More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

2 months ago: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (21) and quarterback Philip Rivers (17) watch from the sidelines during their NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Saturday Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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With the San Diego Chargers' 53-man roster set, I want to compare where the team is today compared to where they were one year ago.  How do the position groups match up to each other?  On talent alone, has the team gotten better or worse?

QB (2009): Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst

QB (2008): Rivers, Volek, Whitehurst

Verdict: Equal.  There's been no change, but Rivers enters 2009 with no questions about his health (as he did in 2008) and a year of learning how to carry an NFL team on his back.  Volek looks more polished as he gets even more comfortable with Norv Turner's offense.  Still, any improvements here have more to do with time and chemistry rather than any talent improvement.

See the comparisons and verdicts of the rest of the position groups after the jump.

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More photos » by John Amis - AP

2 months ago: San Diego Chargers running back Michael Bennett scores on a long run against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of their preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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Tomorrow night's match-up between the San Francisco 49ers and the San Diego Chargers is fairly unimportant to the fans.  The blackout is not surprising and, unlike the Seattle game, I think a lot of people will simply wait for the replay to rather than trying to (illegally!) stream the game online.

However, there are certain Chargers players that look at tomorrow's game with great importance.  Here's a run-down of those guys:

• Louis Vasquez - Big Lou has gotten the nod and will start at RG against the 49ers.  There's two reasons that this is very important.  The first is that it means, even if Forney were to be healthy enough to practice today, Vasquez is practicing with the first-team offensive line.  The more he can do that, the more he can learn and build chemistry with Hardwick and Clary.  The second reason is that this is the first time he will get to go up against an NFL 3-4 defense.  Considering more than 10 of the Bolts' 16 regular season games are against teams that run a 3-4 defense, it's important the he get an idea of what it's like to go up against it.  A good performance against SF locks up the starting RG spot for him.
• Larry English - He looked good against Atlanta, although he wasn't asked to do anything but pass-rush.  I think the Chargers will pull their first-team defense before SF pulls their first-team offense (because they need work), which should result in English getting a good chunk of plays against a real NFL offense after a full week of work.  Last week I saw a lot of bull-rushing and going to the outside, I'm curious to see if he has an inside move that he likes.  As with many "backup" players that will get time on the field int he regular season, a stand-out performance from him will keep him in Coach Rivera's mind when the gameplan in being drawn-up for Week 1.
• Kevin Ellison - I know a lot of people aren't going to agree with this, but I think Ellison could be on the 53-man bubble.  With the injuries to the defensive line, and some concern about whether there's room for Michael Bennett (the most logical starter if LT were injured), I have a hard time thinking that the Chargers are okay with keeping 5 safeties.  Ellison has shown no ability to cover the pass (0 Interceptions, 0 passes defended) and has lined up inside the box more than outside of it.  As a 6th round pick, he was a bit of a gamble, and I think the team no longer sees him as their future starting SS.  With roughly the same size as Stephen Cooper, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to try to get him on the practice squad and move him to ILB.  He could change my mind if he shows up against SF (he should get plenty of time on the field) and plays the pass well.
• Michael Bennett - Honestly, I don't know what else the guy could do.  I know it's hard to keep 4 running backs, but I think it's necessary.  LT is an injury risk, Gartrell isn't ready (as a runner or a receiver) and Sproles does other things (returns).  If LT got injured, either the offense would take a step back with Gartrell taking over or the return game would take a step back because Sproles wouldn't be able to do both.  I think Bennett should make the 53 man roster, but word from the team is that he'll most likely be cut.  Another big performance from him and the team would look even more foolish for cutting him.
• Simeon Castille - Castille is in a good position.  He'll get a lot of time against SF because the team wants to see everything he can do.  If he plays well, the team probably keeps him.  If he doesn't, he'll most likely be cut and the Chargers will scour the rest of the NFL's trash to find a good 4th DB.  This is one of those games that could determine an entire career.
• Charly Martin - Sorry Charly fans, but "the next Wes Welker" will not be making this team.  A team that rarely ever has more than 2 wide receivers on the field has no reason to carry 7 of them.  They'll carry just 6 (with Osgood only working as a special teamer).  Even if somebody gets injured, I think they'd prefer carrying 5 and using the spot somewhere else.  However, Charly will probably see plenty of time on the field in the second half of this game and should consider it a "try-out" for other teams that are not as deep at WR.
• Vaughn Martin - He's been just as advertised.  A beast at times, but an inconsistent one.  Everyone is hoping that more time in the NFL and in the Chargers defense will help him develop more consistency.  If he can show enough progress and push people around on Friday night, he'll be a part of the defensive rotation.  If he can't do that, he'll be a third-stringer and a project that will be inactive and ride the pine in 2009.
• Antwan Applewhite / Jyles Tucker - Are they competing with each other for a roster spot?  It's possible.  I like Applewhite better because he's cheaper, can do more things (Tucker is basically a pass-rusher only) and plays better on special teams.  However, Tucker is almost too expensive to cut.  The team would take a cap hit of his contract, so it makes more sense to just get what value they can out of him in 2009.  They'll each get playing time tomorrow and the team will definitely be comparing them, even without plans to cut either, to see who should be the 4th OLB.

