CHARGERS UNDER BOBBY ROSS : What’s Different So Far?
The coaches: With the exception of passing game coordinator Jack Reilly, the Chargers have an entirely new coaching staff. Why sure, you and the Raiders know that No. 54 is Billy Ray Smith, but Smith, like all the other players, has had to wear his name taped to the front and back of his helmet so the coaches know who’s who. Hint: Craig McEwen is the guy who keeps dropping the ball.
Calisthenics: For the first time since 1986, the Chargers open practice with the full team exercising together. Five minutes into Bobby Ross’ first practice this prompted Chargers’ public relations director, Bill Johnston, to exclaim: “I’m telling you, we’re going to win. The last guy that did this was (Don) Coryell.”
Practice: It is equipment assistant Chris Smith’s responsibility now to just stand around and hang large numbers from a golf cart, thereby signaling to players and coaches what practice period they are in. No one appears to pay any attention to Smith, the cart or the numbers, but spectators have been impressed. “Look at that, they are really organized,” said a fan, who was watching through the fence.
The practice ball: After each day Ross awards a practice ball to a player. “They don’t really get the ball,” Ross said. “They get my recognition.” Look for some agent to add an incentive clause to his client’s contract calling for a cash bonus if he’s honored by Ross. The winners to date: Nate Lewis, Yancey Thigpen and Eric Bieniemy.
Red beanies: Visitors to practice have wanted to know why several players have had to pull red beanies or stockings over their blue helmets? No, these are not players who have sworn an oath of allegiance to Dan Henning. These are tight ends, and they wear the red caps so the defense can identify them.
Computers: The Chargers used a computer to assemble their playbook, and keep everything on memory. Meanwhile, Big Brother, alias John Misciagna, the team’s quality control computer puncher, is watching, and he’s making note of every catch and dropped pass and feeding it to a computer. “I’m very in tune to detail,” Ross said. “You ask me each day how many passes have been dropped and I can tell you.” OK, so how many? “On the first day it was 10; eight the second day,” he said. “And I know who dropped them. I know how many we caught each day.” OK, so how many? “Forty-four the first day,” he said, “and 45 the second. I know what’s going on.” Hope no one unplugs the computer.
Defense: The expression, “Quiet as a church mouse,” was first used some 40 years ago in describing defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger. “Half of the time I’m looking for him out on the field,” said cornerback Gill Byrd. “He’s not out in front; he’s letting the other coaches coach. But you know who’s in control.” Arnsparger runs practice like a sedated conductor. He gracefully waves his arm right and then left, and on occasion has been known to even speak. “There’s not much to say,” said defensive lineman Burt Grossman. “Everything’s pretty basic. Last year the problem was everything was so confusing, and everybody was asking where they were supposed to line up. This is simple.”
Offense: Ross wants lots of movement before the ball is snapped to confuse defenders. A new cadence system will allow Friesz to change the play at the line of scrimmage, while trying to coax the defense to jump offsides. There will be two backs and an attempt for bigger plays down the field. If Friesz gets hurt, however, look for Ross to make like Henning and get the ball to Marion Butts.