How good will the Chargers be without Shawn Merriman?

Question

Merriman's doctors are recommending season-ending knee surgery.

Answer 1

you kidding. that changes everything. anytime you lose a guy of his caliper the team is going to feel it. other teams don't have to gameplan for him. can't stop the run now.  

Answer 2

They're definitely not winning the Super Bowl now.

One of the problems of the Chargers last year was that they couldn't get enough pressure from their d-line. Olshansky and Castillo are good run-stoppers but aren't as good pass rushers. Merriman was always the guy who brought the heat. Without him, opposing quarterbacks are going to have a much easier time throwing the ball. Also, Merriman's absence allows offenses to care more about Shaun Philips, which they normally couldn't do and made him so good because Merriman got all the attention of the o-linemen.  

Answer 3

I heard, Good Enough to beat the Colts Not Good Enough to beat the Jaguars or Patriots, The Chargers won't change a thing.

Answer 4

I really don't see much of a drop-off. It will affect them somewhat until the LB's and Ted Cotrell devise schemes to get other players involved.

The defensive line is still the same and able to stop the run. The secondary is still the same and able to provide adequate zone coverages.

The only difference is that teams will key in on the other OLB until Meriiman's replacement learns how to draw some blocks.

Actually, I think this will probably help SD in the long run because it will force them to adjust and get creative with their blitzes. When and if he comes back, they can easily fit him in the mix and be that mush more effective on defense.