Link Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced Friday and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Tomlinson has been bothered by a strained groin the last three games and failed to gain more than 65 yards in any.
Two of Tomlinson's five biggest games as a professional came against the Raiders in 2003. He had a career-high 243 yards in a home win in the season finale, and 187 yards in an overtime loss at Oakland on Sept. 28.
His backup, Jesse Chatman, has played well, although he has a turf toe and has been held out of practice. Chatman is listed as probable on the injury report, although coach Marty Schottenheimer said it will be a game-time decision whether he'll play.
Sammy Davis is expected to regain his starting job at right cornerback. Drayton Florence started at right cornerback in last Sunday's win at Carolina, but sprained an ankle."
Friday, October 29, 2004
Tomlinson practices, expected to start against Raiders
Black and blue rivalry
Full Story HereIf there were any authority on the subject of playing the Raiders, Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer would be the one. During his 19 years of head coaching in the NFL, he has a 21-7 record versus Oakland. In 10 of those 19 years, Schottenheimer was with the Kansas City Chiefs, whose rivalry with the Raiders is also legendary.
On Monday, Schottenheimer declared the next five days before the game “Raider week.” When asked what he thinks about the throng of Raiders supporters that often descend upon Qualcomm Stadium once a year, Schottenheimer offered his usual candid response.
Still feeling LT's burn marks, Raiders should be 'keyed up'
Full Story Here': "LaDainian Tomlinson had a queasy stomach, but it was Oakland defenders who looked ill as they left the field after a 21-14 loss to the Chargers last December in Qualcomm Stadium.
Only once before had the Raiders been gashed as badly as they were that afternoon, when Tomlinson made a mockery of their 'Commitment to Excellence' motto by running for 243 yards. That was 23 yards shy of the record total ran against the Raiders by Seattle's Shaun Alexander in 2001 and 23 more than the franchise single-game record Tomlinson set in 2002.
Sunday, Tomlinson and the Chargers will face the Raiders for the first time since that game. And though the Raiders have changed coaching staffs and some personnel, the desire for redemption figures to remain as great as ever for an organization that likes to define itself by the words pride and poise."
Chargers future is clear
Full Story Here: "The Chargers welcome the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, for a Halloween treat. While the Raiders are scuffling along with four straight losses and a 2-5 mark, the Chargers are headed the opposite direction. They've won three of four, and at 4-3, have matched last year's win total.
But the Chargers would be wise not to overlook the Raiders and peek too far down the road.
Of the nine games against the seven remaining teams on the schedule (they play the Chiefs and Raiders, twice) just two squads show a winning mark: the Colts and the Broncos.
Other than that, it's a bunch of sub-.500 teams, greasing the road for the Chargers to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995."
Chatman has been super subbing for Tomlinson
Full Story Here: "Chatman used to have one of the NFL's most obscure jobs until Tomlinson strained his groin four weeks ago. Since then, there's been little dropoff when the obscure substitute replaces the superstar for the surprising Chargers (4-3)."
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Chargers cite chemistry as a reason for progress
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "The Chargers are preaching trust and togetherness after finishing 4-12 last season, and there were doubts about whether Ball was of the same mind. He had a run-in with management in the offseason when it declined to sign him to a long-term contract despite Ball starting 21 games his first two seasons, and he admittedly was upset last week when he was benched after rookie Nick Hardwick returned from a knee injury to reclaim the starting job.
The last thing the Chargers (4-3) want at this point is a player who isn't pulling the rope as forcefully in the same direction as everyone else. They've won three of their past four entering Sunday's game against visiting Oakland (2-5) and believe chemistry is as responsible for their surge as anything."
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Tomlinson expects to play Sunday against Raiders
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice Wednesday and will probably sit out Thursday because of a strained groin, but the San Diego Chargers running back expects to play against the Oakland Raiders.
Tomlinson has been playing through the injury the last three weeks, and does not want to miss the big home game Sunday.
