Bleacher Report - Articles by Ed Lee

Please Stop Bashing Tradition: Raiders vs. Chargers

Ed Lee — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:37:38 -0400

It happens every single time. Every single time I read an article about the history of the raiders or the chargers.

It happens every single time, it's SO ANNOYING.

Someone ALWAYS triggers a fight on whose history is better.

The Raider Fans always talk about the three rings, and how good it looks, and always say that the 'Chokers' have no rings to talk about.

The Charger Fans always say that it's old, and we have been dominating in the past and future.

Can we PLEASE END ALL OF IT ALREADY!?

The Raiders have three rings. They are three rings. The Chargers fans need to accept that.

The Chargers have no rings. They are no rings. The Raiders Fans need to accept that.

However, the some Raider Fans bash on everything they can think about, without even knowing what they are talking about.

Examples: How Dan Fouts was so bad, that he choked a bajillion times. How LT is so bad, he choked a bajillion times. How Winslow was so fragile, he lasted only two years.

Truth: Dan Fouts was probably the greatest Qb to have played around the time he retired. I have friends who are Raider Fans, and they respected Fouts as he left the game.
LT is great. He's better than any RB the raiders have ever had. Better than Bo Jackson.

Winslow was healthy for seven years, and got a freak injury which killed his career.

Also, the Raiders simply choose to ignore Chargers History. There have been countless times in the past, where the Chargers have been better than the Raiders. We were just unlucky in some games. Both sides need to accept that.

Lastly for Raider Fans, they bash on recent history. They talk about all of their super bowl rings, when they haven't won more than five games in a season since 2002. They always talk about potential, but always say that something went wrong in the season.

Reality is, they really dont have much potential except Michael Bush, and JaMarcus Russell. They have to accept that.

As of Chargers fans, they need to accept things to. We can't ignore the fact the Raiders won three super bowls. We can bash that the raiders sucked for the past five seasons.

But we just can't simply choose to ignore, and destroy their history because he hate them. And lets not bash Al Davis. I hate the man and he's a bit senile, but he's a good GM.

So, Why not end this stupid history bashing thing? I love seeing the Chargers kill the Raiders on the field. But I hate simple minded people who destroy history that should be respected.

Why not be like the Redskins-Cowboys rivalry who accept everything that happened without overeacting, and killing everything?

I sure hope that the threads on bashing Raiders/Chargers history stop, because it's painful to see people destroy the histories of two great teams of the past, present and, the future.

I love rivalry. I absolutely do. Let's just have a rivalry where we respect everyone for what they have done in the past.

To raider fans: Truce?

San Diego Chargers Defensive Analysis

Ed Lee — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:10:20 -0400

About a week ago, I wrote an analysis on the offensive side of the ball of the current San Diego Chargers team. Now, I'm going to shift my focus and write an analysis on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense is what failed us last year. Whenever we had a chance to wrap it up, we screwed up on defense. We missed our best defensive player in Merriman, but saying how our defense failed miserably just because of his absence is pathetic. Our defense couldn't hold on 3rd downs, and stayed on the field for so long. Hopefully with Merriman back, our defense will be back to the 2006~2007 form again.

So here we go, position by position.

D-Line: DE- We have Luis Castillo on the right side. He had some injury issues and he was a major disappointment, but he's a force when healthy and rolling.

We lost Igor Olshansky through FA, but it really shouldn't matter. He was lazy and only played to his true potential only when the team was good. However, filling in his hole might be a bit tough.

We have Jaques Cecaire, and Ryon Bingham, who are very hard workers, and they work their butts off when on the field. However having them as starters show that we have no depth at the end position. I expect to hit this position in the 1st round of the draft with Tyson Jackson, or by trading down we could get Fili Moala.

As of DT, Jamal is a wall that stuffs everyone, but he is getting old, and we should start looking for a replacement soon. Or Castillo can switch back to NT, and find another player at DE.

