nfl notebook: judge gives stallworth 30 days in...

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NFL Notebook: Judge gives Stallworth 30 days in jailSentence includes many other aspects Wednesday, June 17, 2009 By The Associated Press

Accepting responsibility for the drunk-driving crash that killed a pedestrian on Miami Beach, NFL player Donte' Stallworthpleaded guilty yesterday and was sentenced to serve one month in a Miami-Dade County jail.

Stallworth, 28, was immediately taken into custody.

After he gets out, Stallworth will serve two years of house arrest followed by eight years' probation, according to his plea deal. He also will lose his driving privileges for life and have to perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Stallworth also has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to the Reyes family.

"I will continue to bear this burden the rest of my life," Stallworth told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy, who imposed the sentence.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver was charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of Mario Reyes, 59, a crane operator who was crossing the MacArthur Causeway the morning of March 14 to catch the bus home when he was struck and killed.

Stallworth, driving a black Bentley, had a blood alcohol level of .126, well above the legal limit, according to prosecutors. He had been drinking at a posh Miami Beach nightclub earlier that morning.

Prosecutors filed formal charges June 4, and Stallworth had pleaded not guilty. The unusually speedy end to the case came at the urging of the Reyes family, which wanted to resolve the matter to avoid further emotional trauma.

In offering the deal, prosecutors considered Stallworth's clean-driving record, remorse for Reyes' death and his cooperation with investigators.

Stallworth's sentence also provides for these special conditions while he is on probation:

• Drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment if recommended.

• Random drug-testing.

• $2,500 donation to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

• $2,500 donation to Parents of Murdered Children.

• 1,000 hours of community service, with all community service projects performed with the input and consent of the state attorney's office. These may include public-service announcements and speaking engagements with children about the danger and risks associated with drugs, alcohol and driving, and how this case has affected him.

• Cost recovery to the Miami Beach Police Department of $1,842.88.

• Cost recovery to Miami-Dade Police Department of $813.14.

• Court costs of $583.

Patriots

New England signed Penn State offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger, their fourth-round draft pick. He was the first draft pick to sign with the Patriots this year.

Panthers

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Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart says he will be ready for the start of training camp after being out all offseason with pain in his left Achilles' tendon. Stewart revealed details of the injury for the first time, saying the pain flared in offseason conditioning in February and likely stemmed from favoring his left foot after toe surgery last offseason. He was unable to practice at minicamp last month or in optional workouts this month.

Packers

Green Bay signed three defensive players taken on the second day of the NFL draft: defensive end Jarius Wynn (Georgia), cornerback Brandon Underwood (Cincinnati) and linebacker Brad Jones (Colorado).

First published on June 17, 2009 at 12:00 am

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Steelers RB Parker sprinting to stay ahead By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Following a recent Steelers practice, Willie Parker stayed on the field after many of his teammates had retired to the showers.

He ran a series of sprints and at times had a sled with weights on it strapped to his bulging shoulders. After the extra work that is the rule rather than the exception for Parker, the sixth-year veteran said something that may bode well for a running game that proved to be rather pedestrian last season.

"I'm getting that speed back like I had two or three years ago," Parker said while still trying to catch his breath. "I'm faster than I've been."

The Steelers are counting on a healthy Parker — he missed fives games in 2008 with knee and shoulder problems — to bolster a running attack that ranked 23rd in the NFL last season with just under 106 yards per game.

And after averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry Parker is returning to his roots in that he is carrying himself as the player who broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent — not the player who has made a pair of Pro Bowls and nearly won a rushing title in 2007.

"That's my mindset, man, just going back to my first year and doing the things I used to do," Parker said.

"He wants to be better so he's working a little harder than he did last year, and I don't blame the guy," Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson said. "He's got a lot to prove in his mind, and he's on a mission to accomplish that so my hat's off to him."

One thing the 5-foot-10, 209-pounder wants to prove is that he is not entering the downside of his career, which can often be the case with 28-year-old running backs who have absorbed a lot of hits as Parker has.

