Building the 2010 San Diego Chargers Depth Chart (without Jackson and McNeill)
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 11:51 AM PDT
in San Diego Chargers Training Camp/Preseason
99 comments
The deadline for Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill to sign their tenders before the offer drops significantly has now come and gone, and Kevin Acee has started speculating (along with the rest of the media) that both guys will sit out until Week 10 (which is a bye before a home game against the Broncos). If they haven't signed yet, this move seems like the only one that they have left.
I'm not going to go into all the reasons that I agree or disagree with these moves, either by the players or the team, but I will roll with the hypothetical situation that has both of these Pro Bowl players sitting out the first 9 or 10 games of the season and take a look at what the San Diego Chargers roster looks like without them. After the break, a prediction on the depth chart (barring any injury).
QB
Philip Rivers
Billy Volek
Jonathan Crompton
RB
Ryan Mathews
Darren Sproles
Marcus Mason
TE
Antonio Gates
Randy McMichael
Kris Wilson
WR
Malcom Floyd
Legedu Naanee
Buster Davis
Josh Reed
Ernest Smith
LT
Brandyn Dombrowski
Tra Thomas
C
Nick Hardwick
Scott Mruczkowski
NT
Cam Thomas
Antonio Garay
Ryon Bingham
RDE
Vaughn Martin
Travis Johnson
LOLB
Shaun Phillips
Jyles Tucker
LILB
Brandon Siler
Stephen Cooper
RILB
Kevin Burnett
Donald Butler
Darry Beckwith
ROLB
Shawne Merriman
Larry English
LCB
Quentin Jammer
Nathan Vasher
RCB
Antoine Cason
Donald Strickland
FS
Eric Weddle
Paul Oliver
C.J. Spillman
SS
Darrell Stuckey
Kevin Ellison
Steve Gregory
NFL teams are allowed to have 53 men on their roster. The list above has 53. That means that if there's anyone that is not on that list that wants to make the team, they have to be lucky or just flat-out better than the guy in front of them. The above list is just a guess and will probably be nowhere close to the final roster, but if it does turn out this way.....here's my list of guys I wish I had more space to include:
Antwan Applewhite
James Holt (who could make the team if they decide against keeping Ellison)
Ian Scott
Jacques Cesaire
Brandon Hughes
Ogemdi Nwagbuo (who could easily replace Garay on the above list, really)
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One thing is not gonna happen...
I am sure David Binn is not gonna be playing Left Tackle it would ruin his golf game.
Is he really a backup O-lineman?
hes 240lbs
=SD=
by Mad_Villain on Jun 15, 2010 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Does it really matter where he is on the depth chart? He’s on the roster.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Blame too many years of playing Madden, where he’s always listed as a RG.
Binn is in no way a backup o-lineman. As a matter of fact, he played LB in college.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep
I’ve seen him warm up at QB before games and at practices and he’s probably more of a 4th QB than a backup lineman.
True
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 6:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Dude can throw a football.
Please don't read my signature.
by SoCalBoltFan on Jun 16, 2010 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Tra Thomas
is taking snaps with first string; I think he starts, but it looks good.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 12:05 PM PDT reply actions
Considering what Brandon Dombrowski did last year
I have a hard time believing he wouldn’t be the starter.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
You could be right
But when they had Thomas taking the first team snaps, and the fact that he is staying after the OTAs to become more familiar with the offense, it has me thinking that they are prepping him as more than a backup. Preseason will tell the tale.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Cesaire is the only one of your cuts that would be ineligible for the practice squad, right?
You can’t be put on the practice squad if you’ve accrued a year of NFL service. So that’s 6 games active or on the IR.
I’m not going to double-check, cause I’m almost positive that means none of these guys are eligible for the PS.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
What happens if a player on the PS gets hurt?
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 Jun 15, 2010 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
They go home? I’m not sure. Players on the practice squad I believe are “free agents” (can be signed by any other team), so I can’t imagine they’re really backed up by the team all that much.
By the way, there’s an addendum to my previous statement:
If the player was on the active list for fewer than 9 games during their “only Accrued Season(s)”, he maintains his eligibility for the practice squad.
