San Diego Chargers: 3 Players with Bright Futures

Like food left in the refrigerator during a power outage, this Chargers season is now spoiled.  At first it smelled a little off, then it turned and now it’s rotten.

Looking for players who will shine one day is no easy task.  I was tempted to focus on players whose presence on injured reserve will allow them to miss this disastrous season entirely.  Like many Boltheads, I also fear that these guys will have their best years wearing another team’s uniform.  Nonetheless here we go.

1. Donald Butler

As well as he’s played this year, he hasn’t been able to stem the tide of failure.  After coming back from a season-ending injury suffered in the summer of 2010, he’s become quite a playmaker. 

He forces turnovers and can truly lay the wood.  His hit on Jamaal Charles last Thursday was reminiscent of Shawne Merriman’s lick on Priest Holmes in 2005.  Hopefully, Butler will have a longer career in San Diego than the man whose jersey he now wears.

2. Corey Liuget

Before this year, there was really nowhere for him to go but up.  If you search for his name on the web, the word “bust” will still come up immediately.  But he’s caused some turnovers and clogged up the line as well.  He’s got a ways to go before he can justify A.J. Smith’s faith in him, but he’s no Larry English.

3. Vincent Brown

Remember this guy?  The play he broke his ankle on is exactly the type the Chargers have been missing.  He was the lone bright spot during the home loss to Oakland last year.   Danario Alexander has been a great fill-in of late, but he will probably become a footnote in Charger history.

Besides being a fan favorite from San Diego State, Brown is physical and acrobatic.  Unfortunately, he probably won’t be available until December.  By that time, the season’s promise will be long gone and Alexander will have become this year’s Patrick Crayton.