Chargers News: What does Brandon Mebane Bring to the Bolts?
The San Diego Chargers seem to have solved their interior defensive line issues as the team has signed former Seahawk Brandon Mebane to a three-year deal for a reported $13.5 million. The big defensive lineman is 31 years old and was a vital and unheralded member of Seattle’s acclaimed defensive unit.
Mebane will be a huge presence in the middle for the Chargers. He teamed with Corey Liuget form a very formidable duo in the middle for the Bolts. Mebane typically commands double teams, so his addition will free up everyone else on the defensive line. Expect Luiget to have a boost in production and even an increase in his sack total.
His addition will also lead to more production from the outside ends/line backers as well. Fullbacks and running backs will have to pay extra attention to Mebane in the middle. In doing that the offensive tackles will have to battle one on one instead of with this assistance of their teammates. Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu and Kyle Emanuel will be free to pursue the QB and each should have a great year in 2016.
The Chargers needed an interior defensive lineman and there was speculation surrounding Damon Harrison. In the end Harrison signed with the New York Giants for a reported $46.25 million and five years. $24 million of that is guaranteed. Obviously Mebane signed for quite a bit less, but he has provided the same production as Harrison over the last few years. I like Harrison a lot but the Chargers were wise to spend a fraction of the cost on Mebane.
The extra money will come in handy as the team attempts to fill many spots on the roster. The Chargers have spent $84.2 million dollars so far and $39 million of that is guaranteed by the team. There is much work to do and you can bet that this first wave of signing is just the beginning of the overhaul of this 4-12 Chargers roster.
The San Diego Chargers need a tight end, they need offensive line help and they also could use a pass rusher. Replacing Eric Weddle is also a necessity. Dwight Lowery is a decent start, but the team could use another veteran presence deep in their defensive backfield. Retaining Jahleel Addae was also a nice move. The hard-hitting safety brings a toughness and familiarity to the team. It was nice to see the team bring him back. Still another signing could be in the works at safety.
Getting back to Mebane and what he brings to the team. In this particular video he just keeps fighting while Aaron Rodgers just falls into his lap for the sack. You get an excellent glimpse at his sack dance. A dance in which Chargers fans hope to see many times this upcoming season. The man is entertaining to watch. That you can be sure of.
In this clip he went against the San Diego Chargers in 2010 at home. The team decides not to double team him and use Tyronne Green to block him. Green cannot contain him and Mebane also fights through the block of Mike Tolbert to earn the sack of Philip Rivers. If you try to play him one on one with an offensive lineman, he will get the better of you almost every time. The fact he draws a constant double team will be incredibly valuable to the Bolts and their defense.
A very productive first day for the Bolts landing Mebane. He has 349 career sacks tackles and 15.5 sacks in his seven year career. The California native is surely happy to return to his home state and play for the Chargers. The 6′ 1″ 310 lb defensive lineman will look great in a Chargers uniform and will be a rock in the middle for the Bolts. The 2016 NFL Draft will provide some important players for the Chargers as well. It will be interesting to see what Tom Telesco and the front office do with their draft picks. It’s an exciting time for Chargers fans and we will keep you posted of any and all moves here at East Village Times.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.