Cromartie Will NOT Be Charged

Source: San Diego Tribune

Charges will not be filed against Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who was accused of hitting another man on the head with a champagne bottle in a bar, San Diego police said Thursday.

The case was not sent to the City Attorney’s Office or District Attorney’s Office, said Mónica Muñoz, a San Diego police spokeswoman.

“Based on the investigation, there is no evidence a crime occurred,” the spokeswoman said.

Cromartie was being investigated for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon in the Nov. 23 incident at Bar West in Pacific Beach where he and other Chargers were celebrating their victory against the Denver Broncos. Witnesses told investigating officers that two tables of patrons were spraying champagne at each other when someone threw the bottle that struck a 24-year-old man in the head, causing minor injuries.

“There is no indication anything was thrown in the bar that night,” Muñoz said.

Police said Thursday that they don’t know how the man in the bar was injured. Police said Cromartie never told them that the bottle slipped from his hand, and that they don’t know where that story came from.

Police said there were many witnesses to the incident but all gave inconsistent statements. Cromartie was interviewed by police as part of the investigation.

In response to the news Thursday, Cromartie said: “I knew I wouldn’t (be charged). I didn’t do anything. I just hate that my name got slandered.”

In a post on Twitter the day after the incident, the player said, “I want to apologize to Charger nation and my fans. There’s sum stuff out abt me that’s not true. It will come out. God Bless.”

Several other players, including linebacker Stephen Cooper, defensive lineman Travis Johnson and running back Darren Sproles were at the bar.

Cooper told the Union-Tribune earlier that nothing happened and that there was no fight. Johnson termed the incident as “foolishness” and said Cromartie had nothing to do with it.

Chargers Team Report 12-1-09

Source: USA Today/SD Tribune

With the Chargers having won a half-dozen games in a row, fighting to stay ahead of the Denver Broncos with a difficult December ahead, now is perhaps the perfect time to take it easy.

No one should suggest taking the Cleveland Browns lightly, but they just might be the perfect opponent with which to begin the final push to the postseason.

With Shawne Merriman’s hoof hurting and rest the only elixir, head coach Norv Turner said he might sit the outside linebacker Sunday.

“We’re just going to treat it the best we can and … see how he is at the end of the week,” Turner said of Merriman’s tendinitis. “That’s the biggest thing – rest and time for his foot to heal. That’s something we’re going to consider and look at. If he’s a lot better Wednesday and Thursday and can do some and practice Friday, I’d like to see him play. If he can’t practice, that’s something we’ll consider.”

Maybe defensive end Luis Castillo, who sat out Sunday’s game against Kansas City due to a calf strain, won’t be rushed back either.

And this could be the perfect week to ease center Nick Hardwick back into action and new right tackle Jon Runyan into his role with a few series each.

The NFL is fraught with weekly lessons that no team is to be taken lightly, but Cleveland (1-10) might make the Chiefs look like a great team. The Browns have the NFL’s worst offense (230.6 yards per game) and second-worst defense (393.3). They have been outscored by more than 14 points per game.

To be fair, Turner had not begun breaking down the Browns quite yet when he was asked about them yesterday. But his response was classically evasive when asked what concerns him about the team leading the race for next April’s top draft pick.

“On the road,” he said, “handling the elements, all those things will come into it.”

Yes, snow is possible (isn’t it always in Cleveland?) and the temperature is expected to be in the 30s at game time. Then there is Josh Cribbs, one of the league’s top kick returners.

Other than that, the Chargers’ biggest hurdle might be looking past the Browns toward a game in Dallas next week, though the Chargers certainly did not let a lesser opponent and myriad distractions affect them last week.

The Chargers are also very comfortable in the month that dawned today. They have won all 14 of their December games since a loss ended the 2005 season.

That said, this will be their toughest closing month.

The combined winning percentage of the teams they’ve faced the past three Decembers has been .424, and half of the games were against teams with losing records.

This month, after Cleveland, they’ll face, in succession, division leaders Dallas (8-3) and Cincinnati (8-3), and face a Tennessee team that has won five straight games before hosting Washington (3-8) to close the regular season.

“There are a lot of things that go into it,” Turner said of the Chargers’ December dominance. “We’ve got real good players. There is great focus. The schedule … has helped us. The schedule is much more difficult this year.”

And it’s different, too, because the Chargers are finished playing the AFC West. Meanwhile, the Broncos (7-4), who trail the Chargers by one game, get to play Kansas City twice and Oakland once. (Denver’s other games are at Indianapolis and at Philadelphia.)

“You’re not playing the teams you’re competing against,” Turner said. “You’ve got to go out and beat some other people and at times look and see how the team that’s chasing you is doing.”

The player likely to replace Weddle, Paul Oliver, has shown some spark as well.

It was Oliver who knocked loose the football from Matt Cassel on Sunday and raced 40 yards for a touchdown in the win over the Chiefs.

But Weddle is a workhorse who seldom leaves the field. He had a team-high 654 plays entering the Chiefs’ game and is known for being around the football.

Plus, the way coordinator Ron Rivera has been implementing his secondary — and in particular the safeties — into his blitz packages, losing Weddle is a big blow.

Oliver is coming off his best game of his career, which included three tackles.

The Chargers could move Steve Gregory back to the safety spot, but he has played so well in the slot in nickel packages the team is hesitant about such a switch.

So for games at Cleveland and Dallas, Oliver will be in the spotlight. The third-year pro has never started an NFL game.

Oliver could also get some help from C.J. Spillman, who cannot be considered experienced, either — he has but one special teams tackle this season.

