Charger Notebook : Patchwork Line Helping Repair Running Game
It’s a football version of a patchwork quilt, but somehow the Chargers’ offensive line is getting the job done.
The Charger running game, led by rejuvenated Gary Anderson, has averaged 142 yards a game in building a 2-2 record. In 12 non-strike games last year, the same runners averaged just 86.4 yards, including a low of 17 and 43 twice.
Why the big turnaround?
Jerry Wampfler, who has succeeded Ed White as the Chargers’ offensive line coach, said Wednesday, “Normally it takes three years of having the same guys playing together to build a competent offensive line. We haven’t even gone two games in a row with the same personnel. But these guys have a lot of individual pride, and they have a lot of group pride.”
The biggest surprise has been Ken Dallafior, out of football 10 days ago and now the Chargers’ regular left tackle.
Dallafior, 6-4 and 280, was a utility offensive lineman with the Chargers for three seasons before being cut Aug. 30. He was home in Sterling Heights, Mich., when the Chargers called him back because of Gary Kowalski’s neck injury. When John Clay also was knocked out by a neck injury, Dallafior went from retiree to starter and played well in the 24-23 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I was pleased to see some running-game production at left tackle,” Wampfler said. “Ken is a better blocker right now than he was when he left. He’s an intelligent guy, and while he was home, he kept working on his techniques.”
Dallafior threw the key block on Kansas City safety Lloyd Burruss, far downfield, on Anderson’s 30-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs.
“That block was just one of nine that made the play go,” Dallafior said. “The play worked just the way it was drawn up.”
Of his sudden return, Dallafior said, “Actually, I wasn’t retired. I was just laid off. I played on just three days’ practice. It’s like when your wife tells you she’s having a baby. Ready or not, it’s coming.
“As it turned out, the worst play I had all day worked in our favor. Tim Cofield went by me, and Babe Laufenberg threw an interception, but Cofield got called for roughing the passer. Then we went in for the winning touchdown.”
Of the unit’s general improvement, Dallafior said, “Jerry (Wampfler) is a good technician, and the things he teaches make sense. We have a good work ethic, and we’re an aggressive bunch. This offensive line will only get better.”
There is a fairly good chance Billy Ray Smith will be back at his outside linebacker position against the Denver Broncos Sunday at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. Smith, who hasn’t played since the season opener because of a torn calf muscle, was listed as questionable (50-50) on the Chargers’ injury report. “Make that 51-49,” Smith said. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be in there, but I’m not going to play if there’s a possibility of reinjuring my leg.”
Charger Notes
The Broncos are 1-3 and All-Pro quarterback John Elway has been having a rough time, but Charger Coach Al Saunders isn’t afraid his team will be complacent. Saunders said, “Elway in my opinion is the greatest quarterback in the NFL, and he very seldom has back-to-back games when he’s not up to his standard. The Broncos have been to two straight Super Bowls, and he’s been the catalyst. He certainly didn’t have a bad game against us the first time (the Broncos won, 34-3).” . . . Besides Smith, the Chargers listed outside linebacker David Brandon (hamstring) and defensive end Karl Wilson (knee) as questionable. . . . The Broncos placed safety Dennis Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve and re-signed cornerback Steve Wilson, a 10th-year veteran. Randy Robbins will start in Smith’s place. Also, the Broncos listed cornerback Bruce Plummer (hamstring) and running back Gerald Willhite (calf) as doubtful (25-75) and linebacker Karl Mecklenburg (thumb) as questionable. . . . With some 9,000 seats still unsold, a blackout Sunday is a virtual certainty. The game won’t be shown on local television unless it is sold out by 1 p.m. today.