Chargers Season Ends In Cincinatti

A few weeks ago there was plenty of talk about playoff scenarios for the Chargers and many thought the Chargers would have no problem making the playoffs...But the San Diego Chargers are a team that will end the season at .500 if they can somehow beat a lowly Denver team.  The Chargers have shown that they are not an elite team and only able to stay pace with the lower tiered teams...on occasion.  The Chargers, with one of the best quarterbacks in the league, are a team that can be beaten by the worst teams in the NFL and have been beaten by some of the worst teams in the NFL this past season so it seems only rightful that the Chargers are eliminated from the playoffs this season by the lowly Cincinnati Bengals.  A team that had a 10 game losing streak this past season and with backup wide receivers dominated the Chargers from the beginning of the game and the game was never in doubt.  The Charger team didn't appear like they realized they needed to win the game in order to make the playoffs.  If anything, I think the Charger team didn't want anything to do with the playoffs.

To the Chargers credit, the team they had in 2010 was filled with a bunch of backups due to injuries and holdouts.  Malcolm Floyd was suppose to break out and be a big time receiver... hurt almost all year.  Rookie Ryan Mathews was the runningback that was going to replace LaDainian Tomlinson...hurt all year.  Antonio Gates, after setting the pace for tight ends with touchdowns for the league, had feet and toe injuries that sidelined him for the 2nd half of the season.  

But it is always to make excuses and teams that win don't make excuses...

As it has been pointed out, and I've never been a Norv Turner fan, since Norv Turner took over as head coach in 2007 when he inherited a 14-2 team he made the AFC Championship Game, the following season the Chargers won 1 playoff game, last year the Chargers were beaten in the first round and now, in Norv's fourth season, he has the Chargers no longer in the playoffs... I thought Norv would ruin the team at a faster pace, but the past two seasons Norv has displayed why he is not a good head coach and the Chargers are likely not to win much with him as head coach.

I came into this season with tempered excitement and I am glad I did and until Norv Turner is no longer the head coach, I don't think there is any reason to "expect" the San Diego Chargers from doing much and you can look at this past season losses to see just how "good" the Chargers are....losses to Seattle, Cincinnati, Oakland (twice), St. Louis and the Charger "victories" are fairly unimpressive, beating mostly non-playoff teams...Houston, Tennessee, Denver, Arizona...

One last game against the Broncos and with little to play for, it won't surprise me if the Chargers lose because the Broncos have been "playing for pride" for much of the season now...whereas watching the Chargers this past weekend it appeared as if most of the Chargers have already called it quits on the year.

Chargers now look to "re-build" and with so many deficiencies it will be interesting to see where the Chargers start first.

Chargers Dominate Again, Crush 49'ers

The 49ers are probably wondering what it would take to get the Chargers on the schedule a little earlier in the year when the Chargers were more than inept and gladly lose to bad teams.  Now, towards the end of the season, the Chargers have remedied many of their problems and can crush any mediocre team in the NFL.

Vincent Jackson finally made a statement and left me with little doubt that this guy is by far one of the Chargers best wide receivers. Jackson's first touchdown was simply sick.  Matched up 1 on 1 on a deep bomb that was essentially a "jump ball" ... VJ went up and got the ball and scored a 58 yard touchdown.  From that point on, the 49ers should have known to pay some extra attention to VJ but Jackson ended up scoring 3 touchdowns total and was seemingly open most of the game.  With all the off season drama, holdout, suspensions and roster exempt tactics played on both sides, who knows if Jackson will be a Charger after this season.  Even if the Chargers decide to up their offer and sign him to a long term deal will Jackson even consider it after all that has happened?  Whether Jackson stays or not, it is clear that the Chargers would benefit greatly in their passing game if they could get another player that has talent similar to Jackson.

Of course the guy throwing him the ball, Phillip Rivers, continues to have a stellar season.  Antonio Gates wasn't active with his foot problems, but it will be interesting to see how the Chargers can fare when they get all their weapons back on the field.

The defense, for the second straight week, played a stellar game.  The Chargers could have likely shut out the 49ers but by mid-way through the 4th quarter the Chargers was fielding nothing but the backups and it still took the 49ers last possession to finally get on the board.  The Chargers were kneeling with the ball at the two minute warning left in the game...really?  Yes, really...

But in fairness, the 49ers made a ton of mistakes that when you add them all up likely cost them the game.   A dumb personal foul made a long play even longer for the Chargers.  The 49ers, early in the game, went for a touchdown on 4th down and didn't even get close...could have been 7-3 early, instead the Chargers get the ball back drive down the field to get a field goal it is 10-0 early.

I don't think I have ever given Norv credit for much coaching...mostly because I don't think he deserves any, but last night Norv made and won two challenges...one was when Alex Smith was given a touchdown but was stopped just short of the goal line, which brought up the fourth down play I mentioned above...again, this was all at a key time early in the game.

Chargers get an extended break before they play the Bengals the day after Christmas...it's in Cincy and I'm sure it won't be warm.  Bengals have lost 10 games in a row and I am sure not many people are giving them a chance...but the Chargers have lost to bad teams all this season and if they take the Bengals lightly, I am sure the Chargers are going to get smacked around.  If the Chiefs lose this weekend the Chargers will move into first place in the AFC West for the first time this year.  With the Jets fading as well, the Chargers may actually move into a wild card spot if the Chiefs win out...but of course the Chargers have to win out as well...for any wild card hopes to be there...

Chargers Destroy Chiefs, Playoff Hope Still Exists

The San Diego Chargers are the Jekyll and Hyde of the NFL...after getting thoroughly pounded and beaten by the Raiders last week, they thoroughly pounded the Chiefs, blanking Kansas City and dominating the entire game from the outset.  Antonio Gates did not play but Vincent Jackson had his best game since returning to the Chargers.  The Chargers run game was effective which complimented the pass.  The defense held the Chiefs to less than 80 yards of total offense..

The Chiefs were completely embarrassed, as they were completely embarrassed by the Broncos just a few weeks ago.  The Raiders, who can crush the Chargers can't beat the Dolphins and lost to Jacksonville...it is probably quite clear that there is no dominate team in the AFC West and it may come down to the final game.

To focus on the Chargers, they still remain to unpredictable and I don't have much faith for the Chargers in the playoffs.  Looking at the potential playoff teams, Pittsburgh, Jets and Ravens are all ball control offenses that will likely be able to beat the Chargers as long as they don't turn the ball over or have bad penalties.  Its a short week for the Bolts, playing on Thursday night against the 49'ers.  The Chargers are capable of losing any game to any team on any day, but the playoffs for the Chargers started last weekend so hopefully the team is playing with a little more purpose, knowing that any loss now could likely be the end of the season for the Chargers.

Chargers: Lose And Out, Win And Hope

Since Norv Turner took over the San Diego Chargers in 2007 the Chargers have almost seemed to defy the odds...start out horribly each season and right when you think the door was going to slam shut on the Chargers playoff hopes, the Chargers somehow seem to right their wrongs and storm into the playoffs..often times as "the team to beat" or "the hottest" team in the NFL... of course they then promptly get beaten in the playoffs, but the regular season trend has been set.  The question is now, can the Chargers pull the rabbit out of the hat one more time?

To do so, it starts this weekend with Kansas City.  It's a pretty simple scenario for the Chargers, if they beat the Chiefs the Chargers still have a chance at the playoffs.  If they lose, they will be eliminated.  Even if the Chargers beat the Chiefs, they still need the Raiders to lose at least one game and the Chiefs to lose another game before the season concludes as well as the Chargers run the table and win the remaining games...those looking at the schedule would think that would be a cakewalk (49'ers, Bengals and Broncos) but you need to remember the Chargers have already proven they can lose to bad teams so no game is any guarantee for the Chargers.

And will it really matter if the Chargers make the playoffs again?  The Chargers have shown all season long that they are a team that is error-proned and inconsistent.  For the first 10 weeks of the season Phillip Rivers was the talk of the league...now, after throwing just 1 touchdown in 2 games, it's Tom Brady that everyone is swooning about.

