Several sources are reporting that defensive back Nathan Vasher is minutes away from becoming a Charger. If so, he would likely put heat on Steve Gregory in the nickel spot while keeping Antoine Cason motivated for the starting corner position.
The move would re-unit Vashedr with ex-Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera which could revive his career, but can he stay healthy? If he can it would be an exciting addition and shore up a thin defensive backfield.
UPDATE: Yep, he’s a charger.
I realize that there are probably more “x’s” that should be placed, but these are were the ones I saw at first glance. What’s interesting is how many of these players were important pieces to the Charger puzzle. Clinton Hart, LT, Osgood, and Chris Chambers were all starters at the beginning of last year.
Tight end Manumaleuna played a big role in protection and had key plays each year as a Charger. Whitehurst rounded out what was, depth wise, one of the deepest QB batteries in the league. Running back Michael Bennett was an insurance policy the Chargers never cashed in.
Many of the faces that remain untouched on the photo above will change as the season draws near. Boltaholic will continue to update as personnel changes.
With a mentor like Deion Sanders how could Cromartie go wrong?
When he’s broke after football I wonder if Deion Sanders will still want to be Antonio Cromartie’s “friend.” I’m just glad we got a pick and he won’t disgrace the Charger uniform anymore.
Hopefully Cason will step up and fill the role left behind of “El Matadore” Antonio Cromartie. He seems capable. Next to quarterback, cornerback has to be one of the most unpredictable positions to draft. Looking at the first round picks the Chargers have spent in the last 9 years, half have been on defensive backs: Sammy Davis – bust, Cromartie – clown, Jammer – stud, Cason – yet to be determined, although appears solid.
I totally agree with AJ’s philosophy of building through the draft, but I wish CB is one area the Chargers would address through free agency or trade with a proven player.
Everyone seems to think this years first rounder is going to be either running back or nose tackle, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if AJ grabs another defensive back if he sees someone he likes available.
There was a good story in the New York Post about former Charger Lorenzo Neal’s perspective and participation in regards to Ladanian Tomlinson becoming a Jet. The whole story is here, but here are a few exerpts:
On what the Jets will get with LT
“When LT comes into that locker room the Jets are getting a leader,” Neal said. “Is LT as good as he was? No he’s not. But he’s better than 70 or 80 percent of the backs in the league. Let’s be real: He’s not the guy he was when he first came into the league, but he still has it.”
On the use of LT in the playoffs
“All of a sudden, Norv wanted to run the ball. You want to run a guy who’s been on a chain and been caged up all season behind an offensive line that’s been caged up and hadn’t bowed their heads and run the ball all season?
How does Neal like LT’s chances?
“Now he’s in a place where he knows they have a running game with a purpose,” Neal said. “This guy will fly; I think he’s going to fly. He’s been backed into a corner like a caged cat and he’s going to scratch and fight.”
According to the article, Neal encouraged LT sign with the Jets all the way because of their commitment to the run. Neal is also excited that Tomlinson will be on a bigger stage in New York.
Most Charger fans know that Tomlinson had more gas in the tank and his production was suffering because of the shift from the run game to the passing game. Time will tell what LT’s impact with the Jets will be, but it looks like he’ll be given every chance to maximize his success with the run first mentality.
This fans only comment would be that the Chargers had that same run-first mentality for all, but the last year or two, of LT’s career and he had some great individual stats when the team’s focus was strengthening the run. Those were great years, especially for him individually, but each of them ended the same way last year did, without a Super Bowl.
If LT rebounds with a big season, and there’s a good chance he will, everyone can then say, ’see LT was right all along, see what he was capable of. The Chargers didn’t use him right.’ Well, fair enough. If the goal of your football team is to pad the stats of your running back, the Chargers didn’t do a great job last year.
However, does anyone think the Chargers would have won 13 games with a run-first offense built around a 9 year running back coming off of multiple injury plagued seasons?
The Chargers need to address the run and be more effective. They also need a back that doesn’t just keep his mouth shut about not liking his role and then, at the end of the season, complain about his role on a team that won 13 games.
Starting fresh through the draft, the Chargers will look to pick a running back that can make their own opportunities and do whatever role benefits the team, not just their pride or stats.
