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Bold Chargers Predictions, Vol. 1

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I don't exactly remember, but knowing my personality I'm willing to bet that at least one point during training camp last season I made a list of predictions. Things that would happen, BOOK IT. Then I probably forgot about them and half of them didn't come true.

This year, I intend on coming through with a little more follow-through. Every week or so I'll take the predictions I've made, update them with whether or not they've come true or not, and then add to them. Watch me begin to lose all credibility after the jump.

Star-divide

At least 3 Chargers draft picks will be starters by Week 1

Ryan Mathews is already in, obviously. Darrell Stuckey is the favorite to win the SS job, but will have to show that he's a better option than Steve Gregory and C.J. Spillman. Cam Thomas was initially thought of as someone who could step right in to the starter's job, but after falling so far in the draft it has raised some vague concerns. He'll be battling Antonio Garay and BFTB-favorite Ogemdi Nwagbuo for the starting Nose Tackle position, but he has a shot. 

Donald Butler is the one that interests me the most. As long as he doesn't fall off, I think Brandon Siler has one of the ILB spots locked up and will be there mostly as a run-stopper. The other spot is currently Stephen Cooper's, and he was a defensive captain last year and the play-caller of the D. Kevin Burnett is hanging around trying to get a shot at either spot. Butler is a bit of a long-shot between those 3 guys, but an injury or two could see him get on the field and I get the feeling he'll be rather impressive.

 

CBD will win the slot WR job, and impress a lot of people along the way

I'll say this for Buster Davis, he has his detractors because he's a "bust".....but he has always impressed me when he gets on the field. I don't think anyone has ever looked at his performance on the field and compared him to somebody like Darrius Heyward-Bey. CBD can play, but up until this point his body has failed to allow him to play regularly.

After what essentially amounts to a season off, but not a season spent rehabbing or sitting on his ass, I think CBD's body will be ready to absorb NFL-caliber hits and keep on ticking. Get ready for a whole bunch of gushing announcers, talking about the former first-rounder who is finally living up to his potential. It's coming, and it's going to make letting Malcom Floyd walk after this season a lot easier to swallow.

 

Vaughn Martin will be the starting RDE

This isn't as absurd as you might think initially.....but then think of the competitors. Travis Johnson, okay. Alfonso Boone, he was pretty good but he's the older D-lineman on the team. Ryon Bingham and Jacques Cesaire have never looked like anything but above-average backups to me.

If Martin shows up as the monster that he has the potential to be, how does he not win the spot? He won't make it to the practice squad, and giving him a lot of time in the preseason before unleashing him on the Chiefs, Jaguars, Seahawks, Cardinals, Raiders and Rams sounds like an excellent recipe for finally solidifying the spot for the first time since Igor Olshansky left. I know he's quite young (24), but that's what I'd do.

 

Jonathan Crompton will fumble at least one clipboard

It's a transition period at the 3rd QB spot. There will be some growing pains. It'll be okay though.

 

Punt Returning duties will be handed to either CBD or Antoine Cason

Any time it seems obvious that the fans know more than the coaching staff, it's the coaching staff being stubborn. I love Darren Sproles and I love his talent with the ball in his hands, but returning punts is about more than just when you have the ball in your hands. Lil' Lightning shows an inability to fair-catch the ball, and I can't count how many times he catches the ball inside his own 10 yard line (a big no-no). 

Cason and CBD have experience returning punts, successfully, in college. They have the blazing speed and quick reflexes needed to play the part. Will we maybe lose a touchdown over the course of the season? It's possible, but we'll be significantly lowering our risk of fumbling on special teams and of our most dynamic player getting injuries. This move must be made by Week 1.

 

David Binn, Gary Banks and Legedu Naanee will throw some footballs and look like QBs

People will suggest we run the Wild Cat over and over again. Philip Rivers and Norv Turner will laugh.

 

The team will get through the entire Training Camp and Preseason without a single arrest or negative news story

Don't ask me how I know this. I just know this. I have faith. This year, it's going to happen.

0 recs  |  Comment 45 comments |

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Cooper

If Cooper doesn’t lose his spot by week one, it will certainly happen shortly after. Who would the play calling responsibility fall to in that case? Weddle?

"You want it to be one way. But it's the other way."

by Hoot1969 on Jul 27, 2010 11:33 AM PDT reply actions  

I was wondering that myself. Weddle is on a one-year deal, so that’s risky (if he moves to another team next year, he has a fantastic knowledge of our playbook/play-calling tendancies). SP is an interesting candidate. I almost wonder if Siler would get the job. Remember that whoever gets that job is probably also responsible for lining everyone up in the right spot before the play.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 27, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

It seemed to me at times last year that the main reason Cooper was on the field was because he was the play caller. Do you really think there is a chance Weddle won’t be back?