We've gone through some of the position battles and depth chart at several of our key positions.  While those discussions are fruitful for who is starting and who is backing up, it is always difficult to figure out who might stick around from that group as a 3rd guy or special teams guy.  Those sorts of decisions tend to be made in the context of the entire roster rather than a specific position group.

We will know the real answer by Saturday, but I thought we might take a cut at it now in light of how the preseason has progressed so far.  Outside of wasting some of your time, it can't really hurt to take a preliminary cut at who is going to be on the 53 man roster once Saturday evening rolls around.

So if you're interested read on!

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More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

3 months ago: San Diego Chargers rookie running back Kestahn Moore cuts behind blocks during opening-day practice at the NFL football team's training camp Monday, July 27, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

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By NFL rules, the cut-downs come in two parts and on two days.  The first of those days is tomorrow, when the Chargers have to reduce their roster size to 75.  The cut down to 53 players will happen after the 49ers game on Friday.  I kept that in mind when trying to decide who has a chance of going in these first cuts, knowing that certain positions will need bodies for the SF game either due to injury (Defensive Line) or to avoid injury (Offensive Line, Tight End).

By my count, the Chargers have 81 players listed on their active roster.  If you remove Ben Muth and Wopamo Osaisai, both of whom were released already, you're down to 79.  Although Demetrius Byrd is listed, the moment he's signed he'll go straight to IR so he really shouldn't count against the numbers.  Now we're at 78. 

What I think the Chargers will do is get rid of players from deep positions.  Guys that have had a hard time getting on the field even in the preseason.  Here's a list of some of the likeliest candidates to be looking for work tomorrow:

• Truman Spencer - Good job, kid.  You saves Scifres' leg in training camp and showed yourself to be worthy of an NFL job in the process.  He'll be let go tomorrow because the team no longer has a need for him and also so that he can grab a job with another team before the start of the season.
• Ryan McDonald - Not to sound like a jerk, but I feel like I have a better understanding of the Chargers roster than most people.  Even I'm left saying "Who?" when McDonald's name comes up.  A 3rd string Center is a strong candidate for the first cuts.
• Billy Latsko - I think the team really likes Billy, but he's not a better FB than Mike Tolbert and even Tolbert is on the bubble.  Having him on the team against SF gives the Bolts unnecessary depth.
• Kestahn Moore - Same as Latsko's situation.  Moore sits behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett and Gartrell Johnson.  I think whether or not Sproles wants to get a handful of carries against the 49ers will determine whether the team keeps Moore around for that game. 
  
• Charles Davis - He lost out on the 4th TE spot to Kory Sperry.  I think the team tries hard to keep Sperry on the practice squad (and he might get some reps against SF with Gates sitting most of the game), but there's no need to keep Davis around another week.

Do you have any thoughts about Bolts From The Blue?  Would you like to contribute to this week's mailbag?  Whenever you have something to say, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly.

More photos » by John Amis - AP

2 months ago: San Diego Chargers wide receiver Buster Davis (84) hauls in a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chevis Jackson (22) during the first half of their pre season NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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The third preseason game is always a fun one to watch and last night's game did not disappoint.  There were very promising signs from both the first and second stringers for the Chargers.

