Official Chargers Blog

The NFL Network will carry Super Bowl XL commercials on four different media platforms following the game. Super Bowl ads will be anywhere you want them to be: on TV during the game, on the Web, on your iPod, even on your wireless phone.

Bowl marketers think small Monday, the NFL will announce that for the first time it will put the Super Bowl XL ads on its NFL Network, video-on-demand, NFL.com and NFL Mobile programs on Sprint. The ads will be available for a week after Sunday's game.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with linebacker Carlos Polk on a contract for the 2006 season. Polk’s current contract was due to expire in March.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Local fans that are Time Warner cable subscriber, worried about missing their Chargers play, shouldn’t get overly stressed. However they could miss a few prim-time match ups next season.

The NFL Network will broadcast eight prime-time games on Thursdays and Saturdays beginning next season. The games will air on five Thursday nights and three Saturday nights. CBS and Fox no longer will televise late-season Saturday afternoon games.

Local fans concerned on not see their Chargers play shouldn’t worry. If the Chargers are featured in one of these games, home or away, it would be aired locally for free on over-the-air television. Granted home games will continue to be governed by the NFL blackout policy. Not that you’d care if you were sitting in the stadium at one of our home games anyways.

With the games coming to NFL Network, the biggest question for many in San Diego is... When will NFL Network come to Time Warner Cable? Depending where you live in San Diego dictates if you have Time Warner cable, which currently doesn’t carry the leagues 24/7 football channel. The NFL Network is available to Cox Cable, DirecTV and Dish Network subscribers in the San Diego area. And for many in San Diego they are hoping Time Warner will be added to the list before the opening kickoff next fall.

NFL Network to televise regular-season games

NFL Network, the NFL's two-year-old television channel, will begin airing a "run up to the playoffs" package of eight primetime regular-season NFL games starting in the 2006 season, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced.

The eight-game package will consist of primetime games airing from Thanksgiving to the end of the regular season on Thursday and/or Saturday nights.

The inaugural game of the package is scheduled for Thanksgiving night on Thursday, Nov. 23, as part of a new Thanksgiving Day tripleheader. Games telecast on NFL Network will include pregame and postgame shows.

"After discussing this new package of games with many potential partners, we decided it would be best presented on our own, high-quality NFL Network, which has developed so rapidly that the time had come to add live regular-season games to the programming," Commissioner Tagliabue said. "In the end, we wanted these games on our network, which is devoted 24/7 to the sport of football, and not on a multi-sport network."

NFL Network will make all of its games available on free, over-the-air television in the participating team markets, continuing the NFL's long-standing practice of making all of its games, including the playoffs and Super Bowl, available on free, over-the-air television.

"The NFL has traditionally been at the forefront of innovation and new technology dating back to starting NFL Films in the ‘60s, and Pete Rozelle and Roone Arledge creating Monday Night Football in 1970," said Commissioner Tagliabue. "With NFL Network, we are creating a fresh, innovative programming package that will complement all of our television partners."

NFL Network's new eight-game package was created by shifting Saturday and Sunday games from previous arrangements. In November of 2004, CBS and FOX agreed to extend their packages for six more years. NBC and ESPN last April secured rights for six and eight years, respectively.

"It was decided after surveying the rapidly evolving media landscape that a year-round channel dedicated to our sport was the best way to continue to develop and serve our fan base," NFL Network President & CEO Steve Bornstein said. "This is an opportune time to present these games ourselves and develop new ways to deliver the game of football at all levels to sports fans."

Agreements for all available NFL television packages now are concluded. Following are the rights holders beginning in 2006:

CBS -- AFC package -- Sunday afternoons [1 & 4 p.m. ET]
FOX -- NFC package -- Sunday afternoons [1 & 4 p.m. ET]
NBC -- Primetime broadcast package -- Sunday evenings [8:15 p.m. ET]
ESPN -- Monday Night Football package -- Monday evenings [8:30 p.m. ET]
NFL Network -- Special Late-Season package -- Thursday and/or Saturday evenings [8 p.m. ET] (beginning Thanksgiving)
DirecTV -- Sunday Ticket satellite package [1 & 4 p.m. ET]

Posted by Joel Price at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer added offensive line coach John “Jack” Henry to his staff today. Henry is a veteran of 36 seasons as a coach, including 12 seasons in the NFL. He agreed to a two-year contract.