"You want it to be one way. But it's the other way."

by Hoot1969 on Jul 27, 2010 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 27, 2010 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

I really can't see Weddle going anywhere

In my books, he is the first defensive player that needs to be locked up. I hope that the team sees his value. If not, I think it would be a great time to pile on the insults of A.J.

by riversformvp on Jul 27, 2010 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also take into consideration

The ridiculous amount of free agents that the chargers are going to have next season. Weddle is good. But he isn’t great. I would love for him to stay. But I’d rather take a chance at finding the next polomalu, or reed, or hell, that Byrd kid that the bills picked up last year. Weddle isn’t there unless he steps up this season.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 27, 2010 3:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

This one concerns me the most
Jonathan Crompton will fumble at least one clipboard

http://twitter.com/matthewverygood
http://lobsterstuffedwithtacos.tumblr.com

by matthewverygood on Jul 27, 2010 11:38 AM PDT reply actions  

IDK, I heard he's been working really hard on improving

his form and clipboard handling in general. At this point he’s a project, but he definitely has the potential to hold at a high level, IMO. :P

Please don't read my signature.

by SoCalBoltFan on Jul 27, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

Has he been growing a beard and an untamed mane?

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 27, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

I thought he already has a beard?

Otherwise a Tennessee representative led me astray.

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

by Wonko on Jul 27, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

I've seen some gamefilm

He should be solid. But the clipboards are totally different in the NFL. Much faster pace clipboarding.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 27, 2010 12:07 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions   1 recs

Jonathan Crompton:
http://johnclay.bloginky.com/files/2009/08/cromptontenn.jpg

Charlie Whitehurst:
http://www.rotoworld.com/images/headshots/NFL/3623.jpg

Beard/mane mastery takes time and training. Judging from their similar rookie appearance stats, I believe the Chargers should once again lead the league in clipboard sexiness within two seasons.

I love my team of historically talented underachievers.

by DoubleViking on Jul 27, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

The Beard to Clipboard Ratio

is much too low…

"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 Jul 27, 2010 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Punt return duties

will go to Shawnbrey McNeal.

Kaeding falls victim to vuvuzela-brandishing hooligans.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jul 27, 2010 12:16 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Kaeding will be fine

We’re having a ceremonial burning of the Kaeding jersey in mid-August. All bad karma will go away at that time and the vuvuzela-brandishing hooligans will harass Cromartie instead. (Until he accidentally chucks a champagne bottle at them.)

by Chargers Chickee on Jul 27, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

Can we please

Make San Diego the vuvuzela town? Imagine the homefield advantage we’d give when the opponents offense is drowned out by vuvuzelas. Get the word out.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 27, 2010 2:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

I always knew

That somehow I’d be known as a movement.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jul 27, 2010 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

CBD on return duties?

Is that just asking for trouble?

Sure he’s “trying” to be healthy right now. But dude gets concusions when he’s practicing at half speed in OTAs. His glass jaw is way too fragile for special teams.

by Trendsearcher on Jul 28, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

It was Weddle

I think he has taken out more Chargers than the Raiders.

"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 Jul 28, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

Even though I know you guys will not agree with me on this.

I predict that Vasher will be starting at CB over Cason by week 4 or 5. My reasononing? Cason lost the starting Nickle job to Gregory last year for “not stepping up”. Also, when Vasher was playing at a Pro Bowl level in Chi-town, Rivera was the DC over there so Vasher should feel right at home in SD playing for RR again. Not to mention, Vasher and Jammer are good friends and former roomates in college. It only makes sense for Vasher to step his game up and play at a high level (which we all know he can do, IF he can stay healthy).

Just an off the wall prediction, but considering no one could have predicted Cason getting demoted last year, it’s not too far off base to predict it happening again this year.

Please don't read my signature.

by SoCalBoltFan on Jul 27, 2010 12:34 PM PDT reply actions  

The two counter arguments to that are (and I've said them here before)

First, is that playing the nickel back spot is not the same as playing a cornerback spot. So, you could struggle as a nickel back and still be a very good cornerback.

Second, is that the word on the street was that Gregory really earned that nickel back spot more than Cason lost it.

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

by Wonko on Jul 27, 2010 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'd also like to add

RR is running a completely different defense in SD than he did in Chicago.

Doesn’t mean it won’t happen, I just don’t think it’s as set-in-stone as you may think.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 27, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not saying it's set in stone

just that it’s a possibility and something to look out for in TC.

Please don't read my signature.

by SoCalBoltFan on Jul 27, 2010 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Both are valid arguments.

I like Cason don’t get me wrong. Guess I’m just a little nervous about him being the full time starter and also just rooting for the old guy (Vasher) to have a solid year.

