No Audience for Mankins' Moans posted by Randolph Charlotin

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal.

 

Boy, was I wrong. On Monday, loose-lipped Logan demanded a trade and took a few swipes at the organization at the same time.

 "Right now, this is about principle with me and keeping your word and how you treat people,” Mankins told ESPN Boston on Monday. This is what I thought the foundation of the Patriots was built on. Apparently, I was wrong. Growing up, I was taught a man's word is his bond. Obviously this isn't the case with the Patriots." 

"At this point, I'm pretty frustrated, from everything that's happened and the way negotiations have gone. I want to be traded. I don't need to be here any more."

 

A player crying foul over contract negotiations is nothing new. But this year there seems to be a spike in angst as franchises face an uncertain future with an uncapped year and labor negotiations coming up. With teams being very reluctant to hand over big deals without the legislation for how contracts will be structured for the next labor deal, the players are being left without the financial security of a long term contract.

 

Mankins is in limbo with several other restricted free agents in search of new deals, including Dallas’ Miles Austin, Indianapolis’ Raheem Brock, and San Diego’s Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill. Like the pair from the Chargers, Mankins opted not to sign his tender and will continue to hold out.

Continue reading "No Audience for Mankins' Moans"

A "Lights Out" Alternative posted by Randolph Charlotin

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much.

 

If given a choice between the two players, the average person would prefer Shawn “Lights Out” Merriman over Derrick “No Moniker” Burgess. But the bottom line is Burgess is better for the Patriots than Merriman.

 

It’s easy to point to money being the main reason, as Burgess probably resigned for just several hundred thousand dollars compared to Merriman’s tender which is valued at $3.27 million. But it’s deeper than that.

 

First look at Merriman’s situation. What is known is the Chargers would had exchanged Merriman for a first round pick if it wasn’t for Merriman’s agent, Tom Condon, demanding a new lucrative contract from his new team. Merriman has since fired Condon for David Dunn, removing the perceived obstacle.

 

If Dunn can speak any sense into Merriman, Dunn will convince Shawn to sign his tender and play for a new contract.

 

Merriman wants to be paid like Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware and Minnesota’s Jared Allen after seeing the deals signed by the league’s best pass rushers. But Merriman has to reestablish his reputation as the AFC’s most feared pass rusher before he gets comparable money.

 

In his first three years, Merriman totaled 39.5 sacks and earned three Pro Bowl selections. But he missed all but the season opener in 2008 and nagging injuries last year slashed his production down to just four sacks. Merriman considers himself healthy heading into 2010 and he will be motivated. If he recaptures his dominant play, $3.27 million for the year would be a bargain.

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

Fear of Falling posted by Randolph Charlotin

Patriot fans know there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Bill Belichick will trade down during the draft.

 

It’s not just a pattern; it’s as reliable as the seasons, the sun rising, and celebrity controversies.

 

While we’ve grown to accept these trades, that doesn’t mean we enjoy learning the Pats traded down again. We’d like to see New England trade up to get a player they want. We’ve only seen it once when they drafted TE Daniel Graham in 2002.

 

With 12 selections in this year’s draft, eight are potential trade chips, as the four compensatory picks can not be traded. That’s still plenty to work with to be aggressive in the draft. We’d like to see a New York Jets-like approach to get the best players instead of bringing in a dozen players, half with a realistic chance of making the roster.

 

We will never know exactly what happens in New England’s war room and how they reach the decision to trade down. But based on past drafts, it is possible the player they desired was taken just picks before the Patriots were on the clock. With the targeted player gone, New England opted to trade down. That should give them more reason to go after who they want instead of hoping the cards fall just right.

 

There’s been three times a player that I was hoping would fall to the Pats was selected before New England’s turn. Each time, when it was the Patriots’ turn, they traded down. It can simply be coincidence, but I can’t help thinking there was a correlation:

Continue reading "Fear of Falling"

Which New Jet / Former Charger Was Worse in 2009: LT2 or Cromartie posted by Mike Dussault

My obsession with Pro Football Focus continues...

Cromartie only had 2 good games in 2009, with a total season ranking of -5.5. But that still wasn't bad enough to beat Tomlinson who had only 1 good game in 2009 and came in with a total season ranking of -10.8. Although Cromartie did play a little worse in the Chargers playoff loss, maybe that's why they signed him first? Wait, what?

FWIW Thomas Jones came in with a season ranking of -11.3, so maybe LT2 really actually was an upgrade?

I remain unimpressed with the Jets offseason despite all the hype they're receiving. Solid additions but this isn't 2006 (LT2) or 2007 (Cromartie).

