My Mock Draft (1st Round)

Just picks for now. I'll add analysis on picks in further installments.

1. Detroit (0-16)-Matt Stafford
2. St. Louis (2-14)-Eugene Monroe
3. Kansas City (2-14)-Mark Sanchez
4. Seattle (4-12)-Jason Smith
5. Cleveland (4-12)-Aaron Curry
6. Cincinnati (4-11-1)-Beanie Wells
7. Oakland (5-11)- Michael Crabtree
8. Jacksonville (5-11)-Andre Smith
9. Green Bay (6-10)-Brian Orakpo
10. San Francisco (7-9)-Michael Oher
11. Buffalo (7-9)-Everette Brown
12. Denver (8-8)-Rey Maualuga
13. Washington (8-8)-BJ Raji
14. New Orleans (8-8)-Malcolm Jenkins
15. Houston (8-8)-Tyson Jackson
16. San Diego (8-8)-James Laurinaitis
17. New York Jets (9-7)-Aaron Maybin
18. Chicago (9-7)-Jeremy Maclin
19. Tampa Bay (9-6)-Percy Harvin
20. Detroit (from Dallas) (9-7)-Vontae Davis
21. Philadelphia (9-6-1)-Brandon Pettigrew
22. Minnesota (10-6)-Alphonso Smith
23. New England (11-5)-Knowshon Moreno
24. Atlanta (11-5)-William Moore
25. Miami (11-5)-Brian Cushing
26. Baltimore (11-5)-Darius Heyward-Bey
27. Indianapolis (12-4)-Peria Jerry
28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) (12-4)-LeSean McCoy
29. New York Giants (12-4)-Clint Sintim
30. Tennessee (13-3)-Larry English
31. *Arizona (9-7)-Duke Robinson
32. *Pittsburgh (12-4)-Andy Levitre
*To be determined by the outcome of the Super Bowl

Chargers hire assistant head coach to complete their staff

Just a few updates on the status of the Chargers coaching staff. We have hired some quality coaches and it is nice to have gotten this aspect of offseason improvements over with rather quickly. I especially would like to note Rob Chudzinski, who was our TE coach during 2005 and 2006, two of Gates' biggest years. Chudzinski was being considered for head coaching jobs around the league and I'm glad (but also a little surprised) that we picked him up.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/chargers/2009/jan/26/chargers-hire-assistant-head-coach/?chargers
By Kevin Acee

Rob Chudzinski is coming back -- and he has some added responsibility.
The Chargers' tight ends coach in 2005 and 2006, Chudzinski is close to being named to coach that position after two seasons as Cleveland's offensive coordinator, and he will be the assistant head coach as well this time. Chudzinski spent 10 seasons (1994-2003) as an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Miami, and one season with the Browns before coming to San Diego the first time.
Cleveland's assistant line coach Mike Sullivan also has been hired to fill that role with the Chargers. Sullivan played five seasons in the NFL for three teams (Dolphins, Cowboys, Bucs) and has spent six of the past eight seasons as a Browns assistant. He also has college coaching experience at Miami (2000) and Western Michigan (2005-06).
The team is finalizing negotiations with Chudzinski, and an official announcement of the moves should be made later Monday or Tuesday

Shawne Merriman on LT

Shawne Merriman today made his thoughts on the LT situation public.

“Going into next season,” Merriman said, “I want people talking about how we're going to rebound from getting ... bounced from the playoffs – not if LT is going to be there or if I'm going to be there.”

While Shawne is certainly not one to hold back when he believes something, I have to agree with his statement. The main goal has to be getting to the Super Bowl. The hurt feelings have to put away for the the collective effort.

“We're a team, upstairs and downstairs, no matter what,” Merriman said. “This is a business, but if you address the situation publicly now you have turmoil. "

Shawne is really just saying what many others have been afraid to say. This is a situation that could get very ugly and that's not something we can afford right now. The situation needs to be addressed swiftly and should have already been taken care of to avoid all the speculation and questions that have now taken root.