As for that last-second TD...who cares?  It's a preseason game!  If the Chargers had played poorly with their first stringers, but Charlie Whitehurst brought them back for a last-second TD...would you be happy!  Of course not!  Chris Redman and Eric Weems will barely see the field in the regular season, if at all.  So this week, for the Bolts & Dolts, we'll keep our focus mainly on the first-stringers.

Bolts

Offense

Philip Rivers - 10-for-15, 185 yards, 1 TD in less than a half of play, against a good defense that was bringing the heat consistently.  If Phil can go 20-for-30 for 370 yards and 2 TDs every week, wins should come easily.  I think Dan Fouts said it best when he said that both Rivers and Matt Ryan looked to be in mid-season form already.

Billy Volek - I feel like Philip and Billy Volek are having a weekly competition to see who can play better.  The difference, of course, is that Volek is usually going up against the second string defense.  Last night, however, he played most of his snaps against Atlanta's first-team defense and still matched Rivers.  7-for-9, 102 yards and 1 TD.  Best backup quarterback in the league?  Let's hope we never have to find out.

The Offensive Line (passing) - Well, at least they moved up here in pass protection.  Only 1 sack was given up the entire game, and it could be argued that Rivers held onto that ball too long when he should've just gotten rid of it (the sack was made by a cornerback).  Although John Abraham was flying all over the field and consistently needed to be double teamed, he was kept to only 2 tackles and zero sacks.  Also, in that first half Atlanta seemed to be trying a lot of blitzes (which led to the Chargers running a lot of successful screens) and everyone on the line seemed to hold strong.

Louis Vasquez - If you're looking for a nickname, this one is easy.  "Big Lou" didn't just go from bad to good in one game, he went from bad to dominant.  Who knows if the game against Arizona was a case of him not be mentally ready, physically ready or just being nervous.  Whatever it was, he was past it against Atlanta.  Not only did he not let anybody through when pass-blocking, he was an absolute beast in blocking on screen passes.  I can understand why the Chargers saw a guy as big and strong as Louis that could move like that and said "He can start in the NFL right now."  I saw very minimal push from him in run-blocking, but having to run to the left side of the line is something the Bolts are used to.

Gartrell Johnson - He almost didn't make this list, but what he needed last night was a big run and he got it.  A 42-yarder right up the gut, in which he had to jump over a body at the line of scrimmage and rumble his way through the secondary.  Did he show off a complete lack of top-end speed?  Yes.  Was he drafted for his speed?  No.  I'm constantly looking for examples of players that were used in the role that I think Gartrell is suited for, so that Chargers fans stop worrying about his footspeed and lack of jukes.  Brandon Jacobs is a good example, especially since they have similar speed (40 yd dash: Gartrell: 4.51, Jacobs 4:59) and Jacobs is always switched in with some speed backs.  However, the better example for right now may be Jerome Bettis after he became Willie Parker's backup.  He could be the goal-line RB and also the backbreaker in the 4th quarter.  He'll need to earn the spot during the season though.  I think he'll get chances.

Michael Bennett - Bennett would make the Preseason Pro Bowl if there was one.  3 TDs in 3 games, and showing himself to be a versatile weapon out of the backfield.  When the running game was sputtering, he caught 3 passes for 84 yards (including a 48 yard screen pass that went for a TD).  As I was saying in the open thread last night, some guys were earning a roster spot or a starting spot, Bennett was earning more time on the field during the regular season.

Malcom Floyd - If he can stay healthy, I have high hopes for what he can do for the Chargers in 2009.  4 catches for 56 yards and a very "headsy" touchdown in last night's game. 

Buster Davis - Has he blown me away?  No.  Has he taken the slot WR spot away from Floyd (or Naanee)?  No.  Has he shown enough to ensure that he won't be cut?  Yes.  2 catches for 28 yards, including a pretty 22 yarder, in last night's game.

Vincent Jackson - What can really be said?  The first catch was probably the result of a push-off, but it didn't get called so instead we'll just call it fantastic.  The second catch, the one-handed-while-turning-around catch, would be legendary if it weren't just a preseason game.  If you couldn't see the game, the video of the catch is below.  VJ and Malcom Floyd have consistently proven that they are able to, and most times will, catch even inaccurately thrown balls by Philip.  That's big.

