Philip Rivers shows gutsy performance in the AFCCG and Mini Camp

Rivers taking a snap from center in Mini Camp
Rivers throwing in drills in both above and below pictures in Mini Camp.

Rivers throwing a completion in both above and below pictures in Mini Camp.
Philip Rivers QB #17 is proving to be a tough QB ready to lead his team to a Super Bowl. Rivers proved in Mini Camp he will be ready for the season. Rivers was throwing every pass in Mini Camp and taking snaps. For more information on Rivers see articles and pictures below:

ESPN: What we learned from minicamp

Quarterback Philip Rivers has full control of this team. Rivers is not the Chargers' best player, or even their best player on his side of the ball. But as the team moves forward, Rivers is the clear leader and motivator. Rivers has built a 25-7 career regular-season record as the team's starter. But after his courageous performance at the end of last season, Rivers forever has the respect and attention of his teammates.

Rivers tore his right ACL in the Chargers' AFC divisional playoff win at Indianapolis. He had minor surgery on the knee before the AFC Championship Game against the undefeated New England Patriots, but still elected to play. His team lost, and so did his knee; he underwent major surgery after the game. Rivers has had a super-fast rehabilitation and was working during the team's minicamp on the first weekend of May.

NFL.com Photos: Chargers at minicamp

Philip Rivers from Chargers.com:

There are two things that Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt in his first two years as an NFL starter. One, he’s a winner. Two, he’s as tough as they come.

Since he became the Bolts’ starting signal caller prior to the 2006 season, Rivers’ 25 regular-season wins are tied with Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning for the second-most in the NFL, behind only New England’s Tom Brady’s 28. Rivers has posted an impressive 25-7 record as a starter, including an astounding mark of 15-1 at home. Rivers led the Chargers to the playoffs in each of his two seasons at the helm, and in 2007 his stellar play in January helped the Bolts pick up their first postseason victories in 13 seasons as they advanced all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Rivers’ toughness, both mental and physical, was on full display in the postseason and the final weeks of the regular season last fall. In a Dec. 9 victory over Tennessee, Rivers had to leave the game after spraining his knee. He returned though in the second half and led the Chargers to a come-from-behind victory in overtime. Rivers continued to play and he played through the final month of the season in pain.

Another knee injury in the Bolts’ Divisional Playoff game also sent him to the sideline, but Rivers refused to let it end his season. His status for the AFC Championship Game was in the balance throughout the entire week leading up to the game, but Rivers toughed it out and played the entire game. It turns out that he had had an arthroscopic procedure done on the Monday following the Chargers’ playoff victory in Indianapolis, and after the loss in New England it was revealed that Rivers had played the AFC Championship Game with a torn ACL in his right knee. He suffered the injury while throwing a touchdown pass in the third quarter of the win over the Colts and gutted it out to play in the most important game of his young career. He’s spent the last few months aggressively rehabbing the knee and is confident he’ll be ready to go when the Bolts open the 2008 season.

Rivers’ commitment to the game and his leadership skills have endeared him to teammates and everyone in the organization. They love his confidence and fiery attitude on the field. Before last season’s playoffs began, the Chargers picked up the option on the final two years of his rookie contract to ensure the quarterback will be in lightning bolts through at least the 2009 season. When asked about the move, Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith simply said, “You know how I feel about Philip Rivers.” His words spoke volumes about his appreciation for the player and leader that Rivers has become.

In 2007, Rivers was sensational down the stretch when the Chargers needed him the most. During the Chargers’ eight-game winning streak that led up to the AFC Championship Game (including Wild Card and Divisional Playoff games), he completed 133 of 214 passes (62.1%) for 1,656 yards with 14 TDs and only five INTs for a rating of 98.2, nearly 16 points higher than his cumulative season rating (82.4).

Just about everywhere he’s played as a quarterback, Rivers has been a winner. Since his junior season at AthensHigh School in 1998, his first as a starting QB, Rivers has never had a losing record. He went 11-2 (1998) and 10-3 (1999) at Athens; 8-4 (2000), 7-5 (2001), 11-3 (2002) and 8-5 (2003) at North CarolinaState, and with the Chargers he’s posted seasons of 14-2 (2006) and 11-5 (2007). Rivers’ collegiate totals at N.C.State included a 3-1 mark in bowl games. He was a five-time MVP in bowl games, including the 2004 Senior Bowl.