In that sense, it is a critical time for Parker and not just because he is entering the final year of his contract. Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2008, has fully recovered from a shoulder injury that prematurely ended his rookie season.

The Steelers are hoping Mendenhall can make the kind of jump that 2007 first-round pick Lawrence Timmons did in his second season. Coach Mike Tomlin is noncommittal, however, when asked how Mendenhall will factor into the

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running game this season.

"I'm just simply asking him to have the savvy and awareness of a second-year player," Tomlin said. "How he plays will determine his role."

There is little doubt that Mendenhall will push Parker if he stays healthy, something the latter said he welcomes.

"I love to compete," Parker said, "and Rashard's getting it out of me."

That was evident a couple weeks ago when rain forced the Steelers to practice indoors. Parker stayed afterwards to run. He was still working out even after some of his teammates had already changed and left the team's South Side facility.

Parker didn't run from the time the Steelers won the Super Bowl at the beginning of February until they resumed practicing in late April. It's apparent, however, that he hardly neglected his conditioning.

And that he has since made up for lost time.

Parker's stomach is flatter than a chess board, and he boasts a ripped upper body as well.

While the Steelers are finished with practice until the start of training camp at the end of July, Parker said he plans to push himself even harder while he is away.

His training will include regular sessions in his native North Carolina and Florida so he can incorporate heat and humidity into the workouts.

Tomlin said last week the top priority for the Steelers players should be returning for camp in good shape. One player he will not have to worry about in that regard is Parker.

"I love the work ethic," Wilson said of Parker, "and I think he sets a great example not only just for the young guys, but his teammates overall because he's putting it in."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email protected] or 412-481-5432.

Images and text copyright © 2009 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

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The Replacements: AFC West

June 16, 2009 12:05 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

A look at the key loss and his replacement for each team in the division:

Denver Broncos

Who's out: Jay Cutler, quarterback, traded to Chicago.

Who's in: Kyle Orton, quarterback, acquired from Chicago.

Outlook: It would be impossible for Broncos fans to expect Orton to have the same impact that Cutler had. Orton simply isn't as talented as Cutler.

But in new Denver coach Josh McDaniels' system, the team is confident Orton, who was named Denver's starting quarterback over Chris Simms on Saturday, can manage games and help win games.

Orton was a decent player in Chicago. Cutler was becoming a great player in Denver before he butted heads with McDaniels. Orton probably never will make the highlight-film plays that Cutler does and he never will amass the passing yardage Cutler does. But McDaniels believes Orton will work well in the system. Denver wants the run to set up the pass and Orton has the best receiving weapons of his career. He may not be fancy and he won't make people forget about Cutler's arm, but Orton has a chance to succeed in Denver because of the system that helped Matt Cassel enjoy fast success in New England last year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Who's out: Tony Gonzalez, tight end, traded to Atlanta.

Who's in: Brad Cottam, tight end.

Outlook: Cottam will have some

Cutler Orton

The Replacements

• Tuesday: AFC North | West • Wednesday: AFC South | East • Thursday: NFC South | East • Friday: NFC North | NFC West

Gonzalez Cottam

competition, including journeymen Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis. But the team likes Cottam, who was a third-round pick last year. The thing is, Cottam is more of a blocking tight end and will not remind anyone of Gonzalez, who is the greatest receiving tight end of all time.

But Cottam will get dirty and help in the running game. New Kansas City coach Todd Haley used the tight end sparingly as the offensive coordinator in Arizona. So, Cottam won't have that much pressure on him to make an impact in the receiving game.

Oakland Raiders

Who's out: Kwame Harris, left tackle, cut.

Who's in: Mario Henderson, left tackle.

Outlook: Khalif Barnes was signed as a free agent to replace Harris, who flopped in one season in Oakland. However, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Henderson is beating out Barnes heading to training camp.

