More Empty Talk, This Time it's Shawne Merriman

In a preseason article from the New York Times, pro-bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman discussed his focus on revitalizing the Chargers defense. After missing the majority of the Chargers 2008 season because of torn ligaments in his knee, Merriman said that his intent was re-tooling the pass rush that was 22nd in the league last year.

It seems to me so far that his intent hasn't quite been reached for a team that is 23rd in rushing defense and 28th in sacks so far this season. Merriman obviously was all talk, because now in the seventh week of the 2009 season, he has only made seven tackles and has yet to record a sack.

Some say that the defense is suffering because of the loss of Jamal Williams for the season, but I am sick and tired of this excuse. One player doesn't make a defense. Ron Rivera needs to get his act together. The Chargers defense seems like a much more timid defense then we have seen in the past, and when Papa Bear Williams is unavailable to play, the defense still has to. The Charger defense is also 26th in the NFL on opponent third down conversions because with the loss of a pass rush, even JaMarcus Russell can convert on third down.

Merriman Motivated to Regain Old Form [NY Times]