The news was better regarding inside linebacker Kevin Burnett, who suffered a concussion on Sunday. Coach Norv Turner said Burnett, who had four tackles Sunday, had been cleared for Wednesday’s practice.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The Chargers introduced their 50th anniversary team Sunday before the win over the Chiefs. Many of the current Chargers said it was special to see the players, and then pay homage to some of those great Chargers teams of the past by scoring a season-high 43 points. In particular, it was a treat to a frail Don Coryell who is up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

“With all the gadgets and throwing the ball downfield and seeing guys jump up in the air and catch the ball, I think we did honor him,” RB LaDainian Tomlinson said.

—There are 11 current Chargers on the franchise’s all-time best squad.

—S Eric Weddle, who will miss two weeks with a sprained knee, said the Chargers can’t get full of themselves despite a six-game winning streak.

“We’re playing good ball and we know that, but we can’t get sucked into the hype that a long winning streak will bring,” he said. “We haven’t done anything yet. We have to play consistent and finish each game.”

—Can the Chargers be better? “We don’t know that,” OLB Shaun Phillips said. “All we care about is fixing problems and getting better.”

— The case against Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who is accused of hitting another man on the head with a champagne bottle, will be sent to the City Attorney’s office Tuesday, according to the SD Police.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

PLAYER NOTES

—DE Luis Castillo, who missed Sunday’s game with a calf injury, is expected to go this week.

—C Nick Hardwick, if he avoids setbacks during practices this week, could play for the first time since injuring his ankle in the season opener. Hardwick wouldn’t start, but potentially get 20-25 plays.

—T Jon Runyan could be active this week. But it’s doubtful it would be in a starting role.

—RT Brandyn Dombrowski graded out well in his first start at the position left open by the injury to Jeromey Clary. Dombrowski’s play could allow the Chargers to ease Runyan back into NFL action.

—OLB Shawne Merriman continues to be bothered by a foot injury and it looks like it could stay with him through the rest of the season. Merriman played very little Sunday and he could follow that route this week as well — or possibly sit out and rest the foot.

—TE Antonio Gates continues to shine and is on pace for 80-plus catches and to set career highs in receiving yards and yards per catch.

REPORT CARD VS. CHIEFS

PASSING OFFENSE: A — Philip Rivers continues to play at an extremely high level as for the third straight week he completes 75 percent of his passes. The Chargers reintroduced the deep ball back into their game plan and the result was the Chargers stretching the field so much the Chiefs couldn’t defend it. The pass-blocking, again, was excellent as Rivers wasn’t sacked and was hit just once.

RUSHING OFFENSE: B-plus — People are saying the Chargers’ running game is back, and it is to some degree. But even when milking the clock and a big lead, the Chargers only ran for 94 yards and a 2.8-yard average. Tomlinson did add two more scoring runs and would have had a third save a goal-line fumble.

PASS DEFENSE: A — Matt Cassel never does look comfortable with the blitzes coming from the secondary and the coverage not giving him much to work with. Quentin Jammer had an interception and Antonio Cromartie had six tackles. Just a team sack, but Cassel was under heat which helped lead to the Chiefs’ four turnovers.

RUSH DEFENSE: C — The Chiefs didn’t run much when falling behind but they were effective in moving the ball early in the game. The Chargers allowed 114 rushing yards and never did have an answer for Jamaal Charles — he averaged 6.6 yards on 14 carries. Still work to do here, although ILB Brandon Siler’s arrow keeps pointing up.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A — Nate Kaeding’s 55-yard field goal is the best he’s done at Qualcomm. The coverage unit had a leak on Charles when he raced 45 yards on a kickoff. Darren Sproles had a 32-yard kickoff return, but not much else. Kaeding later added a 23-yarder.

COACHING: A — Coach Norv Turner had to juggle Thanksgiving holiday and everyone pulling at his players for the 50th anniversary parties. But he told the Chargers all week to focus on the Chiefs — Turner’s message got a boost when the Chiefs upset the Steelers. But he was going deep into the playbook as the Chargers are seemingly adding a wrinkle or two each week. Ron Rivera continues to lean on the blitzes coming from the secondary and it is working.

Chargers Team Report – 11/24/09

Source: USA Today
The Chargers got their fifth consecutive victory and a spot atop the AFC West standings, but it came with a cost.

Right tackle Jeromey Clary suffered an ankle injury which will likely shelve him for the rest of the regular season.

The Chargers, though, are reluctant to put Clary on injured reserve, hoping if they make a late playoff run he might be able to go.

So look for Clary to stick, but likely not do much until late in the season.

That was the sense coach Norv Turner gave a day after the Chargers thumped the Broncos 32-3.

There was also troubling news off the field.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who had an interception in Sunday’s win, is under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of throwing of a champagne bottle in a San Diego bar altercation.

He was out early Monday morning after the team’s big win.

Cromartie wrote via Twitter: "I want 2 apologize to charger nation and my fans. There's sum stuff out abt me that's not true. It will come out. God Bless"

NOTES, QUOTES

—Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman couldn’t hide the significance of Sunday’s win.

“I’d love to say it’s just another game, but we were playing for first in the division. This game meant a lot to a lot of us,” Merriman said.

—Running back LaDainian Tomlinson was scratching his head when Denver’s Chris Simms trotted out with first team instead of Kyle Orton. Orton was battling an ankle injury.

“I was surprised Orton didn’t start the game,” he said. “I saw him in pregame, and he looked good throwing the ball.”

—The win was the Chargers’ fifth straight.

“We never panicked,” inside linebacker Stephen Cooper said of the team’s reaction after a slow start to the season. “Look up and down our roster, and you will see All-Pro caliber players.”

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

PLAYER NOTES

—DE Luis Castillo (calf) could sit out Wednesday’s practice.

—ILB Kevin Burnett continues to shine after missing three games recently with a knee injury. He had his best day as a Charger on Sunday with seven tackles and two sacks.

—LB James Holt is making his mark on special teams. He had two more tackles Sunday.

—WR Legedu Naanee continues to get more playing time. Naanee had a scoring catch for the second straight week.

