National Fanatic

8/27/13 – By James Fedewa

Arizona Cardinals Cornerback Patrick Peterson might be the next Deion Sanders: A gifted cornerback with special playmaking ability. Like Deion, Peterson is primarily a defensive cornerback and a dynamic punt returner. Now Peterson is trying to enter the offensive role for the Arizona Cardinals, like Deion. With two noticeable appearances by Peterson, the San Diego Chargers gave him plenty extra hits to reconsider becoming a two-way player.

Saturday 8/24/13 Preseason Matchup: Chargers vs. Cardinals:

Patrick Peterson on offensive (shotgun delay handoff sweep right): After Carson Palmer hands the ball off to a sweeping Peterson (lined up wide left); Larry English gives Peterson a violent hit, with an awkward twist landing on the sidelines. Peterson was looking for the cut and crease to get up field and never found it. He was jogged wide and tossed, making Peterson look very average and standard. Great hit, Larry English

Phillip Rivers Interception: Blitzing Tyron Mathieu gets a hand on Rivers pass; ball is tipped short, intercepted by Jasper Brinkley, who then pitches the ball back to the trailing Peterson. Following the pitch to Peterson, D.J. Fluker pummels Brinkley, hammering him back into Peterson and then out of bounds. Fluker kills two small birds with one punishing stone with one terrific tackle. Great Hit D.J. Fluker

Peterson lacks the high-end speed of Deon Sanders, but he make up for it in size and toughness (and toughness wear downs). Extra offensive snaps, means more hits on their young star. If Arizona plans on keeping Peterson healthy for the season, they may need to reconsider who is a distraction, a dynamic playmaker, or a decoy (for both teams). Distractions can cause “pitch-happy” minor league football gag plays vs. unfocused professional football. Patrick Peterson was not a secret weapon against the Chargers, and Bruce Arians executed Petersons extra plays poorly.

(I.e. Chargers Ryan Matthews halfback dive, fumble, “PITCH,” fumble, San Diego touchdown = Nose Tackle Dan Williams leg injury during the “pitch” = distractions, turnover & poor Arizona decisions)

8/3/13 – By James Fedewa

The first Chargers preseason game of the year kicks off on this Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is a Super Bowl favorite this preseason and their roster is extremely loaded and talented, specifically their projected starters (yet two of their stars are out with injuries (Clemens/Harvin). Preseason games are only exhibitions, so the main things to focus on are numerous matchups. What to look forward to:

Most Important, Chargers Tackles vs. Seahawks Defensive Ends:

• LT King Dunlap & Max Starks vs. Cliff Avril & Bruce Irving
• Rookie RT D.J. Fluker & Mike Harris vs. Red Bryant & Michael Bennett

San Diego will debut three new tackles and they will have their hands full with Seattle’s one-on-one matchups. You could not find a group of (wide-nine) defensive ends and pass rushers in the league better than the Seahawks (and Chris Clemens is not even activated). Newbies Dunlap, Starks and Fluker will be eager to show-off and perform well on their new teams. Will quarterback Phillip Rivers survive the first preseason game with three new O-Tackles protecting him? Challenge Accepted…

Next set of notable matchups, in order of importance:

• ROLB Dwight Freeney vs. LT Russell Okung (will Freeney play?)
• CB Shareece Wright vs. WR Golden Tate (two fast guys, should be fun to watch)
• NT Cam Thomas vs. C Max Unger
• RDE Kendal Reyes vs. LG James Carpenter (great match up, looks very even)
• SS Marcus Gilchrist vs. TE Zach Miller (smaller SS vs. a big TE)
• TE Antonio Gates vs. SS Kam Chancellor (Chancellor is a BIG hitter, but Gates will own him)
• CB Derek Cox vs. WR Sidney Rice (SD’s new #1CB takes on Seattle’s #1 WR, Percy Harvin OUT)
• Slot WR Eddie Royal vs. Nickel CB Antoine Winfield (Royal will have his catches, but no YAC w/ Winfield)
• WR Malcolm Floyd vs. CB Brandon Browner (two bigs, slight advantage M80)
• DE Corey Liuget vs. OG Paul McQuistan (Liuget should excel)
• WR Denario Alexander vs. CB Richard Sherman (Sherman is great, but DX is pretty good)
• RB Ryan Matthews & FB LeRon McClain vs. MLB Bobby Wagner & SOLB K.J. Wright (this should be the focus of the game, advantage San Diego)
• ILB’s Manti Te’o & Donald Butler vs. RB Marshawn Lynch and FB Michael Robinson (Lynch not expected to play, advantage SD, should be fun to watch a Te’o and Butler tandem)

Free Safeties Eric Weddle & Earl Thomas are both the freelancing ball-hawks on each team. Both will support each defense respectably, accordingly and matchups vary.