Continue reading "Which New Jet / Former Charger Was ..."

On March 4, the New York Jets managed to get closer to playing in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 posted by Colin Linneweber

The New York Jets acquired San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2011 draft Thursday evening. 

In order to make room for Cromartie, the Jets released disappointing cornerback Lito Sheppard. 

Cromartie, 25, who the Chargers selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Florida State University, was an All-Pro selection in 2007. 

At his best, Cromartie is an elite shutdown corner who can easily blanket any receiver in the league with his blazing speed. 

Unfortunately for Jets fans, Cromartie is also a pathetic tackler who has more personal issues than Lindsay Lohan. 

Cromartie reportedly has fathered seven children in five different states and he has been named in a minimum of five paternity suits. 

The former Seminole standout signed a five-year contract worth $7.35 million with the Chargers after he was drafted. 

Therefore, Cromartie is entering the final season of his rookie contract and the Jets have been clear that they have zero desire to extend his deal before next season. 

Cromartie’s precarious contract situation should make him highly motivated to thrive for the Jets this coming autumn. 

Seriously, the guy is legally obligated to feed kids that reside all over our great nation. 

Coupled with 2009 First-Team All-Pro Darrelle Revis, the Jets should have the most formidable cornerback tandem in the NFL. 

If Revis and Cromartie are able to stifle their opponents passing game, Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan should have a ball devising even more aggressive blitz packages than he usually does. 

Continue reading "On March 4, the New York Jets managed ..."

LT no longer a Charger posted by john howard

LaDainian Tomlinson was let go by the Chargers.   The 8th all time running back is no longer in San Diego.  He is a future hall of famer. But, does he have a future else where?

Let's take a look:

How about the Arizona Cardinals?  They took a shot at Emmitt Smith towards the end of his career.  Replace aging Warner with another aging vet? 

Cleveland could use a running back if they aren't completely decided on Harrison.

No one may need it more than the Detroit Lions. But I don't think he will take that job.

Another team that can win is the Houston Texas.

Kansas City???

Or how about the Seattle Seahawks---a possibility.

But the winner will be New England.  He would fit perfectly with the Patriots.

Sunny San Diego to chilly Boston-------but another ring???

Continue reading "LT no longer a Charger"

San Diego Chargers Turn "Lights Out" on Merriman, Keep Offense in Tact posted by Bowe Fertig

The San Diego Chargers are never the aggressor, money-wise, when it comes to signing players during the offseason.

The last big-name free agent the Chargers signed was David Boston in 2003, and what a bust that was.

Unfortunately, the Chargers depend on their draft more than they should while watching other teams sign game-changing players.

You could maybe attribute late season runs that end earlier than expected to the complacent nature of the Chargers during the off-season.

Not this year and not this time.

If the Chargers want to become like their sports-city compadre, San Diego Padres, then they will do what they have been doing in past offseasons—doing just enough to be considered good, make the playoffs, and fall short.

The Super Bowl run begins this offseason for the Chargers and the resigning of Norv Turner tells me there will be a lot brewing in San Diego this offseason.

Shawne Merriman won’t be drinking from the San Diego brewing companies anymore as his lights-out dance became less apparent.

Merriman, who had a good, young, lights-out career with the Chargers, has given the organization no reason to re-sign after his past two seasons.

Merriman displayed a decrease in speed and the inability to get to the quarterback after last year's one-game season. He has never been good in coverage and with season-low numbers in tackles (36) and sacks (four) there is no need to give up the big money Merriman will be asking for.

With never more than 70 tackles in one season but being the only Charger with 10 or more sacks in his first three seasons, Merriman has some upside. When healthy he impacted games on many different levels and came up huge in big-time games.

Continue reading "San Diego Chargers Turn "Lights Out" ..."

Why The San Diego Chargers Signed Norv Turner To a Three-Year Extension posted by Bowe Fertig

The San Diego Chargers' CEO Dean Spanos and General Manager A.J. Smith have made the biggest desperation move in Super Charger history.

The three-year extension signed by Norv Turner only makes sense in one big way, and that’s money.

For an organization to re-sign a head coach who has consistently been outcoached in the playoffs to a three-year extension so quickly is absolutely dumbfounding.

My mind hurt when I found out Norv Turner was signed to a three-year extension within a day of losing to the less-talented Jets.

I was still trying to get over the heartbreaking Charger loss, and now this.

But after considering the Chargers' biggest obstacle to future success—the resigning of free agents Shawne Merriman, Darren Sproles, Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, Jeromey Clary, Malcom Floyd, Mike Tolbert, and the decision to keep LaDainian Tomlinson, money seems to be the most logical reasoning behind the move.