Chargers Draft Prospect:Shonn Greene

While I have said that Rashad Jennings is my favorite RB in this years draft, Shonn Greene from Iowa is another back that I am high on and think could provide something valuable to our team. I have talked about Shonn Greene in my first round draft preview ( http://chargersbuzz.blogspot.com/2009/01/chargers-draft-preview-first-round.html), and I don't think we would get a RB in the first round, but I also don't feel as though Shonn Greene will go in the first round. Greene doesn't quite have the elite speed that teams value as well as the fact that he only had one productive year at Iowa. I predict that he could possibly go in the second, but more likely he will go somewhere from the 3rd round to as late as the early 5th round. Greene is a large back at a solid 230 lb, but what I like is how he runs. Greene does use his size, and has a powerful motor, but he also is quick and can shift directions relatively quickly in the open field. I don't really want to use this comparison but he runs a lot like Michael Turner. Greene could be an asset whether or not LT stays or leaves this season. With Sproles most likely gone to free agency, Greene could act as a strong backup as well as a change of pace to keep LT fresh. If Greene makes it into the 4th round, I believe that he will be irresistible. I just hope AJ feels the same way.

LT Situation

At this point it seems certain that something is going to be done about LT. At the UT, reports are that LT will likely be offered a restructured contract. My feeling from what LT has said is that he will probably accept this deal, but if I were LT I wouldn't exactly be happy about it. I've mentioned this before though that there are many other important players that need to be signed. If LT is not offered a new contract before the draft then it will be a big indication what direction they plan to go by whether a RB is drafted or not. If LT does go, there's no doubt in my mind that he would have a 1000 yard season with some other team, but the severed relationship between LT and the Chargers might not be so pleasant.

Chargers Draft Preview Updates

With the Senior Bowl now over a plethora of new information on prospects has revealed further depth on some and revealed other high quality players. I also wanted to go possibly a little further back through the Chargers draft. I'll admit that with some players it is just wishful thinking on my part, especially so without a 2nd round pick but we'll see.

• Herman Johnson of LSU is an absolutly massive guard (6'7, 386) who is easily versatile enough to play almost every spot on the line due to his size. His only real knock is his lack of quickness which could be improved through losing a few pounds, but never the less he is fantastically athletic and could be a mauler on our right side.


• S Rashad Johnson of Alabama has been rising recently and I find it a little dificult we'll be able to pick him up all the way from the 3rd round. Johnson is a little on the small side a 6'0, 195 lb and doesnt have elite speed, but has deceiving quickness and has the instincts to make the big play.


• I'm still in love with RB Rashad Jennings from Liberty. If he runs anywhere near a 4.4 40 though there's no way we're getting him in the 3rd. Experts say he greatly increased his stock during Senior Bowl practices and then he was the leading rusher of the game with 41 yards on 9 attempts.

Offseason News

The LT situation continues to be news as neither side has revealed anything definitive about it and speculation abounds. I personally don't think we have the resources to get a quality running in the draft or otherwise, with so many more holes this year. The ideal situation would be that LT happily restructures his contract and all the tension evaporates. We'll see......

Talk about the contract of Philip also has been spiraling round, with rumors that it could be in the $100 million range. What I'm worried about here is AJ being cheap with paying players as he has had a habit of doing in the past. He will have to realize though that when you have a true franchise quarterback that they are the key to a Superbowl and you just can't put a price on that. AJ did give LT a dood deal a couple years back so lets hope he just remembers who his playmakers are. We will have to think about our other players whose contracts are almost up: Vincent Jckson, Marcus McNeil, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie. We just have to make sure that we have our priorites in order.

The coaching staff is beginning to take shape as Cris Dishman and Greg Williams joined the Chargers at defensive back and linebacker respectively. They join Steve Wilks and Don Johnson who joined the team to coach at defensive back and defensive line this week. Both Wilks and Johnson were assistants under Ron Rivera in Chicago.

Super Bowl

The Cardinals!??...... Really? It hurts me to think that the Cardinals could win a Superbowl before us. I mean we make it to the playoffs every year, are one of the most talented teams every year, but the Cardinals can come out of nowhere one year to win the Superbowl. This is just further evidence to the fact that a highly motivated just above average team can do anything in the playoffs. It just frustrates me to see how we can do so little relative to what we have. I think they actually have a good chance against the Steelers as well. The Cardinals defense has stepped up this post season and should be enough to overcome the Steelers unimpressive offense, while the Cardinals hot offense should be able to find ways to score against the Steelers defense. Either way it doesn't really concern me who wins or not, but I'm at least hoping for a good game...

Chargers Draft Preview: First Round

The Chargers will have the following draft picks, assuming that we are compensated for Michael Turner with a third and Florence with a fourth or fifth.

1. Round 1 # 16
2. Round 3a
3. Round 3b
4. Round 4a
5. Round 4b
6. Round 5
7. Round 6
8. Round 7

There are a number of ways we could go in this draft and there is no real needs, but there are definitely some vast improvements that can be made in certain areas. The positions I feel that need to be addressed most are (in this order): G/T, ILB, S, DE/DT, RB.

