Predicting Philip Rivers' Season Stats

As undoubtedly one of the most talented and productive quarterbacks in the NFL, Philip Rivers is not only racking up the wins, but he's also moving his way up the record books and helping fantasy football junkies in the process. BOLTHYPE blogger and former classmate of Philip Rivers takes a look ahead at what we can expect from the Chargers signal caller.

Philip, or “P-Riv” as I like to call him, had his best season in 2009, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 28 touchdowns. He met his goal of throwing for single-digit interceptions with 9 while connecting on over 65% of his passes.

I’m expecting this year to be quite different for Rivers’ stats even though he’ll be a better quarterback. First, it seems inevitable that P-Riv’s #1 downfield threat, Vincent Jackson, will not be with the team this season. Second, Ryan Mathews will take a lot of pressure off the passing game and there will undoubtedly be a better mix of run-pass. Plus, a better run-pass mix means sustained drives and fewer possessions.

But let’s not get bogged down with theoretical pontifications of what and why something will happen for now. The season is about to start. Let’s have some fun.

We’ll play a little Over/Under. I set the line, you pick whether Philip’s going over or under.

2009 SEASON TOTALS

Total Passing Yards – 4,254
Pass Attempts – 486
Touchdowns – 28
Interceptions – 9
Completion Percentage – 65.2%
Passer Rating – 104.4
Rushing Yards – 50
Tackles – 0
Wins – 13

2010 OVER/UNDERS

Total Passing Yards – 3,917
Pass Attempts – 467
Touchdowns – 26
Interceptions – 8.5
Completion Percentage – 64.1%
Passer Rating – 101.7
Rushing Yards – 67
Tackles – .5
Wins – 10.5

That’s what I think is going to happen.

Will P-Riv’s numbers drop as much as I’m predicting? Any chance he gets some plays in at one of his old high school positions, Free Safety, to go OVER in the Tackles stat? Or will he just find another defensive player to spear like he did the Cowboys’ Barry Church? Any chance his numbers improve dramatically in certain areas? What do you think? Sound off in the comments section below!

Where Has The Chargers' Pass Rush Gone?

Four or five years ago, the Chargers never could have imagined having difficulty getting pressure on an opposing quarterback with Shawne Merriman’s breakout onto the NFL scene and Shaun Phillips looking like a man possessed on his opposite. Fast forward now to the present and the Bolts are desperate for any sort of pass rushing presence to emerge from their depth chart at the outside linebacker position.

Merriman’s injury issues have been well documented beginning with his torn ACL which kept him off of the field for the entire 2008 season. “Lights Out” returned to the Bolts lineup last year claiming to feel recharged and ready to get back to his old havoc wreaking ways, but he struggled to gain any sort of consistency and only recorded four sacks for the entire 2009 season. After putting up 39.5 sacks in just 42 regular season games over the first three years of his career, Merriman has flatlined in terms of production.

His falloff has hampered Phillips’ ability on the other side to get free runs at the quarterback as teams are able to handle Merriman with a single blocker on most occasions. He may never have been as feared on the edge as “Lights Out”, but Phillips has the ability to turn the corner and wreak havoc on opposing offensive tackles. Only one time did Phillips manage to reach a double-digit sack mark and that was in 2006 during Merriman’s outstanding campaign of 17.5 sacks when team were double and triple teaming him at times.

Just two quarterback hits all preseason from the outside linebackers is definitely reason for concern in a 3-4 defense predicated on pressuring the opposing signal caller with those hybrid stand up pass rushers. One of those hits led to a completion by Jay Cutler in the team’s opening preseason tilt and the other resulted in a 15-yard personal foul penalty on Phillips for roughing the passer. Needless to say, the Bolts have to be concerned with Merriman’s injury issues which seem to have surfaced once again as the linebacker hasn’t even seen the field yet after returning from his week long holdout to begin training camp due to a nagging Achilles injury. There are fears that these lingering injuries will continue to haunt Merriman and even prevent him from suiting up for the Monday night season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

For Merriman, this was supposed to be the season where he returned to form one full year removed from his reconstructive knee surgery and fully recovered with an expiring contract. For his own future in the league and with the Chargers, “Lights Out” needed to burst back onto the scene with the same electricity that he once exuded and charge up the rest of his teammates. Larry English is waiting in the wings now to take over the starting job from Merriman should these injuries continue to be an issue, but the Bolts are going to take the necessary precautions to hopefully nip this problem in the bud.

Instead of lamenting what might have been or worrying about conditional situations, the Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera needs to concoct some exotic looking blitz schemes to help rejuvenate this beleaguered pass rush. Much like the New England Patriots often do, maybe the Bolts need to experiment with two down lineman and five linebackers at times just to confuse opposing offensive lines and get a leg up on the competition by any means necessary. This team has tried a variety of different players in Merriman’s role, but none have been successful enough to warrant any high praise from the coaching staff. Antwan Applewhite, Jyles Tucker, Larry English, Shaun Phillips, and even rookie Brandon Lang all seem to be lukewarm at best without the aid of a big time pass rusher on the other side of the field.

The real question is will that presence ever return in the form of Merriman, or will the team be forced to look elsewhere for a top flight pass rusher to get after the quarterback?

YOUR TAKE

What do the fans think, is Merriman still a feared member of the Chargers defense, or should the team turn the page to a new chapter with English as the starter? Will the Bolts be able to get after the quarterback without blitzing a member of the secondary, or does the team need to employ some exotic blitz looks to generate more pressure? Will Merriman be a Charger in 2011, or will the team move in a new direction at outside linebacker? Let’s get some feedback below!

More Than Ready For Some Football

New BOLTHYPE blogger and current PAC-10 footballer David Seawright is more than ready for the 2010 NFL season to get underway.

ITS BEEN A LONG OFFSEASON

Make no mistake, the 24-hour news cycle, constant Twitter updates and draft gurus like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay make the offseason seem shorter for avid NFL fans, but one simple fact remains: for the first time in over seven months, NFL players will strap it up for a game with actual meaning this Thursday.

I've had enough of silly draft coverage, where draftniks spend too much time over-analyzing players in non-football situations, wearing spandex and, in some situations, not much else.

I've had enough of ESPN tour buses and news of failed conditioning tests. I've had enough of the coverage of hold-outs, as much as I think the Chargers need Marcus McNeill and don't need Vincent Jackson. I've certainly had enough of preseason predictions that mean absolutely nothing once the season starts. I'm ready for some football.

One week from today, we can cut the talk of roster moves and 53-man rosters and watch the 2010 Chargers take the field for the first time against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

We'll finally get to stop reading about whether or not Brandyn Dombrowski will be a suitable replacement for Marcus McNeill and will get to see it for ourselves first hand. We'll get to see which receivers step up in lieu of Jackson, and if Ryan Mathews was worth the steep price paid to draft him 12th overall.

Don't get me wrong; I'm thankful for the offseason coverage that makes the February-to-September stretch shrink, but it's time for some actual football. It's time to have our questions answered.

Will Nate Kaeding recover from his postseason woes? Will the defensive front seven actually apply some pressure to opposing passers this year? Will Shawne Merriman return to form? Will Ryan Mathews provide the running game the Bolts lacked last year?

