4M in performance-based escalators- + he receives base salaries of 230K (1.406M in total compensation) in 2005, 310K in 2006, 680K in 2007, 1.05M in 2008 and 1.422M in 2009
that assumes he had a split contract
which most 1st rounders won’t have. I believe he would have been paid the same either way.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on May 7, 2010 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I highly doubt this
A roster bonus means he’s on the roster, if he’s on IR he’s not on the roster.
IMO
It is amazing how much more buff he came out looking this season than in seasons past.
It almost seems like he should slim down a few pounds of muscle and get a quicker first step instead.
Self-anointed President of the Kenjon Barner fan club.
It's almost like he trains for the movies or something
Since when do passrushers have to look like a feakin GQ model?
IMO
Nice To See
Merriman defenders. People forget what a force this guy was. You can’t easily replace guys like Merriman. I’d much rathar re-sign Merriman than keep Phillips. Phillips is a gamer and works hard but he’s retarded and parties just as much as Merriman, if not more, he just hasn’t been accused of choking a dumb reality whore. Get over it A.J,. re-sign Merriman while his stock is down because he’ll get back to being a top of the line pass rusher.
by notablogger on May 6, 2010 9:26 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Rec
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on May 7, 2010 2:04 AM PDT up reply actions
What if Merriman doesn't want to sign while his stock is down?
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains."
Bolts From The Blue - Heavy with the facts, slightly less heavy with the opinions.
by Zach (maestro876) on May 7, 2010 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions
good point
part of the difficulty in trading him is that he wants a contract based on his 2007 season, and no one is willing to give it to him.
I think a likely scenario is that he plays at his 2007 level in 2010 and the Chargers try and sign him, but the sides a too far off, so we franchise him. Of course, we’ll have a handful of other critical FAs so Merriman might not be the one that gets the franchise tag (McNeill or Vincent).
by Stephen (shaynes41) on May 7, 2010 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions
how many franchise tags can we use? there are a couple different kinds right?
"Watch out where the huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow."- Zappa
Two, right?
If AJ wants to pay Merriman what he’s worth next year, that’s what will happen. If not, then he’ll keep him a year or two at more or less what he would have had to pay him, and then either let him go or trade him.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on May 7, 2010 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
We can only designate 1
We have the option to declare a ‘franchise’ tag or a ‘transition’ tag but we cannot declare both. We can tag as many Restricted Free Agents as we want, but next year all our current RFA’s will be considered unrestricted free agents and can sign anywhere and we won’t receive compensation (except for compensatory picks the following year).
The franchise tag comes with an avg of the top 5 salaries at the same position or 120% of that players salary, whichever is greater. If the player signs elsewhere we get that teams next two 1st round picks.
The transition tag is an avg of the top 10 salaries at the same position or 120% of that players salary, whichever is greater. No compensation is received if the player signs elsewhere.
Of course, all of this could change when the new CBA is put together (assuming it gets done before next years lockout).
by Christopher Hernandez on May 7, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
in an uncapped year (2010) there are actually two franchise tags available. Next year entirely depends on the new CBA (which I assume will roughly look like the current CBA in terms of free agency with some of the money percentages moved around), but we’ll probably be back to normal situation you described.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on May 7, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Yup no one knows
jack s$%T about any tag or anything that would even function like one in 2011? There’s no CBA for 2011
IMO
"he’ll get back to being a top of the line pass rusher."
I don’t believe that is a forgone conclusion.
"If guys wanna complain about playing here they better check themselves and leave" - Nick Hundley.
by Natrone Bomb on May 7, 2010 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I cant believe this comment was received
And I dont even like SP, but dude makes huge plays; and he’s not inactive every other game.
IMO
Not big on Merriman anymore
When they were trying to deal him, he was apparently asking for ridiculous money. He is really looking for a big market team, and the additional media attention that comes with it. He had a nice game against the Giants, but other than that I can’t remember him standing out last season.
He just isn’t playing well enough for all the Sturm & Drang he brings. Steroids, off field distractions, poor judgment on his knee injury, the constant pimping of his energy drink and an inability to get along with Charger management are all pretty tiresome. He certainly has the motivation to have a great season, I’d be happy to see him do it but his act has worn thin with me. I find myself much more interested to see how English will do.
"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 May 7, 2010 7:28 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Merriman is a Necessity
English is good and will only get better. Watch him. Phillips is still awesome. But this team feeds off of each other. Merriman needs to be here and captain this ship. He’s a firey presence on the field and thats something you don’t coach or teach.
by Superduperboltman on May 7, 2010 11:29 AM PDT reply actions
Good news already for Merriman
Brian Cushing is suspended for the first four games for steroids, so that should take away at least part of his poster-boy status for NFL roidheads.
Strange too that Cushing would be suspended one year after “false” rumors of failed tests at the combine.
by Lenny Suckerpunch on May 7, 2010 4:06 PM PDT reply actions
I watched weekly NFL for the first time last year.
And Merriman didnt stand out to me from the “outside looking in”. I did notice him a few times, but none of the times I watched the Chargers he did much that demanded attention – therefore dollars in a pass rushing position.
He does seem like he is a pumped up player on the field. But there is a difference between being loud and being a leader on a team. I dont know which category he falls into based on just watching closely last year.
Also, Ive had a shoulder reconstruction from an injury playing rugby that cause me to have a dislocated shoulder numerous times over a year. And it was honestly about 2 years after that that I played my first game of rugby (or anything to be honest) before I realised that I was playing without thinking about it again.
And in a position like his where he needs to explode and pull a move after 1 step and hit someone as hard as he can – well that little thought in the back of his head is going to make it hard for him to be effective.
I think shoulder reconstruction has more risk
The doctors are getting pretty good with knees. And if we believe the reports, Merriman only had one of the four ligaments (PCL) torn. I think shoulder reconstruction is a much bigger deal, especially if you plan on continuing a contact sport like Rugby.
I’m not sure how to equate the two situations. But Merriman’s running did not seem very fluid early in last season and that was probably the knee. I think later in the season he had quite a few other minor injuries slowing him down.
by Trendsearcher on May 10, 2010 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bolts From The Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
BFTB Apparel Store
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