So that changes things a little.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
even practice squad players are under contract
so they do have some injury protection. I think they would either be put on IR or would agree to an injury settlement and be cut/waived. Either way, a spot opens up on the PS.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Really, if you can’t stay healthy on the practice squad you’re probably not going to make the actual team.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I don’t think I’ve heard of a PS squad player getting hurt, probably for that very reason. These guys are on the fringe of the NFL anyways. An injury might as well be a pink slip. They probably couldn’t even tell you where the training room is.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Tell that to Curtis Brinkley.
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 Jun 15, 2010 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions
ahh, an exception!
one thing brinkley had in his favor is that he didn’t get paid and he didn’t take up a roster spot. I believe he was put on the same type of IR Byrd was on last year where the team can take care of them health wise, but don’t pay them and they don’t take up a roster spot. Brinkley was happy with that deal because no one else was going to give him a chance in his current condition.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 16, 2010 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Correct. Every PS player is under contract and, if injured, go on IR.
My girlfriend’s parents became good friends with Germane Race, the running back we drafted four years back who broke all of the AA college records. Anyway, he injured his big toe in a preseason game, was dropped down to the PS to recover. I don’t remember if he was ever officially placed on the IR list, but the team payed him the league minimum while spending the next year flying him around the country to visit specialists, have surgeries done, etc. What he received was much better than a simple injury settlement, and although this is the single case I have any knowledge about, I like to assume all players are treated similarly.
They could save a roster spot at RB if they just use Mathews/Sproles/Tolbert/Hester. Both Tolbert and Hester can take snaps at tailback with an injury or mop up situation.
but then if Mathews goes down for any length of time, you are picking guys off the street to be your starting RB.
Normally you would only keep on FB, but hester and Tolbert are special teams standouts as well, so their contribution there will keep them on the team.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
if strickland or vasher can effectively play the nickel back, I think we will only go with 4 safeties. I could see Oliver and Ellison getting the boot. I also think Beckwith spends another year on the PS which opens the door for Holt, Applewhite, and Hughes or OG.
Last year we had a ton of safeties, but that was mainly because of the uncertainty around the nickel back and the Clinton Hart situation. This year, things are a little more locked down, especially if Stuckey looks good early.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 12:21 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I agree with everything here.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I could even see them keeping two of their UDFA WRs… They definitely will if Buster gets the boot, but even if he doesn’t, I think they may want to stockpile at this position and keep 6 WRs
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Meh
The Chargers rarely go with more than 2 WRs, so keeping 6 guys on the roster is almost guaranteeing that 2 of them never even sniff the field unless there’s an injury. That’s why I din’t see that happening.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
true, it is useless for 2010
the main reason for stockpiling WRs would be post 2010 when VJ and Floyd might be gone. I don’t think Reed has a big future with the Chargers. So if they like what they see in some of the Rookies, they might want to hang on to them instead of risking losing them off the PS to some other team.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Practice squad, maybe.
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 Jun 15, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I was thinking about both of these. I picked Smith because he always seemed more polished to me than Ajirotutu, who is a very interesting project.
McNeal just seems WAY too small to be kept as Mathews-insurance. 5’9" and 190lbs? That has 3rd down RB written all over it. Mason is the same height with 25 more pounds and some NFL experience. I don’t see how he loses to McNeal.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 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 Jun 15, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I see a contract for McN as a possibility still.
A lot of people say stuff like “AJ’s ego won’t let him sign a holdout.” That’s dumb. AJ’s ego won’t let him change course. AJ will do a deal with McN after he does a deal with Gates. He’ll do a deal with Gates when he’s sure sure sure that the whole foot thing is not a big deal. There is no CBA situation so bad it can’t be negotiated around for key players, and all this “holdout” BS will be forgotten when Marcus gets his new contract, probably sometime before Week 1.
VJ and Merriman are both different stories. Merriman will “hold out” until training camp so he doesn’t pay any penalties if he decides to skip something mandatory; don’t be concerned, he’ll play the year. VJ is a credible holdout threat, but AJ will make his point by signing Gates, then signing McNeill, then… nothing. VJ will play for something less than $3.168M, or VJ will sit out. He really is worth the $3.168M, so he can probably get most of it back.
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 Jun 15, 2010 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
That doesn’t mean I’m predicting a deal for McN. It just means I think it’s quite possible.
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 Jun 15, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Why won't Mcneil be signed?
Last year they sign Philip Rivers to a freakin 98 million dollar contract don’t they want to protect him?
