Falcons Snagged Turner, Chargers Release 3

NFL free agency started this past Friday and a few teams are already wheeling and dealing for some of the bigger free agents out there. The Chargers' couldn't afford to keep LaDainian Tomlinson's backup any longer...Michael Turner signed a six year deal with the Falcons today. I thought Turner was a capable back, but I think his numbers are little deceptive...Turner oftentimes accumulated the bulk of his yardage and scores in 'mop up' duty for L.T. Not that should diminish his accomplishments and, in fact, instead of just diving forward and getting tripped up to keep the clock running during his mop-up stints, he would rip off a long TD run against a game-weary defense...forcing the opponents to play a full 60 minutes against the Chargers.

The Chargers also released Shane Olivea, Marlon McCree and Lorenzo Neal. Olivea lost his starting job last season to Clary. McCree is a hard hitting safety but has made more than one mental error that cost the Chargers dearly...namely the 2006 AFC playoff game against the Pats...if he would have taken a new after intercepting Brady the Chargers would have won that game...instead, he makes the interception and tries to run the ball, fumbles and the Pats get a gift first and ten and go on to win the game. Lorenzo Neal, who broke his leg last season, worked great in Schottenheimer's offensive scheme, but several times this year looked out of place and unprepared...getting hit in the face mask with a pass (twice) that he wasn't prepared to receive. Neal was a great blocker for Tomlinson but is getting up there in age.

In other news, the Chargers signed Billy Volek to a 3 year deal...just goes to show that you just need to play good in a playoff game and you are likely to have some job security for a while.