Defense shines

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

While the opening day of the Chargers’ Offseason Coaching Sessions (OCS) belonged to quarterback Philip Rivers, his defensive counterparts stole the show on day two.  For the second-consecutive day linebacker Matt Wilhelm intercepted an A.J. Feeley pass during team drills and rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie victimized Rivers later in the drills.

“The defense caught up a little bit today and that’s normal,” Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said.  “What happens is we only added one thing today defensively.  Offensively we handed them a few new things.  The defense is just getting more comfortable.  I was pleased with the work. The energy was good.  We’ve had two really good sessions here to go on top of the four with the rookies.”

In addition to Cromartie and Wilhelm, several defenders stood out during the morning practice.  Safety Clinton Hart made a pair of plays to cause incompletions.  Linebacker Shawne Merriman got in the backfield to knock down a Rivers pass as did defensive lineman Jacques Cesaire.

“Our team speed on defense was very evident today,” Schottenheimer said.  “We had guys flying around and making plays.  For the most part they were in the right spots.  That’s nice to see.”

Despite the turnovers, the Chargers’ top two quarterbacks had productive days.  Feeley was able to recognize several blitzes and get the ball out quickly to his outlet receiver.  Rivers delivered the ball smoothly down the field and continued to build continuity with his receivers.

“I thought Philip in particular did a nice job again today,” Schottenheimer said.  “We threw a lot at him today and he responded well.  He’s getting better every day.”

The Chargers will be off Wednesday before hitting the field for their third OCS on Thursday.

Polk makes himself seen, heard

It’s been roughly 11 months since linebacker Carlos Polk stepped on the football field and he’s enjoying every moment of the offseason program.

“I can’t tell you how good it feels to just be out there again,” Polk said.  “Sometimes these drills are tough because they’re minimum contact and I’m really itching to hit someone.  We’ve done some good work this week and hopefully it will translate. I’m just focused on staying healthy and getting out there this fall when I can lay the wood to opponents.”

Polk suffered an Achilles injury last summer that caused him to miss the entire 2005 season.

One part of Polk’s game that certainly isn’t out of shape is his mouth.  An aggressive talker, Polk provided commentary throughout the morning session.  Near the end of team drills, he and guard Kris Dielman even got in a friendly war of words.

“He was just mad because the defense was having a great day,” Polk joked.  “I had plenty to talk about today.”

Schottenheimer spoke of what a pleasure it was to have Polk back on the field.

“That’s what I love about him,” Schottenheimer said.  “He’ll be vocal and fire our guys up.  He’s really got an opportunity to help us this fall.”

Linemen welcome new instructors

Dielman admits that he couldn’t help but pump his fist a bit when he learned about the two new coaches he’d tutor under this fall, particularly the one he had a history with.  During Dielman’s sophomore and junior seasons at Indiana, new Chargers assistant offensive line coach Hal Hunter served as the offensive coordinator for the Hoosiers.

“I was thrilled with the hire,” Dielman said.  “I remember how much he helped several of our offensive linemen at Indiana and I know that he’s going to be able to fix any mistakes that I make.  He’s a great coach and I’m glad he’s finally getting an overdue shot to work in the NFL.”

Dielman said that he and his fellow lineman have also taken to offensive line coach Jack Henry in the short time they’ve had to work with him.

“He’s a great teacher and is passionate,” Dielman said.  “He gets in there with us.  We haven’t been around him very much but we’re all impressed with what we’ve seen.  As a group, we want to get better and we all believe that Jack and Hal can help us do that.”

All accounted for

Although the OCS’s are not mandatory, the Chargers received perfect attendance during the first two days.  Every player that is currently on the Bolts’ roster is working with the team this week.

“It’s optional but we do have everyone here,” Schottenheimer said.  “That’s significant.  It shows that we have a group that is ready to work hard to get to where we want to be.”

Champions a hit

Two-a-days are still a few months off, but wide receiver Keenan McCardell, cornerback Antonio Cromartie and center Nick Hardwick pulled double duty for the Chargers on Monday.  After going through their first OCS in the morning, the trio of players gave their evening time to congratulate the 2006 Chargers Champions scholarship and grant recipients at a reception at the Hotel Del Coronado.

“Throughout my career, education has always been one of my big platforms,” McCardell said.  “This program that the Spanos Family has established is incredible.  It’s all about helping San Diego young people.  That’s something that I’m very proud to support.”

Eleven San Diego-area schools received grants to benefit health and physical fitness programs and 16 local students were awarded college scholarships of $7,000 each and presented with a Sony laptop computer.

“Our young people are our future,” Chargers President Dean Spanos said. “Any time we have the opportunity to help them succeed, our entire community benefits. Our desire is to see minds, bodies and futures benefit from the Chargers Champions program.”

Since the program’s inception in 2000, the Spanos family has donated more than $2.5 million to San Diego’s schools and students through Chargers Champions.

More giving back

Former Atlanta Falcon Jim Weatherley, who now lives in San Diego and works with the NFL Alumni Association, was on hand at the Chargers’ practice Tuesday morning to promote a worthy cause.

Mossy Ford donated a 2006 F-150 truck and Harley Davidson of San Diego contributed a 2006 V-rod motorcycle to the San Diego chapter of the NFL Alumni Association.  The vehicles will be raffled off on June 3 with proceeds going to the Bikes For Kids organization.  Weatherley said the group hopes to sell 1,000 tickets at $100 each so that the group can purchase 10,000 bikes for local youth this Christmas.

The motorcycle is blue and features four Chargers lightening bolts on the sides.  Following practice, Chargers players took time to autograph the bike.  Tickets are available at Mossy Ford or by visiting www.nflasd.com.  Schottenheimer purchased 10 tickets Tuesday.