Looking For A Stephen Cooper Replacement
by Wonko on Aug 23, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
in San Diego Chargers Training Camp/Preseason
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With Stephen Cooper's recent injury and likely IR placement, the Chargers are once again in need of some depth at the Inside Linebacker position. Now I know what all of you are thinking, but even though he seems like he can do it all Wes Welker Bryan Walters wouldn't be as sharp on kick returns if the Chargers moved him to LB. Instead they'll have to go another route.
Currently, there's a fair number of experienced ILBs on the free agent market. If we go back some recent examples of the Chargers dabbling in ILB free agency we might be inclined to say there is a trend. Derek Smith, Kevin Burnett and Takeo Spikes all came to the Chargers with experience in the 3-4. Not only that, but they played under former Chargers coaches. One way to read into that is that some free agents who've had productive years in the NFL (such San Diego St. alum Kirk Morrison) won't seem desirable to the Chargers since they don't have specific experience in their defense. They'll either find somebody that meets their criteria or stay in house using some inexperienced younger and cheaper players. Another way to see it is that this time they'll have to step outside their comfort zone. One more thing to think about is that in it's quite likely that this position will be called upon for goal line duties.
I've listed out the current crop of leftovers on the free agent market. Is there anyone that interests you?
| Player | Age | Height | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lofa Tatupu | 28 | 6-0 | 250 | Probably wants to start, Best position is MLB in 4-3 |
| Kirk Morrison | 29 | 6-2 | 240 | |
| Akin Ayodele | 31 | 6-2 | 245 | 3-4 experience (Dal/Mia/Buf), Wade Phillips coached (Dal) |
| Dhani Jones | 33 | 6-1 | 236 | |
| Kevin Bentley | 31 | 6-0 | 248 | |
| Gerald Hayes | 30 | 6-1 | 246 | 3-4 experience (Ari) |
| Marvin Mitchell | 26 | 6-3 | 249 | |
| Tavares Gooden | 26 | 6-1 | 242 | 3-4 experience (Bal), bad press |
| Hunter Hillenmeyer | 31 | 6-4 | 238 | |
| Brandon Moore | 32 | 6-1 | 240 | 3-4 experience (SF/SD), ST guy |
| Corey Mays | 27 | 6-1 | 245 | 3-4 experience (KC), ST guy |
| Chase Blackburn | 28 | 6-3 | 247 | ST guy |
| Vinny Ciurciu | 31 | 6-0 | 240 | |
| Anthony Waters | 27 | 6-3 | 238 | Drafted by Chargers |
| Matt Wilhelm | 30 | 6-2 | 245 | 3-4 experience (SD/SF/GB) |
| Leon Williams | 28 | 6-3 | 248 | 3-4 experience (Cle/Dal), Wade Phillips coached (Dal) |
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What is Derek Smith doing these days?
by Cake or Death on Aug 23, 2011 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
AJ would probably make him wear a dog collar
AJ: “You’re a dog! Say you’re a dog!”
DE: “I’m a dog. Can I have some money now?”
AJ (throws money): “Have it all. Go buy yourself some pigs’ ears! HAHA!”
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2011 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Jr?
waiting by the phone in OSide?
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 23, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
definitely
dude is a pure hitter. puts ray lewis to shame, not only that but he is probably one of the absolute best tacklers in the nfl!
by cameronm on Aug 23, 2011 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
and they need to be able to wear giant bandages around their elbow
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2011 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
A run stuffer with 3 4 experience? Ooo ooo I know.
Brandon Siler. Oh wait a minute, they had him. Oh well.
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, then you will be fired with enthusiasm. Vince Lombardi
by Bolt Brother on Aug 24, 2011 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Ooo, ooo, I like this game.
Torn ACL — out for the season
#feelinacertaintypeofway
I am pretty sure that he is injured
and that was why he got released. I think he injured himself in an off season team work out, thats the thanks he gets.
Man! I wonder how big those premiums are?
The probability of a claim has to be pretty high. I am curious to know how the insurance companies set the premium. I’d think it would have to be north of 10%. During the lockout that might have been more money than most NFL players had in the war chest.
… They spent it all on stupid cakes that were sculpted to look like money.
by Trendsearcher on Aug 24, 2011 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions
wasnt lofa tatupu a good lb for the seahawks, why not grab him?
canadas marriage is like their money, or military, no one takes it seriously
Money has to be a factor...
The Chargers get Cooper’s money back into their cap correct?
It doesn’t seem like the Chargers have much money left to offer. Who are the high priced guys on this list? Morrison and Tatupu seem like higher priced guys to me.
