AFC West: Clinton Hart
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| John Rieger/US Presswire | |
| San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers led one of the best offensive performances of the season for the Chargers. |
KANSAS CITY -- Philip Rivers drove home from the San Diego Chargers’ practice facility Wednesday night, knowing everything was going to be OK.
Coming off a bitter home loss to the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos less than 48 hours earlier, the Chargers were crisp, deliberate and focused as they began their work week in preparation for Sunday’s game at Kansas City. The fresh, relaxed, productive approach lasted all week.
“That was so encouraging,” Rivers said Sunday. “We could have slumped around practice all week, feeling sorry for ourselves. But we went out and had our best week of practice. We knew it was time.”
The Chargers followed up their most productive week of preparation with their best overall game of the season. San Diego hammered Kansas City 37-7 in a driving rainstorm. The Chargers were dominant in all three phases of the game. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and were never challenged by the still green Chiefs, who were unable to parlay the good vibes of their first win last weekend at Washington.
While the Chiefs couldn’t put together a modest winning streak, San Diego was determined not to lose a third straight game.
San Diego has become famous for bouncing back, and Rivers is hoping Sunday’s win signifies the Chargers are starting their annual resurrection early. In 2007, San Diego started 5-5 before winning six straight and the AFC West title. Last season, the Chargers became the first team to make the playoffs after starting 4-8. It took a four-game winning streak and a historic collapse by Denver.
The Chargers are now 3-3, but still trail the Broncos, who were idle Sunday, by three games.
“We can’t chase anyone,” Rivers said. "We just have to take care of ourselves and hopefully look up in a month and we’ll be closer [to Denver]."
Rivers has no explanation but he does believe the Chargers tend to play their best when they have to.
“I think guys on both sides decide to take care of their individual jobs,” Rivers said. “There is no magic call or magic solution. So instead of waiting for it, guys just take control of their own situations. I think we play our best when we do that."
Rivers said he and several other leaders on the team, including tight end Antonio Gates and linebackers Stephen Cooper and Shaun Phillips, were in communication this week, making sure that players from both sides of the ball were in good spirits and ready to bounce back from the Denver game.
“There was no question about it, when the practice week started,” Rivers said. "Guys are relaxed. They just knew things weren’t that bad.”
A balanced offense is a winning formula: The Chargers had their most balanced offensive game of the season. The Chargers entered the game tied for last in the NFL in rushing. All of San Diego’s offensive production was coming from Rivers, who is having an outstanding season.
Rivers carried the load again Sunday. But at least he had help.
San Diego had 135 yards rushing. LaDainian Tomlinson had 71 yards on 23 carries, but one run was for 36 yards. So it would be premature to categorize Tomlinson as being at full strength considering he had 35 yards on 22 carries. But Tomlinson played well enough to allow backup Darren Sproles to be a factor as a change-of-pace back. Sproles had 41 yards on the ground and he broke a 58-yard touchdown on a short pass.
San Diego, which scored touchdowns on only two of five trips to the red zone, made huge plays in the passing game. Rivers completed 18 of 30 passes for 268 yards. He threw three touchdowns and he was not intercepted. Receiver Vincent Jackson had 142 yards on five catches. He had two 51-yard catches as he and Rivers continue to become one of the best deep-ball combinations in the NFL.
Chargers play safety blitz dance: The Chargers got creative in an attempt to create some pass rush.
The Chargers had their safeties blitz extensively and it was very effective. San Diego had four sacks. Safeties Eric Weddle and Steve Gregory (who was playing nickel cornerback) each had one sack. Phillips had two sacks.
“We came out with an aggressive approach,” Weddle said. “I think it caught them off guard and we were able to do some nice things. The key is staying aggressive. We’re better when we play that way.”
San Diego has been making changes in the secondary in recent weeks. Before the Denver game, starter Clinton Hart was cut out of the blue and rookie Kevin Ellison was made a starter. This week, Gregory took over for 2008 top pick Antoine Cason at nickel. The moves have worked.
Ellison, a sixth-round pick from USC, has played well in his two starts. Gregory had an interception to go with his sack.
Cassel gets sloppy: Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel had been very good in his past four games, but he struggled Sunday.
Cassel, who went 153 straight passes without throwing an interception, threw three interceptions in a span of eight plays. He completed 10 of 25 passes for 97 yards. The Chiefs used a hurry-up offense in the second half, but still couldn’t get much going.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley was not happy with any aspect of his team, especially on offense.
“Disappointed, mad,” Haley said, describing his thoughts. “I’m the head coach of the team. I’m running the offense and we've got to be better than that. We’ve got to be better protecting, we’ve got to be better run blocking, we’ve got to be better catching the ball, we can’t be tipping it to them and we’ve got to be better at quarterback.”
