National Fanatic

2/11/14 – by James Fedewa @jamfed

Based on 2014 Chargers TEAM NEEDS, there are many holes on San Diego’s roster. Drafting a roster by TEAM NEEDS is a whole different team building philosophy versus drafting the Best Player Available (BPA). Typically, 1^st round draft picks are selected primarily with the best player available method, but when San Diego drafted DJ Fluker in the 1^st round in 2013, that selection was clearly a TEAM NEED selection, not BPA. Most NFL Mock Drafts are based solely on TEAM NEED, not best player. Fluker played better than the 5 other offensive linemen selected before him, so maybe he was drafted as BPA.

The Chargers offensive line was, and has been, a weakness in years past, but the 2013 Chargers offensive line played very well together, considering a rash of injuries and positional switching. And when I mean GOOD, I mean better than the 2012 o-line, so “average” seems good. San Diego saw four different left tackles last year (King Dunlop, Mike Harris, DJ Fluker & a moment of Mike Remmers), all in the shadows of former Chargers left tackles Jared Gaither / Marcus McNeil (all gone with injures, leaving HOLES on the O-Line).

Chargers 1st Round (MOCK DRAFT)

Antonio Richardson, LT, Tennessee: San Diego need offensive line help, and needs it now. This team runs through Phillip Rivers and if Rivers is properly protected, then the Charger can win any given Sunday. Adding a top-tier huge left tackle in the draft is the least expensive left tackle option for the Chargers, who are a little tight on with the salary cap. Richardson is a mammoth of a man with surprising dexterity, and can shore up the left tackle spot for the next decade. Current left tackle King Dunlop did very well in 2013, but Dunlop and backup Mike Harris are injury liabilities. DJ Fluker played well filling in at left tackle for a few games (as the 4^th string left tackle option) but talent, youth and depth needs to be addressed on the offensive line immediately. (other possible 1^st round options: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan / Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama / Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame / Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State)

Chargers 2nd Round

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: The Chargers secondary is probably the team’s largest weakness. Fuller has great size and aggressiveness to shine in the Pagano zone defense. He also has the ability to be a very good press-corner. Fuller is an aggressive tackler and likes to hit people, but he does tend to be a “free spirit” and can be found out of position “free lancing.” Fuller could be a 1^st round selection, but with his recent injury and not playing in the Senior Bowl, he could slide to the Chargers in the 2^nd round. Chargers free agent addition CB Derek Cox flopped in his inaugural season with San Diego. Cox has one more year to prove to see playing time, but he is already on a short leash. Kyle Fuller could possibly start at CB in San Diego. (other possible 2^nd round options: Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn / Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas / Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska)

Chargers 3rd Round

Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State: Continuing improving the Chargers Secondary, a rangy and savvy strong safety should be included. Brooks does not have the prototypical size of BIG strong safety, but his aggressive ability could be a prefect compliment to Eric Weddle at free safety. With Eric Weddle’s ability to freelance and seek interceptions, a quicker/more diverse strong safety is needed, as Brooks looks like a nice combination of a SS and FS. Marcus Gilchrist was decent at times, but he was the weakest link to a week secondary. Gilchrist will be improved in 2014, since he was play a brand new SS position, but he should be moved to corner/nickel. Youngster Brandon Taylor cannot seem to find the field because of injuries and Jahleel Addae might be the starter next season. Brooks could take Darrell Stucky’s roster spot, as special team’s captain Stucky will probably be leaving free agency. (other possible 3^rd round options: Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina / Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State)

4th Round

Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech: Outside Linebacker and pass rush is probably more of a concern in San Diego than drafting one in the 4^th round, but finding an immediate OLB rookie starter is rare. Georgia Tech does operate a 3-4 defense, so he not a DE to OLB convert. Attaochu can be a potential 2nd or 3rd round pick, but most of his BIG stats came within the last two or three games of this last season. He can develop as a solid pass rusher and is very versital with good speed, but overall he is a 4th round project. Attaochu will only be needed in sub packages in his rookie campaign, as Melvin Ingram, Dwight Freeney, Jarret Johnson will be relied on the main guys next season. Promising youngsters Thomas Keiser and Tourek Williams will look to improve this offseason too. (other possible 4^th round options: Daniel McCullers, NT, Tennessee / Josh Huff, WR, Oregon)