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson is a wildcard the Seahawks have in their back pocket. He can run, he can pass he can do everything. He’s the Seattle feature player, as is Phillip Rivers (minus the running). Rivers will showoff his new quick-strike offence, which will make his o-line love him even more. His quick release doubled up with a short pass offense will make his numbers look outstanding.

7/27/2013

By James Fedewa

Every successful NFL organization builds though the draft. A good draft can equate to good team (usually and generally, and on paper). Grading talented prospects and building through an NFL Draft are the building blocks, but in reality, health builds the foundation of a successful NFL organization (health and a major chunk of luck). Just like with parenthood, being present is 90% of the game, and if big and ridiculous injuries remove players from the football field, then health is vital for all NFL teams.

Three of San Diego’s young defensive prospects have suffered ACL knee injuries that can effect this 2013 season:

• 2012 Third round draft pick, Strong Safety, Brandon Taylor (end 2012; ACL injury)
• 2012 First round draft pick, outside linebacker, Melvin Ingram (OTA 2013; ACL injury)
• 2011 second round draft pick, inside linebacker, Jonas Mouton (Training Camp 2013; injury)

ACL knee injuries can take 7 to 12 months of recovery and rehabilitation before an effective return. In the past, ACL injuries required one full year of mending, but with new and alternative medical advancements, healing times are becoming quicker for young professional athletes. In a sport that there are only 16 regular season games, one injury can potentially effect two seasons.

Safety, Brandon Taylor suffered his knee injury in week 16 last season (in his first NFL start), seven months ago. Backup cornerback Marcus Gilchrist has taken his spot for the moment, but he has no NFL experience at the position. Veteran Darrell Stuckey should be the leading candidate to start the season, but Taylor still might be the opening day starter, as he is progressing well.

Although pass-rusher Melvin Ingram’s injury happened two months ago during organized team activities, there are talks that he may return by the end of the season. Only if the Chargers find a way to the playoffs, Ingram should rest and reset till next season.

Jonas Mouton is the latest to be added to the Chargers ACL list and is very disappointing misfortune for the young athlete. Mouton season is over after the first day of training camp and is young with a chip on his shoulder. Chargers fans have yet to see much of Mouton yet, as this will be Mouton’s third season, all littered with injuries.

Grading draft picks versus draft busts are very subjective and slanted, but injuries are not. Injuries are a part of the game and depth is the basic fundamental of the whole NFL system. Everyone gets injured and injuries should not designate boom or bust players. All NFL players must play injured, but luck in keeping that player playing and on the field can help you win or lose championships.

The Chargers have been plagued by injures over the last three seasons; and since bad things happen in THREE’s, and ACL injuries are bad, hopefully the Chargers have seen the last of these misfortunate and cruel (knee) twists.

Sep 11, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of the playing of the national anthem with a United States flag on the field in observance of the 10th anniversary of 9-11 before the NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

By James Fedewa

It’s the time of the season where there really is not much to report, read or comment on in the NFL world.  NFL fans are still checking on their Twitter feeds and reading anything that seems to be related and relevant to football, but it is all stagnate.   The only things that are news worthy is the Aaron Hernandez shooting(s), but that is not football, that is thug life (which is boring – and a little too popular in the NFL). If we really wanted to know about some thugs shooting each other in the face, we would pull out our PlayStation’s, Nintendo’s and X-Box’s.  Oh, the Chargers changed their jerseys and socks a little. GREAT! NEWS WORTHY! (However, I do love the new changes, but I’m not going to write an article about a shirt, or a $250 shirt).

 So, maybe I’ll write about me and try something first person:    I don’t live in San Diego, I have lived in Seattle (for the last five years). But prior, I lived at the beaches of San Diego for four years in ’92 to ’96, moved away for college until 2000, then back to San Diego for 8 years.   Altogether, I’ve lived in SD for about twelve years, with my first taste of American’s Finest City at 20 years old.  I still have my (619) cell phone number, and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it.   I always feel like I’ll be back. 