Will Antoine Cason play like a first-round pick and actually make tackles in the open field, unlike his predecessor? Will Norv Turner's team continue the trend of struggling early in the year, or will it (for once) come out of the gate strong?
These issues, it seems, have been cover ad nauseum throughout the winter, spring and summer. Now it's time for some answers on the field.

And it's about time.

5 Reasons The 2010 San Diego Chargers Will Be Different

A quick look at the roster reveals this San Diego Chargers team isn't the same team you're probably used to seeing. Gone are a number of big-time players, and those who would replace them are trying to carve names for themselves. But emerging from the turnover of talent could be a team more balanced and with more to prove than the Chargers of the past. BOLTHYPE's Blake Hill explains...

For each of the past three seasons, Chargers fans have known what they’ve had going into the season.

They knew they had a star running back.

They knew they had a rising star at quarterback.

They knew they had pro bowlers at tight end, left tackle, wide receiver and linebacker.

They knew they had a 360-pound bull at nose tackle.

They knew they had a spider-like cover corner and one of the wiliest special teamers of the past decade.

It was boring, the same old song and dance.

Each of the past three seasons, the fans had the same expectations, the same hopes, the same angst; because everything felt the same. They wondered, “Will this be the year the Chargers live up to their billing? Will this be the year the Chargers turn all this talent into postseason success? Will this year be different?”

And each of the last three seasons it’s been the same. But this year, it’s different. It’s interesting.

Here are the top 5 things that make this season different:

LEADERSHIP

Of all the things Chargers fans knew they had going into seasons past, one thing they still do have is the quarterback. Except he’s no longer a rising star, he is a star and the unequivocal leader of the team – the last one out of the tunnel. P-Riv is THE guy. No leadership tug of war with LaDainian. No “I think the best play here is a quick out, but Tomlinson wants the ball, so I guess I’ll give it to him.” No more settling.

RUNNING GAME

Speaking of LT. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but he no longer plays for the Chargers. While he’s one of the best ever and will always be a Charger, the Chargers were 31st (Read THIRTY FIRST! That’s out of 32 teams!) in rushing yards last season. You think Ryan Mathews (with one t) might have an effect on that number?

BALANCE ON OFFENSE

The improved rushing attack combined with the stability at quarterback creates the most balanced offense the Chargers have had in the past three seasons. No one remembers what it’s like to cheer for a Chargers team with a balanced offensive identity. A balanced offense is perhaps the best way to improve your defense.

UNPROVEN DEFENSE

Jamal Williams, Antonio Cromartie, and Clinton Hart are gone. Shawne Merriman, post knee surgery, hasn’t been the same player. The secondary is unproven. Oh, and so is the defensive line.

THE UNKNOWNS

Questions abound. Questions are unusual. Is Mathews the real deal? Can the O-line protect P-Riv? Can they run block? Is Malcom Floyd ready to be a #1 receiver? Can they get pressure on the quarterback? Can the corners tackle anybody? On and on and on. This many unknowns is unusual for the Chargers this time of year.

Clearly, this season is different, very different. That doesn’t necessarily equal success, but it does equal interesting.

What was once known is now unknown. What was once boring is now interesting. The familiar is now unfamiliar. The same is now different.

Chargers Add Veteran WR Patrick Crayton

In what was clearly necessary to improve both the talent level and depth at the wide receiver position, the San Diego Chargers made a solid move by trading for veteran wideout Patrick Crayton, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys.

In exchange for Crayton, the Chargers sent Dallas a conditional draft pick that would at the very least become a 7th round selection.

Crayton was disgruntled in Dallas with the team drafting Dez Bryant in the first round, and with Crayton's role in the offense diminishing.

Without Vincent Jackson and with no undrafted free agents really separating themselves from the pack, the Chargers needed to bring in additional talent in order to accomplish the things they want to do on offense. Patrick Crayton should have an easy transition coming from Dallas where Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett was somewhat of a protege of Norv Turner, having played for him in his younger days.

Excited about joining a team that both needs him and should be contending in January, Crayton seemed overjoyed with the acquisition:

"I'm going from a contender to another contender," Crayton said. "It makes you that much more anxious to be a part of that and to get on the football field and play."

Source: Chargers.com

Lightning Strikes with Jeff Williams: September 3, 2010

BOLTHYPE senior writer Jeff Williams breaks down the good & bad of the San Diego Chargers' preseason, meeting Ryan Mathews, and more...

The preseason is over, and the Chargers will soon pare down their roster to the final 53 players. After watching the previous four exhibition games, what have we learned? The Chargers starting offense will be better with Ryan Mathews running the ball; that fact surprises no one. The Chargers starting defense? I think the jury is still out. They have had their moments, but have yet to put together a consistent performance. Hopefully that changes come September 13 in Kansas City.

Of greatest concern is what appears to be a lack of solid depth at a number of positions. Perhaps I'm just smarting from a ridiculously poor effort in Thursday's preseason finale, but stick with me here. More and more the Chargers have pushed former back-ups (Clary, Dombrowksi, Naanee, Cason, English to name a few) into starting roles without maintaining the level of talent behind them. The unit that stands out the most is the offensive line, an important piece to any contending team but one that is woefully lacking in depth on this roster.


Other thoughts from the preseason:

• Ryan Mathews will be a stud...no kidding, right? Let me finish; Ryan Mathews will be a stud, who may be more prone to injury then LT ever was early in his career. It was many years before LT ever suffered an injury worth mentioning. Throughout his career he made it a point to avoid the big hits that will wear a guy down. Unlike LT, Mathews has no problem running over a defender. Hey, that's great football to watch but does nothing to prolong a guy's career. Here's to hoping he can stay healthy for a number of postseasons runs.



• Antonio Garay is the best nose-tackle on the Chargers roster. I have high hopes for rookie Cam Thomas, but at this point you don't need to double-team him to neutralize him. Hopefully with experience, he will turn into the 2nd coming of the former #76.



• Luis Castillo looked solid in the preseason. I know this gets said every year, but perhaps this is the season where he becomes more of a force on the Chargers defense.



• Wasn't it great to see Buster Davis making plays in the preseason? He has the talent to be a factor this year, and this offense will be even better if he stays healthy.



• What happened to the pass rush? I'm starting to think that Steven Gregory and/or Weddle will lead the team in sacks.



• I'm much more worried about Jeromey Clary at right-tackle than Brandon Dombrowski at left-tackle.



• One more thing about the depth on this roster. I have no problem with guys working their way into the starting lineup. I just don't see the talent being replaced, and I think we saw that results of that in this preseason.

I had the chance to meet Ryan Mathews at an event earlier this week. As we have all heard, Mathews is a great guy, friendly, down to earth, with a big smile and a huge laugh. For a guy who spent a lot of time in the hottest and dirtiest places in California (you know, Bakersfield and Fresno), he told me that his favorite thing about San Diego was the weather. Big surprise, Ryan!

What did you get out of the Chargers preseason? Who stood out and who needs to step up? Sound off by commenting below!

