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No Worries for Chargers Yet, but Antonio Gates Needs Help

September 14, 2010   Tom Krasovic   No comments

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Norv TurnerSAN DIEGO, Calif. — Until an AFC West foe fields a quarterback who’s nearly as capable as Philip Rivers, the Chargers and their fans shouldn’t fret losses such as San Diego’s 21-14 setback in Kansas City on Monday night.

The NFL is a quarterback’s sport. Most teams that go far must be able to throw the ball well. And although Rivers has waxed and waned in his last two games, including the playoff lost to the Jets, he’s still far better than anyone in the AFC West

Hail to the Chiefs for upgrading a 4-12 team. They’ve quickened their offense and special teams, and smartened their defense. Yet their passing game remains clunky. Matt Cassell threw for only 68 yards. Admittedly, it was windy and wet in Flyover Land, but does anyone think Cassell and his mediocre receivers can get the Chiefs into the playoffs this year?

Barring a few minor miracles, the Chargers should win their fifth consecutive AFC West title largely because Rivers can wing it. It also helps that Ron Rivera can coach up a defense. Rivera’s gang gave up a 56-yard touchdown run Monday to the division’s best running back, Jamaal Charles. In its other 47 plays, Kansas City totaled 147 yards. “Other than that play,” said Chargers coach Norv Turner after viewing the game film, “I thought defensively you can’t play a whole lot better than that. That’s exciting.”

 

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Veteran J.T. O’Sullivan Joins Chargers

September 07, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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The Chargers added an experienced reserve at quarterback on Monday, reaching contract terms with veteran J.T. O’Sullivan on a one-year deal.

O’Sullivan becomes the Chargers’ third quarterback, behind starter Philip Rivers and backup Billy Volek.

Rookie Jonathan Crompton was released in the Chargers’ final cut over the weekend, leaving Rivers and Volek as the only quarterbacks on San Diego’s active roster. Crompton was added to the Chargers’ practice squad Sunday.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the team had been leaning toward going with Rivers and Volek with the ability to tap Crompton from the practice squad in the event the need arose. But O’Sullivan’s availability following his release over the weekend by the Cincinnati Bengals changed the Chargers’ thinking.

 

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San Diego Chargers Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman Adam Terry

September 06, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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Trying to upgrade their depth and level of experience at tackle, the San Diego Chargers have signed veteran offensive lineman Adam Terry.

They made room for Terry, who was signed to a one-year contract, by waiving rookie tackle Ryan Otterson.

Left tackle has been a problem spot for the Chargers. Brandyn Dombrowski is holding down the job in the absence of Pro Bowler Marcus McNeill, a restricted free agent who has refused to sign his tender in a bid for a longer-term deal. McNeill’s representatives and Chargers management have been in a prolonged stalemate that threatens to extend well into the season.

The Chargers had signed veteran Tra Thomas to back up Dombrowski, but Thomas two weeks ago decided to retire after a bumpy recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery prevented him from playing at the level he was accustomed to.

Terry is starting his sixth NFL season. He was released over the weekend by Indianapolis, the team he signed with earlier this year after five seasons in Baltimore. He broke into the NFL as a second round pick of the Ravens and started 18 of 48 career games.

 

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Chargers Release WR Josh Reed Following Patrick Crayton Trade

September 06, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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The Chargers‘ 53-man roster was weighted toward defense after the team reached the season-opening limit by releasing 23 players.

The moves left the Chargers with 29 defensive players, 21 on offense and a kicker, punter and long snapper.

Coach Norv Turner said the makeup of the roster gave him flexibility to make personnel adjustments from week to week, depending on the strengths and weaknesses of a particular opponent. Game-day active rosters are limited to 45 players.

“In terms of depth and versatility, I don’t know that you could ask for more from our roster,” Turner said, according to Chargers.com.

Among the players released by San Diego were wide receiver Josh Reed, a free agent who was signed as a hedge against the holdout of Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. The Chargers could afford to let him go after trading with Dallas for veteran receiver Patrick Crayton.

“We had some close calls there and situations that took a turn,” Turner said. “When you make a trade or claim a player, that changes your mindset.”

 

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Antonio Gates Looking to Lead Chargers Into Super Bowl

September 03, 2010   Tom Krasovic   No comments

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Antonio Gates

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — He has the hands of an elite wide receiver, the feet of a basketball player.

So why is Antonio Gates, the great tight end for the San Diego Chargers, vowing to open his mouth more this year?

“I’m trying to become somewhat of a leader,” Gates told FanHouse.

If words were needed in recent years, Gates left the talking to others. Teammates had only to watch him prepare and perform to know Gates, named to six Pro Bowls in his seven NFL seasons.