—DB Paul Oliver is playing more thanks to his productivity. He had four tackles, one for a loss and a pass defensed.

—FB Mike Tolbert continues to prove he can do more than block and play special teams. The Chargers are eager to slip him some carries, and he has responded. He had 58 yards and a score Sunday — including a 32-yard run.

—OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) held up OK in the game.

REPORT CARD VS. BRONCOS

PASSING OFFENSE: B-plus — Philip Rivers was accurate again, missing on only one of his 14 first-half passes and hitting 17 of 22 overall. Rivers didn’t have to be great, just manage the game while leaning on the running game. San Diego’s pass-blocking was keen; the Broncos had five sacks in the earlier meeting and none in this one.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A — This unit had its best game of the season with 203 rushing yards. With a comfortable lead, the Chargers were able to sock the game away on the ground while giving this piece of the offense a chunk of confidence.

PASS DEFENSE: A — Chris Simms and Kyle Orton didn’t look comfortable, with the secondary playing well and a pass-rush that pestered them both. The Chargers allowed just 181 yards, and that was against an offense that was throwing often to get back into the game. Antonio Cromartie got a pick, and Eric Weddle was active with six tackles.

RUSH DEFENSE: B — There were a few leaks here on the Broncos’ decent-looking drives, but some adjustments were made, and Denver had to start heaving the ball. But the Broncos did gain for 115 rushing yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A — The Chargers were much better in this area after allowing two returns for scores in the previous matchup. The coverage units were fine. Nate Kaeding boomed five touchbacks thanks to the thin air, and he went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts.

COACHING: A — Having noted the Broncos’ pass rush in the teams’ first meeting, Norv Turner had the offense turn to short and medium routes to get the ball out fast. With the safeties on their heels, the short stuff worked, and the running game re-established itself. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera went after the Broncos quarterbacks, and the pass rush was effective without Shawne Merriman having a big day.
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Chargers Thundering Into Denver

SAN DIEGO — What a difference a month makes.

When the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos were last on the field together a month agoat Qualcomm Stadium, it appeared the AFC West race was all but settled.

The Broncos defeated the Chargers 34-23 on Monday Night Football to take a 3½-game lead in the division race. Denver left that game undefeated at 6-0, and the Chargers had fallen to 2-3.

But never say never with San Diego, which now owns the same 6-3 mark as Denver atop the AFC West.

"It's like déjà vu, isn't it?" Chargers tight end Antonio Gates says, referring to the showdown in Denver on Sunday. "It's like every time we play Denver, it means more than one game. We'll be fired up."

The reversal of fortunes for these teams smacks of the turn of events late last season, when the Broncos collapsed down the stretch and became the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to blow a three-game division lead with three games to play, allowing San Diego to claim the division crown.

That meltdown seemed so unlikely to be repeated. Denver, with a rebuilt defense and new coach Josh McDaniels, started 6-0.

Yet here we are again. A Broncos collapse has coincided with a Chargers rally. "It's resiliency," Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie says.

The Chargers seemingly thrive on beating such long odds. They entered December last season left for dead at 4-8. In 2007, during Norv Turner's first season as coach, they started 1-3 before winning the division and advancing to the AFC title game.

Now this.

"We've been in this situation before, so it's not anything new to us," linebacker Shawne Merriman says. "You hate to start off the season the way we start off sometimes, but when your back's against the wall, we've shown we can go out and perform."

Turner praises the character and talent he's working with, but maintains that the early season struggles in each of his campaigns were unique in each case.

Two years ago, he actually projected a slow start as the team was adjusting to a new staff and system. Last season, they started 0-2, losing on the final play against the Carolina Panthers in the opener and the following week falling victim to referee Ed Hochuli's erroneous ruling that an apparent fumble by Denver quarterback Jay Cutler in the final minute was an incompletion.

This time, Turner points to injuries as the key factor. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, nose tackle Jamal Williams and center Nick Hardwick were among five players injured in the season-opening victory at the Oakland Raiders. Williams, anchor of the 3-4 front, was lost for the season with a torn triceps. Hardwick hasn't returned from an ankle injury.

Tomlinson missed two games with a sprained ankle, and Turner saw his performance in Sunday's 31-23 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles (24 rushes for 96 yards and two TDs) as a sign that he's healthy again.

"We were beat up and banged up," Turner says. "We played that first month with guys on the offensive and defensive lines who were just feeling their way and learning how to play in this league."

Merriman's gradual return to form, after missing virtually all of last season with torn knee ligaments, also has been a boost for the defense.

Says Turner: "Merriman is a lot healthier than he was in September. He and (linebacker) Shaun Phillips, the month they've had, they've been on a tear."

San Diego's defense was on the field for 71 snaps and allowed 462 yards against the Eagles, but three times forced them to settle for short field goals when backed up in the red zone. A week earlier, the unit kept the New York Giants from scoring a game-clinching touchdown late in the fourth quarter, forcing a field goal. That allowed quarterback Philip Rivers to lead a game-winning 80-yard drive in the final minutes that was capped with an 18-yard scoring pass to Vincent Jackson.

"Right now, we're on the cusp of being a good defense," inside linebacker Kevin Burnett says. "We can talk about being great later. If we can be consistent and then put together a string of victories — six, seven, eight in a row — then you can say we're a good defense."

The Chargers know all about winning streaks.

They won five in a row last season before an AFC divisional playoff loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two seasons ago, they took an eight-game streak into the AFC title game. In 2006, they closed the regular season with a 10-game winning streak before a playoff-opening loss that cost Marty Schottenheimer his job as Turner's predecessor.

"We know how to rally," cornerback Quentin Jammer says. "When we put our minds to it, we know how to get it done as a team."

They'll soon get another chance to prove that to the Broncos.

Game Preview: Eagles vs. Chargers

Source: Yahoo Sports

Do they have it again? Do the San Diego Chargers have that strut that oozes from successful teams and players confident in their abilities and ability to win?

