Question
Kevin,

Is there any interest in Released Dolphins LB Zach Thomas? I think the
chargers could use some more leadership and great tackling skills.


Nic / Gresham

Answer

no. he'll sign with NE, Dallas or NO.


Kevin Acee
Friday, February 22, 2008


Question
Hey Kevin,

It's awesome that you are keeping the mailbag alive for the offseason!
Thanks!!!

I think AJ loves Eric Parker, which is why he rewarded him with a contract
extension, and combined with his extreme work ethic & kamakazi style, I
would be shocked to see him released... Any specuation of that to me sounds
rediculous. After watching Welker's success with NE, I see Parker as a not
quite as quick but similar talent for underneith, but the additional talent
of deeper routes and some yards after the catch. You have mentioned that
Parker is a private guy, but I am curious why he wouldn't accompany the
team, especially in the playoffs? The fellas have to love the guy, and he
would have been an asset on the sideline.

In addition to Parker, I see a lot of potential for Nanee, hopefully Davis
will develop, VJ has arrived and Chambers is the bomb (& Gates is Gates), so
with all those weapons combined with a good running game and the evolution
of Rivers in Norv Turners offense, I think we will see a much more creative
and explosive offense next year -- probably more 1 back set/ passing
oriented utilizing the strengths of the different recievers -- which only
benefits LT and the running game. They will need to shore up the
passblocking though...

Also, I see Waters as a similar pick to Cromartie... An extremely talented
guy that would have gone much higher in the draft had he not missed his last
year of college. How is his injury/ conditioning? The Chargers have the
luxury of depth to allow some time for his injury to heal and talent to
develop. I think he may give Wilhelm a run for his money in training camp
and next year, and Tucker I think could be used on blitz packages as well as
subbing Shaun and Shawn... This team looks downright scary next year,
especially given how they ended this year combinded with such a soft
schedule!!! Your thoughts?


Scott Denson / San Diego/ now Charlotte NC

Answer

Different guys react differently to being injured. All players say that
being hurt makes you feel like you're not a part of the team. Eric was
devastated by not being a part of the team.


As an observer, I am very excited to see what this offense is like next
year.

Waters can be a steal. I believe the coaches genuinely think he is going to
be a stud. He was a quiet and observant rookie, but he made some nice plays
in the preseason.

The schedule appears to be a plus in 2008. Easier than last season.


Kevin Acee
Friday, February 22, 2008


Question
Kevin,
With Weddle and Hart being the early favorites for starters at safety,
aren't the Chargers concerned that there is really little depth behind them.
P. Oliver is effectively a rookie. Is S. Gregory going to be first off the
bench for safety? Will AJ make the uncharacteristic move and go to FA? Is it
viable that McCree return as a backup (after re-negotiating his contract)?

My concern is that an injury to either Hart or Weddle can compromise the
pass coverage defense. Does McCree's impending departure leave us thin at
safety?


Tom / San Diego

Answer

Definitely a concern. Not panic time, but a concern.

What really concerns me is the depth in the FA market at safety is thin.


Kevin Acee
Friday, February 22, 2008


Question
Hello Kevin, if the following players either leave or are not brought back
what will be an approximate savings and could A.J. invest those savings in
one or two mid level free agents? Maybe a tackle such as Max Starks?

Michael Turner
Drayton Florence
Lo Neal
Marlon McCree
Carlos Polk
Billy Volek
Malcolm Floyd

Thanks Kevin


Mark / Calgary / Canada

Answer

I don't see them bringing in a fonrt-line FA.

As for savings, only Neal, McCree and Polk apply, since the rest are free
agents. But the combined savings if those three are gone is $4.87 million.


Kevin Acee
Friday, February 22, 2008



Question
I was wondering if scott chandler will be used more next year. and why is
ever one knocking on Igor . I really hope the resign Merriman in 09 his one
of the best olb in the game right now.


Akeem / Olympia,WA

Answer

Chandler needs to become a solid special teams player to get on the field
more in '09. I know they like him, but he is still behind two other TE, and
to justify the roster spot on Sundays, he needs to be on ST.

As for Merriman, I handicap him as the least likely to re-sign among the
huge contracts they need to do in the next two years. But there is always
the franchise tag.


Kevin Acee
Friday, February 22, 2008

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