Defensive Leadership

This is what we need this season.

Despite all the other stuff, 'Lights Out' doesn't take day job lightly

By Kevin Acee
Union-Tribune Staff Writer
9:34 p.m. August 7, 2009

Shawne Merriman might Twitter. He might ham it up for fans and television cameras. He might relentlessly pitch his own clothing line and an energy drink and show up on television and in the gossip columns more than any other Charger.
But on the field, especially now, Merriman is all business.
“I'm on a different path,” he said this week. “My focus is different than it's ever been.”
Merriman, among many others, recognizes a more focused approach among the Chargers this camp. And he will not accept anything less than 100 percent adherence, especially from a vital cog.
What Merriman did at practice Wednesday should not be seen as earth-shaking. Things happen between teammates all the time. On every good team, players challenge other players.
What this is, though, is an example early on that this team's leaders have a goal in mind and will not be afraid to keep others focused on that goal.

After perceiving that cornerback Antonio Cromartie had dogged it on a play, Merriman yelled at the cornerback. When Cromartie yelled back, according to sources, Merriman shot back at Cromartie that he wanted to win a Super Bowl and Cromartie better get on board.

“I'm not going to let anyone ruin it for me,” Merriman said the next day. “And not just one person – anyone. And I'm not going to let anyone else down either. I'm so serious about what we're going to try to accomplish.”