If there was a bright spot for the Chiefs, it was backup running back Jamaal Charles gaining 33 yards on four carries. Starter Larry Johnson had 49 yards on 16 carries. Watch for Charles to get more playing time if Johnson can’t get going.
Chargers and Chiefs make roster moves
KANSAS CITY -- Both the Chargers and the Chiefs made a roster move Saturday as they prepare for Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs cut sixth-round draft pick Quinten Lawrence. They promoted receiver Lance Long from the practice squad. Lawrence is a speedster but he played just two games and had one run for 16 yards. Kansas City could put him on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Chargers cut cornerback Dante Hughes. He was signed Tuesday. San Diego promoted cornerback Simeon Castille from the practice squad to replace Hughes.
Meanwhile, former San Diego safety Clinton Hart worked out for the Browns. San Diego surprisingly cut the starter last week.
We had a runaway winner in our “You pick it” feature this week.
Readers went with the big Week 6 for the AFC West. Oakland and Kansas City beat NFC East competition and Denver beat San Diego on Monday night. It was the first time since Week 16 of 2006 that three teams from the division won on the same weekend.
The other candidates were San Diego cutting starting safety Clinton Hart and Kansas City coach Todd Haley demoting receivers coach Dedric Ward. It was the second time Haley demoted an offensive coach in two months.
If Haley continues to gas coaches, that will be a major story, but for now I’m going with the big Week 6. I agree with the readers. It was a special weekend for a division that has struggled recently.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Chris from St. Louis, Mo.: It has to be the three teams winning in the same weekend. Not because three teams did it, but because Oakland and KC are so bad. They're going to win so few games this year that the odds of them winning on the same weekend were...well, I never would have bet on it.
Scooby Dude from Dallas, Texas: I understand that you cover all 4 AFC West teams, and that this could possibly be the last win of the season for either Oakland or KC, and it will almost certainly be the last time they BOTH win. However, the story of the week in the division is not "Big Week 6 for AFC West". It's "Broncos all-but clinch division", or at least some version of "changing of the gaurd". When we look back at the end of the season, Monday night's game will be the most important game in the division this season. It should be the stand-alone headline of the week.
Shawn from Scott City, Kan.: My chiefs getting their first W in forever is the storyline of the week my man! (I guess if you have to include the Donkeys and Raiders as your Big Week 6 story that's ok...)
Don Parsons from Hamilton, Ontario: Hi Bill,In my mind its got to be the cutting of Clinton Hart for several reasons. 1) This is a starting safety, on a long term deal of good money who was unceremoniously released. Not benched or so forth, just cut in the middle of the season.2) It has been seen before where AJ Smith holds onto mistakes too long and when he cuts one like this its big.The other stories in my mind don't really compare. Having 3 of 4 teams win is laudable but it isn't a big 'story' of any sort in my mind. As for Haley changing his coaching staff... In his short time there he has shown that he is willing to change it a lot so it isn't a big story in my mind.
Jason from Parker, Colo.: The storyline of the week has to be that 3 out of 4 AFC West teams won this week. Because 3 out of 4 of the teams in this division are looking absolutely terrible this season!!Even bigger is that the one who lost is San Diego who was supposed to be the front-runner for another ACF west divisional championship.BTW, GO BRONCOS.. DOUBTERS BEWARE.. BANDWAGONERS STAY AWAY.. Bronco country is only for those who stand by a team no matter what!!
You pick it: AFC West storylines
The candidates are:
Big Week 6: Three AFC West teams -- Denver, Kansas City and Oakland -- won in Week 6. It marked the first time since Week 16 of 2006 that three of the four teams in the division won on the same weekend.
Hart cut: San Diego came off its bye week by cutting starting safety Clinton Hart, who has struggled since last year.
Haley shakes up staff: Chiefs coach Todd Haley demoted receivers coach Dedric Ward prior to Week 6. It was the second demotion Haley made on the offensive staff since August.
Chose your story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.
Chargers make noise by cutting veteran safety
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The San Diego Chargers indicated at the beginning of their bye week last week that there wouldn’t be any bombshells, a la the firing of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell last season.
However, on the first day of the team’s preparation for their first game after the bye -- Monday night at home against first-place Denver -- the Chargers made some noise by releasing starting safety Clinton Hart. Cutting a starter during the season has to be considered a blockbuster.
The release of Hart, though, was considered several months too late by many observers. Hart wasn’t very good last season and the Chargers considered replacing him in the offseason. One of the few free agents San Diego pursued was safety Jermaine Phillips.
