Defense Holds Players-only Meeting

[Blue Bolt]

Chargers defenders hold a players-only meeting
Kevin Acee (Contact (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/staff/kevin-acee/contact/))
Friday, September 19, 2008
Link (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/sep/19/chargers/?chargers)

The Chargers' much-maligned defense, which has allowed a combined 610 yards in the first halves of the team's two games this season, met before practice Friday.

Most downplayed the players-only meeting, saying the emphasis was on watching certain plays on film together.

“We all want to be on the same page,” safety Eric Weddle said. “We can't keep going out there making the same mistakes.”

But Clinton Hart, Derek Smith and Jamal Williams also had some things to say. Players spoke about everyone doing their part, and some individuals were called out and challenged to make plays.

“I think we're going to get it going,” Hart said. “Everybody needs to lead, and I think we'll be a great defense like last year. Everybody has to want to make a difference.”

http://media.signonsandiego.com/img/photos/2008/09/14/SD-DEN-2Q-NC-0309_t600.jpg?42b0fb247f69dabe2ae440581a34634cbc54 20f3
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INJURY UPDATES

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and left tackle Marcus McNeill will start Monday night, but it isn't certain how much each will play.

Tomlinson returned to practice Friday after taking the first two days of this week off while rehabbing his sprained big toe. He worked only enough to test a few things and is still limited in his explosion going side to side. Tomlinson touched the ball just 10 times Sunday in Denver.

“I don't think you know until you get in a game,” coach Norv Turner said. “That's why you have flexibility in your plan.”

The Chargers might have that same flexibility with McNeill, who will start and presumably finish on Monday. But considering the bulging discs near his neck kept him off the field for 1 1/2 months before this week, L.J. Shelton might be on call.

“Conditioning, durability, there are a lot of things,” Turner said of his concerns about McNeill.

Hart will play Monday, a week after having surgery to fix a bone in his hand. He will wear a miniature version of the cast he wore in practice this week.

“I don't know if I can catch one of Brett Favre's passes; he throws hard,” said Hart, whose hand was less swollen yesterday than all week. “My job will be to tackle and make sure we're lined up, and if I get a chance to catch one, I'll do my best.”

THE ALMOST-HERO

Cornerback Antoine Cason could have been remembered as the hero of the Chargers' first two games in the NFL – if not for the fact the Chargers lost.

But those losses were almost victories because of plays the first-round draft pick made in the fourth quarter – a forced fumble with just more than five minutes to play against Carolina and an interception with just under six minutes remaining at Denver.

Both turnovers led to go-ahead touchdowns by the Chargers.

“It helps confidence,” Cason said. “Who would expect a rookie to make those kinds of plays? ... I've done it through high school and college. It is something I pride myself on doing – making a play. No different here. It's just a different team, different league.”

NEWBERRY HOLDING UP

Center Jeremy Newberry may be starting his final game Monday, as Nick Hardwick appears on track to play Sept. 28 at Oakland.

Newberry, a 10-year veteran who has no cartilage in either knee, has not only played well on Sundays, he has fared well throughout the week.

While he has in the past gone an entire season practicing just once or twice, he has yet to miss a practice since the week before the opener. He credits an offseason of building the muscles around his knees and being smart with rest in training camp.

“I did a lot of training with my legs,” he said. “I haven't been able to do that, because I've always been rehabbing from surgery. This is the first time in a long time I've been able to train my legs for a whole offseason.”

BLACKOUT AVERTED

Enough tickets were sold to ensure Monday's game will be shown locally, on ESPN and Channel 10.

[abernardojr]

I'm thinking this is a good step with the potential to straighten a few of the D's issues out, and get back on track to the Super Bowl-caliber team this is. I'm very glad to hear that the D isn't simply going through the motions after the last two showings, and although some people downplayed it, it's important to hear the veterans stepping up and challenging the players.

[The Moekid]

They've obviously realized once again that the coaches can't coach. Same thing happened last year and they turned it around.

[MadMadigan]

Chargers defenders hold a players-only meeting
.
Now thats what i'm talking about!!!

[Chargersrmylife]

They've obviously realized once again that the coaches can't coach. Same thing happened last year and they turned it around.

