To: Master (Hijacked) who wrote (8207 ) 10/22/2001 1:10:49 PM From: Thomas M. Read Replies (1) | Respond to There is more than meets the eye in the abrupt decision of San Diego linebackers coach Jim Vechiarella to resign earlier this week. A veteran NFL assistant and terrific defensive mind, Vechiarella had been calling Chargers schemes this year in the continuing absence of coordinator Joe Pascale, laid up by three back surgeries in the past seven weeks. In the wake of the Chargers' overtime loss at New England last week, Vechiarella claimed he was suffering from stress and that he felt he should step aside before the problem became more pronounced. But insiders claim the stress was hardly self-imposed, that Vechiarella was criticized even on the sideline by some San Diego coaches, for his passive defense in the closing minutes of the contest. The Chargers played a so-called "prevent" defense on each of New England's final two possessions and the Patriots moved the ball down the field and eventually tied the game in regulation. The defensive playcalling now falls to secondary coach Mark Banker, a guy with just three years of NFL experience, and who has not been a coordinator. While it seems Vechiarella has been made a scapegoat of sorts, it's amazing that no one is questioning the wisdom of awarding unrestricted free agent cornerback Alex Molden a five-year contract and $1.75 million signing bonus this spring. A former first-round choice in New Orleans (1996), Molden's reputation during his five seasons with the Saints was of a guy who was often injured and, when available, surrendered a lot of big plays. Through five games with the Chargers, it seems those raps haven't changed at all. By the way, third-round draft pick Tay Cody, who has played well in spots this year, will replace Molden on Sunday.espn.go.com