Chargers Need Someone To Emerge Opposite Jammer

The regular season isn’t too far away at this point and it seems like the perfect time to assess some potential pitfalls for the Bolts along the way in the 2010 campaign. After now seeing three of the four preseason contests, the main area that sticks out as a possible weakness for this club is the secondary.

Cornerback will certainly be a focal point for the Chargers defensively this season having traded away former first round pick Antonio Cromartie in the offseason to the New York Jets. Cromartie had become a distraction to the team and his well documented off-field issues with seven illegitimate children to his name just became too much for the team to tolerate. Clearly his subtraction means that someone else on the Bolts roster will be asked to step up and take on some more responsibility at the corner spot opposite Quentin Jammer this season.

Many believed that this would be 2008 first round draft pick Antoine Cason’s opportunity to finally break into the starting lineup, but now it appears to be an open competition for the gig. Through the first three preseason contests, no one has really emerged as a front runner for the job with blown coverages and miscommunications making for a calamity of errors in the Bolts secondary. General Manager A.J. snapped up Chicago Bears castoff Nathan Vasher almost immediately after the team released him in March, but he hasn’t even secured a roster spot to this point with some questionable techniques in coverage and blown assignments in simple zone looks. The Bolts even added former New York Jets corner Donald Strickland into the mix for competition in the nickel, but he hasn’t overwhelmed anyone either looking pedestrian at best in coverage. And their latest addition, cornerback Fred Bennett formerly of the Houston Texans, has yet to show Chargers fans what he's capable of.

All of this leads to the stalwart Jammer as the number one corner on the roster and how far he has come since the inconsistencies of his younger years at the position. As a fan, Jammer’s inconsistencies and propensity to look for the big hit rather than defending an oncoming pass have been troubling since day one, but he has slowly evolved into an intelligent defender on the edge. When Jammer first began playing corner for the Bolts it looked as though he would be more successful as a safety throwing his body around and gambling for the big play rather than making the smart reads to limit the damage. Now Jammer is a true veteran who knows his limitations and caters to them rather than allowing them to be exposed by opponents. He may still have hands of stone and rarely haul in an interception, but Jammer brings a consistent effort day after day and can be counted on as a solid player in coverage for the team.

Still, a team needs more than one corner on its roster and the Bolts are in a pickle when it comes to deciding just who is the least dreadful on that other side. Cason has the great read and react skills in the mold of Jammer and plays well in man to man, but the Bolts play primarily zone coverage and knowing assignments is crucial to success. Cromartie was troubled in these zone looks as well preferring to defend man on man and eliminate his player from making receptions rather than covering an entire quadrant of the field. General Manager A.J. Smith attempted to put the proverbial band-aid over a bullet wound by signing Nathan Vasher after he was cast off by the Chicago Bears in March. Vasher has a connection with Bolts defensive coordinator Ron Rivera from his Chicago days, but he hasn’t shown much promise in San Diego and is on the fringe of even making the 53-man roster at this point. It seems as if safety help over the top in the form of Eric Weddle may be necessary on a regular basis to ensure that whoever holds down that starting gig on the corner doesn’t get hung out to dry in coverage.

Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has been a savior in San Diego since taking over the reigns from the floundering Ted Cotrell midway through the 2008 season. His various blitz schemes and knowledge of the Tampa 2 from his days in Chicago have slowly found their way into the Bolts defensive looks and been quite successful. Rivera is going to have to be creative this year with his blitzing in order to force opposing quarterbacks into some ill-advised throws and take some pressure off of the guys in coverage. Thus far, Rivera has been masterful at tailoring the Bolts defense to the personnel out on the field and knowing his limitations within that scheme, but there are legitimate concerns whether that can continue this season.

YOUR TAKE

Let’s get some feedback. Will Antoine Cason be able to survive on the corner this year or will another name emerge as a starter opposite Quentin Jammer? Have General Manager A.J. Smith’s drafting priorities hurt the Bolts secondary failing to take a corner in the last two drafts or will the team persevere despite this perceived weakness? Can Ron Rivera dial up the proper blitzes to get this defense to the quarterback or will he revert to being tentative on third and long hanging the secondary out to dry? Give your take in the comments section below!

With Or Without You: Vincent Jackson

The season kicks off for the Bolts in a little over two weeks, but the team’s current holdout drama continues to dominate the headlines. Although Marcus McNeill remains the most vital piece of the puzzle (in my opinion) for the team when it comes to winning games this season, Vincent Jackson is the holdout of the week making the most noise.

San Diego has never made it known to other teams around the league that Jackson is available via trade until recently, but the Bolts have limited his landing spot to just one team. According to reports, the Seattle Seahawks are the only franchise that Bolts General Manager A.J. Smith is willing to negotiate with and he is seeking a second round draft choice as compensation for the much maligned wideout.

On the surface, this price tag seems like a steal considering the fact that V Jack’s prime years of his career are still presumably ahead of him at just 27 years of age, but his off-field issues are a fly in the ointment for the Bolts. Jackson has been convicted twice in as many years for DUI offenses with a three game suspension still pending when he finally does put a uniform back on of any color in the future. He seemed contrite in the recent interview that was conducted by the NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora, but teams will still be hesitant to give up much of anything for a player with a tarnished track record. In addition to the off-field questions, Jackson wants Brandon Marshall type of money in the neighborhood of 5 years, $50 million with $30 million guaranteed and that could turn off any potential trade partners.

As for the Chargers side of this equation, there really hasn’t been one peep out of the Bolts front office regarding Jackson nor any inkling as to what direction they might be leaning in regarding his rights. Aside from informing both he and fellow holdout McNeill that they would be placed on the roster exempt list, the Chargers haven’t acknowledged either player to this point. This leads fans to believe that the Bolts are content moving forward in 2010 with the current receivers on their roster like Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee. Floyd is a Jackson-like clone with his lanky 6’5” frame and downfield speed while Naanee can be that underneath option to pick up the tough yardage in a pinch for quarterback Philip Rivers.

Judging by his performance thus far in the preseason, this may finally be the year where Craig “Buster” Davis lives up to expectations and produces a bit for the Bolts offense. Injuries have plagued him since entering the league in 2007, but he seems to be on the right track to fitness and staying healthy for the upcoming year. His presence in the slot could add a much needed shifty dimension to the Bolts at the wideout position with the majority of their targets being of the long, lanky variety. Undoubtedly all-world tight end Antonio Gates will be the main man in the Bolts offense as he has been for the last half decade as his preseason has been fantastic continuing a great relationship with Rivers.

With the vibe from the Chargers front office seeming to believe they no longer need Jackson on their team, what franchises would make the most sense as potential trade partners?

Obviously the aforementioned Seahawks have to head the list of those in contention to land V Jack, but some dark horses to look out for are both the big spending Washington Redskins and Brett Favre equipped Minnesota Vikings. For Washington, Donovan McNabb has to be considered an upgrade at quarterback, but the receiving corps is still lacking with their best option currently being Santana Moss who is average at best as far as number ones are concerned. Jackson would fit well in the nation’s capital where they have never been shy to overpay for big time talent with question marks. Just ask Albert Haynesworth.