Exactly we definitely better see an improvement in the defense.

[ext3]

Good to see Hart and Weddle, Smith and Williams taking responsibility. They also need to relax mentally between plays. I heard Parcells say, during a press conference, that he was trying to teach one player(a QB, later cut) to take a 'mental vacation' in between plays and, as I type that, the name that comes to mind is Cromartie.

[FCBolt]

They've obviously realized once again that the coaches can't coach. Same thing happened last year and they turned it around.

I wonder how much they'll buy into Teddy's schemes. Even after the meeting.

[LTMVP]

Im really glad this finally happened!

And I can bet the ones who got called out:

Eric Weddle
Steve Gregory
Matt Wilhelm
Antonio Cromartie

But the one who I bet got really roasted was Weddle & Wilhelm. Those two havent played horrible.

[FCBolt]

Im really glad this finally happened!

And I can bet the ones who got called out:

Eric Weddle
Steve Gregory
Matt Wilhelm
Antonio Cromartie



+ Derek Smith!!!!!!

[LTMVP]

+ Derek Smith!!!!!!


Oh yeaa!

Forgot that Frankenstein lookin' smurf!

[FCBolt]

Oh yeaa!

Forgot that Frankenstein lookin' smurf!

I guess he's a team leader already since he's doing the talking.

Or he got up and used himself as an example of someone who had to pick it up.

[Strife9878]

I hope someone told cromartie to forget about the record and know when to knock the ball down or hit the guy and make him drop it... you know when he is behind the first down marker on 3rd down all you need to do is keep him from getting any YAC... getting in front of him for an impossible pick dosn't help that.

He isnt the only guy who needs to get crud together though.

Never the less 0-16 here we come.

Bretts: 51
Chargers: 0

[jackfrost]

Im really glad this finally happened!

And I can bet the ones who got called out:

Eric Weddle
Steve Gregory
Matt Wilhelm
Antonio Cromartie

But the one who I bet got really roasted was Weddle & Wilhelm. Those two havent played horrible.



?????????.Someone ???? Anybody????? Pleazzze !!!!!

[LTMVP]

OH i meant to say was THE TWO & "THOSE TWO HAVE PLAYED HORRIBLE!!!" NOT HAVENT PLAYED HORRIBLE!!!!!


my bad.

[JCDavey]

yeah , forgot in all of this, aside from this article, is cason playing like defensive rookie of the year in terms of big plays at the end of games.

i'm quite pleased with how he's showing up the first 2 weeks

[LTMVP]

Agree!

Cason has made tremendous strides in trying to improve his game and show that he can play. He has caused a fumble & an endzone INT!

-INT sorta shady b/c it turned into a fumble but good thing Hart recovered it. Or else...he'd be in the dawg house with Weddle, Wilhelm & Gregory.

[LTMVP]

This is how the Players-Meeting went:

Jamal:
Yo man...we cant be playin' like dis! We AFC West Champions 2 years straight MAN! We playin' like a joke man!

Smith:
((Yea!))

Hart:
Yea! I dont wanna call people out..but damn Eric!? Whats up homie!? You messin' up big time!

You too Steve! What's up?!?

Hey Ted...can we put Paul & Cletis instead of 'em both!?

Smith:
((Yea!))

Jamal:
Matt! What's up Dawg! You've been playing like a chicken wit no head! Runnin' around like u dont know whats going on! You aint makin' tackles man!

Smith:
((Yea!))

Jamal & Hart:
You got sumthin' to say Derek??

Smith:
((Yea!))

Jamal & Hart:
.........

[LV_BOLT]

Pretty good, LTMVP.

Anyone else want to take a shot at the meeting dialog... this could make for an interesting and funny thread.

[jackfrost]

OH i meant to say was THE TWO & "THOSE TWO HAVE PLAYED HORRIBLE!!!" NOT HAVENT PLAYED HORRIBLE!!!!!


my bad.



All is forgiven............I thank you and applaud you for the explanation..........now carry on young Charger fan...........

And by the way...............you are very right !!!

[JCDavey]

i wouldn't be surprised if jamal was one to be called out, but his problem is more of degenerative knees

[jackfrost]

Pretty good, LTMVP.

