Chargers have good, bad playoff memories - Bill Williamson
One very good one very bad. The No.1 performance on the list is San Francisco’s Steve Young in the Super Bowl against the Chargers in 1995. The No. 2 performance is by San Diego tight end Kellen Winslow in the playoffs against Miami in 1982.
Kiper's Summer Audits: AFC West - Mel Kiper Jr.
The draft added serious punch, too. Melvin Ingram was a total steal at No. 18 overall and should provide early dividends in the pass rush. Kendall Reyes is an athletic defender on the defensive interior, and his presence, along with last year's first-round pick, Corey Liuget, gives the Chargers a nice tandem in the 3-4. While Eric Weddle is a very good one at free safety, I think Brandon Taylor can come in and push for time at strong safety, even though Atari Bigby will get the early nod.
Fantasy Roundtable: Philip Rivers - ESPN Video
ESPN fantasy analysts discuss a possible bounce back season for Philip Rivers in 2012.
A.J. Smith isn't going anywhere - Kevin Acee
I figure now is as good a time as any to tick you off. Why wait until training camp? I’ll just send y’all off into the offseason with this tidbit: I don’t think A.J. Smith is going anywhere even if the Chargers miss the playoffs for a third straight season.
Percy Harvin in the AFC West? - Bill Williamson
Harvin would fit San Diego’s varied offense. But the Chargers feel great about their receivers and I don’t think there is room for Harvin. I’m not saying he wouldn’t help San Diego. I am saying the Chargers are satisfied with their receivers.
Rapport building in Chargers' slot - Michael Gehlken
"We're always talking to each other after plays," said Gilchrist, who's covered Royal as the first-string nickelback. "I'll ask him, what is he thinking when he did this certain move? He'll ask me, what kind of coverage was I playing in when he ran a certain route? We basically feed off each other."
Who has the best backup RB in division? - Bill Williamson
I am nervous about the Chargers’ running back situation now that Mike Tolbert has signed with Carolina. Ronnie Brown is nearing the end. Curtis Brinkley is interesting, but is he ready? Rookie Edwin Baker and fullback Le’Ron McClain are also in the mix.
Bisaccia implements creative special teams drill - Dan McLellan
Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia has implemented several creative drills since he joined the team last season. During Tuesday evening's minicamp, he had a returner stand behind a ball placed on the 5-yard line as the coverage unit ran down the field. Bisaccia blew his whistle, which cued the returner to grab the ball and attempt to avoid containment. This enabled the coverage unit to practice various scenarios of a kick being fumbled and then recovered by a returner. The fumbled and recovered kick is seldom practiced, but it is a scenario that can lead to big returns.
Turner likes new minicamp format - Dan McLellan
Prior to last year's new CBA, minicamps were typically held after the draft and then followed by OTAs. "We just flipped that," coach Norv Turner said. "I like it. Particularly for a team like us that has so many new players that we will be counting on.
Veteran passer Rivers has no problem finding a charge for 2012 - Clark Judge
There's a renewed sense of urgency with this year's San Diego Chargers, and there should be. Because if they do what they've done the past two seasons -- namely, miss the playoffs -- head coach Norv Turner won't be back, his coaching staff will scatter and the roster will be in for an overhaul.