Guard Kris Dielman officially announced his retirement today at a press conference. Here is the link to the official video from chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/media-vault/videos/Kris-Dielman/c46aef57-f367-4277-b378-9dedd8a3f292
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Kris Dielman Update
The Chargers have officailly scheduled a press conference for 10:00 tomorrow to announce the retirement of Kris Dielman. Dielman, who went undrafted out of Indiana, spent all nine seasons of his career with the Chargers. I will try to find a link to the press conference, either video or podcast, for you all to see. Here is to Kris Dielman, monster in the middle.
Kris Dielman to Officially Retire
The San Diego Chargers will start training camp for the first time in 9 years without one of their best lineman, and more importantly, one of the nicest players on the team. Guard Kris Dielman, who suffered a concussion late in the 4th quarter of a game against the New York Jets last year, is set to officially announce his retirement tomorrow during a press conference. Dielman didn't leave the game after suffering the concussion. On the team's flight home, Dielman suffered a grand mal seizure during the flight. Dielman has not played since then. It is sad to see anybody end their career due to injury. Dielman has been an outstanding guard for the Chargers, earning multiple trips to the Pro Bowl. While Dielman will be remembered as a great player on the field, we shouldn't forget about his character. Dielman, who was a free agent in 2007, was offered a huge contract by the Seahawks that year, yet Dielman turned it down to remain a Charger. To Dielman, San Diego was home. I have to respect the man for not chasing the money. It seems to be an all too common practice these days. Having someone do that is always a good thing to see. In the end Dielman will be remembered for his great play, his tireless effort, and his intelligence. So to Kris Dielman we wish the best of luck. San Diego will always think highly of you.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Eisen Sets Personal Best for Combine 40.
Rich Eisen has made his annual 40 yard dash a part of the combine. It is always fun to watch. The guy tries hard each run and is absolutely hilarious to watch. I have to give props to Eisen for running each year. The saddest part is that he could beat me easily. Here is the video courtesy of nfl.com : http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d82745c1http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine-total-access/09000d5d82745c19/Rich-Eisen-runs-the-40
Charger Madness now has a Facebook Page
Charger Madness has launched a facebook page. Just search Charger Madness on facebook and like to join.
A Run Around the Rumor Mill
Rumors are just a part of the off-season. They will not go away, so why not take a look at a few of them?
The rumor out of San Diego, even appearing on ESPN, is that the Chargers are going to DE Luis Castillo. Castillo, who is 28, suffered a broken leg in the first game of the 2011 season, missing the entire season. Castillo, a seven year veteran, is reportedly going to be cut to save cap room. Cutting Castillo would likely save the Chargers roughly 1 million in cap space. Here is the link to Bill Williamson's short report on the rumor from ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7621119/san-diego-chargers-plan-release-de-luis-castillo-source-says
Another issue that keeps coming up is the possible retirement of Guard Kris Dielman. Dielman, who has been with the Chargers for 9 seasons, suffered a concussion during the season last year. While this is not something uncommon in the NFL, what was a problem was that Dielman went back into the game. Following the game,Dielman suffered a seizure on the team's flight home. The rumors have been flying the past few weeks as to the fate of Dielman's career. Up until just a few days ago, many expected Dielman to return to the team, but over the last few days, it appears that Dielman is moving closer to retirement. Dielman has been a great lineman for the Chargers, but if he retires, I have to applaud him for placing his health at such a high priority. Yahoo writer Mark Miller had a short piece on Dielman. Here is the link: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/NFLDRAFT-scoop-du-jour/chargers-kris-dielman-planning-retire-112911958.html
As per usual, all of this must be taken with a grain of salt. Are these moves likely? maybe. We will see in due time. For the time being, we wait.
The rumor out of San Diego, even appearing on ESPN, is that the Chargers are going to DE Luis Castillo. Castillo, who is 28, suffered a broken leg in the first game of the 2011 season, missing the entire season. Castillo, a seven year veteran, is reportedly going to be cut to save cap room. Cutting Castillo would likely save the Chargers roughly 1 million in cap space. Here is the link to Bill Williamson's short report on the rumor from ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7621119/san-diego-chargers-plan-release-de-luis-castillo-source-saysAnother issue that keeps coming up is the possible retirement of Guard Kris Dielman. Dielman, who has been with the Chargers for 9 seasons, suffered a concussion during the season last year. While this is not something uncommon in the NFL, what was a problem was that Dielman went back into the game. Following the game,Dielman suffered a seizure on the team's flight home. The rumors have been flying the past few weeks as to the fate of Dielman's career. Up until just a few days ago, many expected Dielman to return to the team, but over the last few days, it appears that Dielman is moving closer to retirement. Dielman has been a great lineman for the Chargers, but if he retires, I have to applaud him for placing his health at such a high priority. Yahoo writer Mark Miller had a short piece on Dielman. Here is the link: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/NFLDRAFT-scoop-du-jour/chargers-kris-dielman-planning-retire-112911958.htmlAs per usual, all of this must be taken with a grain of salt. Are these moves likely? maybe. We will see in due time. For the time being, we wait.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Top 5 Quarterbacks in the NFL
As the league continues to move more and more towards the pass, the value of a quarterback is higher now then it has ever been. With that in mind, Chargermadness ranks the top 5 quarterbacks in the league today*. (Due to the unknown nature of the Peyton Manning situation, this list may or may not end up revised)
1) Tom Brady: As much as it pains me to say this, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the league. The guy has 3 rings, holds the single season touchdown mark, and has consistently produced regardless of the talent around him. Brady is a first ballot lock for the HOF. He has great touch and just always seems to know what to do with the ball. He isn't afraid to throw to any receiver or against any look. Brady seems to always find the open man. While his career may be coming to an end sometime in the next 5 or so years, i expect him to earn at least 1 more ring.
