Do we need a safety?

[iodude122]

I am not sure that we need a safety at this point. Jue and Hart are just learning the system, and they didn't seem to be doing too bad. With the extra in the cap wouldn't we be better off going for O-Line and a proven CB?

[loweezy]

Kiel would get the nod over hart if kiel was healthy... i like that hart adds depth to our team... but i definitely think we need more of a leader in our secondary or more of a ballhawk... which jue, kiel, or hart cannot fill...

if i had a choice... i'd want chris hope...

if we go to the draft... then michael huff/ko simpson/jimmy williams...

[SuperBowlBolts]

Yes, Jue did fine for his first year at one position. He showed us he can be something special but after the Philly game he died out. We definately need a new SS Kiel is better then Hart and that doesnt say much for our SS situation. So do we need a Safety? Yes, SS is a bigger hole then FS is. Can either be improved yes.

[KYChargersFan21]

The answer to your question is yes we do need a safety, a strong safety and a free safety. Jue would make a great backup because the the only kind of talent he shows, Kiel just needs to be traded, Hart gives us great depth in that position. Im hoping this offseason we pick up Ko Simpson and Greg Blue in the draft and any good free safety in the free agency.

[FireDawg4487]

Kiel would get the nod over hart if kiel was healthy... i like that hart adds depth to our team... but i definitely think we need more of a leader in our secondary or more of a ballhawk... which jue, kiel, or hart cannot fill...

if i had a choice... i'd want chris hope...

if we go to the draft... then michael huff/ko simpson/jimmy williams...


I totally agree. I was going to say the same thing. Hope actually had more tackles and interceptions than Polamolu did this year, and he did it more quietly, which I like in a safety. If we can grab him we'd be sitting pretty, I think the Steelers will try to keep him though, so we may have to pony up some dough.

[HeadTrip]

Jue played very well for his first year in a new system. Before he got hurt he was an interception machine. We need a new SS though. Keil just hasn't been doing a good job and he has has plenty of time to improve.

[bigbolthead21]

I think we just need a consistent playmaker in the secondary. Kiel got burned lots of times, jue missed many tackles, hart only had a few good plays but can definitly improve. We need someone that can tackle, that can deliver the BIG hit, can preak up passes and get INT's on a consistent basis. I strongly believe we should go after Will Demps from the Ravens cuz I think he is the complete package, he's underrated, and is consistent, he also has leadership skills.

[LT LT LT]

The real anwser to this question is no we do not need a saftey but this team has progressed to the point that we can try to become elite instead of above average or good in areas. Four years ago we would have been happy with saftey play and needed everything else but now all of our need areas are not truly needs compared to others. The O line is a need but if there were no injuries that would be a pretty solid group. oben dielman hardwick goff olivea but we are going for elite. Brees rivers LT Gates Merriman jamal castillo igor parker K mac Jammer Florence think about how many good players that is. I have never cheered for a charger team with some many good players but I am young 21 so... Moving Jerri Wilson would be a positivve for this team I think and would give us 4 good safties Kiel, hart Jue and good young elite saftey.

[CBO]

Yes we need a good SS. I can live with Jue as a FS but we realy need a quality SS

[RIPgriggs]

WE NEED A SAFTEY LIKE HARRISON! no WR's will want to catch the ball with meriman trying to catch him from one side and sa hard hitter like #37 flying at you. WOAH fear will become of every reciver that comes to san diego!

[Sanitation Man]

Yes! Someone who can alter a receiver's route when he's 10 yards away, is what we need.

Hit him hard once, make him think for a lifetime...

[guimcharger]

I am not sure that we need a safety at this point. Jue and Hart are just learning the system, and they didn't seem to be doing too bad. With the extra in the cap wouldn't we be better off going for O-Line and a proven CB?

The CB are fine. It was the safetys this year and last year. Jue did good for the first couple of games but disappeared late in the season. Kiel got injured and hasn't done anything impresive but he is still a Ben Leber type safety. Hart will give Kiel a run for his money.

[BoltsfanNYC]

ok it is agreed we need A GREAT safety!

[hoopdreams]

I am not sure that we need a safety at this point. Jue and Hart are just learning the system, and they didn't seem to be doing too bad. With the extra in the cap wouldn't we be better off going for O-Line and a proven CB?

