Question
Kevin,

Can you get me inside A.J.'s head when it comes to NT? He has been very
vocal about depth and lining players up 3 deep, yet nose tackle seems to be
the only exception. I feel like the Chargers could go from super bowl
contender to 8-8 if Jamal went down. Ryon Bingham has been playing more at
DE than NT and Brandon McKinney has done nothing to make me believe he is
the future. Is there a reason Mr. Smith has passed on free agents and drafts
picks when it comes to NT? Possibly an eventual move back to a 4-3? I am of
the opinion that it is very hard to find guys like Jamal, Vince Wilfork and
Casey Hampton. Quality NT's just don't grow on trees. Please enlighten me!!


Josh / Escondido

Answer

The last part of your question answers the first.

It is like AJ said to me a couple weeks ago: "You tell me where I can find
another Jamal, I'll sign him."


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
Kevin, considering Vincent Jackson's stellar playoff run (he was probably
our best offensive player during the postseason), do you think AJ will make
re-signing Jackson in the next year or so a priority, or is he happy to wait
a couple years and see how Jackson continues to perform, especially in light
of the sudden depth the team has at WR?


Jin-Ho / Chicago

Answer

The Chargers will feel out Jackson soon, but don't read too much into that.
They feel out a lot of people.

I think Jackson will want to wait. It makes sense. Should he carry the great
play through next season, he is a legit No.1, and he will get big money.

It's going to be interesting, since VJ is one of a half-dozen guys the
Chargers will be interested in signing in the next year to 18 months.


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
Kevin,

In an ealier response you wrote that Stephen Cooper isn't in danger of
losing his job. Is this something you've gotten from the coaching staff? I
thought he had a fantastic season, but I've heard fans complain quite a bit
about his play. With Siler and Waters waiting in the wings it looked like it
was going to be an interesting offseason at the ILB spots.


Tucker / San Diego

Answer

I'd rather have Stephen Cooper than Ray Lewis at this point.

I think Wilhelm faces competition. No chance Cooper is unseated.


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
hey KA,

so Ty Law is likely out out of KC and is interested in going back to NE. is
that good or bad for us? i hate (jealous) how good players are willing to
play for NE for pennys and i think this situation is no different. but they
are willing to do so for well managed teams who are contenders for the
superbowl every year, which the chargers are starting to grow a reputation
for now. any chance AJ makes a move for Ty Law? would that be a good move
depth-wise?
also, by letting go of Lo-Neal, are we basically saying goodbye to the '06
power running game?
thanks


El Cargador! / southbay san diego

Answer

He didn't make a move for Ty Law last year, and he won't this year. How did
Ty Law work out in KC?


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
Where was the melt down in the Chargers' last defensive stand against New
England? Are there personnel changes that need to be made so that we can
stop the run when it really counts (perhaps ILB)?


Dennis / San Marcos

Answer

They were trying too hard, essentially -- overpursuing.

The Chargers run defense is not as good as many seem to think. It's not bad,
just not great. And I do think that weakness will be addressed with
competition this spring and summer at ILB and safety.


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
Do you think Antwan Applewhite has the skill to make a Jyles Tucker type
contribution in 2008 now with a year under his belt playing OLB?


Sergio / Chula Vista

Answer

I do not. I think Applewhite is just a guy, and he's trying to make it on a
team rife with OLB.


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008
Question
Kevin,

Thanks as always for your super reporting and the Mailbag.

Here's my question:

It's been clear for a couple of years that 07 would likely be Florence's
last year with the Bolts, which means that AJ probably has thought about
this for a while. What do you think AJ has in mind? Is Cletis Gordon is
ready/able to step in? Or, since the Free Agent market doesn't look
promising, do the Bolts believe they can get an instant contributor in the
draft? It seems dangerous to wait in the hopes of picking up a decent corner
that doesn't fit in another team's plans during the pre-season.


Paul / Carlsbad, CA

Answer

Paul Oliver was the pick to replace Florence. And he may. But the thinking
is he could move to safety. I think they'll go CB with their first pick.


Kevin Acee


Monday, February 18, 2008

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