Oakland coach Tom Cable likes Henderson, a third-year player. Still, Barnes was brought in to start. So, Henderson will have to earn the job. This has long been a problem position for Oakland. Perhaps it will be the young Henderson who offers stability.

San Diego Chargers

Who's out: Mike Goff, guard, signed with Kansas City as a free agent.

Who's in: Louis Vasquez, guard.

Outlook: Vasquez will battle with veteran Kynan Forney, who was originally expected to replace Goff, whom the team did not pursue in free agency.

However, Vasquez, a third-round pick, has been outstanding in the spring. If Vasquez has a strong training camp and preseason, expect him to win the job. The Chargers are looking for a long-term answer at the position and they believe it could be Vasquez.

Replacements, Replacements AFC, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardnals, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton,

Harris Henderson

Goff Vasquez

Josh McDaniels, Matt Cassel, Tony Gonzalez, Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis, Todd Haley, Kwame Harris, Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes, Tom Cable, Mike Goff, Louis Vasquez, Kynan Forney

Read comments or leave a comment

The Replacements: AFC North

June 16, 2009 12:00 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

A look at the key loss and his replacement for each team in the division:

Baltimore Ravens

Who's out: Jason Brown, center, St. Louis Rams

Who's in: Matt Birk, center

Outlook: Although losing linebacker Bart Scott also was important, the center position could be even more vital because the Ravens play in the AFC North against quality defensive tackles such as Shaun Rogers, Casey Hampton and Domata Peko.

Baltimore is a physical, run-oriented team, and Brown was the top centerin the division last year. Brown was very important in the team's three-headed rushing attack. The Ravens will use the same system in 2009 behind Birk, who is a six-time Pro Bowler. But he also is 32 and has some injury concerns.

Cincinnati Bengals

Who's out: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, wide receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Who's in: Laveranues Coles, wide receiver

Outlook: The Bengals lost a veteran receiver and got a solid veteran

Brown Birk

Houshmandzadeh Coles

replacement in Coles.

Similar to Houshmandzadeh, Coles should have a lot of opportunities to make plays with No. 1 receiver Chad Ochocinco garnering most of the attention. Although Coles probably won't catch 90 or 100 balls like "Housh" did with the Bengals, 60 or 70 receptions would be a good year for Coles.

Quarterback Carson Palmer has worked hard to develop chemistry with his newest receiver this offseason in hopes that it pays off down the road.

Cleveland Browns

Who's out: Kellen Winslow Jr., tight end, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who's in: Robert Royal, tight end

Outlook: Really, you could pick a number of replacements with the Browns because of the significant turnover of this year's roster. But their biggest trade this offseason involved shipping former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. to Tampa Bay.

Cleveland signed former Buffalo Bills tight end Robert Royal, who coach Eric Mangini was familiar with as the former coach of the New York Jets in the AFC East. Royal is more of a 30-catch tight end than an 80-catch tight end. But Cleveland expects to be a run-heavy team in 2009 where high production from that position isn't a necessity.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Who's out: Larry Foote, inside linebacker, Detroit Lions

Who's in: Lawrence Timmons, inside linebacker

Outlook: Despite his inexperience, Timmons' athleticism and versatility should give Pittsburgh's linebacking group an upgrade, which is a scary thought.

Foote was solid but is primarily a run stuffer. Timmons is just as physical, but can also blitz the passer and is fast enough to drop deep in coverage and cover tight ends.

Winslow Royal

Foote Timmons

Expect defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau to come up with interesting ways to use Timmons this season. Pittsburgh's coaching staff has high hopes for Timmons as a full-time starter.