Malcom Floyd ready to contribute

Malcom Floyd WR #80 above lines up on Special Teams as a gunner. Because Floyd is one of the fastest players in camp he makes a great gunner on ST.
Floyd making another great catch at the top of the picture along the sideline.
Malcom Floyd catching a beautiful reception in Mini Camp, an over the shoulder 40 yard catch in full stride for a TD. This reception proves Floyd is a deep threat every time he enters the game. This was the highlight catch of Mini Camp.

Malcom Floyd WR 6-5, 225 LBs, is a great WR in Camp. Every time he is thrown the ball he has excelled with catch after catch also making highlight catches too. With the possible trading of Eric Parker this pre-season it could make room on the roster for Malcom Floyd to actually see more action this year. I hope so, Floyd is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Here is what Kevin Acee says about Malcom Floyd in his latest article:

The news that Parker will be gone is presumably good for Malcom Floyd. Floyd was inactive the final 10 weeks and both playoff games last season. A final roster spot figured to come down to Floyd or Parker.

Here is what Chargers.com says about Malcom Floyd:

Malcom Floyd is one member of a deep and talented group of wide receivers. At 6-5, he is one of the tallest members of the group and he’s shown the ability to make acrobatic catches look routine. And with his size, Floyd gives the Chargers a legitimate deep threat. That explosiveness in making plays downfield led several teammates to christen him with the nickname “M-80.”

Floyd has an NFL pedigree as his older brother, Malcolm, played wide receiver for the Houston Oilers during the 1994-97 seasons. The elder Floyd is now an elementary school principal in Sacramento.

Malcom’s hobbies include playing basketball, boogie boarding at Mission Beach and playing the newest video games. He was an all-conference basketball player in high school and his team won an intramural championship while he was in college at Wyoming.

For a great article from CFX on Malcom Floyd push link below:

CFX Profile: Malcom Floyd

LT is Knocking on the Hall of Fame

LT has caught a pass over the middle in Mini Camp, in the above picture and is off running for another TD.

LT already has a section in the NFL Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Because he owns so many records in the NFL already. LT is not eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame to be voted in yet officially but it is not too early for other State Football Halls of Fames.

LT has been nominated for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame by CHAREAN WILLIAMS, who has wrote a great story on LT's Knocking on the Hall of Fame.

For the article push Link: Charean Williams: LT is knocking on Hall of Fame doors

From the article:

Good company A look at how LaDainian Tomlinson stacks up against some of the NFL’s greatest running backs (all-time rank in parenthesis):

Player	Yrs	Rush Yds	TDs	YPG
Emmitt Smith	15	18,355 (1)	164 (1)	81.2 (17)
Walter Payton	13	16,726 (2)	110 (4)	88.0 (8)
Barry Sanders	10	15,269 (3)	99 (9)	99.8 (2)
Jim Brown	9	12,312 (8)	106 (5)	104.3 (1)
LaDainian Tomlinson	7	10,650 (18)	115 (3)	95.9 (4)

Why this team is going to Win

In the above picture Mini Camp morning the Chargers team begins to meet on the practice field at Charger Park.

If you look at the picture above you will see a team that really likes each other. They are both friends and teammates. I have been going to the Charger camps now for over twenty years, and this current team really likes each other. I have seen plenty of years where there is all these clicks and loners who really don't get along with the rest of the team. But this team that AJ Smith has built is a team of great character with a single purpose in mind, to Win!!! This team is ready and win they will. Teams with Character and Heart win over teams that are lacking. And this team is not lacking in anything, not in Talent nor Character, nor Heart. This Charger team has it all.

Darren Sproles more than just Special Teams Ace

Above Darren Sproles RB #43 is returning a punt in Mini Camp. But Sproles is much more than just a Special Teams Ace.
Above Sproles breaks through the middle in Mini Camp.
Sproles lined up behind Jacob Hester.
Above Sproles has received a pass and runs for a TD in Mini Camp.
Sproles runs through the middle and is tough to bring down.
Sproles lined up as the single RB.
Sproles receives a pass out of the backfield and is off to the races.
Sproles receives a pass over the middle.
Sproles takes the handoff and runs left into the open.

Darren Sproles is much more than just a Special Teams Ace, and he is very good at that. From Chargers.com.