5th Round: Justin Ellis, NT, Louisiana Tech

6th Round: Devon Kennard, LB, USC

7th Round: Tyler Gaffney, RB, Stanford

***I am a NFL Draftnik. I love the NFL Draft and I love the grading and the mock-drafting process. Maybe because there is not any football to watch at the moment (this time of year), or maybe because I was a San Diego Chargers fan of the 90’s (who always seemed to have a very early draft pick). Never the less, the football season is over (for now) so fans can presume who their next superstar will be in the league. This is where true team building begins.

2/2/2014 – By James Fedewa

The biggest professional game of the year starts today, and I do live in Seattle, so I better write about this matchup. To witness a city with their prized football team in the Super Bowl is something special to be seen. EVERYONE has Seahawks gear on, from silly Seahawks trucker hats, old-school satin puff jackets, to bootlegged NFC Championship T-Shirts sold on every corner within a 100 mile radius of the city… this town is bleeding blue and green.

The lead and the topic: Payton Manning and the Denver Broncos vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Manning is the new face of the Broncos franchise, in his second season in Denver, and really is the MVP of the league. Manning has been amazing, and the Broncos are built around their quarterback, and without Manning, Denver is a 100% average team. Sure, they have a lot of “talent” in some areas, and their wide receivers do play well, but without the main Manning cog, this team is shallow and cannot survive without their precious QB. They just have too many holes in their offensive line (who has been playing well since LT Ryan Clady’s injury) but their secondary and outside pass rush is a mystery.

Seattle has a great overall TEAM, with some (to little) weaknesses. A young, short, yet efficient and charismatic second year quarterback leads the Seahawks offence, with Russell Wilson. And a very powerful and intimidating rusher (powered by Skittles, errr power pills) has been the featured weapon all year long, with Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks prize offseason acquisition, wide receiver Percy Harvin can showcase his talents, but this will be only his third game/appearance of the year. He can be major a factor in special teams. Wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate are not the big name wide-outs you’d expect a Super Bowl team to showcase at their position, but they do play with amazing heart, confidence and bravery.

If Lynch can carry the load, keeping Manning off the field and Russell Wilson gets off to a good start, Seattle should dominate this game. The Seahawks fearsome pass rush will punish Manning. Manning will be forced to throw short quick passes to his talent wide receivers, but Seattle’s secondary can tackle well, shortening Denver’s YAC (yards after the catch).

Denver’s defense comes and goes, and their passing offense has been amazing all year, but I feel with this game Denver will not match up well will with the Seahawks

Predictions:

Seattle: 45

Denver: 27

* This game will be a blowout, with some big Manning stats garbage time in the end of the game.

Manning will throw 3 interceptions (two from tips, one a pick 6 by SS Kam Chancellor)

Russell Wilson will throw 2 TD passes, but have less than 200 yards passing

MVP: Marshawn Lynch with 205 rushing yards, 2 TD’s

12/30/2013 by James Fedewa

Nine days ago, the San Diego Chargers had a 1.6% chance of making the playoffs, and they made it in, with a four game winning streak. Salute to chance, a toast for fortune, fate with a flip of the coin, with botched calls by NFL referees, missed chip-shot field goals, unreviewable fakes and 4^th down gambles. Plus, thank the Ravens loss (x2), the Dolphins loss (x2) and overall The San Diego Chargers! Credit the football GODS that granted San Diego’s entry to the post season, which seems like an eternity ago since they were last in it, considering it used to be such a regular thing…

San Diego faces an extremely tough football team this Sunday in the Cincinnati Bengals and it’s up to Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews to find a simple weakness and exploit this fierce Bengal defense. Powered by a powerful defensive line, savvy secondary and sound linebacker corps that play with a ‘chip on their shoulder’, the Bengals defense is top notch and one of the best and most intimidating in the league (even with their best player Geno Atkins out with injury). If O-tackles King Dunlop and DJ Fluker can protect Rivers, a short yard passing strike may be the best way to attack Cincinnati. Quick strikes to Woodhead and Gates can be the 1-2 punch for this game plan, with some intermediate passes to Green and Allen. But if it’s cold and wet, San Diego is going to lean heavy on Ryan Mathews rushing, as he’s having a career year and a primetime player on this team. Bold Prediction: WR Vincent Brown sneaks under the radar and has a huge game.

