B.I.G. Preseason Week 4 News - 2014 - Fridge Combat's Dynasty

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B.I.G. Preseason Week 4 News - 2014

Posted on August 11, 2015 at 06:17 AM.

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Bolts Insider

The Preseason is finally in the books! Many teams can breathe a sigh of relief, as everyone managed to dodge the injury bullet this week. Our Chargers have been especially lucky, as they avoided any injuries altogether over four weeks!

As we step into the Regular Season, teams will complete their final round of cutting this week, and many unfortunates will be waiting for a phone call.

Signed:

SD - M. Elam SS - 570K - The first of three moves made by the Chargers this week. So far in his career, the former Ravens first Round pick is considered a bust. Granted he has not played to the standard expected, but maybe the expectations were too much. If he has anything though, it's piles of athleticism and potential.
The Chargers currently carry two SSs in Addae and Wilson. Word is, that the coaching staff don't believe either to be the answer at the position. If Elam plays at his expected level, there is a high chance he may breaking the starting line-up next year. His future rests in his own hands.

Revival?: Once the Ravens showed him the door, many believed Elam's career to be done. We will see what his future holds in San Diego.

SD - M. Barkley QB - 730K - Now after such an abysmal start to a career and being let go last week, many would question the decision to sign Barkley, dig deeper and it becomes more clear. The Chargers currently carry two QBs, Rivers is incumbent, Clemens has performed well but is no spring chicken. God forbid one, (or both!), QBs go down then what? And what if Clemens retires? That's either a draft pick, or more money in free agency to sign his replacement.
That's a lot of if's. But having Barkley now makes sense, with some training and a year in the system, he will be a cheaper and possibly more viable option next year should the Chargers need someone. Besides, Rivers ain't young either, so a young QB might be just what they need.

SD - A. Blake CB - 660K - Former FS turned Corner, is the final Chargers signing. Though short in stature at 5' 9" and lacking experience, his break neck speed means he will be valuable in the return game alongside Reese and Jones. Perhaps with some grooming he will make a decent slot corner, with his athleticism.

ATL - M. Williams WR - 1.62M - Williams' stint in the NFL started very well, setting a franchise record for TDs in a season, and leading all WRs in his class in receptions and yards. Since then he has had a stint of injuries, and was recently cut by the Bills. Now Atlanta has decided to make it's receiving corps even more ridiculous!
Next to Julio Jones and Roddy White, Williams will probably play in the slot. Should any go down though, he has starting receiver experience and ability, so he would be a nice fall-back player.

Released:

SD - D. Brown HB - The former Colt is finally out of San Diego. After following Telesco to his new home, Brown has been a depth guy at best, but a back-loaded contract that hamstrung the Chargers kept him on the squad. With spaces running out, San Diego eats the penalty and sends Brown on his way.

HOU - N. Washington WR - With the addition of Sidney Rice, (and this year's drafted Jaelen Strong), the Texans cut ties with Washington. This seems an odd choice as it could be argued that Washington is just as good if not better than Rice in his production. Still, this makes him one of the better receivers in free agency, with some juice left in the tank, which someone may need down the line.

TEN - M. Griffin SS - (Again, this is probably down to an undeserved low rating) The former first round safety has been moved, in what seems to be a questionable move by Tennessee. Since his arrival, Griffin has had a sound career, including a seven INT season in 2008. What spurred this move is unknown, but we'll be surprised if he hangs around for too long.

PIT - J. Harrison OLB - The most feared player in the NFL is back on the market. Whatever it is between Harrison and the Steelers, this roundabout of sign-release is probably over for good. Harrison can play stand up in a 3-4 and potentially do some damage with his hand in the ground. We expect him to find a home pretty soon!

The End?: Will this be the last time we see Harrison on the gridiron? Let's hope not, without his notoriety the League would be dull!

OAK - T. Richardson HB - How far the apple has fallen from the tree for Richardson. After a stellar rookie year, he was soon traded by the new Cleveland staff for a 1st Rounder from the Colts. Since then, Richardson has been ultimately ineffective at the Pro level. Now his short stint at Oakland is over, it's possible his NFL career is done.

NE - D. Amendola WR - The apparent successor to Wes Welker is on the market again. Amendola has floated between a couple of teams now, after some pretty serious injuries have left him sidelined for many of his years, so any teams that grab him now will have to consider his history. But he's an extremely talented slot receiver and could help a bunch of teams of he can stay on the field.

CAR - R. Harper SS - After the loss of 'Peanut' Tillman, you would think the Panthers would want to keep as many secondary players as possible. Instead they have cut ties with the experienced former Saint. The Pathers have very little depth in the secondary, so the front seven will have to be the driving force of the defense, (as before), and pressure will be on Cam Newton to keep the team on the board.

DET - R. Mathis CB - Mathis holds quite a few franchise records with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he's had a few injured seasons recently but that's something to overlook right? Apparently not, if you're Detroit. He now becomes the best corner in free agency, leaving this Detroit team with a fairly weak secondary.

NYG - C. Jenkins DT - Who knows what's going on in New York right now! First Mike Patterson is let go, then Cullen Jenkins? Both productive players, and former teammates! So surely that kind of chemistry would be a massive bonus? Maybe not, or so the Giants believe. New York has a plethora of defensive linemen, so they probably won't be too poorly off, but Jenkins is another talented DT in the shuffle.

ATL - D. Hester WR - The greatest kick-returner in NFL history is looking for a job. It's difficult to fathom that teams still want to lean on the 'Hester WR experiment', rather than just take him for what he is, the best returner in the NFL. Unfortunately, the life of a returner has a shelf-life, and it's true Hester doesn't quite have the wheels that he used to, and without them what is his purpose?
Someone may take him for his ability alone, but there are younger, faster options out there, we hope Hester's HOF career end this way.

Hester on his way to free agency.

DAL - D. McFadden HB - Thought to be the successor for the great season of DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys have instead decided not to take a gamble on McFadden. In a career plagued with injuries, he has never lived up to expectations. From his college days to the flashes of Regular Season greatness, it's easy to see why people fall on the hype train. But with very few 16 game seasons under his belt, it's tough to see anyone take the risk on McFadden at his age.

DEN - A. Smith DT - Self designated as 'The Ninja', Smith is taking his awful nickname to free agency. This isn't such a huge deal to the Texans who still have a solid front seven. Smith is big enough to play in a 4-3 or DE in a 3-4, which should make him a valuable commodity. But age is a factor, and it's unclear whether the cost-age ratio is going to be worth it for a year.

DEN - R. Hillman HB - After a short stint with the Broncos, the former Aztec is now on a long list of RB free agents. He has some fumbles in big moments, and some question his durability, but at 23 he has the tools to be a solid back with some coaching.

Next week we will have a special edition of our newsletter, where we will recap the Chargers' Preseason, and have a look at our upcoming schedule. Providing analysis, and all the good, (and bad!), that me can look forward to in the Regular Season!

The Bolts Insider is an independent news-letter, created by a long-time, avid Charger fan, dedicated to bringing you all the top news and results as they happen!

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