The Chargers haven't beaten a quality opponent this season.  After the Raiders game the Chargers were totally exposed and any team with decent offensive and defensive lines will easily man-handle the Chargers.  The special teams of the Chargers hasn't improved much and the run game of the Chargers is barely even mentionable when the Chargers aren't winning.

The playoffs often breathe new life into teams you once thought were dead, but that is usually reserved for teams that have secured their playoff spot and "ease-up" at the wire, looking sluggish because they are resting key players and preparing for the real test. For the Chargers their playoffs begin this weekend and because of that, I think it may be too long of a grind for this team to carry into February...but probably more likely will be a team that can simply play the Chargers man-to-man and beat them outright....which was just what happened this past weekend...

Raiders Run Over Chargers

The San Diego Chargers, after last week's impressive win against the Colts, had many football pundits penciling the Chargers in as the 2010 AFC Champions.  Running the table and clinching the division title almost seemed like a formality to some.  But in came the Oakland Raiders, who no longer are a doormat and played with intensity and thoroughly and totally dominated the Chargers from wire-to-wire.

The Chargers special teams returned to its early season form...Darren Sproles muffed a punt that would was Oakland's only punt in the first half, and Oakland was up 14-0 in a blink of an eye.  The Chargers were completely dominated on both sides of the ball.  The Raiders didn't even have to attempt a pass if they didn't want too...they were able to get 5, 6, 8 yards by simply running the ball right up the middle.  The Raiders would occasionally run a reverse or a play-action and the Charger defense was always caught off-guard and flat footed.  As a highly ranked defense, they looked totally porous and unable to answer anything the Raiders had.  On the Raiders last scoring drive in the fourth quarter, the Chargers had just scored and were within 8 points to tie the game and the Charger defense could have redeemed itself by preventing the Raiders from scoring and getting the ball back to the Charger offense...but not only did the Raiders mount a touchdown drive, the Chargers had 2 penalties, one on third down that kept the drive going to assist the Raiders.

But the Charger defense wasn't the only thing that stunk yesterday...the special teams, as I mentioned above, not only had the fumble but Nate Kaeding missed a field goal - looks like he's in post-season form - and after kicking 5 last week in a game that didn't matter, it's easy to label Kaeding a choker because he is.

The Charger offense was also man-handled by the Raiders.  The Raiders were able to rush and get to Rivers on a regular basis...but Rivers did have time on many occasions, but the Charger receivers just couldn't get open.  Rivers also, looked "off".  He had an interception where he totally overthrew his receiver and the ball went right to a Raider playing centerfield.

This game also ended my fantasy football season, so it was doubly bitter for me.  I needed a minimal effort from Rivers and the Charger defense to defeat an inferior opponent and advance to the playoffs...but neither Rivers nor the Charger defense was able to muster much of anything for my fantasy team and now, once the highest scoring fantasy team in our league (as of last week) in one game I will be eliminated from the playoffs and lose the overall points scored.  My fantasy team was thin and fading so I really didn't have much faith in going far in the playoffs but at least I would have had a chance.

And back to the Chargers - if they lose this week to Kansas City they will be officially eliminated from the playoffs.  And just like my fantasy season, where last week it looked like everything was just fine to where next week might be an early end to the season for the Chargers...playing meaningless games to finish the year out.

Chargers Destroy Colts, VJ Hurt In Return - Faking It?

In what has become almost a one-sided rivalry of late, the Chargers thoroughly destroyed the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday night.  The Charger defense was the story of this game...intercepting Colts QB and superstar Peyton Manning four times and running two of them back for touchdowns.  But it wasn't just Manning that was having a bad night against the Chargers, it seemed as if most of the Colt receivers were struggling all night with several dropped passes by the Indy receivers.

Phillip Rivers, who was on pace to break every season passing record didn't throw a touchdown and really didn't have to do too much after the defense put the Chargers into the lead.  This was two weeks in a row where the Chargers looked like a more "complete team" (as they like to say).  There wasn't any glaring special teams blunders and Kaeding made 5 field goals ... indoors, under perfect conditions. Antonio Gates did play and made a few catches, but you could tell that he is still hurting.

But one big storyline that came out of Indianapolis for the Chargers is that of Vincent Jackson...Jackson, as most that follow the Chargers, has held out and is returning to the Chargers to play in the minimum number of games so that he qualifies as a unrestricted free agent.  The game against Indy was his first game playing with the Chargers and he played 2 plays and was injured.  Jackson has refused to talk about his injury which has started to fuel the rumor that he might just be faking this injury since, by all appearances, he has no desire to play for the Chargers after this season...so why would he have any desire to play for the Chargers now?  I say this is a good thing to find out now and the Chargers can plan to go ahead without VJ's services.  But it just goes to show what kind of fool Vincent Jackson is.  He could certainly be increasing his value to whatever team he would sign with next year by showcasing his skills this year...but I'm not sure how bright a person is when they pass on a $3+ million offer after having 2 DUI's....Vincent Jackson has been getting advice from some greedy agents that think some owner is just going to shower Vincent Jackson with money...but with the way VJ has conducted himself this offseason I don't know how many owners will be lining up to sign him...and as I continue to bring up, with a lockout likely next year, he may have just pissed his entire career away...

Chargers play the Raiders this week...I was surprised the Raiders lost to the Dolphins at home last week because I think the Raiders are much improved...but the Chargers need to get some division wins and can't have any mercy for the Raiders this week.  The Raiders beat the Chargers earlier this year and now it is time to return the favor...

Chargers Rested, Beat Broncos

Last night was a game I had determined would be a statement game for the Chargers...at least in my eyes.  I needed to see a convincing win to have some hope that the Chargers could be competitive and make a run to the playoffs and the Chargers satisfied my curiosity by beating the Broncos pretty handedly...

I was a bit concerned when the Broncos marched right down the field on the opening possession and scored a touchdown while the Charger defense seemed lost for most of that drive...then the Charger offense went three and out to start the game and I was just waiting for a Charger miscue that would open the door for the Broncos and let them steal the game...but after the Broncos ran a fake double-reverse play it seemed as if it was a challenge to see who has the better arsenal of trick plays so the Chargers ran a fantastic fake punt play where punter Mike Scifres threw a nice pass to get a first down and then later the Chargers had Patrick Crayton throwing the ball which didn't work as well, but showed a few new wrinkles in the Charger playbook.  After the Chargers converted on that fourth down play it was nothing but Chargers from that point on...

Phillip Rivers threw for four touchdowns and his one interception took the place of a punt and really didn't hurt the Chargers at all,,.just PR airing it out and trying to get a long ball to his receiver.  The Chargers went into halftime up 21-7 and, in the 3rd quarter the Broncos may have had a chance to get back into the game and as the ESPN crew was saying on a 3rd and long play, what a huge play this could be for the Broncos if they could stop the Chargers, Rivers hits Darren Sproles, who in the open field is still as good as they get, and he is GONE ... 57 yards to score and that had to all but deflate the Bronco sideline...

The Chargers probably played their most complete game of the year...Nate Kaeding was back and missed a 52 yard field goal but the conditions were less than ideal and by the looks of his kickoffs, he still isn't 100%.  The Charger defense, wasn't overly dominate but effective.  Got a few sacks and some pressure, picked Orton off once.  But probably the best news of the game was there really wasn't a special teams miscue and in fact, you factor in the fake punt, the special teams played pretty well.  Punt protection still has me concerned but now with a fake punt play in your pocket, it may start to keep some teams honest and lessen that punt rush.

The Chargers can control their own destiny by winning out...it's a short week and another prime time game...this time in Indianapolis.  The Chargers have historically matched up well against Peyton Manning's Colts and the Chargers really can't afford to lose any more games, especially to AFC opponents...with the Texans looking crappier and crappier each week, a win in Indy would clearly be a win on the road against a quality opponent...something the Chargers need to do and will help them with any playoff chance they may have. 

A loss makes the road that much tougher for the Chargers, but with games against Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos all on the horizon certainly doesn't mean it will be the end of their playoff hopes. 

Vincent Jackson will be with the Chargers and hopefully Antonio Gates is getting better and would return as well...it would be great to have those two weapons to use against the Colts.

