[Robin Miller]

Question
Kevin
I know AJ Smith is not a big player in free agency -- plus a majority of the
$35-40m in cap space should be spent on Merriman, Castillo, VJ, etc. But
without a 2nd and 3rd rounder and possibly only the comp pick in the 4th
round - do you see him going after the mid level free agents for depth along
the Off and Def lines.


Bob / Phoenix, AZ

Answer

Yes, he will go for depth. And very astute observation about the cap space.
The Chargers have Merriman, Rivers, Jackson, Castillo and McNeill all up
after the '09 season. Yikes!


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Kevin,
Do you know when AJ Smith will have his annual state of the team address to
the media/public? I always look forward to what he has to say about the
previous season and upcoming next season?


Chris / La Mesa

Answer

Mid February of Late February.

Either right before or right after the combine, which is Feb. 20-26.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
What will it take to improve the Chargers' tackling problems that were so
glaring in the second half fo the New England AFC title game (and deplorable
in the Minnesota game). Is it a matter or teaching better tehnique -- or
getting smarterk more physical players, especially at the safeties (and
perhaps Wilhelm's position)? The team's impersonation of a semi-permeable
membrane has got to stop! Or do we need to rename them the San Diego Amoeba?


Esteban / San Diego

Answer

Yeah, I'd be working on that if I were Wilhelm. And McCree will be gone.

Don't be surprised if there is a competition between Waters and Wilhelm in
the summer.

But remember that everyone gets run on sometimes. I'm on record saying this
run defense is overrated ("You can't run" wasn't so applicable this season).
But it isn't horrible.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Hey Kevin, what's your take on this: Wes Welker (5'9") ran roughshod over
the NFL this year primarily as a slot receiver with underneath patterns and
catch and runs, I've been thinking all year that Sproles (5'6") could be
more used the same way. Obviously it's electric every time the guy catches
the ball, and with our huge downfield receiving corps, it seems a great way
to get the ball his hands in space. Think Norv will make him more of a
target in '08?


Dann Campaigne / Oceanside

Answer

Hey, I'm as impressed as anyone at what Sproles did this year, but he is not
Wes Welker.

he has little hands, and as much as he improved catching the ball, he is
still a little bit of an adventure.

That said, he earned himself a more promiment role from scrimmage -- on
screens and the such.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Kevin, with Eric Parker back next year, do you see the Chargers maybe
opening up the offense even more, kinda like the Rams of a few years ago,
and use LT more like Faulk, I feel with Chambers, VJ, and Parker at WR, and
then Gates at TE, and LT coming out of the back field, this team could put
up some incredible numbers, providing Rivers is 100% health next year. What
do you think? this would also extend LTs career by maybe dropping his
carries a little, and uping his receptions some. I would love to see this.


Chuck Jensen / South Jordan, Utah

Answer

Agreed. And I think this offense will continue to evolve that way. But it
will never be run by Mike Martz, so look to see LT still getting his 300
carries.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Kevin, three quick questions: 1. What was the reason for the total collapse
of the run defense in the last quarter of the game? Everyone knew they were
running on just about every play!! 2. Didn't hear Merriman's name called
much, same as Colts game.Last year didn't seem to contribute much in
playoffs either. Is he overrated? 3. Two years in a row now Rivers has come
up injured for the playoffs. Despite his magnificent performance, is there a
concern he may turn out to be injury prone?? Thanks


Craig / Bullhead City AZ

Answer

1. it looked a lot like the Minnesota game -- overpursuit, shoddy tackling.
plus, Maroney is better than most people give him credit for, and the
Chargers run defense isn't everything it thinks it is.

2. He is not overrated. i'll be honest, i did not watch NE game again. i'll
let you know when i do what his problem was (if there was one). i imagine
they did a lot to keep him away from the ball, same as a lot of teams did
this season.

3. Rivers has been hurt in two legitimate ways. He is not injury prone and
is obviously a tough dude. he has not missed a start.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Norv is clearly seeing the possibilities with Naane, but in what particular
capacity? In Norv's world, is Naane a wideout in a crowd with Chambers,
Jackson, Parker and Davis, or is he going to settle into the h-back role
Norv's deployed in the past with other teams?


Bröwn Löunge / University City

Answer

I'd say both. He can clearly block and clearly catch.

The way Norv likes to use Manumaleuna and Naanee gives this offense a lot of
options. And when they let Lorenzo Neal go later this month, they'll need to
be creative with blockers.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Question
Kevin,

I love the fact that AJ has not only drafted well, but signed many key, core
players to long term deals. However, he has a history of not signing FA's
and I am wondering would it make sense to sign 1-2 guys who not only provide
veteran leadership, but have won titles?

PS: I was at the game on Sunday, and although it was freezing cold, I
watched this team and I have to tell you that the way they played was
something I was immensely proud of. This organization is one we fans have
now had 4 years to be excited about and the best thing is that the future
should bring more excitement. From a long time fan in NY, thanks to the team
and all you guys at the U-T for keeping us informed and excited..... have
fun this offseason.


Mark Herceg / Irvington, NY

Answer

If he signs anyone like that, it will be as a role player.

I am told there is n big surprise in the works -- not with 20 starters
returning.


Kevin Acee


Tuesday, February 05, 2008

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