Seattle is a great city/area and the people here are wonderful. Everyone seems to know everyone, and it’s full of families. I lived in OB/PB for 12 years, and I saw kids rarely. Yesterday, there were 15 kids in my cul de sac playing baseball, riding bikes and throwing water balloons. It’s thick, green and smells amazingly clean and refreshing, but San Diego will always be my favorite place.  The city has everything I love in a town, including the San Diego Chargers (and Padres). I’m a die-hard fan of both, but 7 weeks after moving from San Diego to Seattle, my wife got pregnant with our first child (almost 4.5 years ago).   At the same time the economy flipped and I owe more on my house than what it’s worth… So I’ll be in Seattle a little longer than expected. Which is just fine if you have two young kiddos…

My wife is a Broncos fan (uggg), I’m a Chargers fan, but we live in Seattle. So we decided to make them support their local team, and they’ll root for the Seahawks (but still own Chargers gear).

So what’s the next news worthy Chargers report?  Umm…not sure. Maybe a trade, or two?  Yeah right… I wish. The days of valuable trades are a thing of the past, but there could be some slight moves.  The defensive line seems a little thin, and the wide receivers seem a little thick.  What could GM Tom Telesco do about thinning out one area and thickening up another?

By James Fedewa

Once upon a time, in a city in southern California lived a fullback. He was a big, mean & stout fullback that really liked to block defenders and crush opponents. He blocked for halfbacks, he chipped for quarterbacks, he protected for screen passes and he even drifted out as a receiver on the occasional bubble screen. His sole role was to do the dirty work for the offense and help his team perform better as a unit. He never thought about himself, stats, rushes, touchdowns or personal accolades.  He just blocked with fearless abandonment, throwing himself into the line of scrimmage without fear. He is a paver and his offensive line was the road-graders. A battering ram…

 When the San Diego Chargers signed fullback Le’Ron McClain in 2012, most of the fantasy football world recognized that pairing up the two-time pro bowl fullback McClain with running back Ryan Matthews could be a very potent and dynamic duo.  McClain was the top rated free agent at his position last season, which made Ryan Matthews a projected number one overall fantasy football draft pick. “The next Adrian Peterson,” was the talk…  The 6 foot, 260 lbs. fullback, McClain is built like a projectile fire-hydrant that is practically a third offensive guard. A good fullback is a textbook feature that was underutilized on a weak and damaged 2012 Chargers offensive line (just as Lorenzo Neal did in LaDanian Tomlinson’s prime).

Unfortunately, Norv Turner barely used a fullback in 2012. Turner would pull McClain for multiple tight end sets and three receiver sets.  If Eddie Royal or Michael Spurlock were in the slot, McClain was out. If tight ends Dante Rosario or Randy McMichael were in (with Antonio Gates), McClain was out. McClain was barely used at all and Ryan Matthews was barely even featured as a primary weapon. Instead, Turner kept throwing the ball, in college shotgun formations, behind one of the weakest, injured and patchwork offensive lines in professional football. Yet, Turner still abandoned the run and play-action passing in 2012 focusing primarily on passing, as Turner had one of his worst play-calling and substitution seasons in his career.  San Diego did have a lot of depth and talent at tight end and wide receiver, but with the lacked depth, cohesiveness and talent on the offensive line applied more pressure on O-Linemen and quarterback Phillip Rivers, as Turner insisted on throwing the ball more (when they should have been running and max-protecting more).

The best way to help a porous offensive line is with a blocking tight end plus a blocking fullback. Le’Ron McClain (half of that equation) is a complete player, not focusing on only one aspect of his position, but all three requirements (blocking, with slight rushing and receiving).  Antonio Gates does not block as he should only be seen as a big (amazing) #1 receiver (subtracting from the equation).  2013 will refocus on the Chargers strengths and personnel, including the fundamentals of blocking for your superstar quarterback and obviously most talented player maker, Ryan Matthews. Baring health and injuries, the Chargers will be improved (and set on the right path) with new and proper management and coaching staff focusing on their current talent in 2013.