As for Minnesota, the loss of Sidney Rice for the first half of the season is a big blow to that team, but Jackson wouldn’t be able to cure that issue anyway until at least week four if he landed with the Vikes considering his suspension. Trying to defend a tandem like Rice and Jackson would be a nightmare for any defensive coordinator in the years to come and adding in the fact that the Vikings have Adrian Peterson in the backfield to keep opponents honest, their offense would be awfully formidable.

San Diego would clearly like to avoid any AFC trading partners in this ordeal so as not to risk facing V Jack in the postseason with the revenge factor on the table. It still remains unclear as to whether or not the team even wants to deal Jackson at all so really the ball is in the front office's court at this point in time. It would be nice to have a resolution to this ordeal so that the team can move forward with confidence in the group of receivers that they will be using come week one, but that is still an iffy proposition.

What do the fans think, would it be better for the Bolts to cut their losses and get something in return for Jackson or should they just allow him to walk after the season? Is Jackson worthy of Brandon Marshall type money or is he just a product of the Bolts high flying aerial attack? In the near term, can Floyd, Naanee, and Davis produce enough for this team to win a Super Bowl or do they need that big play threat of Jackson to make a legitimate push for a title? Give your .02 below!

Breaking Down The Bolts on ESPN Radio 770 AM

BOLTHYPE Senior Writer Jeff Williams breaks down the San Diego Chargers on ESPN Radio 770 in South Florida

An Admitted A.J. Smith Apologist

As the Chargers struggle to justify not at least offering long-term contracts to their two current holdouts, plenty of media outlets and fans are going to point the finger at the team’s General Manager A.J. Smith. Some of that blame surely comes because of Smith’s arrogant attitude with the media and his questionable negotiation tactics, but the fact of the matter is that Smith is an employee of the Chargers organization under no one’s authority but team ownership. Dean Spanos and the Spanos family sign Smith’s paycheck and they evidently feel that the GM is doing an extraordinary job. And why wouldn’t they?

Smith took on the title of general manager after the late John Butler passed away in April of 2003 from his battle with lung cancer. After working his way up through the ranks as an NFL scout in the late seventies and throughout the eighties, Smith landed with the Buffalo Bills where he would begin a 14-year relationship with the team. He served as an area scout (1987-1988), their Assistant Director of College Scouting (1989-1992), and then became the Director of Pro Personnel (1993-2000). Smith’s time in Buffalo came during the heyday of the franchise when the Bills notoriously reached four consecutive Super Bowls only to lose each of those contests to superior NFC opponents.

During his first season as GM with the Bolts, Smith was named Executive of the Year by CBS Sportsline.com after the team transformed from a 4-12 nightmare to a 12-4 Cinderella. That year was the resurrection of Drew Brees’ career in San Diego and ultimately forced the Bolts to place the franchise tag on him even though they had just selected Philip Rivers in the 2004 NFL Draft after a controversial trade with the New York Giants. Smith’s trade for Rivers acquired the picks from the Giants which would later be used to select linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding (both Pro Bowlers). The incidents that followed the 2005 season would eventually begin the second guessing of Smith’s management philosophies and provide the ammunition for those who question his priorities to this day.

After Brees suffered a torn labrum in the season finale of 2005, then Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer came under scrutiny for leaving Brees in the game. The chain of events that would follow included Brees being allowed to test the free agent market and eventually signing with the New Orleans Saints while the Bolts turned the reigns over to Rivers under center. After an outstanding first season by Rivers and company posting a 14-2 record, expectations were high as the number one seed in the AFC. The Bolts would be stunned in a Divisional round playoff loss to the New England Patriots after some passive coaching decisions by Schottenheimer. In a highly publicized spat, Smith and Marty starred one another down with the end result being Schottenheimer’s pink slip in San Diego.

What does all of this controversy mean?

In short, Smith is a man with principals that are written in stone and if someone fails to conform to his way of thinking, the Bolt GM would rather move on without them than change his ideals. Call it stubborn, but Smith has found success in San Diego building a perrenial AFC West champion team and creating a core group of players that have another four or five years of upper level production ahead of them. That is what makes these holdouts so troubling being that they involve two of those draft pick gems that Smith has become noted for during his tenure with the team. Jackson was plucked late in round number two with the 61st overall selection in 2005 while McNeill was snagged just one year later in the second round with the 50th pick.

Not every general manager is capable of finding Pro Bowl caliber players in the latter half of round two on a yearly basis, but not every GM has the audacity to stare down holdouts from two of his premier offensive stars and not blink either. Smith is definitely one of a kind in the NFL and quite a trailblazer with his negotiation tactics, but the jury is still out on whether that is a good or bad thing for the sake of the franchise.

YOUR TAKE

Let’s hear from the fans, should Smith give in to the demands of both McNeill and Jackson or should he stand firm in the face of adversity? Which side will ultimately cave, the players or team management? Has Smith been an effective general manager or does the team need to look elsewhere if they want to reach the pinnacle and one day raise the Lombardi trophy? Pour on the comments below!

Which Chargers Holdout Is Of Most Concern?

Of all the debatable topics with the Bolts this preseason, perhaps the one that fans would rather not address is the most pressing issue of all. With the looming holdouts of both left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receiver Vincent Jackson, which of these two star players will be missed the most from the Chargers starting eleven on offense?

On the surface, this question may appear to have a relatively easy answer as just how big can the loss of one offensive lineman really be to an entire unit. That question gets substantially more complicated when you take into account the fact that the offensive lineman in question is 6’7” 336lbs. and protects the team’s near $100 million quarterback’s blindside. McNeill’s steady play was one of the bright spots on an offensive line that was devastated by injuries and upheaval in 2009. His potential replacements in veteran Tra Thomas, versatile second year player Brandyn Dombrowski, and second year project Tyronne Green don’t really have the consistency that a team with Super Bowl aspirations would hope for as the season quickly approaches.

Clearly V Jack and Philip Rivers developed quite a rapport last season with Jackson’s emergence as the go-to receiver in crucial situations for the Bolts offense. Receivers come and go in the NFL however as has been demonstrated time after time with a breakout year immediately followed by a descent into oblivion for many in seasons past. Fortunately for San Diego, Rivers is excellent at picking out the open receiver rather than keying on one player in particular which allows him to spread the ball around to a bevy of different players. The organization feels that they have more than enough capable players in house to make up for Jackson’s holdout during the coming year and it appears on paper that they are correct.

Whether it be Malcom Floyd who is expected to take on the number one receiving role or Legedu Naanee who has a wealth of potential to become a dynamic playmaker in the Bolts offense, San Diego has no shortage of candidates to become Rivers’ go-to man this year. Of course the squad still has the all-world tight end Antonio Gates as a terrific safety valve for Rivers to utilize in hot route situations when staring down the barrel of the blitz so his presence will help to neutralize the absence of Jackson as well once the season gets underway. The Chargers other two tight ends in Kris Wilson and Randy McMichael will each offer something to the team’s offensive attack as well giving more versatility to go from a running to passing formation in the blink of an eye.