“First and foremost, Jack is an excellent teacher,” said Schottenheimer. “He has done a good job of developing young players. He has a strong background in line play and belief in teaching fundamentals first. He is one of the most highly-regarded coaches in his field and we’re lucky to have Jack available to join our team.”

The 2006 season will begin Henry’s second stint in San Diego. Former head coach Bobby Ross hired Henry in 1996 to coach the offensive line. Schottenheimer was pleased that Henry comes with Ross’ full endorsement.

“Bobby thinks very highly of Jack and his ability to teach and communicate, and I greatly respect his opinion.”

Henry has spent the past six seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In 2005 he was elevated to associate head coach / running game coordinator after serving as the team’s offensive line coach from 2000-04. He served as the chief advisor in all facets of the ground attack.

Under Henry’s guidance, guard LeCharles Bentley has blossomed, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl after just his second season in the NFL (2003). He was the first Saints’ lineman to be voted to the Pro Bowl in 16 years. Then, when Bentley had to switch to center in 2004, Henry guided this transformation to another successful season as Bentley was voted an alternate to the Pro Bowl in ’04 and will start the upcoming game in February.

Running back Deuce McAllister and the running game also enjoyed success during Henry’s tenure. McAllister had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and the team rushed for 2,000 yards in ’03.

Prior to joining the Saints, Henry coached the lines for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1990-91), Chargers (1996) and Detroit Lions (1997-99). In his first season in Detroit (1997), the Lions boasted the NFL’s second-ranked rushing attack behind Barry Sanders’ 2,053 yards.

Henry was hired into the NFL by Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll in 1990.

Henry has been instrumental in the development of young players throughout his career. Among the many young linemen to excel under his tutelage, Jeff Hartings earned the starting guard role with the Lions in his first full season in the League in ’97. Hartings has since been voted a first alternate to the Pro Bowl four times at center and was voted to the squad after the ’04 and ’05 seasons while playing for the Steelers.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There are a ton of rumors floating around in the off season, and local fan favorite wide receiver Kassim Osgood was one of them. It was rumored that he would not return to the Chargers but with today’s announcement the rumors have been squashed. Osgood who has been on injured reserve since Dec. 4 with a torn pectoral muscle, was named the Special Teams Player of the Year by his teammates.

Osgood agrees to four-year contract

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with special teams standout Kassim Osgood on a new four-year contract. Osgood’s current contract was due to expire in March.

“Kassim is an outstanding special teams performer and a rising quality receiver,” said General Manager A.J. Smith. “He has championship work ethic and character. He’s the kind of player you need to win championships. We’re thrilled to have him with us the next four years.”

Last season Osgood was one of the AFC’s most dominant special teams players until he suffered a torn pectoral muscle on Dec. 4. At the time of his injury he was leading the team in special teams tackles with 19. Despite missing the final four games, Osgood finished the season ranked second on the team behind Hanik Milligan’s 21 tackles. Milligan was voted to the AFC Pro Bowl squad as the conference’s top special teams performer. Osgood also caught two passes during the season.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I know this is a little early but since not being in the playoffs, I can’t resist thinking past this weekend’s division championship games and Super Bowl weekend and toward March's free agency.

Chargers 2006 Free Agents

Exclusive Rights (3)

Haddad, Drew WR Buffalo, N.Y.
Hodges, Howard LB Iowa
Murray, Cal RB Miami, O.

Restricted Free Agents (8)

Cesaire, Jacques DE Southern Connecticut
Cooper, Stephen LB Maine
Dielman, Kris G Indiana
Hart, Clinton DB Central Florida CC
Osgood, Kassim WR San Diego State
Pinnock, Andrew RB South Carolina
Van Buren, Courtney T Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Wilhelm, Matt LB Ohio State

Unrestricted Free Agents (8)

Brees, Drew QB Purdue
Caldwell, Reche WR Florida
Fletcher, Jamar DB Wisconsin
Hallen, Bob G Kent State
Leber, Ben LB Kansas State
Peelle, Justin TE Oregon
Polk, Carlos LB Nebraska
Scott, DeQuincy DE Southern Mississippi

Posted by Joel Price at 01:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer announced that offensive line coach Carl Mauck and assistant secondary coach Albert Lewis have been released from their contracts. Schottenheimer hopes to announce additions to the staff in the next few weeks.

