What the San Diego Chargers Need Most
by John Gennaro on Jan 18, 2011 11:11 AM PST
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PrintFor all the talk from Chargers fans about how this team will never go anywhere, and how A.J. Smith's ego is ruining things almost as much as Norv Turner's buffoonery, has anybody ever actually thought things through and figured out exactly what it is that this Chargers team doesn't have that other successful teams do?
Here's a theory I've been working on, and I'd like you guys to use the comments section below to either support it or combat it. I'll get it started.
What the Chargers lack, and recent Super Bowl teams have, is at least one star defensive player. A playmaker that seems to make at least one big play to turn the tide of the game each week. The type of guy that, if he hits the open market, is unquestionably the best free agent out there and gets paid accordingly. Remember when people were wondering just how many hundreds of millions of dollars Shawne Merriman would be making? The Chargers need another guy like that, and they need him fast.
Looking at the four remaining playoff teams, I could make a case for star players on each one.
Chicago Bears: Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher turned last year's 21st ranked defense into this year's 4th best.
Green Bay Packers: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Clay Matthews are amongst the best at their positions. B.J. Raji is turning into a star as well.
New York Jets: Stacked with defensive talent, with Bart Scott, Darrelle Revis and Kris Jenkins leading the way (all amongst the top paid at their respectivepositions).
Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Polamalu is a future Hall of Famer, and James Harrison is one of the most feared defensive players in the league.
Actually, that last point is a good one. Polamalu, Peppers, Urlacher, Charles Woodson, Darrelle Revis.....these are guys that could become Hall of Famers after they retire. How many guys do the Chargers have like that on their defense? Eric Weddle, Quentin Jammer and Shaun Phillips are all great players, but I don't know that any of them would be one of the top 3 free agents in the league if the Chargers did not re-sign them for next season.
So, how many examples can you find of teams getting to, or winning, the Super Bowl with (or without) star defensive players? I can think of a few just off the top of my head (I don't believe the Patriots ever made a Super Bowl without Ty Law or Asante Samuel, the Colts couldn't win without Bob Sanders, the Giants needed Tuck and Strahan, etc.). Come up, and research, your own and post them in the comments section.
Later, I'll do my best to come up with a plan to bring a big-time defensive playmaker to San Diego.
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As for acquiring one
my guess is the best/only way for it to happen is to draft one.
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 18, 2011 11:12 AM PST reply actions
I agree
And speaking of Lights Out, aren’t you glad he’s busy making a fool of himself for a different team this time?
From his twitter yesterday: I have a dream that one day some people will realize that I been a beast since I was 10 and PED’s didn’t help me get there #MLK
by Cake or Death on Jan 18, 2011 11:20 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I do agree, though, that we lack star power on defense.
No consistent playmakers. Lots of solid players. That needs to change.
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 18, 2011 11:24 AM PST reply actions
I agree with the need for a Defensive leader.
You can even back it up to the Ravens and Ray Lewis. The Jets seem to me to have the least leadership. I don’t see Revis in the same light as a sanders or a Palomalo. And this kind of reveals another character of this D leader… The stand out player needs to be in the middle, or free to move within the formation.
It is too easy for teams to avoid CBs. Less easy to avoid a DE, but still only a hand full of Dominant defensive leaders at DEs spot (past and present) that I can indentify.
The Jets leader...
is unquestionably Bart Scott, especially since the injury to safety Jim Leonhard. It also helps that the head coach is a defensive leader of sorts, but Scott learned from one of the best (Ray Lewis).
I think in almost all cases the true leader/playmaker has to be a DE or linebacker who can come up with big sacks. Having a safety as #2 works well with that.
Shaun Phillips was T-10 in the league in sacks (11, with 55 total tackles), That’s not far from a true “star” production, especially with a few more tackles. If Larry English can be healthy and play the way a 1st-round pick should on the other side, that oughtta free up Shaun to do even more next year, and Weddle might be that guy in the secondary (though I’m less convinced he’s a star than simply solid).
