Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Chargers Beat Dolphins

The Chargers were locked in a low-scoring duel with the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday... 2 offenses that both squandered scoring opportunities and for 3 quarters it was anyone's game...

Shawne Merriman played only 2 plays and was sidelined, as was LaDainian Tomlinson but the Chargers clawed and scraped their way for the win.

Dolphins' starting QB, Chad Pennington, was knocked out of the game (and later revealed for the season) early in the 2nd half and when his backup, Chad Henne, had a pass intercepted for a touchdown it was the death nail for the Dolphins.

The Dolphins' wildcat offense was mostly ineffective and the Charger defense did get some pressure on the Miaim quarterbacks. Add that the defense did make a couple of big plays on 3rd and 4th down, the Charger defense did look better...but I don't think Miami is the powerhouse that some think it may be.

The Charger offensive line continued to look shoddy... Rivers was under pressure for most of the game, sacked and fumbled on one occassion...yet the passing game was still unstoppable. Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles...all had big games, again. But, as with the previous 2 games, the Charger running game is still non-existent and the offensive line is unable to manage any sort of defensive rush.

The red zone continues to be an issue with the Chargers as well... Rivers scrambled in for a touchdown score, which was the only one scored by the offense on the day and the Chargers settled for field goals on their other trips inside the 20...a continuing trend for the team.

Chargers have a Sunday night game against Pittsburgh...who's lost 2 games in a row now...they systematically beat the Chargers last year in the playoffs with ball control offense that wore down the Charger defense and kept the ball out of the hands of the Charger offense. I would think Pittsburgh will attempt to use that same strategy and unless they turn the ball over or the Charger defense finds a way to stop them, the outcome will likely be similar...

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Week 3: Chargers vs Dolphins

Game 3 for the San Diego Chargers has the 0-2 Miami Dolphins coming to town. The Dolphins had a surprise, turn-around, storybook season last year and were hoping the foundation was laid for this season but so far it has been a tough start for them.

The Dolphins, last week had the ball for almost three quarters of the game, yet lost. The Dolphins, to me, appears to be a team that is similar to the Chargers. They have an offense that can generate plays and drives to move the ball up and down the field but the defense will be unable to help maintain any lead, regardless of how much time is on the clock.

This week has me almost repeating the same areas of concern I have for the Chargers that they need to remedy from last week or else success will be a much harder path for them not just this game but this entire season. First, same as last week. They have yet to establish the running game. Tomlinson hasn't practiced at all this week and remains questionable for this week's game. L.T. says he will remain sidelined until he is 100% healthy and there is no need to rush back because of the play of Sproles and Bennett. I will agree that Sproles has picked up any slack from LT being absent but Bennett and the running game thus far has been non-existent. Secondly the pass defense and specifically the pass rush...2 weeks and 2 sacks, that is all the Charger pass rush has to show. This last week, though, Merriman did almost get to Flacco which did lead to an interception but for the most part there was very little pressure on the Ravens' QB.

The Dolphins, of course, are in love with the "Wildcat" offense which had respectable gains against the Colts... I continue to contend that the Wildcat is a gimmick offense that a properly trained NFL defense should be able to defend against. I recall in preseason that there was much buzz in Charger camps because they had ran a few plays but the word from the coaches was that was for the defense more than for the offense...so I am guessing that Ron Rivera has had a plan for the Wildcat for some time...we'll see if it pans out for him this weekend.

Another big storyline for the Chargers is injuries...it has become an all too frequent topic for the Chargers and sometimes the byline to as to why the Chargers can't ever break through. Jamal Williams, pro-bowl nose tackle, out for the season, Nick Hardwick, starting center, out for 2 months and I've already commented on the status of LT...I would guess inactive this Sunday...then add in Merriman plus the others that haven't practiced this week (9 total)...the squad is looking as if the season has already worn on for some time.

The Chargers signed Alfonso Boone to help give some depth on the defensive line...a veteran player who was last with Kansas City.

I think this will be a tough win for either team...the Chargers because they are already aching for the bye week and really need to get a home win to energize the local fan base. The Dolphins certainly don't want to start 0-3 on the season and they have yet to face a divisional foe so you know their season won't be getting any easier. If the Chargers are going to win then the Charger defense has got to make some plays and stop the Dolphins. The Chargers are getting into too many 'close' games where the margin for error is its smallest. The Dolphins have had problems with good tight ends, Dallas Clark and Tony Gonzales both had big days...could be an indicator that Gates might have a busy day this Sunday. Norv Turner seems to do a great job of playcalling for 90 yards of the field and then when the Chargers get inside the 10 the Chargers can't find a play that can score...if anything should show improvement, I am hoping that facet of the Chargers game does.