Do we need a safety?

Does the Pope S*** in the woods?

[abnewcombe]

The issue is we are looking at about $20 million in cap space and the whole Drew Brees signing is still looming. I have read and heard from numerous sources that the Chargers may be willing to let Brees test th emarket. They have offered a contract to him but are awaiting approvel or a counter offer. His agent, if I remember is Tom Condon. So contract should not be an issue, just the $$$ amount. If we want to get a quality FA on or after March 3rd, Brees' contract, if he signs, wll have to be structured to the point where we have the flexibility to do so.

I just hope his "team" speeched are what he stands for and not saying it, then being about himself when contract talks are ungoing. I understand he deserve to get paid but he needs to understand that his status on the team is a lock if he signs and the Chargers still have many holes at key positions to fill.

I don't know about anyone else, but Hope would be a great fit since the system will be predominately the same as in Pittsburgh. They run a 3-4 as we do and so there would be little transition in systems. But I still beleive that CB is the #1 priority over all of the "holes" we have right now. Addistionally, I do not think the offensive line is an issue. Had Oben ben healthy all season long, I do beleive we would have had a little bit better record because it seemed that Jordan couldn't block a turtle standing still if his life depended on it while in Romans place. Plus, look at how they were during the '04 season. That was a helluva line and got us to 12-4. The schedule favors us this year so depth at the offensive line would be nice, but there is no need to jump on a starter or starting calliber linemen at this time. Order of Priority for us

#1 - CB
#2 - SS
#3 - Offensive line (for depth ONLY)
#4 - a Punt return man (we don't have a quality one)
#5 - WR (sure fire #2 or #3)

[abnewcombe]

The CB are fine. It was the safetys this year and last year. Jue did good for the first couple of games but disappeared late in the season. Kiel got injured and hasn't done anything impresive but he is still a Ben Leber type safety. Hart will give Kiel a run for his money.
Ben Leber was a LB, not a safety.

[JoeMcRugby]

Ben Leber was a LB, not a safety.

He was referring to Kiel as being a "Ben Leber" type of safety. Unspectacular but a fairly sure tackler.

He wasn't saying that Ben Leber was a safety. :)

[BCBoltFan]

Do we need a safety?

Does the Pope S*** in the woods?
Most of us, like myself, agree we need safety improvement.
I don't recall seeing any forest areas near the Vatican, so I will assume you feel we don't need a safety.

[ChampCharger]

Our horribly ranked secondary doesn't need an improvement at Safety? I think we should take any upgrade we can get. But we definitely have been missing Rodney Harrison since he's been gone. (SS!!!)

[ghost]

A couple things, I think the title of the thread should be 'What do the Chargers need more on the defensive side of the ball, a FS or a SS?

I lean toward FS as the Chargers front seven is already very stout against the run, I believe with Hart named the starter at training camp, he will do well at the position. His TD return against the Raiders was a thing of beauty, and a far too rare feat for a Charger defensive back. Ability to make the big play, the Chargers have that with Hart moved to a starting position. Now free safety, inability to make a big play. Ball hawk? Nope. Big hitter? Nope. What do the Chargers have at free safety? A steady, solid performer. Average coverage, average ball skills, average salary = average results. I want the Chargers to draft for this position in the 1st or 2nd Round.

BTW, I just don't get the accolades that Chris Hope is getting here, I saw 6 or 7 Steeler games this year, plus all their playoff games, & I did not see Chris Hope doing anything extraordinary or anything of mention. He's an average competent player. Honestly, I believe that BJue can become a Chris Hope-caliber player.

[bolts4ever21]

What we need is a punisher. Our defense is going to be killers with a hard hitting safety. Punish an offense throughout the game. We already kill the run. When we get a hard hitting safety in the secondary. We will kill them when they pass. I love our defense. It can always improve. If we just held on to some Ints and cracked some backs, the point would be moot.

But we do need some help in the secondary. In order to take it up a notch. If we can get the secondary to play with the fire that the front seven play with. Ouch. I'm am sure the fire is there in those guys, but it just doesn't seem to resinate deep down. No killers in the secondary. Or for the one's who think killers is too strong of word, then hard hitters --- needed.

