Congrats Drew Brees, Saints

Yes, it has taken me 3 days to fully recover from the Super Bowl festivities...

The game lived up to the hype...I had the Saints covering the spread, so winning outright was fine with me...

It was nice to see Drew Brees do so well and win the MVP award.

Of course the downside to the Saints winning the Super Bowl is that there is yet another franchise that has won a Super Bowl before the Chargers...not to mention this was the Saints first time there and that their second year field goal kicker was drilling field goals with ease... the differences in a team that can win the Super Bowl and that can't can easily compare the Saints performance in their playoff games versus the Chargers in theirs.

Roger Maris Billboards

2 of these billboards are up in Fargo, ND ... Anyone that wants to come to this town and defend the steroid users is going to have a tough crowd ...

We's don't like cheaters around these parts....

The Office: Getting Worse Fast!

Boy, when I posted in November that I thought the television show The Office had jumped the shark, I had no idea how bad it has gotten and so quickly...

I had not watched an episode in some time...and I guess I didn't miss anything because there haven't been very many new episodes anyways ... but I tried to watch the couple of episodes I had on my DVR this past weekend because I had nothing better to do. I attempted to watch the first episode which was the Christmas episode where Jim lets Phyllis be Santa Claus...like many of the newer episodes, I found nothing funny and stopped watching halfway through... then I watched, what I think was the 'latest' episode where a banker comes to inventory the Scranton branch and it turns into a clip show... a clip show! Well, that was it for me... The Office has been removed from my DVR playlist and I will no longer bother even wasting anymore time with that show ... it was good for a while but now is unwatchable.

LT Won't Restructure Contract

LaDainian Tomlinson did a radio interview yesterday morning and he says he will not restructure his contract under any circumstances. When asked if he sees himself in a Charger uniform next season he said he sees a lot of things but didn't specifically say that yes, he will be a Charger next season. He did say that he will play football next season, was not happy this year with "a lot of changes," and the interview alluded to what kind of situation does he want to go too ... essentially acknowledging that he will not be in San Diego next season. Then rehashed the playoff loss and LT's role as a leader on this team which essentially led to LT saying that he didn't feel connected to the team because many of the new players are more concerned about themselves then they are about playing football.

LT's heart is with the Saints but he thinks the Colts are the best team in the NFL.

2010 Chargers: What's Ahead?

It has been 2 weeks and those living in Chargerdom have had time to fully accept that their franchise is notable for one thing and one thing only....choking in the playoffs....but what lies ahead for the Chargers?

So who is unlikely to be back?

Let's start with the Chargers greatest player of all-time...LaDainian Tomlinson. He is set to make a roster bonus, if still a Charger in March. There really hasn't been much said about Tomlinson's future with the team ... but with the salary he would command and then compared to his productivity there really isn't much to say and most speculators think we have seen the last of LT in a Charger jersey. If this is the case, which I have no reason to discount, his career with San Diego will end like many other Hall of Fame players ... after a few years of declining production his value has become too great to support his legacy and thus justify him being on the team. As I have mentioned in other entries, LT isn't the same runningback he once was. It has been 3 seasons ago when I last saw the LT that I loved to watch ... the past few seasons have almost been painful to see LT struggle on the field...slipping, sliding, falling and ducking out of bounds ... things a person would never see the 'young' LT exhibit during a game. Yes, LT will be in the Hall of Fame and labeled the greatest Charger of all-time, but unfortunately he will not be a Charger much longer. Maybe he will just retire and that would be fine with me because it will be hard to see him in a different uniform...

Shawne Merriman has no contract right now and has came out to say that he wants to remain a Charger. But again, let's examine the facts...prior to Shawne Merriman testing positive for steroids he was a beast...defensive rookie of the year and among the league's sack leaders. Since being busted for roids he has missed an entire season and was good for 4 sacks ... and that is what the stats say, but having watched every Charger game, I'm thinking Shawne was in on 8 sacks and was credited for a .5 sack each time...and even if any of his sacks were legit, they certainly didn't seem to come at a time that was critical. Add his off-field distractions ... Tila Tequilla ... and I don't see any reason to think Merriman would be a Charger next season...

Who will be back?

Well, let's start with the easy ones... quarterback Phillip Rivers will be back. Rivers is a franchise quarterback and plays like one too, signed a 7 year extension and is locked in until 2015. Antonio Gates, who is moving up the ranks of greatest tight ends of all-time, has one year left on his contract. There would be no reason to see him not returning.

Who's questionable, but likely?

Darren Sproles is a restricted free agent. The Chargers franchised Sproles last year and one would have to think that if/when the Chargers shed Tomlinson, that frees up over $7 million in salary they could work into a Sproles contract. The question is, as many pundits seem to point out, is that Sproles is not an every down back. I guess I'm not too concerned with that label knowing that whenever Sproles is in he is a weapon for the Chargers.

Vincent Jackson is also a restricted free agent. After the season he just had one would think the Chargers would be fools to not resign VJ as soon as possible...but VJ has some off-field issues that may cloud the issue. Oh sure, every NFL team has players that have some issues but how much is a team willing to tolerate these issues.

Nate Kaeding is under contract and I would say that he will probably be back as a Charger next year. The only reason I put him under the questionable category is because of his track record as the Charger kicker in the playoffs... if coaches get fired for not winning a playoff game what do you do with the kicker that can't make field goals in the playoffs? It is clear that a person can not put any faith into Kaeding in pressure situations.

Notes about the rest...

And just to wrap this up, here are a couple of other thoughts regarding players...

Eric Weddle, the Charger safety that got ran over by Shonn Greene on his way to a touchdown run in the AFC Divisional game this last season, is in the last year of his contract with the Chargers. He is slated to make just over a 1/2 million dollars. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers make future plans without Weddle. The Chargers haven't had a presence in the safety position since Rodney Harrison and that weakness seems to be exploited regularly.

