Charger vs. 49rs Post Game Analysis

Well, rookie running back Gartrell Johnson looked much more comfortable in the offense tonight, allowing his blocks to set up and consistently running over the first tackler (though mostly against the 2nd and 3rd stringers). He displayed great power and more quickness if not great speed. His toughness is something special though I still worry he's going to get hurt. He did drop an easy screen pass and almost fumble but overall, he simply had a great game and deserves to make the 53-man roster.

The problem? Michael Bennett, though he had fewer carries, made the most of it looking like a veteran starting running back. Many teams would like to have this guy. On one screen pass he leaped over a tackler then made two quick moves completely spinning around a corner back and running right by him.

If it comes down to a decision between Johnson, Bennett and fullback Mike Tolbert, I think Tolbert should be the one pushed off the plank to the practice squad.

Starting full back Jacob Hester also had a nice night catching a couple passes in the flat, then using his speed to turn the corner. The play-action pass to Hester will be consistent 5-yard gainer all season long. How can defenses cover him well with all the other weapons on the field? I just hope his run blocking improves.

Chargers vs. 49rs Preseason Preview

The best thing about tonight's game is that it's the last preseason game and we get to some real football in two weeks (next week against the Raiders doesn't count). This will probably be the least eventful game in terms of seeing much from guys who will play in the regular season and it looks like just about all of the roster decisions have been made as well.

The UT has reported that the Chargers will probably keep full back Mike Tolbert over running back Michael Bennett. While I'm feeling wise and vindicated as this was my original prediction weeks ago, Bennett's recent play has changed my mind. I think they should find a way to keep Bennett. Here's why:

• With an aging LaDanian Tomlinson and a Shawne Merriman in the last year of his contract, this isn't the year to plan for the future. The Chargers should make the run now and Bennett is capable of making huge plays, while Tolbert is just a back-up and good special teams player who wasn't greatly effective before he got injured last year anyway.



• Tight End Kris Wilson played a version of full back in Kansas City and can back up as needed.



• Rookie running back Gartrell Johnson hasn't shown much yet in preseason. With the way he runs straight up and gets popped, he has a greater chance of getting injured as a back- up than LT as a starter. Let Bennett fill that role.



• Tolbert may be able to be put on reserve on the practice squad without getting picked up, while Bennett will be immediately snatched by a division rival like Denver or even worse, a good team like the Patriots that we'll have to see in the playoffs.
  

I'm a big fan of AJ Smith, but I hope he doesn't stubbornly stick to preconceived notions here without considering what Bennett might do for us this year.

The only other thing I'm looking for tonight is for Larry English to get some more playing time and see if he can get to the quarterback and get more comfortable in the defense.