Bolts backup Chiefs again
By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com
Sunday, October 30, 2005


On a day the Chargers desperately needed a win, they found themselves forced to rely on as many as four backups to replace injured defensive starters and two backups to fill in for starters in the offensive line. -NFL Football-

But if you’re thinking the Chargers’ 28-20 win Sunday over the Kansas City Chiefs was something new – the Bolts weren’t tested this way last year when they remained relatively injury free – you’re forgetting the last time these teams met at Qualcomm Stadium. -NFL Football-

A year ago, with the playoff picture already determined, Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer opted to rest Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Keenan McCardell, yet the Bolts still beat the Chiefs, 24-17, in the regular-season finale. -NFL Football-

“The last game last season we had starters who didn’t play against the Chiefs, and guys stepped up,” said Donnie Edwards, the Chargers’ 10th-year inside linebacker who shared the team lead with 11 tackles. “I think this was a continuation of last year. When one guy goes down the next guy has to step up. Marty has talked about that for a long time.” -NFL Football-

The Chargers opened the game with third-year inside linebacker Stephen Cooper and second-year outside linebacker Shaun Phillips making their first starts this year because of injuries to Randall Godfrey and Steve Foley, respectively. -NFL Football-

In addition, third-year cornerback Sammy Davis (11 tackles) was starting in place of Drayton Florence for the third time this year and former free agent Clinton Hart (four tackles and a pass defended) had to finish the game at strong safety when starter Terrence Kiel went down with an injury. -NFL Football-

“That tells you these guys were prepared,” Godfrey said. “Coop came in and did a great job and Shaun Phillips played outstanding. Anytime you have a group of young guys come in and we don’t miss a step, my hat is off to them. They were well prepared, and that’s good coaching.” -NFL Football-

Cooper finished the game with eight tackles and was credited with a half-sack. Phillips had two tackles while applying pressure throughout the afternoon, recovering a fumble and delivering a big hit worthy of highlight films that sent Kansas City running back Priest Holmes to the sideline. -NFL Football-

“Since I came to San Diego, I’ve prepared for every game as if I’m going to start,” Phillips said. “You never know when a guy might go down and I have to be prepared. I’ve played in big situations before – they’ve used me on third down in fourth quarter – and I’ve been a starter all my life, so I’m always prepared.” -NFL Football-

Cooper and Phillips were playing alongside rookie outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, who had two sacks and five tackles while making his second straight start. -NFL Football-

“We talk everyday, whether we’re starting or not,” Merriman said. “We’re always talking and trying to help each other become better players. That’s what good teams do.” -NFL Football-

On the offensive side of the ball, former free agent Bob Hallen made his second straight start in place of Nick Hardwick at center and Leander Jordan came on to replace left tackle Roman Oben (foot injury) late in the first half for the remainder of the game. -NFL Football-

“When someone new is in there, you have to help them along as best you can,” said right guard Mike Goff, an eighth-year veteran. “You need to do double duty – your job and help them with their job. That’s what good O-lines.” -NFL Football-

McCardell said the backups were just waiting for an opportunity to show what they can do. -NFL Football-

“We showed how deep we are,” McCardell said. “It gets tougher every week, because every week you’re getting nicked.” -NFL Football-