LaDainian Tomlinson thinks so.

“We’ve finally come together,” Tomlinson said. “It usually takes a while to build that ‘it’ factor. When we get our swagger going, we’re pretty tough to stop.”

The Chargers don’t look to stop their three-game winning streak Sunday, despite the always-tough Philadelphia Eagles coming to San Diego.

Like they have in all three years of coach Norv Turner’s tenure, the Chargers start slow from the gate they build momentum.

This season is no different as a team which was 2-3 and three games behind the AFC West-leading Broncos is now 5-3 and a game behind Denver.

The Chargers, it seems, never do it the easy way. And Sunday’s opponent is certainly no soft touch, especially with the Eagles being in a sour mood after losing to the Dallas Cowboys last week.

But the Chargers are lassoing another winning run, which is becoming a San Diego tradition.

It seems the Chargers don’t get serious until the scoreboard or standings don’t give them any other choice.

“Maybe we’re just are a mature team that knows how to overcome adversity,” outside linebacker Shaun Phillips said. “There is going to be adversity throughout the season.”

The Chargers got an early dose when they lost both anchors of their lines in the opening game. Also, Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman was slow rounding into shape after knee surgery and the running game didn’t—and still hasn’t—appeared.

But the Chargers just shrug and head into another battle against an NFC East rival, one game after beating another one, the Giants, 21-20, in the Meadowlands.

“Every team has highs and lows and maybe our lows come at the beginning of the year,” Phillips said.

Other people’s lows come at the end of the year. Look at the Giants—they started 5-0 and they have lost four in a row.

“It’s hard to be perfect for a whole season, so where there is adversity it’s how your respond to the adversity,” Phillips said. “We have done a good job the past few years of responding to adversity.”

The Chargers aren’t out of the woods, not by a long shot.

The Eagles will be a tough foe, then it’s a showdown at Denver. There’s a possible lull with the Chiefs and Browns next on the schedule, but the Chargers jump right back into the fire against the Cowboys and Bengals.

But the Chargers, once again, have climbed off the mat. Just when everyone was writing them off and calling for Turner’s scalp, they’ve reeled off three straight wins. If you want to discount this winning streak because two of the triumphs came against the Chiefs and Raiders, go ahead.

Still, it would be foolish counting the Chargers out—although they have a tall task in beating the Eagles Sunday.

But they returned from New York with more than a foam figurine of the Statue of Liberty. That thrilling win last Sunday could pay off this Sunday and through the season’s second half.

“When you’re able to win in that atmosphere and have that type of excitement in your locker room after a comeback win, it can go a long way,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.

How far? The Chargers are convinced that road will lead to their fourth straight playoff appearance.

“We’ve always had a close team,” Rivers said. “But an experience like Sunday really can bring a team together.”

The Chargers get to prove just that on Sunday against the Eagles.

Series History: 10th regular-season meeting. Chargers lead series 5-4, though Philadelphia has won the last two meetings, most recently taking a 20-17 victory at Lincoln Financial Field in 2005 as the Chargers lost on a blocked field goal. The Eagles have a distinction they can’t be too proud of: They were the victim when QB Ryan Leaf got one of his four career wins as a Charger when he beat Philadelphia in 1998—the last time the Eagles played in San Diego.

NOTES, QUOTES

—If coach Norv Turner needed an instructional video on how to run a “7” route with the game on the line, he would just point to Vincent Jackson’s course on Sunday.

“The last route is how you would team a guy to run that route against that coverage,” Turner said. “It is as good as you can run a route. He gave him a great move off the ball to get a release. He ran up the field as fast as you can, full speed, and when he came out of the break the ball was in the air and Philip made a perfect throw.”

It was a throw that won the game for the Chargers.

• CB Quentin Jammer said it was outsiders, not the Chargers, doubting the team could turn it around after a slow start.

“We have always had character,” he said. “But it was the media that put it out there and said that we were done. We have always known that we have a lot of character. We have seen it previous years where we come back, so I can’t say enough about the character of this football team.”

• Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera spent five seasons as the Eagles linebackers coach from 1998-2003.

• Michael Vick is more than a show piece for the Eagles. “It does present problems in terms of us in our preparation – we have to prepare for it,” Turner said. “And they try to create problems for your defense by spreading you out. It helps get their play-makers in space. The people that say he doesn’t look as fast aren’t the guys getting ready to play him that week.”

• Eagles secondary coach Brian Stewart was part of the Chargers’ staff when it went 14-2 in 2006, his final year with the club after a three-year run.

• Eagles coach Andy Reid has a 3-2 record against Turner-coached teams.

• QB Donovan McNabb always seems to get away from the rush. How does he do it? “He’s a quick guy and instinctive,” Shaun Phillips said. “That makes us more cautious about our rush lanes. That’s how we stop Donovan – us being diligent in what we do.”

• How big is it that OLB Shawne Merriman is finally fit? “He has made a complete difference to our entire defense,” Turner said. “It makes it easier on everybody.”

• The Chargers’ coverage teams will be challenged in tracking Philly’s DeSean Jackson. He averages 15.2 yards per punt return, the third-best mark in the league.

By The Numbers: 5—Number of consecutive games WR Vincent Jackson has a touchdown reception if he can get one against the Eagles.

Quote To Note: “Winning can be contagious, just like losing can be. We’ve been able to put three in a row together against teams with different styles, playing at different levels. Our focus has been there and we really have improved.”—QB Philip Rivers, on the team’s three-game winning streak.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers will get a boost at inside linebacker this week with Kevin Burnett returning after being out three weeks with a knee injury.

But in Burnett’s—and Tim Dobbins’—absence, third-string ILB Brandon Siler has done a good job. Look for defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to rotate Burnett and Siler to try and keep both of them fresh.

