Bolts improve preseason record to 3-0



Chargers linebacker Larry English (52) sacks Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7)

 

The San Diego Chargers improved their preseason record to 3-0 after pounding out a 12-10 win on the road against the Minnesota Vikings last night, but one would be hard-pressed to state the Lightning Bolts left the game unscathed. Much like the previous two preseason contests, the Chargers showed alarming signs of weakness that could keep them out of the playoffs for the third straight year.

When discussing the biggest concerns Chargers fans have for the team heading into this season, it has to start with the offensive line. With three starting blockers (left tackle Jared Gaither, left guard Tyronne Green, and center Nick Hardwick) sitting out with injuries last night, the backups didn’t instill any confidence that they can step in and get the job done.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sat out so he couldn’t put himself in harm’s way. It’s a great thing San Diego head coach Norv Turner protected his starting quarterback, as the backup, Charlie Whitehurst, was sacked five times, and third-stringer Jarrett Lee was dropped once. Additionally, the running backs once again found it difficult to unearth holes to run through; collectively, they averaged just 2.5 yards per carry on 26 attempts.

To be fair to backup left tackle Michael Harris, he was tasked with blocking Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, arguably the best pass-rusher in the NFL. Harris gave up two sacks to Allen, but that was to be expected. Still, if the starting offensive line doesn’t come together soon, Turner very well could be looking for a new job at the conclusion of the season.

But while the offense looked miserable, the defense put together a promising performance, producing five sacks and four turnovers. Surprisingly, outside linebacker Larry English, who’s been labeled as a bust thus far in his career, led San Diego with two sacks, and undrafted free agent cornerback DeAndre Presley came through with six tackles and an interception. Hopefully English is finally ready to make a strong contribution, and perhaps Presley can make the team and add much-needed depth at cornerback.

Defensive end Corey Liuget, the Chargers 2011 first-round pick, showed great penetration into the backfield and held very strong while he was in there. Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, one of San Diego’s top free agent acquisitions this offseason, notched a sack.

The Chargers are also seeing some nice early returns on their first three draft picks from last April. There was quite a scare when outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, the team’s first-round selection, went down with what was first reported as a left knee injury. (It turned out that he suffered a deep thigh bruise that isn’t serious.) Before going down, he had a sack and showed tremendous aggression.

The team’s second-round choice, defensive end Kendall Reyes, looks like he just may form an intimidating tandem with Liuget for many years to come. Reyes finished the game with a sack and a tackle. Third-round pick Brandon Taylor is battling veteran Atari Bigby for the staring strong safety spot. Showing the ability to hold his own in the box, Taylor finished the game with six tackles. It will be interesting to see who wins the job to start the regular-season opener, but both should see plenty of playing time.

Then there’s the kicking battle. Personally, I don’t care if Nate Kaeding makes five 80-yard field goals in a row in the final preseason game; he still shouldn’t win the job. His failures/chokejobs in the playoffs lead me to believe he’ll never come through in the clutch for the Chargers. He made both of his kicks last night, a 50-yarder and a 54-yarder, but his competition, Nick Novak booted the game-winner from 45 yards as time expired. Although it was just a preseason game, I’m not even sure Kaeding would have the cajones to come through in that situation. Novak also made a 34-yarder.

San Diego plays its final snoozefest of a preseason game Thursday, August 30, at San Francisco. Perhaps left tackle Jared Gaither and wide receiver Eddie Royal will play, but it wouldn’t be a shock if neither of them does.