Chargers rookie Merriman anxious to record first sack

The outside linebacker will play his first game after a holdout, as will Rams rookie offensive tackle Barron.

SAN DIEGO -- Shawne Merriman is ready to flip the switch.

Of course, to do that, Merriman is going to need to come up with his first sack when he makes his exhibition debut for the San Diego Chargers today against the St. Louis Rams.

The hard-hitting Merriman is nicknamed "Lights Out" because of the hits he puts on opposing players. He has a tattoo of a light switch on one forearm, and he celebrates big hits by pretending to flip it.

"First time I touch the quarterback, man, I'm going to flip the switch," he said.

Merriman missed the Chargers' exhibition opener, a 10-7 loss at Green Bay, because of hamstring and toe injuries.

"Last week was everybody else's first preseason game," he said. "This week will be my first preseason game and kind of my welcome-to-the-NFL game."

Merriman is vying with incumbent Ben Leber for the starting outside linebacker spot opposite Steve Foley. Merriman is expected to play about a quarter today.

Also making his debut will be the Rams' top draft pick, offensive lineman Alex Barron.

"I am just here taking this all in," said Barron, who practiced for the first time Monday after a two-week holdout. "They are doing a great job of working with me, trying to prepare me and things like that. Hopefully I can put it all together and be successful."

Barron has taken snaps at left tackle, Orlando Pace's position, a clear indication that for the immediate future, the Rams consider him a high-priced backup.

Merriman caused a stir when he stayed away from all offseason workouts, afraid he wouldn't be adequately compensated if he got hurt before signing a contract, then missed the first week of training camp.

"The only thing I regret is I didn't know what to expect," Merriman said. "Physically, I was strong. Mentally, not being here probably set me back because I didn't get the mental reps I could have."

Although his teammates have seen Merriman on the practice field for a limited time due to injuries, they've seen enough of his buffed upper body to rib him a bit. Merriman is quick to take off his jersey and shoulder pads after practice but says it's to help him cool down.

Inside linebacker Randall Godfrey, though, jokes that when TV cameras are around, it's "Lights on, shirt off."

Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards is impressed with Merriman.

"Look how big he is -- the guy's a monster," Edwards said. "He's got his shirt off out here, showing all his muscles. He's a very confident guy. We're looking forward to having big things from him this year."

The Chargers had only 29 sacks last year, tied for third lowest in the league. Their pass defense was ranked 31st, largely because of the lack of a pass rush.

That's why they took Merriman with the 12th pick overall in the draft and defensive tackle Luis Castillo with the 28th.

"We're just trying to get after the quarterback and pick up what we were lacking last year," Merriman said. "We're trying to help this very good defense be a great defense."

Castillo won't play today because of a sprained ankle.

Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding will try to rebound from missing three field goal attempts in the final 8 minutes at Green Bay. Counting his miss in overtime in the playoff loss to the Jets, he's in an 0-for-4 slump.