Perception is that Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is a shell of his former self after tearing the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee in 2008, after fighting through pain in 2006 and suffering an injury to the knee in 2007 that led to arthroscopic surgery. Reconstructive surgery followed, and a difficult 2009 season for Merriman brought some to the conclusion that his best days are behind him. That’s an idea Merriman is looking to blow up the way he used to so many quarterbacks. “I just think it’s foolish to think like that,’’ Merriman said. “Ask anyone who has come back off a major knee injury. It’s ridiculous for anyone to think you’re going to be the same right away. But the biggest thing for me is I can’t just say what I’m going to do, I’m more anxious to get back doing it. It’s beyond the importance of just playing football. What’s important to me is that I get back to transforming the game. People forget that I’m 25 - that’s how old some guys are coming out of college, and I have five years experience. That’s a blessing. I have a lot of football left.’’ Source: Boston Globe
