Chargers' Merriman irked by GM Smith's 'soft' quip

Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman isn't happy with a comment from general manager A.J. Smith that the team's play at times this year has been "soft and bewildered." Merriman at first declined to comment after practice Wednesday, but then said: "That's an opinion of a person, and it's not needed. We know that we have to play better." Merriman said the only opinions he's interested in hearing are those of his teammates.