CHARGERS: Matchups vs. Carolina
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
Chargers on offense
(Edge ---- Chargers)
Much like facing Chicago in last season's opener, the Chargers begin the campaign against a sturdy defensive team. RB LaDainian Tomlinson makes his 2008 debut and will be aiming to triple or quadruple the 25 yards he was held to in last year's initial contest. Success running the ball might depend on how well C Jeremy Newberry and LT L.J. Shelton do in their first starts as Chargers. Newberry is replacing line foundation Nick Hardwick (foot), and Shelton is in for injured two-time Pro Bowler Marcus McNeill (neck). Shelton also will be asked to corral DE Julius Peppers, the Carolina star with 56 sacks over his previous six NFL seasons. QB Philip Rivers strives to build on his strong second half of last season, during which he drastically reduced his costly mistakes. TE Antonio Gates (toe) isn't at full strength, but WRs Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson enjoyed success while Gates was hobbled in last year's playoffs. Panthers CBs Chris Gamble (17 interceptions in four seasons) and Ken Lucas (22 career picks) will look to slow them down. Expect to see MLB Jon Beason near the ball a lot. The Panthers' first-round pick in 2007 accumulated a club record 160 tackles last season. SS Chris Harris led the NFL with eight forced fumbles last season.
Chargers on defense
(Edge ---- Chargers)
The Chargers will closely monitor Shawne Merriman's injured left knee. The player with more sacks (39 1/2) than anyone in the NFL the last three years can't play every down, so second-year player Jyles Tucker will see a lot of action. The big question involving Merriman is can he be his usual-destructive self with two torn knee ligaments. Also worrisome is that ILB Stephen Cooper (team-leading 179 tackles last season) is suspended for the season's first four games. That bumps offseason acquisition Derek Smith into the starting lineup. The Chargers had trouble stopping the run and tackling consistently in the preseason, and the hope is that DT Jamal Williams, bothered by two sore knees, will help diminish the issue. The Panthers' ball-control offense employs two running backs ---- DeAngelo Williams and first-round pick Jonathan Stewart. QB Jake Delhomme says he's throwing better than at any point in the last five years after undergoing major elbow surgery last fall. Delhomme won't have top target Steve Smith (team suspension for punching Lucas), so veteran Muhsin Muhammad will try to find space to operate in a Chargers secondary led by CBs Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer. FS Eric Weddle makes his first career start.
Special teams
(Edge ---- Chargers)
Mark Jones had a nice preseason returning kicks for the Chargers, averaging 24.7 on kickoff returns and 13.0 on punt returns. Now the Chargers will see him on the other side of things, as Carolina signed him after his release. Darren Sproles, who averaged 27.2 yards on kickoff returns and 9.5 on punt returns last season, is back as the Chargers' returner. P Mike Scifres (46.1-yard average in 2007) begins his run at a Pro Bowl berth; Carolina counters with Jason Baker (44.2-yard average last season). K Nate Kaeding was 24-of-27 on field goals last season, while Carolina's John Kasay was 24-of-28.
What to expect
(Edge ---- Chargers)
The most anticipated Chargers season since Don Coryell coached the team begins amid high expectations. But as Rivers says often, the team can't get to the Super Bowl in Week 1. It certainly helps to play Carolina at a time when its top offensive weapon (Smith) isn't available. It also doesn't hurt to open at home, where the Chargers are 15-1 over the past two regular seasons. Count on the frenzied atmosphere to spur the Chargers to a fast start in the contest against a well-coached, hard-nosed team. Look for the Chargers to spoil the return of Carolina coach John Fox, a Castle Park High and San Diego State alumnus who is making his first visit to Qualcomm Stadium as an NFL head coach.
Pick: Chargers 23, Panthers 13
---- Mike Sullivan
Another view
Darin Gantt,
Rock Hill (S.C.) Herald
Chargers 20, Panthers 16
Panthers are fantastic as road underdogs, but the talent difference here is too great.
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Mark wrote on Sep 7, 2008 6:30 AM:Chargers televised?? Does anyone know if the Chargers are being televised in Temecula. Once again the DirecTV line up has another game (Browns & Cowboys). I'm getting ready to dump DirecTV but I wanted to know the real story on the Chargers being televised today or not?
Thanks
Eric wrote on Sep 7, 2008 7:10 PM:Wow! Not only were the Panther's underestimated, as was apparent by a few comments by a certain head coach in San Diego, but the Chargers have, as usual, been granted more stock than they deserve. Not only did Carolina walk all over Merriman and the Charger' defense, but they did so with out their best offensive player and what seemed to be the worst reffing core in the NFL.
I hope Norv Turner takes a deep look at his preparations for this game and realizes, "Hey, maybe it's time to retire." Honestly, how can a man look his players in the eyes and expect to maintain their respect after he told the entire U.S. that his 45 were better than the Panthers' 45?
Moving on to L.T.... can't really say anything about him. He's still amazing no matter what team he plays for. How could you say anything about the guy when he rushes for 97 yards and 15 receiving yards; however, the all-time king of touchdowns, at the tailback position, failed to record a single score. You can't win them all, I guess...
One more quick note, before I head out: Where was Shawn Merriman and the D all day? Seriously, will somebody let Shawn know what his job description is. If you're not gonna get the surgery, at least make sure you don't let a rookie running back and second year tight end give you a mushroom tap... in your home stadium, none the less.
Well I hope this has been an eye opener for the pedant coaching staff of the San Diego Chargers and the rest of the analysts across the NFL.
This is Eric Robinson saying, f%$@ you, San Diego.
PantherPride wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:47 PM:Let me start by quoting one overconfident scrub of a fan who went by the handle NostraBoltus on the Chargers V Panthers scouting report
Our overzealous NostraBoltus says this, and i quote :
No disrespect but this should be a blowout by 1/2 time. Chargers 35 Panthers 10. Panther fans making the trip, it won`t be a total loss most of the summer crowd has gone home & the weather is great
Correct me if im wrong, but we manhandled you guys for the entire first half. LT had a massive 39 yards at half time, SO MUCH FOR THAT BLOWOUT....
In all honesty, we had to many dropped passes , and we should have ended up winning that contest by 2 touchdowns easy. Williams and Stewart walked on, over and through the fabled Chargers defensive unit. Peppers was inches from sitting Rivers on his backside on a number of occasions, and delivered a crushing blow to him on a QB scrambling run. Rosario is one of the most underrated Tight Ends in the game. Our defense looked great most of the game. All i have to say is we deserve alot more credit for being a playoff worthy team than people are wanting to admit, and we proved it with a huge win this weekend. Next up : DAAAA Bears... And check out 2nd year man Dwayne Jarrett showing poise and concentration and making some key receptions in the game. Loving Jarrett's progress , hope he keeps it up.
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