San Diego is faced with a huge obstacle this offseason of forking over money to keep the Chargers' best players, and have made it easier on themselves by re-signing Norv Turner.

The Chargers past offseasons haven’t reflected the aggressiveness, money-wise, needed for what’s necessary this offseason, and keeping a head coach that everyone gets along with can make the decision easier for players to stay.

I know most fans want a coach who brings more intensity to the locker room, like Bill Cowher, but he doesn’t fit our offensive scheme, and San Diego will need to spend more money for an offensive coordinator.

Continue reading "Why The San Diego Chargers Signed ..."

Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego posted by Joe Anello

It was an ugliest of games for the team in the prettiest of cities. After winning 11 straight games to finish the regular season, the San Diego Chargers came out with a resounding thud at home against the Jets on Sunday. Penalties, missed field goals and turnovers formed a perfect storm of suck for the Chargers and kept the Jets in the game until the final quarter where they took and held onto the lead to advance to the AFC championship game with a 17-14 victory.

 

Following a scoreless first quarter, the Chargers jumped out to a 7-0 lead as Philip Rivers found rarely-used tight end Kris Wilson in the endzone. That was the lead taken into halftime, thanks to a stingy Jet defense and a lackluster but safe Jet offense. New York added a field goal in the third to close the gap, but you never felt like the Chargers offense could be stifled for four quarters. Seems like the Jets offense didn’t get the memo, as they were the ones who refused to be held down.

After a fantastic pick of Rivers by Revis, the Jets were forced to punt it right back, minimalizing Rivers' mistake. On his very next throw Rivers was intercepted again, returned by safety Jim Leonard 11 yards to the Charger 16.  A touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller capitalized on the turnover, giving New York their first lead of the game. On their next drive, rookie Shonn Greene broke through the San Diego defense for a 53-yard scamper to the endzone, putting the Jets up 17-7. A late rally by Norv Turner's offense was marred by poor clock management but did result in a touchdown to bring it back to 17-14.  A failed onside kick gave the road team the ball, which they ran on four straight plays including a gutsy fourth-and-one conversion by Thomas Jones to secure the win. All the Chargers could do was watch.

Continue reading "Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego"

Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday posted by Joe Anello

 

Even if yesterday's were drama-less (story of the playoffs so far), I couldn't miss a second. That won't change today as the most hyped game of the weekend starts Divisional round Sunday. New York's Cinderella story (is Rex Ryan the fairy godmother?) closes out the night with a west coast appearance. The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
1:00PM ET FOX

I don't know if you knew, but Brett Favre is a Viking. Back for one last (?) Super Bowl run, Favre has done all Minnesota has asked him. Now its time for his team to show up. That means blocking for Adrian Peterson and the secondary showing up to play. Hopefully Brad Childress did some coaching this week,

Dallas has been under fire for failing in December and the post-season for several years. Now, they've broken both "jinxes" and found themselves one game away from the NFC title game. Wade Philips saved his job with a pounding of Philadelphia last weekend and will look to blow Favre up in the pocket. 

Analysis: Minnesota wishes they had Dallas' offense. The Cowboys have been committed to and successful with the run, and Romo has been efficient with 20-26 throws a game. Felix Jones needs another huge run to loosen up the Vikings' D so Miles Austin can strike deep against poor-playing corners. Favre will be under pressure from DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff all afternoon, which will cause at least one interception, maybe two. Dallas' defense is playing dominant football while the Vikings have been inconsistent at best. Adrian Peterson has to be the game-breaker today and not the poster child for fumblitis.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

Gates gets $36M contract extension

Antonio Gates has agreed to a $36.175 million, five-yearcontract extension with the San Diego Chargers, making him theNFL's highest-paid tight end. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Chargers TE Gates signs 5-year extension (AP)

Antonio Gates has caught plenty of big passes for the San Diego Chargers, and on Wednesday he hauled in the biggest contract ever given to an NFL tight end. Gates agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension, with $20.4 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the figures weren't released. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Turner: Best Chargers team in my 4 years (AP)

Norv Turner thinks this season's San Diego Chargers can be the best team in his four seasons as head coach. That's pretty optimistic thinking, considering the Chargers are expected to be without Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill, a Pro Bowler in 2006-07, for training camp and the first 10 games of the season. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

NFL suspends Chargers WR Jackson

The San Diego Chargers say Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jacksonhas been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the 2010season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

NFL suspends Chargers WR Jackson

The San Diego Chargers say Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jacksonhas been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the 2010season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL