Smith bullish on Bolts' season
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- A.J. Smith doesn't often display his exuberant side. The Chargers' general manager is a straight shooter with a sometimes gruff exterior, and he makes no apologies for it.
So when Smith proclaims he's excited about something, you know he's not kidding. And when he states that he's looking forward to the 2007 season more than any other during his tenure with the team, it's an ear-rattling comment.
"I'm looking forward to this season more than any season since I've been here," Smith said recently. "I just can't wait to get it going. I can't wait to play that first game against Chicago. We want to get this thing going and win enough games to be in the postseason."
The Chargers begin rookie practices today -- the first full-squad workout is on Saturday -- and Smith hopes it's the start of a special season. The Chargers are viewed as one of the top teams in the NFL, and any result that doesn't include at least one playoff victory would rate as a huge disappointment.
Perhaps the vision of a January playoff run is what's stoking Smith's optimism.
"I'm excited because we are a good football team," Smith said. "I think we're a good football team and I think we're a playoff team. That's why I'm excited.
"Many years ago, we had a lot of work to do. We weren't very good and we didn't have any players."
Things have certainly changed on Smith's watch. The laughingstock franchise that lost 15 games in 2000 -- the season before Smith arrived as assistant GM -- piled up 14 wins last season in Smith's fourth year as general manager.
Now the franchise has a plethora of stars, including reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers and defensive dynamo Shawne Merriman. There aren't many holes or question marks.
"I'm really proud of how far we've come," Smith said. "There was a point in time where we were the worst team in the National Football League. No players, no future.
"Now people think we're one of the better teams. So that makes us feel good as an organization."
Of course, there is also something that grates at Smith and leaves him highly unsatisfied.
Twice in the past three seasons, the Chargers have made the playoffs. And twice within the friendly confines of Qualcomm Stadium, the Chargers were unceremoniously booted out of the postseason party in their first playoff game.
"We've gotten there," Smith said. "We've had opportunities. We have not taken advantage of our opportunities. We had a wonderful opportunity last year.
"We have to figure out what we are going to do when we get there."
The Chargers take aim at a playoff run with Norv Turner as coach. Marty Schottenheimer, who clashed with Smith, was fired last February.
Regardless of who's coaching the team, Smith has one goal: the Super Bowl.
"Winning a Super Bowl is really what it's all about for us and every other team," Smith said. "We understand that. But you have to work real hard to be in position to do that.
"We feel we're a playoff team. Saying that, you have to win enough games to get there, and every year is a brand new situation."
Chargers notes
Eight veterans will be on the field today with the team's rookies: QBs Philip Rivers, Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst, RB Darren Sproles, DE Derrick Robinson and DBs Clinton Hart, Bhawoh Jue and Marlon McCree. ... WR Craig Davis, the team's first-round pick, officially signed his five-year contract Tuesday. Davis is glad to avoid a holdout and get a few practices in before the entire squad hits the field on Saturday. "I think I need to get on the field a couple days earlier than those guys," Davis said. "They know what to expect when it comes to training camp. This is my first training camp." ... RB LaDainian Tomlinson has agreed to a five-year partnership with Palomar Pomerado Health as a health advocate and will launch a program called Project21SD. "It's a personal mission and passion of mine to reduce diabetes and obesity in children, and raise awareness of other health issues like heart disease, stroke and improving access to care," Tomlinson said in a press release.
-- Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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D Man wrote on Jul 25, 2007 1:02 PM:Another classy move by the MVP. Go Chargers!!!
Bobby wrote on Jul 25, 2007 1:22 PM:Smith, "many years ago, we had a lot of work to do. We weren't very good and we didn't have any players" When are people going to see the real A.J.? Quit following the herd. Am I the only one to recall "many years ago" was the "push year"? Smith has a ego the size of Texas and I am one fan who does not ride on his every word. What about his, my way or hit the road attitude? He let Edwards, the teams leading tackler for years, go for nothing because he did not like him, come on people thats nuts. He could of had a #3 from the Saints. Marty had to go because Smith did not like him and Marty was not sure why (ESPN). Ask yourself, when in the history of the NFL has a GM let his head coach go after a 14/2 season?? Does anyone think for a minute Turner would of got the head job if he flat out would not take Cotrell as his DC? When in the history of the NFL has a GM let a young, all pro, NFL man of the year QB get away for nothing in return? Smith now wants us to think letting Turner and Florance go for nothing in return is good? He could of got a #1 for Turner from the Titans and what would the Bills given? The Chargers are the only team in the NFL who did not do anything in F/A or trade this year. Sence when is any NFL team so darn great they need no help? No friends Smith has the herd thinking he is one step from divine. I say if we win the Super Bowl it will not be because of Smith, it will be inspite of Smith! Bobby
Sean C. wrote on Jul 25, 2007 5:42 PM:Bobby, the rest of the NFL world thinks Smith has put together the most talented & deep team in the league & thats a FACT ! Enjoy this & coming seasons because it`s going to be nothing short of awesome. We`ve got at least 1 Superbowl (victory) in our future.