No Safetys?
I think in almost all cases the true leader/playmaker has to be a DE or linebacker
Where does that leave Polamalu, Sanders or say a Brian Dawkins from his Eagles days? Rodney Harrison wasn’t THAT guy in all those Chargers D’s (well Junior was there too)?
Sure LB, but definitely Safety could be that guy. And if you gave me the choice between a top level DE or a guy like Polamalu or Sanders (but younger with a bit more gas in the tank) I’d take the Safety over the DE.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 18, 2011 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
Polamalu is a tough one to argue for
Since he has always had a sea of extremely talented linebackers in front of him.
Bob Sanders is a bit of a different story, but all the same he had Freeney and Mathis (who was the other rushing DE) giving the QB fits.
I agree with Justin, the true leader/playmaker is almost always an LB or DL.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:06 PM PST up reply actions
Double plan, sign one and draft one
Bring in Nnamdi Asomugha and trade up to get Robert Quinn as a pass rushing OLB, the other pass rushers in the draft look like good players, but Quinn does have the superstar skill set. How possible do I see this happening, it so small its virtually impossible, but a guy can speculate.
You've been listening to too much Darren Smith.
Oh internet, what a wicked web you weave.
by Mad_Villain on Jan 18, 2011 11:36 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I'm guessing its basically staying the same, RT only exception
Either they will resign Clary at a reasonable price or move Dombroski, maybe they draft one in the 2-3 round, but getting playmakes on D and possibly replacing multiple ILB has to be a priority.
Maybe they will open RG to competition between Vazquez and Green, I thought Green outplayed Vazquez in his time there.
This
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Jan 18, 2011 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
Doesn't standing pat at O-Line raise any questions?
The Steelers are beat up at O-Line right now, but they are deep and have top draft choices in the line. The Jets have a solid O-Line.
Isn’t there any consideration to the fact that all these post season teams are northern? (AKA you can’t count on the weather, so you better be able to run).
The Chargers are old in spots, and we have mostly low draft choices and UDFAs in our line. To me that is a big difference compared to the teams that are still in the hunt.
What about sacks allowed? Chargers are horrible there, Steelers are not much better.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 18, 2011 12:13 PM PST up reply actions
You're probably more concerned than the front office
My guess is they will play continuity card, the chargers improved from 31st to 15th in rushing yards, they will hope that another year will move them to the top 10, plus Mathews and Tolbert will be more experienced.
The sacks come with the style of offense, its a vertical passing game, quite a bit of 5-7 step drops, so sacks are part of the price of looking for big plays.
Looking at the line, McNeil and Hardwick are close to elite, Dielman is elite but is getting older, and the right side has to be settled, probably a competition in RG and the RT situation I mentioned.
We didn't give up a lot of sacks in '09.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 18, 2011 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
History has shown
that keeping the same group of linemen together is more likely to show an improvement the following season, rather than changing out parts.
Also, no, I don’t think there is anything to do with the remaining post-season teams being northern. The Packers beat the Falcons in Georgia. Last year the Super Bowl teams were two dome teams.
The sacks are more a function of the QB than the o-line, especially in our case. In 2010 Rivers was asked to do more than he ever has been, with less than he’s ever had. That led to more picks and sacks.
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 18, 2011 6:48 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
I agree
Especially with “that keeping the same group of linemen together is more likely to show an improvement the following season, rather than changing out parts.”
Skill is important but so is cohesion.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:27 AM PST up reply actions
What came first the continuity or the success?
Sure if you’ve got a solid group of guys keeping them together is absolutely the best thing to do. I get that and believe it.
But if you have retreads, misfits, grey beards and broken-down guys , does continuity really bring you success? I don’t think so.
Here’s the facts Rivers is getting sacked. Even with a #1 draft choice at RB the Chargers run game is average. LT was average last year, and now great behind the Jets O-Line. That is not a top performing O-Line even with the continuity. And I think the Chargers O-Line has enjoyed more continuity than most NFL lines.