Technology: No Longer Outliving People

I recently was thinking about how fast things are changing these days and it all started with the thought of records...there are already grown people that have never owned or even heard a record being played.  Soon, there will be those that will have never heard of or owned a cassette and next up is the CD/DVD.

I amazed myself and, as usual, realize how old I am getting, because not only did I own records, cassettes and cd's, but I also was totally into the 8 track era as well..which was very short-lived.  I then begin to think about all the things that at one time was a "staple" in America and has now all but faded away...like old media formats like the record and cassettes. 

The newspaper...an industry that at one time was a giant in America...dictating public opinion.  Fifteen years ago a person would have laughed at you if you said that a successful newspaper's days were numbered, but that is more fact than fiction today.  Does anyone really think a newspaper, like today's, is actually going to exist? 

Television will be next.  First will be the local affiliates to slowly disappear.  The networks really can't afford to have affiliates any more and they really don't need them either.  The affiliate was needed in the early days of television because it was the only way to get your network signal to people...now with satellites and the internet an affiliate is merely a pass-through in today's world.  Affiliate's have also lost a lot of their luster...at one time your local ABC, NBC or CBS station would bring you coverage of local events and because there were only 8 channels available, they got huge ratings (locally).  Now with cable and satellite television, local programming looks like...well, local programming...cheap.  And the affiliates themselves aren't doing them selves any service ... they fill their available air time with low-budget syndicated programs or just take the easy route and air infomercials.  If/when the networks cut their affiliates, they will quickly evaporate.  Large market stations may be able to continue if they had a profit making news department or develop other programming ... which was the old model that has been abandoned...but I would bet that small markets would have close to no surviving affiliates if the network cut it's ties with them.

The internet is obviously the new frontier which is quickly ruining many "mainstay" businesses in America...like the newspaper and television.  But the real point of this post was to just reflect on how, at one time, technological advances would last several generations before it would be replaced but now, in just my lifetime, I have seen the success and demise of so many industries when, at the height of their popularity, a person couldn't even phantom the extinction of it, but now is all but completely gone. And what totally blows my mind is the things they would teach me in school that weren't even relevant soon afterwords or even by the time I was done with school would already be obsolete...

Things like I learned typing, when I was 15 in school on a typewriter...it was at least electric, but I can totally recall how to format typing a letter, how to figure out how to center a heading and so on...by the time I was in college, 3 years late, I had a computer that did all that.  In school we were taught BASIC program language, but were told up front it wasn't to teach us how to program a computer but to teach us how a computer thinks...BASIC program language was around for maybe 3 years and became obsolete.

I am just amazed at how in my lifetime I will have seen so many things come and go...and not just go, become totally obsolete...

Chargers: Quest For Playoffs Begins Monday

It is becoming all to familiar for the San Diego Chargers and their fans...since Norv Turner became head coach of the Chargers, the Chargers have started their past three seasons in lackluster form only to rally late in the season to not only make the playoffs but win the AFC West in doing so...in the case two years ago, the Chargers had to win the AFC West to make the playoffs.  So as the season began and the Chargers began to lose games to teams that they should have beaten not many people panicked...just the same old Chargers...and what has benefited the Chargers to some degree, in the past, is that the other teams in the AFC weren't very good and even "spotting" the Chiefs, Raiders and Broncos a 2, 3 or 4 game lead in the division, the Chargers would end up on top.  Will the 2010 campaign for the Chargers end with a similar result?

The Chiefs, after starting out strong, lost to Denver last week and now alt the teams in the AFC West are separated by just 2 games, the Chargers being 1 game back.  The Chargers have to play the Broncos twice and the Raiders and Chiefs each yet this season so the Chargers certainly can "help their cause" by winning against their division rivals...if for anything for tie-breaker purposes, which right now the Chargers are 0-2 in the division, which will not help in any tiebreaker decision.

The Charger schedule has shaped up so that the Chargers could make a charge into the playoffs...besides their division opponents they play @Indy, @Cincy and San Fran.  Obviously Indianapolis will not be any cake-walk and if San Fran can get their poop in a group, they should be in contention for the NFC West title and will be playing for keeps.

The Chargers have Malcom Floyd and Legedu Nannee returning to practice, but my biggest concern, in terms of receivers, would be the status of Antonio Gates.  As of now he is a game time decision and after not playing against Houston has had almost 3 weeks to recover but his status is still up in the air.

The Chargers are playing Monday night against the Broncos...the Broncos beat the Chiefs very handedly this past week, but I think that game exposed as to how weak Kansas City is and not so much as to how much better the Broncos are becoming.

Of course the wild card in the Charger-Bronco game will be special teams.  The Chargers have difficulty going an entire game without at least one special teams gaffe, if not multiple.  Punt blocking has been exposed and I would expect the Broncos will try to exploit that aspect as most other teams have this season against the Chargers.  Field goal unit, Kaeding has been rehabbing and I do believe will be returning to the Chargers soon...but if he continues to miss field goals it won't matter.  Most long time Charger fans have little faith in Kaeding and I am in that camp.  Kaeding will make any field goal that isn't important but miss any and every field goal in a playoff game.

The Chargers haven't helped their season much at all this year but a win on Monday night will brighten their playoff chances... a loss doesn't extinguish their hopes but makes the climb that much harder...and sometimes I think that is the end goal for the Chargers...never make it easy on themselves (or their fans!).

Chargers Head Into Bye After Beating Texans

Yes, I know I'm waaaayyyy behind but I've been extremely busy this past week with a ton of work and a little bit of fun that has kept me from getting a post up here sooner...

In fact, I've been so busy at work I was working this past Sunday and had to watch the Charger game over the internet and the feed wasn't all that great...I have lucked out in the past and have gotten a nice HD feed of the Charger games, but not this time...

The Chargers finally get a road win but it wasn't easy...the defense had to make a play to stop the Texans potential game winning drive...and they were able too with some help from the Texans...Andre Johnson is raved about as being a great receiver, and he probably is on most days, but against the Chargers there were at least two times when the ball bounced off his hands and the final time, during the final Texan drive, cost them as it was intercepted.

Phillip Rivers is on pace to break a ton of passing records...the down side to that typically means the team is bad because he is passing so much.  Not only is Rivers on pace to break passing records, he is doing it with, literally, a different batch of receivers every week.  I was really skeptical of the Charger chances of winning when it was announced that Antonio Gates wouldn't be playing, but this Ajirotutu kid came out of nowhere and has had a couple of decent games for the Chargers.

The Chargers have their bye week and they play Denver...there should be no excuse for the Chargers to not win that game and get ready for Indy the following week...

Chargers Beat Titans

The Chargers escaped this past Sunday's game with a win and broke a three game losing skid, but the Chargers couldn't win comfortably and had to hang on until the end...but primarily due to their own doing.

The game started like many typical Charger games of the 2010 season...with a special teams gaffe...a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.  The special teams of the Chargers have already reached historically bad levels and look to set new lows for specials team futility before the season ends.  On the bright side, Darren Sproles looked like his old self and was able to return some punts back for respectable gains...something that hasn't happened this year.

And before I go much further I really need to devote a section of every game recap to Antonio Gates.  This guy is simply awesome...so much so it is almost expected of him each and every week.  He has been playing with a toe injury for the last couple of games, likely reinjured a toe that kept him from playing some games a few years ago.  He was a game time decision but played through the pain and was a huge impact...even injured, you can tell how much better of an athlete he is then many others on the field.  Double and triple team him and he still finds a way to get open...it's too bad no other Charger receiver is even in his league.

Phillip Rivers continues to remain rock solid.  His one interception was a desperation throw that ended the first half, so only on the stat sheet does that one hurt.  Rivers set a new record for most yards passed in the first 8 games...but unfortunately, in all the stats I have seen, when a QB has to throw for record yardage, their team has basically stunk and is doing so out of necessity.

The Charger run game made an appearance this past Sunday.  Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert both had respectable games...both got dinged up but both returned to play.  Ryan Mathews is a rookie and is suppose to be the Chargers long term future at runningback...he has already missed a few games due to injury and does seem to be a bit injury prone...something that won't allow him to become a premiere runningback unless corrected.  Tolbert, to me, looked very impressive ... he reminded me of former Charger runningbacks Natrone Means and Marion Butts...big, powerful runningbacks that will punish the defense.  Unfotunately, history has shown that these type of powerbacks might have 2 seasons of use and then get injured or just taper off in production...regardless, if Tolbert is in his prime, he should be used while the chance is here.

