Disgusting

All the hope and optimism I had for the Chargers was washed away in week 1. Like last year, the Chargers proved me wrong, but unlike last year, this time it is not in a positive way.

The Charger defense was absolutely horrible. The Cowboys were able to run the ball at will and the secondary was equally bad. Yet, the Cowboys made several mistakes and the Chargers had opportunities to win this game and failed to do so.

A horrible punt late in the game gives the Cowboys great field position, then a face masking penalty gives the Cowboys a first and goal rather than a 4th down on the 12 and the Cowboys get the go ahead score. Then with under a minute to go, the Chargers had hope... a first and 10 on the Cowboys 12 after a 33 yard completion from Brees to Eric Parker on 4th and 12. The Chargers had 4 chances to win the game and not one time was the ball given to LaDanian Tomlinson...who the Cowboys held in check most of the day, but regardless, either a designed run or pass play to Tomlinson should have been attempted with the game on the line. Instead 3 incomplete passes and the fourth was tipped and intercepted to end the game.

This was a game a good team would have found a way to win, and sure it's still only week 1 and a lot of football is yet to be played, but losing games like this is never good. Having Antonio Gates in the game may have been the difference, but again, good teams will find a way to win regardless of their personnel.

This is hopefully the wake up call and the Chargers can answer the bell next week against the Broncos because the schedule isn't going to get any easier and most had the Chargers winning this game. But if no improvement or changes are made on the defensive side of the ball, high powered teams like the Colts and Patriots will easily prey on the Charger secondary.