In 1964, Sam Cooke released the popular song “Change is Gonna Come” . Fast forward almost fifty years later and one might think it’s the theme song for the San Diego Chargers defense.
The NFL ‘s 2010 number one rated defense heads into 2011 already leading the league in turnover (not turnovers as in fumbles/interceptions, but in roster turnover). It all starts at the top with Ron Rivera, who left the Chargers defensive coordinator (DC) role to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers . He will be replaced by former NFL linebacker and SF 49er DC, Greg Manusky. There also may be as many as five new defensive starters by mid season. The roster changes could include first round draft pick Cory Liuget, oft-injured SS Bob Sanders, and a slew of new linebackers: Takeo Spikes, Travis LaBoy, plus 2010 draft picks Larry English and Donald Butler.
On paper, the defensive backfield returns three starters and looks very good. Former Colt Bob Sanders becomes the new strong safety, but he has only played 47 regular season games in his six year career (less than 50% of games played since he’s been drafted). 2010 Pro Bowler Eric Weddle will take care of the free safety duties. However, he’ll be under much scrutiny as well after signing the richest contract for a safety in NFL history. The Chargers return both starting corner backs. According to advanced stat site http://thepenaltyflagblog.com, both Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason were very solid last year. Quentin Jammer was ranked 1st (in the NFL) vs the run and 55th against the pass. The other starter Antoine Cason was ranked 25th (vs pass) and 11th (vs run) respectively. If Bob Sanders can stay healthy, a big if, then the secondary should look to improve on last year’s historically excellent pass defense.
Manusky will stick with the base 3-4 defense used in San Diego since Wade Phillips took over in 2004. The starting outside linebackers will be incumbent Shaun Phillips and Travis LaBoy, playing for his third team in four years . If the Chargers have their way, last year’s first round draft choice, Larry English, will push for LaBoy’s starting job sooner rather than later. Fellow 2010 draft pick, Donald Butler, is poised to start at inside linebacker. Butler missed all of his rookie season after suffering an Achilles injury. The Chargers are expecting big things from the former Washington Husky despite his limited experience. Takeo Spikes will man the other inside spot. The 14 year veteran hopes to bring experience and run-stuffing skills to a potentially very young linebacking group .
The starting defensive linemen project to be Luis Castillo, Antonio Garay, and Jacques Cesaire. Castillo has not had more than 2.5 sacks in a season since 2006 and looks to justify the final two years of his $43.1 million contract. Veteran defensive end Cesaire will look to fend off this year’s first round draft pick, Corey Liuget. The rookie from Illinois has impressed early in camp, but is he ready to handle the rigors of an NFL season? The most under-appreciated member of the Charger defense is probably Antonio Garay. The 320 pound nose tackle took on two blockers every play and still found a way to contribute 5.5 sacks last year. It is his stabilizing presence that allows the Chargers to run their attacking 3-4 defense. It is imperative that Garay stays healthy because behind him is unproven second year man Cam Thomas.
People come and go on NFL rosters every year due to trades, injuries, and business decisions. However, this summer’s labor dispute lasted 18 weeks and four days and ended on July 25th; thus eliminating almost two months of workouts and training camp that are paramount in getting players ready physically, mentally, and schematically. With the possibility of five new starters and the increased risk of injury, “Change is gonna come” for San Diego’s defense, but will they be ready?