2007:Named second-alternate to AFC Pro Bowl squad. Sproles finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in kickoff return average (27.2 yards per return) and seventh in punt return average (9.5 yards per return).

I expect to see even more of Sproles this year as Norv Turner installs his spread offense and looks to throw the ball more. With either LaDainian Tomlinson or Darren Sproles as the RB the Chargers will be extremely dangerous in the spread with either LT or Sproles running out wide to receive a pass in the open. The addition of Jacob Hester allows for Turner to keep defenses honest as Rivers can always hand off to Hester too. This should be a fun year and the RB's will be even more explosive.

Coach Nunnely and the Dline

Coach Wayne Nunnely in the grey T-Shirt above and below teaching the Dline.

Coach Wayne Nunnely always seems to field one of the best Dlines in the NFL. While he has seen many different Dline players he has his Dline as one of the top NFL Teams at stopping the run and sacking the QB every year in stats. Wayne Nunnely has been so consistent that he has been kept on staff while many of the other coaches have come and gone. It's a good thing, because he is probably the best Dline coach in the NFL.

From Chargers.com on Wayne Nunnely.


Wayne Nunnely
Defensive Line

14th NFL Season, 12th with Chargers

Simply put, Wayne Nunnely is one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL. He’s also one of the longest tenured in Chargers history as this season, his 12^th in San Diego, will tie him with Joe Madro and Jackie Simpson for the second-most seasons as Bolts assistant. Only Earnel Durden (13 seasons) coached here longer and only Durden, Madro and Nunnely coached in San Diego without interruption. Nunnely has been on the sideline for 176 consecutive regular-season games since joining the Bolts in 1997.

Year-in and year-out, the Chargers are among the NFL’s best teams at stopping the run. With Nunnely on board, the Chargers have ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in both rushing yards allowed per game and rushing yards allowed per carry in seven out of the past 11 seasons. Twice under Nunnely’s watch (1998 and 2005), the Chargers led the NFL in run defense. In 1998, the Chargers allowed a team-record 71.3 yards per game and 2.7 yards per carry. The yards per game average was the fifth-lowest in the NFL since the league went to a 16-game schedule in 1978 and the yards per attempts was the lowest average allowed by any team in the league since 1970. The Chargers also ranked first in the NFL in yards per carry in 1999 (3.1) and 2001 (3.3) and in yards per game in 2005 (84.3).

Nunnely’s defensive fronts have also left their mark on the team’s record book. In his 11 seasons, the Chargers have recorded six of the franchise’s 10 best yards per game averages in team history and seven of the top 10 yards per carry averages for a season.

LaDainian Tomlinson in the open down field

LaDainain Tomlinson "LT" RB #21 has run down field offering a decoy, while the ball is being thrown to and successfully caught by the receiver at the top of the picture, just above LT's head in the picture.

Again LT has run down field and the ball was successfully completed to another receiver down field.
Above LT is in the open down field catching a pass. This is a nightmare for the opposing defense.

How many times does LT running into the backfield of the defense to open up the WR's will it take for defenders to begin to leave LT alone. Even in Mini Camp that has happened as you can see by these pictures and it only took about three completions down field to WR's.

Leaving LT open in the backfield is not a wise decision by a defense. If Mini Camp is any indication of things to come, then expect LT to be used as a receiver down field even more this year than last. Because LT saw plenty of action running in the backfield of the defense, both as a decoy to help open up the WR's down field and then as a receiver himself.

Antwan Applewhite taking another step.

Antwan Applewhite LBer #49, in the dark blue jersey above, was showing he might be ready to take that next step this year and compete for a spot on the Chargers roster. Although it will be very tough with such a deep LBer roster of the Chargers.
In the above picture Antwan Applewhite has already successfully defende a pass.
Applewhite has his hands on the QB just a split second late to get the sack, the pass was completed to Malcom Floyd #80 at the top of the above picture.

Antwan Applewhite, 6-3 250 lbs, has good size to play LBer, and he has a great first step that allows for a good pass rush. The Chargers are deep at LBer but if Applewhite can take another step up in his game this summer, he might just find a spot on the roster.

SI.com Bio of Applewhite coming out of college last year:

Position: DE

Class: Jr

School: San Diego State

Conference: Mountain West

Ht., Wt.: 6-3, 250

40 Time: 4.83

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors after his junior and sophomore campaigns. Totals last season included 52/8/6 after 56/8.5/5.5 the prior year.

