SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Feb. 21)

Robin Miller · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 85

Question
Kevin -

There's been talk that Billy Volek will likely leave as an unrestricted free
agent - leaving Charlie Whitehurst as the #2 signalcaller.

I've always thought Whitehurst possessed a huge amount of raw talent. That
being said, has he mastered the pro game enough to the a solid #2 -
particularly in light of his extremely limited playing time?

Do the Chargers view him as a long-term #2 or someone who will continue to
get better resulting in a trade for draft picks?

Your comments are always well received.

Scott / Honolulu, HI

Answer

I don't think there is anyone out there right now who excites the Chargers
more than Whitehurst. There is always the possibility Volek comes back, but
it is likely he will leave for more money and a chance at more playing time
elsewhere.

They liked Whitehurst, and he's had two years to watch and learn. He'll get
more work than ever in the spring and summer as Rivers heals from ACL
surgery.

I say they give him the backup jobm, and then he's gone after 2009. There is
talk of him being a starter in the league someday.

Kevin Acee

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Question
Do you see any chance of the chargers trading for Chad Johnson. Are the
chargers going to try and keep michael turner as a back up running back. LT
isnt going to be around forever. Are the chargers going to give Lorenzo Neal
one more year.

Russ Ettleman / San Diego

Answer

No chance whatsoever on Ocho Cinco.

No chance on MT.

Very little chance on Lorenzo Neal. They will accept trade offers for Neal
and then probably released him if he doesn't want to stay in a reserve role.

Kevin Acee

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Question
What are the odds of trading Buster Davis to get a first day draft pick?
We're kind of well-stocked with WRs and we could use some beef on both D and
O lines.

Zatoichi / Greenwich

Answer

Giving up on Buster already?

No chance.

Kevin Acee

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Question
During the Marty era, my understanding was that reporters were not allowed
to interview any of his coaches.

During the Norv era, this policy apparently has been relaxed. What is the
policy now that the Chargers have for interviewing coaches?

tom / san diego

Answer

interviews with asst. coaches have to be set up through the team.

Kevin Acee

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Question
Kevin:

Any word on what, if any, teams are talking to Michael Turner? Any early
reports on whom the Chargers may be interested in in the draft to replace
him? Is there anyone on the practice squad who is a likely candidate?

John Freni / San Diego

Answer

Chicago is the leader for Turner, from what I hear.

As for replacements, I think the Chargers would be fortunate to have a Matt
Forte or Tahard Choice (bigger guys) fall to the fourth round.

Kevin Acee

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Archived from group: alt>sports>football>pro>sd-chargers

Pouta · Joined: 06 Aug 2007 Posts: 34

> I don't think there is anyone out there right now who excites the Chargers
> more than Whitehurst.

first time I've seen that stated.

> I say they give him the backup job, and then he's gone after 2009. There is
> talk of him being a starter in the league someday.

great, ANOTHER player let go for nothing.

> They will accept trade offers for Neal
> and then probably released him if he doesn't want to stay in a reserve role.

I doubt anyone would give more than a 6th or 7th for Neal.

phlash74 · Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 34

On Feb 24, 8:04 pm, Pouta wrote:
> > I don't think there is anyone out there right now who excites the Chargers
> > more than Whitehurst.
>
> first time I've seen that stated.

Spending a third-round pick on Whitehurst (probably a full 30-40 picks
ahead of when he was expected to go) when they still had Drew and
Philip stated a lot about what they think of him. There were clearly
bigger need areas at that time.

>
> > I say they give him the backup job, and then he's gone after 2009. There is
> > talk of him being a starter in the league someday.
>
> great, ANOTHER player let go for nothing.

It's a salary cap question. You can't afford to keep two QBs for more
than a year at starter level salaries nowadays, which is why the two
best teams in the NFL over the last several years have such poor
backup quarterbacks. A Volek type is actually the best case scenario,
in that he's been around the league but doesn't command the big
money. If another team is willing to throw $$ at Whitehurst when he
hasn't been proven, there's nothing you can do about it.

>
> > They will accept trade offers for Neal
> > and then probably released him if he doesn't want to stay in a reserve role.
>
> I doubt anyone would give more than a 6th or 7th for Neal.

I doubt even that much, other teams know he's going to be released
June 1. Plenty of time to get him into mini-camp, plus he's a proven
veteran who won't need much time to integrate with a new team. It's a
shame, I wish the Chargers could have gotten him a well-deserved
title. Assuming he is released soon, I'd like to thank LoNeal for his
great play and professional attitude. 15 straight 1000 yard rushers
and counting, he may not get into the Hall of Fame but he deserves it
for being the absolute best at his job for all these years.

Michael

SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Jan. 25) Question Hi Kevin: Any chance of Ron Rivera leaving for a head coach or DC job elswhere, or do you see the current staff pretty well locked in for 2008? Stu Royal / Brampton, Ont. Canada Answer He has not been contacted by anyone else. Kevin Acee Friday

SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Feb. 7) Question Kevin, There has been some speculation on various websites that Oliver, whom you have written as projected to safety, will still end up as a CB nickelback, that the Chargers are really interested in drafting a pure safety (not a CB), and that A.J

SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Feb. 7) Question You've dropped hints to whom may be released or not retained; Guys like McCree, Neal, Florence, Floyd, Parker, Polk, etc. Elaborate please. And who might surprise us all & be a Bolt in '08? And is it now safe to say the DL needs to improve (see O

SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Feb. 11) Question How long is Cromartie signed for? and when do you think we would have to sign him by before he would hold out? He might be a 100 million dollar player in 2 years, if he keeps improving. Since the CB from Buffalo got like 80 million. Scary to thin

SDUT: Chargers mailbag (Feb. 14-16) Question Kevin, sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm curious what the plans are for the right side of the O-Line? Do you think Olivea will be moved inside and is Clary a long term solution at tackle? I still like the way Goff plays at guard, but I