The Chargers host the Rams on Sunday, and if the Bolts offense is going to continue to struggle like it has been (a distinct possibility against a Rams defense that held the Broncos to seven points last week), San Diego's defense is going to have to be at least as good as it was a week ago against the Raiders.
One of the guys who really made a name for himself in helping the Bolts hold Oakland to six points was defensive tackle Ryan Carrethers. The rookie from Arkansas State made his first career N-F-L start and turned the head of head coach Mike McCoy.
"He really stepped up his game, which was great to see," said McCoy on Monday.
The progress Carrethers has made since training camp was obvious. He made three tackles and disrupted several other plays. But, he was held to just 24 snaps because he sustained an elbow injury. It looked pretty bad coming off the field on Sunday. On Monday, McCoy was asked how Ryan was doing.
"Doing good," said McCoy. "He felt great last night."
So great, in fact, that Carrethers did not practice all week and has already been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Rams. It's good timing that veteran Sean Lissemore is returning from his leg injury. And I suppose, in a week where we had to wonder just what part of quarterback Philip Rivers is hurt, and how severe that injury is, we should just expect to never know how a player is doing.
Speaking of Rivers, the Rams have one of the most imposing pass rushes in football. Their head coach, Jeff Fisher, has told his players to take shots at the stars of other teams in the past. And, don't forget St. Louis defensive coordinator Gregg William is the guy who helped orchestrate the bounty scandal in New Orleans. Rivers knows he's going to take some body shots. But, he knew that when St. Louis appeared on the schedule.
"I don't expect I'll get hit any harder on Sunday than they already try to," said Rivers. "That's part of it. They can only hit us in so many areas now. Those defensive guys don't have a lot of room. The midsection is one of those areas they're allowed to hit, so I'm sure it'll be just like always."
Have we mentioned Philip Rivers is tough lately?
Safety Jahleel Addae and center Rich Ohrnberger are the only other question marks for the Chargers. Everyone else will be available to play.
