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San Diego Chargers Notes: Panthers on tap, draft thoughts

By John Burress

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Darrell Stuckey (25) looks across the line before the snap during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Darrell Stuckey (25) looks across the line before the snap during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Diego Chargers next game is against the Panthers in the Carolina’s. If a questionable Luke Kuechly does return, it’ll make a tough game even tougher.

Make no mistake, the Panthers are no ordinary 4-8 team. It’s actually hard to believe they’re that bad. It was just last year that they went into the playoffs practically undefeated before losing in the Super Bowl. I can understand the Chargers being 5-7, even though they could easily be 7-5 or 8-4. We weren’t very good last year but the Panthers were exceptional last year. I guess it’s the old Super Bowl loser syndrome… they tend to have quite a downfall.

As far as the relationship between the Chargers and Panthers, it more or less comes down to Ron Rivera. He was the Chargers defensive coordinator under Norv Turner for a few years. I thought he did a fine job. If he would have stayed here another year or so he probably would have been our head coach. The way it worked out, I really like Mike McCoy and even though the results have been less than stellar the last couple of years, I still have faith.

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There are a couple of players in Carolina that have Charger roots. One is Mike Tolbert. Signed by the Chargers a few years ago as an undrafted free agent, he took over for Lorenzo Neal and was quite a change. I remember Neal catching a pass in the flat with a wide open field in front of him and turning to find someone to hit instead of heading down the sideline, hilarious to watch. The next year, Tolbert caught a similar pass and took off and gained 50 yards. The whole sideline was laughing thinking of how differently Tolbert handled a similar situation.

Another transplant is Fozzy Whittaker. Again, a Bolts undrafted free agent, good special teams player and excellent running back when given the chance. But he’ll be behind Jonathon Stewart and Tolbert. Tough backfield to break into.

For what it’s worth, The Chargers have improved since last year. They  already have one more win with four games, (2 at home) left. Joey Bosa looks like a monster, Melvin Gordon is what we thought he’d be. Matt Slauson has stabilized the line…somewhat. We’re better, just not as good or maybe not as lucky as I’d hoped we’d be.

Last week I asked you to comment on the draft… what a great response, thanks so much for your input. Time for my input. First round, offensive line or edge rusher. Second round, defensive line or defensive back Middle to late rounds, skill positions. I think we’re OK at linebacker, quarterback, most skill positions and if we sign Melvin Ingram, pretty solid at outside backer.

Let me know what you think, really enjoyed seeing your responses last week.

One more thing… Bolts by 3 in a close one.

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