If La’Ron McClain is to be used more in 2013 to help the offensive line and running game, expect some positional cuts or possible trades at wide receiver for the Chargers. There are too many starting caliber receivers on the Chargers, and not enough starting positions…

By James Fedewa

Paying an established NFL quarterback $15 to $20 million per year is pretty much a franchise standard, for a good quarterback. Quarterbacks are the common “Face of the Franchise” and leader of a team, as it’s the NFL’s most recognized and glorified position in the NFL. So if your team has that “special” quarterback, you are lucky to have him, after all the NFL is allegedly a passing league, so it all starts with the guy that handles and distributes the ball the most. Quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, Payton Manning and Joe Flacco are making $19 to $22 million per season in 2013, as good quarterbacks demand big bucks. But so much money invested in one player, in the ultimate team sport (the NFL), can also damage that team taking too much money away from other key positional team needs. Salary balance is the key to an NFL franchise. The money it takes to pay the superstar quarterback can nearly cripple a team with multiple needs, as only four teams that have the twelve highest paid quarterbacks even made it to the 2012 playoffs (P.Manning, Ryan, Flacco, Brady): one third (33.3%)

Since the latest NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (in 2011), rookie draft picks have taken major salary reductions (specifically first round draft picks). These new mutual salary arrangements (within the NLF players association and NFL owners) help remove giant salaries (and possibly dead money) from potential cut draft-busts. This allocation or shift of money from enormous rookie contracts was intended to help reward veteran players with those saved dollars, and pay the veteran, not cripple NFL franchises from bad rookie draftees that were earning too much money, only because salary was made by where they were drafted. The NFL has basically spread their salary cap and wealth around more evenly, in hopes of teams investing on proven players rather than rookie first round players. Before rookies were granted massive “lottery” type of rewards for a player that has never yet to play in the NFL (like Sam Bradford’s 8 year, $80 million contracts, with $40 million guaranteed or Jamarcus Russell’s 6 year $68 million contract, $32 million guarantee). Russell played 3 years in the league, and has been also out of the league for the last 3 years. Bradford has played three years, but has yet to play for a winning team (15-26-1). Both were massive contracts for rookies that may or may have not actually earned it, but were drafted to big money.

With the new rookie salary cap rules, NFL teams can spend a lot less on drafted player prospects. Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Cam Newton are both were granted four year $22 million contracts, with about $15 million guaranteed (nearly half in guaranteed money). Robert Griffin’s contract is similar in value. Russell Wilson’s contract is completely different, as he was drafted in the third round, with a four year $3 million contract. Ryan Tannehill won a four year nearly $13 million dollar contract, still a first round contract. Andy Dalton & Colin Kaepernick were second round draft picks: both are four years $5.2 million contracts, considerably less than seasons past (but still very nice paydays)…

In the 2012 NFL Playoffs, six first and second year starting quarterbacks were starting for their playoff teams (Luck, Griffin, Wilson, Kaepernick, Ponder, Dalton). That’s half of every playoff team had a starting rookie or sophomore quarterback (at the most “premier” and glorified quarterback position). These six quarterbacks were making significantly less salary than the top 12 highest paid quarterbacks). These new rookie contracts actually freed up premier money and salary cap dollars for their team to spend on other key positions.

The two biggest spenders this 2013 off season has been Miami and Seattle, as they have two inexpensive quarterbacks. Miami bought Mike Wallace and several other key players. Seattle purchased Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett to an already loaded team. The 49ers traded Alex Smith, freeing up major salary cap space in favor if their cheaper quarterback Kaepernick, and now can pay their own players to keep them from becoming free agents (like Anthony Davis and trading for A.Bolden. The Bengals are keeping their current players by rewarding me with extensions and the Vikings are stacking talent though the draft with 3 first round draft picks with big trades this offseason.

The teams with the youngest starting franchise quarterbacks (that were in the playoffs in 2012) are the teams making the most of free agency and draft day trades. These teams do not have to pay $15 to $20 million mega contracts to their quarterbacks, as their starting quarterbacks making $2 million, or less in 2012 (yet). Seattle could not have added Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Percy Harvin if they had a $20 million Drew Brees as their quarterback. The Ravens resigned their superstar quarterback, Joe Flacco, and lost several key contributors (but still found a few ways to add some key free agents). Most of all, good cheap quarterbacks are allowing their teams to improve in other areas; through free agency, trades and resigning their own players. The Russell Wilson’s, Andy Dalton’s and Ryan Tannehill’s types are letting their teams get better free agents, keep their own free agents and acquire more overall talent with the money they are not paying them.

