January

Jan. 1, 2009   

Sproles' hot stretch run may have priced him out of Chargers' budget

Updated at 9:25 a.m. EST Monday, Jan. 5

Darren Sproles

Although the outstanding play of RB Darren Sproles in the season’s final four weeks was key to the Chargers reaching the playoffs, it also might be the reason why he’s not a member of the club in ’09. Sproles, set to become an unrestricted free agent, sent his price skyrocketing by scoring five TDs in December — not to mention his 328 total yards in the wild-card win over the Colts — and the Bolts may no longer have the funds to re-sign him. Given Sproles’ unique skill set and questions about how much time LaDainian Tomlinson has left, the team has even more pressure to bring back the 25-year-old speedster, especially after watching Michael Turner explode once he left San Diego. Even if Sproles does return to San Diego, the Chargers still will be looking to add a runner in the draft. With Tomlinson’s production appearing to have peaked, they’d like to start developing a future bell cow as soon as possible.

December

Dec. 25, 2008   

Playoff team or not, Chargers in need of attitude adjustment in '09

Updated at 10:20 a.m. EST Monday, Dec. 29

Following a mediocre season — albeit one that ended with a division title — coach Norv Turner’s biggest task in 2009 will be convincing his team to undergo a serious attitude adjustment. From what we hear, the Chargers played the first three months with a sense of entitlement, believing they were talented enough to simply coast through the regular season and still have no trouble making the playoffs. Even when they fell well behind in the standings, the club showed no sense of urgency to right the ship. We hear that it wasn’t until after their Week 13 loss to Atlanta that they realized their dire predicament and decided to ratchet up the intensity. Since then, the Bolts have won four straight games and claimed the final playoff berth. Unfortunately for Turner, Week 17’s win may make it more difficult for him to convince his players that they can't turn it on or off whenever they choose.

Dec. 18, 2008   

On-field changes in the offing for underachieving Chargers 'D'

Updated at 10:05 a.m. EST Monday, Dec. 22

With their defense as a whole struggling in 2008, offseason changes are coming for the Chargers. But from what we hear, they likely will be directed toward the on-field personnel, and not the coaching staff.

All indications are that head coach Norv Turner will return in ’09, and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera will be back, too, as long as he doesn’t take a head-coaching job elsewhere. The jobs of the players, however, aren’t as safe.

It has been known for a while that DE Igor Olshansky won’t be in San Diego next season, as he’s set to become a free agent and will be asking for too much money. We hear that the team feels comfortable replacing him with versatile reserve Ryon Bingham, who has notched 1½ sacks this season.

At the linebacker spot, the Bolts obviously are set on the outside, where they have received solid production from Shaun Phillips and Jyles Tucker, who have combined for 13 sacks. The return of Shawne Merriman next season will even further strengthen the unit, as Tucker will be able to become more of a pass-rushing specialist. Many point to Merriman’s absence as the main reason the “D” has had such a poor campaign.

Alterations are expected to come on the inside, though, as San Diego has been lacking a playmaker next to Stephen Cooper, who has had a terrific season even after being suspended for the first four games. They have tried a few different players at that spot, but none has made a significant impact. An upgrade there is something the club probably will address in the coming months.

In the secondary, both CB Quentin Jammer and FS Eric Weddle have given the Chargers solid play and will stay put. CB Antonio Cromartie isn’t going anywhere either, but he’ll need to make improvements after appearing to regress this season. We hear that the only change could come at strong safety, where Clinton Hart hasn’t made anywhere near the contribution he did in ’07. That certainly will be a position the front office examines this offseason.

After the defense was kept intact following last year’s surge, some sort of shakeup is sure to occur at the conclusion of the season.

Dec. 12, 2008   

Slump of Gates, Chambers not hindering Chargers' aerial attack

Updated at 9:55 a.m. EST Monday, Dec. 15

Just one small mystery in a season full of them for the Chargers is the recent lack of production from TE Antonio Gates. While QB Philip Rivers has thrived, Gates dropped into a severe slump from Weeks 11 to 14, catching only eight passes for 65 yards. He rebounded a bit in Week 15, catching seven passes for 78 yards. From what we hear, Gates hasn’t fallen out of favor in the passing game, nor is he still suffering from the injury to his big toe. Instead, Rivers has opted not to force the ball to his tight end, who often is blanketed by coverage, deciding to hit his open receivers on the outside. This has led to a career season for Vincent Jackson but hasn’t done much for Chris Chambers, who recently challenged his QB to throw deep more frequently. We’re hearing that the absence of Chambers in the aerial attack is perplexing to many, as it was his arrival in mid-2007 that sparked the sputtering Bolts’ offense.

Dec. 5, 2008   

Regression of McNeill, O-line crippling Chargers' offense

Those within the Chargers’ organization are struggling to pinpoint what exactly made this season such a flop, but from what we hear, the poor play of OLT Marcus McNeill has been a major factor. McNeill, a Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons, has been consistently “getting dusted” off the line, which has contributed to nine sacks of QB Philip Rivers in the last five games. The mountain of a man also hasn’t been as effective at clearing space for RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who is on track for the least productive season of his career. But McNeill isn’t the only lineman weakening the Bolts’ offense. We hear that ORG Mike Goff and ORT Jeromey Clary also have disappointed lately, leading to San Diego averaging a meager 16.5 points in the first four games after their bye prior to a 34-7 win over Oakland that benefited from 17 points on four takeaways. The line's inability to create time or space has crippled what had been expected to be a high-powered, dynamic offense.