Jim wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:21 PM:Bobby, it's obvious your judgment is effected by your dislike for Smith. I haven't liked all his moves either but give me a break. His good moves far outweigh his bad ones. Don't forget he originally kept Marty but after loosing everyone else it was a virtual start over with the coaching staff anyway. As they say, time will tell but I can say for sure, the Chargers are where they are far more because of Smith then in spite of him.
ramse wrote on Jul 25, 2007 8:03 PM:bob. the reason he let go of bress is because we were paying a first round draft pick millions to sit on the bench. remember this its a buissness first. letting go of florence after this year is because of buissness. we do have cromartie a 1 round draft pick who we again pay millions. he is capable of taking over his job.
Ken J wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:24 PM:A.J. Does have a huge ego and he loves to play hardball, but it works! In this business players come and go. And as long as he keeps replacing players with equal or better players, I will be an A.J. fan, not for his personality, but his skill as a G.M.. I am glad we got rid of Edwards. He was a leg tackler. Do you remember Edwards having any WOW hits? In the middle we need someone who can lay the wood and stop the run. Turner for a #1 would have been nice, but having Turner if L.T. goes down is better. The team is as good as it has ever been. This season will be one to remember. Go Bolts. D4!
Bucca wrote on Jul 26, 2007 12:10 PM:Look, Marty had to go. 5-13 in the playoffs! Need I say more? Brees, too many ints. Do you think Brees could've brought the Chargers back to win the Bengals game? He's never done that before. Rivers is special. I don't like the choice of Norv Turner at all. But AJ is on a roll. Let's see how this season turns out. SuperBowl Bound Bolts!
Mo wrote on Jul 26, 2007 12:45 PM:I hear you guys. A.J. has done a great job of assembling a powerhouse squad. I just hope he doesn't go the way of Bobby Beathard did in the mid 90s. He started by building a Superbowl team, but immediately after that he destroyed the team until the late John Butler revived them. CHARGERS !!
dave wrote on Jul 26, 2007 1:22 PM:Mo, we'll start thinking that when AJ starts trading away next years #1 draft choices for some division ii receiver.
chappy wrote on Jul 26, 2007 6:16 PM:Booby, Bobby, Bobby you are confused my friend. Edwards is getting old and only tackled from behind. He took bad angles and was only good for his coverage skills. Heck any of us could get 50 tackles with those monsters setting on the D-line. Brees couldn't of brought us back from those Bengals/Broncos/Seahawks games. Hell Rivers even came close to getting a win in Arrowhead in his first game. LT said he was glad to get his MVP this year cause Rivers will win one here soon. Thats saying something. Every move AJ has made has been right and it wont stop with Turner. Call me crazy but Turner has that Belicheck calmness to him and it sounds like Rivers is really liken him. When the Chargers win the SuperBowl this year your gonna feel like crap. I bet you weren't even a fan before 2004 so go back to Raider Nation!!!!!
Brian wrote on Jul 26, 2007 9:53 PM:You know, I've been a loyal fan for 33 years. Yes, that's my age, and my brother who passed away in 2000 was probably the best Charger fan EVER!! This team means a lot to me and my family and I know that this team will bring us all joy and excitement in the coming years. A.J. Smith with his "tell it like he sees it attitude" is right on! He looks for character first, then talent, and in my opinion that is a very rare gift. He has turned this team around from the depths of embaressment to an elite team. Everyone knows, including everyother team that the Chargers are a force to be reconed with. Even Belichick new he got lucky. So make sure you have your DVR's and tape recorders ready. We are in for a great ride.
LiL Tone wrote on Jul 27, 2007 2:46 PM:Born and raised in SD, I am a very passionate, die-hard charger fan!! And it makes me very angry to here the Bobby's of Charger nation talk negative when it appears they dont have a clue. The fact is AJ smith has done a great job puttin an elite team on the field after yrs of horrible talent in SD. Now we have Pro bowlers in every phase of the game (def, off, spec teams etc.) And the real reason why Mart ball was canned was because he was trying to bring his "Bone-head" brother in to coach the D-fense!! Cmon man...Marty deserved to be fired for attempting a dumb move like that one.
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