I still remain very suspect of the defense.  Sure on paper the Charger defense is a top 10 defense...but watching them play I would never guess it.  The Chargers had blown coverage on more than one play, the Titans capitalized on one blown coverage but missed out on the others.  More savvy and opportunistic quarterbacks would have feasted on the Chargers mistakes.

The Chargers couldn't put the Titans out of their misery...even when scoring their last touchdown the Chargers needed an extra point to make the game a 9 point game a thus, a 2 score game with not much time remaining...the Charger's special teams makes another gaffe and they blow the extra point with a botched hold and the Titans will get the ball back, down by 8 with a chance to tie the game...the Titans get good field position and 2:48 left on the clock and are able to drive to the 15 of the Chargers but no further...the Charger defense had held and the Chargers hang on for a win.

The Titans helped the Chargers during this game a lot.  I do believe there was a couple of times the Titans committed a penalty on third down that gave the Chargers a first down and overall, the Titans.  And although the Charger defense still is prone to giving up big plays, they were able to keep the Titans out of the endzone on two possessions in the fourth quarter...something I was very surprised at.

Is this the turning point for the Chargers?  Most agree they can't afford too many more losses and going 5-3 in the second half of the season probably means you miss the playoffs.  The Chargers have a road game to Houston and then their bye week.  Houston just lost last night to Indy so they will be coming off a short week...but also hungry for a win.  Houston wants to prove its a legitimate AFC team and beating the Chargers would keep them in that discussion.  The Chargers haven't won a game on the road yet and are going to have to do so if they want to have any chance at the playoffs.

Droid X - Loving It

 It was last month that I posted about getting my first smartphone, the Droid X and I couldn't be happier with my experience with this device so far.  I knew of many of the popular and most liked features of the phone that even the casual user enjoys.  But what has impressed me the most is the versatility of this phone, it is essentially a small computer in your pocket...and built to be easily used.

With the number of apps (applications) - and notably free apps - a person can essentially change everything this phone does to their liking... there are launcher apps where you can change how your phone looks and handles your applications on your desktop.  There are apps that can turn your phone into a plethora of other devices...a level, metal detector, compass, wifi/bluetooth analyzer and so, so much more.

Last night my daughter was laughing at me as I was using one of our Wii controllers (with gamepad) to play Super Nintendo on my phone...Yes, I was using a wireless Wii controller to play games on my phone...that, in itself is pretty cool, imo.  It may not be too cool for younger people, but I once owned a SNES system and now, for absolutely free, I can download and play essentially any and every SNES game I ever wanted and play it on a device that fits into my pocket ... and is a phone.  And futhermore, to set this all up was relatively easy, it is incredible.

Another neat app that I just got is FlashTV where live television can be streamed right to your device. Just like having satellite or cable tv, FlashTV has a ton of channels, most of which I will never watch, but does have CBS, ESPN, USA Network, CNN and tons more.  Streaming is possible without using wifi, but if you are able to get a wifi signal, the video was fantastic and with the large screen the X has looks awesome.

Web browsing is nice.  This phone has a 4.3 inch screen, the largest on the market right now (I do believe), so like viewing videos, surfing the internet is a lot nicer with this phone.  A person can see a lot more of the web page and zoom in easier with a large screen like X has.

Other simple apps that I have that are pretty cool and also just illustrate the potential for this device, is the weather radar (with animation), a scanner (sources are all internet streamed), gas mileage tracker (with nice graphs and stats) and tons of news, sports and information apps - pick the one you like.

Google has a couple of nifty apps namely Google Sky and Google Goggles.  With Google Sky, you can hold your phone up (at night) and the app determines your location and then the location of stars, planets and other celestial bodies in the sky.  So you can point out stars, planets and constellations.  Google Goggles is Google's attempt to have a visual search engine.  You are suppose to take a picture of landmarks, books or whatever and after Google Goggles scans the item it comes back with information and links about your item.  I have yet to try Goggles on a landmark but I have tried it with some brand name logos and scanned some barcodes in and Goggles has done a pretty good job so far.

The wallpapers for the Droid X can be "live" or static.  There are a ton of live wallpapers with varying degrees of complexity.  The (stock) Droid X has 7 "homescreens" where you can store your shortcuts for your apps but as you scroll through your homescreens the wallpaper scrolls as well.  Depending on your interest(s), odds are your could find a cool wallpaper for your phone.

I also bought the car dock for the phone...something at first, I wasn't too sure about.  I live in an area where having GPS navigation isn't really necessary so why would I want or need a car dock, I thought.  But it is nice to have while driving, even if not using the navigation.  I got an app that displays the compass, current conditions and speed and then has several "buttons" to quick launch any of the apps I designate, like Pandora.  Also, having the car dock makes it easy to record video (or take stills) of whatever is in front of your vehicle.

With this phone being extremely popular there are lots of message boards and forums, so it has been easy to find information about apps that might interest me and also get the latest buzz on the newest apps.

Of course there are people who have poo-poo's the Droid X and I would guess that many of these people are iPhone users and devoted Apple users.  The other criticism I have heard/read about from people is that the phone is too big.  To me that isn't even a complaint just a personal preference.  One of the reasons people are purchasing this phone is for its large screen size and once you pull up a HD quality YouTube video to show to these folks they seem to have fewer complaints about the size of the phone.  The phone fits in the front pocket of my pants and I have had no problems with it.

The Droid X has been awesome and I've really enjoyed this phone.  My next question is, with the way technology is advancing, that in two years how much more advanced these phone will become.  I know that after about a year, any phone I have had in the past has become outdated.  Two years ago I don't think anyone even knew what Droid phones were and it will be interesting to see how much more advanced they will become.

Chargers Lose Like Usual, Sloppy - Season's End Nearing

The 2010 season for the San Diego Chargers is almost officially over as they fumbled and bumbled there way to lose to the New England Patriots.  Like in all of the Charger loses, the Chargers are their own worse enemy.

This past Sunday the Chargers literally handed the ball to the Pats...the first time was when Richard Goodman, a guy I have never seen, makes his first catch and was so happy he did so, spun the ball on the ground...which would have all been great and cool except he wasn't down and no whistle had blown so the Pats simply jump on the ball and it is theirs.  Thanks San Diego.  The next ridiculous turnover was on a lateral to Jacob Hester, the ball hit off his hands and then went to the ground.  Because Hester thought it was a pass, he stopped on the play...but there was no whistle, again, so the Patriots picked up the ball and ran down the field...it was ridiculous.

The Chargers had 4 turnovers in all, and despite all of that were still in position to potentially tie the game...but of course a 45 yard field goal turned into a 50 yard field goal because of a Charger penalty...but was missed by newly acquired kicker Kris Brown.

The Chargers are one of those teams that continue to have people baffle...people continue to think the Chargers should be a good team.  You look at the stats and they are the greatest 2-5 team of all time...but you watch them play and it will have you ask yourself how they could have possibly won 2 games?

Chargers won't see an easy team until after the bye in 3 weeks ... next up the Titans - a very disciplined team, should have little problem with the error-proned Chargers.  Then the Chargers travel to Houston and the Chargers haven't been able to beat even a bad team on the road (or anyone for that matter) so the Chargers could very well be 2-7 going into their bye week...and then their season should be all but over.

2-4 Chargers: Quick Assessment

(I posted this on one of the Charger forum's I frequent... I liked my summary so much I decided to c/p it here, I think it is a good synopsis of the Charger team right now:)

The Rams really exposed how bad the Charger receivers are and when Gates went out for a time, it was even more blatent.

The Rams only needed to go man-to-man against one of the NFL's most prolific passing offenses and all out blitz everyone else to essentially stop the Charger passing game. The Chargers offensive line was rendered helpless and because the Charger receivers are mostly ineffective the Rams were free to put as much pressure on Rivers as they saw fit...and they did. The run game has almost been abandoned in every game because the Chargers are behind in almost every game...but even when the Chargers try and run the ball, there has yet to be any sign of an explosive run game....always seem like a no gain or a tough 5-7 yard rush on every attempt.

