October 15, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers safety Atari Bigby (26) during player introductions prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Another season and another “stop gap” solution at the strong safety for the Chargers.  Although some people had high expectations for Atari Bigby, the guy is not the long term answer at strong safety. 

Bigby is certainly a big hitter.  But his refusal to wrap up has allowed for some big plays.  Let us not pretend as though he covers enough green on passing plays.  He has proven to bite on play action time and time again.

As we all know, Brandon Taylor has a torn ACL but was hardly active until the last two weeks.  One of my favorite Chargers, Darrell Stuckey, has yet to prove that he can make the desired difference on the defensive side of the ball.  He is known as a standout on special teams but, like Taylor and countless others, will finish the 2012 season on injured reserve.

The last time the Chargers had a true force at strong safety was back when Rodney Harrison was still here. 

Yup, it’s been a decade people.  Although it is clear that we must first address the offensive line, it’s about time that we find a solid player to fill the void at strong safety. 

I would like to see the Chargers address the need at the position either through free agency or perhaps moving Quentin Jammer to the spot.  It is unclear whether or not he would even consider the switch.  The soon to be former Charger head coach, Norv Turner, has said multiple times that he doesn’t see Jammer making the move.

Well, it’s not going to matter what Norval has to say about it in about a week or so. 

I am of the opinion, as I stated on San Diego Sports Junkies, that if Jammer is unwilling to make the move to strong safety that he will not be Charger in 2013.

That was difficult for me to say on the show and it’s just as hard to put it into print for this article.  Quentin Jammer is one of my favorite players on the Charger roster.  But I do believe that he is no longer able to play cornerback at the level that is required of him.

I truly hope that he transitions to strong safety and eventually retires wearing lightning bolts.

This is just one of the many areas that will need to be addressed by the incoming regime.  It is just one more question that we as fans hope to have an answer for when the time is right.

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

P.S.  If you notice in the picture above there is a ton of smoke coming out of that tunnel….. nevermind.

September 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick (61) during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Now that the Presidential Election is over, it’s time to turn our focus to another important election: that of the NFL Pro Bowl.  Over the last decade, the Chargers had several players who were a lock to earn that coveted trip to Hawaii.  Players such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, Philip Rivers and others.  However, those days are over for this struggling team.  We have to look a little deeper to find those players who deserve the Pro Bowl recognition.

Punter – 5 Mike Scifres

One of the best punters in the league, this season has been no exception.  He is 3rd in the AFC with a 48.3avg which would also be a career high.  Thanks to his ability to directional kick, and drop punt (and a S/O to great special teams coverage, especially guy below) only 2 of his 32 punts have been touchbacks!

He is a 6-time Pro Bowl alternate but has a great chance to be the starter this year.

Special Teams – 25 Darrell Stuckey

The 3rd year pro has had a breakout season on special teams this year. Through 8 games, DSII has recorded 10 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble.  He also has made a few incredible plays, most recently last Thursday night against Kansas City with a diving catch on a punt that pinned the Chiefs on the 5 yard line.

DSII is making the most of his opportunity on Special Teams and his results reflect the hustle and hard work he has put in. He deserves to go to Hawaii.

Linebacker – 56 Donald Butler

One of the most exciting young defensive players on the Chargers, Butler made a name for himself last year posting 96 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 8 tackles for loss.  The 3rd year pro is picking right up where he left off, with 55 tackles through the first 8 games (2nd on team), 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT and 1 defensive touchdown.  He is very active and constantly is around the ball, leading to one of the great sayings for Boltheads “The Butler Did It!”

While he is not a league leader in the top of any 1 category, his all-around play has been great and should definitely be looked at as a possible alternate.

Center – 61 Nick Hardwick

A stabalizing force in an otherwise very weak offensive line.  Hardwick has finally shaken the injury bug that plagued him early in his career and has now started 42 straight games.  He may not get the recognition from the rest of the league due to the amount of times Rivers has been sacked, but if Hardwick was not there, those numbers wouldbe MUCH higher.

Those are the 4 Bolts that I believe are the most deserving on a talented but underperforming Chargers team this year.  We are only at the halway mark with plenty of season left for guys to make a case. Of course, I would rather have ZERO Chargers in the Pro Bowl….because that would mean we’re in the SUPER BOWL!!!

Please feel free to comment and let me know if you think somebody else should have been included. And please go here to vote for who you think should represent! www.nfl.com/probowl

Boltup!

Dan Locke

I figured I would give a birthday shout out to one of our guys, safety Darrell Stuckey Jr..

Just so happens that our #25 IS 25…years old!

Born June 16, 1987, Stuckey attended the University of Kansas.

During a stellar college career, Stuckey was an All-Big 12 First Team selection, and in 2008 was named one of twelve semi-finalists for the 2009 Jim Thorpe award.

In 2010 he was named the Big 12 Sportsman of the Year for 2009-2010.

He was considered on of the top safeties available in the 2010 draft and the Chargers scooped him up in round 4, pick 110 overall. (Wikipedia).

In his third year for our lighning bolts, I’m expecting big things from #25 as I am from the rest of our boys.

Follow him on Twitter @DarrellStuckey and give him a Happy Birthday S/O.

#BoltUp