POSITIVES: Fast, undersized defensive end who projects to linebacker at the next level. Quick off the snap, immediately alters his angle of attack and displays speed in every direction. Loses little momentum when he must change direction. Shows abilities backpedal

NEGATIVES: Small at defensive end, controlled by opponents or driven off the line of scrimmage. Does not consistently chase hard to get involved in the action.

ANALYSIS: A solid athlete who has displayed a variety of skills, Applewhite has the tools to be used as a rush linebacker in the NFL. Needs time to develop his game yet offers a good degree of upside.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Blowing open Holes for the RB's by the Oline

The Oline is blowing open a whole with some great blocking allowing the RB Darren Spoles #43 to run through untouched by the Defense in the above picture.
Again the Chargers Oline is blowing open a hole for RB Jacob Hester #22 in the above picture.
And Again the Chargers Oline blocks open a whole to the right for RB Germaine Race #16.

The Chargers Oline shows they can blow open some great holes for the RB's. With blocking like this the Chargers could be back setting rushing records like in 2006. With the best RB in the league in LT that seems to score at will, and a great backup in Sproles that can also score on any carry, the Chargers have the Lightning ready to roll. Also with the new addition of Jacob Hester, a great all purpose back that can play both RB and FB, and a big RB in Marcus Thomas the Chargers are going to give defenses all kinds of problems this year.

With the great Oline run blocking by the Chargers, the RB's should be at the top of the rushing stats again this year. Things are looking really good for the offensive Oline blocking unit this year from Mini Camp and the above pictures tell all.

Rivers Bracing for a Big Future

Philip Rivers QB #17 was throwing accurate and on time in Mini Camp. Showing no problems from his injuries.
You can see Rivers brace on his right knee in the above and below pictures.
Rivers is coming along just great. Showing he can get it done in camp and ready for the season.

"It seems to get better daily," Rivers said. "I feel it getting stronger in practice every day."

"We are looking for him to pick up where he left off last year," Turner said. "At the end of the season, he was playing as good as any quarterback in the league."

"We know what to expect now," Rivers said. "There is a level of comfort here that will hopefully let us get off to a better start."

Jacob Hester #22 Lines Up!

Jacob Hester #22 is a running back that lines up in many positions on the field for the Chargers, above Hester is lined up deep in a standing position.
In this picture above Hester stands with his hand to the ground out wide.
Hester with his hand to the ground in front of the RB.

Hester in the Shotgun formation standing to the right of the QB.

Jabob Hester is being used as the most versatile of players. He lines up all over the field in many positions. The great thing about Hester is he seems to excel at all of them.

Hester catching a great pass and running after the catch in Mini Camp, in the above picture.

Hester taking a hand off and running through the middle.

Jacob Hester is going to be a very versatile RB for the Chargers, and the Chargers are already lining up Hester all over the field and using him in many different ways.

Videos of Jacob Hester

Casey Bramlet QB #8 Running the Team

This is the norm for a 4th string QB. Off by himself or working with a few coaches to help with their drills they are going to run.

But Casey Bramlet QB #8, 6-4, 220, is a good size QB and he is running the huddle with the Chargers.

Bramlet showing off some foot speed with this quick handoff in Mini Camp.

The thing that is different for Casey over other 4th string QB's on the Chargers in camp, is the Chargers are letting him actually run the offense. In the past camps the Chargers only let the first, second, and third string QB's run the offense. The 4th string QB always had to just go off and work in other special drills like handing off to all the running backs in drills. They almost never let a 4th string QB run the offense in nine on nine's or eleven on elevens. They just don't, but here is Casey Bramlet running the offense and taking turns with the other three QB's in front of him. Could Casey have a chance at making this team? Probably not, because with Rivers, Volek, and Whitehurst there just isn't room on the final roster.

From Chargers.com comes some interesting information on Bramlet:

The Chargers added depth at the quarterback position when they claimed Casey Bramlet off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.

Bramlet, 27, becomes the fourth quarterback on the roster, joining Philip Rivers, Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst.

Bramlet, 6-4, 230, holds multiple passing records at the University of Wyoming, where he teamed with Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd. The Wheatland, Wyoming native originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2004 NFL Draft. He backed up Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer during his rookie season and then spent the spring of 2005 with the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe.