Jamal Williams, set to make $5 million in the last year of his contract, might also be 'trade bait' or, at least, plans to go forward without Williams will likely be made. Jamal has been the middle force for the Chargers defense for several years, but the past couple years he has been hurt and ineffective. The Chargers could try to get their 'money's worth' by keeping him in his final year but as a fan of the team, I really don't see Williams performing as he once did.

Once the Super Bowl concludes the offseason will officially begin. It will be interesting to see if the Charger GM, AJ Smith, makes any free agency moves...something he typically does not do. It is always a pleasant surprise if a rookie pans out but no one should ever expect an instant impact from rookies. The Chargers have a team that implodes during the playoffs and have shown that trait for the past 4 years...I'm not sure how a person goes out to select the proper players to rectify that intangible...but this offseason might be one of the most interesting offseasons for the Chargers in some time.

State Of Me Caring About The State Of The Union

So last night was the State of the Union address and I was just reflecting on how I once reacted about the State of the Union address throughout my life ...

The 1975-1985 - The State of the Union speech sucked because I wanted to watch something else. There were only 13-20 total television channels and the State of the Union would be on at least 6 of those. As a young boy the State of the Union speech was soooo booorrrring.

1986-1993 - I felt a need to become 'educated' on political issues of the day so watched to have an 'informed' opinion, mostly for school purposes. I also do recall watching the speech during the first Iraqi war.

1993 - 1997 - I was single and in my 20's, television was totally a secondary activity. I would watch sports and a few other shows (Seinfeld, Simpsons, etc.). So any State of the Union addresses during this time were missed due to other activities. (IE: Hey do you want to go out and have some beers tonight?)

1997-2004 - Married with children. My children are young, they command a lot of my time and if not my time then most certainly the television. Very rarely, during this time, when the children are awake would a person get more than 30 minutes to themselves. And as soon as they went to bed it was then time to clean up their destruction and go to bed yourself.

2005-present - Now having DirecTV with over 150 channels ... not only have I not seen the State of the Union address, there wasn't even a channel that I would flip to randomly just to see what's on and mistakenly see it....how times have changed. My son will never have to pull out the checker board or build something with your erector set because the president is giving some booorrrring speech.

Saints - Colts in the Super Bowl

After some good conference championships we have our Super Bowl teams ... the Indianapolis Colts vs the New Orleans Saints...

I'm really pretty indifferent about both teams...I don't really hate either team nor do I really like either team... sure I do still like Drew Brees, so maybe that's who I'll pull for...Drew Brees...

A quick recap of this past weekend's games... you could see how the Colts were able to beat the Jets and why the Chargers couldn't ... the Jets were playing the Colts really tough until the Colts made some adjustments and then they couldn't be stopped. The Vikes, as I was saying for most of the game, were lucky that they even got that game to overtime...have 6 turnovers in the NFC Championship game and was heading into o.t.? Most teams could never get away with such sloppy play and still have a chance to win...oh, and the best part, the annual Favre retirement watch now begins for the Vikes. I'm thinking he will be back next season, about week 2 of the preseason ... which was my call last year and I was off by about 2 weeks...so I'm going to stick with it again this year.

I think this year's Super Bowl should be entertaining...hi-scoring with lots of big plays...I just hope the officials don't feel the need to determine the outcome...

Chargers; Extend Turner's Contract

The Charger ownership, content in this season's disappointment, extended head coach Norv Turner's contract by 3 years. Kind of weird that they fired Marty Schottenheimer after a 14-2 season and no wins in the playoffs but extend Norv's contract after an almost similar season...but word is that GM AJ Smith and Marty didn't get along...

And really, can you fire a coach that wins the AFC West Division every year? Sure, that was happening before Norv, but I think the Charger organization is looking at the big picture... that is, making the playoffs and even failing is better then what potentially could happen to this team if mishandled.

And Norv will be able to now better sculpt this team... LaDainian Tomlinson will be cut and I would guess that Shawne Merriman will be let go as well ... so Norv can hand-pick the replacements for those two spots ... not sure what the plan is for Nate Kaeding, but if the intent is to keep him on this team, I hope they then plan to get a different kicker if the team makes the playoffs...

Charger Fans = Joke

I have fully accepted that the Chargers are a joke ... for as long as anyone can remember the Chargers have disappointed ... except for one game in 1995, when they somehow lucked out and beat the Steelers and then promptly got stomped by the 49'ers in the one and only Super Bowl the Chargers lucked out to get too...

I can't change the fact that I will continue to cheer for the Chargers but any faith in success has been totally extinguished... the Chargers should and will be underdogs in the playoffs regardless of who they play because of their history ... and deservedly so...

What's the history of the 21st century Chargers to date? ... Disappointment ... What's the history of the Chargers in the 20th century? Disappointment? Have the Chargers ever not disappointed... Nope....

I cheer for losers....which I have done for over 30 years now and I guess I will continue to do so... at least I am comfortable in knowing that my team is what it is... losers....

Chargers - Vikes: Contrast Of Seasons: Part II

I have to do it... it pains me but it must be done...

I mocked the Viking fans of the regions for laughing and mocking me and the Chargers ... I was then so bold enough to make a blog post taunting them and enjoying the (seemingly) Charger wave of success ... but, as stated in that post, if the Vikes progressed further in the playoffs that the Chargers my 'taunt' was meaningless... but regardless....

The Chargers were and are totally over-rated ... can't win at home in the playoffs... you don't deserve to win...

When they fired Marty after the 2006 season I was hoping Rex Ryan would have been named the Charger head coach...instead we have Norv Turner ...