The defense is a joke. Its easy to finger the special teams and the errors they have committed this season but the defense has gotten a free ride and is easily as much to blame as the rest of the team. Sam Bradford was 3-7 for 26 yards in the second half against the Chargers...but the Rams were playing to not lose and not to win and the Charger defense certainly helped them out. All the Charger defense had to do is stop Steven Jackson from getting a first down ... in 5 plays ... all runs, the Charger defense allowed Jackson to get 28 yards...over 5 yard average when you needed a stop. A complete embarrassment, imo.

Special teams ... can we even say they played better than the previous games? Ok, we will because only a field goal was blocked this game...there's the bright spot...but the dark cloud is that the special teams of the Chargers continue to handcuff this team.

Chargers are in a crappy division...which is really the only thing they have going for them at this time...

ESPN Wanted Timeouts On MNF Blowout For Ads - Ruining Sports Continues

Wow, that's just about all I can say in reading this article.  Apparently ESPN had 2 network commercial breaks it wanted to squeeze into this past Monday Night Football game but because it was a blowout, the Titans were just running clock... when a request - from someone, somewhere, was made to have the coaches call timeouts to accommodate ESPN's need to try and fill 2 more commercial breaks.  Jeff Fischer was not going to oblige but by all appearances Jack Del Rio did.

This just totally disgusts me.  I have hated ESPN for many, many years and this is yet another example of why I can not stand ESPN for any reason anymore and the sooner they stop airing live sports the sooner I can stop watching that worthless network once and for all.  ESPN is all about self promotion, highlights and sound effects...but on their most watched show of the week, MNF, apparently money moves to priority one.

What is so ridiculous about this is the fact that there were probably more than ample opportunities for ESPN to get all their needed breaks in but they may have chosen to run an interview or a feature package, or highlights or whatever during a change of possession or injury or other appropriate times for a commercial timeout.  I have worked many a football game and know that happens on a regular basis, but I have never heard of a television entity requesting for coaches to call timeouts to "help them out".

Will the NFL likely do anything about this?  Probably not because the Walt Disney Company (which owns ESPN) has a lot of money and will probably write a nice big check to the NFL when the tv contracts are due...

But, I would like to iterate at least one more time to make sure it is crystal clear for everyone...ESPN SUCKS!

MNF Blowout Beats ALCS In TV Ratings

How far has baseball fallen in the sports world?  Last night was game 3 of the American League Championship series between the Yankees and Rangers...but that was beaten last night by a crappy NFL game in tv viewership. 

I think most people knew that the NFL is the top sport in this country but to have a dog, regular season game beat a playoff game?  Unbelievable...MLB might not have to worry about this happening next year because of the lockout, but unless MLB does something, I really don't see the trend ending...

Chargers Lose To Lowly Rams

The Chargers are taking a familiar path with this NFL season...a path that most teams and most sane people, would agree is not the easiest path for a team to take in the NFL.  The Chargers lost their 4th straight road game to another lowly team...it's been the Chiefs, Seahawks, Raiders and Rams that have all beaten the Chargers at their home stadium.  Most NFL pundits would agree that all four of those teams reside in the bottom half of an NFL "Power Poll" but they better make some room because here comes the Chargers ready to stake claim to being one of the NFL's dredges.

The game against the Rams has shown how the Chargers can be beaten, and very easily, mind you.  For most of the game the Rams went to single coverage on the Charger receivers and blitzed Phillip Rivers all game long.  The Charger receivers struggled to get open on mostly man-to-man coverage.  When Antonio Gates went out of the game with a toe injury, the Rams could further focus on getting to Rivers and less concern on coverage.  The Charger offensive line was besieged all game long.  The Rams nearly doubled their season sack total in this one game in which Rivers was sacked 7 times.

The Charger defense showed why it is not as good as the stats seem to imply.  With the Chargers down by 3, all the Charger defense had to do is stop the Rams from getting a first down with 3 minutes to go.  The Rams, with the lead the entire game, had resorted to exclusively running the ball on all plays in the fourth quarter...yet, the Charger defense couldn't stop the Rams and the Rams simply had to take a knee for the remainder of the game after the 2 minute warning sounded.

Charger special teams continues to be horrendous.  The coverage was better...barely, but then Nate Kaeding slipped and had a field goal try blocked...which, if made, would have been crucial.

Charger fans can simply sit back and shake their heads and list all the areas at  where the Chargers lack right now.  The Charger's offensive and defensive lines are clearly overmatched by most opponents.  For such an explosive offense, the Chargers are often behind in many games...from the beginning and always need to rally.  The Charger defense relies on other team's mistakes rather then being a presence and forcing the team into making mistakes.  And the special teams have been, quite possibly, the worst special teams unit to ever play...and there are historical stats that back this claim already.

The Chargers "soft" part of the schedule has all but concluded....the Chargers play the New England Patriots this weekend who are coming off a big win against Baltimore.  I don't think anyone would doubt that the Patriots would destroy the Chargers on most Sundays, but maybe because they are flying out west and the Chargers might play with some fire, the Chargers could sneak out an upset ... but it will not add any validity that the Chargers are a good team...they will just get lucky at the right time....

Now if the Chargers get blown out, like they should, no one will even think twice about it.

Merriman To IR, Chargers Have To Release Him

It is being reported that Shawne Merriman will be put on the injured reserve list and because of the injury type, the Chargers will have to release him after he comes off the ir.

I've watched professional football, avidly, for over 30 years now and I have never heard of some of the rules and stipulations that, it seems, the Chargers get themselves into each season...this is one of them...

Not that I am disappointed at all to see Shawne Merriman no longer on the Charger team, but I am just a bit curious as to why the Chargers have to cut him after he returns from the ir?  Just seems like an odd rule but must be in play for some reason and the Charger organization was likely aware of the rule so, I would hope, knew what they were doing...

Bur really, what they are doing is getting rid of an off-field, high profile player that has been injured for the past 3 seasons.  When Merriman ended his holdout, I was less than enthused and had all but predicted his final days with the Chargers were nearing.

I don't think the Chargers had any intention of resigning him after this season and now Merriman will have a tough sell to try and get some team to give him a chance when he essentially hasn't played since being busted for steroids which will be over 3 years ago by the time he is healthy again.  Good luck with that.

Week 6 Of The NFL Looms - Charger Preseason Over

I frequent a few Charger forums and after the week 1 loss to the Chiefs, I posted a sentiment that I have expressed here on my blog...and I am going to simply cut/paste one response here and then elaborate:

As much as the national media likes to emphasize that every game in the NFL is important, it has been demonstrated time and time again where a team no longer needs to start out 4-0 or 5-0 to have a shot at the playoffs.

The first 5, 6 games, imo, are still preseason games.  Sure, a team doesn't want to start out 0-5 or 0-6, but both the Chargers, who started 2-3 last year and the Titans, who started 0-6, turned their seasons around...sure Tennessee didn't make the playoffs but were knocking on the door at the end of the season.

I was totally prepared for a Chiefs victory and won't be surprised if the Chargers drop 2 out of 3 of their next road games against, what seem, inferior competition.  Arizona might be their toughest home opponent, but for me, the season really doesn't start to count for the Chargers until the Patriots game and that's when I will start to gauge how competent this team is.

When I originally posted that, the majority of the responses I got was pretty sour...everyone knows that every game in the NFL is important, that's what ESPN says and that means its true and besides, what if the Chargers don't make the playoffs by one or two games, they are going to look back and say what could have been if they could have simply beaten these easy road teams early in the season...

My rationale doesn't fit into what the sports hypesters want us to believe, but I still stand by my statement and yes, if a team doesn't make the playoffs by a game or two it may reflect as to what could have been, but the NFL has changed so much over the past 10-15 years and the parity is so wide ranging that we have seen teams go 6 and 0 and 0 and 6 and either miss the playoffs or almost make the playoffs.  It was just 2 years ago when the Broncos were leading the AFC by 4 games with 4 games to play and lost the division.  Teams can evolve or devolve as the season goes on and injuries can often doom a team even after a promising start.  Even the San Francisco 49'ers know what I am talking about...they are 0-5 right now and their owner has predicted that they will still win the NFC West ... and you know what?  I don't doubt it either.