The Bengals offense is a little bipolar, as they can dominate one game or toss multiple interceptions the next. What makes this unit flourish is their youth. Their top offensive playmakers are all under 26 years old (Dalton 26, Green 25, Bernard 22). And with youth comes inexperience, and with inexperience, comes errors. Overall, Cincinnati will be an very difficult challenge for the Bolts. If San Diego can stir up continuous pressure on Andy Dalton, with some tropical and unique pass rushing (just to cause a little tiny bit of confusion) the Chargers defense may have a chance. Look for D-Ends Kendal Reyes and Corey Luiget to have explosive games, and with OLB Melvin Ingram playing more (and angry) to provide a spark for this defensive pass rushing unit. If Gilchrist (or Addae) can have a decent/sold game, then Eric Weddle can freelance more and create unpredicted turnovers. Bold Prediction: CB Shareece Wright stays glued to AJ Green all game long and gets a big interception.

And with one of the largest factors in this game, San Diego is playing on the road in cold WET Cincinnati. It will be a very difficult task to find a win, but Chargers fans are optimistic and are staying positive. The Chargers haven’t had a chance all season long (within the national media), but somehow a 9-7 team, and the third AFC West team, squeaked into the playoffs with the “One game at a time, one play at a time” mentality. There might be a better than 1.6% for San Diego to win this game in Cincinnati (than for them getting into the playoffs).

If they can play like they can play, a victory should not be so farfetched.

11/19/13 – by James Fedewa

The San Diego Chargers lose to the Miami Dolphins this week in a game that went to the last play of the game, again. This put San Diego in a three game losing streak (all close games); losing to the Redskins by 6 points, Broncos by 8 points and now the Dolphins by 4 points. Each game has gone to the wire, to the last minute and to the last play. San Diego failed again to score the points at the end of the game.

Chargers fans would expect a better record and better performance, but with the third year in a row, the Chargers offensive line has been annihilated with injuries. Shuffling healthy bodies around the O-line seems to be the blocking norm over the last few years. The Chargers offensive line is like a Texas Holdem card game; The flop (Jeromey Clary & DJ Fluker getting shuffled around); the TURN (New Guys filling in the holes); and the shuffling all these linemen around effects: The RIVERS (and the passing game).

Chargers starting O-line have been a revolving door for the last few years, and this year is no different. How quarterback Phillip Rivers remains in one-piece is a miracle. With these massive O-line injuries, Chargers fans should be grateful for already possessing 4 wins out of 10 games. This unit is relying solely on scheme and play calling, which is fundamentally a cornerstone, but the offensive line needs a shimmer of luck with some timely healing.

Left Tackle King Dunlap was out again with a neck injury this week, and was swapped by right tackle DJ Fluker, who played admirably with the emergency fill-in role, again. Right Guard Jeromey Clary slid over to take back his old right tackle position and did a decent job. In fact, keeping Clary on the roster this year has been a nice surprise, as he can play multiple positions (even if at average).

On the bright side, San Diego’s rookie offensive tackle DJ Fluker is improving greatly every week, but still has his rookie moments and blocking mistakes. Yet Fluker could be arguably the best O-linemen on the team. He is clearly not a left tackle, but he should be a Chargers force on the right side for the next decade. Looking back at the draft, San Diego made the correct decision by selecting the Missing-Link Tackle.

San Diego did play well at times, but only managed to score two field goals in the second half (and one touchdown for the game). San Diego has always been considered a “second half team” (within games and seasons), yet over the last three games, old Chargers fads and habits have failed.

San Diego has the tools and the weapons to be a high powered offense, but take away a quarterbacks protection and offensive line, no team will score points. The San Diego Chargers have not folded yet. 6 loses does not eliminate them from the playoffs and the fans are still All-In.

