Chambers Thinks Chargers Released Him for Off The Field Reasons
by Joel Thorman on Nov 3, 2009 6:36 PM CST
in 2009 Campaign
49 comments
New Kansas City Chiefs WR Chris Chambers talked with Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune yesterday regarding his release from the San Diego Chargers on Monday.
Per Chambers, the Chargers gave up on him.
"I thought the team gave up on me a little quick – for factors that don't have to deal with football," he said.
I've seen some reports out there involving Chambers and his now divorced wife. You can Google that information on your own, if you want.
"I guess it created a distraction upstairs," he said of some off-the-field things. "I kept my head on straight. We all go through things. I did my best to not have my personal life and football clash. They know a little too much of my life, and they used it against me."
Team sources told Acee that they were worried about Chambers' relationship with a woman. They believed it negatively impacted his performance.
(Maybe too soon but....that woman's not coming to Kansas City, right?)
This doesn't seem like a player the Chiefs would be interested in. Generally, the off-the-field players have been avoided in free agency and promptly addressed with issues arise within the team (except for, uh, Larry Johnson. Interesting note: LJ and Chambers have the same base salary this season).
That tells me that the Chiefs are more-confident-than-usual in his abilities to fit in on the roster. We'll see.
I know Chambers is getting paid nicely, but I can't imagine he's happy about coming to a team like the Chiefs at this point. At age 31, he probably wanted to be with a team that was competing for the playoffs....like the Chargers.
He's under contract, so if the Chiefs keep him for another three weeks, then he'll meet his former team on November 29th.
The Chargers head coach cited the emergence of Malcolm Floyd as the reason for Chambers release, not off-the-field issues.
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Make 'em regret it, Chris
Step up and show that you’ve still got some ability, make SD wonder why they let you go.
AND, help the Chiefs beat SD!!
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
by stagdsp on Nov 3, 2009 6:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yes good....
let the hate flow through you….
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
by Bashman on Nov 3, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
It makes you...
… powerful.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 4, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know it will not be to this level, but...
What if he Chambers pulls a Randy Moss. Was amazing at his first team… goes to a team and falls back, then moves to a NEWER team… and regains his own ways. That would be money
by SwimCoach on Nov 4, 2009 8:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chambers was better as a member of the Chargers than he was when he was with the Dolphins, so that doesn’t really work.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 4, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chambers has been one of the least productive receivers in the entire league this year. His off the field problems were a secondary concern.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:41 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Yes, the numbers say so
I wonder if he’s upset about leaving being cut by the Chargers. His quotes indicate that these issues were a big problem with the front office.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 3, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure it did bother them, but if he hadn’t been terrible on the field, I suspect they could have overlooked it.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Emergence of other players
could explain all or most of it. Maybe Floyd was getting lighter coverage. Hard to say. It’s clear, though, that SD has some solid WR weaponry.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 4, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Among 81 qualifying receivers he was 76th in DYAR and 78th in DVOA. Assuming he really was managing to not let his off the field troubles affect his performance, I’d hate to see what those numbers would have looked like had he been bringing his personal life with him onto the field.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
All that said, I like Chambers. He was a productive member of the team for a couple seasons and is by most accounts a good guy. I wish him luck and hope the move to KC is a good one for him.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's a little overstated...
“one of the least productive receivers in the entire league this year”
155 Chambers
159 Jamaal Charles
168 Jordy Nelson
196 Kevin Curtis
203 Joey Galloway
212 Bobby Engram
231 Greg Lewis
268 Roscoe Parrish
362 Mike Vrabel
:)
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
by stagdsp on Nov 3, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vrabel is pretty good
11 catches, 11 TDs. Under-rated! :)
by Joel Thorman on Nov 3, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
very true
I can’t believe the defense don’t see him coming a mile away!
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
by stagdsp on Nov 3, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yes but not all of those THIS year
do we even have 11 TD catches as a TEAM yet?
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
by upamtn on Nov 3, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh....sheesh...
Will you just let us have this moment of hopefullness!?!?!?!? :)
Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...
by woodman212 on Nov 3, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay. :)
Last time he was traded mid-season, he performed better the rest of that season than he had in his entire career to that point.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats what im talkin about
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
by Bashman on Nov 3, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats the ticket!