I think this is a winnable game for the Chargers but still isn't the end of the world if they don't...

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Ravens Bend But Did Not Break

Week 2 the San Diego Chargers got into a high-powered offensive shootout with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens defense, once the bread and butter of the entire team by choking down their opponent's offense and win in a low scoring, defensive struggle, is a complete opposite of it's past form. Not only did Kansas City, a team that could only muster 10 points against the Raiders in week 2, but now the Chargers were able to move the ball on the Ravens defense.

Phillip Rivers continues to impress and make his statement as an 'elite' quarterback in the NFL. He had a career high 436 yards passing and 2 touchdowns...Yes, Rivers and the receiving corps had a huge day...Vincent Jackson made an unbelievable touchdown catch in triple coverage, Antonio Gates had a few really nice plays, Chambers and Floyd were present throughout the day and Darren Sproles was a beast. But what failed the Chargers on this Sunday was two-fold...first the defense. If the Ravens defense was bad, the Charger defense was worst. Only 1 sack, again, for the Chargers this week and there was a bit more visible pressure, but overall the defense failed. The second glaring weakness for the Chargers was their inability to score when they got inside the red zone. The possession that had me totally screaming at the television was right before the half Vincent Jackson makes a great catch right at the goalline, there is less than 2 minutes in the half and the replay booth wanted to take a look at the catch to see if it may have possibly been a touchdown, so the clock is stopped for an entire replay timeout...which seemed to last way longer than it needed too...the review was complete the play stands as called, first and goal with the ball on the one yard line...the Chargers then get a delay of game penalty...Are you kidding me??? A delay of game penalty after you were gifted a timeout for a replay review...what are you doing during this timeout that you don't have a play ready to be called if the play remains as called? I was thoroughly disgusted...three, three times the Chargers had the ball inside the 5 yard line and all three times they were unable to score a touchdown...that is just bad...

And then it should be no surprise how and why the game ended the way it did...The Chargers defense was bad...anytime the Ravens needed to score they marched right down the field and did so. The Ravens were able to mix their run and pass nicely to keep the Charger defense running aimlessly around, like it seemed they did most of the game. The Chargers, on the other hand, gained most of their yards through the air as Rivers was able to throw on the Ravens defense...but when the Chargers got close to the goal line their offense seemed to falter...sometimes due to the Chargers own ineptness. The Chargers were unable to run the ball at all during the day and Norv Turner thought that on 4th and 2 it would work when the game was on the line...and it didn't. Not only did it not work, Ray Lewis had the play sniffed out from the snap and made the Chargers pay dearly for trying to run on him when the game mattered.

The Chargers have Miami in town this week... I've said that I think the Wildcat offense is a gimmick offense and won't last in the NFL...well, against the Charger defense I've watched for the first two games of this season, it will make the Wildcat look like the greatest offense of all-time...

Friday, September 18, 2009

Week 2: Chargers vs Ravens

It's a short week for the Chargers coming off their Monday night game against Oakland...at least they are at home this week...

And in come the Baltimore Ravens, a team that went toe-to-toe last season with the Steelers in the AFC Championship, playing them much tougher than the Chargers were able too. The Ravens, though, resembled the Chargers in week 1...playing a supposedly inferior Kansas City team that was lacking it's starting quarterback but the Chiefs, a team that exhibited little offensive or defensive punch last season was able to effectively move the ball and got into a shoot-out with the Ravens in week 1 ... something I don't think anyone expected.

The Ravens lost their defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, and the core of their defense, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, haven't gotten any younger and you then add in the performance from a formerly inept Chiefs offense against them, by first glance this may be the beginning of the end for the dominant Ravens defense we have been accustomed to seeing from them.