November

Nov. 26, 2008   

Rookies a bright spot in a bleak Chargers campaign

The Chargers can place blame in plenty of areas for their disappointing season, but one group they can’t look down upon is their rookie class, with whom they’ve been impressed. First-round pick CB Antoine Cason has taken well to the nickel corner role, racking up 49 tackles, defending five passes and intercepting one. We hear that San Diego likes his toughness, especially his penchant to hit hard. The other rookie constantly on the field is FB Mike Tolbert, who has been in the starting lineup all year. Undrafted this past April, Tolbert has surprised the Bolts not only with his blocking ability but also with his pass-catching skills, grabbing 13-171-1. Unfortunately for the club, a Week 12 shoulder injury might sideline Tolbert for a while, meaning another rookie, Jacob Hester, would start in his place. The Chargers are anxious to see what they have in Hester, a third-round pick who showed offensive flashes in the preseason but has played mainly on special teams.

Nov. 21, 2008   

Job of Chargers' Turner safe, thanks largely to relationship with GM Smith

Norv Turner

Usually, when teams underachieve as much as San Diego has this season, the seat of the head coach begins to feel very hot. But that won’t be an issue for Norv Turner, who is guaranteed to be back next year as the Bolts’ head man.

Despite guiding a Chargers club with high expectations to a sub-.500 record and second place in the AFC West, Turner was publicly assured last week by president Dean Spanos and GM A.J. Smith that he will be the team’s head coach in 2009, regardless of what happens during the remainder of this season. Such job security is rare in today’s NFL, where coaches get fired for not turning franchises around within a couple of years.

While many believe that Turner’s terrific run in the ’07 playoffs, in which he took the Chargers to the AFC title game, bought him the cushion of at least one lackluster season, there are additional reasons why he will return. We hear that one of the main factors is the close relationship between Turner and Smith.

Unlike the dynamic between Smith and previous Bolts head coach Marty Schottenheimer — one in which there reportedly was very little communication — we understand the general manager and Turner have a terrific rapport, speaking with one another frequently. And since Spanos has great respect for Smith and his opinions, Turner seems to be in a pretty safe place.

We also hear that the coach is getting somewhat of a pass here because of Smith’s tendency to pin the team’s poor performance on the players. Smith has been known to make examples out of players he felt weren’t giving maximum effort, and many view his recent move to place WR Buster Davis on injured reserve as a message to the roster: If we think you’re giving less than your all, we no longer need your services.

In fact, most, if not all, of their offseason changes figure to involve the guys on the field, not on the coaching staff. The club already parted with the one coach it felt wasn’t getting it done this season, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, and we hear the front office is generally happy with the rest of the staff. The only thing that could put a monkey wrench in the plans is if Cottrell’s replacement, Ron Rivera, leaves to accept a head-coaching job elsewhere. That would force the Chargers to hire their third defensive coordinator in as many seasons.

Nov. 14, 2008   

Chargers need improvement from CB Cromartie for Rivera's 'D' to work

Updated at 9:30 a.m. CST Monday, Nov. 17

For all the hype about new defensive coordinator Ron Rivera ratcheting up the pressure of the Chargers’ defense, the on-field results certainly have not played out this way. In Rivera’s first game at the helm, the Bolts notched just one sack, which came when Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen voluntarily ran out of bounds. They also failed to force any interceptions or fumbles. In Week 11 vs. the Steelers, the Chargers notched four sacks but failed to record a turnover. We do hear that Rivera has brought a “mental aggression” to the unit, and that he has turned the defensive backs loose in hopes of creating more pass breakups and picks. Whether this strategy works, though, will depend on the contributions of CB Antonio Cromartie, who has struggled this season after breaking out in ’07. We hear that the corner looks very tentative and is lacking confidence, almost as if he is afraid of getting burned.

Nov. 7, 2008   

Late-game mistakes bothering otherwise-terrific Chargers QB Rivers

After two up-and-down seasons as the Chargers’ full-time signalcaller, QB Philip Rivers is finally having the type of year that everyone had been waiting for. Halfway through 2008, he is the league’s top-rated passer and is well on his way to starting the Pro Bowl for the AFC. But the way we hear it, Rivers is still very unhappy with his play in crunch time and feels responsible for the team’s last two losses. In Week Seven at Buffalo, he threw a late interception, ending a drive that could have put the Chargers ahead. He then had nearly the same thing happen to him the following week against the Saints. And while he could easily blame both defeats on San Diego’s terrible defensive efforts, Rivers instead has acted like a leader and is holding himself accountable. A second-half Bolts turnaround, however, could hinge on the quarterback making plays in late-game pressure situations.