``I consider the Raiders our biggest rival because everybody around town loves that game,'' Tomlinson said. ``That's the game you look forward to playing.''"
Oakland Raiders Scouting Report
Full Story Here: "It has been only two seasons since the Oakland Raiders won the AFC Championship and faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium. But it seems like the 2002 season was decades ago.
Since then, the Raiders have switched head coaches and struggled to a 6-17 record."
Chargers tryout four
Full Story Here: "Tuesday is the day off for NFL players but that doesn't mean the San Diego Chargers front office has closed shop. First they signed Bob Hallen and released Jason Ball. Four other players also worked out for the Chargers on Tuesday. A look at the players making the trek through Murphy Canyon shows another signing may be coming soon."
Chargers cut center Ball, won't specify why
Full Story Here: "General Manager A.J. Smith wouldn't specify the reasons for the move, but apparently there was concern inside the organization about the center's attitude after last week's move that put rookie Nick Hardwick back in the starting lineup and Ball on the bench."
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Chargers release center Jason Ball, wide receiver Micah Ross
Full story here: "The Chargers have released center Jason Ball, who lost his starting job to rookie Nick Hardwick while boycotting training camp and the start of the season because of dissatisfaction with his contract situation"
NFL labor negotiations get into revenue sharing
Link Here: "NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL players union wants major additions to the revenue pool used to determine player salaries, making negotiations to extend the current contract more difficult than in the past.
Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, will meet in Detroit this week with owners on the league's management council. He is expected to outline a proposal that would add revenues to the television and base ticket sales now used to determine player salaries.
``We're concerned about the growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots,'' Upshaw said, a concern voiced in a different context by owners such as Dan Rooney of Pittsburgh, Ralph Wilson of Buffalo and Jim Irsay of Indianapolis. ``And we're concerned that a lot of revenue that should go to players is not being included in the pool.''"
Defensive dominance
Link here Fans watching the Chargers’ 17-6 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday could’ve mistaken the Bolts for two different teams.
In the first half, the Chargers allowed 88 rushing yards—three yards more than their season average—despite the fact that Carolina was without their top three running backs. Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster and Rod Smart were inactive due to injury.
The Bolts’ offense, on the other hand, held possession of the ball for only 9:09, managed just 80 yards of offense, had one turnover, six first downs and didn’t score in the first two quarters.
Tomlinson injury treatment is rest - More News & Notes
Link here: "The diagnosis hasn't changed much on the sore groin of LaDainian Tomlinson, which means more of the same for the Chargers running back:
Rest when he can, play through the pain, and know his coaches and teammates are saying an extra prayer or two each night."
Chargers opening eyes with 4-3 start
Full story here: "A year ago, the Chargers were the NFL's worst team and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season. Now they've won as many games as they did all of last year, improving to 4-3 with a 17-6 road win over last year's surprise team, the Carolina Panthers."
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Chargers win ugly
Link Here
Drunken entry:
Horrible first half... penalties killed them... Tomlinson was ineffective.....
2nd half... defense held..... Chatman saved the day... again....
Brees looked good, McCardell will only improve this team....
Raiders next, at home....
Go Chargers!
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Fresh legs
Full Story Here: "Joining the second-youngest roster in the NFL that has an average age of 25, wide receiver Keenan McCardell, a 13-year NFL veteran, must feel like an old man, right?"
NFL - Mastering Their Trade
Full Story Here: "The San Diego Chargers are finally making the most out of their draft picks, and they are doing it by trading them away. For the fourth time this season, the Chargers have been involved in a big-time trade. Each of them has involved both players and picks changing hands, and each has given a much needed facelift to a historically underachieving Chargers franchise."
Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace World Series Game 4
Full Story Here: "A unique date in the annals of baseball history will be recorded Wednesday, Oct. 27 when for the first time a total lunar eclipse will occur during a World Series game"
Friday, October 22, 2004
McCardell could start for Chargers
Link: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Newly acquired wide receiver Keenan McCardell will make his season debut on Sunday and might even start for the San Diego Chargers in their road game against the Carolina Panthers."
