Defense Second-Guessing Aggressiveness

Mamba · Sep 12, 2008

There was the short pass to Carolina's Dwayne Jarrett that Antonio Cromartie tried to jump, got a hand on but did not keep from Jarrett. Gain of 25 yards.

There was a similar play that happened to Antoine Cason. And even to Quentin Jammer, who prefers usually to play it safe and just knock a ball down.

“Yeah,” Jammer said with an almost-sheepish smile. “We were going for picks. Turnovers change the complexion of the game.”

This secondary knows that well. It had a big hand in the Chargers leading the NFL in 2007 with 30 interceptions.

With that past success in mind, many of the Chargers' defensive backs acknowledged they were trying a little too hard for the game-changing play. Their only turnover against the Panthers, though, was a forced fumble by Cason in the fourth quarter.

Cromartie blamed his attempt on his missing a call change in the defense. He thought he had safety help behind him, which would have made his try for a pick justifiable.

From his vantage point, defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell did not think the secondary was trying too hard for picks. He applauded their aggressiveness.

“We don't stop them from trying to make a play on the ball,” Cottrell said. “If a guy thinks he can make a play on the ball, he does. They have to use their judgment.”

Nonetheless, the secondary has been talking about and working on remaining disciplined this week.

“You can't jeopardize the success of the defense by playing outside of yourself,” strong safety Clinton Hart said. “Stay in the defense.”

Cromartie, who led the NFL with 10 interceptions last season, believes the Chargers should continue to play as they did, if only smarter. They did come close to four or five interceptions Sunday.

“And when they start coming, they're going to come,” he said. “As a secondary we have to continue doing what we're supposed to – playing physical and attacking the ball.” Injury update Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson got treatment for his sore right big toe and didn't practice for the second straight day. He said he expects to practice today.

“It felt a lot better than (Wednesday),” Tomlinson said of the toe he hurt on the Chargers' last offensive series in the season-opening loss to Carolina. “Just another day of treatment and rest. It did real good. . . . I'll practice (today).”

Tomlinson reiterated he “definitely” will play Sunday in Denver.

Cromartie, who has a bruised hip, also missed his second straight practice. “I think he'll do all right,” head coach Norv Turner said.

Left tackle Marcus McNeill, who hasn't practiced since two days before the exhibition opener because of a bulging disk, took a positive step toward possibly returning Sept. 22 against the New York Jets.

With his helmet on, McNeill worked on the side with strength and conditioning coach Jeff Hurd
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http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/sep/11/chargernotes214144-unit-second-guessing-its-aggres/

I think they were overly aggressive and it hurt them. However, I don't mind it that much. Gambling on defense either benefits you or you get burned. We got burned this time, that won't always be the case. When you've got a talent like Cromartie, you have to gamble. Jammer, I don't like gambling so much.

I think they'll be a little more reserved Sunday, especially with how Cutler looked against Oakland.

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Defense Second-Guessing Aggressiveness

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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Defense Second-Guessing Aggressiveness

Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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