Defense

Kevin Burnett - If there were a Preseason Pro Bowl, Burnett would be the Preseason MVP.  He's an absolute beast.  He missed being the top tackler in 3 straight games by one tackle.  I would put down a lot of money right now that says that Burnett will rack up 100+ tackles in the 2009 regular season.  Strength, speed, grace, coverage, technique....he really does seem to have it all.  With a good enough year from him, Vasquez, and English, A.J. Smith could be in line for another Executive of the Year award.

Quentin Jammer - Shutdown corner, hits like a Safety.  What else could you possibly want? 

Eric Weddle - Was flying around the field, looking very healthy.  Sometimes he appeared to jump in on a tackle even when it wasn't necessary, it looked like he was doing it because he was having so much fun.  Eric's ready for this season to get started and I see big things from him in 2009.

Health - Big bolt for health!  The only injury to speak of was Dielman's bruised shoulder, which he has been quotes as saying "If it was the Raiders game I would've been back in there".  So he's fine.  With more playing time for the first team, and on turf, I was a little worried.  However, the Chargers are still on track to go into the Raiders game as one of the healthier teams in the league.

Dolts

Offense

The Offensive Line (running) - Ugh.  Let's take away the longest run of the night from each of the 3 RBs and see what they leaves us. 

• Johnson - 11 carries, 17 yards (1.54 YPC)
  
• Bennett - 6 carries, 11 yards (1.83 YPC)
  
• Darren Sproles - 2 carries, 6 yards (3 YPC)

Vasquez and Jeromey Clary provided zero push from the right side.  McNeill couldn't do much better and Mooch was the weakest link on the line after Dielman left with a shoulder bruise.  As I said last week, the offensive line is all about chemistry.  The more they play together, the better they'll get, so I'm not too worried about it.  Running against Oakland should be no problem.

Defense

Clinton Hart - He's going to give 'Tec a stroke by the end of the season.  He finished the night with 1 tackle and no other stats, but he did miss two tackles near the line of scrimmage and was behind in coverage more than once as well.  I'll say this, he's lucky to have such a good secondary around him.  I think Steve Gregory outplayed him, but that was against Atlanta's second-stringers (mostly).

Pass-Rush - I was really hoping that this would be the game that Rivera sent everybody.  How could he be screaming at his second and third-stringers on the sidelines when they know he's calling such a vanilla defense?  Larry English came in and blitzed on every play he was in on, and looked pretty good too, but again there was only 1 team sack (it was attributed to nobody because it was Chris Redman running out of bounds on his own).  The only reason I keep complaining about this is because I think it's hard to convince the players that they're mean pass-rushing machines unless they've felt it themselves first.

Antoine Cason - He was the leading tackler on the team, but part of that was because he was missing opportunities in zone coverage.  He also missed a tackle that lead to a Falcons touchdown.  He's still a great player, but this was not his best game.

Do you have any thoughts about Bolts From The Blue?  Any tips you want to send our way?  Whenever you have something to say, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly.

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

3 months ago: Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) slips past St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis on his way to a short gain during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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• Larry English is playing!  Anything less than 3 sacks and 2 spinal cord injuries to opposing players will be booed.  Just kidding.  All I want to see from English is the same smoothness coming off the edge as a OLB as I saw from him as a DE in college.  I'd also be interested to see at least one play with Shaun Phillips, Shawne Merriman and Larry "Sean" English on the field at the same time.
• The Right Guard position is not as locked up as we once thought.  I haven't heard who is starting, but I'm willing to bet it's Kynan Forney (partially because they're playing his old team).  If Forney plays bad and Vasquez stands out with an excellent performance, this could get serious.
• First team offense and defense typically play the most in the 3rd preseason game.  Word from the team is the first teamers will play the entire first half and maybe more, with some obvious exceptions (LT, Gates, Cesaire).  It's the most entertaining game of the preseason and also the one with the most risk (especially on turf).  I want to see the offensive line holding their own and the LBs getting some pressure on a few blitz packages.
• Michael Turner will undoubtedly be pumped up to be going against his ex-teammates and they'll want to stop him in his tracks.  The first half of this game will tell us everything we need to know about the strength of our run defense without Jacques Cesaire.  I feel like Kevin Burnett will make some big plays.
• Without LT, and wanting to avoid injury to their most important players, the Chargers running game will probably be handled mostly by Michael Bennett, Gartrell Johnson and Jacob Hester.  A lot of decisions are made after this game, so Gartrell and Mike Tolbert should be focused and determined.
• I can't get enough of the Chargers secondary.  I don't know if it can possibly be as good as it looks in practice and looked against Arizona last week.  Can it?  I think almost anyone could play SS with these guys around them and a good pass rush, so I'm not worried about Clinton Hart.  (Pick City!)
• How do we handle Tony Gonzalez?  He's a player we're familiar with, and one that our defense had trouble defending in 2008 (16 catches, 175 yards, 3 TDs in two games).  Does Burnett follow him all over the field?  How do the Safeties (Weddle, Hart, Gregory) handle him?  When Atlanta is on offense I'm going to keep an eye on Tony G.
• Ogemdi Nwagbuo could make a great impression with fans and coaches with a strong performance against Atlanta's first-team offense (if he's not starting, he's definitely in the rotation).

