Concern at Cornerback For the Chargers?

Oct 23, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers struggled in third-down situations all season, finishing 32nd in the NFL by allowing opponents to convert 49.2 percent of their opportunities. Part of the reason they finished last in this stat is because of a lack of pass-rush. Now that the pass-rush is back (presumably). How big of a question mark will our coverage on third down be?

I love our starting corners, though Antoine Cason had a couple of games where he made some bone headed mistakes, I still have confidence in him to cover some of the better receivers in the league.

Quentin Jammer had a down year this past season, in more ways than one. He struggled with personal reasons that led to affect his play. But he hopes to get back to being a solid piece of the Chargers defense.

Having one of the best if not the best safety in league to sit behind these guys in the secondary is a plus but not a reason to be careless. Eric Weddle is coming off of a career year where he was tied for the league lead in interceptions. He’ll be looking to cement himself as one of the best defensive players in the league.

Only two other cornerbacks will be heading into the season for sure, Shereece Wright and Marcus Gilchrist. Two corners taken in the 2011 draft. Gilchrist won the teams nickel corners duty last year but this year the team seems to be leading toward Wright in the nickel. We will see who ends up where but this isn’t what the biggest concern is. The biggest concern is the fact the depth chart pretty much ends right here.

Greg Gatson is the only other corner close to making the 53 man roster. Gatson has been solid in camp and is a strong candidate for the practice squad. The good camp is due to injuries to Gilchrist and Cason, he has gotten some first team reps. Problem is he doesn’t show consistency, or at least enough to make the roster.

The secondary is an unknown. But with the front seven of our defense is the strength, I think that stopping the run and getting a good QB rush will be the defenses calling card this year. If we the Chargers can get up the middle and around the edge good luck finding the open man, opposing QB’s.

So how much of a concern is cornerback?