Merriman and Phillips break out their dances

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Sunday, Nov 25, 2007
By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com

Shawne Merriman performed his "Lights Out" dance after a tackle for a loss and later sacked Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller.

Shaun Phillips was in on a sack in the fourth quarter and broke into his "Pro Bowler" routine.

The two Chargers outside linebackers admit it may have looked like they were releasing frustration during the Chargers' 32-14 win over the Ravens Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, but they're not hung up on their sack totals as much as their critics.

"I was blessed to have the first two seasons I had in the NFL, so if I don't get three or four sacks in one game or 20 sacks in a season it's going to be pressure on me," Merriman said. "But that's not what I'm about, to go out and get sacks. You have to go out and perform regardless. Sacks looks good and it helps the team win, but I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket to be a sack master. I want to be a more well-rounded player."

Merriman led the team in tackles with seven, including breaking across the line to tackle Willis McGahee for a 4-yard loss on the Ravens' fifth play from scrimmage.

Phillips was tied for second on the team with six tackles and also had two quarterback hurries to go with his half-sack.

"It's funny how winning is the cure-all for everything," Philips said. "If we were winning, people would be saying Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are having outstanding years. But the fact is, we're 6-5. We're not happy, we're not in the playoffs and we have to keep grinding."

Merriman's sack came midway through the second quarter when Boller dropped back on 2nd-and-8 from the Ravens' 44-yard line. He not only hit Boller for a 14-yard loss, he jarred the ball loose and Marquse Harris recovered to give the Bolts the ball at the 29-yard line.

The Bolts scored four plays later on a 46-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding for a 12-7 lead with 5:09 left in the first half.

The national media focus on Merriman may be that's he's not on pace to match last year's 17 sacks, but his teammates and coaches say what's being overlooked is his all-around game. He's being double teamed on the pass rush and has improved his pass coverage, with several tipped passes this year.

"Oh, yeah," Merriman said about feeling he's playing well this year, "but it's never as good when you don't win. I haven't felt good about this year because of the (losses). It's not about my personal play. It's about winning games."

Phillips' sack came midway through the fourth quarter when he combined with backup defensive lineman Ryon Bingham.

"I don't think I ever dropped off this year, and if someone thinks I dropped off, I'd like to see the highlight tape," Phillips said. "I like to believe I play consistent every week. It's about playing 16 games, not four good games and down for two. And it's not about me. It's about 11 guys doing their job and being on the same page."

The front seven and the secondary said the 11 guys had maybe their best game of playing together. The linebackers said the coverage led to the sacks and the defensive backs said the sacks led to the coverage.

"They made everything a lot easier for us," Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer said. "What people fail to realize is the reason we weren't getting pressure on the quarterback sometimes is the coverage doesn't allow pressure. One of them might be in coverage and one might be rushing and getting double teamed.

"I'm tired of people criticizing Shawne and Shaun. They're getting pressure, we're getting interceptions and they're causing fumbles. That's football. Football isn't all about getting sacks. It's about making plays all season long."

Donald Miralle, Getty Images North America

Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 performs his "Lights out" dance after a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens en route to the Chargers's 32-14 win during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium November 25, 2007 in San Diego, California.

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