The Bolts don’t need you. When players think more of themselves than the team, those players are expendable. If Joey Bosa doesn’t sign, Darius Philon, Sean Lissemore and others WILL step up. Create an atmosphere of motivation. Eric Weddle’s gone. We won’t lose a beat (hopefully we gain a beat).
The free-agent signings of players like Brandon Mebane and Casey Hayward make up for the loss of Weddle and Bosa even though they’re at somewhat different positions. Their play will make the surrounding positions better. Mebane’s exceptional play and a healthy Corey Liuget will give Philon more space to operate. Ryan Carrethers will be fired up at the opportunity to beat out Mebane or at least split the reps. Dwight Lowery will play well as Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers and Hayward will have career years. All will benefit greatly from an outstanding linebacking corps.
Jun 14, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) catches a pass during minicamp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The offense? Travis Benjamin and Hunter Henry make Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Stevie Johnson and Melvin Gordon even better. Max Tuerk and Matt Slausen push the interior line to create holes for RB’s at the goal line. Gordon’s mediocre rookie year creates a monster this year. Philip Rivers is beginning to feel the years catching up and this motivates him to have another stellar year.
Joey Bosa makes a quick appearance in San Diego. His contract holdout isn't ugly — yet. https://t.co/KJ57m31AtS pic.twitter.com/Z5F8YG7Lkk
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) July 17, 2016
Special teams? Did I mention an outstanding linebacking corps? The addition of Joshua Perry and Jatavis Brown and the return of Williams makes for lots of big, fast guys, the definition of strong special teams. I’ve often thought the biggest advantage of a 3-4 defense is the additional linebackers slotted into special teams. Benjamin returning punts will certainly help. Josh Lambo’s long kickoff’s will just keep getting better.
Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers kicker Josh Lambo (2) looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
So Joey…don’t bother to sign, we don’t need you!
Apr 29, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers first round draft pick Joey Bosa speaks to media during a press conference at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
And for those Bolts I didn’t mention…you know what needs to be done!!