Disappointment Relief...

Oh, these losses like this are already common place for us Charger fans ... just another year of misery ... how will the Chargers lose this year?

That's why you need a 7-year old boy... why? Because he didn't watch one second of the game but upon hearing that his dad's favorite team lost he is now going to begin training to avenge the loss ... but he has no idea what he is up against ...

But as a Charger fan you will never get any respect and nor do Charger fans desreve any. Go 14-2 in 2006 and can't win a playoff game... win 11 in a row in 2009 and can't win a playoff game ... if you want to be disappointed become a Charger fan ... because until further notice that is status quo and I DEFY the Chargers to change my view...

Recapping:

As a Charger fan I was prepared for the Chargers to lose... why? Because the Chargers disappointed in the past have never, ever done anything to fulfill any of some labeled expectations ... tell me when they haven't?

Sure, I will think the Chargers can and should win...and right when I think that, right when I think the Chargers have a chance, they totally suck ass... it's the same deal all the time... I think it's almost better when the Chargers just suck shit all the time and not even be in the playoffs ... makes it easy then... just beat the Broncos twice a year and be 2-14 ... even pretending to be a Super Bowl team is becoming tiring... today's disappointment was expected ...

Chargers... get no respect ... deserve no respect.

Why'd The Chargers Lose?

Oh... in case anyone wondered why the Chargers lost? Oh, that's right, I told everyone before the game even happened... note the special teams notes... Nate Kaeding, choking in the playoffs in 2004... solid all this year but no faith ... who's saying that... oh, yeah.. that was me...

Living in the Barren Wasteland... I mocked the Vikes and they are in the conference Championship... the Chargers lose at home ... Vikes fans get the last laugh on me ... congratulations....

Go Drew Brees!

Thanks For Letting Me Down

I know I've only been a Charger for for 30 years, so I'm a total newcomer to anyone that even admits that they are a Charger fan...

This was probably a "good year" for the Chargers ... making the playoffs and losing to the Jets at home...

Chargers deserve no respect ... have gained no respect ... as a long time Charger fan, today's loss just adds to the Charger legacy of disappointment.

Thanks Chargers... I can hardly wait to see how you can disappoint me next year ....

Only 1 Home Team Loses

Only 1 home team provided disappointment to their fans this weekend...

Saints (at home) ... crushed the Cards....
Colts ( at home) ... crushed the Ravens...
Vikings (at home) ... crushed the Cowboys...
Chargers (at home) ... lose pathetically to the Jets ...

The game was over soon...

The Chargers couldn't move the ball, couldn't score.... couldn't do anything ...

The game was played on the Jets terms from the beginning... Chargers were lucky it was this close...

At home ... ranting on the internet before the game is even over ... That's how shitty the Chargers played ... if the game was even close, I wouldn't have been home... but to be blogging half way through the fourth quarter of a playoff game ... I'm going back to the bar... yes, and I will continue to drink, yes.... but I will not be wearing a Charger jersey... if they would have lost even somewhat respectably then maybe but today was a complete mockery....

It's a good thing I'm a long time Charger fan so I'm use to the disappointment and this year is just another frickin' day of misery... Thanks Chargers... I can hardly wait to be disappointed next year....

Not Even Close...

I was at home half way through the 4th quarter... Braced to lose and the Chargers provided the losing....

Got a free tab for the Conference championship games and the Super Bowl... I'd trade them both right now to see the Chargers play again... but they don't deserve too...

Braced To Lose

Did I mention I was braced to lose? Of course I did...

Game isn't even over and I am at home typing a blog post ...

Chargers.... .... Ugh.... Thanks for another year of disappointment ...

Jets better win it all....

Nate Kaediang ... tough to make field goals with your arms wrapped around your neck....

Go Chargers!

Just about to head out to watch the games...

I see no reason the Chargers shouldn't beat the Jets and if the Chargers lose it will just continue to add to their legacy of failing, I am already braced for losing but am still hopeful, I've heard a lot of talk about how the Jets are gonna win...I think that's all crazy talk...at least it better be!

The Colts are awaiting their opponent and I think everyone would love to see the Chargers vs Colts as well as the Vikings vs Saints would likely lead to a hi-flying, hi-scoring conference championship Sunday next weekend.

Win or lose, I can guarantee I will drink too much today...good thing I don't work tomorrow!

Go Chargers!

LT's Last Stand?

Something I forgot to include in my playoff preview but should be noted is that this very well could be LaDainian Tomlinson's final game in San Diego as a Charger and, at the very least, could very well be playing in his final games as a Charger. And I would have to guess that unless LT renegotiates his contract to reduce his salary that he likely will be let go. It will be a strictly "business" decision but everyone knows that is mostly true but everyone also knows that you don't keep high priced, low-productivity players which LT, unfortunately, has become on this team. You then factor in that Darren Sproles was franchised last season would likely be the top signing priority for the Chargers to fill their backfield and if freeing up money by letting LT go would totally make sense.

I have to admit that since the 2006 season LaDainian Tomlinson is a different running back. LT for the past two seasons slips, slides, ducks out of bounds, runs right into his own blockers, jukes and jives and not blasting through a hole. Add all that and then only on a handful of plays this past season did a person even see LT into the second line of a teams' defense. The halfback pass, a play that in the past made LT versatile and was ran several times a year...this past season, ran once and LT badly overthrew his receiver. Yes, unfortunately LT's recent past will be his own worst enemy in any negotiations with any team he wants to play for.

But I really don't want to dwell on the past few seasons ... LT, will always be remembered by myself as the greatest Charger running back ever. I remember when he first came into the league and the Chargers stunk. He reminded me a little of Barry Sanders at that time...literally running for his life and with purpose. The 2006 regular season was unforgettable and a time I know I will reflect upon for the rest of my life.