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Commentary: Super Bowl rings get wilder and wackier By Danny Udero/Sun-News Sports Editor Posted: 06/17/2009 01:00:00 AM MDTSILVER CITY — It's all about the "Bling" for the Super Bowl champions. The Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled their rings at a private ceremony at Heinz Field last week, and, every year, the rings seem to get bigger and more flashy. The Steelers knocked off Arizona, 27-23, for a record sixth Super Bowl title, and the design of this ring had been kept under wraps until the ceremony. Each ring weighs about 3.7 ounces, and has 63 diamonds that equal 3.61 carats. The face features six big diamonds, one for each Super Bowl win in the franchise. Seven smaller diamonds at the top represent conference championships, and seven more at the bottom represent 14 division titles. On one side the player's name is displayed along with his number, the Steelers logo and NFL logo. On the other side is the Super Bowl XLIII logo, the score of the Super Bowl, and six Lombardi Trophies sitting inside Heinz Field. It was said that these rings are twice the size of the last Pittsburgh ring that was designed by Ben Roethlisberger and Jerome Bettis. The Steelers have set the mark on size and strength on the field and now on the finger. I am still waiting too see which player won't make it to summer camp because of a sprained or broken finger by wearing this coveted ring. Let's take a look back at some of the previous Super

Bowl winners, their rings, and zany stories that might have come with the territory.

The New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is still kicking himself on the side of the head for the biggest mistake he has ever made. After winning Super Bowl XXXIX, Kraft was wearing his ring to a national meeting in Russia. During the days that followed, Kraft took off his ring and passed it around to the media so that they could marvel at the brilliance of it. He passed it to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president thought it was a gift and took it.

To avoid an international fallout, Kraft said the ring was a gift, although Kraft's wife says that wasn't the original intention. The transaction was declared a gift, and the ring sits in the Kremlin Library among other priceless artifacts to this day. Kraft still has two other rings.

After winning Super Bowl XLII, the Giants had some input from Amani Toomer and Michael Strahan on the design of the ring. What they came up with was "Road Warriors" engraved on the side because of the Giants winning three road games to reach the Super Bowl. Strahan called it a 10-table ring because it could be seen from 10 tables away at any restaurant.

One of the wacky stories that came out after the rings were given to the players was Justin Tuck was flying and fell asleep on the airplane during the flight. He woke up when he felt a tug at his finger holding his ring. A stewardess had her hand on his, and it seemed like she was trying to take his ring off, while she stated that she was just trying to wake him for an autograph. You can rest assure that Tuck never fell asleep again while wearing his ring.

Adam Vinatieri won three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots and when he won one with the Colts in Super Bowl XLI, he stated the unveiling was funny ...

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a bunch of grown men acting like kids at Christmas time. Vinatieri has four rings and he keeps them in safe deposit boxes. He says one day he wants to give them to his son or daughter, and stated that one day his kids will get to see that their dad did something pretty cool in the NFL. Bettis finally got a ring after 13 seasons with Pittsburgh at Super Bowl XL. He remained active in the design and said that owner Dan Rooney received his input as well as Roethlisberger. The challenge was to set apart the design from the teams of the 1970s. Bettis admired and respected Rooney, because not only did Bettis gain a ring before retirement, but Rooney let him design the ring he wears every day. There is an individual who has six rings and has never played a game. Mike Woicik is a veteran strength and conditioning coach, and he was a member of the Cowboys when they were the first team to win three Super Bowls in four years. He matched that with the Patriots, but Woicik said that he never wears a single ring. He doesn't have one design that he favors, and stated that he doesn't even check on them unless he is adding to the collection in a safe deposit box. To him, the rings symbolize an element of the game that many people don't see — the work players put in year round to be strong and fit for full weekends of the NFL. These are only a couple of stories that I could remember during the past couple of years, but, a Super Bowl ring means something different to everyone involved. The only thing that holds true is that the sport of football is a rough, rugged and team sport that has 50-plus players, managers,

coaches, doctors, therapists, and other personnel working together for a common goal — winning that Super Bowl ring at the end of the season. In another couple of months we get to witness the struggles that begin with the season starting for another year of NFL action.