October

Oct. 31, 2008   

Rivera will have Chargers' defense in attack mode

With a defense that was giving up long passes and first downs like they were going out of style, something had to change in San Diego. That "something" was the coordinator position, as Ted Cottrell was replaced by Ron Rivera on Oct. 28. Although Chargers players were not speaking publicly about their discontent with Cottrell, we hear that many were frustrated by his passive schemes, which allowed opposing quarterbacks all day to pick them apart. One player in particular who was unhappy with his role was OLB Shaun Phillips, who felt as though his pass-rushing talents weren’t being fully utilized. Under Rivera, however, that’s not expected to be an issue. We understand that the Bolts’ new defense will be a much more aggressive attack, employing creativity in blitzes, especially from the linebackers. That should make hungry pass rushers like Phillips and Jyles Tucker quite satisfied.

Oct. 24, 2008   

Early struggles of Chargers' Tomlinson could be product of underutilization

Updated at 9:30 a.m. EDT Monday Oct. 27

LaDainian Tomlinson

Outside of the bewilderment over the team’s nonexistent pass defense, the biggest question with the Chargers thus far has been: What is going on with five-time Pro Bowl RB LaDainian Tomlinson?

Tomlinson, a statistics machine since the day he entered the league in 2001, is having his worst campaign to date. Through eight games, L.T. has rushed for just 551 yards — a mediocre 68.9 yards per game — and four TDs, gaining 3.9 yards per carry. Usually a lock to run for at least 1,400 yards and 14 TDs, he is on pace to barely reach the 1,100-yard mark and double-digit scores.

Last week vs. the Saints, Tomlinson rushed for 105 yards on 19 carries, with 40 yards coming on one run. He also contributed 65 yards and a TD on five catches.

But why has the superstar struggled for much of the season? Some of the blame certainly can be placed on his injured big toe, which has plagued him virtually all season. Experiencing pain with each step, the sore toe has limited Tomlinson’s shifty cutting ability, making him primarily a straight-ahead runner. But he claims he has felt much better as of late, so the issues obviously go beyond this nagging injury.

Contrary to what many are speculating, we hear that team observers do not believe the 29-year-old back has lost a step. Instead, they think that Tomlinson simply hasn’t been given the chance to build momentum during most games this season. In other words, the guy just has not seen the ball enough to wear on defenses and jump into high gear.

L.T. himself has basically confirmed this. We hear that he recently said the Chargers’ running game has faltered because he hasn’t received sufficient “opportunities.” Also, when asked if he thought he was getting enough carries, he responded with a “no comment,” a non-answer that couldn’t have made his opinion more clear.

And the numbers back up this assertion. Coming into ’08, L.T. was registering 21.3 rushing attempts per game. This season, he’s running the ball 17.8 times per contest, nearly four fewer carries each game than his career average.

While improved blocking by the underachieving O-line would help, a stronger commitment to running the ball is likely all that Tomlinson needs to get his campaign back on the right track.

Oct. 17, 2008   

Blossoming of WR Jackson major key to Chargers' passing success

Updated at 10:05 a.m. EDT Monday. Oct. 20

QB Philip Rivers has received most of the credit for the Chargers’ greatly improved passing game this season, but we hear that a major key to its success has been the development of WR Vincent Jackson. Now in his fourth season, Jackson is blossoming into one of the league’s most dangerous downfield threats, catching four passes of 40-plus yards and averaging 18.4 yards per reception. This explosion has him drawing comparisons to established star wideouts like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Where the 6-foot-5 Jackson has made considerable strides, though, is in his ability to pursue and grab deep passes that might not be perfectly thrown, something he’d struggled with in the past. This has given Rivers increased confidence to unload downfield, as he now knows that Jackson is likely to make a play on virtually every long bomb he tosses.

Oct. 10, 2008   

Defense's early struggles a mystery to Chargers

Updated at 9:35 a.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 13

If you’re baffled by the poor play of the Chargers’ defense early in the season, you’re not the only one. The team itself cannot figure out how a unit relatively intact from 2007 has struggled so mightily in ’08. We hear that prior to Week Six’s improved showing vs. the Patriots, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was beginning to feel some heat to get things turned around. Sources close to the situation cite overconfidence as one of the main reasons why the “D” hasn’t looked sharp every week, and one player who especially seems to be lacking focus is CB Antonio Cromartie. A Pro Bowler and the league leader in interceptions in ’07, Cromartie hasn’t been stellar in coverage and has already dropped a handful of easy picks, something he was never guilty of last season. Also, the loss of LB Shawne Merriman may have had a bigger impact than the Chargers realized.

Oct. 3, 2008   

Chargers expect big boost with return of ILB Cooper

Updated at 9:26 a.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 6

Entering the season, the Chargers’ biggest weakness appeared to be at inside linebacker, where they were starting the aging Derek Smith and the average Matt Wilhelm. Although the pair weren’t awful in the first four games, they didn’t do a great job of stopping the run — a major responsibility of the inside ’backers in a 3-4 scheme — as the team allowed opponents 4.5 yards per carry. But the way we hear it, a changing of the guard is happening at ILB. Stephen Cooper, San Diego’s leading tackler in ’07, returned last week from a four-game suspension to start in place of Smith and contributed eight tackles against the Dolphins. The emerging Tim Dobbins, who had five tackles coming off the bench in Week Five, could soon replace Wilhelm as a starter. These moves would add youth, speed and aggressiveness to a defense that has looked somewhat ordinary without its leader, LB Shawne Merriman.