I’m tried of waiting on this group, give Rivers and Mathews some new talent in the O-Line and let’s get to the next level.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 19, 2011 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
2006 saw a pair of new OTs
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 19, 2011 1:56 PM PST up reply actions
Which part of the o-line is retreads?
Dielman is a pro bowler, McNeil and Hardwick have both been pro bowlers. Vasquez is a young player that needs to develop, but has the talent. Clary is only the player that you’d get no argument from me about upgrading.
LT was NOT average last year. 3.3 ypc was horrible. His ypc average is up to 4.2 this year, but his total yards for the season were still under 1,000.
I'd say the retreads would be...
Some in the groups of free agents that AJ brings into camp from other teams each year. Sure they rarely make the team, but they represent the competion for our current O-Linemen.
I would not call any of the guys on the 53 man roster a re-tread. Some old, one broke down. And I do think there is a solid nucleus on that line. I just think if you don’t bring in top level guys to compete with ’em how can you know that what you have is good enough?
by Trendsearcher on Jan 19, 2011 4:50 PM PST up reply actions
I didn't think Green was as good as Vasquez.
Vasquez is a frickin’ road-grader.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 18, 2011 2:42 PM PST up reply actions
To my non-trained eyes
Vasquez is still learning run-blocking. He’s also had an issue staying healthy.
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 18, 2011 6:49 PM PST up reply actions
He was better when healthy. After getting hurt, and then coming back, he was not so good.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Jan 19, 2011 8:31 AM PST up reply actions
Last year's Saints team
did not seem to have any true playmakers, at least none with HoF credentials.
I guess you could make a case for Sharper, but he was really on the downside of his career (although he did have a career year, but it was a bit of a mirage due to the big leads NO had all year)
Will Smith had a career year as well, but its a bit of a mirage for the same reasons.
The only HoF candidate would be Sharper and he is a long shot and did most of his HoF caliber work elsewhere.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:02 PM PST reply actions
Excellent point
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Jan 18, 2011 12:03 PM PST up reply actions
shoe in for the hall of fame. I’m carving his bust as we speak
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
The saints were a good example of a team whose dominating offense was paired perfectly with an agressive defense whose top players all had career years (or near career years). They stayed healthy and had a little luck. Pair that agressive defense with a less prolific offense and I don’t think it works. That defense is great when playing with a lead, not so great otherwise.
This year, when injuries really slowed down the offense, their defense didn’t look as good (or maybe Fujita was the straw that stirred that drink after all :-)
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:15 PM PST up reply actions
So Basically
The 2010 Chargers were the 2009 Saints…but they had special teams we had retarded teams?
Oh internet, what a wicked web you weave.
by Mad_Villain on Jan 18, 2011 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
It's all a matter of properly placing the emphasis
We had " special " teams
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
plus
the saints got really lucky with injuries in 2009.
And defensively, only Phillips and Bennet had career years for us in 2010.
But yeah, their blueprint seems to be the same as ours.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:34 PM PST up reply actions
Not really...2010 chargers defense was solid but didn't create as many turnovers as the 2009 saints.
a big part of that might have been that the saints were playing with a lead for most of their games. Other teams had to pass which fell right into the saints defensive wheelhouse. While the Chargers had a similar offense and could build leads, our ST flubs and turnovers sabotaged that plan. It is speculation, but the Chargers defense may have gotten a similar number of turnovers had we played with the leads the Saints did, which we would have done had we not shot ourselves in the foot so consistently (or so my speculative scenario goes).
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 19, 2011 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
How about the 2000 rams
Their best defensive players were Kevin Carter (outside shot at HoF?) and London Fletcher.
Leonard little
coming into his own as well.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:17 PM PST up reply actions
I went back to 1985 and every team had a true star on defense
The 49ers had Norton and Lott, Cowboys had a bunch of playmakers (Sanders)
The Bills had Bruce Smith (I know, they lost them all, but still).