“At times this can be a difficult business and we have to make tough decisions,” said Schottenheimer. “These are good football men with valuable experience in this league. I thanked them for their hard work and wished them both well.”

Posted by Joel Price at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pro Football Weekly, along with the Professional Football Writers of America, announced their annual All-NFL team. San Diego Chargers pro bowl tight end Antonio Gates was selected to the team.

Below, you will find the entire team, which was voted on by PFWA members and Pro Football Weekly editors. The All-NFL team and all individual awards plus All-Conference teams and All-Rookie teams can be found in the current edition of Pro Football Weekly (Vol. XX, No. 28, issue date Jan. 23, 2006), which is now available on newsstands everywhere:

Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-NFL team

Offense
QB Peyton Manning, Colts
RB Shaun Alexander, Seahawks
RB Tiki Barber, Giants
TE Antonio Gates, Chargers
WR Chad Johnson, Bengals
WR Steve Smith, Panthers
C Olin Kreutz, Bears
OG Alan Faneca, Steelers
OG Steve Hutchinson, Seahawks
OT Walter Jones, Seahawks
OT Willie Anderson, Bengals

Defense
DE Dwight Freeney, Colts
DE Osi Umenyiora, Giants
DT Richard Seymour, Patriots
DT Rod Coleman, Falcons
OLB Lance Briggs, Bears
OLB Cato June, Colts
ILB Brian Urlacher, Bears
CB Champ Bailey, Broncos
CB Nathan Vasher, Bears
S Troy Polamalu, Steelers
S Darren Sharper, Vikings

Specialists
PK Neil Rackers, Cardinals
P Brian Moorman, Bills
KR Jerome Mathis, Texans
PR Antwaan Randle El, Steelers
ST David Tyree, Giants

Most Valuable Player - Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander
Defensive MVP - Bears MLB Brian Urlacher
Coach of the Year - Bears head coach Lovie Smith
Rookie of the Year - Buccaneers RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams
Defensive Rookie of the Year - Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman
Most Improved Player of the Year - Giants DE Osi Umenyiora
Comeback Player of the Year - Panthers WR Steve Smith
Executive of the Year - Colts President Bill Polian
Assistant Coach of the Year - Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera
Golden Toe (Best Kicker) - Cardinals PK Neil Rackers

Posted by Joel Price at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Quarterback Drew Brees made headlines when he stated the team“want(s) to pursue me long term,” referring to his contract, in a conference call with media on Wednesday.

It has made some fans believe that quarterback Philip Rivers will be traded. Not so fast, Chargers.com Casey Pearce reports that regardless of what happens with Brees’ contract, General Manager A.J. Smith said that the team has no plans to part with Philip Rivers.

“Philip is not going to be traded,” Smith said. “He is a Charger and will remain one.”

Should the two sides be unable to reach an agreement on Brees' contract, the team will then explore their options. The Chargers still have the ability to place either the franchise or transition tag on Brees.

Rivers still has four years left on his contract and the team is in good position to carry both Brees and Rivers again next season.

Posted by Joel Price at 05:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Casey Pearce gives us an update on quarterback Drew Brees rehabilitation. Brees talked to the media via speakerphone from Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday.

"Last Thursday Brees underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The operation took place in Birmingham, Ala., which is where Brees began rehabilitating this week."

Brees beginning to rehab

Posted by Joel Price at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman appeared today on ESPN’s Quite Frankly hosted by Stephen Smith. They flashed a very interesting screen of the past Defensive Rookie of the Year winner’s shortly before Merriman came out for the interview. It was an impressive list of players. Take a look:

Defensive Rookie of the Year Award Winners since 1995

2005 Shawne Merriman Linebacker
2004 Jonathan Vilma Linebacker
2003 Terrell Suggs Linebacker
2002 Julius Peppers Defensive end
2001 Kendrell Bell Linebacker
2000 Brian Urlacher Linebacker
1999 Jevon Kearse Defensive end
1998 Charles Woodson Cornerback
1997 Peter Boulware Linebacker
1996 Simeon Rice Defensive end
1995 Hugh Douglas Defensive end

Notable past Defensive Rookies of the Year

1986 Leslie O'Neal Defensive end (Former Bolt)
1972 Willie Buchanon Cornerback (Former Bolt)

Posted by Joel Price at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Quarterback Drew Brees via a conference call Wednesday discussing his recovery form shoulder Surgery. I can’t help but chuckle on seeing all the media recording the conference call. You gotta love the media.

