NFL  > San Diego Chargers  > Building for next season.
January 12, 2009, 12:05 PM
Looking at the Chargers, here is my assessment of what they need to do this off season:

1) Get rid of Turner. He may be a good OC, but his ineptitude as a HC has come shining through. Not very impressed with Rivera either.

2) Figure out what happened to the O-Line. Against both Indy and Pitt, Rivers was constantly under pressure; and not because he was holding the ball too long. Pressure (especially from the outside) was getting there FAST.

3) Get receivers who do more then run down the field. Along with 2), not enough SD receivers work to get open. Either that or they do not have the ability to get open beyond their original route. In either case, it leaves your QB hanging if you can't work into space (see Pitt's WRs ....they make Rolls-in-burger look real good).

4) Get some solid LB help. Merriman can not be the only LB threat on the team. It just doesn't work. Again, see the Steelers (I use them because they employee the 3-4 also). SD should look at this draft and seriously look at a solid MLB (Rey Maualuga) or a LB/DE tweener (Everrette Brown, Antonio Coleman, George Selvie, Maurice Evans, or even Brian Orakpo). With a much more consistent pass rush, I believe the secondary would be outstanding.

5) Get some help for Jamal Williams. Big man has been in the league for 10 yrs. and had a lot put on him. Maybe it is time to get a solid backup (B.J. Raji, Terrence Cody). Some end backup would probably be nice too (Fili Moala), but not as essential.

6) Draft a RB. I think they will (SHOULD) resign Sproles and he will be a major contributor. LT, I believe, still has some good years in him if he can get healthy, though history (and time) are against him. It is time to look forward. A mid to late pick can be used to acquire a solid back; maybe even a GOOD back (either of the Clemson dou), depending on the need throughout the league.

This is how I see thing. Curious about other assessments.
 
January 12, 2009  06:37 PM ET

All season, only one middle linebacker played well, and that of course was Stephen Cooper.
The middle of the field was wide open for Tight Ends and Backs.
Wilhelm was absolutely terrible. He should not be in the NFL. He can???t cover his Grandmother.
Dobbins is barely passable.

Here are the moves I would make in the off season. One is very controversial

1) Trade Ladannian Tomlinson while he has value (Think Emmitt Smith). Get more draft
choices for him, so we can fill the holes in our Defense. We should have traded
Brees while we could have gotten something for him. Don???t make this mistake again.

2) Sign Sprioles as our feature back. (too bad we let Turner go)

3) Draft a middle linebacker in the first round that has cover skills

4) Acquire a right tackle to replace Clary who was poor at best

5) Draft defensive Linemen depth

6) Move Quinten Jammer to safety (that would close the middle of the field)

7) Start Cason in place of Jammer.

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