Danny Udero may be reached at dudero@scsun- news.com ; (575) 538-5893

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The Count: Pittsburgh’s Historic Sports Year JUNE 16, 2009, 11:58 AM ET

By winning the Stanley Cup, the Penguins clinched arguably the best professional sports year for a U.S. city ever. Back in February, the Steelers won the Super Bowl, and no city has ever won more than two titles from the NBA, NFL, MLB or NFL in the same year.

Other cities have won a double — around a dozen times, depending on how you define it. But none have done so with as much competition — professional leagues keep getting bigger. It’s never happened with such clear-cut city ties — the Penguins and Steelers play about a half-mile two miles from each other, and within a mile and a half of City Hall. And it all happened despite a serious handicap — Pittsburgh doesn’t have an NBA team.

The most recent claim to American pro sports dominance could be made by Boston, when the Red Sox’s World Series title in 2004 was bookended by a pair of Super Bowl victories by the New England Patriots. But the Pats don’t take Boston’s name, and they play more than 20 miles from Fenway. New York’s claim in 2000 was even more dubious. The Yankees won the World Series after

the Devils won the Stanley Cup, playing their home games less than 10 miles from Manhattan. But the Devils take the name of their home state, New Jersey, and New York has the Rangers within city limits.

The most recent true competitor to Pittsburgh’s glorious run was Los Angeles in 1988, when the Dodgers and Lakers both won titles. However, L.A. also had two NFL teams and an NHL team. And the leagues were smaller then (four fewer MLB teams and seven fewer NBA teams), making it easier for one team to win it all. Same goes for the Mets’ World Series win in 1986 and the New York Giants’ Super Bowl victory the following winter, which didn’t even happen in the same calendar year. New York has had doubles of sorts a half-dozen other times, when leagues were even smaller. The same issue undercuts Detroit’s pair of doubles, in 1935 and 1952, back when the Lions occasionally won games.

Pittsburgh’s feat, following the double by the Pirates and Steelers 30 years earlier, solidifies its claim as one of the nation’s most successful pro sports cities, per capita, even if the Pirates can’t overcome their 4.5-game deficit in the NL Central and make it a triple. Now if only Villanova’s Scottie Reynolds had missed that layup…

Incidentally, the Penguins’ victory, coupled with the Lakers’ NBA title, accomplished something that can be celebrated outside those successful sports cities. Both teams won a year after losing in the finals, which should demolish talk of a loser’s curse, for at least a few years.

Pittsburgh sports fans have had a historically happy year.

Associated Press

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June 17, 2009

Burress’s Shadow Lingers Over Giants’ Minicamp

By CHRIS HINE

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A year ago, the Giants held a mandatory minicamp without two notable

players. Plaxico Burress was on the sideline mired in a contract protest, and Jeremy Shockey showed up with

a sprained ankle that the Giants knew little about. He refused to take the practice field and got into an

argument with General Manager Jerry Reese.

Both players are gone now. Shockey was traded to the New Orleans Saints in July, and Burress, who faces

gun charges, was released in April.

On Tuesday, Coach Tom Coughlin showed a rare smile when asked about the team’s perfect attendance and

lack of distractions at this year’s minicamp.

“It is a lot better subject,” Coughlin said.

Something, however, is bothering Coughlin: the Giants’ unexpected end to the 2008 season, when they were

eliminated in the divisional playoff round at home by the Philadelphia Eagles.

“We are coming off a huge disappointment, quite frankly, on the part of everybody,” he said.

The Giants won 11 of their first 12 games but lost 3 of their last 4 after Burress was suspended in November

for the rest of the season.

“It’s hard to forget about a player like that,” running back Brandon Jacobs said. “With him, we had an

identity from Week 1 to Week 11 when he went out. It is hard to bounce back, to find a new identity in the

National Football League.”

Burress was charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit after shooting himself in the leg in a

Manhattan nightclub in November and missed the rest of the season. There are questions about how the

Giants will replace his production — more than 1,000 yards receiving in two of the last four seasons.

“That train pulled out of the station,” Coughlin said of Burress. “I’m not thinking about that stuff. I’m

thinking about this group of guys that are here right now.”

