Charger Notebook : This Ribbing Only Bothers Him at Night
Jim McMahon has managed to stay in one piece through the Chargers’ first three games this season, but not without pain.
The oft-injured quarterback said Wednesday that he hadn’t fully recovered from the rib injury he suffered in the opening game against the Raiders.
“The ribs are still hurting me,” McMahon said. “It’s one of those things that could last all year. I take regular treatment for it. I guess you could say it’s one of those nagging things.”
Asked if the problem had affected his play, McMahon said, “No, it bothers me more when I sleep.”
McMahon was asked if he believed he had established himself as a team leader.
“I don’t give any speeches,” he said. “They don’t need to hear stuff like that from me. I just keep doing my job, and I make little suggestions every now and then.”
On getting used to a new set of receivers after seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, he said, “I think we’re still learning each other. We learn something new every day.”
Much has been said and written about the excessive heat in Phoenix, where the Chargers will meet the Cardinals Sunday, but McMahon said, “It might be bad for some guys who run a lot. I don’t plan to do much running.”
The story of Hank Ilesic’s controversial punting shoe took a curious turn Wednesday when the National Football League office imposed a gag rule on its member clubs.
Before making his Chargers’ debut against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, the Canadian import was ordered to remove the flap that covered the shoelace. Despite the problem, he averaged 44.8 yards on five punts.
“The flap gives me a better striking point and keeps the shoe tighter,” Ilesic said. “If it’s illegal, I’ll just have to adjust.”
The Chargers expected a ruling from the NFL on the shoe in question, but instead were instructed not to discuss the matter.
Told of this, Charger Coach Dan Henning said, “I think it will work itself out.”
Charger cornerback Gill Byrd was named AFC defensive player of the week. Byrd intercepted two passes and made six tackles in the 21-6 victory over the Chiefs Sunday.
“Gill deserves it,” Henning said. “On our football team, he’s one of the defensive leaders and one of the most consistent players we have.
“Those two plays (interceptions) were extra special in my book. One was a great athletic move, going high in the air to pull the ball down, and the other was just quickness.”
Offensive tackle Brett Miller returned to practice after missing the Kansas City game because of a knee problem. A screw that was inserted during surgery in 1986 was removed last Friday.
“Two screws held the tendons down,” Miller said. “The one on the outside had irritated the tendon, and the doctors also found bone spurs. They took out the screw and chiseled out the spurs to relieve the pressure on the tendon.”
James FitzPatrick filled in for Miller against the Chiefs.
Charger Notes
Cardinal Coach Gene Stallings took exception Wednesday to Charger Coach Dan Henning’s suggestion that the Cardinals delay the start of their games from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Said Stallings: “I guess we should play all our games on the road then. Is that what Dan would like? We’ve played our first three on the road. Did he play three in a row on the road? Now he’s worried about my schedule. I don’t see anybody sending me sympathy cards about it.” Obviously, a 4 p.m. start in Phoenix would be out of the question because of television commitments.
Rob Awalt, the Cardinals’ third-year tight end, credited his background at San Diego State for his quick development as a pro. “SDSU prepared me for the pro-style offense,” he said. “I learned passing routes against defenses on the move.” . . . Karl Wilson, the defensive end who was cut by the Chargers before the season, will move up from the inactive list to a backup role for the Cardinals because of Freddie Joe Nunn’s 30-day suspension for substance abuse. David Galloway will start. Running back Stump Mitchell, out for the year with a knee injury, will be replaced by Tony Jordan.
Chargers tight end Arthur Cox (foot) and center Courtney Hall (ankle) are listed as questionable for Sunday. Seven players--cornerback Gill Byrd (ankle), H-back Rod Bernstine (knee), running back Marion Butts (knee), wide receiver Quinn Early (thumb), free safety Vencie Glenn (lower back), defensive end Burt Grossman (hand) and cornerback Elvis Patterson (knee) are probable. Henning said he expected all of the probables to play. . . . The Cardinals’ injury report: Mitchell, out; Galloway (thumb), wide receiver J.T. Smith (ribs) and linebacker Randy Kirk (shoulder), probable.