Anyone else want to take a shot at the meeting dialog... this could make for an interesting and funny thread.



Was pretty good........enjoyed that.

Well done LTMVP..............some light humour during the dark times can take the edge off............some here get wound a little to tight.

I just hope JWALL said something along the lines of .........

Somebody(s) gonna be gettin' a JWALL arse whoopin' if this sheet keeps up.........

Thats all I'd need to skeeeer me into action !!!!!

[TurnerThaBurner]

But Clinton Hart, Derek Smith and Jamal Williams also had some things to say. Players spoke about everyone doing their part, and some individuals were called out and challenged to make plays.




:confused: So did Smith call himself out??


If not, then pot, meet kettle.....


And Cottrell should've been another individual called out..... by the same man who hired his worthless ass!

[jackfrost]

yeah , forgot in all of this, aside from this article, is cason playing like defensive rookie of the year in terms of big plays at the end of games.

i'm quite pleased with how he's showing up the first 2 weeks



2 games in JC............long way to go yet.

But so far, so good !!!

Lets leave it at that.

[TurnerThaBurner]

This is how the Players-Meeting went:



Hey Ted...can we put Paul & Cletis instead of 'em both!?



Ted: "I'll answer that question after I find out who ate my last slice of pizza!! Mine was the one with extra anchovies!!"


Our DC... what a worthless bum!

[Caslon]

I'm not nitpicking, and I don't have a player sheet, but the same Charger keeps going for a "hit" instead of a tackle. By that, I mean, he repeatedly uses a side hit technique in place of actually tackling.

I mentioned it after the Carolina game. That receiver still made yards after the catch with his "side hit" style of tackling. During Denvers game...it was an out pass near the sideline...and he did the exact same thing. Merriman should school him on not using your body to hit for a tackle...when you should tackle. I'm not mentioning who it was, cause I didn't catch his jersey number, but his technique isn't NFL style. It's college style.

Lol..if I see him do his "hit tackle" again for yards gained after catch (when he could have tackled), I'm gonna be on it big time.

We're not talking hit as the ball gets there...I'm talking him "hit tackling" 2-3 seconds after the receiver has caught the ball. It doesn't work in the NFL, dude whoever Charger you are.

[LTMVP]

Eric Weddle.

The Side-Tacklin' Dummy.

[Caslon]

Eric Weddle.

The Side-Tacklin' Dummy.

I suppose so...but man...2 weeks in a row he shows the same style of tackling that just won't make it in the NFL. Coach that guy someone.

Change that technique of tackling or NFL (Not For Long).

It may have worked in college..dude...but in the NFL...they just bounce off your side hit "tackle" and make more yards. Get some Shawn Merriman in you..dude. Your a freaking LB!
You tackle like a safety! Eric Weddle= NFL.

[jackfrost]

If you've noticed, and I'm going back to last year as well..........I mentioned how Cro's lack of technique in tackling scared me..............it isn't that he wasn't trying, its just that he's a nanosecond away from becoming a quadraplegic.

Surely theres someone on our coaching staff that can see this ???

Granted, he has improved it a little, NOT enough, but enough to make me think that at least someone has got in his ear.

So my point being............surely someone can see this problem in Weddle ???? Its so blantly obvious......this is what scares me in regards to our coaching staff.

I mean, how many do we have ?? There has to be at least one that has a clue, surely !!!

If not, what the hell are they doing on an NFL sideline then ???

I see this kid Wilhelm, and I'm actually starting to feel sorry for him.............he's so completely outclassed its not even funny anymore.

What is it that the Coaches can see that we are all missing ???

Mind-Boggling ............isn't it !!!

[Caslon]

I dunno, but hell...the big Tuna would even go and school his punter how to field the punt.
If the Chargers coaches can't coach basic tackling skills?

As an LB, you don't throw your body up against a receiver (as a tackle) after he's caught the ball and is running up field. That much I do know, what little I do.

Cromartie could use a few lessons about the basics too. Jammer is no Cro in terms of stats, but he's got the basics down.

Noones hitting the panic button. Just things we're noticing.

[muffindonut72]

I am not at all happy that a player only meeting was made public. Whatever happened to: "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room".

