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HOT TOPIC
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson reminds people that while quarterback Philip Rivers will be a first-year starter, he's no rookie.
"I think we all forget he has been in the offense three years now," Tomlinson said. "He knows the offense well. So I think the first part of learning that you have to do is learning the offense and he's past that part. Now it's just a matter of getting experience on the field."
Rivers, who replaces Drew Brees, has been getting plenty of snaps this offseason. The Chargers are turning to the third-year pro after letting their Pro Bowler at that position flee to New Orleans as a free agent.
Rivers was OK in the early stages of the team's initial minicamp workouts. There were some downfield throws that made people take notice. There were also some wobbly offerings that won't cut it come September.
And just what will September bring to a team which finished in third place last season with a 9-7 mark? Are the Chargers going to take another step back while introducing a fresh quarterback?
Tomlinson doesn't think so.
"Expect us to be good," he said. "At times it is going to take a little patience because every quarterback goes through a learning curve out on the football field; learning defenses and learning game speed. But I think (fans) can still expect us to be good and not to worry."
The Chargers' brass might be fretting more with the green Rivers at the helm if not for Tomlinson. And tight end Antonio Gates. And veteran wide receiver Keenan McCardell. And a defense that is stout against the run and offers a stiff pass rush.
It's what's around Rivers -- more than the former North Carolina State star -- that will determine the Chargers' success, so the Chargers' executives say. Much like the Steelers surrounded rookie Ben Roethlisberger with standout complementary parts, the Chargers hope to duplicate that approach.
Instead of Rivers -- who has thrown 30 NFL passes -- trying to win games, he can lean on Tomlinson, Gates, McCardell and a defense which will turn over good field position.
That's the plan, anyway.
PLAYER NOTES
--Newcomer Marlon McCree has been working at free safety. Bhawoh Jue, the starter there last year, has been out while rebounding from a knee surgery. When healthy, Jue will probably square off with Terrence Kiel and Clinton Hart for the strong side's starting job.
--Starting RG Mike Goff skipped the minicamp to attend his brother's wedding.
--CB Antonio Cromartie, the team's top pick, is lining up behind returning starter Drayton Florence.
--Backup CB Markus Curry received some dirty looks when accidentally smacking LaDainian Tomlinson in the teeth after a reception. "That is going to happen," Tomlinson said. "It is football."
--With Jamal Williams (knee) still out, Ryon Bingham took his place with the first-string unit.
--The Chargers are holding an upcoming practice at Camp Pendleton in nearby Oceanside. The Marine Corps base has sustained heavy casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--WR Drew Haddad (not tendered as ERFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--LB Howard Hodges.
--RB Calvin Murray.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--LB Stephen Cooper: RFA; $1.573M/1 yr.
--OG Kris Dielman: RFA; $1.573M/1 yr.
--S Clinton Hart; Potential RFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
--WR Kassim Osgood: Potential RFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--DE Jacques Cesaire: Potential RFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Carlos Polk: Potential UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--FB Andrew Pinnock: Potential RFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Matt Wilhelm: RFA; $721,600/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--TE Brandon Manumaleuna: Trade Rams.
--S Marlon McCree: UFA Panthers; $16M/5 yrs, SB unknown.
--TE Aaron Shea: UFA Browns; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
--CB Raymond Walls: UFA Cardinals; terms unknown.
--WR Rashaun Woods: Trade 49ers.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Drew Brees: UFA Saints; $60/6 yrs, $8M SB/$12M OB '07.
--WR Reche Caldwell: UFA Patriots; terms unknown.
--CB Sammy Davis: Traded 49ers.
--CB Jamar Fletcher: UFA Lions; terms unknown.
--OG Bob Hallen: UFA Browns; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Ben Leber: UFA Vikings; 5 yrs, $4M SB.
--TE Justin Peelle: UFA Dolphins; terms unknown.
--DE DeQuincy Scott: UFA Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--OL Courtney VanBuren (not tendered as RFA/Lions; terms unknown).
--S Jerry Wilson (released).
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
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