11/2/13 – by James Fedewa

The Chargers travel to Washington DC this week with an early AM battle against the Redskins. San Diego is coming off a bye week, so the media attention has been a little quite this week. Whereas the Redskins primary media topic this week seems to be more about their politically incorrect teams name vs. their actual poor play (and their 2-5 record). Imagine the Redskins changing their name to the “Bravehearts” and visualize the cute logos that come with a name that has a HEART in it…

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is gradually improving every week since last season’s major knee surgery. RGIII’s season stats look good on paper and in the FF box score, but in reality he is not carrying his team like he did last year. Control RGIII, control the game, but the Redskins are a scheme oriented team, with Mike Shanahan’s football methodology. Shanahan relies heavy on a quality mobile quarterback and if RGIII’s mobility is limited (or if he gets knocked down and gets rattled), Griffin can get scared, guard his bad knee and psyche himself out. Shanahan’s other main offensive focus is the zone blocking scheme. Running backs Alfred Morris and Roy Helu will be the other offensive threats.

San Diego needs to stuff the run first with the defensive line and inside linebackers. Expect a big game from Chargers Linebackers Manti Te’o, Jarret Johnson & Reggie Walker in containing the Redskins run game, as Donald Butler will probably sit out this week. If Cam Thomas can contribute well this week, San Diego’s defense will continue to thrive for the 4^th consecutive weeks. The Chargers D needs to apply pass rush on RGIII, so Corey Luiget, Kendell Reyes and Larry English need to bring the pressure. Look for OLB Thomas Keiser to surprise the Redskins QB a few times.

The Chargers offense has been the biggest surprise of the NFL this year. SD is back to their normal offensive standards: scoring a lot of points and controlling the clock. Ryan Matthews could have his 3^rd consecutive 100 yard game, and Phillip Rivers will carry the offense as usual. TE Antonio Gates will be Rivers primary target, so expect a huge game from Gates. Gates will be on the lookout for headhunter safety Brandon Meriwether. With Gates in longer passing routes, Gates can take Meriwether out of the game and capitalize on Meriwether’s over-aggressiveness. A fun rookie matchup to watch this week will be SD’s wide receiver Keneen Allen vs. Redskins cornerback David Amerson (both from the same hometown in NC, similar sizes and childhood friends). If Amerson starts and mirrors Allen this week, then the Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall will be on Vincent Brown, which might be a quite matchup. Plus the OT Fluker + Dunlap vs. OLB Orakpo + Kerrigan could actually favor San Diego (but will be a tough task).

). The Chargers defense has not allowed a touchdown in the last 11 consecutive quarters, and it could continue. Prediction: San Diego, 27 – 19

10/22/13 – by James Fedewa

After watching the Chargers beat the Colt in week 6, followed by the Chargers beating the Jaguars in week 7, San Diego’s defense has shown life (in back to back weeks). Stopping oppositions third down conversions has been rare (in the last 21 games), but defensive coordinator John Pagano has finally adapted his defensive pay calling in the last two weeks.

Quarterback Phillip Rivers is currently a midseason MVP candidate, but finally, defensive coordinator John Pagano has been helping him stay on the field and use up clock.

10/14/13 – by James Fedewa

Every Charger game, I find myself sitting on my couch, relaxing and watching the Chargers offense. I feel fairly confident in the San Diego offense with Rivers at the helm, tossing the ball to Gates and the new wide receivers, with Whisenhunt calling the plays and McCoy running the team. These guys get it and they are fun to watch. Plus, I have a comfortable couch that lets me unwind and enjoy some Chargers football score some points while drinking local ale. But on defense, I’m standing on the coffee table screaming at the TV with rising blood pressure and grinding teeth. The Chargers defense has me angered, impatient and fierce…

Sure, if it’s 3^rd or 4^th and goal (on the 1) and Danny Woodhead is in the backfield; that makes me a little sour. Or if the only hand offs I witness are shotgun draw plays (and I wonder how much “different” some of these lame offensive play calls are, mimicking last year). Or if another Chargers offensive linemen gets hurt again, I might second guess a third straight year of injury despair. But, the offense still feels better (than last season), so my worries are gentle and mild.

