Carolina Panthers To Name Ron Rivera As Second Latino Head Coach In NFL History

As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Diego defensive coordinator will be the next head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Rivera will be only the 2nd Latino head coach in NFL history (Tom Fears was the first in 1967). Rivera is of Puerto-Rican and Mexican decent.

The 49-year-old Rivera had previously interviewed for head coaching positions and been denied eight times before finally breaking into the head coaching ranks. He began his coaching career back in 1999 with the Philadelphia Eagles before becoming the defensive coordinator for the Bears in 2004 and constructing one of the best defenses of the decade. After interviewing for several head coaching positions in 2007, his contract was not renewed by the Bears and Rivera moved on to join the Chargers coaching staff in 2008. The Chargers finished the 2010 season at the top of the NFL in total defense, allowing the league's fewest yards.

Rivera instituted an impressive base 3-4 scheme in San Diego and will most likely bring this same strategy to Carolina, but Rivera will be faced with turning around a franchise that is coming off a disappointing 2-14 season. The good news is that Rivera has a young roster to mold as well as the number 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. I think with Rivera, it's a safe bet the Panthers go the defensive route with the pick if they do not elect to trade down.

The deal is reportedly for 4 years, $11.2 mil. Congrats to Coach Rivera. Good luck.
-ALR

Shawne Merriman Claimed by Buffalo Bills

Steroids (or lack thereof) are a helluva drug. Per this tweet by ESPN's Adam Schefter, LB Shawne Merriman was claimed off waivers by the winless Buffalo Bills. Merriman, who was waived by the Chargers yesterday, has been battling the injury bug ever since 2008 and has yet to duplicate the success he had his first three season in the NFL when he picked up 39.5 sacks. He was suspended four games in 2006 for use of a banned substance.

He may want to grow out that mohawk as the cold weather in Buffalo <<<< the weather in southern Cali, where Merriman could frequently be spotted around the Hollywood club scene.

"Lights Out" indeed.

-ALR

2010 San Diego Chargers Preview

One thing is for sure; this is definitely not last season's Chargers squad. Aging franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson was released in the off season, while emerging #1 receiver Vicent Jackson looks to be out for 10 games after holding out due to a contract dispute. Still, the Chargers have enough talent on the roster to remain relevant in the AFC.

Offense
Quick; who led the AFC in passer rating in 2009? If you guessed anyone besides Philip Riversthen you were incorrect. Rivers is the unquestioned face of the offense with Tomlinson now toting the pigskin for the Jets. The Chargers chose to draft highly-touted RB Ryan Mathews to fill his shoes. Mathews is a tough runner who should make an impact immediately. He will be backed up by change of pace speedster Darren Sproles. Rivers loves to fling the ball downfield and All-Pro TE Antonio Gates remains his favorite target and is a virtual lock for 80 catches, double digit TDs and around 1,000 yards. The other options in the passing game are WRs Malcom Floyd & Legedu Naanee (if you asked "Who?" you are not alone). Floyd is a big receiver and a nice target for Rivers in the red-zone while the verdict is still out on Naanee as a starting NFL receiver.

Defense
Despite having playmakers a plenty, the defense only finished in the middle of the pack in 2009. They run a base 3-4 set, with the linemen occupying blocks and allowing LBs Shaun Phillips & Shawne Merriman to get in the backfield and be disruptive, either by rushing the passer or stopping backs for a loss. If Merriman can return to form he'll be impossible to block consistently. CB Quentin Jammer is solid in coverage and trading Antonio Cromartie to NY opens up a starting nod for 2008 ist round CB Antoine Cason to prove he get the job done.

Prediction
9-7

The Chargers are in one of the NFL's worst divisions and luckily for them it won't take much to win it. The new pieces on offense will make 2010 an up & down season for San Diego but if the young unit can gel quickly the Chargers could have a nice foundation to be good for seasons to come.

-ALR