Posted by Joel Price at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

This entry was inspired by an intriguing thread from the Chargers forums. When a team has a top five pick, it’s fairly safe to say the team will get a solid player. Now, what about drafting nineteenth?

Take a look at the nineteenth overall selection since 1993:

2005 19th selection: Alex Barron, T, Florida State (St. Louis Rams)

2004 19th selection: Vernon Carey, T, Miami (Miami Dolphins)

2003 19th selection: Kyle Boller, QB, California (Baltimore Ravens)

2002 19th selection: Ashley Lelie, WR, Hawaii (Denver Broncos)

2001 19th selection: Casey Hampton, DT, Texas (Pittsburgh Steelers)

2000 19th selection: Shaun Alexander, RB, Alabama (Seattle Seahawks)

1999 19th selection: Luke Petitgout, T, Notre Dame (New York Giants)

1998 19th selection: Vonnie Holiday, DT, North Carolina (Green Bay Packers)
*Now with Miami Dolphins

1997 19th selection: Tarik Glenn, T, California (Indianapolis Colts)

1996 19th selection: Marvin Harrison, WR, Syracuse (Indianapolis Colts)

1995 19th selection: James Stewart, RB, Tennessee (Jaguars)
*Out of NFL

1994 19th selection: Todd Steussie, T, California (Minnesota Vikings)
*Now with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1993 19th selection: Lester Holmes, G, Jackson State (Philadelphia Eagles)*
*Out of NFL

The San Diego Chargers are slotted to make the nineteenth choice of the 2006 National Football League Draft on April 29-30. The order of the 2006 Draft was announced Monday January 2, 2006 by the NFL.

I know, I know, it a little early to start talking NFL Draft.

Posted by Joel Price at 06:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (55)

Antonio Gates was the only unanimous choice to The Associated Press 2005 All-Pro team featuring four players each from conference leaders Indianapolis and Seattle

The Bolts tight end drew all 50 votes in balloting by a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Gates also made the team last year, with 32½ votes.

“You always want to feel good and be recognized for your accomplishments," said Gates, in a statement issued by the team. "I’m more grateful to my coaches and teammates for believing in me. We have a special group of guys on offense. My teammates deserve the credit for giving me the opportunity to make plays.”

Gates has emerged as one of the NFL’s most amazing stories. Just three years removed from a trip to the “Elite 8” in the NCAA College Basketball Tournament, Gates has become a Pro Bowl tight end, an All-Pro and an NFL record holder.

Chargers defensive tackle Jamal Williams also was selected to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

The award goes to Media Daily News for NFL Goes Soft On Erectile Drug Deals.

Posted by Joel Price at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Three San Diego Chargers, fullback Lorenzo Neal, defensive tackle Jamal Williams and safety Hanik Milligan, were named Breitbard Stars of the Month by the San Diego Hall of Champions.

The Stars of the Month will be honored at the 60th annual Salute to Champions Dinner on Feb. 28, 2006 at the Town and Country Resort. For ticket information, call the Hall of Champions at 619-234-2544.

Rumor has it that rookie linebacker and Pro Bowler Shawne Merriman has the inside track on the Breitbard Star of the Year award.

Posted by Joel Price at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The overused “Vinnie and the Jets” catchphrase just got a new twist. The play on Elton John’s song Bennie and the Jets found a new suitor and ESPN has the inside track.

ESPN's John Clayton writes this Marty and the Jets? A.J. won't say blog entry where he questions A.J Smith on the Jets considering Marty Schottenheimer for the soon-to-be vacant Jets head coaching job.