It looks like rookie Kevin Ellison will get a crack at replacing Hart, who struggled in coverage situations. Ellison is a hard hitter, who San Diego drafted out of USC in the sixth round.
The team started to believe Ellison had starter’s potential in training camp and the team had hoped Ellison would be ready to compete for a starting job in mid-season. His progression helped expedite the decision on Hart. Steve Gregory will likely also be called on and could play in nickel situations if Ellison is the starter.
The Chargers re-signed defensive tackle Ian Scott to replace Hart on the roster. The Chargers are still trying to find the right mix on the line in the aftermath of losing Jamal Williams for the season with a triceps injury.
Denver
Tony Scheffler and Josh McDaniels have cleared the air.
My take: This is a good thing for Denver. Scheffler's name came up in trade talks and Denver made the right call by not dealing him. He can play. Scheffler has fine hands and he stretches the field. He is a solid weapon and he gives Denver's offense another layer. Kyle Orton will need weapons and Scheffler will help his new quarterback.
San Diego
Veteran safety Clinton Hart knows he will have to fight for playing time.
My take: Hart will have to play very well in the preseason to remain a starter. The Chargers were not happy with his play last season. They believe their biggest weakness is pass defense and Hart, in some circles, is considered the weak link. If rookie Kevin Ellison comes on strong, he could steal Hart's job.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Our Football Outsiders compiled a list of the top 10 unfilled starting spots in the NFL recently.
Using that as inspiration, I am going to name the most unsettled starting spot for each team in the AFC West.
DENVER
Nose tackle: The Broncos could roll out Ronnie Fields as their nose tackle. He was a role player in San Francisco. The Denver defensive line is undermanned as it transitions to a three-man front. The Broncos were expected to draft a nose tackle but they didn't. The team has to hope that third-year pro Marcus Thomas develops into a quality nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme.
KANSAS CITY
Tight end: Second-year pro Brad Cottam will likely be the primary tight end in wake of the Tony Gonzalez trade. But there are question marks about the Tennessee product. Is he ready to be a starter? Can he catch the ball on a consistent basis? He is known for being a blocker. Cottam may turn into a quality player but unless he comes along fast, the Chiefs are going to miss the production of Gonzalez who caught nearly 200 passes over the past two seasons.
OAKLAND
Receiver: The Raiders badly need a No. 1 receiver. I am not sure if they have one. They have some interesting youngsters in No. 1 pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens. But Oakland needs instant dividends. Projects, even projects as intriguing as Heyward-Bey, may not help right away.
SAN DIEGO
Safety: The Football Outsiders believe the Chargers have a big problem at right tackle in the form of young Jeromey Clary. But the Chargers like Clary and they were never really interested in replacing him this offseason. The team feels its biggest need is at safety alongside Eric Weddle. Veteran Clinton Hart needs to bounce back after a disappointing 2008 season. The team drafted Kevin Ellison out of USC in the sixth round. The Chargers are high on him. It may be a lot to ask for Ellison to make an impact as a rookie but it may be needed.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Most recent salary cap availability: $15.7 million.
How can they get more cap room: The Chargers' biggest issue revolves around the contract of running back LaDainian Tomlinson. The team is working on trying to come to an agreement on a restructured deal with Tomlinson that will keep him in San Diego. If Tomlinson, who has already said he is open to redoing his deal, balks, the Chargers will likely cut him. He is due more than $8 million this season. The Chargers should be able to get Tomlinson redone and then likely put the franchise tag on running back/return man Darren Sproles and try to work on a long-term deal with star quarterback Philip Rivers who is a free agent after next season. There will not be a lot of room left but a new deal for Tomlinson coupled with a few minor veteran tweaks could give the Chargers plenty of room they need. Safety Clinton Hart could be a candidate to be cut. The Chargers may add a couple of reasonably priced veteran free agents.
Biggest free agency needs: Linebacker, safety, defensive line, guard, running back.
Dream date: Ray Lewis, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is a Friday injury report on the Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers:
In Denver, star cornerback Champ Bailey will test his groin injury, which has kept him out of the past six games, Sunday prior to the Broncos' game at Carolina. He was limited in practice all week. He is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Weakside linebacker D.J. Williams appears to be on his way to playing after starting the past five games with a knee injury. He practiced fully all week and he is listed as probable. Receiver Brandon Stokley is questionable with a foot injury he suffered last week against Kansas City. If Stokley doesn't play, Darrell Jackson and Chad Jackson will get more playing time.
In Kansas City, receiver Mark Bradley is questionable with a calf injury that kept him out of the Denver game. He was limited in his participation all week. Devard Darling replaced him against the Broncos. Center Rudy Niswanger (knee), cornerback Maurice Leggett (shoulder) and linebacker Donnie Edwards (knee) are also all questionable to face visiting San Diego on Sunday.