But this Chargers defense has a different feeling for me. It’s the evil twin of this team. The bad Gemini of this team has been very disappointing so far, when I expecting this young crew be a lot better than they are. San Diego needs some sort of defensive identity or a face. At one point, I thought backup Jarius Wynn was the best defensive linemen on the team, only to watch him get release last week. Luiget and Reyes are silent and Cam Thomas is virtually non-existent since after week one.

The Chargers linebackers have been playing below average, with no significant player. This is Donald Butlers “contract year” who has been under preforming and Manti Te’o is an intimidated ghost. Freeny: now GONE for the year with an injury. I’ve recognized Jarret Johnson’s play and he’s been doing well, but not pro-bowl worthy, when SD needs one MEAN guy.

San Diego’s secondary is has the talent, but I haven’t witnessed it on Sundays. Weddle has done well, but nothing noteworthy. Weddle does make plays though and is the only bright spot in the secondary, but this squad doesn’t have a single interception amongst them. What is missing, a TRUE strong safety and Brandon Taylor needs to play now. If Taylor can get healthy now, he might be that spark the defense needs. Gilchrest has had a few moments, but I rarely see him involved or have a nose for the ball. He’s a corner back, or a nickel.

What I’d like to see San Diego’s defense do next: One person, one player from each level to step up. One Defensive lineman, one linebacker and one man from the secondary to step up, all at the same time for the balance of the season: a Pass Rusher, a Run Stuffer, a Coverage Guy

Who I’m looking for the rest of the season? Three Pro Bowlers at three defensive levels.

• Corey Luiget to turn into JJ Watt (or Richard Seymour)
  
• Donald Butler to turn into NaVorro Bowman
  
• Derek Cox to turn into Antonio Cromartie
  

Who I’m looking for to improve:

• Kendall Reyes as an inside pass rusher
  
• Larry English as an outside pass rusher
  
• Brandon Taylor to be an big-hitting strong safety
  
• Manti Te’o as the ball-hawk
  

These 7 guys noted, can do it, have the tools to do it, and need to pull it together to get it done, now…

9/12/13 – by James Fedewa

First and foremost, the majority of Chargers fans like and prefer Phillip Rivers. He’s a spiritual, passionate guy, great leader and current Mr. San Diego icon, but if he continues to struggle to win games, his days in San Diego will be limited.

It has been said that GM Tom Telesco and Head Coach Mike McCoy came to San Diego partially because of the presence of Phillip Rivers as the starting quarterback. Rivers is should be a quality player and could be behind the proper offensive line, but after last weeks up & down performance against Houston, questions are swirling. 4 Touchdowns is amazing, followed by an interception TD and loss nullifies stats.

Telesco and McCoy probably already have several QB scenarios prepared for 2014, as good management has an option for every situation.  If Rivers is no longer the Chargers quarterback in 2014 (via trade, never release), who would Chargers fans expect to take his starting quarterback role in San Diego?

Mobile rookie quarterbacks are also options, and can guarantee and extended stay for a head coach. Mobile, pistol, read-option, dual-threat quarterbacks are very popular at the moment since Robert Griffin III, Kaepernick and Russell Wilson entered the NFL, following the footsteps of Michael Vick. Several options can be made, but would they still be an upgrade over Phillip Rivers?

If Phillip Rivers is not in San Diego next season, who will be the Chargers starting quarterback in 2014 (rookie vs. veteran)?

*2014 PROJECTED ROOKIE

9/7/13 – by James Fedewa

Week one begins on Monday night in San Diego for the Chargers and Texans. Houston’s defense will not be operating at full strength. Starting Texans outside linebacker Antonio Smith will be suspended this week, and OLB’s Brooks Reed (knee) and Whitney Mercilus (hamstring) & Sam Montgomery (achillies) are not 100% either. Free agent safety Ed Reed has had very limited practiced since becoming a Texan and linebacker Brian Cushing has had some minor knee issues.

