Bolt-Load of Links: 2/17 Chargers Links

Sorry for the two-day hiatus. Unfortunately, BFTB is not my day job, as it would be pretty awesome if I could do this for a living. Regardless, my day job consumed me the last few days and I haven't been able to gather the links like normal.

With the groveling out of the way, we can get on to what's going on with the Chargers and around the league. Well … ummmm … *shuffling papers* … Vincent Jackson was franchised, that's neat. Ummm, Legedu Naanee was arrested, that's less neat. Oh! The owners and players still haven't reached a new CBA, nor have they even met recently.

Hmmmm … it seems now the attention is being turned to what players are staying with their current teams, what players are leaving their teams, and all the speculation in between.  There's some draft analysis going on, but nothing in full-force just yet. I'll stop describing the news and just let you read it all for yourself.

• Rivers to fans: Chargers on right path | Chargers.com
  San Diego’s quarterback advocates patience and expresses confidence in Head Coach Norv Turner and the direction of the organization.

• AFC West offseason breakdown - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
  The Chargers were one of the most underachieving teams during 2010 based on the expectations for them. Their special teams units let them down in the first half of the season, and some team observers felt that cost them some games. But injuries at running back and wide receiver also were a factor.

• AFC West mailbag - AFC West Blog - ESPN
  Jared from Thousand Oaks, Calif., wants to know if Malcom Floyd could be attractive in free agency.

• Chargers Must Start Turning Gaudy Stats Into Wins | BoltHype
  If only the games were played on paper during the 2010 campaign, it’s quite possible that the Chargers would have enjoyed a few more victories during the course of the season.

• AFC West offseason breakdown - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
  The Chargers were one of the most underachieving teams during 2010 based on the expectations for them. Their special teams units let them down in the first half of the season, and some team observers felt that cost them some games. But injuries at running back and wide receiver also were a factor.

• Here's the plan for NFL teams in need of repair - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
  Finally, A.J. Smith has his hands full in San Diego with 28 potential free agents, the most of any team.

• Examining Mel Kiper's newest mock draft - AFC West Blog - ESPN
  No. 18, San Diego: Tyron Smith, tackle, USC

There is plenty more good reading after the break. So hit the jump and read on about the other teams in the AFC West, the drama that is the CBA negotiations, the Combine, and Football Outsiders asks, "How do you fix a broken red zone defense?"

• NFL.com news: Combine offers pass-catching prospects a chance to separate
  Scouts are scouring the college ranks looking for pass-catchers capable of filling multiple roles. And it's important to distinguish the difference between No. 1 receivers and complementary pass-catchers when evaluating this year's class.

• NFL.com news: Players union shoots down rumors of combine boycott
  The NFL Players Association officially denied rumors of a boycott at next week's NFL Combine, via a tweet from union spokesman George Atallah on Thursday.

• NFL labor, CBA negotiations ultimately will result in fair deal - Don Banks - SI.com
  Everything will change if the NFLPA decides to move forward with decertification. Conceding to 18-game season likely only way for players to get money they want. In the end, it could be the agents that play mediator to owners and players.

• Denver Broncos Resume Contract Talks With Cornerback Champ Bailey - Mile High Report
  Bailey has been to the Pro Bowl 10 times, an NFL record among cornerbacks and is sure to receive a bust in the Hall of Fame some day.

• Tamba Hali Reportedly Receives 'Non-Exclusive' Franchise Tag From Chiefs - Arrowhead Pride
  The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that LB Tamba Hali has been given the franchise tag. We noted in our initial post on the topic that we didn't know whether it was the exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tag.

• Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets Expected To Part Ways - SBNation.com
  Wednesday night, Mike Lombardi said on NFL Network that the Jets will let veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie leave via free agency this off-season.

• Michael Vick Cancels Interview, Tells Oprah She's Barking Up The Wrong Tree - From Our Editors - SBNation.com
  On Monday, news broke that Michael Vick would appear on Oprah for an episode that would tape next week. Today, we find out he's canceled the interview. Kind of a buzzkill, right?

• Walkthrough: Red Zone Blues | FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS
  How do you fix a broken red zone defense?