“He’s been one of those guys who shows people by example, which is fine by us,” said outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, a teammate for the last six years.

Even if it makes him feel awkward, Gates will counsel or prod teammates this year.

“I’m getting out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I’m helping other guys. When you want to win, sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone. That was a path I headed to this offseason.”

San Diego’s mistake-filled loss to the New York Jets last January, Gates said, is a big part of it.

“What it does is motivate you to never want to come back to that feeling,” he said. “Words really can’t explain how it motivates you.”

 

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Jeremy Williams Makes Impressive Final Bid for Chargers Roster Spot

September 03, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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With many San Diego starters sitting out Thursday night’s preseason finale at San Francisco, wide receiver Jeremy Williams was among the young Chargers‘ players trying to take advantage of the extended playing time to win a roster spot.

All NFL teams must reduce their rosters to the season-opening limit of 53 by Saturday.

Williams, an undrafted free agent, returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown and caught four passes in San Diego’s 17-14 loss to the 49ers.

One of the receptions by Williams, a 29-yarder, set up the Chargers’ only other touchdown, on a 2-yard run by Curtis Brinkley. However, Williams also fumbled at the end of another catch.

Still, Williams feels like he left it all out on the field in his bid to earn a roster spot.

“I felt like I needed to have a good game today to show that I can come back and that I am progressing gradually,” Williams told Chargers.com. “After I came off the field, I looked up and I was like, ‘You know, I put everything I could into it. Whatever happens, happens.’ As of right now, it’s out of my control.’”

Coach Norv Turner said he and his staff have some tough decisions ahead of them as they shape the final roster.

“It was good for our young players to play as much as they did,” Turner said. “The biggest thing for us is we have some decisions to make at the bottom of our roster. We got a good look at a lot of our young players.”

 

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First Contract Holdout, Then Injury Sideline Chargers’ Shawne Merriman

September 02, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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Between his contract holdout and a subsequent Achilles tendon injury, Chargers pass-rushing linebacker Shawne Merriman is going to miss the entire preseason schedule.

Chargers coach Norv Turner told reporters Tuesday that Merriman would not be available for Thursday’s exhibition finale against the San Francisco 49ers.

There’s also no certainty that he’ll be ready to play in the Sept. 13 opener at Kansas City.

“His recovery is a process,” Turner said, according to Bernie Wilson’s report for the Associated Press. “We’ll see how he comes along and hope he doesn’t have a setback.”

 

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First Contract Holdout, Then Injury Sideline Chargers’ Shawne Merriman

September 02, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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Between his contract holdout and a subsequent Achilles tendon injury, Chargers pass-rushing linebacker Shawne Merriman is going to miss the entire preseason schedule.

Chargers coach Norv Turner told reporters Tuesday that Merriman would not be available for Thursday’s exhibition finale against the San Francisco 49ers.

There’s also no certainty that he’ll be ready to play in the Sept. 13 opener at Kansas City.

“His recovery is a process,” Turner said, according to Bernie Wilson’s report for the Associated Press. “We’ll see how he comes along and hope he doesn’t have a setback.”

 

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Chargers Offense Still Producing Without Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill

August 29, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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EVincent Jacksonven though two of the San Diego Chargers‘ top players remain holdouts, the club’s offense seems to be running smoothly without them — so far.

In Friday night’s 36-21 exhibition loss at New Orleans, San Diego’s first-team offense continued the pattern of productivity it has shown through the preseason, despite the continued absences of star wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill. Both players went to the Pro Bowl last season.

Brandyn Dombrowski is holding up well at left tackle in the place of McNeill, and wide receiver Malcolm Floyd caught a 9-yard touchdown pass at the end of one of two touchdown drives engineered by quarterback Philip Rivers.

Tight end Antonio Gates also appears poised to help pick up some of the slack in the absence of Jackson. He had a team-high five catches for 66 yards against the Saints.

 

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Chargers’ RB Ryan Mathews Undergoes Procedure to Stop Chronic Nosebleeds

August 25, 2010   Dennis J. Georgatos   No comments

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Chargers rookie running back Ryan Mathews missed Tuesday’s practice to undergo a procedure aimed at correcting nasal problems that have led to chronic nosebleeds.

The North County Times reported that Mathews, the team’s top draft pick and the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson, has been bothered by chronic nosebleeds since high school. They can spring up at any given moment when Mathews dishes out or takes a jarring hit in practice or games.

During Saturday’s preseason game against Dallas, the newspaper said Mathews took a forceful hit near the goal line that knocked his helmet loose, pushing it up against his nose and triggering another episode of bleeding.

He missed a series while being tended to on the sideline and returned late in the first half.

 

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