As for LT, I hope he goes out and wins the rushing title this year and has all of the success that made him one of the most popular athletes in San Diego. As for the Chargers, I’d rather win a Super Bowl this year.
My feelings about LT signing with the Jets are the same as Jamal Williams signing with the Broncos; I have nothing but respect and appreciation for what they did with San Diego, the fans and the community. I appreciate their sacrifices and dedication. So many good memories, I’m thankful to have experienced LT with the Chargers – he’ll never be forgotten. LT is a father soon to be and I hope he remains a community member in San Diego and maybe even finds a role, post playing days, with the Chargers once again.
That said, I wish him the best of health on the field, but success? With the Jets? Are you kidding? LT made a business decision for his family. I hope the Jets go win-less and their rushing attack ranks 32 in the league. I was actually prepared to root for LT with the Vikings, but the Jets? Never.
I’ll be there when LT’s jersey is retired from the Chargers, and I’ll do everything I can to get to Canton when he is inducted, but while he is a Jet… Good health and not much more.
If LT does “slide” over to the Vikings it will be interesting, because he’ll have gone from complaining about being the starter on the Chargers, not liking his role in 2009, to lining up for a back up role. This would only indicate one thing, LT is going to go where he thinks he can get a ring. From that stand point, it makes all of the sense in the world.
If he does sign with Minnesota, with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, will he become the third down back? Time will tell how he’d respond to watching another back handle the bulk of the load.
It was reported that LT didn’t appreciate the coronation of Peterson as the best back in football. As competitive as he is, competing for playing time with Peterson… Last time there was a fire that big inside someone from Wacco Texas, Janet Reno got called before congress…
Let me start by saying, I’ve been a huge fan of Jamal Williams through the years. One of the best nose tackles in the game, Jamal Williams has laid it all out on the line and I, like most Charger fans, appreciate everything he has done for the Chargers and San Diego. I was saddened to see him be released.
That said… He signed with the Donkey’s and now he officially is a Donkey. NFL players always say, “no hard feelings, it’s all business – blah blah blah.” Exactly. It’s a business for players.
So this is more or less an open letter to Jamal Williams…
Fans don’t get a paycheck, but believe me – it’s all business as well. No hard feelings Jamal, I don’t wish you any bad personally. I hope you have a healthy year and you and your family are safe and secure.
Football-wise, however, I wish you the very worst with your decision to sign with the cheap shot, garbage factory known as the Denver Broncos. I wish you good health , but a horrible season. There were 30 other teams I wouldn’t have minded you signing with, and while I appreciate your contributions to the Bolts, may you miss every tackle, draw every penalty and suffer a winless season.
In the same way that it’s “no hard feelings” for you to jump across the division to a hated rival, it’s no hard feelings from Charger fans when they, hopefully, cheer your every disappointment while wearing the Denver Donkey colors.
As seen on Chargers.com
Because I am such a loyal fan, who really does want to see this organization prosper, I am offering the Chargers some help selling the left over Cromartie jerseys. I think they just need a little help selling, so I’ll offer the following copy suggestions free of charge.
Let’s see:
No need to thank me Chargers. I mean, they could use the jerseys to dress the tackling dummies, but the irony would be too thick since he was just a dummy that wouldn’t tackle. Thank you, I’ll be here all week.
The Chargers claimed Marcus Mason off waivers from the Washington Redskins. Originally an undrafted free agent, who has been up and down from practice squads, Mason will face fierce competition by the time mini-camp roles around. Here’s what one Redskins fan blog says about Mason.
The Chargers will likely take at least two running backs in this years draft and with so many roster spots open, look for them to get every undrafted free agent hot shot running back lining up for a legitimate crack at making an NFL roster.
For years Jamal Williams was a defensive brick wall for opposing running backs (via Chargers.com)
In an unrelated bummer of a side note, nose tackle Jamal Williams visited the Denver Broncos recently. Will the Chargers try and bring Williams back at a lower rate? Will another team sign a 34 year old who has had a multitude of physical problems over the last few years? It would be tragic to see him in Denver, but I hope things work out for the best for a player who has given the Charger fans so much.