I'm sure if the Chargers are capable of reeling off 11 straight wins before choking in the playoffs this year, but if they can get their special teams woes figured out and minimize the turnovers they will certainly be in good shape to make the playoffs (and choke) again this year.

Chargers Give Raiders Win, The Streak Ends

In my wrap up from last week's Charger-Cardinals game, I all but predicted the Chargers loss to the Raiders..."The Chargers play in Oakland this weekend and I think the Chargers have started the season 2-3 the past few years and the Chargers have certainly bumbled, fumbled and stumbled on the road this season...so don't be surprised if the Raiders "steal" this game against the Chargers...they could have very well have beaten the Chargers last year in the season opener."

The Charger special teams continues to be abysmal...on the first two punts the Raiders blocked both and scored a safety and a touchdown on each.  The Chargers were able to rally and keep the game close, but turnovers, along with the sloppy special teams play continue to do the Chargers in.  But even if those two aspects were corrected, the Chargers did take the lead in the 2nd half of this game and the defense, which had been rested for most of the game, couldn't stop the Raiders and their 2nd string quarterback from driving down the field and scoring a touchdown to retake the lead.

Philip Rivers continues to be on fire....it's too bad the running backs of the Chargers continue to fumble the ball away.  The Charger receivers are an odd bunch... The Raiders did do a decent job shutting down Gates, although he was still able to score.  But Malcolm Floyd had a respectable game but then the rest of the Charger receivers were mostly missing...in other weeks, Floyd has been virtually non-existent...it seems that after Gates the Chargers don't have a receiver that can be consistent each week.

The Chargers are on the road again this week and might have a chance...they play St. Louis who just got routed by the Detroit Lions....but then again the Chargers like to make sure they dig the hole they like to put themselves in real deep so if they continue to play hot potato with the football, they could very well lose to yet another lowly team...I know in my survivor league we lost 2 teams so far by those who have picked the Chargers this year...I hope to laugh all the way to the bank...

Clutch Video - 9/29/2010

I have finally managed to get the video off my phone and uploaded to YouTube from last week's Clutch show in Fargo on September 29, 2010 at The Venue...it shouldn't have taken me this long but I've been busy...anyways, I got two videos that I think are fairly good... I hope you enjoy...

Here's the last 2:20 of Spacegrass...



And here's all of One Eye Dollar...

Chargers Destroy Cards

Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates almost single-handedly beat the Arizona Cardinals...and not just barely, but completely.

The Charger defense, which has been pretty stout this season...but still prone to giving up a big play or two per game, easily outmatched the Arizona offense...intercepting, sacking and essentially over powering the Cardinals all day long this past Sunday.

Charger quarterback, Phillip Rivers, continues to scorch opposing team's defense and Antonio Gates continues to prove why he is the best tight end in the NFL.  If there is a problem with the Chargers' passing attack it would be that the wide receivers don't seem to make nearly the impact that Antonio Gates does...but that may be because teams seem to lose track of Gates.  On one of Gates' touchdowns this past Sunday, he was left literally wide open, caught the ball and jogged into the endzone untouched.  A team may blow coverages on particular players from time to time, but if you leave Antonio Gates uncovered, the Chargers will make you pay.

The Chargers play in Oakland this weekend and I think the Chargers have started the season 2-3 the past few years and the Chargers have certainly bumbled, fumbled and stumbled on the road this season...so don't be surprised if the Raiders "steal" this game against the Chargers...they could have very well have beaten the Chargers last year in the season opener.

To sprinkle some 'drama' in the Charger lockerroom, starting safety Steven Gregory is suspended for four games for juicing.  Gregory had an interception this past game and, I thought, was playing well....he tested positive earlier this year so one would think he should be off the juice during the season, so hopefully his play this season isn't artificially enhanced and when he returns from his suspension he can continue to make an impact on defense.

Clutch - Fargo - September 29, 2010

Clutch Playing At The Venue in Fargo, 9-29-2010

Clutch played at The Venue this week in Fargo, ND on one of their one-offs from the BLS show that Clutch is currently on.  I was so happy to hear that Clutch would be playing without BLS and then even more excited to hear that one of these dates was scheduled to happen in Fargo!  I was quite surprised as well because the last time Clutch came to Fargo the crowd was fairly scant.  I was curious to see how large of a crowd would be there for this show and considering it was on a Wednesday night (a school night) I didn't think it bode well for attendance, but the crowd was considerably larger than their last show here...but this show was also a 21 and up show, whereas before it was an all ages show and no alcohol.  I definitely liked that it was 21 and over and alcohol was permitted...

This show has quickly raced up the list of one of the best Clutch shows I have ever been too.  Two of my all-time favorite songs, Regulator and Spacegrass, were both played that night ... very rarely have I heard Spacegrass, so that in itself was a treat, but Regulator is such an awesome tune that I could hear Clutch play that song on repeat for many, many hours...

I took a lot of pictures and you can see them all here.  Phone cameras and concerts never seem to work well together...but the pics seem better than some and I tried.  I also got some pretty good videos that I am trying to get off my phone and encode ... I will post those if I am ever successful.

Clutch took the stage about 10:30ish and played until after midnight ... the crowd, I felt, gave a good 'true encore' type cheer after the band finished their set and walked off the stage...the crowd continued to cheer, loudly, and even a chant of "Clutch" broke out....many times, these days, when the band walks off the stage people just turn around and walk out the door....not that night, though.

The sound was awesome and the band sounded great.  It almost seems like such a surreal experience for me now because it seemed to go by all so fast...but it seems like everything that is a good time seems like it only lasted for moments while the rest of life continues to drag on....

Again, might be one of the greatest Clutch shows I have ever been too...

Chargers Bumble, Stumble, Fumble And Lose

The San Diego Chargers are starting the 2010 season like they have started most of their more recent seasons...very poorly.  The Chargers fall to 1-2 after losing to the Seattle Seahawks yesterday and the Chargers most certainly lost more than the Seahawks won.

The Chargers fumbled the ball 3 times and didn't recover one, the Chargers have been fumbling a lot already this year.  And the Charger special teams are a complete joke.  The Chargers gave up 2 kickoff td returns to Leon Washington who, in this game alone, became Seattle's all-time return kickoff return leader.  In week 1 the Chargers gave up a 92 yard punt return for a touchdown to the Chiefs, setting a new Chiefs record...one doesn't need to look too hard to see that the special teams play by the Chargers is a glaring weakness.

The Charger defense did play well, but the Seahawks didn't have to do much to win this game with the special teams scores...the Chargers, after having to rally to tie the game, the Seahawk offense didn't even have to take the field as the Seahawks run the kickoff back for a touchdown to take the lead and eventually win the game.

The Charger offense has shown some bad traits that plagued the team last season as well...delay of game penalties and false start penalties...always, seemingly, at the worst times.  I would have thought that the team could have worked on something to remedy that problem in the offseason, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

And one final note regarding special teams...not only is the Charger special team coverage horrible, but Darren Sproles and the Charger return team certainly hasn't been all that impressive either...it is both sides of the special teams ball that the Chargers are getting beat on.

Phillip Rivers had a career day, 455 yards passing, but primarily out of necessity...and overall the offense - if you exclude the turnovers - was able to be effective.  The Chargers just need to limit their mistakes and they would have routed the Seahawks.

I'm With AJ

So the Vincent Jackson drama heated up and reached a boiling point yesterday when holdout receiver Vincent Jackson was not traded to another team and the reason was because no team was willing to give Charger GM AJ Smith what he wanted for Jackson, namely a second and another pick (4th round or higher).

AJ Smith has had the label of 'hardass' for many years and a tough negotiator...and I think what people don't realize is that AJ is actually upfront with what he really wants and doesn't budge...AJ, for the sake of actually going through the process of "negotiations" should have high-balled everyone, ask for first rounders or whatever and then negotiate down to what he really wants.  AJ's tactic, though, is golden...a team doesn't even need to consider calling AJ and nor will Smith even have to lift the phone up if the team isn't willing to accept the primary intentions of smith when working a trade.

