hungster-in-Esc wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:33 AM:I am grateful for another insightful story from Sullivan. The Chargers defense could serve as a case study for business school students interested in teamwork. Standing singularly, both Cooper and Wihelm might be suspected(for lack of experience but not for their youthful exuberance and physical skills). But they fit like a glove within the entire defensive scheme and philosophy--a total coordinated attack aiming at the football (I pray to The Almighty that the prevent (nothing) defense has been torn off the defensive playbook). Insiders are more confident of their ability than outsiders, only because of insider knowledge. Coaches and teammates expect them to uphold their individual pieces of that attack, not actually entirely responsible for, say, stopping the run. But if others around them do their individual parts, and them theirs, then they will indeed stop the runs. And more. Of course, all of this is now on paper only. That's why it's so exciting for the games must be still be played. (I look forward to reading more on the Chargers secondary. If so, thanks in advance!)

James wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:42 AM:I've been watching these two closely, and I'am totally and completely sure these two can and will compently replace the vetrans.

murphspeak wrote on Aug 7, 2007 1:04 PM:I keep hearing about 'deep' talent. If Coop and Wilhelm perform brilliantly, they will occasionally need to come off the field. Who is behind them? A.J. insisted that "anyone" could make the tackles that Edwards has made over the last five years. We'll see if he's right. He seems to have the same view of the head coach position as well. Season ticket holders, brace yourselves, the company line is "the regular season doesn't matter, it's what you do in the playoffs." Funny, it seems that the fans sort of enjoy coming to the ballpark to watch a team win. We'll know in the first six games whether or not the postseason is even on the radar. Norv hasn't parallel parked a Pinto as a head coach and now he's got the keys to the Ferrari. Should be interesting.

D Man wrote on Aug 8, 2007 7:51 AM:Maybe you didn't see the draft where we drafted two more insude backers, Anthony Waters and Brandon Siler. Or maybe you missed last year when we picked up the explosive Tim Dobbins. This season ticket holder is not worried about the transition. We built this team with depth, especially at linebacker. Do some homework.....

Bobby wrote on Aug 8, 2007 8:38 AM:We are forgetting you have to make the playoff's first. If Jamal Williams goes down the D is in for it. Where is the real back up? Same for MLB. We were the only team to do nothing in free/a and trades over the offseason. Sence when is any NFL team so great it needs no help? This should of been Smith's "push year"! When in the history of the NFL has a GM let his leading tackler for five years go just because "he does not like him"??? That's NUTS! Bobby

Gurman wrote on Aug 8, 2007 11:21 AM:The Chargers have huge LB depth. Tim Dobbins is a ferocious hitter and could step up if Wilhelm or Cooper get hurt. Marques Harris made a ton of big plays during Merriman's absence and while he can't replace Shawne (who can?) he can capably fill in. Antwan Applewhite also figures into the mix as does Anthony Waters. The real depth issue is at Nose Tackle.

Gurman wrote on Aug 8, 2007 11:22 AM:Umm, Bobby, The 3-4 defense does NOT have a MLB. It has TWO ILBs. Dobbins & Waters back up Cooper and Wilhelm. But your point about Jamal "the Wall" is valid. We do need a young NT to help with depth.

Top 3 in D wrote on Aug 8, 2007 12:15 PM:Wah wah Edwards is gone. He wanted too much money. You can`t pay all the linebackers Merriman money. General consensous around the league is we have a very deep talent pool of LBs. This D is going to be great.

Kevin wrote on Aug 8, 2007 12:28 PM:Guys, let's not sound the NT alarm just yet. We Do have a young and very capable backup nose tackle in Ryan Bingham. Don't forget he filled in for Jamal at multiple occasions last season and the defense didn't miss a beat. He'll only get better with experience. AJ Smith isn't stupid, he has confidence in our NT depth, or otherwise he would've shored up this position with a draft pick. He's always thinking ahead, so rest assured our big D will continue to dominate for years to come.

GBS wrote on Aug 8, 2007 1:28 PM:You can fret yourself into a nervous breakdown worrying about who MIGHT get injured. The front seven will be fine...as they have been for several years. People will be injured, suspended, wounded, arrested, or whatever. Front seven depth has been and will continue to be good. As usual, it is the SECONDARY that should be the concern. Although there was notable improvement last year, people like Drayton "Spaz" Florence and Marlon "4th Down" McCree need to figure out how to hold onto the ball. This is THE year for Florence if he wants to get big money here or somewhere else next year. My guess is that he's going to step up. Edwards and Godfrey were good players. Godfrey is probably easier to replace than Edwards. Look for their replacements to be a lot more physical. These young guys have had more than enough opportunity to figure out what's going on. Time to put their youth and exuberance to work.

charger nation wrote on Aug 8, 2007 1:47 PM: I dont like the Cooper and Whelian as starters. I predict 1st games our run defense suck but pass coverage with MLB will be stout with pressure from Cooper.

Sdbeachbum wrote on Aug 9, 2007 7:45 PM:Run Defense suck, WHAT?I have no idea what you guys are looking at.Don't worry about NT or LB's or SECONDERY.By the time we get to the buy in week 7 what all of you will see is the best D in the league.Mark my words

EastCoastFan wrote on Aug 13, 2007 11:46 AM:Chargers have a sleeper at ILB. Brandon Siler is the total package. Hope people don't discount his ability because of his draft status. Everbody else missed the boat!!!!