It's not as if Randy Moss is the only star receiver the Chargers will face in 2006.
“It's the NFL, man,” free safety Marlon McCree said. “It's not high school or college where you play Florida one week and Vanderbilt the next.”
In the world of NFL receivers, however, a healthy Moss is Florida, Texas, Ohio State and any other powerhouse all wrapped up in one scary silver-and-black package. And to many Chargers fans, their team's secondary has been, well, Vanderbilt.
But that's in the past, according to the Chargers, who will have every opportunity to verify their improvement beginning with Monday night's season opener against Moss and the rest of the Oakland Raiders.
“I feel very confident,” said McCree, a six-year veteran who is the only newcomer starting on the San Diego defense. “I think this secondary's going to do really well. I think we're going to hold up our end of the bargain this year. I think we'll be a big part of why this team has a lot of success in the postseason.”
Said coach Marty Schottenheimer: “I've been very pleased with their development, and the addition of Marlon McCree has been a big part of that.”
McCree has taken over for Bhawoh Jue opposite strong safety Terrence Kiel, who was hampered by injuries last season but showed improved coverage skills this summer. The cornerbacks remain Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence, with No. 1 draft choice Antonio Cromartie replacing Jamar Fletcher as the nickel back.
The Chargers probably weren't quite as bad as their No. 28 pass ranking last season, since just five teams faced more pass attempts. That said, the Chargers did intercept just 10 passes, and they had trouble against some of the league's lesser quarterbacks, including Brooks Bollinger and Gus Frerotte.
Interestingly, the Chargers did have success against several top receivers, including Santana Moss, Terrell Owens and Moss – twice. In the first game against Oakland, Moss was shut out through the first quarter before leaving with injuries to his ribs, groin and pelvis. In the second game, Moss had seven catches, but for just 74 yards.
Then again, last season wasn't a normal season for Moss, who was bothered throughout the year by the injuries he suffered against the Chargers. He had the quietest full season of his career, with “only” 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns. Incredibly, he had just four catches that gained more than 29 yards all season, including only one after his injuries.
This year, though, not only is Moss healthy, but the Raiders under new coach Art Shell figure to show more of their old “vertical” passing game. Expectations for Moss are high, and there might be no better stage than “Monday Night Football” for him to show he's back in form.
“I expect Randy to be Randy,” Shell told San Diego reporters yesterday. “He's shown that to me during the offseason and during training camp. I expect good things out of Randy within our system.”
Said Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp: “When he is healthy, he is the biggest weapon in the game, and I expect nothing different from him.”
Of course, even if the Chargers play well against Moss, Jammer knows it's only one game.
“It's a start, but the first game isn't going to shut people up,” Jammer said. “If they don't have any yards passing, it's not going to shut people up. They're going to still say what they're going to say. But if we do it for the season, that's when people are going to start talking about how good we are.”
Added McCree: “Next week will be another Randy Moss-caliber receiver. If you slack off for one minute, the third-team receiver can come beat you for a touchdown. But the fact it is Randy Moss adds a little bit more motivation for us.”
Jay Posner: (619) 293-1834; jay.posner@uniontrib.com