September

Sept. 26, 2008   

Full-strength Chargers ready to take back control of AFC

Updated at 9:10 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 29

Although fans and media might have been ready to declare the Chargers a bust following their 0-2 start, the team never felt like those two last-second losses were a sign of things to come.

Riddled by injuries in the offseason and training camp, San Diego was not close to being at full strength for its first two contests. Still, the club almost won both games, losing by a combined three points. But the way we hear it, the Chargers are nearly back to health across the board, and they are ready to assume their role atop the AFC.

Possibly the most overlooked of the Bolts’ injuries were the ones on their offensive line. Two-time Pro Bowl OLT Marcus McNeill missed the first two games with an injured neck, leaving the team without a cornerstone lineman. As expected, his return in Week Three was felt immediately by the entire offense, especially QB Philip Rivers, who was not sacked once in a win over the Jets. However, Rivers was sacked four times in Week Four vs. the Raiders.

The other missing link on the O-line had been C Nick Hardwick, who was recovering from offseason foot surgery. Hardwick made major strides prior to Week Four and wound up making his first start of the season vs. the Raiders.

We also hear that RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who has been dealing with a sore big toe for the past couple weeks, is feeling the best he has in a while. His injured toe has limited him severely, allowing him only to run straight ahead without cutting. Now, though, he should return to being the explosive, shifty L.T. that we’ve become so used to seeing. Against the Raiders, Tomlinson rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries and caught two passes for nine yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, CB Antonio Cromartie is 100 percent after experiencing hip pain early on. It showed in his performance against the Jets, when he picked off QB Brett Favre twice on his way to winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. And although LB Shawne Merriman won’t be back this season, NT Jamal Williams is holding up well despite his bad knees.

All told, with the team in good health, a complete turnaround from their early-season form would not be a shock to anyone within the Chargers' organization.

Sept. 19, 2008   

Chargers gaining increased confidence in backup RB Sproles

With star RB LaDainian Tomlinson dealing with a lingering toe injury, you’d think the Chargers would be worried about their running game suffering if he is forced to miss time. But after watching RB Darren Sproles run wild on the Broncos in Week Two, we hear that the team is very confident in its backup if he’s needed to take on a larger role. The diminutive Sproles had 317 all-purpose yards at Denver, including a 66-yard TD catch and a 103-yard kickoff return for a score. Tomlinson, meanwhile, accounted for just 40 yards in the loss. Sproles, in his fourth year, has incredible speed and elusiveness that makes tackling him in the open field nearly impossible. The only things he lacks is ideal size — he’s just 5-6, 181 pounds — thereby limiting the team’s play-calling when he’s in the game. The Chargers obviously don’t want to lose L.T., but at least Sproles gives them a very capable replacement.

Sept. 13, 2008   

Chargers have themselves to blame for rusty defense

Updated at 8:45 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 15

The Chargers’ decision to rest their key players in training camp might have led to their Week One loss to Carolina. The way we hear it, defensive linchpin NT Jamal Williams, who sat out virtually the entire preseason, looked extremely rusty against the Panthers, consistently getting knocked back off the line of scrimmage. His fellow linemen didn’t look much better, as Carolina’s O-line bullied them throughout the contest. The defense’s poor coverage and terrible tackling also can be attributed to their lack of game action this August. Now the unit will attempt to improve minus OLB Shawne Merriman, who will undergo season-ending knee surgery. Things didn’t go any better in Week Two, as the Chargers surrendered 486 yards and 39 points in a loss to Denver.

Sept. 5, 2008   

Chargers think OLT Shelton can be suitable replacement for injured Pro Bowler McNeill

While most teams would panic if they were entering a season without their starting left tackle — especially when that player is a two-time Pro Bowler — the Chargers are doing no such thing. Even though Marcus McNeill has been sidelined with a neck injury for more than a month, we hear that the team is very confident in his replacement, free-agent pickup L.J. Shelton, who’s likely to start in the opener. Shelton is no stranger to starting — he has done so 125 times in his nine-year career — and San Diego was impressed with his ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side in the preseason. The question with Shelton might not be his effectiveness, but how long he’ll be asked to play a big role. McNeill visited a specialist this week to have his painful neck examined, and there’s no timetable yet for his return. The Bolts eventually will need him back if they hope to make a Super Bowl run.

August

Aug. 29, 2008   

Chargers just fine with Merriman playing hurt

Shawne Merriman

If you think the Chargers are going to step in and prevent injured LB Shawne Merriman from playing this season, think again. Although four different specialists recommended that Merriman have season-ending surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee — both the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments — the Pro Bowler has opted to forgo the procedure and play in 2008, despite the high likelihood of worsening the ligament damage. And the Chargers are fully behind Merriman in this decision. The way we hear it, the team wants to get all it can out of the linebacker during the next two seasons, as Merriman’s contract is up after ’09, and San Diego almost certainly won’t shell out the funds to re-sign him. The Chargers believe that as long as Merriman can be a productive player, he should be on the field, torn ligaments and all. And Merriman, being as passionate about the game as he is, does not want to let his teammates down by sitting out the season. To be fair, the Chargers reportedly advised Merriman to undergo the reconstructive surgery immediately after the end of last season, when it might have caused him to miss only part of this season, but Merriman decided against it. Now, however, don’t expect head coach Norv Turner or GM A.J. Smith, knowing their club should seriously contend this season, to plead with Merriman to follow the doctors’ advice and have surgery.