San Diego’s will have a new offense and will focus on rushing the ball with an up-tempo quick-strike passing game. Chargers Phillip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Ryan Matthews will be the focal points this week. Rivers will look to reload his career with his new offense and a new offensive line. Matthews is ready to become a premier NFL running back this season, if he can stay health and secure the football.

Matchup of the Night: Left Defensive End JJ Watt vs. Right Guard Jeromey Clary. Watt is the focal point of the Texans 3-4 defense, who will be directly matched up against Clary. Oddly enough, Clary should do well against Watt, as Clary has primarily been a right tackle in his career handling quicker & lighter pass rushers. Watt is an athletic and powerful enough to take on any premier offensive guard in the league and Clary will have a busy day, but we should see Clary fit in well at his new position and inside pass protection. San Diego will look to run the ball directly at Watt, and San Diego rookie Right Tackle DJ Fluker will assist Clary to pave the way for San Diego’s rushers.

Chargers Defensive linemen Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes and Cam Thomas are young, big, fast and athletic front three with immense talent. Look for this threesome to give Houston’s offensive line very busy night. Include linebackers Dwight Freeney’s pass rushing, Jarret Johnson run stuffing prowess, and Donald Butlers ball hawking ability this Chargers front can be something special. Rookie linebacker Manti Te’o has missed significant time with a foot injury and may not play. San Diego’s secondary is led by safety Eric Weddle, and with new cornerback Derek Cox will be an upgrade from last season.

Texans running back, Arian Foster, has not played a snap in the preseason, limited practice and is coming off a calf injury. First round rookie wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins is coming off a concussion. QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels will look to carry the Texans offense.

Houston is an NFL playoff team, but injuries in week one will only hurt their chances in winning San Diego. Can the Texans depth beat the Chargers starters…

Prediction: Chargers 34, Texans 10 (Ryan Matthews two rushing TD’s, Rivers two Passing TD’s)

8/30/13 – by James Fedewa

With the end of the 2013 preseason, final cuts begin. At this moment, speculation stirs about WHO and WHO DIDN’T GET CUT… Generally, the idea of dropping players who did not prove themselves well is the first step, followed by salary cap cutbacks. Head Coach Mike McCoy claims he pretty much knows what the team will look like, but GM Tom Telesco might have a few surprises up his sleeve. Every NFL team is cutting a lot of talented players to trim their rosters, and this is where the diamonds show up (like the Wes Welker’s & the Norman Hand’s of Chargers past).

Guessing who is on the chopping-block is what fans like to do, plus fans like to play cap-ologist and like to figure out who is worthy of their salary and who’s not. Lets visit the cap-ologist part:

Eddie Royal: did he secure his job? He did not live up to his contract last season as he was plagued by injuries. McCoy does have history with Royal while in Denver, but with the promising play of undersized TE Ladarius Green, he might be the mismatch slot wide receiver San Diego is looking for. Can Green handle backup tight end duty and backup slot duty too? Perhaps, but either way, he needs to be on the field more (as Green’s preseason has looked very good, as a pass catcher). I’d suggest making Keneen Allen starting slot receiver, with Green 2^nd inline.

Did WR Robert Meachem open eyes in his second preseason in San Diego with his large salary? No, but he did not play poorly either. Meachem 2013 salary is guaranteed, weather if he is on the team, or not. Telesco should keep Meachem over Royal (and Vincent Brown could be better than both of them). Call losing WR Denario Alexander for the season an assist for Meachem’s holiday stint in San Diego. It’s up to Rivers to grant him the trust he lost last season after the Cleveland game, and Meachem will need to rebuild his confidence quickly. He’s a profession and I expect him to be the “Eric Decker” of San Diego’s new offense.

Can Jeromy Clary justify his salary as a Charger? Probably not… He looks very standard as an interior o-lineman, but San Diego does need him (but only at a reduced price). McCoy and Telesco invested in Clary’s new position with reps at right guard this preseason. Now Clary must return the favor (as in pay cut, or get cut). If Clary is cut (or injured), there is not much quality depth behind him. Most likely, Clary’s salary stays…

At the end of the day (or preseason); Royal, Meachem & Clary may all stay in San Diego, but keeping all three may prevent the Chargers in signing other talented cap casualties.