Jammer merits spot in Hawaii, coach says
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Quentin Jammer won't be playing in the Pro Bowl. In fact, he doesn't even have any of the Chargers' NFL-leading 27 interceptions.
Yet Jammer was one of two players ---- punter Mike Scifres was the other ---- that Chargers coach Norv Turner cited earlier this week as being snubbed in the balloting for the annual postseason all-star game held in Hawaii.
Turner feels Jammer is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Jammer, a six-year veteran, is flattered by the praise.
"That's big, to me," Jammer said Thursday. "He's obviously well-respected around the league, and to have that endorsement means a lot to me.
"What more can I say? Whenever you get a coach who has been around it for a long time and been with a team (Dallas) that has won Super Bowls and been around great players, and for him to recognize that, it's an honor for me."
Jammer tied his career high last season when he led the Chargers with four interceptions. This season, cornerback Antonio Cromartie leads the team and the NFL with 10 interceptions.
The proud Ute
Rookie safety Eric Weddle has been hearing a lot of jokes this week with his alma mater, Utah, playing in Thursday's night Poinsettia Bowl. Weddle was on the sidelines cheering on his former teammates.
So naturally, when Thursday's practice ended 20 minutes earlier than necessary, it was suggested that it ended early to give Weddle time to get to Qualcomm Stadium.
"He brought it up like that, but I never even talked to him," said Weddle, referring to Turner.
Even Turner couldn't help but joke about it, saying "Weddle might be the only Charger heading to the Poinsettia Bowl." The timing of the game ---- the first of the 2007 bowl season ---- was also something Weddle heard often.
"Some of the guys were giving him a hard time about having a bowl game before Christmas, but it's a great deal for Navy and Utah," Turner said.
Playoff tickets
The Chargers will put a limited number of playoff tickets on sale today at 10 a.m. for the home playoff game that will be played on Jan. 5 or 6.
Tickets can be purchased on www.chargers.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 619-220-8497. Sales are limited to four tickets per household.
Chargers notes
DE Luis Castillo (ankle) was a limited practice participant as he strives to return against Denver after missing six consecutive games. OLB Shawne Merriman (knee), QB Philip Rivers (knee) and Michael Turner (shoulder) also were limited participants. DT Jamal Williams (ankle) was held out to rest his legs. ... Coach Norv Turner said that backup QB Billy Volek received slightly more than half of the practice repetitions. ... Paul Ernster, who has never punted in an NFL game, will handle Denver's punting Monday night. The Broncos released Todd Sauerbrun earlier this week.
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Jaque wrote on Dec 21, 2007 7:43 AM:Jammer deserves kudos for a defensive pass interference call he gets EVERY game? He's either playing out of position, or has never really lived up to his billing. Probably both, as he has rarely impressed me.
Bobby wrote on Dec 21, 2007 8:18 AM:Maybe? If Jam were playing his natural position SS, he could make the PB. Great corners do more than tackle, they bat down pass and get pics. In the history of the pro bowl has there ever been a corner make it with NO pics??? Turner needs to check the stats, then move him to SS.
genius wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:49 AM:hey ...., ever wonder why everyone else has all of the picks? maybe because they are throwing the ball away from Jammer? all Jammer does is lock down the other teams best receiver every single game. i bet your armchairs are completely worn out.
BoltDan wrote on Dec 21, 2007 11:37 AM:I bet Genius is PAL in drag... you Toast and Jammer lovers are all the same... you drink the kool-aid that the front office (see AJ) feeds you... I have to agree with the other two comments completely... Jam needs to be moved to safety. If you watched the game they are not throwing away from Jammer but are now starting to throw to him because the other sorry excuse for a corner (Florence) is not out there... Everyone on earth knows that our weakness over the years has been our corners... why would Jammer deserve to go??? because he leads the team in PI's??? he is beat on almost every play... when he isn't giving up that 20 yard cushion... you keep lovin Jam/Norv/AJ and we will continue to get beat deep. Go Bolts Stomp the Donkeys!!!
Been sayin for years....... wrote on Dec 21, 2007 1:56 PM:Jammer does not need to be moved to SAFETY.........he needs to be moved to DETROIT.......
Joe wrote on Dec 21, 2007 2:59 PM:Hey "genius"....NOT!!! Where did the Pats throw it when they needed a big completion to beat the Chargers in the playoffs last year? That's right, to Toast & Jammer because they knew he could not defend it. Like him or not, that was a good move by BilliCHEAT. That one play says it all because of the HUGE significance of it as opposed to routine plays throughout a long season.