Aug. 21, 2008   

Wounded Chargers playing it very safe this preseason

Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, Aug. 24

Perhaps above all else this preseason, the Chargers have preached R & R — rest and rehabilitation. With a whopping nine starters undergoing offseason surgery, the team has played it very safe in training camp and exhibition games, making sure to sit players even if they’re feeling well enough to participate. We hear that head coach Norv Turner, knowing that injuries in January might have cost his club a trip to the Super Bowl last season, has been extra careful not to take any risks in August. That would explain why stars like NT Jamal Williams (knees) and OLT Marcus McNeill (shoulder/neck) consistently have been absent from team workouts. It would also explain why QB Philip Rivers, who’s in tip-top shape after getting his ACL repaired just months ago, was held out of San Diego’s second preseason contest. Even guys who didn’t have surgery but have been dinged up in practice — like WR Vincent Jackson (hamstring) and DE Luis Castillo (back) — have spent extensive time on the sideline. And after having his knee operated on five months ago, LB Shawne Merriman had been a practice observer for the past couple weeks before learning he had serious ligament damage that could cost him the entire season. All told, Turner realizes that with his team’s immense talent, injuries could be the only thing standing between the Chargers and a championship. That's enough to scare any coach into resting his players.

Aug. 14, 2008   

Chargers PK Kaeding looks to odd place to improve his game

Like many NFL players, Chargers PK Nate Kaeding is an avid golfer. But unlike most players, Kaeding is using his golf coach to help improve his football skills. We hear that the kicker spent this offseason working with his coach on exercises that will help him in both sports. Since the golf swing is similar to the leg motion in kicking, Kaeding worked on developing a good, consistent tempo that will allow him to boot the ball powerfully yet accurately. He also spent a lot of time focusing on the mental aspect of each activity, because so much of both placekicking and golf is between the ears. So far, Kaeding’s extra work has paid off. He said that this is the best he has ever felt entering a season, and he’s already showing off his newfound leg strength, easily drilling a 53-yard field goal in San Diego’s first preseason contest. Kaeding proved last season that he is physically tough — he spent the last five games kicking with a broken plant leg — and now he’s hoping to add the mental toughness that all the best at his position seem to have.

Aug. 1, 2008   

Chargers QB Rivers having dazzling camp after lightning-fast recovery

Philip Rivers

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is proving to be something of a modern medical marvel. After playing through a torn ACL during last season’s playoff run, Rivers underwent surgery to repair the ligament — a procedure that was supposed to require a six-month recovery period. This timetable would’ve kept him out through at least July, but, amazingly, the quarterback was already back on the field for minicamp in May. Now, we hear that Rivers is having his best training camp yet, throwing the ball harder and more accurately than he ever had. He has also added muscle and appears to be in tremendous physical shape. And although he’s wearing a brace on his surgically repaired knee, he isn’t showing any lingering effects from the operation. To think, all this just months after a serious surgery that threatened to sideline Rivers into the regular season. Given the fact that San Diego’s receiving corps is also in the midst of a terrific training camp, the fifth-year signalcaller looks set to have a breakout campaign as he leads the Bolts toward what would appear to be a realistic run at the Super Bowl.

July

July 26, 2008   

DE Castillo’s extension might soon leave Olshansky in new uniform

The Chargers made headlines this week by signing DE Luis Castillo to a seven-year deal that will keep him in San Diego through 2014. From what we hear, however, that move could signal the end of DE Igor Olshansky’s run in a Bolts uniform. Olshansky, who has started 57 games for San Diego during his four-year career, can opt out of his contract after the ’08 season. With many of the Chargers’ stars set to become free agents following 2009 — QB Philip Rivers, LB Shawne Merriman, WRs Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson and OT Marcus McNeill — the team might not have the funds to re-sign Olshansky. A 26-year-old with loads of experience, the Ukrainian-born defensive end would draw significant interest on the open market. GM A.J. Smith obviously would like to prevent Olshansky from joining a fellow contender, but his top priority next offseason likely will be reaching extensions with Rivers, Merriman and McNeill. Knowing big money could be waiting for him in ’09, look for Olshansky to play with extra fire this season.

July 11, 2008   

The Chargers: Moving to a city near you?

The Chargers are one of the league’s best franchises, but that alone might not be enough to keep them in San Diego past this season. Their current home, Qualcomm Stadium, is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most obsolete facilities, and the club has an option to get out of its deal there in January. The city has balked at funding a new stadium, which could cost more than $1 billion, and has severely limited the locations at which a new field could be built. In fact, Mark Fabiani, head of new stadium issues for the team, recently told the San Diego Union-Tribune that they are down to one possible site for a new park — bayfront property in nearby Chula Vista. A lot would have to happen before ground could be broken at this location, though, and nothing is on the horizon. Leaving San Diego would cost owner Alex Spanos roughly $56 million — the debt owed to the city from Qualcomm’s expansion — but the benefits of a new facility could recoup that money. Fabiani said the Chargers need to increase revenue if they hope to re-sign their top talent, and that a move might be the only way to accomplish that. Rumored destinations include Los Angeles, San Antonio and Las Vegas.