[RAWDOGG]

Chargers defenders hold
a players-only meeting



The Chargers' much-maligned defense, which has allowed a combined 610 yards in the first halves of the team's two games this season, met before practice Friday.
Most downplayed the players-only meeting, saying the emphasis was on watching certain plays on film together.
“We all want to be on the same page,” safety Eric Weddle said. “We can't keep going out there making the same mistakes.”
But Clinton Hart, Derek Smith and Jamal Williams also had some things to say. Players spoke about everyone doing their part, and some individuals were called out and challenged to make plays.
“I think we're going to get it going,” Hart said. “Everybody needs to lead, and I think we'll be a great defense like last year. Everybody has to want to make a difference.”


http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/sep/19/chargers/?chargers

Thoughts? Anything to do with lack of confidence in Cottrel?

[frozendisc]

The players decided that if after the first half on Monday they are getting their butts kicked, the halftime adjustment will be as follows: Take Cottrell, shrinkwrap his fat ***, and leave him tied to a toilet when they go out to play the second half. Problem solved......

[frozendisc]

posted before

[LTfan4life]

Glad to see this. Hopefully it turns things around Monday.

[kiwibolt]

I'm glad to see they did this- I'm also surprised to see so many people throwing Weddle under the bus.

Get some more pressure on the QB and our problems are solved. If you actually STUDY the zone coverages we use (rather than watching the ball), you'll see how the S responsibilities grow exponentially as the QB has time to sit in the pocket and let the play develop. Our front 7 is hanging our DB's out to dry right now. That doesn't excuse missed tackles, but it's not like we only have 1 guy missing tackles out there right now- that's a problem the entire D (minus Jammer) is having.

[Good Days Last2]

Good.

They're grown men and highly experienced football players.
They should be seeing what Cottrell isn't doing on certain plays and how they'll
have to react when those plays are called. Hopefully they don't give up even 100 yards
in either half.

[RAWDOGG]

I'm glad to see they did this- I'm also surprised to see so many people throwing Weddle under the bus.

Get some more pressure on the QB and our problems are solved. If you actually STUDY the zone coverages we use (rather than watching the ball), you'll see how the S responsibilities grow exponentially as the QB has time to sit in the pocket and let the play develop. Our front 7 is hanging our DB's out to dry right now. That doesn't excuse missed tackles, but it's not like we only have 1 guy missing tackles out there right now- that's a problem the entire D (minus Jammer) is having.

Me too

Give him sometime and he will be our future stud safety

[coach14]

Me too

Give him sometime and he will be our future stud safety

I agree, but this year is supposed to be "The Year". We aren't playing for the future. We are trying to win it all now. In the future, Weddle will be fine, but we need him to play like a star right now!

[kiwibolt]

Me too

Give him sometime and he will be our future stud safety
I don't even think he needs time...if anything he needs LESS time (in terms of QB drops and WR's routes developing)!

This is the same guy that pretty much replaced Mcree last year and helped stiffen up the D down the stretch last year. People have short memories and are way to quick to pick a scapegoat based off of very little knowledge of what's happening (other than what they see on TV or what they hear the announcer say).

[RAWDOGG]

I don't even think he needs time...if anything he needs LESS time (in terms of QB drops and WR's routes developing)!

This is the same guy that pretty much replaced Mcree last year and helped stiffen up the D down the stretch last year. People have short memories and are way to quick to pick a scapegoat based off of very little knowledge of what's happening (other than what they see on TV or what they hear the announcer say).

My point was he is a first year starter in his second year...............that said I do agree again that everything starts with the pressure on the QB something I am not too sure Teddy understands

[Charanna]

I don't even think he needs time...if anything he needs LESS time (in terms of QB drops and WR's routes developing)!

This is the same guy that pretty much replaced Mcree last year and helped stiffen up the D down the stretch last year. People have short memories and are way to quick to pick a scapegoat based off of very little knowledge of what's happening (other than what they see on TV or what they hear the announcer say).
You speak the truth Kiwiwi......