None of the young receivers at the Giants’ minicamp have shown the ability to occupy a defense’s attention.

The youngest are the rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden. The Giants drafted Nicks in the first round

and Barden in the third.

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“They’ll have a good day, they’ll have a not-so-good day,” Coughlin said.

Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon return after their most productive seasons in 2008. Smith had 57 catches

for 574 yards and Hixon 43 for 596. Hixon had some of his biggest games after Burress was suspended. The

second-year receiver Mario Manningham must show improvement and Sinorice Moss, who used his speed to

catch a couple of passes on deep routes Tuesday, must stay healthy.

Moss and other Giants receivers have been dogged by questions about Burress and Amani Toomer, who was

not re-signed after 13 seasons.

“I feel like there’s a big chip on all our shoulders,” Moss said. “Because you hear a lot of things and they say:

‘Oh, they don’t have Plax. They don’t have Amani.’ ”

He added, “I can go down the list of guys that we have here that can contribute and make some plays for this

team.”

EXTRA POINTS

Wide receiver David Tyree, missed part of Monday’s practice because of a sore groin.

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By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY

Hang around the NFL long enough and you'll experience just about anything.

LaDainian Tomlinson, a longtime league star, can vouch for this.

Tomlinson was part of a San Diego Chargers team last season that trailed the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos by three games with three to play but became the first team since the AFL-NFL merger to win a division crown after making up such ground in so little time.

Then came the offseason and L.T.'s unmistakable it-can-happen-to-me moment.

Until Tomlinson restructured his contract in March, there was no guarantee the classy face of the franchise would return to it in 2009.

By training camp, Tomlinson will be 30 — the marker that triggers warning signals about the lifespan of an NFL running back. And with his last two seasons derailed by injuries coupled with a big salary, the Chargers weighed options such as the trade market like never before.

Cold business, this NFL.

"It was kind of an eye-opener," Tomlinson says. "Sometimes you think you're immune to those situations, and really you're not. You don't become bitter about it, but it reminds you that you can't let your guard down. You've got to be at your best and show your worth to your organization, as much as your opponents, on a yearly basis."

Yet as Tomlinson prepares for his ninth pro season, his motivation isn't fueled by his salary or job security.

It's still about winning a title, which has eluded the talented Chargers. Tomlinson, who arrived in 2001 when the rebuilding began after a 1-15 season, knows how far the franchise has come. He also can sense the clock is ticking.

"We understand that this is our window," Tomlinson says of a team that is loaded on both sides of the ball. "Gaining the experiences we've had will help, just going through the heartbreaking playoff losses, battling through to win the division last season and going through the injuries."

Coach Norv Turner has told his team that despite the lofty expectations and the widely circulated claim that they are the NFL's most talented outfit, they can't win a crown like contestants on American Idol. Popularity doesn't count.

"They're not calling in and texting in votes," Turner told the audience at a recent luncheon. "If you want something, you've got to go earn it."

Tomlinson is eager for another crack and says he's healthy after injuries short-circuited him in the last two postseasons. "Ask anybody who has seen me lately," Tomlinson says. "I'm probably looking as good as I have in years."

While Tomlinson struggled for much of last season with career lows for carries (292), rushing yards (1,110) and 100-yard

Recharged: Tomlinson aims to put Chargers back on title path

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rushing games (two), quarterback Philip Rivers emerged as a force.

But as much as Rivers' numbers (4,009 passing yards, 34 touchdown passes) reflect his growth, they are skewed in the big picture. Tomlinson had 51 rushes in the fourth quarter of games in 2008, second fewest in his career, which is what can happen when a team is throwing to play catch-up rather than finishing games by grinding down the clock.

The plan still revolves around Tomlinson, who's averaged 332 carries a season in his career.

Turner doesn't see himself significantly reducing Tomlinson's load. "L.T. is our lead back," Turner says. "There are some games when he's going to carry the ball almost exclusively. There are games Darren (Sproles) is going to be a great changeup."

