Maybe Philip Rivers turns out to be the next Johnny Unity and maybe he doesn’t. All I know is that the San Diego Chargers pulled off one of the dumbest moves in football in at least the last decade.
By letting their former quarterback, Drew Brees, walk in free agency, the Shields restored their franchise, at least for two more years, if not more.
The Rockets are still a talented team and should still be a legitimate contender in the AFC – if Rivers plays like a veteran and not the first year starter he will be in 2006.
Personally, I think if Rivers can lead this team into the playoffs, it will be an absolute miracle.
Quarterbacks
Not that I don’t like rivers. To be fair, he is an outstanding young man with a great future ahead of him.
However, if in the NFL (which is always a possibility with any young quarterback, he fails in the first quarter) then the Rockets will have dirt on their faces.
Remember, if they turn the tables on their backs, it will be much-maligned, A.J. Feeley who will take the snap – that’s about as thin as it gets when it comes to quarterbacks.
Running Backs
Let the lucky stars admit that they stretch out in every footballrunning back. 25 times the game. Not only that, but Rivers will also have the ball brought to Tomlinson’s dump for safe patterns at least five times per game.
Fullback Lorenzo Neal has done an amazing job as Tomlinson’s lead blocker the past two seasons and will be back in his familiar role in 2006. He also threw in a big change of pace in Michael Turner, who, like Tomlinson, is scoring threats from anywhere on the field.
I will say that if Tomlinson is working hard to ease Rivers into his new role this season, they would be wrong of major proportions.
Wide receiver/tight end
It may seem like Keenan McCardell has been playing for two decades now, but the truth is, all McCardell does is get open and catch a pass, even though he’s 37 years old.
Eric Parker starts on the other side and is a lot better than most people know. However, Anthony Porta’s position as a star in the receiving end of the group is undoubtedly tight.
Gates is the best tight end in all of football and one that takes the pressure off Rivers with his presence in the middle of the field. Vincent Jackson, Kassim Osgood and Rashaun Woods will battle for number three.
Heavy line
Although Tomlinson’s goaltenders are at will as yards gainers, the San Diego coach fired his offensive line after the 2005 season and will be looking for more consistency from the unit this season.
Center Nick Hardwick and guards Mike Goff and Kris Dielman are average at best. Mark McNeill, Roman Oben and right tackle Shane Olive complete the rest of this inexperienced unit, which was better off getting their defensive activity together quickly for the young Rivers.
Defensive line
Jamal Williams, Igor Olshansky and Luis Castello may be the three most underrated defensive linemen in the NFL. All three players are above average at their respective positions and form the foundation for a scoring defense that is the best in the league. I will say that if one of this trio goes down with an injury, they could work on the front of the stands.
Linebackers
Boy, did the skeins ever get right with their selection of Shawne Merriman last season. Merriman is already the best linebacker target, though veterans Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey still serve. Steve Foley and Shaun Phillips are both special pass rushers who can get to the quarterback at any time.
Defensive Backs
Starting cornerback Quentin Jammer, once the fifth overall pick of the draft, has not lived up to his expectations and Drayton Florence, the team’s other starting cornerback, has returned to nickel at best.
Anthony Cromartie, the Shields’ first-round draft pick from Florida State, could challenge Florence for his spot. while the safeties, Marlon McCree, a free agent from Carolina and Bhawoh Jue, are also competent defensive backs. However, the Cubs need to force more turnovers from this group in 2006.
Special Teams
Kicker, Nate Kaeding and punter Mike Scifres are both rock solid veterans who have proven they can get the job done.
The elusive Darren Sproles is also a fixture on kickoff returns while Parker handles the punt return duties quite capably.
Coaching
If Marty Schottenheimer has completed the job this season (which he didn’t want), and he doesn’t get scotches. The past two seasons (which they want) could then form the “Marty Ball” event of the past in San Diego.
In fact, I’m now going on record to say that Schottenheimer had better start making his bags now because he’s in a no-win situation. If the Rockets fail to make the playoffs this season, it will be someone’s head for the fans – and unfortunately – it’s usually the head coach who served on the plate.
