Nov 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers guard Louis Vasquez (65) warms-up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

To say that the Chargers have a lot of glaring holes going into the 2013 season is a drastic understatement.  We’ve all talked ad nauseum about the first priority being the need to solidify the offensive line. 

Heck, it might even need a complete overhaul. 

Veteran center Nick Hardwick let it be known during the 2012 offseason that he was possibly considering retirement.  I refuse to act like it’s a given that Hardwick will be back.  I truly hope that he is for many reasons.

It is sounding like Jared Gaither will be cut and the team will move on from Big Lazy.  Big waste of money is more like it. 

The Tyronne Green experiment failed miserably.  He proved that he was more than inadequate in both run and pass blocking. 

Everyone’s favorite whipping boy, Jeromey Clary, might have finally worn out his welcome as well.  I have zero doubt that 99% of the fanbase would be more than happy to show him the door. 

That leaves us with Louis Vasquez.  Vasquez is set to be a free agent at the beginning of the 2013 league year.  I can’t help but think that the uncertainty at the General Manager position is the only reason that there has been no movement to re-sign the veteran out of Texas Tech.

Having come from a spread, passing offense in college, Vasquez has had to work dilligently to improve his run blocking.  He has done just that.  Aside from Hardwick, Vasquez is easily our best offensive lineman. 

In my opinion, it is imperative that he is re-signed as soon as possible.  I don’t believe that the team should franchise him in a final effort to retain him, but I would have no problem if the team did so in an effort to ensure that they had the only chance to sign him long term.

As Ernie Padaon pointed out in a recent article, we really don’t have a player that is worthy of the franchise tag.  The numbers were released the other day and I agree that there isn’t a player on our roster that is worth franchise tag money.

As I already stated, I would be in favor of the team using the tag to stop them from getting in a bidding war for the services of Vasquez in 2013.  Once he signed the tag, the Chargers could then attempt to work out a long term deal and have it done prior to the deadline just prior to the beginning of the season.

Continuity amongst the offensive lineman is paramount in the success of an offense in the NFL.  The fact that we most likely will only have two players that have lined up together while protecting Philip Rivers is a bit scary. 

But having two is far better than having only one or none.

The Bolts need to make re-signing Louis Vasquez a priority in the early parts of the offseason.

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

Nov 1, 2012; San Diego CA, USA; San Diego Chargers Norv Turner reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The writing is on the wall.  In fact, the writing is everywhere.  It reminds me of that moment that we’ve all had, at some point in our lives, when we appreciate the wait at the DMV. 

The moment I’m speaking of is that one when you are stuck at the tracks while the longest train in the history of trains continues to delay your advance to your final destination.  It is, of course, covered in graffiti.  This train is decorated in “Norv and A.J. are done in San Diego” spray paint. 

It sounds as though Norv’s final destination, as far as being a head coach in the NFL, will certainly be on the eternal unemployment line. 

Although there is a zero percent chance that he will ever be a head coach in the NFL again, it has been reported that he would be interested in taking on the offensive coordinator duties for a team that is close to advancing to the NFL’s final destination.

Norv has expressed interest in latching onto a contending team that truly has a chance at winning the Superbowl? 

Sounds familiar, to Charger fans, with the exception of a different role on said team.

When Norval came to San Diego, the Chargers had just been ousted from the playoffs after a 14-2 regular season record.  The roster that he inherited was one that any incumbent head coach would absolutely salivate over the chance to become it’s leader. 

There is no need for me to regurgitate all that has transpired over the Norv Turner regime.

Despite some promising rosters and seasons, it has now become apparent that, coupled with the performance of A.J. Smith as general manager, the prime years of some of our players have been completely wasted. 

Philip Rivers is now 31 years old.  Although he has 4-5 quality years, at least, left in him, where does that leave guys like Gates and Hardwick?

Gates has shown, despite being as healthy as ever, that he has lost a step.  Hardwick, during the offseason, made it clear that he might retire before playing in 2012.

In short, thanks for everything Norv.  Despite doing my best to defend you through the years, you have coached this team into the ground. 

But wait.  You’ve done so while under the ironfist of A.J. Smith.  I don’t have a lot to say about A.J.’s tenure as our general manager.  Well, I do, but it is summed up while making a few statements. 

You let your ego get in the way of building a successful team.  And that includes the players and the coaching staff.

You wanted a “yes man” as head coach.  In that, you succeeded.  You wanted to prove that every Charger was a Charger one year at a time.  I don’t need to go through the players that left this organization due to the egomania of Smith.

You all know the names that have gone on and proven that they are superstars in this league. 

Note: My complaints do not include the handling of Drew Brees.  Everyone, including the Chargers, had a shot to sign Brees.  Miami and New Orleans were the only ones that were considering it.

In conclusion, my thanks to you as well, A.J. Smith.  The train has now been derailed and is still covered in the names of both you and Turner.  It will remain as a reminder that the window for a franchise is short and can be destroyed in a small frame of time. 

Oh, what am I thanking them for? NOTHING!

Now as far as you all are concerned as a fan and supporter of BoltBeat?  Thanks a lot for reading!

The time has come for change, my friends.  And that time is now.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

P.S.  Go ahead and tell me all the reasons that you have believed in them both.  I did too.  I, most likely, share the same exact thoughts and beliefs.  Hindsight is 20/20.  I stood in “front of the train” for years.”  Now I’ll watch it leave the station rejoicing that it will never return again.

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