Reppin SD (Z-G)
92 million
And if they do plan on re-signing him, this whole “holdout” and “tender” stuff is just smoke. They seem to be waiting to sign Gatesy; they want to make sure that he’s football-ready before they commit or don’t, and when they know what’s going on they know what they can do with McN.
VJ is either caving in or dying on the vine; his choice. If he holds out, he’ll be stuck in the same place next year. If he holds out until Week 10, it’ll cost him millions.
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 Jun 15, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
They do
Which is why they offered McNeill a tender. They’re not obligated to pay him more or offer him more than that.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
No, but he's earned a new deal. Him and Gates.
VJ and Merriman are good players, but McNeill is critical.
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 Jun 15, 2010 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions
If VJ doesn't sign until week 10
does he then start to serve his yet to be determined suspension? Or will it already count as being served?
you can't serve a suspension if you are not on a roster.
It’ll begin in week 10 or whenever he signs. But I think he’ll be in TC after we sign Gates and McNeill…he’ll get an incentive laden contract for 2 years with $6-7mil guaranteed.
by Christopher Hernandez on Jun 15, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I strongly doubt that's going to happen.
Maybe Gates gets done.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
To my understanding
He’d start the suspension after he signs. And I’m not sure but I think that he woul have to sign before week 10 in order to serve the suspension & get credit for the season.
by Its Mikey!! on Jun 15, 2010 1:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think the suspension time counts as service time.
My understanding is that they have to be on a roster for 6 games, regardless of active/inactive/suspension/IR status. If they are on the roster, they get service credit. I could be wrong, but that is my interpretation of this situation.
by Christopher Hernandez on Jun 15, 2010 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll take your word over mine.
Seeing as I really have no idea.
by Its Mikey!! on Jun 15, 2010 1:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Yup
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Wouldn't "doomsday"
be him not showing up at all? Because I kind of think that’s what’s going to happen.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
That would take away 1 of his years of service and he’d be back in the exact same spot next season, just a year older and a year removed from football. The team would still hold his rights for the same amount of time and he’d be worth less. Doomsday is he shows up for 2 games, gets his “year” or service and is so good that he still demands and incredibly high salary.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
prior to this "uncapped" year
the service requirement for an unrestricted FA was 4 years. Due to the uncapped year, it grew to 6 years. This is the main reason why guys like VJ, McNeill, and Merriman are so upset, they are “supposed” to be unrestricted free agents. but they are not because the service time requirement grew in the uncapped year.
When (if) there is a new agreement between the union and the NFL, the service requirement will probably go back to it’s prior level. Assuming this happens before the 2011 year, VJ will be an unrestricted FA at that time because he has 5 years.
There are a lot of assumptions in there, but that may be what VJ’s plan is.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
So, assuming they made the playoffs without him would he then sit out the playoff games?
Bolts from the Blue // "He looks like a catfish" - Nick Hardwick on Brandon Siler
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Jun 15, 2010 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Would you trust a bitterly defeated Jackson to keep the team’s best interests in mind during any playoff game, let alone a hotly contested one? I don’t. And neither does AJ, else Jackson wouldn’t be in (as bad) a contract situation. He just hasn’t shown he cares about the team winning more than he cares about letting his emotions commit stupid penalties or driving his car whenever he wants to.
by sd_Baby-B on Jun 16, 2010 3:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think Vincent is banking on the rules changing back to the way they used to be.
Acee mentioned this the other day, saying that while Marcus will definitely show for Week 10 because he needs the service time, Vincent doesn’t think he will need it, and may not show at all.
"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 Jun 16, 2010 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions
or
he could be on the new CBA giving unrestricted free agency at 4 years of service (like the old one did before thhis uncapped year) and he could sit out the entire year and be a completely unrestricted free agent next year….
Of course that assumes we have a new CBA next year that gives unrestricted free agency at the same service levels as the previous, which is probably a pretty safe assumption
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 15, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
The roster is probably close to what will be
and my concerns are D Line, WR if VJ is not there, and Safety. If VJ is not coming in then I think that the team has to do something at WR.
I actually like our d-line quite a bit. It should tell you something that guys like Scott, Nwagbuo and Cesaire are on the chopping block. Those are good players.
WR group makes me a little nervous, but a good QB can make any WRs look good. Pierre Garcon, anyone?
