Nothing plain about Merriman's game

By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Sunday, November 25, 2007 10:48 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Shawne Merriman turned toward the crowd and took a bow.

The fans reached a fever pitch just before that, but they weren't saluting one of Merriman's finest performances this season.

"I'm like, 'What are they cheering for?' " Merriman said. "Then I see this (paper) airplane coming toward me, and I look up and said, 'I'm going to catch it. I'm going to catch it. And not only am I going to catch it, I'm going to catch it with one hand and make it look pretty.' "

Merriman certainly did, plucking the paper plane from the air with one dramatic swipe. It drew an ovation that doubled as a curtain call for his outstanding effort in Sunday's 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Qualcomm Stadium.

The third-year pro had seven tackles, including two for a loss, a forced fumble and a key sack ---- not to mention that reception, which won't go down on the stat sheet.

"They should make a new rule, because that was a good catch," Merriman said. "Put me at wide receiver. How 'bout it?"

Merriman will surely stick to defense, a place where he can make a significant impact. Never was that more evident than in the second quarter, when he hit Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller so hard that the ball popped free without any direct contact.

That wasn't the only big-time play Merriman had in the game, nor was it the only time his signature "Lights Out" dance was on display for the first time in 42 days.

Merriman had reason to celebrate after being dogged for getting pancake-blocked by Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew last week in a loss to the Jaguars.

"It was a good one, but I didn't know you could be on TV every day by getting blocked," Merriman said. "I thought that happens in football."

Does that mean he expects Sunday's quarterback smack to get the same treatment?

"Not really, because that's like a guy dunking a basketball," Merriman said. "It's a dunk. It's supposed to happen. You know, act like you been there."

Merriman gave the Chargers an on-field spark one week after he made harsh comments about the team's commitment following the loss to Jacksonville. This time, he let his play do the talking.

"It's time to just go out and play football," Merriman said. "That's it. Not talk about what you want to do, not talk about what you want to accomplish. When that whistle blows, you go out and do it, period."

Merriman's effort drew praise from vaunted Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.

"He's a great young talent who appreciates the game of football," Lewis said. "I have tremendous amount of respect for players like that."

Contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com.

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.