More than third of Turkish women justify beatings by husband
Link Here: "ANKARA, Oct 21 (AFP) - More than a third of Turkish women believe they deserve being beaten if they argue with their husbands, deny them sex or burn the meal, according to a survey carried by Anatolia news agency on Thursday.
The survey found that 39 percent of women in Turkey believe their husbands are right to beat them for at least one of the following reasons: burning the meal, disputing the opinion of their husbands, spending money unnecessarily, neglecting the children or refusing to have sex.
In rural areas, 57 percent of women said their spouses had a right to batter them in at least one of the above circumstances.
Arguing with the husband topped the list of justified reasons for domestic violence, followed by too much spending and the negligence of children.
The poll was conducted among 8,075 married women by Ankara`s Hacettepe University and was funded by the European Union and the Turkish government.
The European Union, which Turkey is seeking to join, has put pressure on the Ankara government to better protect the rights of women.
Florence's focus fast as his feet
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- Florence's focus fast as his feet
Chargers cornerback Drayton Florence was near the front of the line when the football gods were handing out athletic ability. At 6 feet, 205 pounds, he has excellent size and speed, and an aggressive temperament that's ideally suited for press coverage.
But while his physical gifts are a blessing in one sense, they were a curse for him last year as a rookie reserve because he tended to rely on them too heavily. He was so confident in his athleticism that he overlooked the importance of being mentally prepared. He might take a false step here, or look at the wrong landmark there and – boom! – the receiver was off and running free.
This season, teammates contend they have seen a more mature and focused Florence. He had an interception in each of the past two games and now is in line for his first pro start Sunday when the Chargers (3-3) meet the Carolina Panthers (1-4) in Charlotte, N.C. Coach Marty Schottenheimer has yet to announce his starter at right cornerback, opposite Quentin Jammer, but Florence has been taking the majority of the reps in practice and could get the nod over incumbent Sammy Davis and backup Jamar Fletcher.
"No one has said anything to me, but I'm just excited that I'm getting an opportunity now to at least be considered as a starter," Florence said. "I've just got to take it and grab it and keep it and not let it go."
If he plays as well this weekend as he did against Jacksonville and Atlanta, it could be hard to keep him out of the lineup. Florence picked off Byron Leftwich while playing a deep zone, then rolled off the slot receiver to intercept Michael Vick along the sideline last weekend.
If he took anything other than the football away from those games, it was the importance of being mentally prepared.
"The physical is all there," said Florence, the first of the Chargers' two second-round picks last year, out of Tuskegee. "It's just taking it from the study room to the field and applying it; that's where I've made the most improvement. I think that's where Marty said he's seen the biggest improvement, too, focusing on the little things."
Schottenheimer isn't alone in that assessment. Teammates who marveled at his athleticism now are applauding his concentration.
"It looks like he's more focused," free safety Jerry Wilson said. "I think he figures it's for real now. He has an opportunity to really step up and break the starting lineup, and it seems like it's something he's really hungry for. It didn't hurt that he had a couple of good games back-to-back, with a couple of picks; and now it seems as if he's trying to build on it. He's looking good out there.
"I feel comfortable seeing him to the right of me because I'm talking to him out there and he's responding. He's playing the technique I'm expecting him to play. He's making receivers go where I want them to go. So, he's putting himself in good position, and that's all I can ask for."
Florence's attention to detail didn't start this week when he was told he had a shot at starting. It started after last season, when following an impressive training camp he struggled to get off the bench because of repeated mental mistakes. During his postseason exit meeting with Schottenheimer he was told he had the physical tools to excel but needed to improve in the details that come with playing the position.
So, Florence studied and learned. When the rookies went through a three-day minicamp before summer workouts, Florence was the only veteran to attend as a spectator. He took a spot along the sideline and studied the defense in general and the secondary in particular.
