My Philip Rivers Blog

It has been a busy off season for the Chargers this past season. Two years ago, the end of the 2008-2009 season, it was apparent to nearly everyone in San Diego that the next season would be Ladanian Tomlinson's last as a charger. The loss to the Jets in the playoffs last year was rendered that much more soul crushing because you knew you wouldn't get to see one of the franchises' best player of all time (and one of the league's all time greats too) win with this team.

The Chargers were terrible when Tomlinson was drafted and have become perennial Superbowl contenders in the last few years. But it was also apparent to everyone in San Diego that Tomlinson had lost a step (or maybe it was a Fullback) so as much as it hurts it was ready to move in a new direction. A Running Back was clearly on San Diego's list of draft needs but there was also the glaring hole at Nose Tackle left by Jamaal Williams' departure. I honestly thought it was feasible for the Chargers to walk away with both of their top prospects, Ryan Matthews at Running back and Nose Tackle Terrence Cody without trades. G.M. A.J. Smith made some nice moves heading into the draft sending Charlie Whitehurst to Seattle to exchange 2nd round picks which allowed the Chargers to trade up to take Matthews.

I really liked Matthews but was afraid the Chargers may have paid a bit too much to get him, especially with a running back class that was pretty deep. The easily could have held out but clearly A.J. knew the direction he wanted to go in. In hindsight I really like the trade, mostly because NT Cam Thomas fell into the 5th round where they couldn't over look him anymore. Even more so than the running game, I think it was the run defense or lack thereof that has been hurting the Chargers the most. It would have been a shame to walk away from a draft that was pretty rich with large bodies perfect for plugging up the very large hole left by Jamaal Williams without having drafted a Nose Tackle. Hopefully Thomas will be able to make an impact right away as the Chargers should have a workable rotation at the position with Cam Thomas, Antonio Garay, (who will likely be the starter) and Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

Unfortunately the impending uncapped year and its possibility to create a lockout is leaving Marcus McNeil and Vincent Jackson as yet unsigned. Hopefully this situation won't carry over late into camps or into the season because this is the sort of thing that can ruin what has been a successful off season. The chargers won 13 games last year, enough for 2nd best in the league and have only improved their roster but without McNeil and Jackson, there may be a ceiling on how far this team can go. If they sign just one of these guys before camp let it be McNeil. Philip Rivers throws the ball down field more than any other QB but he does need the protection to be given the time.

Jesus is interested in many topics. He is a hardcore writer that is always working on a new piece. He specializes in travel writing but you can check out his recent site where he talks about a Baby Crib Bumper and he also recommends a great Storkcraft Baby Crib.