June

June 27, 2008   

Chargers excited about progress of top two rookies

The Chargers’ 2008 draft class certainly was not deep; in fact, it included just five players. However, the team could not be more excited about how their top two selections are progressing. CB Antoine Cason, taken with the 27th pick in the first round, stood out in San Diego’s recent minicamp. He especially excelled during the camp’s final workout, coming up with an interception and knocking down two passes. Cason will battle Paul Oliver for the nickel corner spot, but the Arizona product will see time regardless. The other rookie who’s been impressing the Chargers’ brass is third-round choice Jacob Hester. In addition to lining up at his natural spot, fullback, Hester took snaps at running back and as a slot receiver, as well. Head coach Norv Turner was said to have ridden him hard in minicamp, but only because Turner has big plans for the versatile talent. Look for Hester not only to block for and spell RB LaDainian Tomlinson but also to act as a safety valve in an improved passing attack.

June 13, 2008   

Newberry provides needed insurance for Chargers O-line … sort of

Although the Chargers are optimistic about C Nick Hardwick’s early-season availability following foot surgery in March, realistically they knew they had to prepare for the likelihood that their OL anchor will be out for a least the first few games. So by signing 11-year veteran Jeremy Newberry last week, the Bolts afforded themselves at least a little bit of depth on an offensive line lacking in capable bodies. But Newberry — a California native who’s played his entire career in the Golden State as a 49er from 1998-2006 and a Raider in 2007 — comes with his own injury questions. He’s also past his physical prime at 32 years old. Regardless of how Newberry fares, there’s little chance of the Chargers plugging in Hardwick before he’s completely healed, according to a source close to the club. With one of the league’s most talented rosters playing in a watered-down AFC West, the Chargers can afford to give their rehabbing players adequate recovery time without seriously jeopardizing a postseason berth.

May

May 29, 2008   

Sproles not merely an afterthought in San Diego

It was widely assumed that by trading up to draft LSU’s Jacob Hester in the third round in April, the Chargers intended for Hester to assume the lion’s share of the RB workload behind LaDainian Tomlinson. While Hester should indeed be the No. 2 option, word we’re hearing is that scatback Darren Sproles will be playing a more significant role than many believe. Small but incredibly quick, Sproles is more adept at creating on his own than Hester (and fellow rookie Marcus Thomas, for that matter). That ability to make something out of nothing will be all the more valuable if concerns about the offensive line are validated. Between C Nick Hardwick’s surgery to repair a severe sprain in his right foot, which should keep him sidelined early on, the deteriorating play of aging ORG Mike Goff and the inexperience of ORT Jeromey Clary, the state of the O-line isn’t as solid as it’s accustomed to being.

May 23, 2008   

Chargers anticipate Tucker aiding sagging pass rush

The way we hear it, there was nothing “fluky” about the tear on which lightly regarded Chargers OLB Jyles Tucker ended last season, and the Bolts are expecting him to play a significant role in the defense in ’08. An undrafted rookie a season ago, Tucker didn’t even appear in a game until Week 12, but by the season’s end, he was a regular in the OLB rotation. His coming-out party was Week 17, when he notched three sacks against the Raiders. At 6-3, 258 pounds, he has the natural athleticism to be a menace getting into the offensive backfield on passing downs, and San Diego is willing to accept the fact that as of now, he’s a bit of a one-trick pony — his lone trick being pressuring the quarterback. The Chargers were miffed about seeing their sack total drop from a league-leading 61 in ’06 to 42 in ’07 (ranking fifth) and are placing a priority on regaining the potency of their pass rush. There are even rumblings that defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell is anticipating having Tucker, Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman all on the field together in certain passing situations, despite the fact that all three are outside linebackers.

May 14, 2008   

Chargers not actively pursuing Dolphins' Taylor

Word we’re hearing out of San Diego is that the Chargers aren’t interested in trading for Dolphins DE-OLB Jason Taylor, contrary to speculation. The primary reason is that Taylor has two years left on a deal that’s due to pay him $7.5 million in 2008 and $8 million in 2009, and a slew of potentially high-priced re-signings coming up over the next couple of years will prevent the Bolts from being able to absorb his contract. OLB Shawne Merriman, QB Philip Rivers and OLT Marcus McNeill, among others, are due to be free agents after the ’09 season, and the team is intent on locking up as many of them as they can, well before they reach free agency. That being said, we hear there’s a chance the Chargers may be tempted if Taylor is willing to take a significant pay cut. Taylor does long to be on a Super Bowl contender — which the Chargers are — and the proximity to Hollywood could be tempting for the aspiring actor.