Only really the Rams didn’t have that one guy that you knew had to always be accounted for on every play. Even the Titans have Jevon Kearse at his prime that year.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:21 PM PST up reply actions
London Fletcher was pretty solid on those Rams teams
the Rams didn’t have that one guy that you knew had to always be accounted for on every play
by Trendsearcher on Jan 18, 2011 12:26 PM PST up reply actions
I agree
But I tend to think that Eric Weddle and Quentin Jammer would be the same type of play right now, very solid and very consistent, but not a big time playmaker.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:33 PM PST up reply actions
agree
Fletcher has made a near HoF career out of being solid and consistent year in and year out, but was never a playmaker like a Ray Lewis or Brooks (from TB)
So, since 1985 we’ve had two teams (1999 Rams and 2009 Saints) that won a SB without a true year in and year out playmaker on defense. And those two had historical great offenses.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 12:45 PM PST up reply actions
Seems to me
The Chargers are trying to take a similar approach.
Unstoppable offense and good enough defense…2/25 aren’t great odds.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 12:49 PM PST up reply actions
in the chargers defense
I don’t think any of us knew for sure until this year that Shawne Merriman was never actually going to be Shawne Merriman ever again.
And, if you add 2006 Merriman to this defense, we are still playing, even with our special teams blunders.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
And, if you add 2006 Merriman to this defense, we are still playing, even with our special teams blunders.
I’m not so sure about that. The Patriots loss, for example, is almost entirely on the turnovers. There are several games in which we pretty much fumbled the game away.
by Cake or Death on Jan 18, 2011 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
you're probably right
although we were pretty woeful on QB pressure in our base defenses (non-blitz) against all but the most pitiful offenses we faced. A little more pressure on Brady might lead to an interception or two (or a fumble or two), which would swing the turnover battle a little more in our favor.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 18, 2011 1:34 PM PST up reply actions
Pressure
is an interesting topic to bring up. Someone posted an EPSN link last week that showed that the Chargers rushed 6 the fewest times in the league, yet tied for the league lead in sacks.
Brady sucked against us. Aside from the playoff loss and possibly the Cleveland game, that was probably his worst game of the year. That game was all on the offense.
by Cake or Death on Jan 18, 2011 1:41 PM PST up reply actions
When we played the Patriots
they were still transitioning their offense away from the 2007 mold and hadn’t quite worked the kinks out of their new system. Had we played them in Week 16, the result would have been very different.
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 18, 2011 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
Yes but
What about the Raiders losses (particularly the first one) and a few others where a key stop could’ve changed things.
All we needed at the end was one more victory…
queen of the rec fairies (http://spunc.com.au/members/hunter/product/9780980517965/)
Agreed
The Raiders and the Rams just destroyed our defense when it counted.
by Cake or Death on Jan 18, 2011 5:21 PM PST up reply actions
100% agree
that we don’t have a playmaker/leader on defense. Jammer, Phillips, Garay, Weddle are all good players that should be complementary players. But the Chargers were at their best when Merriman could cause on havoc and Cromartie was making unbelievable plays.
Can’t wait to hear how you the think the Chargers can get one because it seems that you either draft or overpay in free agency. And “AJ likes to build the team through the draft” which has worked out, hasn’t it?
"A man has got to have a code." -Bunk, Season 1; Omar, Season 4.
That's like the 4th time
I never said leader. Where did I say leader? People keep pointing out that we don’t have a “leader” when we have plenty. Garay, Phillips, Cooper, Burnett, Jammer and Weddle are all leaders.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Jan 19, 2011 8:33 AM PST up reply actions
Polamalu is a bit overrated
As great as he plays, he’s barely average in man to man, his tackling isn’t very sound at times, and his risk taking, although it pays off, brings trouble as well. But the Steelers have 2 OLB’s that can each get double digit sack totals year in and year out. They have a beast veteran DE (Kiesel) and a solid nose tackle (Hampton). You know what? I’ve got a fanpost to do… I got an Idea….. thanx John.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 18, 2011 12:36 PM PST reply actions
There's only one win that counts.