LT has been nothing but a stand up guy. Has never been a vocal leader but led by example. He has never been anything but classy. I will not be glad or happy to see LT leave San Diego and for him to go to any other team is almost heart-wrenching ... but I know what must be done for both sides. I continue to hold hope that LT will remain a Charger but by all appearances, after this season, the likelihood of that happening is not likely.

I am not will to say LT is gone and am holding out hope that his presence will be felt in the playoffs...the past 2 post seasons LT has been hurt. If part of the Chargers 'master plan' was to keep LT healthy for the playoffs so he can make an impact, it is fully in place. And at the very least, LT has an opportunity to redeem himself this year in the playoffs and wouldn't it be great to see LT return to his own form and run wild and help the Chargers get to the Super Bowl?

Preview: Chargers vs Jets In AFC Divisional Game

Sunday is quickly approaching and I have had so many thoughts about this weekend and so many are mixed...so, in what makes my blog infamous, here is my jumbled, disjointed and grammatically incorrect playoff preview post...

I want to start out by saying that I think I should be going into this game confident the Chargers are going to win...and handedly. But I am an old time Charger fan...anytime the Chargers should or are suppose to win in the playoffs they don't. For as long as I can remember, and as recent as last year, the Chargers have been a team that has performed better in the playoffs as the underdog. The '94 playoffs when the Chargers beat the Steelers in the AFC Championship was one of the greatest upsets in Charger history. The NFL playoffs are also a whole different beast then the regular season. Any team that thinks they are unbeatable just because they breezed through the regular season will have a quick exit in the playoffs. The Chargers are the "flashy" pick by much of the national media...yet another moniker that often destines teams to a short playoff run.

Regardless of my pessimism, I still do think the Chargers should win this game and I will try and detail a few things I think will be a factor as to whether or not the Chargers will be successful against the Jets or not...

Strength vs Strength: The Jets have one of the best passing defenses in the league and the Chargers have one of the best passing offenses in the league. If the Chargers have made their bread and butter all season with the passing game and the Jets have made theirs with a stiff defense and a solid run game. The Chargers will need to be able to pass on the Jets and score points, if the Chargers are behind by even a score or two the Jets would likely try and do what the Steelers did to the Chargers last year in the playoffs...hold the ball for an entire quarter. Doesn't matter how good your offense is if it isn't on the field...ever.

Special Teams: The Chargers special teams game, in all facets, has been extremely solid. This needs to remain solid. In the playoff loss to the Patriots in '06 a muffed punt was a huge momentum changer that helped the Patriots. Kaeding, who has been a very solid kicker throughout his entire career...including in 2004 but he then went on to miss a 40 yard field goal in a playoff game against (ironically) the Jets, that would have won the game in overtime. Kaeding, since has kicked game winners but for some reason that game continues to be burned into my mind...maybe because it was a playoff game...but at the same time, he could redeem himself with a strong outing this Sunday.

Charger Defense: The other factor in this game that very well may determine if the Chargers win or not is the Charger defense. The Charger defense has looked much better towards the latter half of the season. The Jets defense can shut down the Charger offense all day long, but if the Charger defense is equal to the task on the other side of the ball, then the advantage would certainly be for the Chargers.

The Obvious Factors: Finally there are the obvious factors that come into play in every game that certainly may effect the outcome, like turnovers and penalties. You look at the Arizona-Green Bay game and that game ended on a turnover score by a defense that had been abused all night...one big play at the right time and it could be a game changer.

So saying all that, I think the Chargers should easily dominate this game but with it being a playoff game I think it might be closer than I would expect ... so I'm going to say Chargers win 28-23....and I hope my next Charger post is not about how everything went wrong because once you've been hit with a hugely disappointing playoff loss they are tough to shake off ...

LT Electric Glide

It's been all over the internet since last week, so I guess I might as well post it as well...

Here is a Nike video of LaDainian Tomlinson dancing/singing(?) ... the video has several subliminal, intentional/unintentional football references with the "Hit That Hole" being one of my favorites...

Uh, I think, enjoy?

McGwire: Now Admitted Cheater

Not to anyone's surprise, but Mark McGwire has finally came out to admit that he used steroids to break Roger Maris' single season homerun record. I continue to contend that 61 is still the single season homerun record hit by Roger Maris in 1961 ... steroid free. Hank Aaron is still the career homerun record holder with 755 ... steroid free.

16 Degrees Is Warm!

Here in the barren wasteland we were hit by a Christmas blizzard that dumped close to 20 inches of snow and almost immediately after it stopped snowing it got cold ... temperatures were at or below zero for much of the week prior but the cold has snapped... it is currently 16 degrees above zero and because it is January, that is like summertime for us! In October and November if we hear of a high temperature of 16 we shudder from the thought of that cold temperature but in January and February, now hardened and use to sub-zero temps, 16 degrees means a light jacket might be all one needs to keep warm on such a mild day....

Young, Inexperienced and Pampered

A trend that has been going on in this town, as well as for most of the "cities" in the barren wasteland, is that the news coverage is no longer being carried out be people that have had, virtually, a lifetime of experience doing so. Instead the 'news' of the region is brought to you buy people that are fresh out of school, and I say school because a college degree is no longer relevant in journalism today. And no offense to those folks that are trying their best but one thing that I have noticed of late is that the stories that are being reported on are often lacking much substance, factually incomplete and more times than not, bias to some degree. There is no longer any care towards fairness and accuracy it is all about just filling space now...quality is totally inconsequential.