Please don't read my signature.

by SoCalBoltFan on Jul 27, 2010 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sproles

will take the PRs methinks. He had an off year last year, but he is always a threat to break one. Great punt returners always want to run the ball; I don’t fault him for that, he does need to practice up on catching the damn things.

"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 Jul 27, 2010 1:43 PM PDT reply actions  

my wife says YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY. eh

for Vaughn Martin, she’s from Toronto. now i have to get her his jersey, not that i mind tho, she looks HOT in my gates white one!

"i'm not inclined to resign to maturity"...PSYCH theme

by $#%@ eli and his daddy on Jul 27, 2010 4:22 PM PDT reply actions  

been there. but not with your wife…..obviously.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 28, 2010 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions  

I hope your right

I hope Vaughn Martin does earn the starting job and makes the scouting dept./AJ look like geniuses for drafting him. I also hope vasher can return to probowl form and help make our defense one of the best in the nfl. I also hope your right and Buster Davis finally has a healthy successful season. I hope malcolm floyd has a “career year” and quiets some of the VJ whiners. ( I mean other fans saying we’re gonna suck without VJ) Hopefully Mathews will get into camp soon and be exactly what we hope he will be. And your right, I for one would love to see the wildcat a little more often this year. Naanee played qb in college and I read mathews ran the wildcat in high school and some in college. Try it, you’ll like it. So, at least one of your predictions has come true already.

by irishlad on Jul 27, 2010 6:33 PM PDT reply actions  

I really want to see Martin in that first preseason game

If he’s really as big as I suspect he is, he might have out grown the DE mold.

Just from the quick look I saw during the Spanos classic, he looked to be a solid #320. That is NT size to me.

by Trendsearcher on Jul 28, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

From what I recall

I remember reading that they wanted to start him out at DE, then after a few years move him inside to NT. My guess is, he is athletic and quick enough to play DE. Which would be great to have a huge, athlete at DE to occupy space so that mr Larry English can get to the qb.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 28, 2010 12:22 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

My hope is that Martin

has improved enough to at least be on the active game day roster all season this year, baby steps.

by JeromeB on Jul 28, 2010 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

He’s listed as 6’4", 320lbs and always has been. They like his speed/athleticism on the outside.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 28, 2010 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

So no change in the press guide stats?

I didn’t see him in Acee’s video from today. I am curious to see Martin’s size relative to the other D Linemen.

by Trendsearcher on Jul 28, 2010 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Martin says he's at 324

Up 10 from last year, according to him.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jul 28, 2010 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

If you look at that side of beef

… that Martin calls his right bicep (photo in Acee’s print article yesterday on Martin) he looks pretty big. Big as in closer to 400 than 350.

Long term that weight = Vaughn Martin dies young.

Short term, with his youth and athleticism, that weight gives Martin the physicality to be a top level NT in the NFL. If the coaching sticks. If his technique improves.

Vaughn might make us all start think of Cam Thomas as a DE.

by Trendsearcher on Jul 29, 2010 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Malcom Floyd

I think if Floyd has a decent year he will be locked up to long-term contract. I think he has a better chance at a contract than VJ now. Even if Davis and Nanee lift I still think that Floyd because of his size/jump/hands would still be valuable. I wouldn’t be happy just to see Floyd walk as John predicted.

My only concern would be the possible asking price by Floyd and his agent.

by Aussiecharger on Jul 27, 2010 7:21 PM PDT reply actions  

I don't think we'll be re-signing Floyd

And I think we’ll let Jackson walk. We will re-sign Gates and hold onto Naanee and maybe Davis. At least one of these UDFAs will get a chance to step up and we’ll draft a WR in the first round next year. But, that’s just my opinion and gut feel.

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

by Wonko on Jul 27, 2010 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Who are you?

The site GM or something? Oh wait… Haha, I say AJ likes Floyd’s commitment to the team and offers him a deal. Floyd will ask for #1 money. AJ will stand by his offer and let Floyd walk.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 28, 2010 12:26 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Don't make me tender you.

I’ll do it.

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

by Wonko on Jul 28, 2010 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh so tender.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Jul 28, 2010 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

He makes that sound like a bad thing…

by sd_Baby-B on Jul 29, 2010 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions  

I WILL hold out. Just you watch.

by Its Mikey!! on Jul 28, 2010 3:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions  

Very thin WR corps

If Floyd and Jackson walk that leaves us with only Nanee and Davis and maybe an UDFA that sticks this year. I don’t think Reed will be around. We will have a very inexperienced staff with a lot falling on Gates.

With regard to drafting a WR it quite often takes some time for a WR to develop. I would be more comfortable if we could retain at least one more WR with some experience/skill like Floyd.

by Aussiecharger on Jul 28, 2010 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

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