It is only now, 22 games into his young career, that he said his feet are outracing his mind.
"The game is a lot slower for me," Florence said. "(Last weekend) it felt like college, really. I've been able to take what I'm learning and apply it on the field. If they come out in a certain set, you basically know they're going to run this or run that. (Last week) the receiver ran the out and I sat underneath it because I knew what to expect."
He has done nothing during the week to diminish the coaching staff's expectations this weekend and said he is feeling no added pressure about having an opportunity to start.
"I know they're watching me a lot closer than they were the weeks before, but actually it's motivation," Florence said. "If somebody told you that you had a chance to start, how would you take it? I'm just working like I've been working, and if things happen to work out to where I'm starting, I'm starting. If they don't, then I just play the role I've been playing."
Nuts 'n' Bolts
Schottenheimer said he's uncertain whether defensive end Adrian Dingle will play Sunday. Dingle, who ranked second on the team with six sacks last season, hasn't played the past two weeks because of pain and weakness in one of his knees.
"It's still not at a point where I'm confident that he can give us 30, 35 plays," Schottenheimer said. "And in the absence of being able to do that, it's hard to have him be active because you end up really in effect going in with five guys . . . I'm a little bit concerned because it hasn't gotten better at this point."
If Dingle is out, Schottenheimer said Jacques Cesaire would start. Eric Downing also could see action after rookie end Dave Ball was placed on IR this week with a broken toe.
Wideout Tim Dwight (toe) was the only player not to practice, but he's listed as probable on the injury report.
Running game motivated this week
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Running game motivated this week: "Is there anything finer than watching LaDainian Tomlinson take off for a long gainer? This may be the week his rocket ship takes off again.
It's a pairing that is too difficult to resist: LaDainian Tomlinson 's health against the Panthers' run defense.
Tomlinson is back at nearly full strength, after pulling himself out of two games with a groin injury. But Sunday in Atlanta, he reportedly wasn't bothered by it, which is a good sign for the Chargers.
Tomlinson is also motivated to spit out some big numbers after being kept 2 yards under his season average when trying to solve the Falcons' tough run defense.
He won't be facing a similar stout unit on Sunday.
Now the Chargers may start the game cute -- with passes, reverses and a little trickery. But the rubber meets the road, the ball will meet Tomlinson's gut.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
The Chargers' wobbly pass defense vs. the Panthers' passing game.
Thou shall not run is a good way of describing the Chargers' run defense, which is best in the AFC. But stopping rivals through the air is another matter. That's why the secondary will likely be tested by Jake Delhomme . No doubt, Delhomme will zero in on the right cornerback spot, which has allowed more than its share of big plays. Jamar Fletcher and Sammy Davis and Drayton Florence will rotate there and who will start remains an unsolved mystery; Delhomme could be due for a big game, as he has struggled throughout most of the season. He's 25th with a rating of 71.3 and has thrown a league-high nine INTs. But plenty of quarterbacks have gotten well this year when facing the Chargers' pass defense. Keep an eye on rookie WR Keary Colbert -- you can bet Delhomme will. The Chargers' run defense vs. the Panthers running game.
DT Jamal Williams ' numbers don't leap from the stat page -- 14 tackles -- but he's doing something more. He is taking care of the blockers along "
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Man Wears 'Cocaine' T-Shirt in Court
Man Wears 'Cocaine' T-Shirt in Court: "HONG KONG - It was not the best legal defense strategy: A Hong Kong man appeared in court on drug charges wearing a T-shirt that said 'cocaine' and drew a stern rebuke from the magistrate, a newspaper reported Thursday."
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Chargers at Panthers Preview
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Chargers at Panthers Preview: "The suddenly surging, despite a loss last Sunday, San Diego Chargers believe they can win their next three games and head into the bye week with a 6-3 record. The first test occurs this week against the Carolina Panthers."
