BOLT ANALYSIS: THE DUST SETTLES

So, followers, there is but one question…..Are you ready for some football? At long last, the dark clouds that covered our great sport have lifted. The Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed…the strike has ended. The Rich are still Rich and the filthy Rich are even More Rich. No change at all. I won’t bore you all with a rundown of the changes in the agreement between the owners and the players because 1) I have no idea what they are, and 2) I don’t care. All I really care about is that the guys are in pads and are starting to hit each other. Fall can truly follow summer….and the pigskins will be flying.


While the end of the Strike provided much drama…it was the ensuing feeding frenzy of free agency that was really interesting. A one-week period unlike anything we have seen before…with loads of players getting signed, dumped, courted, and made wealthier. And it is still going…there are many players who have yet to find a home. Still there will be surprises and disappointments but, for now, let’s see how the Bolts did.

Who did we retain?

Signed Eric Weddle to a massive deal making him the highest paid safety in the League for now. Is he worth it? Well…I sure as hell hope so. Vincent Jackson signed his one year Franchise Tag…earning a bunch of money and setting up a full season. Jeromey Clary signed a big deal making him our Right Tackle for a long time. Billy Volek signed on to be a $3 million a year insurance policy as a backup to Phillip. Plus, they both ride to practice in Phil’s minivan so how could you break that up? Antwan Barnes returns as a pass rusher, Dante Hughes returns as a slot corner, Mike Tolbert back as our power back, Kelley Washington back as a backup receiver, Randy McMichael as a backup Tight End, Jacques Cesaire as a backup Defensive End, Brandon Dombrowski as a backup Offensive Lineman. It is clear, AJ liked his team.

Who did we get out of free agency?

Signed Takeo Spikes and Travis La Boy from San Francisco. Our new D coordinator pulls two guys from his old team to run our new Defense. Spikes at one time was a monster in the middle. He is still an active inside linebacker who can deliver a hit and help in the running game. La Boy is an outside pass rusher who will play behind Shawn Phillips and Larry English and provide some energy and disruption. Of course, the ANALYSIS already opined on the earlier signing of Bob Sanders to play safety. A lot of veteran leadership on the defense…just hope they can stay healthy. If they can, I think it’s an upgrade that will provide a lot of options for us. Not sure they are done with free agency yet. There is still talk of another Linebacker and possibly a Wide Receiver because…..

Who did we lose?

Well, we have lost Kevin Burnett to Miami. A little bummed because he had a great year at Linebacker but for the money he cost I am not surprised. He was nicked up a lot and I think between Spikes and our two young guys Jonas Mouton and Donald Butler…we may be OK. We lost Sproles. Not surprising either, although tough to stomach that we paid him $7 million a year the last two years and now he will make the same amount in 4 years with the Saints. I wish him the best…great guy. Sproley and Brees? I have a feeling that is going to work just fine. Also relocating are Brandon Siler, Donald Strickland, and Kris Wilson. All replaceable.

Who is pending?

There are two big names pending: Malcom Floyd and Stephen Cooper. It would seem unlikely at this point that either will sign with the Chargers…but the longer this goes on…the lower their contract number will be. I think Floyd has a better chance of being a Charger than Cooper but…you never know. They are both solid guys who can fit in our system well…we shall see.

So…what is the verdict?

Positive. The big fish were Weddle and Jackson and they are still Chargers. Jackson is even talking nice…so who knows, we might see a long term deal if he can hire a driver when he gets loaded. I like that we kept Clary, Volek and all the other bit players. It should lend to a cohesive locker room. The additions of Spikes, Sanders, and La Boy could provide that defensive leadership that has been lacking. To me, the linebacking corps is the key. If these guys can stay healthy and gel together…we will be better, but keep in mind we are replacing 3 guys at that position. Not easy. We did not get that one BIG signee…but we have some real depth. With the infusion of some good looking rookies…it is hard to imagine we are not an improved team. There are always loads of variables, but I think the moves and signs look pretty good. We should be hearing a lot more about chemistry out of camp by the end of the week when everyone starts practicing.

Early things to watch

Well, hate to see that Antonio Gates and Larry English are already on the “Physically Unable to Perform” or PUP list. I know it is simply a precaution, but Gates’ toe and English’s foot made for terrible news all of last year. Let’s keep the fingers crossed that this is just being careful and we won’t be subject to another long year of watching the injury report. Another warning sign is Antoine Cason’s finger…he broke it in practice yesterday and is out 2-4 weeks. I am a big fan of his…I think he stepped into a tough situation last year and is poised to be a very good corner. Plus, he will return punts. We need this guy healthy. Watch also the development of Ryan Mathews…he has taken a lot of heat lately for coming to camp out of shape. He had to quit a conditioning drill that I guess left some of his teammates pretty amazed. One thing about LT…he always came to camp 100% fit. How Ryan handles the spotlight and the expectations is huge. He will get fit…that is not a concern. But can he stay healthy and stop fumbling? Big deal. Our #1 Draft Pick has to sign soon too…Corey Luiget is one of only 4 or 5 draft picks that has not signed. The main reason is that the guys on either side of him in the Draft order have not signed and that has not set his “market”. Hopefully, he gets into camp soon and starts working.

So, that is a wrap. There will be a season and for that we can be happy. We are already hearing how Rex Ryan thinks the Jets are going to win the Super Bowl….the Eagles led by the Dog Killer are the best team ever….and the Patriots will turn neer-do-wells Ochocinco and Albert Haynesowrth into reformed Catholic Schoolchildren and they will go undefeated. That is all fine with me. The Chargers are off the radar screen…off the grid for now. That is what missing the playoffs does for you. I’ve been saying it now for 30 + years but maybe, just maybe, this is the year.