Tomlinson does not sound like a man worried about his role.

"I'm pretty confident in my ability and what I'm able to do," he says. "I know this team is still going to rely on me for big plays and in closing the game. That's what I've always done."

Tomlinson is also bullish on the return of all-pro linebacker Shawne Merriman, limited to one game last year because of major knee injury.

That the Chargers generated only 28 sacks and 23 takeaways last season — dropping off an NFL-high 48 takeaways and 42 sacks in 2007 — while Merriman was sidelined was no coincidence.

His absence affected the offense, too; there might have been fewer leads to chase if one of the league's most dominant defensive players had been on the field.

"He's another guy excited about our opportunity," Tomlinson says of Merriman. "He's kind of got a chip on his shoulder. From talking to him, you really don't realize the impact you have when you're not around. We need him. When you lose a guy like that, it affects everything."

Tomlinson thinks back to his arrival in San Diego, and he realizes the contrast.

"When I first got here, we had one or two Pro Bowl guys," he remembers. "Now we've got Pro Bowl guys everywhere. That's how this has been built. That's something to be proud of."

Yet the crowning moment hasn't happened yet. At least the Chargers hope not.

***

AROUND THE FIELD IN SAN DIEGO

Quarterback: Heading into his fourth season as a starter — and with three division crowns in hand —Philip Rivers keeps getting better. The NFL's most efficient passer in 2008 (105.5 rating) and owner of a league-high 34 touchdown passes, he demonstrated his ability to carry the offense.

Running back: It is not often that a back seeks a rebound year after producing 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage, but LaDainian Tomlinson grades on a higher scale. L.T., a ninth-year pro with nagging injuries the past two seasons, is at the career point when durability questions persist. Explosive backup Darren Sproles has played himself into a bigger role. Fullback Jacob Hester doesn't block as well as predecessor Lorenzo Neal but offers good hands.

Wide receiver: Fast, rangy Vincent Jackson has shown offseason signs that he might top his breakout 2008 and emerge among the NFL's best. Chris Chambers, nagged by injuries in '08, is crafty. Malcom Floyd has soft hands.

Tight end: Is there a better receiving tight end than Antonio Gates, named to five consecutive Pro Bowls?



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Offensive line: If left tackle Marcus McNeill matches his tools with consistency, he can develop into one of the league's best. Center Nick Hardwick and left guard Kris Dielman, tenacious and experienced, bring stability. Rookie guard Louis Vasquez has made a positive first impression.

Defensive line: Nose tackle Jamal Williams shared team MVP honors with Rivers, reflecting the value of an oft-overlooked force. With Igor Olshansky's departure, more is expected from returning linemen Luis Castillo,Jacques Cesaire and Ryon Bingham.

Linebacker: Intense Shawne Merriman returns from knee surgery, fueling visions of races to the quarterback with opposite outside linebacker Shaun Phillips. But there's also a boost from No. 1 pick Larry English, who could replace Merriman if he signs elsewhere in 2010 as a free agent. On the inside, playmaker Stephen Cooper returns while Kevin Burnett arrives from the Dallas Cowboys.

Secondary: What happened to Antonio Cromartie? After posting an NFL-high 10 interceptions in 2007, the acrobatic corner had two in '08 — but he played for an extended period with a broken hip. A healthy Cromartie is needed opposite Quentin Jammer, whose physical style tends to draw flags. Coaches are high on Antoine Cason, the No. 1 pick in '08. Free safety Eric Weddle is an instinctive player. Strong safety Clinton Hart might get challenged by rookie Kevin Ellison.

Special teams: A top-notch unit. Sproles is always a threat to break a return. No one pins opponents better than punter Mike Scifres. Kicker Nate Kaeding is consistent. Kassim Osgood is one of the NFL's best cover men. Even long snapper David Binn is a cut above, heading into his 16th year.