That's what I was thinking
And I think they only want a backup, so anyone looking for a starting position is not going to work. And at this point they might wait till the season begins, then they can cut anyone they take on at the drop of a hat, if I remember correctly. I wonder if they could lure Channing Crowder back?
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 23, 2011 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah and it seems like the remaining top shelf guys
… are waiting for a front line guy to go down somewhere. They have good odds too. high probability one or two #1 guys out of 32 teams gets IR’d early on.
In walks Kirk Morrison to the rescue!
by Trendsearcher on Aug 23, 2011 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Probably
A bunch of guys that shake loose on the August 30th cut down day too; the Chargers might just wait and see.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 23, 2011 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll trust AJ on this one
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Me too.
Part of me wants Kirk Morrison. Part of me thinks AJ will do the best possible thing based on information and awareness you and I will never share, though such wisdom we may perhaps glimpse on a rare occasion.
Kirk Morrison would have to lower his price and expectations, but he would get three games against former teams….
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 23, 2011 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
And he knows as well as anyone
That it’s better to be a backup in San Diego with $1M than it is to be a starter with $3M … and have to live wherever that may be.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 23, 2011 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Kevin Bentley seems like an excellent fit
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
You know who I want to be our new assistant DC?
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 23, 2011 11:09 AM PDT reply actions
I was thinking French Stewart, but this makes way more sense.
by BORTZ on Aug 23, 2011 11:34 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Coop would be awesome, screaming into Weddle's ear every play against the Colts.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 23, 2011 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Denorfia sucks.
Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser. -- Vince Lombardi
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 23, 2011 12:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
If I had to pick one
I would take Gerald Hayes, but I can live with what they have on the roster now “if” there are no more injuries at that position.
Cooper replacement
This seems like a no brainer. Matt Wilhelm has played for the Chargers and I feel has matured and became more hungry and agressive. I also like Dhani Jones but I think he is too much into seeing himself on T.V. Knowing A.J. Smith’s tendencies, I say Wilhelm or he sticks with Spikes and Butler until Cooper heals.
Something with the new lockout
some of these veterans that are out there probably won’t be signed until after Week 1. I’m something along the lines of if they are signed before week 1, this year’s salary is guaranteed…signed any time after Week 1 and it’s not guaranteed. (I think)
Most guys that are 3-4 ILB's
were just plain old ILB’s in college. I’m sure most ILB’s could transition to the 3-4 from the 4-3. Strong/weakside responsibilities are the only big thing they need to adapt to.
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 Aug 23, 2011 12:58 PM PDT reply actions
I always liked Wilhelm.
Bolts from the Blue // "I eat cereal out of a giant novelty wine glass because it makes me feel fancy." - Britney Wade
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
He'd help with TE coverage.
He seemed always to be in perfect position to whiff a tackle.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 23, 2011 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll take a one-armed Cooper
over Wilhelmina.
I heard that Tatupu signed with the ’Skins.
No one on that list excites me much, but I’d have to give the nod to Morrison, Bentley,or Chillar.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
@Xtra1360Ben: Eric Weddle on the show now, says Stephen Cooper is still practicing and will try to play through the pain of a torn biceps without surgery.
I feel bad for Cooper
He must know this could be it for his football career. That injury must be painful. More so if he plays through it.
So if he is now available
Snatch him up! Clearly, he must be great if genius Belichick wanted him at some point.
by Lenny Suckerpunch on Aug 23, 2011 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Question?
Do you guys think Mouton can be a starter? if he can or can’t how much of a good backup is he? I know they need depth, another question comes to mind then, I saw Gamble drop into coverage, can he or can he not play LB? we know he got OLB pass rush skills, yea in one game only(based on some people), but unlike many others, I actually thought he was solid in second game. Think about what the chargers have within b4 u flee outside of the organization for help, what do you guys think?
I don't think Mouton could start this year
But if they get into the season, injuries could make it happen. I think LB is a maturation position. Coming out of college these players are not quite full grown. And there is a lot for a LB to learn at the pro level. You just don’t see too many rookie sensations at LB, and the few you do see are one-dimensional edge rushers.
Gamble is small for an OLB. He’s getting the edge very well. But he’s gonna get flattened by most FBs. God help him when he has to take on that pulling Guard. His frame is better suited to Safety. Maybe if he yolks up he could be a London Fletcher-type LB. Again not quite ready IMO.
by Trendsearcher on Aug 24, 2011 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Do we know anything more about Akin Ayodale?
he’d fit in just b/c his name is hard (for me) to pronounce.
BOOM!
I say we go to PB
And get Jr.
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
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