The Chargers, though, have a banged up and battered offensive line that had troubles stopping the Raiders 4 man rush which frequently got to Rivers last game. Add in that the offensive line for the Chargers also was unable to provide any significant run blocking for the Chargers backs the Ravens defense may not need to be up to post-season quality to give the Chargers problems. Tomlinson not only fumbled the ball for the first time in almost 1,000 touches ended up getting hurt, was wearing a boot this week and may not be playing this weekend. Losing Tomlinson is become an all to frequent occurrence of late so the Chargers shouldn't be affected too much by his absence, but the question then becomes how much of a toll will this take on Sproles? Many Charger homers are quite 'high' on Michael Bennett because of his preseason performance...me, not so much. Bennett has been a career backup and is 1 year older than Tomlinson. Sure, there is less wear and tear on Bennett but that is for a reason...he has never proven to be a premiere back in the NFL and when he was, he was often injured. Also, Bennett's performance in preseason came against 3rd and 4th string defenses, something that won't be playing this Sunday. If the offensive line plays like it did last week, though, it really won't matter who is in the backfield, they will have their work cut out for them...

Last week the Chargers didn't seem to have much of a pass rush and had only 1 sack and that sack was from a backup player...none of the big names (Merriman, Castillo, Phillips, Williams) even had a touch on the QB. The Raiders, though, did keep most of their players back to protect Russell, but regardless, a good defense needs to get the proper schemes and personnel in place to get pressure on the quarterback regardless of what the offense is doing. The secondary was respectable for the Chargers except for one play...unfortunately that one play almost cost the Chargers the game...that needs to be tightened up immediately or else the Chargers may not be so fortunate enough to end the game with a win.

On the offensive side of the ball the passing game looks to be clicking fairly well...it seems as if teams are still trying to make Rivers beat them and lucky for the Chargers he is. I'm interested to see if Chambers is able to make a contribution this game or is it maybe time he gets some sideline duty and let Floyd or Naanee take his place...they are younger and they sure do seem quick. Also, as I mentioned above, the offensive line needs to improve...if the Chargers are unable to even produce any sort of running game time management in the game will be out of their control.

It is only game 2 of the NFL season but it is a home game for the Chargers and those are games you really want to win ... your fans get excited and the atmosphere is great for the team and the momentum gained from an early home win against a (seemingly) quality opponent is a good confidence builder for the team.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Chargers Won?

It's been a good day and half since the Chargers made their 2009-10 regular season debut in which they had a last minute drive to beat their divisional rival, the Oakland Raiders...after reading and hearing many of the sports pundits it sounds, to me, like the Chargers actually lost the game even though the scoreboard says otherwise. What's odd about this tact on the Chargers is that the New England Patriots were, literally, handed a win from Buffalo just a few hours before the Chargers-Raiders game even started and there isn't nearly the questioning or negativity regarding the Patriots as there is towards the Chargers. It really seems odd to me but I know that the media can and will forgive the Patriots and will have plenty of "valid" excuses as to why they weren't able to crush the visiting Bills. These same media types will then quickly turn their focus towards the Chargers and exclaim how the Bolts' performance was inexcusable and the team is destined to flail all season long...

Well let's make sure everything remains in perspective regarding the Chargers to date...

Most important, which is quickly forgotten from all these "experts," is that this was the first f'ing game of the season. I put little stock in the first four games of the regular season. Sure, it is always great to have a good start to the season but starting 0-4 does not mean the end of the world...oh sure you will have all the Mike Greenberg's of the world where all of sports is a stat and will be quick to rattle off percentages of teams that make the playoffs after starting 0-1, 0-2, 0-3 and so on but the fact is, a team controls it's own destiny not stats from the past.

Next, is it even remotely possible the Raiders are a better team this season then last season? Again, these pundits that are quick to criticize the Chargers seem to give little or no credit to the Raiders because their recent history is that of complete ineptness...well, one would have to think the law of averages would have the Raiders improving, even if slightly, from year-to-year. And then lets say, just for the sake of argument, that the Raiders are indeed going to end up as crappy as they were last season...one can not forget that this was an opening day game in Oakland. Say what you want about the team but Raider fans are a faithful bunch. Anyone that watched the game saw the crowd at full volume for the entire game and did their best to aid their team...again, another fact that is quickly dismissed and discounted.

And finally the injuries...yes every team has them we all know...but does every team have their virtually their entire offensive line get carted off in one game along with their starting runningback sidelined by halftime? So to even overcome those obstacles during a game I say does say something about this team...