Fans have to be excited about the all-around game of undrafted free agent pick up Jeremy Williams who looks like a valuable option both at receiver and as a return man for the team this season. His ability to climb that ladder to make catches combined with his willingness make difficult grabs over the middle of the field will be a true asset to the team as the season progresses. He could also emerge as the team's slot receiver should Buster Davis fail to seize the opportunity this year.

What the Chargers have to hope will be the biggest aid in offsetting Jackson’s absence is the new-found presence of a running game with rookie Ryan Mathews toting the rock this year. Mathews did nothing in the first preseason game but build the hype for what he may do when the regular season rolls around as he bowled over would-be tacklers and showed outstanding open field speed. That added dimension will be a huge addition to an offensive attack that at times last year became one dimensional due to an ineffective ground game.

All in all, it seems like the absence of McNeill is of much more concern than Jackson not being with the team this season. If Rivers doesn’t have time to survey the field and pick out an open target then it won’t matter who is running pass patterns. In a perfect world the two sides would come to a compromise, but if that were anywhere on the horizon one would think that some indications would have been by now at least. This stalemate could very well last the entire season and the Bolts just have to hope that Dombrowski, Green, or Thomas are up to the task of protecting Rivers’ blindside.

YOUR TAKE

So what do the fans think, which holdout is going to hurt the Bolts more, Vincent Jackson or Marcus McNeill? Can Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, and company hold down the fort while Jackson is out or will the Bolts offense sputter? Will Philip Rivers survive the season without his blindside protector on the field or will Brandyn Dombrowski falter? Weigh in with your comments below!

Join The Team - Blog For BOLTHYPE

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Chargers 2010 Preseason Impressions - Week 1

The San Diego Chargers hosted the Chicago Bears on August 14th, 2010 in San Diego, outplaying the Bears in all three phases of the game en route to a 25-10 victory. While the Chargers did have a few bumps in the road, there was plenty to like in their first tune up leading up to the regular season.

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

ROOKIE MATHEWS SHINES

All eyes were on Ryan Mathews; the heralded rookie who grew up a fan of the very team which now employs him, Mathews faces pressure as the incumbent running back in a city which Ladianian Tomlinson help put on the map. The San Diego Chargers made a big investment in Mathews, making him the 12th selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. But with all that pressure on his shoulders, it was exciting to see him respond the only way he knows how; to get out there and play football.

Even with limited action in the Chargers' first preseason game, Mathews compiled 50 yards on 9 carries, displaying toughness and grit by grinding his way to daylight. Two of Mathews' best attributes shone through on Saturday; he's got great speed for his size, and once he gets moving he can bounce and break tackles very effectively - something Chargers fans haven't really seen since Michael Turner was in Bolts.

"I think its a running-backs's job to break tackles," said Mathews. "I'm just doing my job."

Head Coach Norv Turner liked what he saw of Ryan Mathews, highlighting his ability to break tackles and make something out of nothing. Turner knew the type of player he had in Mathews through all the offseason work they've done, but expressed his excitement about his new running-backs's future.

"He's got all the things you need to be an outstanding runner. He's physical, he really likes to play football, and he's a very mature young man. It's exciting to have him."

Mathews admitted his nerves were tested this past weekend, not getting much sleep the night before the game and throwing up in the locker room just prior to kickoff. Watching him take his first few handoffs, it was clear Mathews was trying to go 0-60 in the blink of an eye, running into his linemen before they could get out in front of him. As the preseason unfolds, Mathews' patience will grow and he and his offensive linemen will sync up better.

"I'm going to try and slow things down in my mind, but still play fast with my body."


YOUNG DEFENDERS MAKING PLAYS AND GETTING NOTICED

The were a number of young guys on the defense making big plays against the Bears:

Paul Oliver seems to have a sixth sense for the ball, notching one interception and also recovering a fumble. He's one of the most intriguing backups on the roster in that he doesn't get many opportunities to play but when he does get on the field, he tends to make the most of it. The Chargers don't seem to view him as a base defender but do find packages to play him in where he can use his athleticism and ball-hawk a little bit.

CJ Spillman is a willing and able tackler, launching his body at receivers and delivering a solid blow. He's another athletic defensive back who looks to shine when his number is called.

The Chargers under Ron Rivera have gained a bit of a reputation for secondary blitzes; look for more sacks like the ones cornerbacks Donald Strickland and Dante Hughes made in the upcoming season.

Speaking of sacks, Antwan Applewhite tallied two on Saturday. He's got some imposing physical attributes as a converted defensive end. As he gets more and more comfortable playing standing up, he could get more playing time in pressure packages. As a brief anecdote, I remember seeing Antwan working out at my gym leading up to the 2009 draft. He was wearing his combine sweatshirt, which prompted me to ask his name and school. I had no idea he played college ball down the road at San Diego State, and I mentioned that the Chargers would be wise to consider him as an undrafted free agent. The second I said that, I realized that could be taken as not the most positive thing to say about a guy hoping to get draft, but lo-and-behold Applewhite is an outside linebacker for the hometown Bolts!

Another outside linebacker getting plenty of deserved attention is Brandon Lang. Here's a guy who many thought could have been a mid-round prospect coming off a successful career at Troy. Lang went undrafted but the Chargers brought him in and he's having a solid preseason. He showed real ability to get after the quarterback and had an excellent blocked punt resulting in a safety. Lang could make the team and contribute on special teams where he has a chance to excel.


CAM THOMAS COULD BE THE NOSE TACKLE THE CHARGERS NEED

It was a huge relief watching Thomas take on double-teams and still push the pocket back. He's got hand-technique and combines it well with his size and strength. Watching him in the Senior Bowl, he was one of the best pass-rusher among the big defensive linemen, and he's showing that same skill as a Charger. He could prove to be an absolute steal as a mid-round draft pick, much in the same way the previous #76 turned out to be.


BOLTS NEED TO CUT DOWN ON THE PENALTIES

Penalties killed the Chargers in the playoffs last season, and it will be an area of concern this year until they can show some more discipline. It's certainly worth noting that the Chargers have a relatively young team and this was only the first preseason game, but it's still a situation worth monitoring. Nine penalties in the first half alone is a pretty high number.

Coach Turner explained that things are going to be a little more complicated at the line of scrimmage this year.

"We're going to the line of scrimmage with three or four plays that we're going to call at the line. The quarterback is going to make the right call, he's going to make dummy calls and it's a little bit more than what we've done in the past. It's a start for for us. Hopefully we'll cut it done next week and by the time we get into the season it wont be an issue for us."


CLOSING THOUGHTS / YOUR TAKE

* What happens if Nick Novak keeps making field goals? I've got a feeling AJ Smith is going to stick by his guy Nate Kaeding, as he should. But there's a certain contingent of Chargers fans out there who blame Kaeding for the Chargers playoff woes.

* Tyronne Green is playing well at left tackle; now this wouldn't be a surprise if he was drafted as one, but Green came out of a college as a Center prospect. That's not a switch you see too often, right?

* Anything stand out to you about the Chargers and their first performance since their loss to the New York Jets this past January? What did you like, and what concerns do you have? Sound off below!