Dobbins, Burnett’s backup, is likely down one more week from a knee injury.

Player Notes

• WR Legedu Naanee is a versatile player who bears watching. He had three receptions for 20 yards and could be used more if the Chargers go to the Wildcat offense.

• S Kevin Ellison’s move into the starting lineup is paying off. Ellison, a sixth-round pick, had 10 tackles, a quarterback hit and two passes defensed in his best game of the season.

• RB Jacob Hester gets an occasional carry and is used as a blocker, a role he splits with Mike Tolbert. But where he is really making his mark is on special teams and he had a game-saving tackle late Sunday after Philip Rivers threw an interception.

• CB Antoine Cason got a dose of confidence Sunday when subbing late in the game for Quentin Jammer. Cason had an assist on a tackle and helped break up a pass in his brief appearance.

• WR Buster Davis continues to be a healthy game-day inactive. The team isn’t getting much bang from a former first-round pick.

Game Plan: That adage of needing to run the ball to establish a passing game needs to take the week off—at least as far as the Chargers are concerned. Don’t look for them to get stubborn this week and try to get the running game going—they are ranked dead last with 69.6 yards per game. The Eagles allow less than 100 yards per game on the ground, so why would the Chargers try to force the issue this game? They won’t, meaning it’s going to be up the Eagles to match points with the Chargers in what figures to be a shootout. At some point, the Chargers do need to get their running game untracked—to a degree, anyway. But this isn’t the week.

Matchups To Watch: Chargers secondary, which has improved of late, vs. the big-play capability of the Eagles behind QB Donovan McNabb. The backend of the defense has played better, some of that because of the improved pass rush and because the backend was shaken up. But there is a rookie at safety in Kevin Ellison and the Chargers have to be careful he keeps an eye on things so the Eagles don’t go up top. They must keep an eye on DeSean Jackson, who has scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards this season, including one rushing score and one punt return. He has also has non-scoring receptions of 51 and 43 yards. Through eight games, Jackson has 26 receptions for 530 yards. His 20.4 yards per reception ranks second in the NFL. So CBs Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie must be on their game, but they will also need to some help from the safeties. Among the reasons the Cowboys beat the Eagles last week was because Jackson was restricted to two catches for 29 yards.

Chargers pass rush, which is led by LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, vs. Eagles front line and mobile QB Donavan McNabb. The Chargers have won three straight, in part, because the defenders are meeting at the quarterback. In each of the three latest wins, the Chargers have five sacks in each game. If Merriman, who has four in two games, and Phillips, who has five in three games, can pester McNabb, it could take care of the some of the deeper routes downfield developing and contain the number of big plays the Eagles can produce. The Eagles have allowed 21 sacks. And with RB Brian Westbrook possibly not playing the Eagles might not have a running game – either through rushing or short passes – to lean on. The key here is McNabb being able to buy time and move around – that wasn’t the case so much against Eli Manning and the Giants.

Chargers pass protection, which was keen on Sunday’s big drive, vs. Eagles pass rush that comes from every direction and from nearly every player. The Chargers have allowed 18 sacks, which is about middle of the road. But when the Chargers absolutely had to pass protect – and the Giants knew they were passing – the blocking was sensational in last week’s late drive. Jeromey Clary has been getting some help at right tackle, with a tight end often at his hip in key moments. But the Chargers’ blockers will need to have their head on a swivel as the Eagles have 14 different players with at least a sack. The biggest sacker is Trent Cole and his 7.5 sacks. LT Marcus McNeill will have his hands full with Cole. Rivers will also be hard-pressed to get much past Philly CBs Asante Samuel (five interceptions) and Sheldon Brown (four).

Injury Impact: TE Antonio Gates (foot) skipped practice Wednesday but said he is fine for Sunday.

• RB LaDainian Tomlinson (hip) didn’t work but said it wasn’t serious; he likely will practice Thursday.

• ILB Kevin Burnett (ankle) went through Wednesday’s practice and is a go for Sunday.

• ILB Tim Dobbins (ankle) was limited and appears to be out at least one more week.

• C Nick Hardwick (ankle) was limited and will likely sit out one more game before returning.

• DL Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice but will play on Sunday.

• DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• DL Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• OLB Shaun Phillips (ankle) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• OLB Jyles Tucker (ankle) didn’t practice and is still in a walking boot. He appears out for Sunday.

Bolts' improving coaching staff

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

The Chargers are down to two vacancies on their coaching staff after the team reached agreements with two more assistant coaches Wednesday.

Former All-Pro cornerback Cris Dishman, who spent the 2008 offseason with the Chargers through the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship, will assist newly-hired secondary coach Steve Wilks.

Greg Williams, who was most recently a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh, agreed to terms to become the Chargers’ assistant linebackers coach.

Dishman played 13 seasons in the NFL and was named to two Pro Bowls. He began his career with the Houston Oilers, played for Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner with the Washington Redskins and played one season each with the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.

Since 2006, Dishman has been on the staff at Menlo College in the Bay Area where he’s served as defensive backs coach and most recently as defensive coordinator.

Williams comes to the Bolts after one season at the University of Pittsburgh, where he’s worked under former Turner colleague Dave Wanndstedt. Williams was a four-year letterman at the University of North Carolina and attended training camp with the Chicago Bears in 1998. Chargers Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera was a Bears assistant at the time.

Williams has also spent time at Arkansas Tech University, DuPage College and Arizona State. He played professionally in NFL Europe, the XFL and the Arena Football League.

With four hires in the last two days, Turner still has two open positions on his coaching staff. He’s in the process of hiring a tight ends coach and an assistant offensive line coach.

City of San Diego suing the Chargers?

Source: Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The city of San Diego expects to quickly settle a breach-of-contract suit it filed against the Chargers, which claims the team owes the city more than $170,000 for use of Qualcomm Stadium in 2004.

