Thoughts On Chris Chambers Trade

The Chargers added a new dimension on the offensive side of the ball with the acquisition of Chris Chambers from Miami. 

Chambers is a fine athlete who provides the Chargers with a wide receiver who can stretch the field.  That aspect should become a good complement for young prospects Vincent Jackson and Craig Davis.  Jackson has been progressing since entering the league a couple years ago.  He lacks speed, but has excellent size and toughness over the middle.  Davis has flashed natural quickness and athletic skills as a rookie.  Both are good components as supporting targets, but lack the overall tools and experience to play the role of a true number one receiver, despite the presence of Antonio Gates. 

Chambers isn’t a truly polished receiver as a feature target, but provides the missing element of experience at the wide receiver position.  He will have trouble getting off the line against good press corners and lacks natural ball skills – so he tends to not come up with balls that an athlete of his caliber normally would. 

My only concern would be how Chambers makes the adjustment towards being the top target in Miami to becoming an essentially the third option behind Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.  From a mental standpoint, Norv Turner will have to make a conscious effort to get Chambers in a rhythm throughout the course of the game.  Fortunately, it should take too long for Chambers to find a comfort level with the scheme in San Diego since he worked in the past with Turner and played in the same system under Cameron in Miami. 

Meanwhile, I believe this was a good move for the Dolphins.  I’m sure many fans in Miami are up in arms of this move, but they weren’t going anywhere with Chambers.  The must begin to build for the future and Chambers doesn’t provide good value for the direction this team needs to move towards.  This organization needs to build a new core of young players and acquire draft choices.  They need continuity – which they haven’t had much in recent years throughout the organization.  They have missed on several first round picks over the past 10 years.  Those issues eventually catch up with a franchise. 

John Beck will likely take over at quarterback at some point this season and they have a few young receivers they would like to give reps and evaluate.  Derek Hagen and Ted Ginn should expect more repetitions behind Marty Booker.  Greg Camarillo could also see more playing time due to his makeup. 

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