Bolts ‘D’ working to create more turnovers
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Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
Ask a variety of NFL coaches and they’ll tell you that the most telling statistic in professional football is turnover ratio. Teams that finish in the black usually win a lot of games. Those in the red don’t.
In 2006, the Chargers committed just 15 turnovers, the fewest in the NFL. However, they finished tied for 15th in takeaways with 28, a number they’d like to see increase.
“That’s something we’ve talked about a lot, but there has been even more talk this year,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said. “If we consistently take the ball away, we’re giving our offense a chance to score a lot of points. We’re trying to find ways to create more turnovers.”
Said Head Coach Norv Turner, “It’s been emphasized since day one of the first mini camp.”
Through two preseason games, the Chargers have experienced some success taking the ball away. They’ve forced six turnovers in their opening two contests, not including an interception that was called back on a penalty. Three of the six takeaways were the result of the ball being stripped.
Linebacker Shaun Phillips, who forced two fumbles in Saturday night’s win at St. Louis, said the new coaching staff has introduced new drills in practice that have helped. Last season, inside linebackers coach Ron Rivera’s Chicago Bears led the NFL in takeaways and fumble recoveries. In 2001, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell’s New York Jets posted a league-best 39 takeaways.
“They came in and got us doing a couple extra things,” Phillips said. That’s how defenses practice. We’re doing a few new ball-stripping drills. We’re also seeing on tape who we can take advantage of. If a guy doesn’t protect the ball well, we know we can try to strip him. We’re just trying to find little things like that to help.”
Chargers players also believe they’ll have more opportunities to make interceptions thanks to some scheming Cottrell has cooked up.
“We’re mixing things up and disguising our coverages a lot better,” said cornerback Drayton Florence. “The quarterbacks don’t know what we’re doing or where we’re going to be. He’s got to try to read it on the run. He throws the ball where he thinks nobody is and somebody makes a play on it.”
The Chargers will also bank on their ability to get to the quarterback to help them create turnovers. The Bolts led the NFL in sacks with 61 last year and figure to field one of the league’s top pass rushing units again in 2007. Not only do sacks regularly result in fumbles, but pressure gives quarterbacks less time to make decisions and often leads them to make choices that aren’t the wisest.
“When you can rush the passer, you help create turnovers that other teams might not get,” Turner said. “We’re awfully fast and athletic. Guys get to the ball and have a chance to get it pulled out. That’s going to help us.”
Healing up
Several Chargers including tight end Antonio Gates, safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Anthony Waters were back on the practice field Tuesday after sitting out Monday. The only players to miss Tuesday’s work were defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (ankle), linebacker Matt Wilhelm (calf), guard Erik Robertson (ankle) and defensive end Igor Olshansky (groin).
Still catching
Wide receiver Greg Camarillo wowed fans again Tuesday afternoon with a leaping catch in traffic. When asked if it seems like Camarillo provides a highlight reel catch every day, Turner responded, “It does seem like that, doesn’t it. He’s really having a good camp. He’s not only done a good job catching the ball, but he’s done a good job on special teams.”
Through two preseason games, Camarillo has two receptions for 22 yards and also has two special teams tackles. Teammates seem to appreciate his work ethic and attention to detail.
“He reminds me a lot of an Eric Parker in the sense that he’s dependable,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “You know Greg is going to run his route and be at the right depth at the right time. He can play a lot of different positions. He understands the offense.”
Taking advantage
While the Chargers are anxious to get Wilhelm back on the field, his absence has given Tim Dobbins a chance to grow as a player. The second-year linebacker has started both preseason games in place of the injured Wilhelm and has caught the eyes of his coaches.
“It’s been good for Tim to have to come out and play,” Turner said. “I think he’s impressed us as a guy who can play.”
Dobbins has seven tackles in two preseason games.
Chandler shines
When the Chargers drafted tight end Scott Chandler, they knew they were getting a player that would use his 6-7 frame and his athleticism to make plays in the passing game. He’s done that with six catches for 59 yards this preseason. However, it’s his physical play in other areas that has his coaches smiling.
“I think every session, he’s gotten better with his feet, he’s gotten better with his hand placement and he’s gotten better with his shoulder level,” Turner said. “He’s a tall guy. He just has to keep learning how to play lower. He’s doing that and he’ll continue to get better as he continues to keep his shoulder pads down. He’s shown that he’s going to be a good player.”
Hot hand
Rivers has been solid throughout camp, and his competitiveness and leadership have brought some fire to the Bolts offense. The Chargers’ starting signal caller was particularly impressive Tuesday afternoon as he completed a 55-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson on a post pattern and then hit Malcom Floyd for big gain on a corner route.
Closing down
The last training camp practice open to fans will be held Wednesday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at Chargers Park. The team will break camp Thursday following an afternoon session that is closed to the public.
Godfrey signs
Former Chargers linebacker Randall Godfrey will continue his playing career as he signed a contract with the Washington Redskins Tuesday. Godfrey played for Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in 2000 as a member of the Tennessee Titans.
Mike Nowak, Chargers.com
Through two preseason games, the Chargers have forced six turnovers. That’s a trend they’d love to carry into the regular season, and they’re working on ways to improve their takeaway numbers.
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Training Camp: Tuesday Norv TurnerHead Coach Norv Turner talks today about how "games won in the league are earned" and how he feels certain players are playing so far in the preseason. |
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