Oh Boy...I'm gonna get nailed for this one.

[ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBKR]

Here's a bold prediction: The Cleveland Browns will win a Super Bowl before the Chargers unless the Chargers change the 'model' that has gotten them zero SB trophies in 50+ years.

What is the 50 year "model" of which you are speaking? I don't think there has been anything resembling a 50 year philosophical or strategic model that one could either support or criticize. Various ownerships, various personnel guys and coaches. All manner of approaches. Defense-led. Aerial circuses. Ground and pound. 3-4's, 4-3's. Big spenders. Austerity regimes. We've had it all.

So before we get too wrapped up in this, how about we lower the volume on the hyperbole?

If your point is about the Spanos regime, then that is a different take. And I'll argue that one with you. But this 50 year business is just post-Raider game bluster.

[ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBKR]

I'm not necessarily against it, but I think you make this move if you think you're 3-4 years away from even competing. Like Jacksonville status.

Do you really think the Chargers are THAT far off? Look I know last night's game stung but teams go from awful to playoffs every year. Again, I am not against such a rebuild but only if you truly think there is no hope for another good 3-4 years. Plus there's almost no way we could get ourselves in position to draft Bridgewater.

I'm not against it either, if it makes sense. But it doesn't. We are closer to contention with a SB-caliber QB than without one, regardless of who is around him. If you dump Rivers, you're not just talking about 3-4 years. You're talking probably 7, unless an Andrew Luck is sitting there at our pick. You could go through a couple.

I'll take my chances with this guy and seeing what pieces we can put around him. Right now I feel like we have several good pieces. Some of them are injured and will be coming back later in the year. Others are out for the year. I think if you can continue to add pieces through free agency, trades, some decent health and some luck we would be in playoff-worthy shape next year. Certainly the year after. Versus a total unknown at QB (and by that I mean, we dont have any idea who that player is, if he's any good and if we'd even be in position to get him)? No brainer.

[Guy Lombardo]

I'm not against it either, if it makes sense. But it doesn't. We are closer to contention with a SB-caliber QB than without one, regardless of who is around him. If you dump Rivers, you're not just talking about 3-4 years. You're talking probably 7, unless an Andrew Luck is sitting there at our pick. You could go through a couple.

I'll take my chances with this guy and seeing what pieces we can put around him. Right now I feel like we have several good pieces. Some of them are injured and will be coming back later in the year. Others are out for the year. I think if you can continue to add pieces through free agency, trades, some decent health and some luck we would be in playoff-worthy shape next year. Certainly the year after. Versus a total unknown at QB (and by that I mean, we dont have any idea who that player is, if he's any good and if we'd even be in position to get him)? No brainer.

I agree, plus I think it's been proven year after year that parity in the league makes single season turnarounds a reality. I think it's going to takes us two because of the blown AJ drafts and his last season FA debacle, but I am becoming less optimistic with the performance I am seeing out of Butler, Luiget, Reyes, Wright and Thomas. These guys along with Ingram, Te'o and Weddle looked to set up this team for a really nice core defense to build around. After 5 games, how many core pieces are you seeing on this defense?

[QSmokey]

What is the 50 year "model" of which you are speaking? I don't think there has been anything resembling a 50 year philosophical or strategic model that one could either support or criticize. Various ownerships, various personnel guys and coaches. All manner of approaches. Defense-led. Aerial circuses. Ground and pound. 3-4's, 4-3's. Big spenders. Austerity regimes. We've had it all.

So before we get too wrapped up in this, how about we lower the volume on the hyperbole?

If your point is about the Spanos regime, then that is a different take. And I'll argue that one with you. But this 50 year business is just post-Raider game bluster.

Agreed. Meant to say the RECENT post-David-Boston, current ownership model. Ever since that off-season, we've avoided the flashy FA name(s) like the plague. Throwing in the 50+ years without a SB thing...well...can't seem to get that one out of my head; but it is irrelevant to the point, as you indicated.

[Den60]

Ok, and who in next years draft has 'can't miss franchise QB' wrote all over them?

Care to name names, because I don't see them.

Not against trading Rivers, but you need to have a plan moving forward before doing this deal. A ton of draft picks isn't enough, you need another QB waiting in the wings.