The first player I'm going to mention is Duke Robinson of Oklahoma (6-5, 330), a very versatile player that can play tackle or guard. This pick would address the weakness on the right side of the line as well as the impending loss of Mike Goff. Jeromy Clary at RT has been a bit lackluster of late also and we will see how that situation pans out, but you can't really go wrong with a player like Robinson.

Next at ILB, two high energy players, either of them would be able to bring an instant spark on defense and develop into leaders, Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis. Maualuga at USC (6-3. 260) is a high impact player that has a way of controlling the game when he is on. I find his type of play to be a little similar to Shawne Merriman, and if Merriman is kept around they could be a fearsome duo. Laurinaitis (6-3, 240) from Ohio State has been a consistent contributor his entire career and could also upgrade us in the middle with his aggressive play, contrasting with incumbent Matt Wilhelm. A physical presence could be provided by either of these players and could help shore up our desperate defense. At this point I prefer Laurinaitis mainly because of his edge in coverage, but we will be lucky if either of them are left on the board when we pick.

The highest rated safety is William Moore of Missouri (6-1, 230). I'm not too high on Moore though, as he has been inconsistant and at times has lapses in play leading to bad reactions and mistakes. That is the last thing we need at safety and we should probably play it safe with a better coverage safety later in the draft if we go in that direction. Moore has all the physical tools but just doesn't seem to be the right fit for our team.



At DT the only real prospect that has first round potential is BJ Raji out of Boston College (6-1,323). Raji has the size, but as with with Moore I just don't see him on our team. Jamal is still playing good football which makes this less urgent, but he is getting older and a replacement must be found soon. I just don't think we should settle with Raji as Jamal's replacement with more talented players at other more needy positions.

Now I doubt that we will go runningback in the first round, but as I've said before I don't believe Sproles is the answer if we can sign him back, and LT is not going to last much longer with the Chargers. This means that we are going to be faced with a runningback situation and there are some worthy candidates this year. One player that has stuck out for me is Shonn Greene of Iowa (5-10, 230). Greene is just a huge bowlingball type player that can run people over and has deceptive game speed. Greene, a junior, exploded this year for 1850 yards and 20 touchdowns, with no games where he rushed under 100 yards. Greene can more than carry the load by himself if necesary. Greene is expected to go late first to second round so he may be considered a reach from our position. If we go for a runningback a little later, I also like Rashad Jennings, though his competition is suspect in Div.1-AA.

Post Season Thoughts

Well, it took a little while to recover but I've sufficiently composed myself now to finally post again. Sunday's loss was a hard loss to swallow, and not just for the obvious reasons.

It exposed the still rather immature, young team that we are. We didn't come in prepared to tough it out the whole game against a top team and were thoroughly defeated as a result. We did have some unfortunate bounces but it was not the same team that overcame two red zone turnovers against the Colts to win.

The progress to come will come from experience as we get in more situations like these. Currently we are like the kid that lives for game time, but has no affinity for practice (with the regular season serving as practice in this metaphor) It is this kind of attitude that is keeping us from winning the big one.

There are no pressing changes that need to be made right now. I believe Norv Turner is an excellent coach, AJ is an great GM, and am just praying that Ron Rivera doesn't land on another team so that he can continue improving our defense with a full off season to utilize.

I still think LT is playing on a high level, but the RB situation will have to be addressed soon. LT's injuries are a result of his age and I just don't think Darren is the full time solution (and not just because of his performance against Pittsbugh) Minor improvements can be made through the coming drafts and leaders will begin to emerge. Philip Rivers is the key now to this team and success will run through him. Now lets get ready for a long offseason and look forward to next year.

Charagers-Steelers Notes

Here we go again..... Another do-or-die game for the Chargers, another nail biter, and then me sitting on my couch just trying to not have a heart attack.

A few quick points on the game before the big day itself, and also a couple questions that have kept me wondering.

• How will the sloppy field affect Sproles's running?

My first thought was that with all his quick moves and cuts, the muddy surface would have him slipping and sliding all over the place, but after a longer look I've also begun to think that he will still have an advantage over defenders. If Darren gets into open space running towards a defender, a quick move be all that was needed to take out a stationary defender.

• How big of a role will Michael Bennett play?

Personally, I'm pretty excited to see Bennett have an expanded role with Sproles. I've always been a little bit of a fan of Bennett, and I think our multi-headed running game with Bennett, Sproles, and perhaps a little Hester could have a good day against the Steelers if the weather is not so bad that the passing attack is limited.

