... my Countdown to (Preseason) Kickoff series, here's a breakdown of six players who need to shape up soon. The Chargers are deep on talent (for most positions), so anyone who isn't pulling their weight may find themselves gone.

1. Shawne Merriman: Why not start with the most obvious one. It's simple: Contract year. Declining numbers. Holdout. Merriman already has too many ticks in the negative column. He is now a year removed from his major knee surgery, which should work in his favor, but the odds are stacked against him.

Merriman put up four sacks last year. He didn't force a single fumble. Merriman used to strike absolute terror into the hearts of offensive lineman and quarterbacks alike. If he doesn't get back to t...

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