[SuperBowlBolts]

A couple things, I think the title of the thread should be 'What do the Chargers need more on the defensive side of the ball, a FS or a SS?

I lean toward FS as the Chargers front seven is already very stout against the run, I believe with Hart named the starter at training camp, he will do well at the position. His TD return against the Raiders was a thing of beauty, and a far too rare feat for a Charger defensive back. Ability to make the big play, the Chargers have that with Hart moved to a starting position. Now free safety, inability to make a big play. Ball hawk? Nope. Big hitter? Nope. What do the Chargers have at free safety? A steady, solid performer. Average coverage, average ball skills, average salary = average results. I want the Chargers to draft for this position in the 1st or 2nd Round.

BTW, I just don't get the accolades that Chris Hope is getting here, I saw 6 or 7 Steeler games this year, plus all their playoff games, & I did not see Chris Hope doing anything extraordinary or anything of mention. He's an average competent player. Honestly, I believe that BJue can become a Chris Hope-caliber player.
Hart wont be called the starter. Hes had his chance to start. I mean why bring in jue if you feel Hart can take over the spot over wilson? Hart is a good back-up at SS not FS. Didnt he play SS in the Raider game? Also Jue is solid. He showed flashes for what 7 games. After the Eagles game he died out. Give the guy a break its his first year playing one position. He can only get better. We need a SS that knows how to play at the line but still be found in the backfield when need be.

[BoltsfanNYC]

our safeties couldnt start for anyone else! so I guess we need 1 or 2...

[Tomlinson21]

I look at this way...since Rodney Harrison was out, we've had Safeties that just couldn't fit the bill: Lassiter, Ryan McNeil (cb CONVERTED TO sAFETY), Wilson...Jue and Kiel seem to be panning out but we need a difference maker out there: a stand out Safety that can put the heat. We haven't had that since Rodney left.

I think the 3-4 defense is more focused on stopping the run and the QB with the Secondary more focused on playing deep and preventing the "big play". In the Steelers Defense it's a little more diverse, where you can see their Safeties running up the middle on blitz plackages. Or playing up front like a LB and then dropping back. Most of the time we play our Safeties deep and that one aspect of our Defense has got to change in 06. I don't think QB's are challenged with our Secondary because we leave huge gaping holes in the middle of the field.

It may not be the player but probably the way our DB's are utilized in the defense. If Wade can mix it up a little, i think even with the Safeties we have, we could still be a cohesive unit.

But I still think we need that difference maker Safety to push the young kids to work even harder. He doesn't have to be a Veteran, an Intense Rookie will do as long as he has the "nastiness" that we seriously need since Rodney left...we'll be just as good.

[cstu]

Yes we need a good SS. I can live with Jue as a FS but we realy need a quality SS
I agree. I actually like Jue quite a bit and he can be a very good FS. SS is the big need and luckily for the Chargers there are a lot of UFA SS's out there: Adam Archuleta, Corey Chavous, Marlon McCree, and Chris Hope (assuming he can switch to SS). Tank Williams is also an interesting player since he's huge (6'3", 223) and his value is down because of his off year last year after knee surgery in '04.

If they can sign Bashir to a decent contract, I'd like to see him come in and compete with Jue at FS. He has had injury problems so the Chargers would at least have one healthy FS out of the both of them. :p

[56lightsout56]

Most of the time we play our Safeties deep and that one aspect of our Defense has got to change in 06. I don't think QB's are challenged with our Secondary because we leave huge gaping holes in the middle of the field.

I agree that has to change in 06. A more instinctive ballhawking Safety will make it more difficult to complete passes over the middle. Add in a D'qwel Jackson or Kai Parham at ILB on those 3rd and medium/long situations and it will very difficult to get 1st downs in the middle of the field.

[Boltfan219]

Interesting to bring up D'Qwel cause he was merrimans old teamate at maryland.

[Boltfan219]

But anyhow, no one in our secondary can catch. Remember Sammy Davis (whom i try to forget) drop an int for a TD against NYG? Remember Quentin in the endzone against the steelers? And the 100 other drops by the DBs this year? maybe we should put a WR back there!;) . All we need is a ball hawk cause our front seven has got it goin with Jamal and the gang.