I know this seems unlikely, but if we get Julius Peppers.. I'd CRY.

Overall Grade: B- We're getting up in age, and are injury prone. Also, our 'starters' are actually backups. We need some help here.

LB Crew: MLB- This crew was pathetic. They couldn't give a stinking tackle last year, and messed up so much. We did get a developing starter in Kevin Burnett. He was a solid 2nd MLB for Dallas, and reminds me of a young Donnie Edwards when he used to play for the Chiefs.

As of Steven Cooper, he has solid tackling ability, and good coverage skills. Still, I wish he'd stop showing off his stupid biceps and get his head in the game more. If he didn't get distracted, he'd be a mini Ray Lewis.

Dobbins showed some solid fundamentals last year. He didn't seem to be afraid to tackle, and he was always around the ball somewhere. He was the guy who sacked Manning in the Divisional game on 3rd and 1 to give us the ball back. However, he was a liability in coverage. I saw about 3 balls soaring over his head at least every game he started.

Siler was a spectacular ST player, and should be ready to move up the roster spots to get some game time. He hits HARD and he's freakishly fast. He didn't have much time to prove his coverage skills, but I expect him to be good because of his pure speed.

Matt Wilhelm... or should I say Matt Wiffhelm. I cannot believe that he was supposed to be Randal Godfrey/Donnie Edwards' replacement. He can't tackle AT ALL, and without Merriman helping him, it exposed how much of a poor player he was. I hope we cut this guy soon, because keeping him on the team wastes money, and is a hindrance to other players.

Overall Grade: C+ Cooper was the only bright spot along with Dobbins and Siler in special teams. I want to banish Wiffhelm from SD, and get some good picks late in the draft. I hope we take Jermaine Phillips from TCU. He tore his meniscus in a freak accident at the Combine. He's very talented.

OLB: This crew was better than the MLB crew. We missed dear Merriman so much this year. HE says he's stronger than ever, so expect him to cause some nightmares for the quarterbacks, and to boost our entire defense up a notch. I expect a 15 sack season from #56.

Shaun Phillips is the paradox of our defense along with Cro. We know he's good, and talented. We know that he can be the other guy that pressures the QB to give some other players breaks. However, we saw this year that he cannot be THE guy like Merriman or D. Ware, and is best as the 2nd starter. With Merriman back, expect his playing ability to go up also.

We cut Waters. I liked him. I thought we had a steal when we chose him in the draft. But, I guess not.

Jyles Tucker: I call him Mini Merriman. He has the size, speed, aggressiveness, skill, and potential. I think if we give him more playing time, he will develop. I think that the contract we offered him was premature, but he should be a solid player in the future.

Marques Harris showed some flash of talent with 2.5 sacks, and he was solid in ST. I don't think he has much upside though.

Antwan Applewhite- Wow. All I can say is wow. I had no idea who he was when the season started last year. I love him now. He's just an aggressive player with great potential and talent. He knows how to play the game, and should improve. He's also versatile, and can line up as a DE if he bulks up a bit more. I'd keep him at OLB and let him become a beast.

Overall Grade: A. This is our best defensive position. Hands down. And, some of our players are very versatile.

Secondary: This is where we failed MISERABLY. Even when we had a pass rush in a few games, these guys couldn't get picks, stop the receivers from catching the ball, etc. We allowed 300 yards to Tyler Thigpen(Twice), Drew Brees, Jay Cutler(Twice), Manning, Matt Ryan, Big Ben, and a few other guys. We allowed a total of 11 300+ passing yard games. That's HORENDOUS.

CB: Jammer- He's our best DB. He had a solid year, and really should have been sent to the pro bowl. Everyone underrates him because he doesn't get enough INTs, but he's a great player, and stepped up as the Defensive Leader with Merriman's absence.