I, for one, would rather have the Chargers face some adversity in the early part of the season, see them overcome it and as the season progresses I would like to see the Chargers improve with the hopes that they will be peaking at playoff time.

Did the Chargers look like a dominant team on Monday night? Absolutely not and many did not expect that but what was expected was that the Chargers be ontop of the AFC West standings afterwords and that is exactly where they are.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Chargers Survive In Oakland

Week 1 in the NFL is in the books and the Chargers eek out a win in Oakland.

The Chargers, who last season lost their first game to Carolina in last second fashion turned the tables on the Raiders and won by scoring with 18 seconds left in the game.

The Chargers, though, shouldn't have been in the 'come from behind' role that they were in...The Chargers had the lead at 17-13 with 2:34 to go and the Raiders with a 4th and 15 on their own 43 and 1 timeout ... the Chargers stop the Raiders there and the game is all but over...instead, DB Antonio Cromartie and safety Clinton Hart let a Raider just run down the field, catch a wide open pass and walk into the end zone with not so much as a love-tap to slow him up. I was completely disgusted upon seeing that... both Cromartie and Hart began to point at each other as the ball was in the air as to say "You take him" to each other as the Raider receiver couldn't have been gifted an easier touchdown...on a 4th and 15 play...it is unacceptable.

Even though the Chargers came out with the win there were several aspects of the game that they were soundly beaten at...namely when the Chargers had the ball the offensive line was awful. For the entire game the Raiders needed to only rush their 4 down linemen because they easily over-powered the front 5 of the Chargers. Rivers was pressured and sacked routinely when dropping back to pass. The Charger rushing game was almost non-existent...Tomlinson was on the sidelines for most of the 2nd half with Sproles seeing most of the action. When the Charger offensive line wasn't getting beat and bullied they were most likely getting penalized or injured.

On the defensive side of the ball... I think the Raiders could have beaten the Chargers if they would have stuck with the run...from the beginning the Raiders were able to run the ball with ease...McFadden and Bush for the Raiders tore up the Chargers defense in the first half and then the Raiders seemed to all but give up on the run in the 2nd half. The Raiders were also robbed of a touchdown before the half...initially called a touchdown then reviewed - and it took a long time to review, when that happens you know something is fishy - it was overturned. I watched the replay several times from each angle and still have no idea how that wasn't a touchdown...but the Chargers get screwed by that type of bullshit all the time so I'm not to sad to see it happen to some other team now.

Merriman's first regular season back with the Chargers was mostly unimpressive. Got to see him have a couple of mistackles...but he did get pressure on Russell on a few plays but overall the Chargers pass rush was minimal. Russell, for the Raiders, oftentimes had plenty of time in the pocket...if he wasn't such a poor passer, a more proficient quarterback would have likely dissected the Charger secondary. Quentin Jammer, a DB that has traditionally been a solid cover guy but rarely getting interceptions picked of Russell on the opening drive that had the Raiders driving towards the endzone...

Vincent Jackson had a respectable game and Antonio Gates made big plays when they were needed...filling their roles nicely. Legedu Naanee was a pleasant surprise making some key catches and big plays. Cris Chambers was non-existent...not sure if he got hurt but certainly had no impact during the game.

Overall the Chargers leave Oakland with a win...that's the good news. The downside to that is that it is clear the offensive line and the defense (as a whole) need work to get into form.

Next week they play Baltimore at home...a team that struggled to win against the Chiefs. The Chargers have a short week so they won't have much time to savor this win and the Ravens have traditionally been a 'smashmouth' football team so it likely won't be a cakewalk for the Chargers...win or lose...

Monday, September 14, 2009

2009-10 Chargers Preview And Prediction

The San Diego Chargers will be kicking off the 2009-10 season tonight against the Raiders so I can't stall much longer in making my predictions for the season...

Last year I had the Chargers going 11-5, stating that was "reasonable expectations." Then the season started totally out-of-control and the Chargers rally to salvage an 8-8 record, win the AFC West and beat Indy in the playoffs...still, not the end result many thought the Chargers should have achieved...

Let's start out on the defensive side of the ball...I can almost cut and paste my comments from last season regarding Merriman...he is coming off an injury and depending on how well he does will determine whether or not he will be a Charger after this season. I had hoped Merriman would be an impact player and I continue to have that hope. But, since his positive steroid test Merriman hasn't been the same player he was when he first started...regardless, though, he is a good enough player that even if he isn't the sack machine that he once was his presence, alone, makes the Charger defense better... I'm hoping Shaun Phillips and Louis Castillo have a better year...when Merriman was playing 2 season ago (and prior) those two players seemed to be able to make more of an impact.