Don't forget to e-mail me your questions for tomorrow's inaugural BFTB Mailbag.

The Chargers have three position battles going on this preseason in which the starting job is up for grabs.  Here is a quick look at how these battles have shaped up so far this preseason.

Right Guard:

This battle has been decimated by injuries.   Kynan Forney, the favorite to win the job, suffered a neck injury a few weeks ago and was not able to play last week against the Cardinals.  Louis Vasquez, the Chargers 3^rd round pick this year, who is trying to steal the starting job away from the veteran missed the first preseason game due sprained left foot he sustained during training camp.

Forney played well in his start against the Seahawks and has been said to have had a great camp so far.  Vasquez stumbled a bit in his first career NFL star against the Cardinals.  He struggled in both the passing game (allowing two sacks) and in the running game.  With a great camp and Vasquez’s struggles Forney should have the starting RG spot all but locked up to start the season if he can remain healthy.

Defensive End:

Defensive End has been another position that has been bitten by the injury bug this preseason with   Jacques Cesaire being out of the first two preseason games with a calf strain and Ryon Bingham being out until September with a torn tricep muscle.  The injuries to the two veterans have allowed Rookie Vaughn Martin ample playing time so far this preseason.  Martin has played ok so far but, as expected, has looked a little rough around the edges.  Martin is definitely a physical specimen and with a little polish should become a force to be reckoned with in years to come but I just don’t see him getting anywhere near a starting job this season.  I really think this job is Cesaire’s to lose if he can stay healthy.   Of the three candidates Cesaire has the most experience and has started for this team in the past.  Also it is thought that Bingham will most likely spend more time at NT reliving Jamal Williams this season than playing DE.

Inside Linebacker:

This has been a great battle so far this offseason.  Tim Dobbins who finished the 08 season as the starting MLB next to Stephen Cooper is currently penciled in as the starter so far this preseason.  However Kevin Burnett has done everything in his power to change that.  Burnett has played very well in both preseason games on both defense and special teams.  I don’t think Dobbins has done anything to lose the starting job but he has not played at the same level as Burnett and if Burnett continues to play at a high-level I think his starting job may be in serious jeopardy.

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

3 months ago: San Diego Chargers' Michael Bennett dives for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals' Pago Togafau tries to make a tackle in the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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Bolts

Offense

Wide Receivers - There's going to be more groups of players than individual players this time.  Not for any real reason except that I was left with the impression that all of the receivers played well, with the possible exception of Craig Davis (who dropped a catchable ball against a 3rd string CB).  Malcom Floyd looked fantastic, Chris Chambers made a great grab and Legedu Naanee probably solidified a starting WR spot in 2010 with his work against Arizona's first-string defense.

Quarterbacks - I know I mentioned this earlier, but it needs to be stressed again.  With a leaky offensive line, a lot of QBs will panic and start running or forcing the ball into double-coverage.  Not our QBs.  All three of them were very patient and took what the defense gave them.  I hate to say it, but (even though he didn't force anything or make any mistakes) Charlie Whitehurst is far too inaccurate to ever be anything more than third on an NFL depth chart.  I bet when his contract is up and he's owed a pay raise he ends up going to Canada.  If Kassim Osgood wants to blame anyone for his poor showing in two preseason games, he could probably get away with blaming Chuck.