Ha, thanks SB Nation Brethren
Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...
by woodman212 on Nov 3, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Chambers felt that part of his problem was that he needed to be targeted more to get in a rhythm or something to that effect. He’ll have less competition for receptions in KC, so that might help him get back to form.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes a change of scenery and fresh start is great for a player...
It’s not as if SD has a great organization or coaching staff….after all
Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...
by woodman212 on Nov 3, 2009 6:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that's true
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
by stagdsp on Nov 3, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Charger fired Marty Schottenheimer
Need I say more…..??
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
by Matt_Grbac on Nov 3, 2009 6:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
wasnt' he 13-3 when he got fired?
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
by stagdsp on Nov 3, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was 0-2.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 3, 2009 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and the chargers have done very well without marty
why just look at the fantastic job Norv has done this year so far bravo
by Bestofthewest on Nov 3, 2009 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He has the best playoff winning percentage of any Chargers Head Coach in the club’s history (.600).
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 4, 2009 12:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks to the team
that Marty put together.
Air Cassel - approved for takeoff
by kabrink on Nov 4, 2009 7:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Schottenheimer didn’t put that team together, but he did coach them to an 0-2 record in the postseason. You’re thinking of the GM, A.J. Smith, who is still with the Chargers and was responsible for hiring Turner.
Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken
by Richard Wade on Nov 4, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Try 14-2!!!
Last 3 seasons…..12-4, 9-7, 14-2
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
by Matt_Grbac on Nov 3, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like this pickup
Now…can he stay in and block?
by STL-CHIEFS-FAN on Nov 3, 2009 6:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Philip Rivers couldn't get the guy the ball, what special abilities does Cassel have that will be different?
by BCRavenJHawkfan on Nov 3, 2009 7:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I just have two words for you
Vincentjackson
Antoniogates
Air Cassel - approved for takeoff
by kabrink on Nov 3, 2009 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There ya go.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 4, 2009 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Compared to LJ this guy is a saint for off the field issues
That’s it?
by Ren on Nov 3, 2009 8:23 PM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
From the original story in the San Diego Union-Tribune
Chambers has had trouble getting open and making catches this season. He has just nine receptions in the 31 times he has been targeted, the second-lowest reception rate in the NFL among players targeted more than 20 times.
It’s true that Chambers played great for the Chargers when basically the same thing happened to him in Miami. It would be great if the same thing would happen again. But remember… the Chiefs are a long way from being the 2007 Chargers.
On Oct. 25 in Kansas City, he dropped an apparent touchdown and another third-down pass.
I saw those plays. Didn’t everybody else? I won’t speak for anyone else, but I remember what I thought. It was, “Gee… Chambers isn’t the player he used to be.”
John
"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
by RDOGuy on Nov 3, 2009 8:58 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, cuz he used ta suck, but now he's a CHIEF!
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 4, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ALRIGHT! I am PUMPED - we've got Chris Chambers!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
omg I can’t be-LIEVE it, we’ve got …
… who?!?!?
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
by upamtn on Nov 3, 2009 10:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like the pick up
Cannot be much worse than we have. Have buddy in SD who seems to think Chambers gave up when floyd got more playing time. My major concern would be if he was not happy in SD, how is he going to feel in KC for a team that is not going to win many games and he will get minimal playing time due to change in offensive strategy….Any thoughts.
by MarkBoise on Nov 3, 2009 10:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was reading some comments about the possibility that he just kind of gave up on SD.
To me it’s an entirely different atmosphere here for him than what he left in SD. I think he knows that if he proves himself here that he’ll play. Haley won’t let him come in here and half ass anything. I also think it will be good for Bowe, the two will hopefully get along well and give each other a little friendly competition. Another thing is that Chambers knows SD’s playbook.
I think it’s very possible that Chambers could flourish here.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Nov 3, 2009 11:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to ...
If the Chargers “gave up” on him I am sure he will fit real well into Todd Haley’s positive, “atta boy”, secure, affirming and self-esteem building coaching style. ;)
by Hank44 on Nov 4, 2009 6:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
LJ in mentoring role
Thought Chambers was a good bet as LJ can work with him on “How to Treat Women”.
by HowSweetItIs on Nov 4, 2009 9:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Chambers and Floyd free agents to be...
…and they were not going to resigm Chambers so best to see what Floyd can do.
by FrankPitts on Nov 4, 2009 12:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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