San Diego Chargers Overrated Players: Dwight Freeney?
By Sam Kweon
Sep 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
First of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am Sam Kweon, and I have just started as a Staff Writer of BoltBeat.com. I look forward to bonding with the fans and what they think of our Chargers. Now let’s get to it.
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the San Diego Chargers’ defense.
Many fans and experts alike believe the Bolts’ defense will be on the better side this season, and Dwight Freeney seems to be a major part of the resurgence. Right? Maybe not.
Like the Jeromey Clary case, let’s make this thing controversial. By no means do I hate Freeney. He is a great guy, natural-born leader, and I hope that he has a great season.
There was a time when Dwight Freeney was the most feared defensive lineman in all of football. Even some of the best offensive tackles could not handle his ruthless aggressive and that nasty spin move that he uses.
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I mean, everyone’s talking about how better the defense will be next year. And yeah they will be better! Melvin Ingram is back, Brandon Flowers is a huge upgrade, and Manti Te’o has a year of experience under his belt. Then in the midst of all this talk, Freeney’s name always comes up. Don’t get too excited.
As a projected starter over former first round pick Melvin Ingram and this years second round pick Jerry Attaochu, Freeney will get his chances. But at 34 years old, you really shouldn’t expect too much from him. He doesn’t run a 4.48 40 yard dash anymore and his moves are nothing but slower. Being a long time veteran will help, but he is coming off of a serious injury (tore quad tendon). No 34-year-old OLB can come back from a leg injury and become a vital force right away, it just does not happen.
Even if Freeney doesn’t perform as well as you expect, do not get discouraged. By the end of this season, I guarantee he has contributed to the team. Think of him as a player coach. Either on the field or the sidelines, he will be shouting encouragement and motivation to fellow Chargers, just like last year.
What do you think? Is Freeney overrated? Will he contribute to this team as much as people think?