After starting the offseason strong, Chargers' general manager A.J. Smith lost his way and now looks like he has no idea what he's doing. Superstar receiver Vincent Jackson, pro bowl offensive tackle Marcus McNeill, and rush linebacker Shawn Merriman (expected to return soon) have not reported to camp and are threatening to hold out for 2010 season. What has Smith done about this? Absolutely nothing. The guy has some balls. Head Coach Norv Turner is blissfully ignorant to how much of an impact Jackson and McNeill make to the offense claiming that this team is the best one he's had since arriving in San Diego. I wonder if he'll still feel that way when Brandyn Dombroski, a practice squad player last year, takes McNeill's job protecting quarterback Philip Rivers' blindside. Rivers, the notorious whiner, has actually been taking the holdouts quite well despite the fact that the unproven Legedu Naanee will replace Jackson, his favorite target. While the Chargers' passing game seems to be in trouble, the run game should be able to carry the offense. Following LT's departure to the Jets, the Bolts drafted Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews 12th overall to pair with the 5-6 Darren Sproles. It may turn out to be one of the best picks in the draft.
The defense will also see some new faces, but word around camp is that the players' actually have faith in the d this season. Hog Jamal Williams has jumped ship to the rival Broncos leaving Cam Thomas, the 6'3'' 335 lbs 5th rounder, to take his spot at nose tackle. Another pick that could end up being a steal of the draft. And that's not the only rookie they're trusting with a starting job. Darrell Stuckey, 4th rounder out of Kansas, has all but secured himself the starting strong safety spot adding to the youth movement the Bolts' secondary has going. Antoine Cason will most likely take Cromartie's no. 2 corner spot even though he was benched last season as the nickle back. I wonder how that's going to work out.
The big story for the Chargers this season will be the holdouts of Jackson and McNeill. I'm just curious to see if Smith will get smart and offer them more than the 600k they would earn this year if they signed now. Personally I think it'll be funny to see Rivers on his ass every game.
The defense will also see some new faces, but word around camp is that the players' actually have faith in the d this season. Hog Jamal Williams has jumped ship to the rival Broncos leaving Cam Thomas, the 6'3'' 335 lbs 5th rounder, to take his spot at nose tackle. Another pick that could end up being a steal of the draft. And that's not the only rookie they're trusting with a starting job. Darrell Stuckey, 4th rounder out of Kansas, has all but secured himself the starting strong safety spot adding to the youth movement the Bolts' secondary has going. Antoine Cason will most likely take Cromartie's no. 2 corner spot even though he was benched last season as the nickle back. I wonder how that's going to work out.
The big story for the Chargers this season will be the holdouts of Jackson and McNeill. I'm just curious to see if Smith will get smart and offer them more than the 600k they would earn this year if they signed now. Personally I think it'll be funny to see Rivers on his ass every game.
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