May 2, 2008   

Chargers add Shelton after draft failed to provide significant OT help

The Chargers went into the draft knowing that adding OT depth was one of the few things they needed to do. When all the dust had settled, seventh-rounder Corey Clark was the only such player taken, and even he projects better to guard. With the top eight tackles already off the board before they picked at No. 27 in the first round, there was simply no value in reaching for one, and a lack of value extended throughout the weekend. Because of such tepid OT depth on the roster, the Chargers’ addition this week of L.J. Shelton is seen as a disproportionately important pickup relative to his middling ability. A first-round pick of the Cardinals in 1999, Shelton most recently started at right tackle for the Dolphins, before the Fins’ new regime cut him. Measuring 6-6, 345 pounds, Shelton’s a better run blocker than pass protector, and he figures to give Jeromey Clary a battle for the ORT job. At the very least, he’ll provide much-needed depth.

April

April 25, 2008   

Tomlinson considering playing in preseason

LaDainian Tomlinson has a history of not participating much in preseason games. In fact, he’s carried the ball just 14 times in exhibition contests since entering the league. But word out of San Diego is that the Chargers’ perennial Pro Bowler is mulling over the idea of giving himself more reps prior to Week One. Tomlinson has been relatively slow out of the gate the past several years, as it has taken him a few weeks to find his groove. We hear that ultimately it will be up to Tomlinson to make the determination for himself, as he has the full trust of coach Norv Turner to make a responsible call. However, complicating matters is the lack of proven depth at the position. Therefore, even if Tomlinson does suit up, expect him to play a very limited role, as is the case for all upper-echelon players during the preseason. On a related noted, the knee sprain that sidelined him for the majority of the AFC championship game is a non-issue, as he recently said he’s approximately 90 percent healed.

April 18, 2008   

Chargers made plans in advance to replace suspended ILB Cooper

Chargers fans may have been blindsided by the recent revelation that ILB Stephen Cooper will sit out the first four games of the season for violating the league’s banned-substance policy, but those in the Bolts’ clubhouse were not. Word we’re hearing is that the Chargers knew about the infraction in December. Cooper, one of the team’s two starting inside linebackers, reportedly tested positive for the stimulant ephedra, which has been banned by the NFL since 2001, and banned by the Food and Drug Administration since 2004. Knowing Cooper would be unavailable for the first month of the season, the Bolts signed steady veteran ILB Derek Smith, who has started at least 12 games every year since entering the NFL in 1997. Cooper should reclaim his starting job upon his return, but his long-term future with the club is shrouded in uncertainty. He was sentenced to one year’s probation for possession of anabolic steroids in March 2003, shortly before San Diego signed him as an undrafted rookie, and the Chargers won’t have much tolerance for a player with his baggage, especially considering he’s only a middling talent.

April 4, 2008   

Chargers not resistant to trading WR Parker

With a wealth of talent at wide receiver, word out of San Diego is that the Chargers will be willing to entertain trade offers for WR Eric Parker. With Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers entrenched as starters, and promising second-year pro Craig “Buster” Davis expected to be the No. 3 target, the once go-to guy in the Bolts’ WR corps is deemed expendable. Parker accumulated 187 receptions for 2,586 yards and 11 touchdowns in the first five years of his six-year career in San Diego, before missing all of last season with a broken toe. But because of his toe complications and the prevailing thought that he’s an undersized (6-0, 180 pounds) possession receiver, unloading him will prove difficult. If unable to attract a decent offer for him, Parker is unlikely to be cut. He’s still a reliable target in the underneath zones, and the Chargers have more than enough salary-cap space to accommodate him.

March

March 26, 2008   

Offensive injuries create concerns for Chargers

As stacked as the Chargers are, a smattering of injuries to important players, especially on the offensive side, is a disconcerting omen. Five offensive starters are working through late-season injuries or rehabbing from surgery, and three of those players could have trouble going full speed into training camp. TE Antonio Gates continues to be hobbled by his dislocated big toe, one that he gritted out in the AFC championship game but could have him sidelined until the start of the regular season. QB Philip Rivers is in a similar boat in that he played through an ACL tear in the playoff loss to the Patriots but won't be 100 percent for a while. C Nick Hardwick went under the knife to repair a sprained right foot in mid-March and could be out through September. On the plus side, injuries to RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) and OLT Marcus McNeill (shoulder) don't hold any long-term consequences.

March 21, 2008   

Quiet offseason in San Diego makes sense

With loads of salary-cap space, the Chargers have been conspicuously quiet on the free-agency front. But the lack of noise hasn’t been unexpected. With an already stacked roster, perhaps the most talented in the league, the Chargers don’t see the sense in overspending on players who wouldn’t be valuable assets to the team. More importantly, they’re preparing themselves for the next couple years when marquee players such as OLB Shawne Merriman, QB Philip Rivers and CB Antonio Cromartie will be in line for lucrative extensions. As of now, upgrading their safety talent and offensive line depth are two of the most significant areas to address, but there’s little reason to feel they can’t make these fortifications in the draft.