The NFL is always evolving: New talent, New Trends, New Gimmicks, New Contracts, New Read-Options, New Collective Bargaining Agreements… Hybrids/Lowbrids… But, in 2013 half of the league might be starting third-year to rookie quarterbacks, and 30% of the league will be starting the mega quarterback (and 20% of the league is in quarterback limbo with shoddy retreads). Young talented cheap quarterbacks look to be this decades new trend, but a mega superstar quarterback has a lot better chance of winning a super bowl (i.e. Brady, Roethlisberger, Manning’s, Brees, Rodgers, Flacco, etc.)

And in comes San Diego… Where will Phillip Rivers take the team in 2013 and what is the Chargers backup plan in 2014? Chargers only have three options after this season at quarterback: Rivers, Rookie, Retread, Superstar Free Agent… The Chargers 2013 NFL Draft has a lot of faith in Rivers by not selecting a project/practice squad quarterback until the 7^th round.

By James Fedewa

San Diego solidified their offensive line by signing another left tackle, 31 year old Max Starks. Starks was drafted in the 3^rd round, played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the last 9 years and is a nice upgrade. The Charges other new left tackle, 27 year old King Dunlap, who played in Philadelphia the last 5 seasons. Thank you Pennsylvania.  Both Starks and Dunlap are not pro-bowlers, nor all-pro caliber left tackles, but both are above average professionals and will be a huge upgrade over last seasons Harris, Haslem and Gaither revolving left-tackle door.

Starks (6′-8″ 345 lbs.) and Dunlap (6′-9″ 330 lbs.) are massive new additions by pure size alone, not to mention the Chargers first round pick D.J. Fluker (6′-5″ 340 lbs.) is set to start at right tackle. Three new tackle additions equal 1015 lbs., so San Diego has chosen to go big in 2013 and could be the biggest and tallest in the NFL.

The Chargers also added two new guards: 28 year old Chad Rinehart (an up and coming blue-collar talent) drafted in the third round, and 27 year old Rich Ohrnberger guard/center (the class clown) was drafted in the fourth round. Chargers 2012 rookie guard Johnnie Troutman will be given a shot at a starting role, and good ole’ Chargers right tackle Jeromey Clary will be moving to right guard from right tackle (for the moment). Centers Nick Hardwick and David Molk make a formidable 1,2 punch, with Colin Baxter still hanging around fighting too.  Brandyn Dombrowski can play anywhere on the line, and last years starting left tackle Michael Harris has consigned some quality reps against formidable foes last season, which should only make him better in the future.

For the first time in over two years, the San Diego offensive line starters and depth look very promising and satisfying on paper.  Since Marcus McNeil and Chris Dielman’s sudden retirements (and injuries) in 2011, San Diego has improved with pure size and talent this off season. But what made the Chargers offensive line productive in 2010 and years prior was their continuity. They played well together for a long time.  Offensive linemen are the core of a good offense. They control the run, they control the pass protection, they control the tempo and (from what we have seen by Rivers the past two seasons)  they help copilot a quarterback. Playing together for several years build this continuity and stability (even with a lack of talent). Playing together, in repetition is better than five first round pro-bowl linemen playing together for the first time.  But talent is a solid foundation for the Chargers to build on and good coaching should bring this all together in San Diego, especially with the new offensive line coach Joe D’alessandris (one of the best in the business).

This new Chargers O-Line, with new players, new design, new scheme, with positional changes and new coaches, it is actually designed to succeed now, and with very little money and terms invested. A team weakness now looks like a team strength.  Call it a Perfect Storm or a Stepping Stone to the future, new Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco has been very pleasing to watch direct and build this new team, especially in what very little salary cap he has to work, lack of talent that was inherited, and the first round of an odd draft that was dealt to him.  The 40 year old GM has done well (young grasshopper) and Tom Telesco still needs his new nickname, yet everything is still theoretical until some games are actually played.

I’ll start one: The Tommy Lama

By James Fedewa

Outside Linebacker Melvin Ingram tore his ACL suspending his sophomore season before it even began. Typical ACL injuries can take a full year to recover, but with current medical technology, recovery time can be as fast as 8 months. Either way, Melvin Ingram is done for the season and now San Diego has additional big problems at several key positions. Lacking authentic starters, like left tackle, strong safety and now right outside linebacker.