With the team’s offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and defensive coordinator Wade Philips all being pursued for head coaching jobs why not throw the head coach in the mix as well. It makes for great off season fodder for the fans to talk about. Just don’t forget it’s a ESPN rumor that is based on two guys that are "close" friends.

Marty and the Jets? A.J. won't say - ESPN Insider
ESPN's Chris Mortensen made the thought off the top of his head Friday that Jets general manager Terry Bradway might have thoughts of considering his close friend, Marty Schottenheimer, for the soon-to-be vacant Jets head coaching job, and it did draw a response in San Diego.

"We don't discuss our football business," Chargers GM A.J. Smith said when asked directly about thoughts of the Jets coming after Schottenheimer. Pressed further, Smith reiterated that, "We don't discuss our football business."

Owner Dean Spanos made it clear after the regular season that Schottenheimer is the Chargers coach next season. But would the Chargers consider letting Schottenheimer go to the Jets?

"We don't discuss our football business," Smith said.

I hear Marty Schottenheimer is friends with Bill Hoehn of Carlsbad Mercedes. You know those high quality local TV commercials Hoehn has made over the years. What could this mean? Marty’s getting a cameo in one of Hoehn’s commercials... You get my point?

Look the rumor is getting legs courtesy of the NY Daily News. What a shame Gary Myers doesn’t even give credit to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen for starting the rumor.

I find it fascinating, however, that in ESPN’s desire to inform the sports world on breaking sports news they create stories to get all of us fans to start actually thinking this is a news story when in reality it’s just an ESPN created rumor. ESPN has so much influence on sports news, if a ESPN columnist says something itself becomes a story.

UPDATE: Dave Hutchinson, of the Star-Ledger, reports a New York Jets team official said Sunday, Jan. 8, the club has no interest in Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

The starting all-star lineups for the 2006 Pro Bowl were announced on Saturday and the Chargers will have five starters in Hawaii next month.

Tight end Antonio Gates, fullback Lorenzo Neal, defensive lineman Jamal Williams, linebacker Shawne Merriman and special teams player Hanik Milligan will all start for the AFC.

This year the Chargers have six that will be traveling to Hawaii. The Chargers have sent more than three players to Honolulu just twice since 1983. The most Chargers ever chosen were eight following the 1980 season.

Merriman became just the second Chargers rookie to make the Pro Bowl, following John Jefferson in 1979.

The Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sunday, February 12. It will be broadcast live at 6:00 PM ET by ESPN.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Watching the wild-card games on ABC, I kept reminding myself that the Chargers beat both Washington Redskin and New England Patriots in the regular season.

Both the Redskins and Patriots looked impressive in their games. These two teams deserve a lot of credit, they overcame a lot to play this weekend and next.

Tomorrow we will watch the Giants, who take on the Panthers, and the Steelers, who play Cincinnati. If the Giants win, that will make three teams the Chargers beat in the regular season advance in the playoffs. If the heavily favored Steelers, who beat the Bolts on Monday night back in October, lay an egg tomorrow and the Bengals advance. I’ll be really bitter thinking what we could have, should have done. I know, could have, should have, would have... dont matter much now.

I know, I know. I sound like a bag of sour grapes. I can’t help it. Playoffs without the Chargers... brings out the worst in me.

Posted by Joel Price at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)

“They are both Supermanesque.” - Quarterback Drew Brees on teammates LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.

If you have a favorite quote from one of the Chargers this year please post a comment below. Follow outline above, quote then brief description.

Posted by Joel Price at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Tight end Antonio Gates, wide reciever Keenan McCardell, head coach Marty Schottenheimer and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, all reached milestones in 2005.

Individual Player Records and Milestones

LaDainian Tomlinson

• Established a record for most consecutive games with a rushing TD (18), surpassing the mark shared by George Rogers and John Riggins (13). The streak ties Lenny Moore for the most consecutive games with a rushing or receiving TD.
• Tomlinson’s jersey from Week 2 – his record 14th consecutive game with a rushing TD – is now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• First player to rush for 10 TDs in each of his first five seasons.
• Seventh player to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons.
• First player since David Patten (10/21/01) to register a rushing, receiving, and passing touchdown in the same game (10/16). This has occurred five times since 1970 and 11 times in history.
• Part of the first trio to score 20 TDs in the same season, along with Shaun Alexander (28) and Larry Johnson (20).

