The Morning Report
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The Chargers made a trade Tuesday to acquire Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers, a 2005 Pro Bowl pick, in exchange for a 2008 second-round draft pick.
Hmm, will history repeat itself? This sounds similar to another trade Chargers general manager A.J. Smith made that jump started the Chargers in 2004.
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| Phillip Rivers Photo: Sam Hodgson |
At the time, the Chargers were 3-3 and searching for a way to ease double coverage against tight end Antonio Gates and eight men in the box against running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Keenan McCardell, one of the NFL’s all-time leading receivers, arrived in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He helped the Bolts beat Carolina in his first game to start an eight-game winning streak. The Chargers went on to a 12-4 record and AFC West title.
This year, the Chargers have missed wide receiver Eric Parker more than they expected. He was a precision route runner that quarterback Philip Rivers knew where to find home downfield.
But with Parker sidelined by a toe injury since training camp, Chambers comes to the Chargers at a time when they are 3-3 and searching for another option in the passing game. Parker’s injury was slow to heal, and he was placed on injured reserve, a move that ends his season.
Chambers, 29, might be a younger version of McCardell. In Chambers’ Pro Bowl season, he caught 82 passes for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns. In six games with the 0-6 Dolphins this season, he’s caught 31 passes for 415 yards.
Chargers head coach Norv Turner is familiar with Chambers, having served as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator in 2002 in 2003.
“Chris is an explosive, talented player and I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to work with him again,” Turner said. “He’s a very consistent player and he has big-play ability. We think he can add to what we’re doing on offense.”
Chambers, a 5-foot-11, 220-pounder in his seventh NFL season, said he didn’t expect a trade, but understands the reasons after a winless start. The trade to a playoff contender is essentially a new season for him.
“It probably wouldn’t have happened if we were 2-3,” said Chambers, who was making plans Tuesday to fly to San Diego. “But I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to do the best I can help this team.”
— TOM SHANAHAN