"Now that Dean Spanos and A.J. Smith have stuffed the ballot box and re-elected Norv Turner as Chargers sheriff for 2011, it's time to open the wallet, put pride aside and make sure their coach's pistol is fully loaded. And that means bringing back receiver Vincent Jackson, a silver bullet.

If the Chargers' president and general manager are going to enthusiastically commit to Norv, clearly against the townsfolks' wishes, at the very least they should give him the opportunity to begin next season - if there is a season - with guns blazing.

There should be no empty chamber, which would help eliminate all the empty excuses for the football team's slow starts under Turner. He deserves the opportunity to have his best people when the shooting starts, and there's no doubt Jackson is one of the very best receivers alive, a difference-maker Norv covets.

Just Monday afternoon, following the team's playoff-hopes-ending loss to Cincinnati, Turner, acknowledging Jackson missed most of the season through holdout and suspension, said: "I think Vincent Jackson is a lot better player than he was a year ago."

Norv didn't wink, but the statement did not follow a question. It was more than a hint.

At the very least, the franchise tag currently hanging from the toe of tailback Darren Sproles should be placed on Jackson. As much as I admire Sproles, he is not a $7-million back, at least not anymore. Better yet would be signing Jackson to a long-term deal, with written reservations of course, regarding V.J.'s off-the-field behavior.

I realize Smith, the GM, isn't fond of Jackson's agents and remains ticked - and rightfully so - at V.J. for his pair of DUIs and for driving with a suspended license. But both sides can be blamed for Jackson's ridiculous holdout. He was allowed a few moments of glory. Not enough."