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2010 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I like our WRs
Malcom can stretch the field, Legedu looks like he could be a possession guy and Buster does have talent if he can stay on the field. With Rivers at QB, I think we’re ok there.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Just so I understand you
Were ok there because "Legedu looks like he “could” be a possession guy and Buster does have talent “if” he can stay on the field". Could and if some rather ringing endorsements. Malcom did stretch the field with VJ on the other side, he may be able to do it without VJ, but being the # 1 wideout could change things.
I didn't say
they were OK, I said I think they’re ok at WR. It’s just my opinion, they look sharp. Malcom can strtetch the field and go up and get it, Legedu was picking balls off his shoelaces, the few balls Buster caught, he put up some nice YAC. These guys have years in the scheme, talent to burn and I believe in them.
"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 Jun 15, 2010 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Me too.
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 Jun 15, 2010 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, and you know who else I believe in?
The P.R. Machine will make them look just fine. That guy is unstoppable.
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 Jun 15, 2010 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
"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 Jun 16, 2010 6:58 AM PDT up reply actions
I am not with you on the D-Line
Scott and Cesaire are below average journeymen at best and Nwagbuo looks like he could turn into a player one day (maybe) but so far he has not done much. The line had problems with those guys playing last year and I am not confident looking at the depth, or lack there of, going into this season. I think it is a lot to ask for Martin to go from a guy who was not on the active roster or field very often last season to becoming a starter at DE this season. I have hope for Cam but asking him to step right in and be a quality starter might be a little much as well. Some may consider Boone and Garay talented but the reason they were available last year is because nobody in the league wanted them. Bingham and Johnson might be players if there healthy I guess, but they have a lot to prove also. Castillo is the only one that I have some solid faith in, and even my faith in him was shaken a little last year.
I do agree that a great QB makes WRs look good, but Rivers and Gates will be carrying a heavy load this season.
Hey John
Liked your roster. I think they should keep the WR Seyi Ajirotu(could be the next Floyd) BTW are you gonna do a podcast on this whole holdout situation?
by NorthCountyBolt on Jun 15, 2010 5:44 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Podcasts will be done
Trust me, this situation isn’t going away. We’ll be talking about this weekly.
Podcasts will go back to weekly around training camp, when we actually have enough to fill an hour.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions
A few "facts"
If they weren’t happy to play for $3+mil/yr., they aren’t going to come in for $600k.
This isn’t all on AJ. First, he doesn’t make final decisions re: contracts. Second, the players & NFLPA signed on to this possibility.
There’s going to be a 2010 season & it quite likely is going to be played w/o McNeill & VJ as Chargers. I’m still going to pull for the TEAM.
Are you?
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jun 15, 2010 7:01 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
The reason they're likely to come in on Week 10
is so they can still get a year of service time.
"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 Jun 16, 2010 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions
VJ maybe, but he'd need to come in sooner, no?
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 Jun 16, 2010 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe it's unlcear how his suspension will affect that.
"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 Jun 16, 2010 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I understand all of that
My take is that, if they haven’t come in before then, we don’t need them then.
There’s no solidarity on this issue, so to me it just looks like they’re putting themselves ahead of the team. If that’s the case, better to know ASAP & send them down the road.
Sorry – didn’t mean to hijack the thread.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jun 16, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the ILB depth chart seems a little messed up...
First of all, I don’t Siler is a starting strong-side inside linebacker. He has not shown the versatility that is required to be a strong-side backer. He has shown the ability to stop the run on numerous occasions but I have never been sold on his coverage skills.
Cooper has the job out of camp since he is, it would seem, the captain of the defense. He is the one calling plays and moving guys around prior to the snap. Siler has never been an every down linebacker and can’t imagine he is ready to be calling plays / blitzes. Nothing makes me believe that is Burnett either. Burnett has shown that he is mainly a coverage ILB and not really an every down backer.
This all leads me to think that Butler is going to play a much more important role than the depth chart would suggest. I think Butler will be a starter within the first few weeks of the season and will potentially be the defensive rookie with the most impact on the team’s success.
If Cooper isn’t the starter, I don’t think they’d have a problem with Weddle calling the plays and setting the defense.
I thought Burnett and Siler showed themselves to be every-down LBs last year. Burnett also just showed that he can’t stay healthy. The ILB situation might be the hardest to predict, but these guys have a shot based off how they played last year.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm interested in the ILB battle as well.