2) Aaron Rodgers: Remember what I said about quarterbacks being valuable? See Rodgers for the perfect example. Rodgers is only just beginning his career as a starter, having rode the bench behind Brett Favre for several years. Rodgers is surrounded by great talent and has the ability to make all the throws and has one of the best deep balls I have seen as of late. Rodgers is mobile enough to make a difference, but what may be his most valuable asset is his leadership ability. Already in possession of 1 ring, Rodgers and the Packers are poised to make many more deep playoff runs.
3) Drew Brees: Until he passed Marino's single season yardage marker, Brees had always played second fiddle to Brady and Peyton Manning, even the hype around his Super Bowl win died down. Brees has always kind of been the overlooked guy of this trio. Brees has an exceptional understanding of the game and is also surrounded by an incredible amount of talent, both on the offensive line and the skill positions. Brees has great accuracy with his throws and always finds the open man. Breaking Marino's record has only further cemented Brees as an elite quarterback.
4) Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben is the definition of a tough quarterback. We have seen his game develop over the years, and this can is evident both in his numbers and the Steelers..... gasp..... passing the ball more! Roethlisberger has the all important ability to extend the play and stand tall in the pocket. With great weapons around him in receivers such as Mike Wallace and emerging youngster Antonio Brown, Big Ben should continue to put up great numbers. While he may not always throw the best ball, he gets the job done. He plays through pain and has matured greatly as a player over the last few years. He may not always have huge numbers, but he always seems to put the Steelers in a position to win.
5) Philip Rivers: Rounding out this list is Philip Rivers. The only thing really holding Rivers back is his lack of post-season success. Rivers has an amazing deep ball and has a fire to play the game with amazing intensity. How many other NFL quarterbacks would chase down a defender to make a tackle? Rivers fits Turner's deep passing game very well. With his leadership ability and arm strength, he should earn a ring at some point. It really just depends on how the team around him plays. We saw two years ago just how good Rivers really is when he basically dealt with reserve and practice squad players for a good majority of the year as numerous receivers battled injuries. Rivers still produced at an amazing level. He makes those around him look all the better. While he ma have one of the oddest throwing motions to come along before Tim Tebow, Rivers usually holds up his end of the bargain.
Honorable Mentions: Eli Manning, Matt Ryan
1) Tom Brady: As much as it pains me to say this, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the league. The guy has 3 rings, holds the single season touchdown mark, and has consistently produced regardless of the talent around him. Brady is a first ballot lock for the HOF. He has great touch and just always seems to know what to do with the ball. He isn't afraid to throw to any receiver or against any look. Brady seems to always find the open man. While his career may be coming to an end sometime in the next 5 or so years, i expect him to earn at least 1 more ring.
2) Aaron Rodgers: Remember what I said about quarterbacks being valuable? See Rodgers for the perfect example. Rodgers is only just beginning his career as a starter, having rode the bench behind Brett Favre for several years. Rodgers is surrounded by great talent and has the ability to make all the throws and has one of the best deep balls I have seen as of late. Rodgers is mobile enough to make a difference, but what may be his most valuable asset is his leadership ability. Already in possession of 1 ring, Rodgers and the Packers are poised to make many more deep playoff runs.
3) Drew Brees: Until he passed Marino's single season yardage marker, Brees had always played second fiddle to Brady and Peyton Manning, even the hype around his Super Bowl win died down. Brees has always kind of been the overlooked guy of this trio. Brees has an exceptional understanding of the game and is also surrounded by an incredible amount of talent, both on the offensive line and the skill positions. Brees has great accuracy with his throws and always finds the open man. Breaking Marino's record has only further cemented Brees as an elite quarterback.
5) Philip Rivers: Rounding out this list is Philip Rivers. The only thing really holding Rivers back is his lack of post-season success. Rivers has an amazing deep ball and has a fire to play the game with amazing intensity. How many other NFL quarterbacks would chase down a defender to make a tackle? Rivers fits Turner's deep passing game very well. With his leadership ability and arm strength, he should earn a ring at some point. It really just depends on how the team around him plays. We saw two years ago just how good Rivers really is when he basically dealt with reserve and practice squad players for a good majority of the year as numerous receivers battled injuries. Rivers still produced at an amazing level. He makes those around him look all the better. While he ma have one of the oddest throwing motions to come along before Tim Tebow, Rivers usually holds up his end of the bargain.
Honorable Mentions: Eli Manning, Matt Ryan
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