Running Backs - LaDainian Tomlinson/Michael Bennett followed by Darren Sproles.  I can finally say that I'm....mostly comfortable with the idea of those three guys getting all of the Chargers carries in 2009.  LT looked fresh and made at least two cuts that he couldn't have made in 2008, Bennett is nothing if not solid and Sproles is an incredible weapon.  Darren will probably never be a starting RB in the league, but I'm quite happy to have him returning kicks, punts and occasionally blowing past defenders on a screen pass.

Nate Kaeding - A 56 yard field goal?  Are you kidding me?  It looked very easy for Nate too.  Is it possible the Chargers' kicker has turned into a weapon from that far away?  That kick gave me a lot of confidence in Nate.

Defense

Secondary - They looked fantastic against a very good passing offense.  Quentin Jammer wasn't an inch out of position all night and somehow looks even better than he did in 2008.  He wants that Pro Bowl.  Antonio Cromartie is taking heat for shying away from some big hits, but the guy does have to worry about his health and probably thought "This is the preseason" before trying to tackle.  With that being said, he looked like a playmaker and didn't look to be playing catch-up with the opposing WRs like he was last season.  I think Clinton Hart looked improved and his interception was gorgeous.  Antoine Cason cannot be kept as a nickel back forever, he's far too good.

Vaughn Martin - Didn't look out of place for a second.  His only problem was that he kept getting caught in traffic, which lead to a couple of easy runs to the outside for Hightower.  He did a good job of keeping Merriman, and eventually Tucker, clean.  After this game I think the coaches will be more comfortable with him being the backup DE, should Bingham's recovery be a slow one.

Kevin Burnett - What can I say that I didn't already say?  Although he blew a coverage assignment that led to Boldin being wide open, he is head and shoulders above Dobbins and lightyears ahead of Wilhelm.  I don't know anyone who would argue that he's not the starter and an every-down linebacker for the team now.

Pass-Rush - Only one sack, for Jyles Tucker, but consistent pressure that forced Arizona's QBs to step up and occasionally throw before they wanted to.  When Rivera lets the dogs run wild and has English on the field, I'm fairly confident we'll be seeing a lot of sack dances.

Health - This is for both Offense and Defense.  The Chargers are remarkably healthy.  All of the important players that missed last night's game (Forney, English, VJ, Cesaire) have only minor injuries and could possibly play next Saturday against the Falcons.  Health usually seems be the deciding factor on what kind of season it will be for the Chargers, and so far 2009 is looking good.

Dolts

Offense

The Offensive Line (passing) - Am I worried?  No.  Am I concerned?  Eh, maybe.  If the line is just as bad in Atlanta next week, I'll definitely start worrying a little bit.  Vasquez looked like a project out there.  Out of the 4 sacks on Rivers, he was personally responsible for 2.  On another, Jeromey Clary was out of position and missed the blitzing LB because he was trying to help Vasquez.  On the fourth, Kris Dielman just got beat.  The Arizona defensive lineman jumped the snap and put an outstanding move on Dielman.  Hey, sometimes you just have to say the guy beat you and try to stop him next time.  Lucky for Kris, this was in the preseason.

The Offensive Line (running) - You can tell the person calling the plays has absolutely no faith in his offensive line to run-block when you're seeing lots of screen passes and WR end-arounds called.  If it weren't for a 22 yard run by Naanee and an 11 yard run by Davis, the stats for the running game would be pretty poor.  None of the HBs had a higher YPC than 3.2 (Bennett).  Sportscenter would be showing highlights of LT and talking about another big season from him if it weren't for him getting swallowed up by 6 defenders every time he got back to the line of scrimmage.

Defense/Special Teams

Mike Tolbert - Tolbert is pretty good as a blocking FB, although Jacob Hester is clearly better.  However, Tolbert's effort on Special Teams is pathetic.  He either knows he's not making the team or he's going to get himself cut by showing that he has no value besides being a backup FB.  His blocks on kick returns were atrocious.

Kick Coverage - Wedge or no wedge, that was a poor effort.  Too many guys giving up the play before it was over.  Give Cason credit for standing out as a ST star last night.  He seemed to be the only guy that cared.