[BoltsfanNYC]

well.....um YES... we suck vs the PASS! :)
we also need a T-C-G-#1WR ILB DT-CB

[Nomad]

Interesting idea, I wonder if Osgood could play Safety? :Beer: :rolleyes: :Bolt:

[BoltsfanNYC]

i think he could but we need An upgrade not a project

[Efocus22Z]

can anyone start a thread about the chargers looking at cornerback charles woodson, i just heard from espn that oakland's not gonna franchise him again and he'd be hitting the free agency. i hate the raiders and players that have to do with that team, but wouldn't woodson be a great upgrade in our D. i can't begin a thread cuz i have too few posts. so yea.

[psychofan]

Jue is going to be a leader of this defense later in career. However I can't say the same about Kiel or Hart. Kiel has injury problems and Hart will always be a good backup. What we need is a Troy Polamolu or Rodney Harrison (some type of hard hitter) to play along with Jue because Jue will get the INT's.

[BoltStrike85]

Are you kidding man? We DO NEED al least a SS maybe even if we can afford it a FS too. We need a hard-hitter but someone that can keep up with WR in deep routes. I like Archuleta, Hope, and if they're healthy Tank Williams and Reggie Tongue. Either Archuleta or Hope would be a great step up for our Secondary. But i feel that singning two FA's would burn too much of our cap room so we should probably look for one of them in the Draft. I also think that if we can find a good CB we should take him; i think Jammer improved last season but we're a bit on the weak side when it comes to our CB's. Woodson or Plummer if they're healthy and don't ask for too much money. Law would be a great improvement but i get the feeling that he's looking to break the bank.

[Chargerville]

It would be better to go after a good, veteran O-lineman and CB. But draft a safety in the first round, because there will be a good one available. Yes, the Bolts do need a safety because they get beat deep because there's no over the top help. When they don't get beat deep, they give up a lot of ground underneath because of the lack of confidence in the safeties, the corners play a soft zone. With a safety, Jammer can play his game and line up close to the line and get physical within 5 yards of the line. Safeties are more likely to have an immediate impact than corners out of college. Polamalu and Ed Reed aren't just stars, but superstars. Gameplans change because of them and neither one is in his 5th year yet. Round two draft another O-lineman and draft for depth in the remaining rounds.

[T.O. Bolt]

I would love it if they got Jimmy Williams in the draft. Williams can cover the tight end and the big receivers, Kiel cannot do that.

[milehighcharfan]

I think the Chargers absolutely need a safety, cornerback and an OL. The beauty of it all is that they are far enough below the cap to afford them all. If you ask me, cut Jammer and make even more room that guy bits as a cornerback. The only other option is to move him to safety because he's way to aggressive to ever be a successful CB. If not go get Dexter Jackson or Corey Chavous. Go Bolts!

[TCUFAN5]

Jackson and chavous are getting up there in age. id go after A. Archuleta or C.Hope before those two. but that's me. I agree with the C. Woodson thing if he doesnt ask for toooo much money. because he wasnt happy in Oakland after they wouldnt sign him to a long term deal he wanted to stay there with P. Buchanon. they were TWO awesome corners. but C.Woodson got hurt so they just franchised him for that last year so if he is healthy id get on the phone and atleast give an offer to see if he accepts because you know he would want to stick it to the team that wouldnt keep him. i know i would but i just love the game

[BradenG]

See if we were to pick up a proven CB such as Law or Woodson, we would be able to move Jammer to FS. We all know Jammer can hit and loves to hit. If he could get his head turned around sometimes he would be a great corner, which leads to the point he would be a great safety as he wouldn't need to turn his head as he would be last man back and see the hole field.

[TCUFAN5]

exactly i do it on Madden..LOL i know that doesnt matter on the real field but Jammer at Texas was a Head hunter so why not let him do what he loves to do and light someone up. the GM and Coaches are always looking for a player to step up and do some damage why not look internal first put jammer at saftey and see what happens..pick up c wood if we have one side locked down we can just put anyone decent on the other side and be better than we were last year. we just need a shut down corner because we are getting pressure up field with foley and merriman and the big three up front so why not bid on a shut down corner see what happens

[SuperBowlBolts]

The reason for not moving Jammer to safety is hes been turning the corner since the 2nd half of the season. Jammer played really well in the 2nd half of the season. You get him a SS to help out and we'll be seeing more picks from Jammer.