As you can see I'm quite concerned about our running game, and I believe if we can get any sort of rhythm going against the Steeler's #1 run defense then we could take this game easily. I don't think LT's injury will be too much of a factor and our commitee can more than pick up the slack. I am concerned anout Pittsburgh's offense a little, however, and with Willie Parker a lot healthier than he has been, as well as the news that Big Ben is good for the game, the much less heralded Steeler's offense could be a factor.

Nate Kaeding and Antonio Gates look as though they will suit up just fine, and maybe it's a pity that Gates doesn't get injured every week with the way he played against the Colts. Gates will certainly be important to this game and it will be vital that the ball is given to him early and often.

Another important key to this game is keeping the Steeler's ball hawking secondary at bay. Troy Polamalu is a beast, and you better bet that he will capitalize on any mistakes by Philip. We need to use the large size advantage of our receivers to their corners, especially in the redzone as we did not score any touchdowns against them earlier in the season.

Heres hoping to a great game where we don't commit turnovers, do capitalize on oppurtunities, not get screwed by refs, not kill ourselves with penalties, or be struck down by divine forces.

GO CHARGERS!!!

James Harrison Wins Defensive Player of the Year

Lets hope that this will continue the trend of players who win postseason awards only to have their teams sent home.

Post Game Notes

Chargers keep their running streak going on into the playoffs and subsequently end the Colt's nine game streak coming into the game. On offense Philip managed the game efficiently other than an unfortunate interception and the running game excelled in LT's absence with Sproles, and even Bennett getting in on some carries. Antonio Gates played well through a high ankle sprain with 8 catches for 87 yards and stayed in the whole game even though LT, who was supposedly more likely to play, left the game midway through the first half. One thought is that the Colts dismissed Antonio Gates due to his weekly status entering the game and instead decided to focus on Vincent Jackson. The Colts game planned for Vincent Jackson, who did not have a catch, which is an area for concern. Chris Chambers though, emerged from the shadow of animosity where he has been for much of the season for a 4 catch 57 yard contribution. The Chargers will have to find other receivers like Chris Chambers, such as Legedu Naanee if teams continue to double team Vincent. The defense played extraordinarily limiting the Colts to only 7 points in the sceond half and 17 overall. Each week with Ron Rivera the D seems to be getting better and made some crucial stops in this game. If the Ravens win tomorrow then the Chargers will be playing the Steelers, and the Titans if the Ravens lose.

Sproles lifts Chargers to 'wild' OT win over Colts (Source-Associated Press)

By BERNIE WILSON – 33 minutes ago
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Peyton Manning has his MVP award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers. Speedy little Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game Saturday night, ending Indianapolis' nine-game winning streak a day after Manning won his third Associated Press NFL MVP award.
Sproles came up big on a night when the Chargers played the final 2 1/2 quarters without LaDainian Tomlinson, who stood on the sideline in obvious discomfort from a groin injury.
Fifty years after the Baltimore Colts won the first overtime game in league history by the same score over the New York Giants for the NFL title, Indianapolis wasn't so fortunate. It was victimized by Sproles, who rushed 23 times for 105 yards, caught five passes for 45 yards, had 106 yards on four kickoff returns and 72 on three punt runbacks.
The Chargers (9-8) won the overtime toss. Indy's Darrell Reid called heads, but referee Ron Winter's flip came up tails. Sproles sent the Chargers into the second round of the playoffs, either at Tennessee or Pittsburgh, by finishing off the only series of overtime with his TD run around left end against an exhausted defense for the Colts (12-5).
San Diego's winning drive was aided by two defensive holding calls, the second against Tim Jennings on third-and-8. On the next play, Colts linebacker Clint Session was whistled for grabbing Sproles' facemask. Sproles scored on the next play, shedding a defender at the 5-yard line.
Sproles' TD run sent Qualcomm Stadium into bedlam. It was San Diego's fifth straight win; the Chargers needed the previous four victories to secure the AFC West title with an 8-8 record.
Last season, the Chargers pulled off a 28-24 upset at Indianapolis in the divisional round after Rivers and Tomlinson both went out with knee injuries.
San Diego got its first sack of the game at a key time, when Tim Dobbins dropped Manning at the Colts 1 on third down with 2 minutes left, forcing a punt and giving the Chargers the ball at the Indy 38.
Nate Kaeding kicked a 26-yard field goal with 31 seconds left to force overtime.
It was the 25th overtime game in the postseason, including one game in the AFL. The last overtime game in the playoffs was last season's NFC title game, won by the New York Giants and Manning's little brother, Eli, against Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers.