Well, two if you ask the 2009 Detroit Lions.
by Alex Bourque on Jan 18, 2011 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
I don't know if overrated
is the right word. He has his weaknesses, but he’s certainly one of the most important players on that team. Don’t they have some ridiculously bad record when he’s out?
by Cake or Death on Jan 18, 2011 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
Yep and the Colts w/o Sanders too
Polamalu is a bit overrated
Polamalu is on the back side of his career now. Give me that Polamalu from his first six seasons. Dude is a football player. Great instincts, great athlete, dominant tackler. If he’s over rated tell me who’s better?
Knocking a Safety’s coverage isn’t really fair. Generally a Safety is not in coverage; he’s picking up coverage in the zone or chasing down bad coverage. My judgment of Safety performance is how often they are around the ball at the end of the play. I don’t think they get much better than Polamalu. Weddle rates high by that measure too.
by Trendsearcher on Jan 18, 2011 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
they do...
But Will Allen sucks, it would be like replacing Weddle with CJ Spillman. Tampa bay got rid of Allen, imagine why… And yes, he’s important. But only because they don’t have a quality back up to him.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 18, 2011 7:40 PM PST up reply actions
Steelers draft
They tend to take BPA within the range of their needs. ie last year they would not have taken a QB even if one was BPA but they did take 2 WR and 3 LBs to deal with depth issues at WR and ST. I suspect they just didn’t see a safety in the draft that was worth the value where they were picking. I will not be surprised to see one picked this year if someone falls to them.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
I wouldn't either.
Since you’re a steeler fan you know very well why depth is needed at safety.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 19, 2011 11:02 AM PST up reply actions
oh yeah
but I think you need depth at every position. Look at how bad the Steelers O-line is this year (though the o-line coach has been working miracles). We didn’t have the depth. We were extremely lucky to get Flo Adams and that he was able to make the transition to RT.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 8:38 AM PST up reply actions
Steelers O-Line was better this year than last
by Trendsearcher on Jan 20, 2011 9:37 AM PST up reply actions
Pouncey and Kugler
Pouncey was a huge upgrade at center and Kugler has been getting good reviews as an o-line coach. Some of the guys, Foster likely wouldn’t be a starter for most o-lines and I don’t think J. Scott would start anywhere else. We just ran out of warm bodies. It would have been nice to have had Colon and Starks all season. In the game against the Ravens, at one point, we had a 5th string tackle and the backup g/c playing tackle for us.
If there is an overall improvement it is on Pouncey, Kugler and sheer stubbornness on the part of the rest. I also think Ben is playing much better this year and that takes pressure off the line.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 6:27 PM PST up reply actions
Polamalu makes their defense work
Just watch them without him; they suck.
"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"
because they don't have a quality back up.
Will Allen was terrible in Tampa bay, he’s just as bad in Pittsburgh. But when I said he’s below average in man coverage, it was a comparison among other Safeties. So if safeties aren’t the best to begin with, do the math. Weddle can cover man to man, and he can do everything else Polamalu can do at about 90%. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have fabulous hair and 2 super bowls to showcase his talents, but he’s a great safety nonetheless. Check this out http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/01/12/the-pro-football-focus-all-pro-team-defensespecial-teams/
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 18, 2011 7:47 PM PST up reply actions
maybe he can work on his hair in the offseason?
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 19, 2011 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
Strong front seven
Three things that are important for Polamalu’s success (there are more but three to consider for now)
1) he has a great front seven in front of him. Even without Aaron Smith (probably best defensive player on the Steelers. Just not showy), the Steelers front seven are at least good in every position, are very good in other and are great a couple.
