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Tuesday, August 14 Updated: August 15, 6:22 PM ET Unknown tackles make running a chore By John Clayton ESPN.com |
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LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Here are five quick observations from the Chargers' training camp.
1. John Parrella and Jamal Williams form the best tandem of defensive tackles that nobody seems to know about. It's hard to run into the middle of this duo. Parrella plays the two-gap technique as well as anyone and simply uses his strength to throw blockers aside. Williams is a 305-pound force who is gaining more confidence now that he is in his fourth season. 2. As exciting as 188-pound Ronney Jenkins is breaking long cutback runs, that's not good enough to fill the void for holdout LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers are one of the thinnest teams on the offensive line and aren't sure whether center Roman Fortin and left tackle Vaughn Parker are going to be healthy enough to play exhibition games. How much running can they ask from Doug Flutie's 38-year-old legs? 3. General manager John Butler says he wouldn't have made the Michael Vick trade had he not acquired wide receiver Tim Dwight. He's instant excitement. In his first exhibition game, Dwight was on the field for six plays and turned two into big gains, a 21-yard catch along the sidelines and a 27-yard reverse. He's dangerous on reverses and for runs after the catch. He's the Chargers' version of Az-Zahir Hakim. 4. The Chargers have more linebackers than they have roster spots. Even if they keep seven linebackers, they will let good players go at that position. Zeke Moreno looked as though he was at Southern Cal dominating in the second half of the 49ers game. Carlos Polk is a massively built specimen who is raw but will be an impact hitter. Veterans Sam Rogers and John Holecek, signed from the Bills, are finding competition tough at this position. 5. Former CFL quarterback Dave Dickenson may not throw the prettiest passes, but he's skilled enough to play backup to Doug Flutie if Drew Brees takes too much time learning the offense. Coach Mike Riley wants Brees to get a lot of experience over the next three games to see if he's ready to be Flutie's backup. If not, Dickenson appears ready to handle the job. By the way, Brees looks great. He's accurate. He has good command in the huddle. He'll just need some time. John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. |
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