Colts-Chargers Scouting Report (Source-Boston Globe)

Jim McBride Boston Globe

Colts on offense: His name is Peyton Manning and he's pretty darn good. One of the smartest quarterbacks in the history of the game, Manning has quietly helped engineer Indianapolis's nine-game winning streak. He's had better seasons statistically, but 4,002 yards and 27 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at. He resembles a traffic cop at the line of scrimmage, waving his arms as he repositions his weapons and calls out blocking assignments. He reads through his progressions quickly and rarely throws high-risk passes. He's not mobile but he has such a quick release he doesn't need to be. His longtime partner in crime, Marvin Harrison, has lost a step but is still a formidable weapon. He has excellent hands and concentration. The top weapons now are receiver Reggie Wayne (he's powerful and smooth with very dependable hands) and tight end Dallas Clark (he's quick and tough). Joseph Addai (he can pound inside and bounce outside) and Dominic Rhodes (he has quick feet and good acceleration) will split the carries but make no mistake, this is a pass-first offense.


Chargers on defense: Manning will feel the heat from linebacker Shaun Phillips. A truly destructive force, Phillips has an excellent combination of speed, strength, and smarts. He uses his speed to burst off the edge and his power to bust through the middle of the big uglies. Either way, collapsing the pocket is his goal. Cornerbacks Quentin Jammer (he's very physical) and Antonio Cromartie (a quick and speedy ball hawk) will make the Colts' receivers work. Safety Eric Weddle (125 tackles) is a punishing hitter.
Chargers on offense: Philip Rivers is the triggerman. A cocky player, Rivers would just as soon get in your face as in your secondary. Though his delivery is a bit unorthodox, Rivers has a very strong arm and can make all the throws. He also has very quick feet, which allow him to buy extra time in the pocket. Rivers will always look to Antonio Gates first and with good reason. The league's premier pass-catching tight end, Gates combines size, speed, and dependable hands into a unstoppable force. Gates is fearless over the middle and so far, only injuries have slowed him. Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (6 feet 5 inches, 230 pounds) has the speed to stretch defenses. He averaged 18.6 yards per catch. The ground game is powered by LaDainian Tomlinson. The future Hall of Famer has been slowed by injuries all season (toe, groin). Despite those woes, he was able to amass 1,110 rushing yards and another 426 receiving. A truly special player, Tomlinson is a fluid runner who moves with power and speed.
Colts on defense: Give yourself a silver star if you knew safety Antoine Bethea was the Colts' leading tackler (126). A throwback tough guy, Bethea has decent cover skills but thrives in run support. He doesn't have the same intimidating presence as fellow safety Bob Sanders, but he's proven to be much more durable. Sanders, when healthy (and that's rarely), is a brutal hitter with a surly attitude. Linebackers Freddy Keiaho (he's smart and aggressive) and Clint Sessions (99 tackles) are the top run stuffers. Ends Dwight Freeney (explosive first step) and Robert Mathis (nonstop motor) are sackmeisters. Special teams: Indianapolis has the game's greatest clutch kicker in Adam Vinatieri. He's got four Super Bowl rings on his fingers and ice water in his veins. When the game's on the line, Vinatieri's your man. He's hit 20 of 25 field goals and all 43 PATs this season . . . San Diego has one of the game's best return men in Darren Sproles. A man of a million moves, Sproles averages 11.3 yards per punt return and 26 yards per kickoff return. He's a scoring threat from anywhere on the field . . . Charger kicker Nate Kaeding has hit 27 of 32 field goals and all 46 PATs.
Miscellany: Manning drove the Colts 35 yards with 1:35 to go to set up Vinatieri's 51-yard field goal for a 23-20 win at San Diego in Week 12 . . . Wayne has 19 catches for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his last three games vs. the Chargers . . . Colts linebacker Gary Brackett (113 tackles) will miss the game with a cracked bone in his right leg . . . Sanders (knee, ankle) expects to play . . . Chargers have won three of the last four in the series and hold a 15-10 edge all time . . . Since November, Indianapolis is allowing opponents 15.1 points per game . . . The Colts secondary set an NFL record by allowing the fewest touchdown passes (six) in a 16-game season.

Chargers vs Colts Updates

Michael Bennett is expected to be activated for the first time since the Chargers traded to get him mid-season. This comes in the wake of LT's groin injury and is expected to serve as insurance. It would be interesting to see him get involved though if LT isn't good to go. Antonio Gates and LT have both sat out practice this week.