[pete985]

Jackson and chavous are getting up there in age. id go after A. Archuleta or C.Hope before those two. but that's me.

Jackson's only 6 months older than Archuleta (and the same age as Clinton Hart); he'll be 29 at the start of next season. And he's younger than Marlon McCree, who has been discussed as a possibility on here.

[paul.almryde]

:Helmet: We need a veteren and a leader back there.:Football: Go Chargers#1

[Jackdani07]

that Archeleta or how ever you spell it would be a good fit

[Jackdani07]

From St. Louis you know

[Lightiningsmack]

Ed Reed is being shopped around the league because he wants to get paid as one of the top defensive players. We should send a 2nd and 6th rounder to Baltimore ASAP!!!!!!!!!!! http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/106102

[TBOLTZCALI]

What kinda question is this? The answer is yes we need a safety. We need a safety that is going to scare receivers going over the middle of the field. Remember Rodney? Sorry but Bhwoerhodahljf Jue and Clinton Hart are not the answer to this teams future!!

[LABoltsFan]

Yes we need a safety.... but we need someone that will either give us or help us generate more interceptions!
AJ Wants to build some competition int he backfield...

Our backfield is close to being "respectable"...
i think we should get an AJ "prototypical" player...(someone that is undervalued but has great upside potential- maybe tank williams??)... we should also build from the draft...

Tank Williams & Ko Simpson..
and one good "respectable" cornerback to create competition in the backfield! (I beleive in most of the guys we already have...)

we are only 10 (more) interceptions away from the superbowl...(and 1 drew brees)

[Bo1TZ]

Ed Reed is being shopped around the league because he wants to get paid as one of the top defensive players. We should send a 2nd and 6th rounder to Baltimore ASAP!!!!!!!!!!! http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/106102

Oh my I would love to get Ed Reed and put him back there but I really don't think that we would trade a 2nd and 6th round pick, and I bet the Ravens are looking for a 1st round pick. If we manage to sign a quality lineman like Bentley, then I would trade a first round pick for Reed. I'm pretty sick of waiting for our corners to "develop" and I don't think that we should take another DB in the first couple rounds. 2003 draft? Florence, Davis, Kiel... it's time for them to step up. A leader like Ed Reed could speed up their progress significantly.

[Sanitation Man]

Oh my I would love to get Ed Reed and put him back there but I really don't think that we would trade a 2nd and 6th round pick, and I bet the Ravens are looking for a 1st round pick. If we manage to sign a quality lineman like Bentley, then I would trade a first round pick for Reed. I'm pretty sick of waiting for our corners to "develop" and I don't think that we should take another DB in the first couple rounds. 2003 draft? Florence, Davis, Kiel... it's time for them to step up. A leader like Ed Reed could speed up their progress significantly.

I doubt AJ would spend that kind of money, but he would be a sweet addition. Not only that, he's the kind of player that would allow QJ and D-Flo to play more aggressively, therefore, more picks, aligator arms, etc.

[LarryAW]

I doubt AJ would spend that kind of money, but he would be a sweet addition. Not only that, he's the kind of player that would allow QJ and D-Flo to play more aggressively, therefore, more picks, aligator arms, etc.

With Archuleta, Hope and Demps available as free agents, I think AJ would be more inclined to grab one of those guys, rather than trading for Ed Reed. I like Demps from following him at SDSU. Archuleta has 5 years of experience. I can't believe it. To me, it seems like he's been around forever. Guess not. I don't think AJ was very happy with the secondary, and there will be some competition this year.

Last year, Marty wanted his starters back, and he got them back. It wasn't enough, as the last 1/4 of the season clearly illustrated. With cap casualties added to the list, there are a lot of very solid football players available this year and we have money.

It's pretty close to impossible to read AJ as you know. But I think he would be more inclined to spread the money around and grab multiple free agents, than just one or two. But, should we be in position to get Bentley, I think AJ just might spend the bucks to get him -- and he won't be cheap. He wants the money. No San Diego discount for Bentley.

