One player can’t cure every football problem, but how badly do you think the Bolts missed Eric Weddle on the field against the Raiders?
It’s a small sample size but the early returns were disheartening.
The whole first half was a disaster for the Chargers without #32 on the field – but then again that wasn’t the only reason Oakland jumped out to a 37-6 lead.
Replacing a 3-time Pro Bowler and 2014 first-team All-Pro is extremely difficult.
Before the Oakland game, Eric Weddle did not miss a single Chargers contest since 2009.
Not only has he been consistently good but he’s been durable too.
Weddle is in the final season of his 5-year, $40 million contract and made it clear at the beginning of this season he plans to test free agency when his contract expires.
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This is partly because the Bolts refused to offer him a contract extension this off-season while Weddle was hoping to retire was a Charger. Weddle felt disrespected by the only NFL franchise he has ever worn a uniform for and implied during the preseason that this would be his final campaign with San Diego.
“You just can’t replace that guy with any one guy,” said McCoy.
That was apparent Sunday in the Raiders debacle. But if that disappointing loss – and rough performance by the Chargers defense – is a precursor into life without Eric Weddle, Bolt Man might be covering his eyes a lot the next few years.
His glaring absence in the Raiders game begs the question: If Weddle is not with the Chargers next season (and he has given every indication this is his final year with the Bolts) who will the defense’s new leader be?
The frightening answer is we don’t know yet. And I’m not sure the Chargers know either.
NFL teams frequently have a middle linebacker that serves as the defensive quarterback. Names like Brian Urlacher or Ray Lewis in recent years come to mind along with Carolina’s Luke Keuchly or Rams tackling machine James Laurinaitis.
Other teams in past decades have had standout leaders in the secondary like Darrell Green, John Lynch or Brian Dawkins.
Across the sideline this past week at Qualcomm Stadium, future Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson was another perfect example of a leader and ballhawk who teammates and opponents both respect and admire.
Yes some fans wish Weddle could tackle better. Turn on local sports talk radio and there are those who complain about how Weddle does a little too much “arm-tackling,” which leads to missed tackles.
But most NFL fans would agree that the 31-year old safety is still one of the team’s best defensive players.
“I think he’s a quarterback for the defense,” confirmed Chargers head coach Mike McCoy. “What he does and what he brings to the football team and his experience, his knowledge, his communication.
Recognition, whether it’s the running game or pre-snap formationally certain things. He’s a seasoned vet.”
Maybe Chargers general manager Tom Telesco should add safety to his wish list for the 2016 draft – right under offensive and defensive lineman.
Or maybe Telesco already has identified that as part of the plan going forward. Lets hope so for the Chargers sake.
