Coaches impressed with Wilhelm’s efforts
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Thursday, Aug 02, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
A drop step, a quick read and another pass defended. While it was simply another play during a 7-on-7 drill Thursday afternoon, it was one that brought a huge smile to the face of Inside Linebackers Coach Ron Rivera and led to a big pat on Matt Wilhelm’s back.
“He’s developing the feel for what he needs to do,” Rivera said. “He’s starting to show the understanding of not only the defense that we’re playing but what the offense is trying to do against us. That’s very important in terms of your development as a player.”
Training camp has provided Wilhelm with the one thing he’s really needed in order to make a significant step forward: a substantial amount of snaps with the first team defense. Wilhelm has been around the ball and been very vocal on the field.
“He just needs to get reps,” Rivera said. “He hasn’t played a lot on defense. He’s played sparingly in certain situations. As he gets more and more practice time, he’ll get a better feel for what we’re doing. I’ve seen that in our first week of camp.”
The little things such as the plays he’s made on the ball in 7-on-7 have been a confidence builder for Wilhelm and helped him see that he’s gotten where he’s supposed to be. As he enters his first year as an NFL starter, the Chargers will count on Wilhelm to play a key role in their defense, which is something he’s looking forward to.
“I’m going to be a playmaker,” Wilhelm said. “I’m going to make plays. I’m being tested every day in practice. There’s nothing more you can ask for, playing opposite of LT, Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers. To work against them every day is extremely helpful for me as a player. It’s been a good week and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as we move forward.”
If you want to find Wilhelm between plays of practice, simply look for Rivera. The fifth-year pro is never far from his position coach, whom he has already forged a strong relationship with.
“Coach Rivera’s rap sheet is extremely long,” Wilhelm said. “He played in a Super Bowl as a player and coached in one as well. He’s worked with Pro Bowlers and guided the number one defense in the league. Any little small tidbit he can give me to help me become a more complete football player, I’m going to eat it up.”
Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner has been impressed with Wilhelm’s play but also recognized the enthusiasm he and fellow inside linebacker Stephen Cooper have shown.
“I think the biggest thing is that they’re sure thrilled about the opportunity (to start),” Turner said. “Watching them and talking to them you can see that. There are certain times you get a great opportunity and they’re going to make the most of it. They’re both very, very serious about what they’re doing. They’re working very, very hard mentally. I expect both of them just to grow and take off mentally as they get to play more.”
Olshansky returns
Defensive end Igor Olshansky hadn’t suited up with his teammates since suffering a strained groin Saturday, but the four-year veteran was back on the field for Thursday’s lone practice. Olshansky participated in individual drills with his teammates and Turner believes his starting right end should be back to full speed soon.
Safety Clinton Hart (hip) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (lower leg) did not work Thursday afternoon due to minor nicks.
“You start getting into some of those little things that keep you out, and we’re being precautionary,” Turner said. “If we can keep those nagging things from becoming something bigger than that, that will help us.”
Joining them on the sideline were wide receiver Eric Parker (toe), safety Miguel Merrick and linebacker Brandon Siler (ribs).
Stepping up
With Hart out, rookie Eric Weddle got his first opportunity to run with the first team. The Bolts’ second-round pick was around the ball all afternoon, and Turner couldn’t help but notice.
“When guys make plays, you have to see them,” Turner said. “Eric has shown great range through the early practices with the young guys and he continues it. He’s got very good short-range quickness and breaks on the ball. That was the thing we loved about him in college. He just finds a way to get to the ball. The quickness, the reaction and some guys just have a sense for what the offense is trying to do.”
During third down work, Steve Gregory took snaps with the first time at the dime safety spot. Gregory was a valued special team player a year ago and has also made several plays on the ball during the first week of camp.
Change up
Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst took a majority of the snaps with the second-team offensive Thursday afternoon. Turner said it was an opportunity to get Whitehurst some more work.
“If you split it every day, you never get into a rhythm,” Turner said. “Billy (Volek) got most of it yesterday and Charlie got most of it today. I think Billy will do it all tomorrow.”
Mike Nowak, Chargers.com
Linebacker Matt Wilhelm has had a strong first week of training camp and has drawn praise from his coaches after making several plays in practice.
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Training Camp: Thursday Norv TurnerAfter Thursdays practice Head Coach Norv Turner talks with members of the media about the special teams. |
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Sights and Sounds: Night PracticeMore than 4,000 fans showed up at Chargers Park Wednesday evening as the team hosted its first night practice of 2007 training camp. |
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