Antonio Gates

• First TE to score 10 TDs in back-to-back seasons. Gates posted 10 touchdowns in ’05 and 13 in ’04.

Keenan McCardell

• Thirteenth player all time with 800 catches (825).

Team Records and Milestones

• LaDainian Tomlinson scored a team record 20 TDs (Chuck Muncie, 19) and is now the Chargers’ all-time yards-from-scrimmage leader with 9,755 (Lance Alworth; 9,721).
• Head coach Marty Schottenheimer tied Chuck Knox for the seventh-most career wins (186).

Posted by Joel Price at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Fans can vote for linebacker Shawne Merriman on SuperBowl.com from January 6 through January 30 to determine the 2005 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.

Posted by Joel Price at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees underwent successful arthroscopic surgery this afternoon in Birmingham, Alabama to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

The surgery was done by Dr. James Andrews. Brees will return to San Diego next week and immediately begin an aggressive rehabilitation program on the road to a full recovery. He is expected to begin throwing in four months and be ready to participate in training camp.

“Though his recovery period is longer than we had hoped for, we couldn’t be happier that Drew is expected to make a full recovery,” said General Manager A.J. Smith.

Posted by Joel Price at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It has been rumored the past few days Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson is looking into ways to hire Herman Edwards to be coach in Kansas City. The Chiefs have been up and down over the last few years, in contrast to the days when Marty Schottenheimer consistently had the Chiefs in the playoffs. Edwards was a former assistant to Schottenheimer during the Chiefs glory years.

Longing for Martyball - Kansas City Star
"It isn’t the first time that Marty nostalgia has popped up either. Peterson misses the Marty Schottenheimer 1990s, when the Chiefs always won 10 or more games and always made the playoffs. True, to many Chiefs fans, that was the age of frustration, years most remembered for heartbreaking playoff losses and grinding 17-14 punt-fests. But to Peterson, those years were heaven."

Could the Chiefs be missing the Martyball?

Posted by Joel Price at 04:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Shawne Merriman's relentless style of play made an immediate mark in the NFL, earning him The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Voting for the 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year selected by The Associated Press in balloting by a nationwide panel of the media came down to four rookie standouts, Shawne Merriman, Seattle Seahawks Lofa Tatupu, Cincinnati Bengal Odell Thurman, and Dallas Cowboys DaMarcus Ware

Posted by Joel Price at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Former Fort Hays State University tight end Kelly Griffeth has signed with the San Diego Chargers. Griffeth, a 6-foot-5, 280, signed with the team back in April 25 and then waived on May 6, 2005.

Posted by Joel Price at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer announced today in his one o’clock press conference that the Houston Texans will interview offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for their head coaching vacancy.

Cameron will travel to Houston sometime this week.

Posted by Joel Price at 01:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

NFL.com's Tuesday Morning Quarterback, Gregg Easterbrook, appears to be reading this ever so popular blog. He so graciously credits the Google “difficult schedule” find to yours truly.

Okay, Google "What Should We Call on Third-and-8?" Joel Price, webmaster of the Chargers web site, discovered that if you type the words "difficult schedule" into the Google search box, the first thing it finds is the 2005 schedule of the San Diego Chargers. Though San Diego faithful blame their no-playoffs season on a sked that required them to fly to the East Coast four times; the Bolts were 3-1 in those contests. It was at home in sunny San Diego, where the team was only 4-4, that disaster befell. And what went wrong with the Chargers? From the point at which they had played a magnificent game at Indianapolis to end the Colts' win streak, San Diego finished 0-2 and was outscored 43-14. Anemic scoring in the final two Bolts games is particularly puzzling, since prior to that San Diego was posting 29 points per game, best scoring pace in the league. Anyway, I sure don't want to hear "we should have been in the playoffs" from the Chargers faithful. No, you shouldn't have. You finished 9-7.

Unfortunately the only nice thing he had to say about the Bolts this week is a reference to the Charger Girls, cheering in the rain. I'll leave it at that. What a sicko!

Posted by Joel Price at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Chargers signed linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila to a one-year deal today. Gbaja-Biamila, 6-5, 260-pound, former Oakland Raider and San Diego State Aztec.