Next man up; former first round draft pick Larry English is now a full time starter. English is currently San Diego’s primary and premier pass rusher, which does not exactly strike fear into most opposing left tackles and quarterbacks. The position will not be given to English, he will have to earn the job, but with Melvin Ingram gone (as well as Shawn Phillips and Antwan Barnes from last season) San Diego outside pass rushers are very thin, if not transparent. The 27 year old English has all the talent in the world to be a big time play-maker, he has not done it yet in his brief 4 year career.

English will be given the opportunity to succeed, but a veteran may be brought in to provide depth, or even a starting job. Veterans Dwight Freeney, John Abraham or a Matt Roth are some veterans that could be brought in. San Diego currently has three rookie outside linebackers on the team and all might be forced into action immediately. 6th round draft pick Tourek Williams, and two undrafted rookie free agents Frank Beltre and Devan Walker all can make 53 man roster, and having three rookies at the same position on the same team is not considered a luxury.

Additional personnel cuts might be necessary to sign Dwight Freeney to free up salary cap space. WR Eddie Royal could be released and the Jeromey Clary experiment (to RG) might have to end prematurely. Plus, Royal and Clary’s replacements were just drafted last month (Keenan Allan and DJ Fluker) and cutting them both could create just under $4 million dollars in additional salary cap space, but would also create over $6 million in dead money.

Landing a pass rusher like Dwight Freeney could cost San Diego $3 to 5 million per year (with bonus and quite possibly a multiple year contract). Freeney would look really good rushing former teammate Payton Manning twice a year against the Denver Broncos. But he could also insure himself practicing everyday against current San Diego left tackle King Dunlap. Freeney is needed.

By James Fedewa

San Diego seems to be in a pinch: No left tackle

This week, the Chargers hosted free agent (and recent super bowl winner) Left Tackle Bryant McKinnie, only to watch him leave and re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens. Chargers fans have been very concerned about the vacant hole at left tackle. Depth is needed, but San Diego does not have a lot of salary to spend on a coveted or premier left tackle. Free agent addition King Dunlap is currently listed as San Diego’s left tackle starter, and is a large upgrade from last seasons left tackle problems. Most consider Dunlap a backup/swing tackle, but fans should recognize that he will me more than a swing or backup and will contribute significantly this season.

What most Chargers fans do not recognize is the biggest offseason addition to the offensive line, new O-line coach Joe Dalessandris. “Coach-D” has worked wonders the last three years in Buffalo, 2 years prior with the Chiefs, 6 years prior with Georgia Tech, and a total 36 years of coaching experience. He’s made some good players better and some undrafted guys into pro-bowlers. Notable linemen “Coach Joe-D” helped establish are Jason Peters (undrafted), Cordy Glenn (2^nd round pick), Brandon Albert (1^st round pick), Demetrius Bell (7^th round pick), Brian Waters (undrafted), Andy Levitre (2^nd round pick), just to name a few…

Coach Joe-D recruited LT King Dunlap in high school and is a partial reason why Dunlap followed him to San Diego. Right Guard Chad Rinehart (from Buffalo) quickly trailed Coach Joe-D to San Diego as well, and is considering a lateral improvement (to some) of former starting RG Luis Vazquez.

Dalessandris will have his hands full in San Diego, but in a good way. The Chargers are not excessively talent on upfront, but Coach Joe-D has a lot to work with, starting with the four very young fellas: D.J. Fluker, Johnnie Troutman, David Molk and Mike Harris. All will improve with Coach Joe-D’s specialized Zone Blocking Scheme (ZBS – a blocking method based on footwork, technique, alternative steps and angles that can create walls vs. pockets). This new scheme will help San Diego immensely and fans can expect immediate improvement. Then again, any improvement would be huge.

Depending on health, injuries and youthful experience, the current Chargers offensive line should be a major upgrade over last season and fans will recognize the new coaching staff is the largest upgrade of all. New coaches working with the talent San Diego already possesses will be the transformation of mediocrity, into championship stages. Free agents like Bryant McKinnie would seem to be a nice addition, but not mandatory and not necessarily a good fit…