2006 All-NFL teams

Everyone's got their own "All-NFL" teams this time of year but the best one I've seen is Vic Carucci at NFL.com. Of course I'm partial because it's loaded with Chargers but I especially appreciate seeing Antonio Gates and Jamal Williams make it.

Williams continues to be phenomenal and it's right he is annually recognized. Gates has developed his all-around game and has now become a legitimate blocking TE (tell that to Tony Gonzalez). It's also interesting with Gates that while his TD's have gone down the past three years (13-10-9), his average-per-catch has increased (11.9, 12.4, 13.0). And we thought Winslow was the best Chargers' TE we'd ever see.

Turning point 2006

Much as I'd like to go back and post this to Oct. 8 (right after their 23-13 victory over Pittsburgh, and their meltdown in Baltimore), here it is now.

After Baltimore, Marty was a week or two away from being fired. He had about lost everyone, including his players. As a last gasp, literally, he took the reins off Cameron. He told OC to call the game exactly the way he wanted. He reasoning was that he had nothing to lose, he was a lame duck coach in essence. Also, he rationalized that if he let Cameron call the game his way and the heartbreaking losses continued, he'd have a better argument at keeping his job. After all, the (interim) job would have gone to Cameron anyway.

Fast forward to today, and Cameron still has complete control of the offense. If Marty takes it away in the playoffs, well then we know the writing is on the wall.

Stadium arcadium

The Chargers are now free to talk to any city about relocating. They've been out scouting the county for sites including the latest proposal from Oceanside. They say they won't talk to other cities outside the area until they exhaust their San Diego options. But why is it they seem to be so accommodating?

For one thing, no city in America is going to build them a stadium for free (read, no sweetheart deals). Two, they can make a better case for relocation if they indeed "exhaust all San Diego possibilities." And three, LA is still trying to work out their own stadium solution. Once that's resolved, the rush will be on league-wide to relocate there. See where this one is going?

Pulp friction

The Union-Tribune and the North County Times both had stories today about the friction between Marty and AJ Smith. This is something I'll write a lot more on. For now, it seems that even a 14-2 regular season isn't enough to get Marty out of Smith's doghouse. Marty still has a year to go on his contract but it seems Smith would be glad to eat the last year and finally vanquish his great nemesis. As Tim Sullivan said, in a power struggle, Smith would have the upper hand because of his brilliance with the roster.

On one hand, it would seem anything less than a Superbowl appearance would jeopardize Marty's 2007 return. On the other hand, I get the feeling that this year's conclusion isn't as important as next years'. Smith has to get the okay from Spanos to dismiss ole Marty. I just can't see him giving it this year. But unless the Chargers win the Superbowl next year, I don't think Marty'll be given a new contract.