Chargers : Defense Impresses Saunders in Scrimmage With Rams
It’s far too early to reach any conclusions about the Chargers’ new defense, but it won rave reviews from assistant head coach Al Saunders following Thursday’s scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams.
“The tempo set by the defense was outstanding today,” said Saunders, an upbeat coach who was no doubt trying to encourage further effort by the team’s long-suffering unit.
“This has been as good a first week as we’ve had since I’ve been with the team, and I’ve been impressed with how the defensive tempo has really spread throughout the whole team. The blitzing by the defense has made the offense work harder, and that will benefit us down the road.”
Saunders praised the efforts of defensive lineman Tony Simmons and linebacker Mark Fellows in the scrimmage.
Meanwhile, Coach Don Coryell also singled out Fellows, along with lineman Terry Unrein.
Coryell was impressed by the passing of Mark Herrmann, who completed 14 of 20 attempts for 180 yards in a 7-on-7 scrimmage. Malcolm Moore was the leading receiver with a total of 7 catches for 149 yards and 1 touchdown in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 phases of the afternoon. Trumaine Johnson made seven catches for 88 yards.
The Chargers employed only five offensive linemen, and Saunders thought they performed well. He also liked the tackling by the defensive secondary.
Starting quarterback Dan Fouts was not used--the Chargers know what he can do and don’t want to risk an injury to him--but they took an extended look at Tom Flick and Wayne Peace, candidates for the No. 3 job.
“Both of them did a good job under pressure,” Saunders said. “I’m sure they would like to take back a couple of reads, but that’s just natural. Both of them showed good huddle command and made some good throws.”
It’s far from certain that the team will carry three quarterbacks this year, according to Saunders. An extra job would be freed up at a different position if only two quarterbacks are on the roster .
If no one emerges as a viable backup for Fouts and Herrmann, the Chargers might rely on the waiver wire for help, a strategy they employed last year.
“We need to get a real strong evaluation on our No. 3 quarterback candidates as soon as we can,” Saunders said.
Charger Notes General Manager Johnny Sanders reported no progress in negotiations with first-round draft choice Leslie O’Neal. . . . Sanders received a new proposal from Leigh Steinberg, the agent for first-round draft choice James FitzPatrick, at 9:30 Thursday night, but said he did not expect to make a decision on it until this morning. . . . Sanders said he will talk with the new agent for fourth round-draft choice Ty Allert today. . . . Sanders believes the team’s other fourth-round choice, Tommy Taylor, will have an increasingly difficult time making the team if he doesn’t sign soon and report to camp. . . . Veteran linebackers Billy Ray Smith and Linden King were not used in Thursday’s scrimmage, though the coaches had planned to play them briefly. Smith and King have traded positions this summer, with Smith moving to the outside and King inside. . . . Offensive lineman Ken Dallafior suffered a knee injury of undetermined extent against the Rams. . . . The Chargers will practice this morning, their last workout until Sunday. They will have Friday afternoon off, with Saturday devoted to physicals and drug tests for veterans checking into camp.