Norv Turner's Offensive Ingenuity

This epidemic of attaching the word “wild” to a particular formation and then inserting a mascot’s name after is getting out of hand. Now that the Bolts have turned the page from the “Wild Frog” days with former TCU Horned Frog LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield, the team has replaced that element with the “Wild Dog” in honor of rookie Ryan Mathews’ collegiate stomping grounds with the Fresno State Bulldogs. Mathews is such a dynamic player with the ball in his hands that it only makes sense for Head Coach Norv Turner to look for more opportunities to do just that.

Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins is perhaps the most famous executioner of the “Wildcat” offense ripping off chunks of yardage between the tackles, having the speed to hit the edge, or even dropping back in the pocket and throwing a pass or two on occasion. Even though he was a running quarterback in high school, it remains to be seen whether or not Mathews possesses the arm for the quarterbacking half of the “Wild Dog” formation. His Head Coach Norv Turner believes that Mathews has a solid enough arm to catch some defenses off guard, but it would be crazy to expect many planned throws from the “Wild Dog” formation in the near term.

What this formation could afford to the Bolts is an even more diverse offensive attack with three solid tight ends on their current roster in Antonio Gates, Kris Wilson, and newcomer Randy McMichael. Fans are already well aware of what kind of weapon Gates can be in the Bolts wide open offense, but the team’s other two tight ends are no slouches either. Both have proven to be highly productive at the position in years past and the Bolts feel that 2010 could be another repeat of those numbers.

As if the “Wild Dog” idea isn’t off the cuff enough for the team’s innovative offensive guru/head coach in Turner, he claims to have a new package installed in the team’s playbook where all three tight ends are on the field at one time. This heavy personnel look could add yet another scary dimension to the Chargers offense even without Vincent Jackson in uniform. Running and passing are both legitimate threats with three capable blockers on the field disguised as receivers, the Bolts could have potentially eight offensive linemen on play for Mathews to run behind. The team’s most versatile player at tight end is unquestionably Gates who has more than enough athleticism to split out into a wideout position and run routes with precision rivaling plenty of receivers in the league. This could help to nullify the loss of a big bodied target on the outside for quarterback Philip Rivers by simply shifting some bodies around.

The fact that the Bolts informed both V Jack and offensive tackle Marcus McNeill that they intend to take the recourse necessary to force both onto the field by week 7 in order to be eligible for free agency in 2011 shows that the team would still rather have both players in uniform for the bulk of the 2010 season. As required by the league, the Chargers organization sent written notification to both players informing them of the team’s intent to place both on the “roster exempt” list if they don’t sign their restricted free agent tenders by August 20th. This seems more like an announcement rather than a threat as neither McNeill nor Jackson plans to sign their respective tenders at any time in the future. The team’s beat writer Kevin Acee expects both players to stand by their word and sit out the entire year ahead.

Obviously this isn’t the ideal scenario for a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Chargers, but the team has rallied together from adversity in the past and this is yet another opportunity to do just that. The good news is that linebacker Shawne Merriman has decided to end his hiatus from the team and sign his tender offer joining the Bolts after their preseason opener with the Chicago Bears. As for the bad news, well that remains rather self-explanatory as any team without their number one offensive weapon on the outside and blindside protector is one with issues. The real question is will these problems be overcome by the ingenuity of Turner’s offensive mind during the course of a sixteen game season?

So what do the fans think, is Ryan Mathews the right fit to quarterback the “Wild Dog” offense? Will Antonio Gates bring enough versatility to the wide receiver position to overcome Vincent Jackson’s absence? Could the Chargers actually be better off without these two players (Jackson and McNeill) during the 2010 season? Sound off in the comments section below with your take.

Hindsight 20-20 On Ryan Mathews Trade

With the knowledge now that the San Diego Chargers appear to be a bit shorthanded at inside linebacker given rookie Donald Butler’s season ending Achilles tendon injury, one can’t help but think back to what might have been. The trade to acquire the 12th overall selection this past April seemed innocuous enough on the surface with a few draft picks changing hands including the Chargers' 28th and 40th choices, but the small piece of that deal overlooked by many was linebacker Tim Dobbins. During his time with the Bolts, Dobbins was mainly utilized on situational downs and special teams, but in 2009 he logged some important plays with the first team defense when Kevin Burnett was nicked up.

Inside backer is an extremely important position in the Chargers 3-4 scheme where veteran Stephen Cooper has developed the skills to take on and shed blockers with ease. Unlike a 4-3 scheme where the linebackers often come clean through the line of scrimmage to make plays, the 3-4 generally requires some strength at the linebacker position to battle opposing linemen at the point of attack. Brandon Siler is also gifted at this technique as his performance in 2009 proved, but those are the only three quality players at one of the most important positions on defense where rotating and staying fresh is paramount to success.

A lot was going to be expected of Butler this coming season whenever any combination of guys needed a blow and a spell had to come onto the field. Now the three man rotation of Cooper, Burnett, and Siler is somewhat vulnerable should the injury bug bite again. Burnett has been somewhat injury prone during his career to this point including last year with the Bolts which forced him to undergo offseason neck surgery with a three to five month recovery period. Should any further injury issues arise this season at inside linebacker, the Chargers are going to be forced to play someone out of position with very little depth now considering Butler’s injury.

That prompted General Manager A.J. Smith to pursue some additional help at the inside linebacker position in acquiring Ali Highsmith off of waivers from the Arizona Cardinals. Although Highsmith has been little more than a special teams dynamo with the Cards, he does share some similarities with Dobbins. His prowess on special teams has to be the most obvious comparison to Dobbins currently, but perhaps when forced into action Highsmith could show some similar abilities to those of his predecessor as an inside backer. Strength could be an issue at only 235lbs. for Highsmith taking on significantly larger offensive linemen, but perhaps he can use leverage and quickness to his advantage in pursuit of opposing ball carriers.

It seemed that Smith became enamored with Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews very early in the NFL Draft process this past spring. Rumors began to swirl around the Bolts after the release of LaDainian Tomlinson that Smith had his eye on Mathews as the heir apparent to LT and would settle for no one else. Pinning himself into that corner, Smith then paid the king’s ransom to move up in the draft order jumping any other teams potentially interested in Mathews in order to secure his rights. Obviously this is all old news, but the question still lingers as to whether the price that Smith paid was excessive or acceptable.

Trying to evaluate a draft at this point is impossible considering the fact that Mathews has yet to even take one handoff in live game action, but that doesn’t prevent the second guessing from taking place. Certainly most fans are thrilled (as am I) to have Mathews in San Diego as a part of the Chargers organization, but there comes a point where the price tag is just too much for the team to afford. The majority of Dobbins’ tackles with the Bolts came over the past two seasons as he accumulated 55 in 2009 and 57 in 2008, but it is his prototypical fit in the 3-4 defense that the team will miss the most about him on their depth chart. At 6’1” 246lbs. his build was such that he could shed blocks and fill the hole with ease while still maintaining enough speed to stick with a tight end over the middle in pass coverage. The hole left by Dobbins has yet to be determined on the field, but Butler’s injury certainly makes the prospect of going into the season with just three healthy inside linebackers and one project a dicey one.