People don’t notice the front three much because their #1 job is to eat up blockers and make lanes for the linebackers. Everything after that is gravy. LeBeau has said they are his most important players (or something similar. I can’t remember the exact quote).
The Harrison and Timmons are the top elite linebackers for the Steelers atm. Timmons, like A. Smith, isn’t getting the recognition but he has been one of the top players on the team this year. Woodley is very good and Farrior would only be good at this point if it wasn’t for his intelligence and experience. Timmons, generally, gets more freedom that the rest to freelance.
2) Troy and Clarke have excellent communication with each other. LeBeau has given them the freedom to decide, on every play, which will be the SS and which will be FS. This works well, partly because they of scheme and partly because of who they are. Against the Ravens, last game, Troy play FS almost all game. Usually it is the other way around but because they have the flexibility it is very difficult to predict who will be doing what on any given play.
3) Dick LeBeau is a defensive genius and an incredible motivator. Pure and simple. He sees the possibilities in his players and he uses them well. Troy benefits from that.
The rest is just speed, athleticism and intelligence on Troys part.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
Perhaps Polamalu
has something to do with the success of the other players on defense as well. Some of the LBs and DL have changed but Troy remains the same.
Well
he is intelligent, athletic, fast, willing to sacrifice his body and a total team player so I would agree with that as well.
He is also one of very few players the Steelers traded up to get.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 8:33 AM PST up reply actions
Troy
He has been playing hurt pretty much all season but he can still get into beast mode on occasion.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:32 AM PST up reply actions
Can you win in a 3-4 defense without an elite Defensive Coordinator?
First off, I prefer 3-4 defense than 4-3 to get that of the way, but 3-4 requires more complication and strategy, thus the elite 3-4 defenses I see Dom Capers, Dick Labaeu, Rex Ryan, the only exception is Greg Mattison in Baltimore. But the tradition has been set in Baltimore.
So is Manusky the answer, who knows, but it sure looks like part of the recipe is an elite DC. Norv wants more aggresion from his defense, hope that results in more turnovers.
I disagree with this post entirely.
Rivera emphasized a we over me mentality on defense – partly as a catharsis for the Merriman and Cromartie diva mindset. Merriman was a dominant, fearsome player for his sack production his first three years not his lightsout dance. The dance helped with the superstardom but we’ll never know if it was all roids. Sure, Antonio Cromartie has all the tools to be a “superstar” but remember him trying to set the NFL record in picks last year and all the while not tackling or having any technique. When you win, people start recognizing players as stars – like Weddle and Phillips might be if the Chargers were still playing. Consistency leads to the HOF. Even Ed Reed gets burned a lot gambling for the big play and trying to back up his rep on Sportscenter. Shooting for a HOF gets you a overpaid diva like Haynesworth.
Thoughts? "I have none. If there are any other developments, we will let you know." Charger GM - AJ Smith.
by bringbackbuddytrees on Jan 18, 2011 4:31 PM PST reply actions
draft
Casey Matthews: ILB: 3
Martez Wilson: ILB: 1-2
Nate Solder: OT: 1
Rahim Moore: FS: 1-2
DeMarcus Love: OT: 2
Jonathan Baldwin: WR: 2
Chargers have a legit chance at getting 3 or 4 of these players and i think they need to focus on getting either an inside linebacker or a safety. these are the positions that defensive leaders and playmakers exist. EX) ray lewis, ed reed, troy polamalu, patrick willis, brian urlacher, london fletcher) the leader/ playmaker of your defense i think does need to be a career chargers guy brought in through the draft.
I thought
we just need a since of family….
#feelinacertaintypeofway
damn
sense*
Way to ruin my own joke.
#feelinacertaintypeofway
that isn't a bad thing though
Ask any Steelers fan the key to the franchise’s success and they will tell you it is the Rooneys and how they treat their players and staff. It permeates the organization. They also leave the running of the football ops to the people they hired. They have created a positive family like atmosphere both in the organization but also in the fan base (lots of women fans in Steeler Nation).
