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| Wednesday, July 16 Updated: August 19, 1:56 PM ET Chargers: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Parts 1 and 2 are below. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: Overall, the Chargers are quite happy with their offensive line and the play of quarterback Drew Brees at the beginning of his second year as the starter. The line is deeper and more physical, and this summer for Brees has been described as "dramatically different" by head coach Marty Schottenheimer. Biggest disappointment: Injuries to three key contributors have been discouraging for the Chargers. Defensive end Marcellus Wiley, slowed much of last season by various ailments, has been battling hamstring problems. High-priced free-agent wide receiver David Boston hasn't been able to stay healthy, and first-round pick Sammy Davis has missed a lot of time as well. Injury update: Wiley (hamstring), Boston (hip, oblique) and Davis (heel) have missed a lot of time between them, but their injuries aren't considered to be serious. Second-year guard Toniu Fonoti has missed most of camp with triceps and foot trouble. Tight end Stephen Alexander spent some time on the sideline with a strained groin, and rookie safety Terrence Kiel is still recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in an attempted carjacking in July. Rookie to watch: The Chargers are counting on all four of their rookie defensive backs -- Davis, Kiel, Drayton Florence and Hanik Milligan -- to play significant roles right off the bat. How they perform and continue to learn from now until the end of the preseason will determine a lot. Part 2, Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: Defensive end Marcellus Wiley is a terror for opposing blockers when he's healthy. But he's coming off a year in which he was hampered by injuries, had offseason surgery to repair an abdominal muscle and now has been slowed by hamstring trouble early in camp. The Chargers need him at full strength and soon. Player on the verge: Rookie cornerback Drayton Florence, a rookie second-round pick out of Tuskegee, really has opened the eyes of coaches thus far. His physical play and smarts have him pegged for at least the nickel role and possibly a move to safety if the need arises. Strongest position: While the depth is largely untested, the Chargers boast two Pro Bowlers in their offensive backfield. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, entering just his third year, is one of the best and most complete backs the league has to offer. The Chargers added Lorenzo Neal, a physical road-grading fullback who's led the way for more than a couple 1,000-yard rushers in his day. Weakest position: The Chargers no longer have any real glaring weaknesses, so we're going with safety by default. Ryan McNeil, 32, is being asked to move from cornerback to free safety, while 33-year-old Kwamie Lassiter, who has lost a step, was added and switched from free to strong safety. Terrence Kiel, a second-rounder, is still recovering from gunshot wounds suffered in a carjacking attempt and hasn't participated as of presstime. Part 1, July 18 Most significant changes: Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, the two pillars of the Chargers' defense for years, were sent packing. Not only will the Chargers miss their leadership and ability, but the team has been forced to make numerous changes to the lineup as a result. Reasons for optimism: The Chargers have more talent and experience on the offensive line than they've had in years. They also added FB Lorenzo Neal and WR David Boston, two players who should make a sizable impact offensively. Causes for concern: Though the Chargers added a lot of talent in the secondary via the draft, the group as a whole remains incredibly inexperienced. Even with two veterans -- Ryan McNeil and Kwamie Lassiter -- McNeil is making the switch from corner to free safety, while Lassiter is in a new system after coming over from Arizona. It's very possible the Chargers could start two rookies and second-year CB Quentin Jammer. Training-camp battles to watch: Recent acquisition Solomon Page says he feels at home at right tackle, but nine-year veteran Vaughn Parker has manned that role for years in San Diego. Page may be given a chance to beat out either Parker or OLT Damion McIntosh or perhaps move inside to challenge one of three guards who started last year. Don't be surprised if: Reche Caldwell realizes his potential and makes a splash as the team's No. 2 wideout.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
