San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Clemson LB Simmons would be wiser Bolts pick than a risky QB
Sez Me …
The NFL combine’s meat wagon has run off to the side of the road and is behind us.
So now we carefully must swerve around the smoke, mirrors, lies and chicanery that serve as unrest stops as we continue our drive to the ultimate destination — next month’s draft.
I say unrest, because at no point in my memory (granted, it’s failing) has there been a time leading up to football April when there not only has been so much uncertainty at the top of the board — with possibly as many as four quarterbacks going early — but such a stack of experienced QBS on the shelves of the free agent market (which opens its doors March 18).
So, there is no better time to focus on The NFL Team That Used To Be Here — you know, the Judases/l.a. Lodgers — who currently own the sixth overall pick in the lottery.
The Tommyjohn GM tandem of Tom Telesco and John Spanos has to pump the brakes and not exceed the speed limit. There are blind spots. And it’s easy to become enamored with the scenery.
As documented, Philip Rivers has skedaddled to parts unknown, which leaves the team Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Tyrod is serviceable (23-21-1 as a starter), and they could do worse, but he isn’t the future.
Does Taylor represent the star vehicle for their new Inglewood stage? I don’t believe they need one. A matinee idol will do them no good at the box office, even if they win with him.
This “the-lodgers-need-tom-brady-tosell-psls-crap” is just that, a load of crap. They’re nothing in L.A., and they’re not going to be. There was less interest in them there after they went 12-4 and won a playoff game.
Unless Tua Tagovailoa’s medical picture is cloudy, he and Joe Burrow are going very early, Joe No. 1 (but beware Bengals brain flatulence).
Now, do the Judases believe the likes of Jordan Love or Justin Herbert can be a franchise QB? The field of dreams is lousy with quarterback nightmares. And, when you miss, it can set you back years.
I’m saying that, if they don’t see a quarterback with It Factor, their best offramp may lead to free agency. They can’t reach. They should use that No. 6 on Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons (if he’s still available).
Put Simmons in the middle of that defense, let him run wild, and watch it become as good as any in The League. The pieces would be in place.
Then there’s a chance.
Rivers, fine as he was, couldn’t do it anymore.
They need a QB who doesn’t screw things up, and offensive line improvement. They got Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner from Carolina for Russell Okung, and Trai’s younger and a better lineman, but who’s their left tackle now? Potential QBS will ask.
Tailback Melvin Gordon will be gone. No big deal. They have protean Austin Ekeler ( just re-signed) and Justin Jackson, who can run. Outside skill is excellent.
But they need a D to combat Mr. Mahomes.
Simmons is a freak. No surprise if he’s the best player in this draft. Certainly, he’s the most versatile. As with Derwin James, already a Lodger, he can play anywhere, except he’s much bigger, stronger and faster.
The J’s need a quarterback only if they absolutely believe he’s The One.
The destination matters here, not the journey. …
Tom Brady to the 49ers? Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t lose the Super Bowl. Kyle Shanahan did. …
But then, if Kyle does get Tom, he can find another way to lose one. …
Know what Brady really said to Julian Edelman on that video that ignited Unsocial Media? “How about a Fresca?” ...
The Lodgers and Travis Benjamin have “parted ways.” Travis can’t grasp that, either. …
The ancestors of N.C. State edge rusher
James Smith-williams couldn’t decide on a cliche last name, so they went with two . ...
The key to the Aztecs’ NCAA run is
Nathan Mensah. Without their rim protector, it’s going to be double-double hard. Long rest at sea level shouldn’t hurt. …
Dear Aztecs fans: There is no “revenge” necessary if first you win the game you’re supposed to win . ...
If I own the Knicks — and I’m not quite that big an idiot — I allow Spike Lee to sit on the center court logo while games are going on. …
If you’re a decent player you too now can score 50 in an NBA game . ...
Chas. Barkley on the Rockets’ small ball: “I don’t think you’re going to win with putting a little bunch of leprechauns out there.” Just like Charles. In time for St. Patrick’s Day. …
Tony Romo is a 2000’s rarity. He can make millions without screaming and still have listeners believe him. …
Who does ESPN trade to NBC for Al Michaels, Lee Corso? Absurd . ...
Augusta National finally has trademarked “Green Jacket.” Just my luck. I went with “Green Sport Coat.” ...
Stink O’ The Week Sezment: At 11 on election night, some San Diego County precincts had zero percent reporting. Happens when results come by bicycle . ...
Memo to our Ham & Eggers/mission Valley real estate experts: The Raiders sold their 55-acre practice facility for $191 million, 30 times the 2018 purchase price. …
What if the first Measure C received as much support as the last one? Just spitasking . ...
It’s 2020, do we know where the money goes in this state? Taxes, fines, tickets, etc. Do we really need to pass bonds to pump good drinking water into our schools and asbestos out of the walls? These are our kids and grandkids. …
Congratulations, Bicycle Mayor. For the first time, I actually saw a rider in the historic Fifth Avenue bike lane. Think he was lost. …
No. 10 President John Tyler was born in 1790. He has two living grandchildren. Seriously. To think I almost met him . ...
I’ve never foot-bumped anyone, not starting now. Think I’ll go back to our old street greeting. Lifting my chin. More difficult now, but safe and effective . ...
I was going to write something terribly clever here, but my boss started banging a trash can.