City attorney Jan Goldsmith, who was elected in November, said the suit was filed just days before the four-year statute of limitations expired. Goldsmith said the matter should have been handled years ago.

“The Chargers sent over a lot of information a long time ago and the city should have gone through it and talked about it,” Goldsmith said Wednesday. “We should have talked about this years ago. The fact that we didn’t, it’s not the end of the world. We’ll sit down, we’ll deal with it. We haven’t even served the complaint. It will be resolved, no doubt about it.”

According to the lawsuit, the team underpaid the city by $125,795 in 2004 as a result of the Chargers claiming skybox rent credits that were previously disallowed by the city for the 1996 through 2000 seasons. The city is also seeking more than $44,000 in accrued interest.

Training camp is finally here!

SAN DIEGO: Training camp is finally here, but the San Diego Chargers seem to have learned the difference between hype and reality.
Even if they are good enough to get to the Super Bowl, they vow not to talk about it this summer.
"There was so much hype last year, and so much expectation, and all training camp it was 'Super Bowl,' and we weren't afraid to talk about it," quarterback Philip Rivers said Friday after the Chargers held their first full-squad practice of training camp.
"I fell in that trap, too. Not that we weren't focused, but it seemed like all the focus was on the ultimate goal. Subconsciously, we took some things for granted, maybe. Maybe we overlooked the meat and potatoes part of the deal, you know what I mean? We were looking ahead for the dessert."
Last summer, the Chargers overlooked their playoff pratfall against New England and focused instead on their 14-2 regular-season record from 2006. OK, so they did end up making it all the way to the AFC championship game in January before losing 21-12 to the Patriots. But things sure looked bleak when they started 1-3 and 5-5 in Norv Turner's first season as coach.
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman doesn't buy the talk in some circles that it's the Chargers' turn to win it all.
"To tell you the truth, I don't think it's anybody's turn," Merriman said. "You know, it's how hard you work for it, and in our case, finishing up how we want to finish. They always say the team that almost gets there last year should win it the next year. That's all good, but for us, we just look at it as something we've got to do."
Expectations could be higher for the Chargers this year, provided that Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick all come back strong from injuries.
"It's tough, because whenever you look around at this team and see the kind of players we have, the first thing you want to say is 'Oh, this team's going to the Super Bowl,'" Merriman said. "But that's what started us 1-3 last year, because we came into the season after a 14-2 season the season before, automatically assuming we were going to the Super Bowl. We're thinking the opposite this year. We're taking it one game at a time and having a faster start."
In January, the Chargers won a playoff game for the first time in 13 years, beating Tennessee in the wild-card round. Then they eliminated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis on the road, although that victory was costly because Rivers and Tomlinson both sustained knee injuries. Rivers played in the AFC title game despite having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee six days earlier, but Tomlinson had only two carries before his sprained left knee forced him out.
Rivers had ligament replacement surgery three days after the loss to the Patriots. Tomlinson's injury didn't require surgery.
Rivers thinks the Chargers can handle the expectations better this year.
"Again, we have an understanding of what it really takes. We didn't know what it takes to play in an AFC championship game. We didn't know what it's like to go on the road and knock off the defending champs. But now we know, so when all these things come arising again, which we hope we get the opportunity again, then we've actually been through it. We're not just feeling our way through it. You know what it's going to be like. We'll have a clue."
The Chargers won their last six regular-season games and two straight in the playoffs.
Rivers said his knee "feels better than I could have imagined it. It's going to be really key to keep staying on top of it. I've been told by many people that know the deal that it's going to get tired if you let it. It's the strength. It'll run out of gas quicker. Just keep filling up the tank."
Tomlinson said his knee is fine.
"The only expectation we have is to play as good as we can," said Tomlinson, the two-time NFL rushing champion. "And we know that if we do that, we'll be in good shape."

Rivers runs his mouth, Chargers like what they hear

(Fox sports): There may be a new face of the San Diego Chargers.

One whose lips don't stop moving.