So let’s hear some fan opinion, was the Mathews deal worth it or did the Bolts GM give up a bit too much in pursuing the team’s back of the future? Are the Bolts in trouble with their current conglomeration of inside linebackers, or will they be able to survive the season?

BOLTHYPE BABE: Stephanie Sunwoo

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Healthy Hardwick Bolsters Chargers Offensive Line

There has been much made about the Chargers uncertainty at the right and left offensive tackle spots, and for good reason. But lost in that conversation is the realization that getting Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick back should be a real boon to the offensive line as a whole.

Hardwick missed most of right guard Louis Vasquez's rookie year, so it's important for he and Kris Dielman to continue to work together as a unit and build a strong working relationship. Early results on that work have been encouraging, and it seems that the Chargers interior line could prove to be one of the team's strengths.

"We're out here working really hard everyday, working on our individual techniques, working on our combo blocks, and things are really coming together," Hardwick told BOLTHYPE. "Obviously it's only the fifth day of camp so we have some ways to go and some improving to do, but we're looking forward to do that."

Second-year offensive lineman Louis Vasquez showed real flashes of dominance last season, and he has the tools to get even better. Coming from a spread offense at Texas Tech, there were some questions about Vasquez's ability to run block. But as the season went on he continued to improve and impressed his teammates in the process.

"He's a tough kid, he works hard. He's a big strong guy, tough, nasty dude and I'm pumped to play next to him," Hardwick said of Vasquez. "I've got the two best protectors next to me [Dielman and Vasquez] in the league."

Kris Dielmen and Nick Hardwick are both established, veteran players who have made it to the Pro Bowl. But Vasquez isn't too far off himself. As long as he continues to work and improve, he'll be a dominant player in this league. He's got incredible power and is a pretty good athlete. As he grows more and more comfortable out there, we could see him involved more on stunts and pulls. And having Nick Hardwick there playing next to him will only help Vasquez mature that much faster.

"Getting Nick back helps us a lot," Vasquez told us. "Nick is unbelievably smart. He sees things that even Dielman doesn't see. Anytime I have a question about what's going on in a certain situation, Nick is always ready with the answer. He's incredibly smart and whenever we need a guy to rely on, he's the man to go to."

Watching the trio of Hardwick, Dielman, and Vasquez work in practice, it became clear to me that these three guys are poised to have a strong year. The Chargers drafted Ryan Mathews to help them in the run game, and his style suits the interior linemen perfectly. Look for lots of inside runs and a return to power, smash-mouth football from the Chargers.

"We'll definitely be doing more inside runs this year," says Louis Vasquez. "Ryan is unbelievably fast. He makes some smart decisions. He still has some things to learn as a rookie, but he's going to be a great addition to our running game."

Legedu Naanee Poised For Breakout Season?

LEG-a-doo Nah-NAY

No, this isn't 'Hooked on Phonics.' This is simply my inaugural piece here on BOLTHYPE and it only seemed appropriate that it somehow incorporated both some football and some pronunciation tips. With Vincent Jackson's holdout appearing to be more of an ordeal than originally anticipated, it seems that Philip Rivers will need to find some new faces to become his primary targets in 2010. The supporting cast expected to fill in for Jackson in this time of need is largely unknown and somewhat unproven currently so let's take a look at one of my personal favorites likely to see an increased role in the Bolts offense this season.

Boise State first put him on the map, but until the Chargers drafted him in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Legedu Naanee was nothing more than a ridiculously fun name to say. In watching his development with the team over these past three seasons and continuously seeing him underutilized in the offensive attack, this year is finally setting up to be a coming out party for my favorite player on the Bolts roster. His versatility is largely underrated at 6'2" 225lbs. and a former quarterback in high shool actually recruited to play that position with the Broncos of Boise. If Chargers fans think that LaDainian Tomlinson was a treat lining up in the shotgun and throwing passes then they will potentially love the added dimensions that Naanee could offer to the Bolts already potent offense.

One statistic that often goes overlooked within the litany of numbers that are thrown around in the NFL is receiving efficiency for pass catchers across the board. Naanee actually led the league in that category catching 88.9 percent of the passes thrown his way totaling 24 receptions for 242 yards in 2009. As the team’s third receiver he dropped just one of his 27 targets and led the team with his yards after the catch average (YAC) of 9.4 per reception. Considering the fact that these numbers were accumulated while in a lesser role as a slot receiver where he was often the second or third option in Rivers’ progressions, Naanee’s totals are quite impressive. Given the fact that he will likely be expanding his role significantly in the coming season as the team’s number two wideout sans V Jack just behind Malcom Floyd, it seems fair to assume that his totals could increase significantly.

What really makes Naanee’s addition as a full-time starter such a positive thing for the Bolts is his prowess as a blocker on running plays. When originally drafted by the team, Naanee was considered a man without a position and listed as a tight end on the depth chart. His tenacity to get after any defenders in front of him and put a body on them to help out his teammates is a definite plus when it comes to earning a starting role with the team. Reliability has to be the adjective attached to Naanee most often with his sure handedness along with his blocking abilities. As a selfless player, this once underutilized player could find himself in prime position to become a major contributor to Norv Turner’s offense in the coming season.

Turner is drinking some of the Naanee Kool-Aid as well believing that this is his year to prove he is worthy of a starting role as a receiver in the league. Of the progress he’s seen, Turner told Chargers.com: “We’ve been coaching Legedu Naanee and Buster Davis for three years and they’ve gotten better every year. When they’ve been asked to and when they’ve had an opportunity, they’ve made great contributions. Legedu believes he can be a dynamic, explosive receiver in this league.” To this point in their careers, Naanee has outperformed Davis by leaps and bounds with Buster being selected nearly four full rounds prior to Legedu in the same draft. The Chargers would obviously love it if both could step up their games in 2010 to lessen the effect of Jackson’s absence from the team’s passing attack.

Personally, the Legedu Naanee Kool-Aid has tasted great to me for the previous two years, but he was lost in the shuffle of wideouts coming and going in San Diego. This year really could be the season where the rest of the league realizes just how productive this kid can be when given the opportunity. To this point in his career, most fans may know him for his amazing hair, his faux-marriage proposal to a Bolts cheerleader, or even just his fantabulous name. After the 2010 season however, hopefully many fans will come to understand just how impressive this guy can be between the white lines on Sundays as an every down player.

YOUR TAKE

What do you think we should expect from Naanee this year? Are you excited about his upside, or do you think Naanee is still a work-in-progress? Without Vincent Jackson for a majority of the season, do you think Naanee will enter the spotlight and make a name for himself around the league? Leave your take in the comments section below!

Jeff Williams' Interview With The Oracle

Eddie Pappani, AKA "The Oracle", of the Chargers pregame show on Rock 105.3 is back with his thoughts on the Charger's offseason activities and what is in store for the Bolts in 2010. So without further ado...

Jeff: For years now Chargers fans have complained that there was no excitement in the Chargers offseason. Well, you can’t say this recent offseason was boring! What do you make of the roster shake-up in 2010?