Which then had me tie in another thought that I had...as I put my coat, boots and gloves on to go outside and snowblow the most recent 7 inches of snow we got, I commented to my daughter that if she wanted to be nice she could go out and shovel the front walk and steps ... it wouldn't take her more than 10 minutes, but both her and I knew that she wasn't going to do that... in fact, my daughter (as well as my son) have never had to do much of anything in terms of 'work around the house.' But they are not alone, I see that is the case for many of the kids these days and I imagine it likely has been this way for a little while. So what's my point? After I was done, I merely commented to my daughter that she doesn't have much more time before she will have to move out and be on her own and who is going to shovel her walk then? Who is going to do her laundry? Who is going to cook for her? Who is going to clean for her? And almost like a bell went off in her head, I could see a terror stricken look on her face that she may have just realized something...and to tell you the truth it was probably the realization that she is never leaving home because the service she gets there is fantastic...what a silly notion for me to ask who would be doing these chores...but it was probably the realization that she will have to stay and live at home because she has literally not done anything in her entire life...which is the case of many of these kids these days...

They grow up in a sheltered environment, coddled and pandered too their entire life and then they are set free in the real world...what would you expect? They lack common sense and ambition. Anything cold, cruel or mean is covered up and ignored. Basic social skills aren't even understood because their socialization has been via instant and text messaging where mean and callous words are thrown around routinely at and about others.

And I can just see that my daughter's "lifestyle" is just an evolution of those that are beginning to take positions in the media world today. Last month I posted about the top albums of the decade essentially picking only albums from one style of music - lazy writing and reporting...that writer likely didn't even have to leave his house to obtain and listen to music and, yet, they were still too lazy to even listen to any other kind of music then what they already enjoy. The kids today are even more uninformed than ever and don't mind it one bit. They would rather be lazy and wrong then have to do anything to find out what is right...

I'm not sure how many jobs there are going to be in the future where you just sit on Facebook and YouTube all day long, but that seems to be the most touted skill from kids these days...

2009 Chargers: A Look Back

What happened? It was the middle of October and I, along with most everyone else, had the Chargers all but dead... a lowly 2 and 3 record and a loss to the Broncos had me implying that the Chargers would be in contention for the worst team in the AFC West at that point.

Well the Chargers haven't lost a game since and even the week 17 matchup against the Redskins, which had the Chargers field mostly backups, was still another tally in the win column for the Chargers...although many wouldn't give much credit for that win one must note that the Indianapolis Colts haven't won a game with their backups in and they were playing inferior competition as well.

The biggest difference has been the improvement of the defense...and sure, the defense is certainly nothing to brag about but it doesn't have to be anything special, just adequate and if it is able to at least put up noticeable resistance for opposing teams, the Chargers have a chance to win any game with their offense. But the defense, especially in the latter part of this season, has seemed to be much improved ... goal-line stands have been statement plays for the defense with the Charger d winning many of those battles which then provides a huge momentum boon for the entire team.

The other two aspects that I think have really helped the Chargers be successful was the lack of penalties and the kicking game, namely Nate Kaeding. The Chargers don't seem to be getting those untimely penalties that can kill a drive and Nate Kaeding has been absolutely money this season, a person could easily scratch several Charger wins off the board if Kaeding hadn't been as consistent as he has been this season.

But a person doesn't have to dig too deep to find what the 'identity' of this San Diego Charger team is and why they were able to win their last 11 games in a row...the offense...and to be more specific the passing offense. The Chargers are still among the lowest in the league for rushing and that's by design. The Chargers are a pass first team with multiple threats and quarterback Phillip Rivers that can accurately and effectively deliver the ball to those threats. Vincent Jackson, at the beginning of the season, was on a tear. Teams began to double cover him and all of a sudden there's Antonio Gates wide open all the time. When you over compensate for both of them then here's a swing pass to Darren Sproles... just too many weapons the Chargers have for most teams to account for.

Keep mistakes to a minimum and if the defense plays well, the Chargers most certainly can contend for the Super Bowl...

Chargers - Vikes: A Contrast Of Seasons

Living in the barren wasteland and very well entrenched in Minnesota Viking territory, San Diego Charger fans are very few to say the least. Although the 2009-10 NFL season has yet to conclude, this season has been the rollercoaster year for almost every team with the second season about to start, I think that any team in the playoffs could have a legitimate shot at winning it all, especially if they are hot...

But what I wanted to comment about is that I am really looking forward to running into some of the Viking fans I was seeing earlier this season...the Viking fans that had the Vikes already Super Bowl champions and while trumpeting their awesomeness scoff and take jabs at the lowly San Diego Chargers and their patheticness...

After last night's loss to Chicago it now appears as if the awesome Vikes can't win on the road and, at one time a lock for a first round bye no longer even have home-field locked up yet and a loss next week could mean the Vikes get no bye and will merely host the first game of Wild Card weekend...

Last I checked, the lowly San Diego Chargers are the #2 seed in the AFC, guaranteed a first round bye and host their playoff game...

Sure it won't mean jack squat if the Chargers fail in the playoffs and yes, the Vikes would get the last laugh if they ended up advancing further...but in the meantime...the short term gratification will be enjoyed...as the Viking fans enjoyed their moment of glory...

Now, if only I can find those Viking fans again... I use to run into them on an almost daily basis...lately I can't find a Viking fan if I tried...it's very interesting... in fact, this past Sunday, someone commented to me (as I was wearing my Antonio Gates jersey) that there sure seemed to be a lot of Charger fans around lately... I chuckled, because I am sure he was just a disgruntled Viking fan that hadn't seen a Charger fan since the last time I was there...they still have to try and get their jabs in...

Are The Cowboys The Only Team That Matters?

Maybe it's just because I've had the television on ESPN in the mornings lately, but I can not believe the non-stop talk about the f'ing Cowboys. Oh my god, the Cowboy's might not make the playoffs, the Cowboy's can't win in December...blah, blah, blah...