He is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.

Posted by Joel Price at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Talk about a highly competitive division. In the last four years, since the 2002 re-alignment, four different teams have won the AFC West.

2005 Denver Broncos
2004 San Diego Chargers
2003 Kansas City Chiefs
2002 Oakland Raiders

I’m not sure if seven consecutive time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong could win back to back titles in the AFC West. This is one tough division.

Posted by Joel Price at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

At home, the Chargers will play Denver (13-3), Kansas City (10-6), Oakland (4-12), Cleveland (6-10), Pittsburgh (11-5), Tennessee (4-12), Arizona (5-11) and St. Louis (6-10).

On the road, the Chargers will play Denver (13-3), Kansas City (10-6), Oakland (4-12), Baltimore (6-10), Cincinnati (11-5), Buffalo (5-11), San Francisco (4-12) and Seattle (13-3).

The dates and times for next season's games will not be released until the spring.

Posted by Joel Price at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (120)

As a result of the strength of their 2005 opponents, the Chargers will pick 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, but fourth among the four teams that all finished 9-7, Miami (.457), Minnesota (.484) and Dallas (.523) will all choose ahead of the Chargers.

Draft-order ties are resolved by the cumulative record of each team’s opponents. The team with the weaker opponents receives drafting priority.

2006 NFL First Round Draft Order

1. Houston Texans
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Tennessee Titans
4. New York Jets
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Oakland Raiders #
7. San Francisco 49ers #
8. Buffalo Bills
9. Detroit Lions
10. Arizona Cardinals
11. St. Louis Rams
12. Cleveland Browns
13. Baltimore Ravens
14. Philadelphia Eagles
15. Atlanta Falcons
16. Miami Dolphins
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Dallas Cowboys
19. San Diego Chargers
20. Kansas City Chiefs
21. New England Patriots *
22. Washington Redskins *
23. Carolina Panthers *
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers *
25. Chicago Bears *
26. Cincinnati Bengals *
27. New York Giants *
28. Pittsburgh Steelers *
29. Jacksonville Jaguars *
30. Seattle Seahawks *
31. Denver Broncos *
32. Indianapolis Colts *

* - Subject to playoffs
# - Subject to coin flip

Within a tied segment, non-playoff clubs are given priority over playoff clubs. Priority of playoff clubs within a tied segment will be based on their advancement in the playoffs, but they will not drop out of their tied segment unless they participate in the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl champion will select 32nd and the runner-up 31st.

Posted by Joel Price at 03:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (78)

A few notes on the 2005 season. We must look back one last time before we look forward.

The Chargers played the NFL’s toughest schedule…their opponents’ record (143-113, .559) was the best in the NFL.

The Chargers played 11 games against teams with 9-or-more wins (includes Denver and Kansas City twice)…the win-loss record of the nine opponents with 9-or-more wins was 97-47 (.674).

The Chargers won four games against playoff teams.

The Chargers played five games against teams that won their respective divisions.

The Chargers played seven games against 2005 playoff teams.

The Chargers ended New England’s NFL-record 21-game home winning streak on Oct. 2.

The Chargers ended Indianapolis’ 13-game winning streak to start the season on Dec. 18.

The AFC West and the NFC East won more games (36) than any other division in the NFL.

The top three finishers in the AFC West (Denver, K.C. and the Chargers) combined to win 32 games, more than the top three teams in any other division.

Posted by Joel Price at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Quarterback Drew Brees announced that the injury sustained in the season finale will require surgery. Brees described the injury as a torn labrum, but added he will get a second opinion before he has surgery. According to MedTerms.com the labrum is basically a ring of soft fibrous tissue located at the end of the shoulder blade and helps stabilize the shoulder joint.

Brees said it will take him at least four months to recover and rehab from the surgery.

The San Diego Chargers issued the following statement, “Drew Brees had an MRI on Sunday that revealed he has a tear of the labrum in his right shoulder. Following a second consultation this week, Drew is expected to have surgery as soon as possible to expedite his rehabilitation to full recovery. The full extent of the injury and the expected length of the recovery period will not be known until after the surgery

Posted by Joel Price at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)