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
Jammer was on 1090 and said
He would move to SS if the team signed Nnamdi. He said it would extend his carrier and he would do anything the team asked of him. Refreshing to hear, and smart. He would be great on TE coverage, and tackles really well. I think that would make a HUGE impact on our D. They could draft an impact RDE and depth at ILB, the defense would be great. They wouldn’t need that one standout guy, if everyone on the team is good at their role. Weddle is solid but not great, and he does his best work roaming the secondary, not playing in the box every down. SP could be great if he had a compliment on the other side, can’t do it all by himself.
Weddle does great in any part of the field.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Jan 19, 2011 5:53 AM PST up reply actions
With all the FA's the team needs to sign
I don’t think it’s likely we’ll be able to afford Asomugha.
Jammer
sounds like a great team player.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 19, 2011 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
Been saying for a LONG time
that we have difference-makers on offense but not defense. It’s a shame that Merriman’s career here went as it did because I believe he could have been THAT GUY for us.
I don’t think that the identity we need on this defense is here yet & will likely come via the draft. I sincerely hope that Manusky has some real input on who we draft this year. We need both a stud DLineman (DE), help at linebacker (I believe both OLB & ILB – we’ll see how Butler returns), & either a CB to groom behind Jammer or a safety. The thought of drafting yet another DB isn’t very palatable to me, but it’s still an area of need.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
Now, however, we have all of the pieces in place
D-line: in place.
ILBs: Need more ILB bodies, but good starters in place.
Secondary: in place.
OLBs: Got our LOLB locked up. Got good backups, almost starter quality, more than one. Just need that guy.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Jan 19, 2011 9:11 AM PST up reply actions
Our D-line
is NOT in place. Garay had a very strong (and somewhat unexpected, at least by the fans) year. He’s on the back side of 30 & we looked pretty bad when he was out or hurting. It’s very obvious that Castillo needs a strong NT in order to be stout at his position. Cesaire is what?32?33? and a FA. Travis Johnson is a FA & still a question mark. Jury is out on Cam Thomas. Hopefully Martin will make a big leap this year, but no guarantees there. Oggie? Meh
ILB – Cooper may well be gone. No complaints here. Hopefully we sign both Burnett & Siler. We’ll have to see how Butler rebounds from injury. This year will be his rookie season. IMO, it would be folly not to address this position with at least 1 draft pick.
OLB – Huh? Beyond Phillips, who do we really have? Applewhite is fairly steady but unspectacular to say the least. English hasn’t shown much yet. Antwan Barnes looks good rushing the QB, but he’s pretty suspect in other areas & I believe he’s a FA too, isn’t he? Tucker? Is he still playing football? haha
Secondary – Weddle has to be re-signed, Jammer is aging. Stuckey is very much a question mark. We need to start addressing who is going to follow behind Jammer before we’re in the same boat as we got with Jamal.
There is PLENTY of work to be done on this defense. Don’t let the stats fool you – we got pushed around plenty by teams that had no business doing it.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jan 19, 2011 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Martin
I keep thinking he will be like Idonije, making steady improvement year to year till one day you don’t know why everyone else doesn’t realize how good he can be in the right setting. Martin is just finishing his senior year to terms of years played. How would you rate him if he was in the draft with his current level of play and his potential? Think he might be a 1st rounder?
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 20, 2011 8:41 AM PST up reply actions
Hard to say
On potential alone it’s hard for me to say that a guy rates as a 1st rounder. I need to see performance that supports a rating like that. In most cases, when you spend a 1st you should be looking for a guy who can come in & contribute SOMETHING right away. There are a few exceptions. QB is one. You may be looking to groom a guy behind your aging QB. Some positions, like CB & WR, may take awhile to really produce.
So, based upon where I see Martin now, I’d likely give him a low-2nd to 3rd round grade. That isn’t a knock – I just haven’t seen enough yet to go ga-ga over him. If you were to take him where he is now at the pro level & put him back into an FBS program, I could get a better feel.