Do you expect a playoff contender next year? I believe that is Q's point. What good does it have to have a franchise QB if the franchise sucks. It is a valid point to debate.

[QSmokey]

Do you expect a playoff contender next year? I believe that is Q's point. What good does it have to have a franchise QB if the franchise sucks. It is a valid point to debate.

Yes, more or less that is the main point. If Rivers was 26 years old, and we had the exact same team we have now, I wouldn't even have started the thread. It's much easier to be patient with, and justify losing, 2-3 years of a younger QB's career than you can with a guy who is 31.

[Den60]

I would be on board for doing something like that. But it's just wishful thinking. They would never trade away our franchise QB. Right now we'd get #1 and possibly more for him the market is right for PR right now.

Sadly our needs are massive.

We need: (in no particular order)

2 DE's edge rushers
2 Cornerbacks
1 RB
2 Olinemen
1 WR
1 SS

9 players in the hole... That is can only be corrected by aggressive trading and free agency. We are in for a rough few years. Rivers is on the downside of his career, we need to have an adequate developmental QB in the wings. That could be Brad Sorensen (fingers are crossed). I just don't see us being competitive for some time.

I'd say over the next two years:

1 OLB (Starter)
2 OLB (rotational/backup)
1 ILB (backup. 2 if we let Butler walk)
2 CBs (Starter/NB or DB - depends on Williams)
1 SS (unless Taylor shows something)
4 O linemen
1 RB (Starter)
1 RB (backup)
2 TE
2 WR

Also, if we ever are in position to draft a QB of the future we do it. Indy did it.

[QSmokey]

I'd say over the next two years:

1 OLB (Starter)
2 OLB (rotational/backup)
1 ILB (backup. 2 if we let Butler walk)
2 CBs (Starter/NB or DB - depends on Williams)
1 SS (unless Taylor shows something)
4 O linemen
1 RB (Starter)
1 RB (backup)
2 TE
2 WR

Also, if we ever are in position to draft a QB of the future we do it. Indy did it.

I'd agree with all except:

- 4 OL: You've been trumpeting that one since the Draft. I say we need an OLT and a C, both starting quality.
- 2 TEs/2 WRs: If you count Green as a TE, than 1 TE, 2 WRs; if you count Green as a WR, then 2 TEs, 1 WR.

- Hopefully we re-sign Butler
- Hopefully Taylor proves to be starter quality
- Hopefully Williams pans out
- Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully.....

[SDFan]

Yes, more or less that is the main point. If Rivers was 26 years old, and we had the exact same team we have now, I wouldn't even have started the thread. It's much easier to be patient with, and justify losing, 2-3 years of a younger QB's career than you can with a guy who is 31.

well, we already HAD Rivers when he was 26, a loaded roster, and the ultimate "QB Guru" as his mentor- and what did it get us? Before that we had Brees and LT and Gates in their primes and also couldn't advance to the Super Bowl- let alone win 1 with a great young QB steering things. There's been lots of good QBs picked that are not 1st rounders- so to me you don't neccessarily NEED to get 1 in the 1st round and wring your hands every year if you can't get a guy at the top of the 1st when that is no guarantee either. I think McCoy and TT probably can recognize QB talent better than most and am not worried in the least we'll be "set back" 3+ years like some people here if they can manage to trade Rivers for a bunch of good picks.

[Bearded14YourPleasure]

2000 season 1-15, 2004 season 12-4. I think most people here would agree that in that timespan we went from one of the most talent barren teams to one of the most talent rich. We have a lot more talent here now then we did in 2000 most notably at the QB position. I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that this team makes another drastic turn around in the next year or two, especially if we can keep our key pieces in place. Don't see how losing our best offensive player makes us better anytime soon. We have enough holes to fill, don't need to add another one.

[longhorn]

The NFL is a QB league...Rivers can be top-flite for 5 more years...In 2 years we have a rebuilt roster...It takes years to get a good QB - Luck and Wilson are anomalies...With all the concussions in the NFL...the new trend will be QBs that can get to the line fast, dissect the defense and go...Rivers has the football IQ to do that...add some help on defense and the line and 1 year in this system, he'll be even better...Elway did not win his first SB until he was 37...

[TTK]

It cracks me up how football fans can be so fickle.