Chargers have versatility at tight end

Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

For Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer, it’s a simple formula. 

“With the talent that we have at the tight end position, we’re going to throw it to them a lot,” Schottenheimer said. “That’s something that has been a part of this offense since we’ve been running it here.  Now that we have the quality that we have as well as the depth at the position, they’ll continue to be utilized.”

The Bolts turned to their tight ends early and often in Saturday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay.  Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna and Ryan Krause accounted for 11 of the team’s 26 completions as each proved to be reliable targets for Philip Rivers, A.J. Feeley and Charlie Whitehurst.

“All those guys can catch the ball,” Rivers said.  “They got open for us the other night and helped us move the chains.  We’ve got some versatility there, and those guys can really help us.”

Gates was on the field sparingly Saturday, allowing Krause and Manumaleuna to take most of the snaps.  Last year while playing with the St. Louis Rams, Manumaleuna caught 13 passes and was mostly relegated to helping with the run game.  When the Chargers traded for him on draft day, it was believed that he’d essentially serve as a sixth offensive lineman in San Diego, but the Bolts’ coaching staff has been pleased with the array of talents that he’s shown. 

“Brandon is a very accomplished receiver,” Schottenheimer said.  “You don’t expect that out of a guy his size, but he is.  He’s a good blocker as well and will really be able to help us in a lot of different ways.”

Krause had the best evening of the three Saturday as he led the Chargers in receptions with six catches for 64 yards.  A former college wide receiver, the Bolts like Krause’s speed and hands.

“I’ve been fortunate to enjoy good health and get an opportunity,” Krause said.  “They’re lining me up all over the field and really letting me play to my strengths.”

The Chargers hope that having multiple threats at tight end will free up Gates and allow the wide receivers to see fewer double teams.

“When you have the tight ends like we have, it really puts pressure on those safeties to stay keyed in,” Rivers said.  “Then you can let your outside guys work in single coverage.”

With the versatility that the tight ends provide, Schottenheimer will have the luxury of using a wide variety of offensive formations from which the Bolts can run or pass.

“We’ll play two backs and two tight ends,” Schottenheimer said.  “We’ll play one back and two tight ends.  We have some formations where we can use no backs with two tight ends and three receivers.  Because we’ll have guys in there that can catch and block, we’ll have options.”

One issue the Chargers may run into is having too many good tight ends.  It’s rare for a team to keep four tight ends, but with Gates, Manumaleuna, Krause and veteran Aaron Shea, there’s a chance the Bolts could do just that. 

“It’s a possibility,” Schottenheimer said.  “The way we look at it, Brandon is really a fullback/tight end combination.  We’ll just have to look at it and see.  We like the talent that we have and are excited about the possibilities the position brings.  We’re going to get quality snaps there.  They’re going to help us.”

Seeing double

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie delivered the play of the day in practice Tuesday – twice.  The Chargers’ top pick came up with a pair of interceptions, one in which he grabbed the ball off of his shoelaces after being deflected by a wide receiver.  

“I thought that was remarkable,” Schottenheimer said.  “His ability to locate the ball and secure it was impressive.  I’m not sure that there’s anybody out there on the defensive side of the ball that would have handled it other than him.”

Cromartie also turned heads during team drills when he jumped a slant route for his second pick of the afternoon.  Schottenheimer said that Cromartie is still in the competition for a starting position.

Sproles placed on IR, Jackson absent

Darren Sproles’ 2006 season officially came to an end Tuesday when the team placed him on injured reserve.  Schottenheimer said that for the time being, rookies Cletis Gordon and Gerran Walker will handle punt return duties in Sproles’ absence and Michael Turner will be the team’s primary kickoff returner.

The team made one other roster move Tuesday, releasing veteran cornerback Raymond Walls.

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson was hospitalized Saturday night for precautionary reasons following a chest compression injury in the Packers game.  The injury does not appear to be long term, and Schottenheimer expects him to return to practice next week.

Wide receiver Eric Parker (thumb) participated in individual drills but did not take part in the team period Tuesday.  Linebacker Donnie Edwards (back), tight end Aaron Shea (back) and linebacker Steven Cooper (hamstring) did not practice.  Wide receiver Keenan McCardell and cornerback Quentin Jammer tweaked their hamstrings in the morning practice.  Jammer returned for the afternoon workout while McCardell did not.

Rivers to see similar workload

Schottenheimer said that Rivers will again play into the second quarter Friday night when the Chargers face the Bears in their second preseason contest.  The game will be nationally televised with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms calling the contest on CBS.

Safety in numbers

Schottenheimer said that the team’s starting safety positions remain undecided.  On Saturday, Bhawoh Jue and Terrence Kiel started the game.  

“The competition is ongoing,” Schottenheimer said.  “It could take a few more weeks.  That might be one that goes through the fourth preseason game.”