March 14, 2008   

Chargers looking for backup to Tomlinson

The Chargers are in need of a running back. Sounds incredulous, doesn’t it? Considering they have the league’s premier player at the position in LaDainian Tomlinson, it would seem to be the furthest thing from their list of needs. But following Michael Turner’s departure to Atlanta, the reality that the Bolts are without a suitable backup has become readily apparent. For as shifty and electric as Darren Sproles is when operating in space, his 5-6, 181-pound body couldn’t take the every-down pounding should Tomlinson fall victim to injury. With the Chargers lacking any pressing needs, all signs point to them drafting a running back this April, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them take one within the first three rounds. On a related note, word out of San Diego is that the knee sprain Tomlinson suffered in the postseason victory over the Colts is a non-issue.

March 7, 2008   

Oliver adds twist to Chargers' secondary

Although Antonio Cromartie’s barnstorming season is the primary reason former Chargers CB Drayton Florence is now earning his paycheck in Jacksonville, the potential the Bolts see in Paul Oliver affirmed the notion that Florence was expendable. The 5-10, 195-pound Oliver didn’t see any action as a rookie in 2007, but that hardly means that the Chargers regret parting ways with a fourth-round pick to take him in last season’s supplemental draft. His “redshirting” was primarily a function of a deep Chargers secondary. Now, with Florence and starting S Marlon McCree gone, Oliver looks to be a viable option for the nickel and dime, as well as quality insurance should Cromartie or Quentin Jammer go down with injury. However, there’s a lingering concern regarding his ability to grasp the defensive scheme. Expected to be one of the top cornerbacks in college football entering his senior season at Georgia, he opted to enter the supplemental draft after being declared academically ineligible — a fact that spurred the rumor that his lack of rookie playing time was in part because of his slow digestion of the playbook.

February

Feb. 29, 2008   

Chargers to lean more on passing game in 2008

It may sound incredulous considering they have the league’s best running back in LaDainian Tomlinson, but word out of San Diego is that the Bolts are looking into showcasing more spread formations in 2008. The decision is rooted more in coach Norv Turner’s desire to maximize his offensive personnel, rather than a philosophical change. WRs Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers improved by leaps and bounds toward the end of the season, and the team is expecting big things from Craig “Buster” Davis after a relatively pedestrian rookie campaign. Perhaps the most telling indication that the Chargers are looking to put more stock into the passing game is the decision to keep WR Eric Parker around. Parker, who spent all of 2007 on injured reserve with a toe injury, is a solid but unspectacular receiver who likely would be earning his paycheck elsewhere in 2008 if the Bolts were to be a ground-oriented offense.

Feb. 22, 2008   

Whitehurst to ascend Chargers' depth chart

The Chargers have a rather pleasant situation on their hands when it comes to their backup quarterback. With Philip Rivers firmly entrenched as the quarterback of the future — even though he’s spending the offseason rehabbing his torn ACL — the Bolts have to decide whether it’s worth it to pony up the cash to No. 2 passer Billy Volek, a free agent. Volek proved a capable passer during a brief stint as the Titans’ triggerman, and he was instrumental in rallying the Chargers to an improbable triumph over the Colts last postseason when Rivers was sidelined. The word we’re hearing is that San Diego is leaning toward not re-signing Volek, but not because they don’t see his value. Rather, they believe they have the makings of a budding star in third-year pro Charlie Whitehurst. Although he has yet to throw an NFL pass, the former Clemson star has a strong arm and prototypical body at 6-4, 227 pounds, and he could possibly represent a prime piece of trade bait in the future.

Feb. 15, 2008   

Neal expected to bolt from San Diego

Word out of San Diego is that after five standout seasons, FB Lorenzo Neal is finished as a Charger. A veteran of 15 seasons, the 37-year-old Neal experienced four of the best years of his career under former offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, at an age when most players are shepherded into retirement. But Norv Turner's arrival in San Diego last offseason signaled the beginning of the end for Neal. The offense Turner instituted called for less involvement from the fullbacks, a league-wide trend, but one in which Neal was uncomfortable with. Further lessening his value was the emergence of fifth-year pro Andrew Pinnock, who proved down the final stretch of 2007 that he's a suitable option when Turner did call for a fullback. However, Neal is hardly being forced out. Rather, he's itching to re-establish himself as a key cog in an offense, believing that he still has some quality tread left on his tires.

Feb. 1, 2008   

Joiner's experience in system made WR coach Lofton expendable

Turns out the surprise firing of WR coach James Lofton had less to do with his solid work in San Diego and more to do with the Chargers’ opportunity to bring Hall of Fame WR Charlie Joiner home. Joiner not only played in a version of Norv Turner’s offense, he also coached a version of the system with the Chargers from 1987-91 and for the last seven years with the Chiefs before being let go by Herm Edwards. Turner has been a fan of Joiner’s work since the late 1970s, when he was on the receiving end of so many of Dan Fouts’ passes. When Turner was an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams, Ernie Zampese, the team’s offensive coordinator, used video of Joiner and only Joiner to teach the art of route-running. “I think we have a chance for him to bring some new dimensions not only in terms of the players' performance, but in terms of our overall scheme,” Turner said upon the hiring. “(He's) another guy who's got a real strong background in this system.” Joiner will work with a WR corps that stepped up big in the Chargers' postseason run and features plenty of athelticism with Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson and Buster Davis.