The offensive side of the ball remains to be the Chargers strength, in my opinion. Phillip Rivers emerged last season to be exactly what I had hoped he would be...a top-caliber quarterback and a competent leader. I've said it before and I will say it again...Rivers is a 'winner' ... he doesn't like to lose and having a player with that type of mentality are the ones I like watching because they will contemplate sacrificing them self so that the team can succeed.

Now we can focus our attention on the greatest Charger to ever wear the uniform, LaDainian Tomlinson...many think that if LT doesn't have a good campaign this season that he won't be in San Diego much longer. I had high hopes for LT last season because he had came out and said the right things, that all the negative press and that type of speculation was just "fuel for the fire" and he was coming back and going to return to form...instead LT looked very pedestrian all season and ended up injured, again, by the time the playoffs started. Darren Sproles has been able to be a more than capable back-up to LT and unless LT does step up his performance this season I don't see how the Chargers can continue to pay for 2 top-tier backs and it will force them to decide between the two of them.

One of my "usual" statements that I like to qualify my predictions is for any team to be successful they need to win the battles at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. This is something I was not impressed with at all from the Chargers last season and from the preseason games I have watched this season, it seems to remain an issue. When LT and the Chargers had their unbelievable season in 2006 the Chargers controlled the line of scrimmage...they had a great pass rush, good rush defense, plenty of pass protection and LT great run blocking...all the key ingredients for a successful season. I will be particularly paying attention to the run blocking and the pass rush this season...something that did not seem to exist at all last season for the Chargers...

So here's my predictions for the Chargers this year...

First let me bitch about the early bye week the Chargers have this season...which seems like a regular occurrence for the Chargers...if they aren't being shipped off to England it seems as if the Chargers are always in the first batch of bye weeks...this year it is week 5 the Chargers will have their bye which is the week of Oct. 11 ... I've said it once and I'll say it again...any bye before November sucks...

So on the Chargers have their AFC West opponents twice, the NFC East, AFC North and the other AFC Division winners (Miami and Tennessee).

The Chargers first 4 games before the bye are @Raiders, Ravens, Dolphins and @Pittsburgh ... With the exception of the Raiders the Chargers lost to the other 3 teams last year. The Ravens didn't impress me with their performance against the Chiefs yesterday and the Chiefs were playing without their starting quarterback...and maybe the loss of defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, for the Ravens may be their biggest offseason loss. I think the Chargers should go 2-2 in the first four weeks...

After the bye the Chargers come out and play all three division opponents in a row...Denver, @Kansas City and then their final regular season game with the Raiders and if we even extrapolate the schedule a bit further, the Chargers would then play @Giants and Philadelphia before they then finish their divisional games with Denver and KC ...and it isn't even December yet! Like last year the AFC West is suppose to be weak...in fact many say even weaker with the Broncos not looking good, the Chiefs continuing to suck and the Raiders continuing their current trend of being awful... I think this stretch is a key stretch for the Chargers and they could have the west all but won if they do well in October and November ... I like to think they can sweep the division but don't expect it...I think the Chargers could go 5-2 during this stretch making them 7-4 with 5 to play...

They play @Browns, @Dallas, Cincinnati, @Titans and Redskins... 3 of their last 5 games on the road...I think they win 1 out of 3 and take the final 2 home games ... with the Chargers then finishing up with a 10-6 season but I think 9 and 7 is more likely and that should be enough to win the AFC West again but probably not good enough for a first round bye in the playoffs...

The Chargers continue to be a team that has the potential to be a team that a person could see them get into double-digit wins...but the Chargers continue to have a losing record against playoff caliber teams in recent years and I think the Chargers are likely to remain one of those teams that can beat bad teams but never be able to put it together to upset the more established and consistent teams in the NFL (ie: Pittsburgh, New England) and especially when it matters. It is the NFL and anything can happen and you can't really write any team off and the Chargers are a team that should at the very least be in the playoffs and then anything goes from there...