I have also discovered that the Chargers didn't beat the Cowboys last week, but rather the Cowboys lost the game.

It's like everyone on ESPN has determined that the Cowboys somehow deserve to be in the playoffs only because of their popularity...just like the Yanks, Red Sox and Mets...

Happy Holidays

I will be on a holiday break starting next week so I may not have too many posts until next year ... but I hope to check in with at least my thoughts on the remaining Charger games and who knows, maybe I'll have something else to post while away...

But regardless, I would like to extend my holiday greetings to everyone and hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Chargers Beat Dallas

For essentially this entire season I have said that the Charger defense has yet to impress me and I have felt is the weak link for this team...this past week they did all they could to change that impression for me...

The Cowboys elected to receive the opening kickoff and promptly marched down the field...until they got to the 3 yard line, and then the Charger defense made it's stand and held the Cowboys to a field goal. This was just a foreshadowing for the rest of the game... for the Cowboys had several opportunities inside Charger territory and each time were repelled by the Charger defense. The Cowboys had a first a goal at the 1 yard line and handed the ball off to Marion Barber four consecutive times and four consecutive times he was stopped.

The Cowboys were able to tie the game at 10-10 in the third quarter but the Chargers answered with their own touchdown drive and the Cowboys scored a garbage touchdown to wind up making the game appear close but was not in doubt, Chargers win 20-17.

Some interesting things I've noticed... very little Merriman and more Tim Dobbins. Dobbins was in on almost every tackle during the Marion Barber 1-yard scoring attempts by the Cowboys. Sure Merriman is listed as injured but I do think his days in San Diego are numbered...especially with Dobbins and Stephen Cooper playing fairly well.

The officiating...oh my god...could it be any more biased towards the Cowboys? The play prior to Phillip Rivers being intercepted the Cowboy defender tackled (I do believe it was) Malcom Floyd while the ball was in the air ... and when I say tackled, I mean tackled. If there was ever a blatant and more obvious pass interference penalty it would be tough to come by...yet there was no call. Then during a Dallas possession get a very generous pass interference call on a way more subjective play. I have a feeling that if it wasn't for the officials the Chargers may have been able to put the game away sooner.

The Cincinnati Bengals lost last week and that's who's coming to San Diego this week...if the Chargers win they will clinch the No. 2 seed for the AFC and a first round bye... who would of thunk? The Chargers are definitely 'hot' right now, I just hope they aren't peaking too soon...

Tiger Taking An Absence From Golf

Tiger Wood's affairs might be the end of him...

Here is an article that provides a pretty good synopsis of all the events leading up to Tiger's press release stating he was not playing golf until his marriage was repaired.

If all these affairs are true and I was Tiger, there would be no need to take a leave of absence because I would have divorce papers brewed up and filed before the crash. Sure she might get 50 million bucks but I think you would survive...plus now you can do whatever the fuck you want too.

Let's be realistic here too...if Tiger was able to get puss whenever and where ever he wanted too I can not believe that he will be able to keep restrained even if he and his wife reconcile. He probably already has a 'plan' where he will just use escort services or something but will eventually get caught again...so just advert that whole scene all together....

Tiger has always tried to have have a positive image and I would say for the most part he had a positive image...but now of course he doesn't. Infidelity, in today's standards, isn't that big of deal. Oh sure the public and media are intrigued with airing all the dirty laundry but after all the dust settles most people pay little attention to their marital and extra-marital activities...

Albums Of The Decade? You can't be serious...

Just happened to read an AP story on the albums of the decade for the years 2000-09 and yes, I know I am old but after reading this list, I didn't realize how old I really have become...

Not only do I not own any of the 'albums of the decade' I knew maybe 3-4 of the acts and can almost safely say that I couldn't recognize a single song from any of those albums...

Ok, so I freely admit that I am old...but this list also has to be some kind of joke, not? I mean every act/album that made the top 10 is a rap/r & b/hip-hop album ... is rock-n-roll really dead? Ok, maybe rock-n-roll is dead, but the new 'rock-n-roll', called country music, surely has to have at least one album on the list, not? Nope...barely an honorable mention sighting.

After reading the article and realizing that yes I am old, I still have determined that this list is total bullshit written by a person that clearly has a biased towards one type of music ... and I don't care if you want to call it rap, hip hop or r & b, they all fit into one niche of music and apparently the author of this article has such narrow taste wouldn't stray too far from that niche...

I'll keep my eyes open for a more unbiased opinion on the music of this decade....

Why I Can't Watch SNL Anymore...

As I have mentioned in the past, I was a big Saturday Night Live fan ... Up until 2 seasons ago I had watched every episode of SNL from 1980 thru 2007. Good episodes and bad episodes, each season to seem to have each ... but I grew increasingly tired of SNL's writing and sketches...the Weekend Update portion of the show was the only part worth watching. SNL's sketches became just plain stupid and Kristin Wiig seems to play the main character in most of these lame sketches... The Target checkout lady...not funny and boring and now her 'Gilly' character is just as lame and not funny...or that's just what I think... Because I must be in the minority, the SNL Christmas special this year is going to be hosted by Wiig playing her character Gilly. I will likely watch this SNL like I do most of them these days...with the fast forward button used extensively and essentially not watching any of it...

I can not believe how bad SNL has gotten these days but it is just god awful ... but after having a brief glimpse of the Jimmy Fallon Show and George Lopez show it is way better ... but that isn't saying anything. Television programming as a whole in this country is getting more and more worthless every year...

Chargers Hang On To Beat Browns

The Chargers did all they could to make their game with the Browns interesting...

The Chargers were unable to do much in the first half but headed into the lockerroom up 13-6. Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates then exploded in the 3rd quarter ... Gates had 114 yards receiving in the thrid quarter alone and the Chargers blasted to a 20 point lead to start the 4th quarter...