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- McCardell blossoms in rain
If McCardell was thrilled to be in San Diego, the Chargers (3-3) were almost giddy to have him. They lost leading wideout Reche Caldwell to a season-ending knee injury Sunday in Atlanta, and acquiring a two-time Pro Bowler such as McCardell – plus veteran receiver Bobby Shaw, who signed a one-year deal Tuesday – was an excellent comeback, although coach Marty Schottenheimer was unwilling to commit to playing either player Sunday at Carolina.
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- McCardell blossoms in rain
Yahoo! Sports - MLB - Yankee magic disappears
Yahoo! Sports - MLB - Yankee magic disappears
In conclusion... Go National League!
Updated right-click BlogThis for Firefox (and Mozilla)
phil ringnalda dot com: Updated right-click BlogThis for Firefox (and Mozilla)
Finally found a tool to better update my more regularly! And as I mentioned before... Firefox, the best browser is the reason!
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Chargers Lose By 1 To Falcons
he Chargers held the greatest quarterback the NFL has ever seen, (sarcasm, my friends, sarcasm) Mike Vick, to meager stats through 3 quarters...and his final numbers were anything than impressive, but the Chargers defense, mis-managed timeout situation and penalties were the ultimate demise for the team and will help Vick again descend to super-human status. A one point road loss to many teams wouldn't appear to be all that bad, and especially for the Chargers who are often on the receiving end of double-digit drubbings when on the road...or even at home for that matter. But this year is different already for the Chargers. Proving that LaDainian Tomlinson is not the only Charger you need to defend against, Drew Brees, Antonio Gates and Reche Caldwell have shown why you can no longer neglect the pass against the Chargers. But this loss was one that the Chargers could have easily avoided...up 17-7 at half the Chargers could not get any offense going...only 3 first downs and 3 points in the second half. Then having squandered all their timeouts the defense couldn't stop the Falcons as they held the ball for the final 6 minutes of the game. My Notes: - Those that preach Vick is the messiah, he has clearly shown the past three weeks that if he is indeed the greatest quarterback in the world (as many tout), then there are a lot of quaterbacks that are better than Jesus. - Nate Kaeding kicked a career long 53 yarder. Not since John Carney have the Chargers had a kicker that could kick for distance, accurately. He had enough leg to go another 5 yards easy... I'm predicting a game-winning 60 yarder (or more) some time this year. **** This Just In McCardell Traded to the Chargers **** Reche Caldwell went down in the first quarter of this game and did not return. His status is still unknown but it appears as if the Chargers aren't going to wait...and not to mention the Chargers started the season without a true number on receiver. This should definately help Brees even further with the passing attack that has seemed to materialize out of nothing. Tampa Bay will receive the Chargers' third- and sixth-round picks in the upcoming draft in exchange for McCardell. This week the Chargers play Carolina....I think this is another good opportunity for the Chargers to pick up a road victory against an injury plagued team.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Chargers Continue Winning Ways
For the second straight week the Chargers did not turn the ball over, jumped to big first half leads, scored over 30 points and as a result, won both of their games to go to 3-2 on the season. This past victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars may be the confidence boost the Chargers need to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season. Even short-termed, I think the Chargers match-up well against their next 4 opponents - at Atlanta, at Carolina, Oakland and New Orleans. I think Atlanta is over-rated (as is Mike Vick), Carolina is certainly not looking like the team of last year and is injury plagued, Oakland's 2 wins have been against the Bills and Tampa Bay, a combined 1-8 record as of right now, and New Orleans is sub-500 at 2-3 and just got beat buy the previously winless Bucs. I think realistic expectations would be the Chargers to go 3-1 over those next four games and no worse than 2-2. Anything less will show that the Charger team is still inconsistent. After the bye the Chargers will start what will no-doubtedly make or break their playoff chances... they play at Oakland, at Kansas City and then host the Broncos.