During the Chargers' first training camp practice Monday, quarterback Philip Rivers shouted good-natured encouragement toward injured players in rehabilitation drills a football field away. He chatted with the media afterward about his speedy rehabilitation from off-season knee surgery. He even spotted tight end Antonio Gates in the locker room doing the last of a series of interviews and chided, "You're going through it big time on day one. Gosh!"
The Chargers regard such loquaciousness as one of Rivers' most endearing qualities.
"The way he's able to communicate with his players, he doesn't act like a typical quarterback," said Gates, who has watched Rivers blossom over the past two seasons since becoming a starter. "Some quarterbacks can be like, 'I'm only going to speak to the guys that are good.' He interacts with everybody.
"For you to interact with a guy on the practice squad, that says a lot about your character and leadership abilities. He knows how to lead a team."
And how to aggravate others.
As his play has improved, so has Rivers' propensity for verbal altercations. He taunted Denver quarterback Jay Cutler from the sideline last December toward the end of a 23-3 Chargers rout, prompting Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey to tell the Rocky Mountain News that Rivers talks "too much trash."
Rivers was at it again three weeks later in a second-round playoff game at Indianapolis, jawing with Colts fans sitting behind the Chargers bench and those jeering as he left the field with a knee injury. Even the Chargers brain trust of coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith believe those antics were unnecessary.
"He's got to use better judgment," Turner said. "He doesn't have to be yelling at people in the stands. That was an unusual circumstance. But he's a competitive guy. I think that's one of the things that gets him and our guys going."
Rivers told FOXSports.com that he was sorry about what happened in Indianapolis but isn't about to apologize for a mouth that sometimes roars. The 26-year-old son of a fiery Alabama high school football coach, Rivers joked about his interaction with college fans who chanted "Arena Ball" while he played at North Carolina State.
"You can look at it two ways," he said. "You can't always worry about what everyone thinks. But at the same time, I wasn't trying to be blind to what it does appear to be. Certainly, you've got to be smart with your actions. There's nothing I regret. Being excited and having a good time, if you can't do that, we shouldn't be playing.
"There's a boundary to it. Ultimately, the question is whether it's a distraction to you or your teammates. As long as it's not and you can keep it to the confines of what we're doing, enjoy it and play."
Playing is what silenced some of Rivers' critics.Rivers started in last season's AFC Championship game loss to New England despite having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament against the Colts. It wasn't one of Rivers' best performances (19-of-37 passing with two interceptions and no touchdowns) but he won universal respect for competing with what is normally a debilitating injury.
"People are saying, 'I like Philip Rivers. I couldn't stand him before that, but for him to get out there and play, it shows guts,' " Gates said. "Seeing somebody out there with a brace playing his heart out and throwing passes with a torn ACL, they've got so much respect for him now."
Conversely, star running back LaDainian Tomlinson removed himself from the game early because of a sore knee. Tomlinson, a future Hall of Famer, deserves credit for shelving his ego when feeling ineffective. But with Rivers playing through his injury and Tomlinson ultimately not even requiring surgery, has the leadership mantle been passed inside the Chargers locker room?
"People are starting to debate whether (Rivers) is the face of this team now based on that performance," Gates acknowledged. "It's still outsiders. Outsiders see the situation and say, 'He didn't play and he did. We're going to make him the face.' But still, we understand why (Tomlinson didn't play). We're not going to let outsiders come into this family and (debate) why he's not playing."
Rivers awoke from his ACL surgery with his right leg already in a motion machine. While he is wearing a black metal brace, Rivers' rehabilitation has gone so well that he isn't expected to miss any preseason practice time.
That will give Rivers a chance to better his strong finish in 2007. Over the season's final nine games (including the playoffs), Rivers completed 60.6 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Chargers won eight of those contests before falling to the Patriots.
Such improvement stemmed from a combination of factors: Rivers growing increasingly comfortable with Turner's play-calling style in their first season together, quicker decision-making, the addition of wide receiver Chris Chambers via trade from Miami and the maturation that comes with being a second-year starter who spent 2004 and 2005 as Drew Brees' backup.
Basically, Rivers is becoming everything Smith envisioned when acquiring him and two picks (including a first-rounder) from the New York Giants in exchange for fellow quarterback Eli Manning on draft day in 2004 .
"He's made leaps and bounds both in his play and experience," Smith said. "He's somebody you can win a Super Bowl with."
That would speak louder than any words.

Chargers interested in building a double decker waterfront stadium

(CBS) : Will San Diego vote for blue collar jobs, or Chargers blue and gold? That's what it could come down to this November. Local developers have an initiative on the ballot to build a double deck waterfront terminal big enough for a football stadium, but opponents says jobs could be lost on the waterfront.The 10th Avenue Marine Terminal is just a short distance from Petco Park. It's run by the San Diego Port Authority. For more than 50 years, the terminal has handled basic cargo. Now, voters will determine if the waterfront property will be transformed into a modern multi-purpose facility, with the possibility of a football stadium."What we're proposing to do is to modernize from current standards so that additional maritime activity could occur at this site," Peter Gallagher of San Diego Community Solutions said.Gallagher is one of the developers of San Diego Community Solutions, who sponsoredThe project known as the Port of San Diego Marine Freight Preservation and Bay Front Redevelopment Initiative.Voters from National City, Chula Vista, Imperial, Coronado and San Diego will determine if the terminal will be transformed into a double-decker structure, while maintaining existing and expanding maritime operations.But on top of the 40-foot deck, there could be hotels, restaurants and even a sports stadium."We're not proposing a specific use to go on that upper deck, it can be a stadium," Gallagher said.Gallagher says, Mark Fabriani, the Chargers' legal counsel, is interested."His reaction was that the Chargers need to take a hard look at this is something that has strong interest," he said.The upper deck stadium would be big enough to hold a Super Bowl game. But the $2 billion project doesn't score a touchdown with everyone. The Port District says such an engineering feat would be wholly infeasible no matter how it is constructed. Others object at the prospect of lost jobs. They say the proposal could constrain future growth at the terminal."There's a lot of people in the community saying that this will eliminate maritime freight," Gallagher said.But he counters, "If we don't pursue maritime freight, this project doesn't get built."The development company says no public money would be used, and its revenue will be from leases. Mark Fabriani told News 8 that while there are many steps to be taken before this project is finalized, the Charges want to stay in San Diego and would take a hard look at this option.

Wide reciever Eric Parker has been released

Source: Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP)—The Chargers released wide receiver Eric Parker on Wednesday, two days before their first full-squad practice.
The Chargers had been trying to trade Parker before veterans reported to camp Thursday night. Parker missed all of last season with a toe injury and became expendable after Chris Chambers was acquired in a midseason trade with Miami.
“We just decided to move on in another direction and wish him the best,” general manager A.J. Smith said. “We tried to make some trades—things did not materialize.”
Parker caught 187 passes for 2,586 yards and 11 touchdowns in parts of five seasons for the Chargers. He injured his right big toe during a minicamp practice 13 months ago and underwent surgery last August to fix a cracked bone. He was expected to be healthy in October but the toe didn’t respond and he missed the season.
Coach Norv Turner said the timing of Parker’s release works out for all parties.
“It gives him an opportunity to get with someone,” Turner said. “We obviously had talked to different teams to see if there was an interest, and looking at our situation, eventually they knew this would happen.
“Now I’m sure he’s going to get an opportunity to go play somewhere else.”
Parker had a career-high 57 receptions in 2005 and caught 152 passes from 2004-06. In his final game with the Chargers, Parker made a costly miscue, fumbling a punt in a playoff loss to New England. The Patriots took advantage by scoring a field goal in a game they rallied to win by three points.