Eddie: I'm not sure what to think. I am sad to see guys like LT and Kassim Osgood go. They were leaders of this team and will be missed. But maybe it needed to happen to shake things up a bit. This is now Phillip Rivers team. We'll see if he can lead them past the hump. Drafting Ryan Matthews is exciting. I am anxious to see what the rookie can bring. As for the hold outs, Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill and Shawne Merriman, that is just disappointing. I wish they were in camp. We will need them. I am still holding out hope that at least one of them will sign before the season starts.

Jeff: At the end of last season, what did you see as the team’s biggest offseason need? Do you think they addressed that need well?

Eddie: I think the biggest offseason need was some toughness on defense. The defense was not doing a great job of stopping the run and at times would let the opposing team run up and down the field on them. I don't really feel like they did anything to fix that. We are still going into the season with basically the same team. I liked some of the draft picks they made. Cam Thomas and Donald Butler could help. Although Butler just went down with an injury that will cost him the season. Ouch. But overall, I think the team is very similar to last year's on defense. Not having Merriman in there is not good either. He puts pressure on the QB. Larry English will need to step up and fill that role now. We will see.

Jeff: As you already alluded to, the headline receiving the most attention leading up to training camp was the absence of Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, and to a lesser extent Shawne Merriman. What is your take on the situation with the Charger's restricted free agents, and how do you see it ending for each player?

Eddie: Like I said before, it is disappointing. I know there is a business side to all this, but I hate it. I want to see these guys play. I wish they could figure it out. McNeill is the one guy I think will sign sooner rather than later. We have to have our starting LT. It's a must. VJ is probably not coming in anytime soon. He seems to be getting bad advice. If you have run into all this trouble with the law and don't have the best reputation, you should probably sign your tender and keep you nose clean and then try to get a long term deal. Just my opinion. Merriman, who knows. I think he would rather be acting than playing football. It's a odd situation. He doesn't really want to be here, the Chargers really don't want him, so now what? Does he just sit? Seems weird to me. Work out a sign and trade or something. He has value. What a waste. I guess the team has to go in thinking like these guys got injured. Other guys have to step up.

Jeff: AJ Smith has taken a lot of heat for his handling of the Jackson/McNeill/Merriman situations. Are you an AJ critic or an AJ fan?

Eddie: I am in the middle. AJ has done things that I don't agree with. But he is also trying to do what is best for the team. He can't let the players try and run this ship. He has to be in control. I understand that.

Jeff: On the positive side of things, the Bolts have an awesome new running back with a ton of potential, and another year of experience under their belts. Who on this team is poised for a break-out year?

Eddie: Malcolm Floyd. He has to. He is now the number 1 WR. He has to play like it. Notice I didn't say Buster Davis. He is made of glass. He won't make it out of training camp. If McNeill doesn't sign, than Brandon Dombrowski could be the guy. He is gonna be the LT and needs to play big. He played very well filling in last year. But LT is a whole new world. I hope he is ready. I also think Nathan Vasher will beat out Antoine Cason for the starting CB spot. He is a wily veteran.

Jeff: You mentioned Dombrowski as the likely replacement if McNeill remains out. I've made it well known that I'm not comfortable with guys like Dombrowski and Clary starting as the bookends for this offensive line. Are you hearing any rumblings of possible moves to strengthen the offensive line, or any other positions for that matter, like an additional receiver, or LB depth with Butler out?

Eddie: I have not heard anything. Of course there can be waiver wire moves, but who knows. I think they are comfortable with the line. They did sign Tra Thomas, but he is injured too. James Holt is gonna replace Butler. The one good thing about the team is they are deep. They have a lot of guys that can play. They just need to play at a high level. Yet to be seen.

Jeff: What would you say is the strongest piece to this Chargers puzzle?

Eddie: Rivers. He is solid. He will have another big year. He has to. Too many other pieces are questionable.

Jeff: So which piece concerns you the most?

Eddie: The defense. I look at every aspect of the defense and am worried. The line needs to play much better than they did last season. The linebackers should be one of our strengths, but they did not tackle very well last year. And the secondary is a huge question mark. Besides Jammer, I have no idea what to expect.

Jeff: Is it too early for a prediction on the season?

Eddie: Either way we will definitely meet up again before the season. Yeah, the only thing I can say is thank God we play in the AFC West. We should win that walking away. After that, not sure yet.

Jeff: Oh, one more thing. I caught “The Show’s” commercial for King Stahlman Bail Bonds. Nicely done! Did you happen to see any Chargers players taking advantage of their services, or are we going to be OK in that department this year?

Eddie: Let's hope. Unless Hank Bauer and I go on a drinking bender if the team does poorly. Then you could see both of us in lock up together. That would be something.

Eddie "The Oracle" Pappani is co-host of the Chargers pregame show on Rock 105.3, which broadcasts this Saturday when the Chargers face the Chicago Bears in their first preseason game. Eddie is also the producer of "The Show", found weekday mornings on Rock 105.3.

Help Fight Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a fatal, genetic brain disorder that destroys a person’s mental and physical abilities. An estimated 30,000 Americans have it, and at least 150,000 more are at risk. Children of a parent with HD have a 50-50 chance of inheriting the condition, and the disease can start as early as childhood. Today there is no cure or treatment, but your support gives our families hope for a future free from HD.

VIDEO: Searching For a Cure - Chargers PR Director Bill Johnston is in search of a cure for his wife who suffers from Huntington's disease.

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You receive:

• Two tickets to a private Happy Hour with Chargers’ players. Enjoy food, beverage and a ball signed by the players in attendance.

• Four invites to exclusive “TD Day at Chargers Park” during 2011 training camp. Includes chance to meet players.

• Two tickets to the Shoot to Cure HD at Chargers Park in June 2011 (value $250.00).

• Autographed and framed 8x10 picture of donor with Charger player of your choice.

• Official Chargers visor autographed by the Charger of your choice.

• Official TDs to CURE HD t-shirt.


Pro Bowl Membership

You pledge: $10 per touchdown (max of $500.00)

You receive:

• Two invites to exclusive “TD Day at Chargers Park during 2011 training camp. Includes chance to meet players.

• Two tickets to the Shoot to Cure HD at Chargers Park in June 2011 (value $250.00).

• Autographed and framed 8x10 picture of donor with Charger player of your choice.

• Official Chargers visor autographed by the Charger of your choice.

• Official TDs to CURE HD t-shirt.


Wildcard Membership

You pledge: $2 per touchdown (max of $100.00) You Receive:

• Official Chargers visor autographed by the Charger of your choice.

• Official TDs to CURE HD t-shirt.


Fan Membership

You pledge: $1 per touchdown (max of 50.00)

You Receive:

• Official TDs to CURE HD t-shirt.

To join TDs to Cure HD: complete the pledge form below and return it the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, c/o Stephanie Alband at salband@hdsa.org or mail it to HDSA-San Diego, PO Box 19524, San Diego, CA 92159-0524 (Tax ID# 13-3349872). At the end of the season you will be invoiced for the total number of touchdowns scored this season (up to the max listed above) and informed of the great benefits you’ve earned. A tax-deductible receipt acknowledging your donation will be sent to you.