But, the Charger defense is still as soft as advertised...the Browns had their second highest scoring game of the season and had well over 300 yards of total offense.

The highlight of the game was when LaDainian Tomlinson passed Jim Brown for 8th all-time rushing leader as he scored his 150th career touchdown, the fastest player to reach that milestone. Jim Brown was at the stadium ... one of the few spectators in Cleveland ... and gave his congratulations to LT saying he is a "class act...".

The Broncos pounded Kansas City to stay a game behind the Chargers with 4 to play. Chargers have Cowboys, Bengals, Titans and Redskins ... none of them are easy games anymore and the Chargers will have to sharpen up and if they can run the table would get rewarded with a first round playoff bye. Any stumble and they will be fighting to keep the AFC West division title.

Winter Has Arrived

We held out as long as we could but it was inevitable...winter has come to the region...

Temps are still mild, above 10 degrees, but it is windy and cold. There have been light flurries to light snow since last night and continue today...so by all appearances, winter is here...

Oh well ... hopefully it doesn't suck too bad....

Tiger Woods: Accidents And Misttresses

By now most everyone with any interest in sports (and even those that don't) have heard of the Tiger Woods car accident this past weekend. When I first heard of it, happening at 2:30 AM early Sunday, I figured he was probably doing a little drinking...then you hear that he was sober. So what the heck could of happened, drugs? That didn't seem very Tiger... And then it was within hours I began to hear and read about all the gossip that is coming out...that he has had at least an affair with one other woman and possibly two.

First, let me say, that I am not one that typically believes a lot of the rumors that the tabloid rags print. But I will say, that with the way Tiger Woods handled this entire accident, the gossip almost seems to fit the scenario...

What I have read/heard was the 'unofficial' account of how the accident occurred was that Tiger and his wife were fighting about the affairs, she was beating the shit out of Tiger and Tiger was trying to leave. As he was leaving, his wife threw a golf club through the back window which caused Tiger to lose control of his SUV and smoke a fire hydrant and a tree. Of course Tiger comes out and says his wife acted courageously and the neighbors only state that they were asked to call 911 and did so.

But I have also heard that the gated community where Tiger lives has lots of security cameras, as does Tiger's house ... again, from what the gossip/rumor mill, those tapes were quickly seized by Tiger's lawyers and will not be released...

And this, of course, is all the unofficial version as reported by the tabloids. If a legitimate news story comes out validating any of the unofficial account, then I will most certainly give more credence to that version than to the official version... right now, I am guessing some of each version might be true...

Does any of this change the fact that Tiger may be the greatest golfer of all time? No. But if he likes to hang with the ladies he will either need to be more discrete or just get a divorce and play the field...as a married man I don't know why any man that makes an shitload of money would ever get married...

UPDATE:

Within minutes - no lie - of my publishing this entry, this just in: Woods Let Family Down. He does not offer any details of his affair(s) but apologizes to his fans and his family.

Also, US Magazine has posted a voicemail, allegedly from Tiger to his misstriss, saying that his wife found her number and she might be calling her.

So the 'unofficial' version does seem very plausible and very likely...and maybe that is why Tiger did what he had to do and hide from the media until things cool down...

Broncos - Crushed, Chiefs - Crushed...Chargers Control The West

Well it's been over two weeks since I've last reported on the Chargers and what a two weeks it has been...

First, the Chargers destroyed the Broncos in Denver. The Broncos looked like a completely different team then the one that beat the Chargers earlier this season...but the Chargers also appear different as well...

Then came the Chiefs and this game was close for a quarter and a half and then the Chiefs just completely fell apart...

So now the Chargers are a full game up on the Broncos, finished their division schedule at 5-1 and are in control of the AFC West. The Chargers are tied with the Bengals for the 2nd best record in the AFC and will meet to play them in a few weeks so that might settle that...

Over the past 4 games the Charger defense has been much improved but I also have noticed a lot of different players seeing some time ... early this year I saw Shawne Merriman in on almost every play and not do anything... now I see Larry English and I notice Shaun Phillips getting sacks and English making plays ... Steve Gregory has been playing safety in place of Eric Weddle and, to me, it seems as if Gregory is a 'playmaker'. Antonio Cromartie has been playing better ... is this because the db's are rotating? I have read a couple of articles where they have commented that defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was going to hold players more accountable and good play will be rewarded and that no player's spot on defense was secure. But I also have noticed a few different blitz packages ... so I think there might be a combination of tweaking the defensive strategy as well as the personnel. The biggest question, for me, still remains if the defense is for real.

Winning the last four games was a surprise to me... I was hoping to win at least one, maybe two out of the Giants, Eagles, Broncos stretch and then not have a letdown game against the Chiefs...but the Chargers have kept the throttle down. There should be no excuse for the Chargers to not pound Cleveland this Sunday...

Back At It...

I try not to post too much of my 'personal' status on my blog...

But I had an insanely busy time to finish up November, working 20 events in the final 2 weeks, including thru the Thanksgiving holiday...

I was able to to sneak some time off just before Thanksgiving but worked a ton... I had never worked on a Sunday since starting my current job, which I have had now for over 7 years, and in November I worked two!

Not that I am seeking sympathy or anything...just wanted to explain why the blog has been 'barren' lately...

I'm going to try and catch up a bit as I can...

All Is Mild

The weather here in the barren wasteland is very rarely 'pleasant' and after a weekend of cold temperatures and even a couple of inches of snow in early October I, for one, was thinking that this winter was going to be a long, cold, hard winter...but that cold spell didn't linger long around here...instead, much of October was a mild, rainy month (better than snow!) and for the past 2, 3 weeks, the temperatures have been very ...dare I say it... pleasant around here... highs reaching into the 50's, no wind and usually a very sunny sky.

