Merriman's Gamble May Not Pay Off

OK, where is Shawne Merriman going with this thing? The entire past two weeks we have watched and read how Shawne Merriman is going to play, not going to play, and now, after visits to every top-notch doctor in the U.S. (each of whom has advised him not to play) he is going back on the field again. I love the toughness, the determination, and the courage-- but I still don't agree with it and here's why. To play football at this level you have to be healthy, or somewhat close. When I played for Gregg Williams in Washington (he is now the DC in Jacksonville), he would always tell us, "You autograph your performance when the film is on." Translation: if you are out on that field, that is what you are showing not only to your teammates and coaches, but the rest of the league as well. And everyone is watching. If you are on the field on Sunday, then you are considered 100% healthy, no questions asked. Guys who can play at a high level when banged up are a great story. As a leader of a team, however, when you try to play a position with the athleticism and explosion that Merriman has with torn knee ligaments, you have to wonder if he is really going to help this team win. Or worse-- help this team lose. If I were a member of that Charger defense, I would want the best player possible at the linebacker position. Is it Merriman? Can his knee hold up against the run, can he rush the passer like we are accustomed too, or is he going to be a detriment to the team's success? Folks, those are a lot of questions with the season starting next weekend. Plus, what kind of shape is Merriman in? He hasn't practiced for a while and hasn't taken a hit on that knee in weeks. When, and if, he gets into game action (I'm talking regular season intensity) the first thing an o-lineman in going to do is test out that knee for him. Cut him, get dirty with him, knock him around after the whistle; I would do it, and I don't believe it is dirty either. It is competition, and if you are going to go out there on an unstable knee you have to know they will come after you.  The reason Merriman is so good on the football field is his athleticism. Take away that aspect of his game and all you have is another linebacker. I just question how long this will last. In a story by Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union Tribune, Merriman states, "'I'm going to play,' Merriman said via text message to the Union-Tribune. 'I'll deal with it when it's time to get surgery.'" Well, when is that time? Is it during the first quarter of opening weekend when his knee gives way, or is it when the time comes to take him off the field because he is not producing at a level suitable to Norv Turner and the San Diego coaching staff? One way or another, it will come. Contract and money issues aside, this is a huge risk in my eyes for the team and for the future of Merriman's career, even further clouding this entire situation.  Remember, the Chargers are a hot pick to win the Super Bowl this season. Don't expect them to play a guy because he is a star in the city-- there is too much at stake.  I hope I am wrong in this instance, and the toughness Merriman is showing will impress us all, but I have to believe that this is not going to turn out good-- either for the knee of Shawne Merriman or the dominant status he will have once had.

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