So after Jackson wasn't traded media and fans are quick to lash out at AJ and exclaim at what a fool he was for not accepting less and moving Jackson to another team, but I am not one of those people.  I think Vincent Jackson made all the wrong moves this offseason and could likely pay dearly for his decisions.  Instead of playing out his contract and getting paid over $3 million, it sounds as if Jackson may sit the entire season and with the lockout looming for next year, would essentially not playing or paid next season and it would be 2012 when he would be looking for a new team and contract...and what team is going to line up to sign you then with 2 years removed from your breakout season and still the 2 DUI baggage.

But people think that AJ should have bent and traded Jackson to whatever team was offering the Chargers the best deal and not what AJ thinks is the best deal.  Again, not me.  Jackson was under contract to play for the Chargers and he decided that he would rather not play for the Chargers (or anyone else) unless he got paid a lot more money.  The Chargers hold his contract and all the cards in this dispute.  Why should the Chargers get penalized by accepting whatever they could get for Jackson when the team has done nothing wrong and the player is just demanding more money?  If that was the case in the NFL then players would be holding their team's ransom as much as they could.

I have not agreed with some of AJ's moves in the past, but with both Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil's holdouts, I have supported his actions 100%.  With Shawne Merriman, I wish he would have done the same but let Merriman sign his original tender and join the team, when he was the least of the 3 holdouts I thought the Chargers needed...

Chargers Destroy Jags

The San Diego Chargers and the Jacksonville Jagaurs had a wild first half with each team turning the ball over multiple times. The Chargers cured their turnover problems but the Jaguars continued with their ball control issues and ended up with six total turnovers (4 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles). The result would be as one would expect...the Chargers easily beat the Jaguars this past Sunday 38-13. The game was out of hand early and the Jaguars scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarters when it didn't matter.

The Charger defense had its way on this day...pressuring Jaguar QB David Garrard all day and picking him off early and often. Antoine Cason had two interceptions with his first one being a dandy.

Charger rookie runningback Ryan Matthews left the game with an ankle injury...early word is that it isn't too severe. His backup, Mike Tolbert, had a banner day. Tolbert is a "power back" that plowed his way up and down the field. When Tolbert was gaining nice chunks of yardage, Philip Rivers was passing the ball around. Antonio Gates had another great day and I don't know how anyone could place any other tight end in the NFL higher than him...which I think has been the case for several years now. The guy is always consistently good.

The realization of this win is that sure, it is a good win but the Jaguars are a team the Chargers should beat if they are going to be mentioned as a top-caliber team...unfortunately they will never be considered a real contender until they can do something in the post season.

Chargers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks this week...Jaguars beat the Broncos in week 1, Broncos beat the Seahawks in week 2 while the Chargers beat the Jaguars...Doing the math by correlation would suggest the Chargers should beat the Seahawks this weekend...

Chargers Sloppy Play Matches Sloppy Conditions

Week 1 in the NFL concluded with the San Diego Chargers playing in a newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs and it was a wet one.

The Chiefs took advantage of the Chargers mistakes and poor play in the first half to score all the points they needed, leading 21-7. The Chargers, who led time of possession and total yards bumbled about the field to only add another score and come up short - literally, game concludes with the Chargers inside the 10 and unable to convert on a fourth down - and lose 21-14.

The new Charger rookie runningback that has many abuzz helped the Chiefs out more than play against them. After a big run Ryan Matthews fumbled the ball and set up a Chiefs score. On another play while trying to get into position to provide pass protection for Rivers he knocked the ball out of Rivers' hands, almost leading to a turnover. But it wasn't all Matthews fault...

The special teams, for the Chargers, which has usually looked good was awful and even gave up the longest punt return for a touchdown for both franchises respectively. The Chargers still exhibit many of the bad traits I had seen from last year...calling a time out on a crucial long yard play then come back and 2 plays later get a delay of game.

The Charger defense is what the Charger defense has been in the past...able to stop teams for most of the game but there will be one, two...maybe 3 plays where the other team will totally catch the defense off guard...and completely. Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs reeled of a 50 plus yard td run, untouched with Charger players looking laughable in pursuit.

The Charger wide receivers...slipped and fell most of the night. Naanee caught the Chiefs napping and Rivers hit him for a wide open touchdown with 2:23 in the third quarter and that was the end of the scoring. Gates was by far the most impressive Charger offensive weapon last night and I was pleased to see him in good form already.

Rivers, too, looked good. Faced a fair amount of pressure all night, was sacked and besides the Matthews incident, Rivers also misplayed a shotgun snap that almost resulted in a Charger turnover, but overall Rivers did a solid job considering, again, the playing conditions.

There is no doubt that the playing conditions were horrible last night in Arrowhead. Even thought the stadium was literally brand new many Chief fans left at halftime...The Chargers had a great opportunity to win the game last night but just couldn't play consistently good when needed.

First Smartphone - Droid X

I have finally taken the plunge...I got my first "smartphone" this past week, a Droid X. Why is this such a big deal for me?

Well, for starters, I have been very "frugile" with my cell phone needs ... I have paid only for the cheapest package and have never once even exceeded the call limits. I also had held off on getting a smartphone because there really didn't seem like a phone that used the internet well and the internet, also, didn't seem like it was very "mobile friendly". But with the new Droid phones out like the Droid X that has all changed...

What makes the Droid X (and other Droid phones) appealing is all the apps a person can get for the phone and in turn, when you want to run said app, you simply touch it and it is running. With it being ran on Google's OS, which is open source, there are a ton of free apps and more appearing daily...

I already love having Pandora on my phone...I use to have an MP3 player hooked up to my car's stereo, now I use my phone and listen to "satellite radio" from Pandora as I drive. Another cool feature is that it has Google Maps and Navigation built into the phone for free...so you essentially have a car GPS system at no extra charge...unfortunately, I live in a place where I don't need GPS...but I can hardly wait to plan a trip to a large metro area just to see how lost that can get me...

I really haven't left the house with the phone but that will change this weekend when I go out with my friends to watch football...it will be great to track my fantasy teams and get scores...but, as with all phones that seem to do a lot, it will likely drain the battery of the phone and the more a person wants to use their phone's features, the shorter the time that the phone can stay powered up and the next thing you know you won't even be able to receive or make phone calls because of a dead battery. I've heard people buying pocket rapid chargers or keeping their phone plugged in as much as possible... I'm thinking of just getting a second battery and keeping that in my car to swap as needed...but I'll see how long the phone will last with my usage and decide from there.

I also think I can finally "use" Twitter the way it was meant to be...that is as a portable medium. I never had a device that I could quickly fire off a "Tweet". I would have to go to my computer, goto twitter, login and then post my Tweet...the process was just to cumbersome to be used effectively by me. So for starters, I pared down who I was following (just so I don't get a new Tweet every 2 seconds) but can foresee that list growing as I discover people that I do indeed want to "follow". But the end result is that I likely will be "Tweeting" more often...not sure who cares or not, but I figured I'd swim a little deeper in that pool...or at least that is what I am intending to do...I often intend to do a lot of things and never do.

And many people have had bad experiences with their cell phone provider, I have had just the opposite with Verizon Wireless. I have been with Verizon for about 6 years now and have not had 1 lick of trouble. I, at one time, thought that the Verizon store was the best place to get my phone and accessories...now I do it all online. The phone was cheaper online and shipped to me, free, overnight. The Droid X was out of stock and I was originally told that I would get it by September 15th...I got it Sep. 7...over a week early. I have never not had service, I have never had a dropped call and anytime I have had to alter some detail with my plan, it has always been handled very well. Sometimes people regrettably pay for some service and know they are signing up for headaches...I have never been disappointed in handing my money to Verizon for their service.

Charger Thoughts - Week 1

The NFL season is about to start and each year I have posted my prediction(s) for the Chargers...some times more vague than others.

