Shawne Merriman - "I probably could have had six"

At a Tuesday press-conference, Shawne Merriman said he wasn't fully satisfied with his play:

"You look at little things and think you could do a lot better. There was one time where I got up the field too far. I got called offsides on another. I have to correct those things."

After one game, Shawne Merriman is already tied for the league lead in sacks...he has three, along with six tackles. If he stays at this pace, he will end up with a whopping 48 sacks and 96 tackles! OK, kinda silly to project his numbers after just one game. But the guy is scary good and the defense around him is also very good.

Last week Derrick Burgess of the Raiders (2005 NFL sack leader) called Merriman

"the most dominant player I've seen since I've been in the league. He's exceptional. It takes a special player to be that big and fast and to have that mentality as a rookie."

Honestly, if he approaches 20 sacks this year and helps lead the Chargers to a playoff berth, Merriman could be a serious candidate for NFL MVP. He is as good at what he does as any player in the league. He certainly has the star power, has the drive to be the best, and could become the next face of the NFL. The Chargers are becoming a trendy team, as well they should be. They have elite players on all sides of the ball and the best uniforms in the NFL.

The last defensive player to win the NFL MVP award? Lawrence Taylor, 20 years ago. The original LT is the player Merriman is most often compared to. Taylor was also the defensive rookie of the year, and was the most dominant player at his position for years. I think Merriman has a legit shot, and frankly, its about time that the award went to someone other than a Quarterback or Running back.

Merriman's next victim? Kerry Collins. Titans Coach Jeff Fisher probably feels more comfortable about throwing the thirty-something year old to the wolves, rather than risking the health of Vince 'The Franchise' Young.

After seeing what the Jets did to Collins, imagine the day Merriman and the Chargers defense will have with him - at San Diego no less. You can be sure Merriman and crew will be looking to put on a show for the hometown crowd. Do yourself and favor and watch this game (and thank your lucky stars you aren't playing QB for the Titans).