Great Blocking by the Oline

The Chargers Oline has been doing some great blocking! In the above picture it proves the Oline is up to the challenge as they block an opening for Sproles RB #43 to squirt through.

The Chargers Oline looks way more comfortable and secure in their blocking schemes both on running plays and passing plays this year. Being this the second year under Norv the Oline seems more confident and it shows. I think the Chargers will be explosive on offense this year behind their great Oline. For an article and ranking of the NFL Olines click link below:

The Chargers Oline is ranked the Best in the NFL by CBS Sports for 2008.

Antoine Cason #20 in a DB Huddle

Antoine Cason CB #20, above, meets in a DB Huddle in Mini Camp.

Antoine Cason has good size and speed. He was flashing some of that talent in Mini Camp covering what is now a very talented WR corp. I think Antoine Cason is going to be a good addition but he will have competition from Cletis Gordon, who has improved steadily each year. I am looking forward to a heated competition between the two this summer.

Quotes From Chargers.com concerning Antoine Cason:

“We got a guy that we think is going to be a terrific football player,” Smith said. “Solid character, work ethic, production over the years. Fantastic. (There were) a lot of quality, good football players and we got ourselves one.”

“This is a big guy (with) 4.45 speed,” Chargers Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix said. “He’s a guy that’s got size. This guy is a great character kid. When we visited the school, the first thing they told us was when (they) recruited this guy, he has been the face of the program since we got him. He’s that kind of leader and that kind of character.”

“He has been a very, very productive player,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “He’s been a four-year starter. He’s a very, very competitive player. He’s very physical. He’s matched up in a passing conference against some of the best receivers through the years. He had outstanding games against USC, against some of the bigger receivers. He can play a very physical game.”

“You’d also like to see a guy that’s got some size, a guy that can bang those guys inside,” Nix said. “He’s got to be a decent run player, which he is. A lot of those corners won’t hit a lick until they have to. This guy will contribute verses the run. (He’s) a guy that’s got ball skills and can cover.”

“(He’s) a guy who’s got very good short-area quickness, uses his hands real well,” Turner said. “Antoine is an outstanding tackler. Then it’s a bonus because Arizona does it a lot, they used him on the corner blitz stuff. Obviously the way we used Eric (Weddle) some last year coming off the slot, the way Drayton blitzed, we can use Antoine as a blitzer. When you get a complete player, you get a physical player, there’s great carryover in the kicking game. He’s going to come in and compete with our young guys.”

Charlie Whitehurst QB getting more Action

Charlie Whitehurst #6 runs the huddle at Mini Camp.

Whitehurst running the offense.

Charlie Whitehurst QB #6 is seeing way more action this year in Mini Camp. With Rivers injured it has allowed for Whitehurst to see action with both the first and second units. And Whitehurst looks like he has the systems down, he looks confident and smooth. Whitehurst will be ready if called upon this year.

For some interesting College History of Charlie Whitehurst and Philip Rivers: Both from the ACC

Whitehurst is a teammate of former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers, who played for the Pack from 2000-03. Rivers ranks first in ACC history in career passing yards (13,484), and is first in career completions (1087), while Whitehurst is third in both areas. Whitehurst is third in passing yards with 9,665 and in completions with 817.

Whitehurst and Rivers have something in common. They are the only quarterbacks in ACC history to beat Florida State twice. (Florida State joined the ACC in 1992). Rivers was 2-2 in his career as a starter against the Seminoles, while Whitehurst was 2-1, including a 35-14 victory on his Senior Day this past season.

Whitehurst and Rivers were the opposing starting quarterbacks in a game just once, in Raleigh in 2003. With two of the top three quarterbacks in ACC history in terms of passing yardage competing in the same game you would think it was a high scoring affair. But, it was not, as the Pack beat Clemson 17-15 in a nationally televised Thursday evening game on ESPN. Whitehurst was 23-37 for 196 yards passing that night, his fewest passing yards in an ACC game that year. Rivers was 20-34 for 213 yards, his low passing yardage total that season against an ACC team.

Four Quarter Backs of the Chargers

Philip Rivers #17 throwing the ball in Mini Camp. Billy Volek #7, Charlie Whitehurst #6, and Casey Bramlet #8 waiting there turn to throw.

Rivers, Volek, Whitehurst, and Bramlet are a great QB lineup for this years team. They all throw the ball extremely accurate, and they all are very big and smart QB's. These four QB's seem to have more in common that not. That is because these are QB's that AJ Smith likes. All very good big athletes that make smart decisions, and accurate passers.

