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San Diego Chargers: Go Get Calvin Johnson

Published: December 19, 2009

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One of the most prolific, most dangerous, quick-strike offenses in the NFL in recent years belongs to the San Diego Chargers. A running back or lineman may be the only move which will improve this unit.

But just imagine this scenario: Shawne Merriman, the 32nd overall pick (fingers crossed) and maybe a fourth or fifth rounder for Calvin Johnson. That would make the Chargers New Orleans version 2.0. Jackson, Johnson, and Gates jumping for balls thrown deep downfield from Philip Rivers, doesn’t get much better than that.

Jackson is 6’5″, Gates is 6’4″ and Johnson is also 6’5″. What team could cover that?

It may be a needless move, with an already excellent passing attack in place and the running game badly needing help, but the current running game would suffice with those weapons to throw the ball to. The Chargers could literally do what they wanted.

With the issue of the first round draft pick, the Chargers’ biggest need is run defense. So a 3-4 end or a nose tackle to rotate with Jamal Williams until he retires. Neither of those types of players are of a high enough quality to justify using a late first round pick on.

Drafting an offensive lineman with that pick, would be a good move. Anthony Davis or Bruce Campbell should be available at that stage and Trent Williams could miraculously drop that far down. The offensive line’s play will improve with Nick Hardwick’s return.

That leaves the Chargers with, realistically, nowhere to go with the pick. There is general consensus that keeping Merriman for the money that he would command, is not worth it with Shaun Phillips playing well and Larry English looking good.

So overall, it really would be worth the risk if the Lions would accept that trade. They probably wouldn’t though. It would probably take one or maybe two more picks. Nevertheless, it’s worth thinking about because simply, the Chargers would be unstoppable with that passing attack.

 

 

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What Are Shawne Merriman’s Chances Of Getting a New Contract?

Published: October 7, 2009

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At the end of the 2007 season, Shawne Merriman was one of the most valuable players in the NFL. He had recorded 12.5 sacks and was an instrumental part of the Chargers run to the AFC Championship game. He had made 39.5 sacks since his career started in 2005, which led the NFL in that time period.

Oh, how things have changed.

One year and one torn posterior cruciate ligament later, Merriman looks like a ghost of the player of 2005-2007. It may be the case that he has not yet recovered fully but that is unlikely.

He has started all four of San Diego’s games this year and has been virtually anonymous, recording just eight tackles. Not what you want from your star defender.

He was hampered with a groin problem against the Dolphins and the Steelers and actually saw very little action against Miami. It is this groin problem which puts him in danger of losing his job.

If it continues to restrict his play he may not perform well enough to earn a second contract. Another problem for him is that a number of high profile teammates are in contract years as well.

Vincent Jackson will be signed, as will Marcus McNeill. Unless we see a dramatic improvement from Chris Chambers, he will lose out.

The drafting of Larry English in the first round was a clear statement that the Chargers are ready to move on without Merriman. At the moment, it is a real possibility that he will be looking for a new team in the offseason.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


What Are Shawne Merriman’s Chances Of Getting a New Contract?

Published: October 7, 2009

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At the end of the 2007 season, Shawne Merriman was one of the most valuable players in the NFL. He had recorded 12.5 sacks and was an instrumental part of the Chargers run to the AFC Championship game. He had made 39.5 sacks since his career started in 2005, which led the NFL in that time period.

Oh, how things have changed.

One year and one torn posterior cruciate ligament later, Merriman looks like a ghost of the player of 2005-2007. It may be the case that he has not yet recovered fully but that is unlikely.

He has started all four of San Diego’s games this year and has been virtually anonymous, recording just eight tackles. Not what you want from your star defender.

He was hampered with a groin problem against the Dolphins and the Steelers and actually saw very little action against Miami. It is this groin problem which puts him in danger of losing his job.

If it continues to restrict his play he may not perform well enough to earn a second contract. Another problem for him is that a number of high profile teammates are in contract years as well.

Vincent Jackson will be signed, as will Marcus McNeill. Unless we see a dramatic improvement from Chris Chambers, he will lose out.

The drafting of Larry English in the first round was a clear statement that the Chargers are ready to move on without Merriman. At the moment, it is a real possibility that he will be looking for a new team in the offseason.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


NFL Week Three Awards

Published: October 1, 2009

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19 games and 21 months later, the Lions win.

Beat that Cleveland Browns. Yes, they are so bad 0-16 is a real possibility.

After Week 3, everyone is loving Brett Favre, the Steelers are in a bit of trouble and the Dolphins could be totally screwed.

Chad Henne just isn’t ready.

By the way, the Saints have a defense too. That’s just not fair.

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NFL Predictions: MVP Philip Rivers Propels San Diego Chargers

Published: September 12, 2009

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Super Bowl: Chargers vs Saints. San Diego’s defense returns to form and supports the most balanced offense in the NFL. Another great season for Brees and a healthy Reggie Bush mean the Saints finally deliver on their potential. It’s not enough to beat the Chargers though.


MVP:
Philip Rivers wins the award as he leads San Diego to another AFC West title. Rivers leads all quarterbacks in terms of yards and touchdowns while keeping his interceptions down as well.

Runners Up: Drew Brees, Donovan NcNabb


Defensive MVP:
Demarcus Ware. He should have got it last season but is honoured after another consistent campaign. The relentless linebacker puts up massive numbers in a contract year.

Runners Up: LaMarr Woodley, Shawne Merriman


Offensive Rookie of the Year:
Jeremy Maclin. The young wideout strikes up an instant rapport with McNabb and plays a big part in the Eagles redzone offense. Maclin forms an exciting tandem with DeSean Jackson.

Runners Up: Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno


Defensive Rookie of the Year:
Malcolm Jenkins. The 14th overall pick stars in the Saints secondary with big plays and solid tackling. The versatile DB lines up at corner and safety in a much improved Saints defense.

Runners Up: Brian Orakpo, Alphonso Smith


Comeback Player of the Year:
Tom Brady. He is going to have an amazing season which makes him a lock for this award.

Runners Up: Matt Hasselbeck, Shawne Merriman


Offensive Player of the Year:
Matt Forte. The Bears running back follows up his excellent rookie year with another impressive campaign. He could get 15 total touchdowns and 2,000 yards from scrimmage.

Runners Up: Adrian Peterson, Steve Slaton


Coach of the Year:
Jim Schwartz. The rookie coach doesn’t work a miracle but his team should win five or six games. He instills a hard working philosophy into his players and there is a vast improvement in the Lions’ fortunes.

Runners Up: Norv Turner, Mike Singletary

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Underrated NFL Players Part One: Offense

Published: July 13, 2009

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We are always hearing about certain players being underrated and not being shown enough appreciation for how valuable they are to their teams.

There are many of these players in the NFL today. Sometimes, the tag of being underrated can stick to a player, even if it isn’t the case anymore. For example, Chad Pennington.

He has the highest career pass completion percentage of any quarterback and took a bad Jets team to the playoffs,yet he was always being criticised in New York.

He moved to Miami and brought a 1-15 team to the playoffs. He is still underrated, despite his career achievements.

All of these are players like Pennington, who play important roles for their teams yet don’t get enough recognition.


10 Players Who Will Have the Biggest Influence this Season

Published: July 11, 2009

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This is not a ranking, they will appear in no particular order. These are guys who will have a big influence on who will get to the playoffs, whether it be their play on the field or their leadership. Most of them are quarterbacks but it is the most important and influential position on the field. I have included a player from each division and a couple from the really tight ones. This is my first article so I hope you all enjoy it!