Cason doubts he’ll be in Chargers camp on time

Source: Associated Press
By Bernie Wilson
SAN DIEGO (AP)—Chargers first-round draft pick Antoine Cason remained unsigned Sunday night and didn’t sound optimistic he’d be at the first practice of training camp.
“I’m not sure. It doesn’t look like it as of now,” Cason said by phone. “I don’t know.”
“I mean, we’re we were making progress, of course,” said Cason, a cornerback from Arizona who went to the Chargers with the 27th overall pick. “I’ve kind of just heard little details of it from my agent. I just control what I can control, my play on the field.”
Cason is the Chargers’ only draft pick who hasn’t agreed to a deal. Rookies and selected veterans reported Sunday night and were scheduled to hold their first practice at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Agent Ron Slavin said in an e-mail there was “no news to report.”
General manager A.J. Smith didn’t immediately return phone calls, and team negotiator Ed McGuire didn’t return an e-mail seeking comment.
Cason, who played at Arizona, was at his apartment in San Diego and would be able to get to camp quickly once a deal is reached.
The Chargers have had a history of failing to get their first-round picks into camp on time.
LaDainian Tomlinson had a long holdout in 2001, Quentin Jammer missed all of training camp in 2002 and Philip Rivers held out for the first four weeks in 2004. Shawne Merriman missed the first week of camp the following year and Antonio Cromartie missed the first two practices in 2006.
Last summer, the Chargers’ entire draft class agreed to deals before the start of camp, the first time that happened since 1997. First-rounder Craig Davis wasn’t even the last to sign in 2007—that distinction belonged to second-rounder Eric Weddle.
“That’s the most difficult thing to get through, of course, is the business side of it,” Cason said. “You never know what can happen. It’s a big difference in that way, not being able to show up the first day because of the business side.
“I’ve been keeping calm, keeping my cool. Really, I’m just trying to keep working out, not letting it affect me.”

Fred Dean headed for Chargers Hall of Fame

Chargers defensive end Fred Dean achieves the NFL's highest alter when he is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 2 in Canton, Ohio. But Dean isn't looking past another special day for him when he returns to San Diego a couple of weeks before his trip to Canton.
Chargers President Dean Spanos announced today that the top pass rusher of his era will be inducted in the Chargers Hall of Fame. Spanos will make the announcement when the Bolts host Sports at Lunch at 11:30 a.m. today at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park."The Chargers Hall of Fame is a great honor for me," Dean said from his home in Louisiana. "So many of my teammates have made it into the Chargers Hall of Fame, and now I get to join them. It's very touching to me."The Chargers will officially induct Dean as their lone 2008 inductee at halftime when the team play the New England Patriots on Sunday night, Oct. 12 at Qualcomm Stadium. Dean's name and number will be added to those names that ring the stadium."I can't really describe what it's like to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Chargers Hall of Fame in the same year," Dean said. "It's like having the best of both worlds."As a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame, Dean joins 12 members of the Air Coryell Chargers previously inducted.That group includes quarterback Dan Fouts (1993), former Grambling wide receiver Charlie Joiner (1993), head coach Don Coryell (1994), offensive tackle Russ Washington(1995), tight end Kellen Winslow (1995), kicker Rolf Benirschke (1997), defensive tackle Gary Johnson (1999), offensive guard Doug Wilkerson(2000), wide receiver Wes Chandler (2001), defensive tackle Louie Kelcher (2003), center Don Macek (2004) and offensive guard Ed White(2004)."Those teams had a family bond," Dean said. "Especially the guys I played in the defensive line - Louie Kelcher, Wilbur Young, Charles DeJurnett, Gary Johnson and Leroy Jones. And guys on the offensive line like Russ Washington and Doug Wilkerson to name a couple. Those are the guys I remember when I think about the Chargers. There was good competition between the offensive and defensive lines."Dean played for the Chargers as a 230-pound defensive end from 1975 to 1981. Although he was undersized for the position, he beat offensive tackles to get to the quarterback with his quickness and exceptional strength for a man his size.Dean, now 56, returned home to Louisiana after his playing days and is an associate minister at New Hebron Baptist Church in Arcadia.He joined the Chargers as a second-round draft pick in 1975 out of Louisiana Tech. He was drafted as an outside linebacker, but since he played defensive end in college, he told the Chargers' coaches he wasmore comfortable with his hand on the ground as a defensive end.Tommy Prothro and his staff subsequently returned Dean to defensive end. Although sacks didn't become an official NFL statistic until 1982, if numbers from the defensive stats compiled by teams are used, Dean iscredited with 100 sacks in 141 games in his career with the Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.In 1978, when Coryell replaced Prothro early in the season and led the Chargers to a winning record, Dean recorded 15.5 sacks. He had nine in 1979 and 10.5 in 1980 when the Chargers won AFC West titles, includingadvancing to the AFC Championship game in the 1980 season.Dean was traded to the 49ers early in the 1981 season when he was locked in a contract dispute with the late Gene Klein, who owned the team until Alex Spanos purchased the franchise in 1984.Dean's most productive season was 1983 when he finished with 17.5 sacks, including six in a game against the New Orleans Saints. He helped the 49ers win two Super Bowl titles in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX."Those Chargers players I played with deserved to win a Super Bowl," Dean said. "But the ball bounced the wrong way and it didn't work out for us.”At the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies, Dean's Class of 2008 includes Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green, Redskins wide receiver Art Monk, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Emmitt Thomas, New England Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett and Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman.The Pro Football Hall of Famers from the Chargers that Dean is joining in Canton are Fouts, Joiner, Lance Alworth, Sid Gillman, Ron Mix and Kellen Winslow."It's hard for me when the Chargers and 49ers play," Dean said. "It's like a father watching two sons playing against each other. But even if I didn't get a Super Bowl ring with the Chargers, it was a good feeling for all of us playing on those Chargers teams."