Having said all of that, I do still feel that he’s going to be a good dlineman. He’s had one helluva learning curve to overcome but for a guy his size he’s a damn good athlete. This will be his 3rd year. I expect to see him come on in 2011.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
by Buck Melanoma on Jan 20, 2011 12:35 PM PST up reply actions
Turnover differential is the key
I think this whole post of John really boils down to the fact that you need to win the turnover battle handily in order to have championship success in the NFL. The 2010 chargers proved that having a premier offense and defense is not enough in itself. Although gaining a lot of yards, the offense gave up the ball far too much through fumbles and INTs. The defense was much of the same, although effective in yardage, the defense didn’t create turnovers. We didn’t protect the ball and we didn’t create turnovers.
I was actually working on a post similar to this that describes the ways to better win the turnover battle and gaining defensive playmakers is absolutely one of the keys.
Before posting, I was scrolling down to see
if someone had a similar take to mine. I think this is the main point: championship teams always seem to have high turnover differential. The Chargers 2010 figure wasn’t going to get it done.
Hard to argue with John that a defensive playmaker isn’t an urgent need, if not the most urgent need. But that will take improvement on both sides of the ball. One could reasonably argue that another urgent need is for our current offensive playmakers (or new ones) to stop putting the ball on the ground so often.
The Chargers do need "That Guy" on defense
Someone who will strke fear into the heart of an O-Line and a QB. We had that with Merriman from ‘05-’07 and with Donnie Edwards had very good hands for a LB, in terms of picking off balls. Cromarte was flashy, but he ccouldn’t tackle a dog, let alone a Jets WR in the AFC Divisional Game in ’10. The question remanins: do we find “that guy” in the Draft (where hopefully A.J. goes back to the draft wizard I remember him as), or do we drop money to get him here?
"Since we only live once (that we know of) we should focus on enjoying our lives, not stressing to follow every single thing and trend that society impose upon us." - Thom Yorke of Radiohead
by Jonathan Holmes on Jan 19, 2011 11:50 AM PST reply actions
Tackling a dog is tough, dude.
Oh internet, what a wicked web you weave.
by Mad_Villain on Jan 19, 2011 12:08 PM PST up reply actions
I think tackling a pig or chicken would be really tough
Hey we have a new way for John Spanos to screen players….
… [John Spanos on the phone] Coach can you bring your dog to the Proday on Monday?
by Trendsearcher on Jan 19, 2011 3:44 PM PST up reply actions
We have to get lucky and find the impact guy in the draft
The Chargers are never going to spend the money to buy one, unless for some odd reason a player is willing to give up a little money to play in SD.
I saw this in the story thing
As an outside observer, how has the defense been so good without a leader guy?
All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan
I'm not sure
But there seems to be a consensus of sorts that we had a top-10 defense and put up number 1 stats thanks to turnovers and long special teams returns creating short fields for the opponents. Also, special team returns for TDs and blocked punts that resulted in TDs and safeties gave the other teams points and a lead, allowing them to play more conservatively.
We had some games where our defense played very well (Denver on MNF, KC game #2, Indy on SNF), but we also had games where they fell apart and looked flay awful for whole stretches of the game (Rams, Raider games 1 and 2, Bengals). IMHO, we match up really well against most teams, but not well at all with more physical offenses… whether that’s because of our player size and strength lacking, poor motivation or morale dropping easily in the face of adversity can be decided by someone else. They just don’t seem to want to get out of bed for some games, and are ready to destroy people on others.
DVOA has our team defense at #7. That’s behind PIT, GB, NYG, BAL, CHI, NYJ and above TEN, NO, MIA, MIN, and ATL. Sounds about right to me.
#feelinacertaintypeofway
fair weather
Note my use of “we” when speaking of the good and “they” when speaking of the bad. Ooops :/
#feelinacertaintypeofway
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