Coach Winuvas commits to San Diego for season

by Don Coryell, Jr

Blogger, San Diego Union-Tribune

The San Diego Chargers were in a quagmire - no coaching staff, no front office, and only 21 players under contract heading into a vital draft with only 6 picks. They needed direction and leadership, and they needed it quickly.

Enter coach Bob Winuvas.

The coach has extensive experience taking over cap-stricken squads and getting them back to a playable state. However, he has never taken over a squad with so few players.

"This is like having an expansion team almost," Coach Winuvas said of the situation. "There are still very good players here like (quarterback Philip) Rivers and (wide receivers Keenan and Kenny) Allen and Stills. Plus we got Melvin Gordon. We got a shot!"

The front office moved quickly and decisively, sending young linebacker Manti Te'o to the Packers for cornerback Sam Shields. They then send backup quarterback (and former starter a year ago) Tyrod Taylor to the Bears for safety Demontrae Hurst and a 4th round selection.

Moving ever forward, the Chargers' front office sent their first and 4th round selections to the New Orleans Saints for their second round selection and two 3rd round picks. One of those 3rd rounders was then parlayed into a 4th, 5th, and 6th round pick from the Detroit Lions. Lastly, the Chargers moved a 7th round pick in next year's draft to the Tennessee Titans for a 7th rounder in this year's draft.

Armed with 11 picks but no scouting of value, the coach used combine stats to make his selections. Offensive tackle Adonis Powell was the Chargers' first selection, and his move to the right side solidifies the one element that was mostly together for the Chargers - their offensive line.

Their first third round selection, defensive lineman Latavien Bennett, will start day 1 and shows promise alongside Corey Liuget and Ryan Carrethers.

One of their sixth round selections, tight end Malcolm Gordon, has earned rave reviews during training camp, as well as 7th round selection J.C. Gooden, a fullback out of Auburn.

"Kid can do a little of everything. Needs blocking work but can carry the rock, catch it, and willing to play and learn," coach Winuvas said of the rookie.

The Chargers still have a lot of work to do, with filling a roster with cast-offs and has-beens. Can they do what they need to do to succeed? Or will Coach Winuvas fail and fall by the wayside?

I think Philip Rivers will have something to say about this team's success.