Sean C. wrote on Dec 21, 2007 3:05 PM:Hey Jam don`t listen to the wannabe talent evaluators just keep bringing it.
Jimbo wrote on Dec 21, 2007 3:13 PM:Norv, no need to sugarcoat it. Jammer didn't make the pro bowl 'cause he didn't earn the spot. He's probably just unhappy because it was one of the incentives in his contract.
matt wrote on Dec 21, 2007 3:51 PM:Jamcracka is a decent corner, physical, tough, a great tackler, but his lack of interceptions will never earn him a Pro Bowl spot. He's the kinda guy I'd feel safe putting on Randy Moss only because he'd be physcial with him. ITS UP TO COTTRELL TO PLAY THE COVERAGE SCHEME RIGHT!
BoltDan wrote on Dec 21, 2007 4:28 PM:Once again are you guys watching the same game I am??? Jam on anybody and he gives the 20 yard cushion OR gets beat... he gets beat or interferes. Jam leads the team with PI's...He is a safety. Period. And I do believe that he would be a great Safety and maybe a pro bowler at that position... But Corner NO... Go with CRO and next year find someone!!! But alas AJ and his ego won't... So keep on Loving him Toast and Jam lovers.
BoltDan wrote on Dec 21, 2007 4:56 PM:And yes Cotrell sucks too... Put Rivera in charge of the D and watch what he does... he runs at the QB.
jam2SS wrote on Dec 21, 2007 5:02 PM:anyone who knows ANYTHING about football positions KNOWS Jammer needs to be a SS--EVEN JAMMER!! I know AJ AND Turner both know that too, i just want to know WHY he's still a corner! OH GOD WHY!?!?!
We`re going deep with this D wrote on Dec 21, 2007 7:36 PM:Pro football weekly ranks Jammer # 13 corner in the whole NFL. But ah heck what do they know? If you watched the scoreboard lately you`d notice this defense isn`t giving up many TDs. If you`re a CHARGER fan please channel your energy in a posotive manner
PAL52 wrote on Dec 21, 2007 8:48 PM:Ah, Jammer haters. As soon as I saw the headline I knew the old gang would be here. Nope, genius is his own man, for the record, but I do like his style. By all means, let's get rid of Jammer, Cottrell, Norv, AJ -- all the losers responsible for the division title and an 8-2 run. And if Cromartie gets beat on a go route -- let's get rid of him, too! Merry Christmas, everybody! Maybe you'll find a clue in your stockings this year... .That was a bit harsh. Maybe Cutler will throw to Jammer's side enough that he can pick one off and you can see he's a good DB, after all. Me, I'm going to be bundled up in my lower-nosebleed seats hoping SD doesn't let down against Denver. Let's make it four straight over the Broncos and get so deep in their heads they'll never get us out.
PAL52 wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:16 PM:Jam2SS: Got a quote to go with that stuff about Jammer himself wanting to be a safety? hmmmm?
PAL52 wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:19 PM:to ``We're going deep...'' does Pro Football Weekly have anythnig abut the number of PI's the DBs have? I think BoltDan's got Jammer without about 36,37 PIs this year, but I can't seem to find stats anywhere. Maybe NFL discourages negative stats.
Joe wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:49 PM:At least Jammer finally gets to go to the Pro Bowl this year...as Cromartie's guest.
LightsOut wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:23 AM:[Those who] have for years dogged Jammer need to let it go. He is one of the top tier backs and has held top receivers two all time low games. The reason he occassinally gets tagged ona pass interference is because he sticks to his man and when the safety fails to help him protect than he must break up the play. The only reason Cromartie has the interceptions other than his freakish athletic abilioty is that the qb doesnt even consider going to jammer. When we get beat it is by the tight end or the slot receiver not the main. Check your facts you jammer haters.
Poncho wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:51 AM:lets not forget how much he helps with the run...remeber when he went out against the Vikings?...
Marty S. wrote on Dec 22, 2007 9:48 AM:LightsOut, I guess Brady and did not "consider going to Jammer" and (former Charger) Reche Caldwell was playing the "slot" or "tight end" when he toasted Jammer down the sidelines which sealed the DEFEAT and was the dagger in the heart of the Chargers in the Pats playoff game last year. Football 101 lesson for you: Slot receivers run quick slants over the middle and quick outs. Tight ends run down the seam. Neither run long SIDELINE routes. Work on your spelling while you are at it. In the second line it should say "to" and not "two."
