Rams to Test Chargers’ Weakness Inconsistent Play of Cornerbacks Has : Coryell Concerned

Charger coaches keep returning to the word “inconsistent” to describe the team’s defensive performance this summer.

Inconsistent is a rather nice way to put it. The Chargers shut out Dallas in the exhibition opener, then were blitzed for 38 points last week by Philadelphia.

Both Coach Don Coryell and defensive coordinator Ron Lynn have repeatedly masked their uneasiness about their cornerbacks by vaguely criticizing them as inconsistent, but it’s clear that the entire defense is guilty by association.

The cornerbacks have not really been tested thus far in a game, but Coryell expects that to change in tonight’s meeting with the Rams.

“Our corners are tested every day in practice, but I know what you mean,” Coryell said in reply to a question. “The Rams have two true speed receivers with Ron Brown, one of the fastest men in the world, and Bobby Duckworth, who used to play with us. And they are throwing the ball so much better than ever with Dick Coury coaching the quarterbacks (and Steve Bartkowski at quarterback). Yes, I think there’s a chance our cornerbacks could be tested.”

The starting corners, Wayne Davis and Danny Walters, have been under fire from Coryell and Lynn, who consider the position the most vulnerable on the team. This week the Chargers added a corner who may prove useful, Eric Riley, a second-year man from Florida State who was claimed on waivers from Denver.

“He is fast, has athletic ability and we had him rated a prospect in college,” Coryell said. “We’re looking for anyone with cover ability. With our new defense, which is going to pressure the quarterback, you can get embarrassed by a large score if you can’t cover people. I haven’t been at all satisfied with our corners.”

It was uncertain how much Riley might play tonight, because he hadn’t been in camp until Thursday, but he will be watched closely in coming days.

For other Chargers, this will be their final chance to earn a spot on the roster. The team must cut its roster from 60 to 50 players by Tuesday.

The most heavily stocked position is linebacker, where there are 12 players fighting for seven jobs. Lynn said this week that only veteran Billy Ray Smith has clinched a starting job, which means that the three other starting slots and three back-up jobs are on the line.

Among the linebacking candidates, Mike Douglass definitely will miss the Ram game because of a hamstring injury, and Derrie Nelson may be limited because of a hip injury.

Several defensive linemen will be held out because of injury, including Earl Wilson, Chuck Ehin and Tony Simmons. Defensive backs Jeff Dale and John Hendy, who have not played in either exhibition game, are still out with injuries.

There are decisions to be made on offense as well. On the offensive line, Mike Perrino, Ken Dallafior and Curt DiGiacomo are fighting for survival, and there is some heat on first-round draft choice James FitzPatrick.

Quarterback Dan Fouts, who played the first quarter of the first two exhibitions, may play as long as a half tonight, Coryell said. If so, Mark Herrman might play the entire second half.

That would leave Tom Flick on the bench until next week, when he would likely be used in the second half of the St. Louis game, Coryell said. Flick, who passed for 287 yards and three touchdowns against Philadelphia, is trying to sell the coaches on keeping three quarterbacks this year.

“We’d like to get Flick in there, but our main concern tonight is to get Dan and Mark some more work,” Coryell said. “We might pull Dan earlier if things go really well.”

The Chargers don’t plan to use running back/wide receiver Lionel James, who is recuperating from a knee injury. Coryell said he could play, but probably will be held out to give the knee a few more days to heal.

“I’ve really been looking forward to each of our exhibitions this summer, more so than usual,” Coryell said. “Against the Rams, our defensive line is really going to be tested by their offensive line, which is a great one. And our offensive line will be tested, too, although in a different way from last week. The Eagles were a pressure, stunting defense, but the Rams are just very basic and solid, no mistakes. They play limited coverages, and nobody screws up.”

He’d like to be able to make such a statement about his own secondary following the game.

Charger Notes

The Chargers waived four players Friday to allow four players acquired from the United States Football League to be eligible for tonight’s exhibition game against the Rams. Cut were linebacker Carlos Bradley, defensive lineman Tony DeLuca, offensive tackle Mike Perrino and defensive back Mike Zordich. The USFL players, who are exempt from being counted on the roster until they play in an exhibition, are defensive lineman John Walker, linebackers Greg Plummer and Andy Hawkins, and defensive back David Martin.