[kiwibolt]

My point was he is a first year starter in his second year
I know- I was just using your post as my soapbox :good:

[kiwibolt]

You speak the truth Kiwiwi......
That's what I like to tell myself :D

[RAWDOGG]

You speak the truth Kiwiwi......

That just doesn't look or sound right

[starry]

There were problems with tackling, the secondary playing too far off receivers and lack of pressure at the start of last year as well, so this isn't really anything new. I did hear a report somewhere (I don't know if it was true or not) that training camp wasn't that physical. If this is true we didn't avoid injuries by doing that, so this preparation didn't work in any way.

[MacNeil24]

I hope someone called out Jamal's big ass in that meeting.

Our defense looks like the ****in London Silly-Nanies

[crittydog]

Cromartie had his hands on a Interception in each game, but he failed to catch it.

There is plenty of plays that will start to go the Chargers way soon.

[Air Norv]

I'm glad. Challenge your team mates to be the best.

[crittydog]

Click the link, watch the clip. It shows the last 2 plays in depth!

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80aeaa82 (http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80aeaa82)


I hope they decided to call their own plays on defense!!

[sdfan21]

Chargers defenders hold
a players-only meeting




http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/sep/19/chargers/?chargers

Thoughts? Anything to do with lack of confidence in Cottrel?

It's a coup rising...nah...do players only meetings really work? The Padres did it several times this year...:LightsOut:

But seriously....it's time for the defense to wake up...Cottrell needs to look back at what worked last year and get it going...but also the ILB's, we all know who they are need to get their "you know what" out of their "you know what" and make some fricken plays...crap you might as well bring back Kurt Gouveia or Gary Plummer...at least they'd make a play

[TRAILRIDER]

They've obviously realized once again that the coaches can't coach. Same thing happened last year and they turned it around.

Deja-vu....all over again. let's hope the "Gentle Ocean Breeze" turns into "Storm Control." Go Bolts! And by the way, I don't think all the coaches are to blame. There is obviously a problem somewhere..... Hmmmmmm?

[HeadTrip]

I suppose so...but man...2 weeks in a row he shows the same style of tackling that just won't make it in the NFL. Coach that guy someone.

Change that technique of tackling or NFL (Not For Long).

It may have worked in college..dude...but in the NFL...they just bounce off your side hit "tackle" and make more yards. Get some Shawn Merriman in you..dude. Your a freaking LB!
You tackle like a safety! Eric Weddle= NFL.

Weddle is a safety, not a LB.

Anyway, I hope Jamal wasn't calling anyone out, because :76: has been getting manhandled lately. It looks like age has finally caught up with him. As for Smith, that guy better not say a damn thing, he's been the worst of them all.

[CaliGirlInPA]

I will have higher expectations for them tomorrow. I am looking forward to it.

[CharginDC]

I'm thinking this is a good step with the potential to straighten a few of the D's issues out, and get back on track to the Super Bowl-caliber team this is. I'm very glad to hear that the D isn't simply going through the motions after the last two showings, and although some people downplayed it, it's important to hear the veterans stepping up and challenging the players.



it's been going on since game 1 pre-season. what's it gonna take?

i'm just blowin off some steam with that, but glad they're getting some emotions into the fray.

the more i think about this, it seems that SM's decision to play/not play, really created a strength-gap that has evolved. most were probably yielding leadership to him; but now he's vacated... most are trying to figure this out on the fly. the coaches said they prepared in a way that they anticipated SM not to go a full season, but the poor performances have led us to believe someone is not seriously preparing the unit.

who's to blame? TC of course, but SM has created a vacancy that he bribed his teammates into believing would be filled for the endurance.

[Air Norv]

I want to see a improvement in Weddle. I expect him to be putting 3 times the effort in now that we had two heart breaking losses.

[Blue Bolt]

I want to see a improvement in Weddle. I expect him to be putting 3 times the effort in now that we had two heart breaking losses.

I expect you to proofread your sentences, now that we have two losses, and use commas. ;)

[Air Norv]

I expect you to proofread your sentences, now that we have two losses, and use commas. ;)

Doesn't really matter, does it.

[CaliGirlInPA]

I am expecting a lot more from this defense tonight. I hope they play Favre like the Eagles played Big Ben yesterday. YIKES! He took a beating!