In San Diego, safety Clinton Hart and fullback Mike Tolbert are listed as doubtful to play at Kansas City, They both have shoulder injuries. Steve Gregory is set to play for Hart and Jacob Hester is set to play for Tolbert for the third straight game. Linebacker Jyles Tucker is probable and he practiced fully Friday after being limited with a hamstring injury Thursday.
Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers injury update
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
- In Denver, No. 3 receiver Brandon Stokley practiced on a limited basis Thursday after he did not practice Wednesday. Stokley, unless he has a setback, will likely play Sunday at Carolina. Left cornerback Champ Bailey continued to be limited in practice. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that Bailey will try to work at full speed Saturday, which will determine whether he can against the Panthers.
- Fullback/linebacker Spencer Larsen didn't practice Thursday for the second straight day with a groin injury. Weakside linebacker D.J. Williams practiced fully for the second straight day. Williams has missed five games with a knee injury. He will likely play at Carolina if he doesn't suffer a setback.
- In Kansas City, tackle Damion McIntosh didn't practice Thursday because of an illness. Receiver Mark Bradley continued to be limited in practice with a calf injury. He missed the Denver game, but he is making some progress toward facing visiting San Diego on Sunday.
- In San Diego, safety Clinton Hart did not practice. He has a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday so he is clearly not making progress. The same goes for fullback Mike Tolbert. He has missed two games with a shoulder problem. He didn't practice Thursday after working some Wednesday. Linebacker Jyles Tucker was limited Thursday because of a nagging hamstring injury.
Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers injury update
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is an injury update for the Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers:
In Denver, linebacker D.J. Williams practiced fully. He has missed five games with a knee injury. He will be monitored throughout the week. Cornerback Champ Bailey, who has missed six weeks with a groin injury, continues to be limited in his participation. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Bailey won't run fully until Saturday. Then, the team will make a decision on whether he will play Sunday in Carolina in a game where Denver can clinch the AFC West division title with a win.
Fullback/middle linebacker Spencer Larsen (groin) and receiver Brandon Stokley (foot) didn't practice. The two players will be monitored through the week. Safety Marlon McCree practiced fully and he could play Sunday after missing several weeks with an ankle injury.
In Kansas City, center Rudy Niswanger didn't practice because of a knee injury he suffered at Denver on Sunday. Receiver Mark Bradley was limited with a calf injury that kept him out of the Denver game and cornerback Maurice Leggett, who has scored touchdown in each of the last two games, was limited with a shoulder injuries. The team is hopeful he can play against visiting San Diego on Sunday.
In San Diego, defensive tackle Jamal Williams didn't practice Wednesday which has become a routine. Safety Clinton Hart (shoulder) and fullback Mike Tolbert (shoulder) were practicing on a limited basis. Tolbert missed the past two games.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is an injury update for the Raiders and the Chargers. The two teams play Thursday night in San Diego.
In Oakland, center Jake Grove (calf) and linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) have both been ruled out for the game. Receivers Ronald Curry and Ashley Lelie are both listed as questionable. Curry has a nagging ankle injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday after not practicing on Monday and Tuesday. Lelie has a headache that kept him out of practice Tuesday and Wednesday.
In San Diego, starting fullback Mike Tolbert is doubtful with a shoulder injury. He didn't play Sunday against Atlanta because of the injury. He was replaced by fellow rookie Jacob Hester. Backup linebacker Marques Harris is also doubtful with a hamstring injury. Starting safety Clinton Hart is listed a questionable. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after he didn't practice Tuesday.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is an injury report from Oakland and San Diego. The two teams play in San Diego on Thursday:
In Oakland, four players didn't practice. Linebacker Ricky Brown was out with a groin injury as was receiver Ronald Curry. He has an ankle injury. Center Jake Grove was out with a calf injury. All three of those players didn't practice Monday, either. Receiver Ashley Lelie was out Tuesday with a headache. He practiced Monday.
Defensive end Kalimba Edwards, who has a team-high five sacks, was limited in practice both Monday and Tuesday with a hip injury.
In San Diego, four players didn't practice. Safety Clinton Hart didn't practice with a shoulder injury he suffered Sunday against Atlanta. He did practice Monday. Defensive tackle Jamal Williams didn't practice Tuesday but it was not injury related, the team said. Backup linebacker Marques Harris and fullback Mike Tolbert didn't practice Tuesday, either. Tolbert missed the Atlanta game and he was spelled by fellow rookie Jacob Hester.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