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Merriman Arrested For Choking Tila Tequila

Labor Day Sunday.... I just finished up a 5 and half hour fantasy football draft and am about to enjoy a nice cold beer before I walk home... the bar has the BYU-Oklahoma game that was actually played the night prior so no one is really paying attention to the game at all... then, as I am ordering up my beverage, I noticed Shawne Merriman's name come across the ESPN ticker...followed by arrested for choking and restraining Tila Tequila...I must be delusional or something because that can't be right...can it? I watch the sports ticker come by again and sure enough, that's what it says...so I finish my beer and head home to see if this story is true...still unable to believe this...but it is true...

Yes, Merriman is innocent until proven guilty and from the 'facts' that I have read, it does sound as if Merriman may not be in the wrong...there were no visible marks or bruises on Tequila and she was wasted at the time of the incident. Merriman's response is one that he was concerned about her well-being and, if true, he would likely face no criminal charges.

The Chargers have not talked about or have they started negotiating with Merriman, who is in the last year of his contract with the Chargers...there are some rumors that the Chargers want to see what kind of impact Merriman will have after having surgery last year that had him sidelined for all but the first game. If Merriman is unable to perform, many think the Chargers might trade or simply not re-sign him...

Getting into trouble like this certainly isn't going to help his cause...since he got busted for using steroids, Merriman hasn't been the impact player he once was, then is hurt and not playing. His value is dropping fast...

Regardless of what the facts are in this case, one begins to think Tila Tequila...who I had no idea who she was prior to this...is looking for an opportunity to get some free press. She is a reality TV whore where any attention is good. Merriman, if cleared of any wrongdoing, will certainly still be guilty of idiocy for simply hanging around this nut-job. He needs to distance himself from these types of people immediately or else it will destroy any career he would have had in the NFL...

Friday, September 04, 2009

Goodell: 2010 Likely Uncapped Season

Roger Goodell had a conference call with the media yesterday where he addressed a few different topics but the one that I think most NFL fans will take note of is that he said that the owners and the league are essentially preparing for no salary cap for next season. What that basically means is that the NFL will become like the MLB... there will essentially be 3-5 teams that will have owners that will hoard all the talent they can get and the 25+ other teams will just be farm clubs for those elite teams.

I am sure Daniel Snyder, Jerry Jones and Al Davis are just salivating over this news because they are the owners who are more than willing to break the bank in an attempt to win championships...whereas teams like my Chargers have owners that like to keep costs down and will likely step aside as any player with talent will migrate from their team to any team that is willing to give them a huge paycheck.

Many 'experts' also have commented that if next season goes uncapped, the players union would likely not agree to a salary cap anytime in the near future...which then means the NFL is totally ruined. Man would that suck...it would be exactly like MLB... each season you can look at the entire league and cross off over 70% of the teams as having no chance to even make the playoffs. Oh sure every season there is a 'Cinderella' story, but the bulk of the playoff teams are the same big market, big dollar teams and next season it will be the same... Yankees, Red Sox, Phils, Cards, Dodgers and Angels can already be penciled in as likely playoff contenders next season even if their team is totally revamped...why? Because they have proven they are willing to spend the money to insure that their team will be competitive ... teams with owners that are more frugile have absolutely no chance... Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will never even get a sniff at the MLB playoffs...ever...with the management they have in place and with the current no-salary cap set-up that is in the MLB.

The NFL players may have a point that the teams they play for are worth billions of dollars and they simply want what the market is willing to pay them. But the NFL owners, as well as the players, need to realize that the reason the NFL has been so successful and the reason for the NFL's popularity is because it is has always been a competitive league. Eliminating the salary cap will most certainly destroy the 'even playing field' which has been one of the biggest factors in making the NFL so popular...

But like the NHL strike a few years ago it basically comes down to both sides fighting over a huge pile of money...more money than any normal person could even imagine and neither side is willing to give the other one more penny than they have too...

I personally don't want to see it happen, but I hope the owners lock-out the players, use scabs or whatever and force the union to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that continues to retain a salary cap so the league as a whole remains competitive. If the 2010 season is indeed uncapped you will begin to see the very things that will destroy the NFL... teams dumping high price players to trim their payroll while the rich teams are more than happy to pay insane salaries to bolster their rosters. It will be bad...

Thursday, September 03, 2009

San Diego Super Chargers

Here's the Teletubbies rocking out to the 70's dance hit..."San Diego Super Chargers" ... Ah...football, it's getting closer!!!