This team seems to be blessed in talent at every position, since AJ Smith has become the GM, and QB is no different. This year could hinge upon Rivers knees and staying healthy but with Volek, Whitehurst, and Bramlet as the backups, the QB position is well solidified. Volek has the experience, and Whitehurst is gaining every day in practice, so now is Bramlet. I think this team is set at QB.

AJ Smith has built the most talented team in the NFL

AJ Smith, in the White, overlooks the defense going through stretching in Mini Camp.

AJ Smith, the GM of the Chargers, has built the most talented and deep team in the NFL. Those are not only my beliefs but many other pundits as well. This is the second year under Coach Turner and Ted Cottrell and they took this team, with many of the top players injured, all the way to the AFCCG. The Chargers offense and defense should make even more strides this year with the same systems and coaches in place. This will be Rivers second year as a starter with the same HC and OC. That fact has already shown itself in Mini Camp as Rivers looked smooth and confident throwing the ball timely. Rivers showed no ill effects from his surgery this off season.

AJ Smith has excelled in the draft, but also in bringing in talent through UDFA, and FA. This year AJ Smith seems to have filled every area with depth and top talent. With the recent addition of Newberry and LJ Shelton, AJ Smith has strengthened the depth of the Oline with talented and experienced players to make even the Oline as a position of depth on this extremely talented NFL Team. The Chargers are ready and AJ Smith has done a remarkable job.

From Chargers.com (For the whole article click link below):

Executive Vice President - General Manager

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith has assembled one of the NFL’s most talented rosters. Named by Forbes Magazine as the NFL's top general manager in 2006, Smith has overseen a renaissance in San Diego as the Chargers have won two straight AFC West titles and three of the last four. Since President and CEO Dean Spanos named Smith as his general manager in 2003, the Chargers have won 50 games, including a franchise-record 14 in ’06.

Smith made one of the shrewdest moves of his career when he recommended that Spanos hire Norv Turner as the Chargers’ new head coach following the 2006 season. Turner proved to be an astute hire, leading the Bolts to an AFC West title with a record of 11-5 in the regular season before leading the Chargers to within a game of Super Bowl XLII. The Chargers beat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs, winning their first playoff game since 1995, and a week later, they went on the road and knocked the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts out of the playoffs in the Divisional round.

Before the 2007 playoffs even began, Spanos rewarded Smith with a five-year contract extension on Jan. 1, 2008 that will keep him with the Chargers through the 2014 season.

Darren Sproles #43 Returning Punts and Kickoffs

Darren Sproles #43 had an outstanding year returning both Punts and Kickoffs for the Chargers, and he is the starter in Mini Camp to do the same this year. Sproles is returning a Punt in Mini Camp in the above picture.

That Blocker in front of Sproles is Gary Banks WR #12, the way the picture looks it appears as if it is none other than #17 Philip Rivers, but I assure you that is not Rivers it is Banks.

A great quote from Chargers.com about Sproles:

"After a stellar rookie year in 2005, the KansasState product broke his ankle in the first preseason game in 2006, an injury that caused him to miss the entire season. Sproles fought his way back, regained his job as the Chargers’ top return man in 2007 and performed so well that he was named as a second alternate to the AFC Pro Bowl squad."

"Sproles finished the season ranked fifth in the NFL in kickoff return average (27.2 yards per return) and seventh in punt return average (9.5 yards per return). At the end of the year, his teammates honored him with the Ed Block Courage Award in recognition of the way Sproles battled back from injury."

LaDainian Tomlinson #21 rushing the Middle

LT #21 is a great RB in all areas of the game, including rushing through the middle of a defense, like in the above picture. There is some great blocking going on in this picture, and LT breaks into the open on this play at Mini Camp.

LT is such a great runner that it is easy to over look many of his great moves, especially when they come in the middle of the defense. This Charger team has one of the better Olines that LT has run behind. It has not always been the case though for LT with the Chargers, and yet LT still managed to have great games.

With this years Oline and some great talent around him in Rivers, Gates, Chambers, VJ, Manu, Parker, Davis, and Naanee, LT will have another spectacular year. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Even though he will be sharing the ball with more outstanding offensive players than ever. Because LT is that good.

LT Video Mix