Cromartie: What happened to this guy? I personally have no idea. He hated being aggressive, and he hated to get messy and tackle players. He smiled when we basically lost because of him in a few games, and I think allowing Brandon Marshall for 18 receptions killed his mental strength for the whole season.

He started the season saying he was gonna get 15 picks. He ended up getting a measly 2 against Brett Favre and his crazy "Fire into Double Coverage" passing game. I think he had an off year. I really do. I HOPE he did. He has 1 more year to prove to us that he is the player from 2007, and not 2008. I hope he returns a few kicks like he did in 2007 too. That should motivate him more.

Cason: We hit the jackpot when we drafted him. He was everywhere where the ball was. He showed some good hands, and tipped a few passes here and there. He showed that he could tackle, and I think he should be our 2nd corner next year and put Cro as our nickel back to give him that motivation and confidence he needs.

Safety: Clinton Hart- Talk about disappointment. He couldn't cover at all, couldn't tackle at all, and his neck rolls looked stupid. He eventually was benched for Paul Oliver. Good decision Ron.

Eric Weddle- We gave up a lot to get him, but I think he was worth it. He showed fantastic acceleration, and led our team in tackles with 108. He was around the ball where ever it went, and showed that he could pick off passes too. He should be our FS for years to come.

Steve Gregory- I am in bewilderment that he is listed as a safety in our roster. He can't tackle. He SIMPLY CANNOT TACKLE! He couldn't get Willie Parker down, and he's physically bigger, stronger, and bulkier than him. Parker owned him with a single stiff arm, and he fell like a baby. I hope he developes.

Paul Oliver- He can play. He knows how to pick passes off, and he knows how to tackle. He started the final 2 games of the season, and had 17 tackles and an interception. That's 8.5 tackles a game. He intercepted Cutler's laser beam like it was made of glue. I think I'd give him a year to develop into his full potential, but starting him over Hart with Merriman coming back is also a good idea.

Overall Grade: B We have potential. I hope Ron develops them, and I hope we get a good safety in the later rounds of the draft.

Rising Stars: Paul Oliver, Antwan Applewhite, Luis Castillo, Antwan Cason, Antonio Cromartie, Eric Weddle, Brandon Silers, Tim Dobbins, and Kevin Burnett.

Overall Defensive Grade: B. Hopefully with Merriman back, we can be a top 15~10 defense again. Also, I hope we address the defense with the 1st 5 rounds of the draft along with the O Line. With Ron Rivera as the DC, and our players being young, our future in defense looks bright in SD.

Hope you enjoyed my 2nd article. Comments and tips would be greatly appreciated.

San Diego Chargers 2009 Offensive Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Rising Studs

Ed Lee — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:58:18 -0400

I've been a Chargers fan since the creation of the franchise, when I was 7 years old. I have been through many great seasons, many disappointing seasons, and some disastrous seasons. However, as of now, the Chargers of 2009 are a great team in great position to again be Super Bowl contenders. So like the title of the article says, lets begin.

Offense:

Quarterback- Phillip Rivers emerged as one of the elite quarterbacks of the league last year by having the highest QB rating in the NFL (105.5) and the most passing touchdowns (34). He broke some long lasting franchise records. He's also a fantastic leader, with the great intangibles to boot.

In case Rivers goes down with injuries we have Billy Volek to provide us good insurance, and a young rough player in Whitehurst, who has shown some flashes of brilliance. Expect Rivers to emerge as one of the league's top five quarterbacks, and for Whitehurst to develop this year.
Grade: A+

Runningback- This was the most puzzling position since yesterday evening. L.T., as we know, is coming off his worst season statistically, and was banged up for two straight years in a row. However, I expect L.T. to be solid.

L.T. is motivated as ever, and knows that time is running out for him to win a ring. He's going to give all he's got, and have a typical L.T. year that we all know. It's not going to be like 2006, but let's not count out a season like 2007.