Last year we ended up with Siler and Cooper starting, and Burnett coming in for Siler on passing downs. Throw in the 4th rounder we picked up and I think things get interesting. I still think Cooper has a few years left in him and will be our everydown ILB and playcaller, but Siler could mature into that role.
As much as I love Cooper, I do think that he is an injury away from being done. If he gives guys like Butler and Siler too much time, I think they will push him out of his role and onto the street. However, at this point, I think he is still our starter and our only everydown ILB, and I’m very comfortable with him in that role.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 16, 2010 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I hate to barge in on this Chargers Funeral Procession but, anything can happen ....
Yo all, we are still a few months away from the “Monday Night Season Opener”, but anything can happen (during that span of time) IE: VJ and McNeil sign, we happen to get lucky and sign some “Suddenly Available” good free agents, some rookies like Stuckley, Butler, Richmond, begin to SHINE in training camp (not likely but, who knows?),
It is nice to play Armchair owners, GM’S, Head coaches, and Talent scouts, but, truth be told, I am sure there is more to this tale than we will ever know. John, excellent post as usual, and the rest of the regulars have all made great points.
My point is, let’s just see what develops in the up-coming months before we make funeral plans for the Chargers! Raiders fans are already claiming they will win the AFC West (for the 8th straight year.)
GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
by iliketowinallthetime on Jun 16, 2010 2:27 AM PDT reply actions
John re-read a former post you made on June 8th regarding VJ...........
John, just re-read your post from June 8th entilted " An open letter to Vincent Jackson" and, felt it was worth reading again by all of the bloggers on here regarding Jackson. You were DEAD ON and to the POIINT in that post regarding VJ. We have unloaded a lot of players this off- season that were unproductive, had qustionable character/legal issues, madeto many bone-headed plays, or simply did not into the future of the Chargers goals.
VJ is very talented and, might turn out to be a Superstar reciever in the future but, it is the boneheaded/mishap plays that have prevented us from going all the way in the post-season.
I say, we are re-building this year (whether we like to admit it or not) if it means maybe not going to the Super-Bowl again this year so be it. I am 47 years old and, have been a fan since I was born there ( and also went to Marine Corps boot camp there.)
We are sooooooooooo over due for a SB I can taste it. I am so sick of the players that are turning down 3 mill to play a sport for 1 year (when I have never come close to making $500,000 for a first or second year on a job.) Is the world insane or just me?
What needs to happen is to offer the NFL players a minimum salary (loaded with incentives and bonuses if they exceed and produce) that is fair. I am no football expert or prognosticator just, a LIFE-LONG FAN is all.
Just speaking my opinion, cause I can……………
by iliketowinallthetime on Jun 16, 2010 3:12 AM PDT reply actions
"Rebuilding"?
Good comment, but I really don’t think we’re rebuilding. The team won 11 straight games last year and was arguable the best team in the regular season, and all they’ve done in the offseason is replace a broken-down RB with a stellar rookie RB.
Is anyone not expecting them to win the AFC West and at least 8-10 games? Especially against this weak schedule?
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 6:53 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Someone help me with a minor detail...
If either McNeil or Jackson, or both, sign the ~600k reduced offer about week 10 so they can hold out the longest and still accrue another season under their belt, would they still receive all 600k for only playing a portion of the season or do they get payed something like 600k multiplied by 6/16?
I believe the latter, but I’m not positive.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 6:54 AM PDT up reply actions
The latter, I think.
But it doesn’t matter. This is Kabuki for McNeill. For Jackson, it’s more of a temper tantrum?
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 Jun 16, 2010 7:11 AM PDT up reply actions
From Acee's "Bolts to play sans Jackson, McNeil", one of our daily links.
McNeill will lose $2.568 million as his tender is dropped to $600,000. Should he not report until after the Chargers’ 10th game, which numerous sources have said he will and the Chargers are expecting, he will make $212,000.
Jackson will have his tender dropped from $3.268 million to $583,000 (a $2.685 million reduction). He would make $206,000 if he doesn’t report until six games are left, though it remains unclear how an expected suspension of two to four games for his past DUIs will affect him.
Jackson may pay a real penalty for this dumb move.
But McNeill probably won’t, and neither will the Chargers. The two sides have too much invested not to make a deal sometime before Week 1. I suspect the holdup is Gates’s deal, which is all about his health.