Coaching staff: Norv Turner has matched DonCoryell and Bobby Ross for most playoff victories by a Chargers coach (three). And with Rivers' growth coinciding with production, Turner is living up to his reputation as an offensive whiz. Ron Rivera, who replaced Ted Cottrell in midstream last season, heads into his first full season as defensive coordinator needing to generate aggressive pressure that produces more sacks and turnovers.

Outlook: Three teams have more wins than the talent-rich Chargers since 2004, but the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have won Super Bowls in that span. The Chargers, favored to win a fourth consecutive AFC West crown, are on the brink of a title …; again. Whether they succeed in that quest rightfully will define them. Find this article at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chargers/2009-06-16-organization-report_N.htm

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DENVER (AP) — Brandon Marshall is saying his good-byes to the Denver Broncos and their fans even as coach Josh McDaniels talks about seeing his holdout Pro Bowl receiver at training camp next month.

Marshall posted a farewell on his blog Tuesday, four days after requesting a trade during a private meeting with team owner Pat Bowlen.

Bowlen hasn't said whether he'll honor Marshall's trade request, and McDaniels says he expects Marshall to report to camp at the end of next month rather than follow Jay Cutler out of town.

Cutler was traded to Chicago in an acrimonious split several weeks after McDaniels talked about bringing Matt Cassel over from New England for a reunion in Denver.

Marshall's beef is primarily financial.

He's scheduled to make $2.2 million in 2009 and he wants more money, befitting a player who has posted consecutive 100-catch seasons and went to the Pro Bowl after last season. But he has health and legal issues that leave him with little, if any, leverage.

In a posting on his blog Tuesday that was titled "Clearing the Air," Marshall wrote: "Life is filled with change, and where I am in my life now change is probably best. It's hard leaving an organization ran (sic) by one of the best owners in all of sports, and someone who's been there for me through my ups and downs.

"The hardest thing was hearing Mr. B wish me luck in the future, but we both came to the conclusion that this is probably the best thing for me to grow on and off the field," Marshall continued. "I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and (for) showing me love every time I step outside my door."

Also, Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, told FOX31-TV in Denver on Tuesday that "Mr. Bowlen has said that ownership will do everything in its power to accommodate his wishes" for a trade.

McDaniels told The Associated Press on Tuesday night, however, that he expects his Pro Bowl receiver to be in attendance next month when the Broncos reconvene for camp.

"We met after Pat's meeting with Brandon Marshall and we're going to continue our dialogue with Brandon and his representatives," McDaniels said, echoing comments he made earlier to The Denver Post and ESPN. "And we look forward to having Brandon at training camp."

McGuire didn't return messages from the AP.

Marshall is recuperating from hip surgery this spring and he faces a trial later this summer on charges of misdemeanor battery in Atlanta. A conviction could subject him to his second suspension from the NFL in two seasons. He sat out last year's opener and was docked two pay checks after a series of domestic disputes landed him in commissioner Roger Goodell's office.

While Marshall's issue with the team is primarily about money, he also has cited a lack of trust in Denver's medical staff for not wanting to rehab at team headquarters following what he has called a misdiagnosis of his hip injury last year.

Marshall already saying his good-byes to Broncos

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He skipped three weeks of voluntary workouts this spring, preferring to rehab under the care of his personal physicians back home in Orlando, then dodged the mandatory minicamp. After his meeting with Bowlen, Marshall loaded three boxes of belongings into his truck and drove away without speaking to reporters.

Marshall has far outplayed the four-year deal he signed as a fourth-round draft pick in 2006. He made about $1.5 million in each of his first three seasons and his trip to the Pro Bowl last year boosted his 2009 pay to $2.2 million.

However, it's possible he won't be the same player after hip surgery.

Marshall caught 104 passes for 1,265 yards and six TDs last season. But he had several crucial fumbles and also dropped 18 on-target passes, something he blamed on the nerve damage in his right arm, which he said he put through a television set while horsing around with his brother a year ago in the offseason.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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