Along with L.T. is Darren Sproles. Sproles can excite the team with his brilliant runs, and he's an absolute nightmare on screens for the defense. He's also a fantastic kick returner, and should get more touches this season (125-175 touches this year).

Overall Expect L.T. to bounce back, and to gain about 1,400-1,500 yards, 15 total touchdowns, and a dangerous two-back tandem. Grade: A

Reciever/TE: We have the best tight end in the business with Antonio Gates. Brandon Manumaleuna is a truck.

Our wide receivers are pretty solid with serious height advantages and should create some BIG mismatches.

VJack is a solid first-string reciever with big-play ability, and Chris Chambers keeps the defense in check with his overall abilities.

Our Backups at wide receiver are also strong. Malcolm Floyd showed great promise and should be a great option for Rivers on third down (12 out of his 27 receptions were on third down). Also, Legedu Nannee is a great option and he thrives under pressure. I feel that he will be replacing Chambers when he's gone. As of BUSTer Davis.. we'll see how he performs when he's healthy. He WAS a monster at LSU.

Grade: B+

Offensive Line: This whole crew was frustrating to watch in 2008. They literally fell on their butts as you counted 1, 2, 3. Still, we have been working to revamp the O-line, and it should be good enough to return to 06-07 form.

OT- Marcus McNeill is a paradox. He's a freak when healthy. He's motivated, and he proved that he's a hard worker. But, according to A.J. Smith, he had neck surgery, and it could be very serious.

As of the right side.. Clary is a disgrace. He was penalized for the second most false start penalties in 2008, and allowed 6.5 sacks. However, we have some great backups to fill in the void.

L.J. Shelton was very effective as the in the first few games of the season as he started for an injured McNeill. I'm not sure if many remember, but he pancaked the Carolina defender on the first carry for L.T. last year on a 14-yard run.

Also, Scott Mruczkowski is a versatile lineman that can play every position on the line.

I expect Scott Forney to get the starting job at right guard, so expect a battle to get the starting job at right tackle with Mrucz, and Clary.

C- We're VERY thin here. Hardwick is very very fragile. In 2005, his ankle snaped from a simple bull rush and had to get surgery and missed the majority of the season. Still, he's one of the best centers in the NFL when healthy.

We got rid of Jeremy Newberry, so we basically have no insurance other than Mrucz, who can play center. I expect this to be a issue solved in the later rounds of the draft..

G-Mike Goff is gone after 80 straight games, but we did sign Forney to a deal that should replace Goff. He was a premier guard when he played for Atlanta, and opened up 1,000 yard seasons to Warrick Dunn, and Mike Vick. He should compete for the starting job with Mrucz (Who is originally a guard), but should win the job.

As for the left side, our best O-lineman, Kris Dielman is a rock.

Grade: C+. Our right side needs some help.

Special Teams: We have the best punter since Ray Guy. We have a clutch(?) kicker in Nate Kaeding. And our special team maestro, Kassim Osgood, is there to help. Sproles is an electrifying kick/punt returner, and should keep many special team units alert.

Grade: A+

Future Studs, and Emergers: Darren Sproles- Little Mighty Mouse will become a big part in our offense, and should develop into a cornerstone in our offense.

Legedu Nannee- He has so much upside, and plenty of talent. He's calm under pressure, and knows what to do. IF his developement is on its projected way, he should eventually replace Chambers after he's gone. (I only rate him higher than Floyd, because he has less injury issues)

Scott Mruczkowski- He's a versatile 0-lineman that knows how to play ALL positions. He learned alot over the past few years, learning from McNeill, Dielman, etc, and should be able to start for us for the next 4-5 years.

LaDainian Tomlinson- With so many people hopping on the "L.T. is Washed Up" bandwagon, I cannot help myself, but to add this. He played all year with injuries, and still ended up with 1,100 yards. HE WILL bounce back, and have a spectacular year. Guaranteed.

Hope you enjoyed my first ever Bleacher Report article! Any tips would be greatly appreciated.