[Sanitation Man]

With Archuleta, Hope and Demps available as free agents, I think AJ would be more inclined to grab one of those guys, rather than trading for Ed Reed. I like Demps from following him at SDSU. Archuleta has 5 years of experience. I can't believe it. To me, it seems like he's been around forever. Guess not. I don't think AJ was very happy with the secondary, and there will be some competition this year.

Last year, Marty wanted his starters back, and he got them back. It wasn't enough, as the last 1/4 of the season clearly illustrated. With cap casualties added to the list, there are a lot of very solid football players available this year and we have money.

It's pretty close to impossible to read AJ as you know. But I think he would be more inclined to spread the money around and grab multiple free agents, than just one or two. But, should we be in position to get Bentley, I think AJ just might spend the bucks to get him -- and he won't be cheap. He wants the money. No San Diego discount for Bentley.

Agreed. :D

[Totally Bolted]

With Archuleta, Hope and Demps available as free agents, I think AJ would be more inclined to grab one of those guys, rather than trading for Ed Reed. I like Demps from following him at SDSU. Archuleta has 5 years of experience. I can't believe it. To me, it seems like he's been around forever. Guess not. I don't think AJ was very happy with the secondary, and there will be some competition this year.

Last year, Marty wanted his starters back, and he got them back. It wasn't enough, as the last 1/4 of the season clearly illustrated. With cap casualties added to the list, there are a lot of very solid football players available this year and we have money.

It's pretty close to impossible to read AJ as you know. But I think he would be more inclined to spread the money around and grab multiple free agents, than just one or two. But, should we be in position to get Bentley, I think AJ just might spend the bucks to get him -- and he won't be cheap. He wants the money. No San Diego discount for Bentley.

What do you mean by multiple? If you think 2? then I agree with you. Otherwise I'd really be surprised to see AJ go for more. Signing multiple FA's has not always produced a better product. In fact most of the time it doesn't. Look at Chokeland. They are a classic case.
Although, with all the FA's available they may be willing to work for cheap and we could end up improving depthwise as well.

[nflphd]

I am not sure that we need a safety at this point. Jue and Hart are just learning the system, and they didn't seem to be doing too bad. With the extra in the cap wouldn't we be better off going for O-Line and a proven CB?

I like Jue and Hart as well. I'd rather get Ty Law and focus on Oline with the rest of your cap money and also focus on the o line in the draft. Any receiver is going to get open if you give the QB enough time. Plus if we give LT the Line he deserves, then nobody can stop us.

Free agency = Ty Law and the best O Lineman possible.

Draft = Focus (#1, #2 picks) on offensive lineman. We'll get two new starters from free agency and the draft on the O Line and we'll be much improved.

-nflphd

[LarryAW]

What do you mean by multiple? If you think 2? then I agree with you. Otherwise I'd really be surprised to see AJ go for more. Signing multiple FA's has not always produced a better product. In fact most of the time it doesn't. Look at Chokeland. They are a classic case.
Although, with all the FA's available they may be willing to work for cheap and we could end up improving depthwise as well.

I am well aware that the new, improved Chargers, build the team via the draft. 15 of our 22 starters (& P,PK) last year came via the draft. Believe me, nobody likes that more than me. I wish to hell the Padres had the capability to do that. Maybe their new CEO can.

Although I think AJ will bring in 4 or 5, I agree with your point. I am not talking about the primetime or past prime-time stars who want large, guaranteed contracts. I am talking blue-collar lineman, S/CB who will battle it out in training camp and add depth to the roster. I think we need a couple of lineman, and I am worried about expecting immediate contributors in the OL coming from the draft. Also, I'd like to see an Archuleta, Hope or Demps. I am not talking about the Wiley's and the Boston's. I am talking about the Foley's and the Godfrey's. AJ is very good at finding talent. He won't bring in anyone with an oversized ego who will negatively impact chemistry, which has already been impacted because of the situation with Drew.

Speaking of Drew, I think the start of FA closes the chapter on Drew. I wish him well.

You say AJ will sign 2 and I'll say 4. But, we both agree we won't follow the path of the idiot Raiders, who I don't wish well. ;)