Jackson’s problem is that the team doesn’t need him to protect their $92M investment. That and he’s a diva at a well-stocked position. McN doesn’t have VJ’s baggage, and we really don’t know if we’re okay without him or not. Big difference.
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 Jun 16, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
McNeil has earned his long term and should get it during the season, but his impatience and holding out shenanigan can hurt his image in the eyes of the organization of it continues much into the season. I can’t decide what exactly will happen next year if both hold out until week 10 and there is a season to play, because VJ will still have to produce a solid year on and off the field to prove he is worth the investment of a long term contract, and the organization will probably want the same from McNeil who will have spent this year partially soiling his image.
Acee and others have also speculated
that a long term deal with McNeill is related to negotiations with Gates. My question is … why? Is it an overall budget consideration? Would signing Gates preclude a large contract for McNeill. Obviously there will be big dollars involved, but most teams have to deal with large contracts for QB, LT and the top receiver(s).
Wow, these guys are key for you guys, it should be a big loss, enough to make the division wide open no?
The most important key loss will be McNeill, With a mediocre guy blocking for Rivers ‘till week 10, I foresee a living hell for Rivers. (i’m sure he would agree)
The RaiderLaker
Doubt it
One of the best QBs in the league at “feeling the pocket” and stepping up to avoid pressure. It will eliminate some of the long-developing big plays, but Norv and Phil will make it work I’m sure.
"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
by John Gennaro on Jun 16, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Plus we have an actual running back now.
And before you ask, McNeill wasn’t much at run blocking.
"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 Jun 16, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Actually McNeill showed a drop off last season
We was still pretty good, but not as good as he was before the “mystery” neck clean up surgery. We will miss him, but I not sure how much of a drop off we will experience.
Same deal with Merriman. 2010 was suppossed to be a big come back year for him. If we don’t have him, the replacement will do as good as the 2009 version of Shawn Merriman.
V-Jax is a bit of an x-factor. Does it take V-Jax to make all those completions? Did the team’s focus on the pass inflate V-Jax’s stats. I give more of the credit to Rivers, and less to V-Jax. We’ll have to see how it unfolds.
by Trendsearcher on Jun 16, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
VJ is one of the best WRs in the game at going up for the jump ball.
IMO he’s right up there with Fitz and Andre Johnson in that reguard. That stuff can’t be taught and not having VJ on the field will definitely effect our big play capabilities. Luckily for us we have fresh legs in the backfield that will hopefully provide another demention to our offense. We’ll see.
Please don't read my signature.
by SoCalBoltFan on Jun 17, 2010 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
martin?
1st string DE?
"What the F*ck is the internet?" Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
by $#%@ eli and his daddy on Jun 16, 2010 11:42 AM PDT reply actions
A little optimistic...
but it really is the plan. He was brought in to be the right defensive end opposite Castillo and to add size and run stuffing ability to the d-line for 1st and rushing downs. I have a feeling he gets the “start” out of camp because he is meant to be the first down guy. It’s kinda like Manu last year, he was technically a starter since he often played on the opening play of the game, but I wouldn’t necessarily call him a “starting tight end”. The more game action Martin sees the faster he’ll develop and I figure the Chargers want him to have a big impact this year and maybe actually play in the playoffs.
by riversformvp on Jun 16, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm still thinking Johnson's the guy until he gets hurt.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I'm not sold on McNeill long-term at LT
On the right side? Maybe, although he isn’t much at run blocking.
There could be more questions surrounding his spinal stenosis than any of us know.
I realize that he’s our best immediate answer at LT, but he may not be the guy that the coaches want for the next several years.
Just a thought.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
"he may not be the guy that the coaches want for the next several years"
I’m willing to change the “may” to an “is” in that remark.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Gaither is still available for trade
are you suggesting we pull a deal, or wait until next year to draft a replacement?
by Christopher Hernandez on Jun 16, 2010 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
just a thought
take out: Bingham, Beckwith, and either Spillman or Gregory.
Insert: Ian Scott, Jacques Cesaire, and Applewhite or Holt.
I just don’t see Martin starting at DE just yet, so just like last season the best option is Cesaire. Scott earned himself a spot from his performance last year, he played well. Bingham has been banged up and hurt too much. I also think Mason and Ernest Smith can be replaceable on the offensive side.
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