San Diego Chargers Daily Links: September 10, 2012

3TFO: Chargers @ Raiders, Week 1 - Khaled Elsayed
Offseason acquisition Jarret Johnson may not boost the team’s pass rush, but his work setting the edge defines him as a player. With a Raiders team that has plenty of speed and can punish you for losing contain, Johnson could have an immediate positive impact in forcing Oakland to go to the air with their banged-up passing attack.

Bolts Ready to Deploy Running Back by Committee - Ricky Henne
"I think I’m the powerful presence," LeRon McClain said. "With or without Ryan, we have a very balanced backfield, and I think I bring a little size and power to it. This team really is super talented; more talented than I thought. I think the Chargers have the chance to compete seriously, and it starts with us."

Linebackers Key to Chargers Defense - Ricky Henne
"The strength of our team obviously we think is going to be our linebacker group," he said following Friday’s practice. "We’re going to dress a bunch of them, and as we go through the season, hopefully we’ll be able to keep a rotation going. That’s when we’ve been our best. When you have five good outside linebackers like we do, they all bring a little different dimension, whether in the pass rush or different looks, so keeping them fresh should help us throughout the entire game."

Five keys to making the playoffs - Scott Bair
Mathews is down and out right now, but he still believes he can contend for the rushing title. He looks as fresh and eager as ever. If he can stay healthy and hold on to the ball, Mathews could be a true feature back in this league and take some pressure off Rivers.

X's and O's - Hal Hunter (VIDEO)
A Chargers.com video.

Preparation the key to Weddle's success - Scott Bair
"He studies this game inside and out," defensive coordinator John Pagano said. "He puts so much effort into it and tries to get inside the offense to understand exactly what they're doing."

Ryan Mathews now targeting Week 2 return - Michael Gehlken (UT$)
"I haven't been cleared for contact, and I think we're just going to wait this week," Mathews said. "I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing. ... I just have to have the mindset right. I probably won't be playing in this game. But the next game, that's what I'm looking for now. I don't know about the team, but me personally, now I'm looking for that (Week 2) game against Tennessee."

Gaither not an IR candidate, yet - Scott Bair
A source said Gaither planned to see another independent specialist this coming week to further examine the issue, which remains unclear to the public because no specific diagnosis has been given.