But I have become a Charger cynic...the Chargers, in the 30 years I have been a fan, have never lived up to expectations and have only disappointed. Last year's season was the final straw for me. I refuse to get my hopes up and make bold predictions...so my prediction for the 2010 Charger Team will be the same for every Charger team until further notice: I predict they will disappoint me...again. Now whether or not they disappoint me in the playoffs or not has yet to be seen, but looking at their schedule and their team..the Chargers look like they should win the AFC West again.

Chargers open their season against the Kansas City Chiefs, who just remodeled Arrowhead Stadium, on Monday night. The Chargers have started slow the last few years and almost lost to Oakland in last years' season opener. The Chiefs will be fired up and it should be no surprise if they win the game. If anything the last few seasons have proven is that the first 4-5 games aren't really that important so I won't put a lot of stock in game 1.

Last Meaningless Game Tonight, Season Soon To Kick Off

The Chargers play their final preseason game tonight against the 49'ers. It's probably doubtful that any of the starters, with maybe the exception for rookies, will see much if any playing time. I'm not so sure on taking 2 preseason games away to add 2 regular season games, but in my opinion, the last preseason game, as it is now, is a complete waste of time.

So what, if anything, have I learned from this preseason that might better assist me in gauging their success is there? Really, just a few broad observations...

Runningback: Ryan Matthews looks good...but there has been more than 1 preseason wonder that flames out in a hurry. What I do like is the fact that the Chargers had him signed and in camp early enough so that he has had ample time to learn plays and the offense. He looks like he has quick feet and determination. Against the Saints he was hit by two defenders and as they fell to the ground, he continued to churn forward. I think with Darren Sproles complementing him in the backfield, it could be a dangerous combination for the Chargers.

Rivers: I really feel as if I should make a comment on Rivers but there really is no need to do so...he is everything that he has been in the past and continues to demonstrate that he is a winner. If he goes down the Chargers season is likely a short one.

Holdouts: Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil both continue their hold out...by all appearances they will be sitting until week 7, then on a 3 game team-imposed suspension and could begin playing for the Chargers on week 10...but with incredibly reduced salaries, so I can't believe that they would be playing all that hard for the Chargers. Two players who appear to be pissing away their careers, imo.

Defense: The defense looks like last years...bad. Merriman is doubtful for the season opener, after his holdout he is promptly injured...just like last year and the year before. I've stated it more than once and will do so again...since he got busted for steroids he hasn't been the same player...in fact has only been injured.

By all appearances the Chargers should win the AFC West again...Broncos will likely be swapping QB's at least once next year if they hit any rough patch. The Chiefs still seem to be in some disarray but have gotten some young offensive talent that should see them improve. And many in the media are proclaiming that now that JaMarcus has left Oakland the Raiders will become a threat again...there was no question that last year the Raiders played the Chargers tough, twice, and were able to string together some pretty good wins.

It's the NFL and anything can happen...any team can be one injury away from a disappointing season or a lucky bounce in week 17 that sends a team to the playoffs.

Rivers Continues To Prove To Be A "Winner"

When the Chargers gave QB Philip Rivers a contract extension last season I was delighted with the move because I labeled Rivers a winner at that time. He is a guy that doesn't like to lose...ever. So this last preseason game against the Cowboys, Philip tackled a safety returning a fumble to save a touchdown. Many people would question why Rivers would even try to tackle this guy, let alone run the field to do so...but, again, he is a winner and in the post game interview, Rivers tells you why..."I don't know how you are going to let a guy score. They are still keeping score. I know it's a preseason game, but still."

And to add to my theory, the safety Rivers tackled, Barry Church verified that Rivers is indeed a winner, stating "It showed a lot of heart and a lot of fire. He wants to win. He's a great quarterback and he will win in this game."

Merriman Already Hurt, McNeil Meets With AJ

Shawne Merriman showed up to Charger training camp on Friday and made it through a couple of practices and almost on cue, is hurt. A reoccurring theme of Merriman's since he was caught doping. Those that frequent my blog already know that I am no longer a fan of Merriman and have all but declared his career over. If any of the Charger players that were holding out, I felt that Merriman was the least needed and yet he is the one, hurt, and at Charger camp.

And speaking of Charger holdouts, left tackle, Marcus McNeil met with Charger GM AJ Smith yesterday, alone - no agent. No word if anything substantial came from that meeting...but I have to think it is an indication from McNeil that he does want to play this year. I won't be surprised if we hear that McNeil joins the team before the season started...but of course if AJ refused to bend at all, that may not be the case...but I have to think that the mere gesture, on McNeil's part to meet with AJ in person without an agent, shows that he wants to join the team.

Breaking News (Not): Favre Will Play

Right when I think I know Brett Favre and have him pegged he throws me a curveball...Last year I had guessed that Favre would be in Vikings camp by the 2nd preseason game and he fooled me by showing up a couple weeks early. So this year, thinking I would outfox him, I had guessed he would have roughly that same timetable and report a week or so before the first preseason game...well, unless you live under a rock, we all have heard the glorious news that Favre has graced the Vikings with his presence which would be just before the 2nd preseason game, as I had guessed last year. Well there's always next year to try my luck again. But of course this year's offseason Favre added a new wrinkle to his prima dona attitude. Favre didn't return to Minnesota without a posse, apparently he wanted some Viking bag handlers to carry his luggage and 3 of his Viking 'buds' had to fly down to pick him up.

So in the end, everyone on the planet guessed it right...Favre didn't retire after all and will play again...same as last year and the year before and the year before and the year before, etc...

Merriman To Join Team This Weekend

Reports out of San Diego are that Shawne Merriman is going to join the team this weekend, ending his holdout. I have grown increasingly tired of Shawne Merriman and his antics. Since his positive steroid test Shawne Merriman hasn't been an effective player for the Chargers.

I am unsure as to why Charger GM, AJ Smith, didn't lower Merriman's tender like he did with Vincent Jackson's and Marcus McNeil's. Not to mention Merriman does his best to get his name in the paper by yapping about something or getting into some high profile situations (ie: Tila Tequilla).

Merriman has said how he wants to get on the field to prove himself, that he is working out, literally, non-stop. But now, by all appearances, by him coming into Charger camp after the two-a-days end, shows to me that he is probably just lazy. Playing the game and being athletic superior to others so easily accomplished when you are on the juice. Now that Merriman isn't on the roids he has been injured more than healthy. With no contract after this season I can realistically see this as being the last season we see Shawne Merriman in a Charger uniform, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is out of the NFL by the 2012 season...

On the bright side of things, we will no longer be subjected to one of the lamest 'sack dances' of all time be performed much, if at all, this season or in the future.

Preseason Football - I Care Less Than Usual

It's tough to gauge how little I really care about preseason football from year-to-year but I have to think this year it could be at an all-time low of not caring. There is usually plenty of other reasons to not care about he preseason but this season a couple of new factors help lower any enthusiasm I might have. It has a lot to do with the way the season ended for the Chargers and now that I am completely cynical towards the Chargers hopes, add a few holdouts and that is why I really have a tough time getting 'amped' up for the season.

Anyways, the Chargers play Chicago on Saturday night in their first preseason game...I'll probably DVR it and zip through it just for fun...

Rivers, Gates - Relief Since Tomlinson Left

An interesting article came out this past Monday in the San Diego Union Tribune that had comments from Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates in regards to former star runningback LaDainian Tomlinson. Both Rivers and Gates were respectful towards Tomlinson but both made comments that alluded to the fact that Tomlinson was unhappy with his role with the team, players felt he viewed himself as bigger than the team and that it is almost a relief now that he is gone and players won't have to deal with impressing or pleasing Tomlinson.

My opinion: The comments towards Tomlinson almost match the way he acted once signing with the Jets. I don't want to believe nor do I think that L.T. was always somewhat of a prima-dona, but I think after the 2006 season it may have been the pushing point. He was the league MVP, rushing champ, single-season scoring record holder and on top of the world. People were literally kissing his ass from the time he got out of bed until the time he got back into bed...and then even during his sleep if he so desired. It would be easy for L.T. to go 'soft' and begin to desire some of the diva traits some NFL players are quick to don. I'm just saddened that he did let fame go to his head, that he began to feel as if he deserved more touches. He was a team leader and I can imagine if any leader begins to put themself ahead of the group there can not be much success for either.