Jammer's a Ball HAWK! wrote on Dec 22, 2007 12:09 PM:Jammer has played in 410 NFL games and has a GRAND TOTAL of a pathetic 10 interceptions. That's just ONE interception for every FORTY ONE GAMES! Wow, with that kind of production, or serious lack thereof, I'm surprised he hasn't been voted to the pro bowl every year. I guess opposing teams are scared to throw to his side because of his superb interception and ball skills. Just think, if he gets 11 interceptions in the next 2 games he will lead the league and have more than 2nd year player Cormartie has after starting just 6 games (and only 1 game in college) and more than he has in his previous 410 games. Good tackler, terrible ball skills. As a 1st round draft choice he can't even make the pro bowl in 6 full years as a 2nd alternate and never will without developing the ability to get interceptions. Despite the lack of any interceptions he has played better this year and hopefully will play well in the playoffs.
ADEE wrote on Dec 22, 2007 5:45 PM: jammer haters, i love it! they say if your not gettn' hated on, then your not doin' much. keep doin' your thing jamm!and back to the pats game, didnt brady complete that pass on the second attempt? cant give a qb like that a second chance, at least you wouldnt think so. but hey, joe and boltdan got this football thing figured out,HAAA! GO BOLTS,AJ,JAMM,PHIL,NORV,AND ALL THOSE HATED ON!
Jack wrote on Dec 22, 2007 5:56 PM:Norv Turner hasn't a clue. Jammer is the one guy the opposing defense's want to target because he is the worst Corner I have ever seen play the game.Where the heck does Turner get off making a statement like that?An offensive Genius? Offensive yeah!Go Cromartie!, the new guy that really plays his heart out and sticks to his opponent like glue.
steve wrote on Dec 23, 2007 4:47 PM:The last time I looked Jammer had been credited with 8 passes defended for the YEAR. That puts him as about the 100 best defensive back in the league in that catagory. He makes the tackle after the catch until the other team reaches the end zone. Every time I watch the game the line to my wife is " They threw toward Jammer but don't worry he tackled him"
Nuts wrote on Dec 24, 2007 5:34 AM:Everybody must be blind. McNeill is the 2nd alternet. the left side leaks like no one is home. "Deal-man" is not the only one not to give up a sack and has not for a couple of years...Turner and his boys can't see that far however
BoltDan wrote on Dec 24, 2007 8:31 AM:WE Jammer-haters as you say are numerous and strong... And as I have said lets not get rid of the sure tackling skills that Jammer has (pointed out by a bretheren) He is slow and can't keep up with WR's... I don't know let's just watch tonight PAL... I will be in my cold, hard field seats, usually with other fans around be cause people sell their tickets to Donkey fans!!! But I digress... lets watch Jammer tonight and see (sort of an experiment) how he does first off against a bad QB and no prolific WR's??? And then we all can spout off tomorrow... Oh thats Christmas OK the next day... BUt lets make sure we all return??? and I know 1 Game does not a great corner make... but let's see what we can from the game... I promise to watch his great skills and how QB's throw away from him... and all you LOVERS of Jam watch his 20 yard cushions and PI's...DEAL????
Jammer Got Game wrote on Dec 25, 2007 11:25 AM:Jammer is a shutdown corner. I know early in his career he wasn't a good corner and at many times I though the team wasted a draft...but I got over that perception and so should other who have that old image of Jammer. He now is recognized by the league to be one of elite cornerbacks. He and Cromartie is the main reason why team have average less than 200 yard passing the last five games. Receivers are having trouble getting open, causing QB to hurried or get sack, which forced them to throw picks. If you watch him closely with an open mind, you will realized how far Jammer has come along. If you watch the Denver game, receivers were frustrated and had to work extremely hard to get open. The players and coaches in the league recognized Jammmer as a good player for a clear reason-receiver that he matched up with gets shut down
BoltDan wrote on Dec 26, 2007 1:37 PM:Jammer doesn't GOT GAME... he was thrown at all night. Surrfice it to say he had a better game then usuall but still was thrown at more then CRO and completed to his guy more. so you lovers of Jam switch your mind over to safety for the guy who takles like a machine but covers WR's badly... he would excell at safety... he would be a pro bowler at safety.
What wrote on Dec 27, 2007 11:24 AM:Jammer who is always 5 yards back from his spot? Not at all a pro bowl player.
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