But before we look too much further down the road, let's reflect back on the Jacksonville win and what went right...
First, the Chargers again jumped out to a 21-0 nothing lead...but before the half, the Charger defense gave up a Jacksonville TD to only lead by 2 scores, 21-7. Leftwich had an incredibly poor pass intercepted in the first half which aided the Chargers scoring. The Charger defense effectively shut down the Jacksonvilled running game forcing the Leftwich to prove he could get the job done through the air...and it wasn't until the game was put away after a 41 yard Jesse Chatman touchdown run, that Leftwich was able to do that, with the Chargers clearly playing a 'soft' defense.
The Chargers pass rush looked less effective than the first half of the Tennessee game the week prior, but it did appear as if there was some pressure throughout most of the game. But this is still an area where the Chargers do need to improve upon.
Ladainian Tomlinson had a score and over 130 yards of total offense but with the Chargers lead at 20 points in the third quarter, he was done for the day. He aggrevated a groin muscle earlier in the week and although he could have continued, Marty Schottenheimer decided to keep Tomlinson out as a precautionary measure. Jesse Chatman came in and lit the place up...11 carries for 103 yards and the previously mentioned 41 yard touchdown run that iced this game for the Chargers.
Antonio Gates had another good outing, 8 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns...he continues to show good speed and good hands. Teams will have to divert some of their defensive schemes to insure he is covered or the Chargers will continue to make them pay for not doing so.
The most impressive thing that the Chargers and namely Drew Brees have done these past 2 weeks is not turn the ball over. Brees, who has often displayed irratic passing, has not been picked off over the past two games...plus his overall passing has looked very good.
The Chargers looked good against the AFC South, going 3-0 so far...but they have yet to play Indianapolis, which they will do December 26th... if both teams continue to look good, this should be a good game.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Chargers Looked Good In Win Over Titans
The question about the San Diego Chargers 38-17 win over the Titans that has all the NFL 'experts' lamenting is whether the Chargers are actually a competent team or are the Titans that pathetic? One week after Drew Brees could barely get a pass within 20 yards of a Charger receiver he goes 16-20 for 220 yards and three touchdowns. LaDainian Tomlinson had 147 yards on 17 carries, garnering him a 8+ yard per carry average. The Charger defense in the first half looked ferocious for the first time all season...forcing the Titans to adjust in the 2nd half...unfortunately the Charger defense made little adjustments and was held in check for most of the 2nd half. What was most impressive about this Charger win and something the Chargers haven't been able to do over the past few seasons, and that is get out to a respectable lead and put the game away. The Chargers moved the ball very effectively in the first half and went into the locker room with a 21-7 lead. After the Chargers kick a field goal to go up by ten it looked as if the Charger collapse was set and about to take place. The Titans went on a 16 play drive that stalled and forced them to settle for a 24 yard field goal. Titans then proceed to recover an onside kick and mount a 10 play, 58 yard touchdown drive and now trail the Chargers by just a touchdown, with 7:08 left to play in the game...plenty of time for the Charger collapse. But instead of that collapse the exact opposite ocurred. On the second play from scrimmage after the ensuing kickoff, Reche Caldwell made a fantastic one-handed grab that ended with him walking into the end zone 58 yards later. A Jesse Chatman score with less than 3:30 on the clock sealed the deal for the Chargers. The Chargers can back this win up with a good showing this weekend when they host the 3-1 Jaguars. Last year the Jaguars beat the Chargers in Byron Leftwich's second career start...he threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns. If the Chargers are looking to legitimize their season, this game will be the first step to doing so... a home win against an above 500 team early in the season. A victory would also put the Chargers above 500 for the first time since Marty Schottenheimer's first season with the Bolts, and they ended up 8-8. It was exciting for Charger fans to see the team perform very well on both sides of the ball, but most are not kidding themselves. The Chargers do look to be getting better and unfortunately, I have to think the Titans are not the team that they once were.
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