Any time you get nice days in November thru February you take them! What has always made winter time so suckish around here is that there is little doubt that January and February will be cold months ... so if any other 'winter' months (ie: November, December, March) happen to be cold, snowy or just unpleasant, that is what has always made winters here suck just because it is adding more time to the misery ... I've trick or treated with snow on the ground and shoveled sidewalks before Easter.

Word is our lucky weather streak is about to come to an end and in typical fashion... a nice blast of frigid air to send our temps down ... it appears as if we have likely seen the last of weather above 50 degrees for the year... now we begin to yearn for them again...

Chargers Defeat Eagles, Broncos Lose Again

Is it me or is the NFC totally over-rated? For the second week in a row the Chargers defeat an NFC East elite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Unlike the previous game against the Giants, this game the Chargers were pretty much in control from the outset and just needed to hold off the Eagles at the end.

The Charger defense may have found a 'rhythm' and, again, for back-to-back weeks made formidable goal-line stands...bending but ultimately not breaking. The Eagles totally shut down Vincent Jackson but that meant LaDainian Tomlinson had room to run and Antonio Gates had a very nice game as well. LT moved into 3rd all-time for most touchdowns scored at 146 moving past Marcus Allen and now behind Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. But what might be the most memorable moment for LT is that he announced that his wife was pregnant. They apparently had been trying for some time to have a child and it appears that they will soon be parents.

And for the third straight game the Broncos lose and with the Chargers moving to 6-3 they are now tied with the Broncos and guess what game is next? Broncos-Chargers, in mile-high...hopefully Ed Hochuli is working a game in Cleveland so he can't screw the Chargers out of this one.

But are the Chargers for real? I'm still leaning towards no but I do see things changing on the defense and if that improves the Chargers as a whole do. I've read that Cason, who was benched from his nickel job, has spelled both Jammer and Cromartie with the 1st team against the Eagles and word is it will continue...Cason does seem to have a 'playmaker' style of play and might increase turnovers.

And just to make sure the story never dies and Tila Tequilla can continue to grab the headlines at least one more time...she is suing Shawne Merriman for the 'choking' incident that happened earlier this year. Merriman's contract is up at the end of this year... I haven't seen or heard of any Charger activity on resigning him and with this type of b.s. happening, I don't blame them...maybe if he gets 10 more sacks before the end of the season their might be some activity on getting him a new contract...

Chargers, as mentioned, have the Broncos and then they play their final game versus all their division rivals with the Kansas City Chiefs... a win vs Denver and KC puts the Bolts at 8-3 with games against Cleveland, Dallas, Cincy, Tennessee and Washington ... no excuse to not have at least 10 wins ... a loss against the Broncos...still doable...

Bon Jovi: Setting The Whore Bar High

Ok, I'm not a Bon Jovi fan...oh sure, when I was in high school and Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" was out I listened to it and may have enjoyed it, but I have never owned or even possessed a single Bon Jovi album or song.

But what has made me take note of Bon Jovi today is their blatant, all-out whore-like presence these days. That is, Bon Jovi cares so much about their fans has figured out new and modern methods to get as much money from their loyal fans as they can.

I have not seen or heard of these 'marketing' tactics in the past and doubt many other acts would be able to pull off the same stunt and make money but because there are still plenty of 30+ year old women still in America, Bon Jovi can. Here's what Bon Jovi has done... they announced a nationwide tour and a nationwide onsale date for their entire tour...but if you want tickets before the general onsale you can buy tickets early as long as you buy their new album with your tickets...so along with the $90+ ticket price a $11 Bon Jovi album is added to that price. First, I'd be curious to see how many people actually redeem their album purchase because anyone going to see Bon Jovi isn't going there to hear any of their new shit...they want to hear Living On A Prayer, I'm Wanted (Steel Horse I Ride?), Runaway, pretty much anything pre-1990.

Then after seeing that super-awesome offer I notice that Amazon.com is selling the new Bon Jovi album for $4! Yes, for four bucks you could buy their crappy new album on Amazon.com but if you want to buy tickets for their show you can get it at a special promo price of $11 ... boy Bon Jovi, you and your managers are as greedy as they get...glad I don't like your music at all and I don't feel sorry for any of the women out there that will trample over each other to throw money at you...they are stupid and prove why....

The Office: Jumped The Shark, What Else Is On?

Something I haven't done in a while is comment on the television I've been watching and what made me think of doing so was a continuing discussion I have had with some co-workers...

I have watched The Office on NBC for several seasons and have seen every episode now and up until mid-way through last season the show has been pretty good, but this season we have mostly agreed that The Office is on the decline and it is almost accelerating every episode...I use to be excited to see the latest episode and I think by season's end I could very likely not even be a viewer anymore... The show, which was a comedy has quickly switched gears and is more of a dramedy now and becoming more of a drama then a comedy... Pam and Jim got married and the show deemed it fit to essentially strip them of their characteristics that made viewers like them...Pam is a mean, sour bitch now and Jim is serious and unfunny. Micheal Scott, once a likable awkward person is now a pathetic, pitiful person. The show has centered around those three characters and the comedy has all but been sucked out from the show... There is usually a side-plot involving Andy and Dwight that will provide the 'comedy' portion for the show but is too light and never seems all that funny...likely because it is inserted in-between some 'serious' plot scene involving the primary three... The Office, had a good run but like M*A*S*H and Cheers the show began as a comedy and evolved into more of a drama ... that's when I lose interest and have already begun to do so with this latest show...

On the upside, I've discovered Secret Girlfriend on Comedy Central. A show that is right up my alley... no morals and mostly nonsense. You are the 'star' of the show...which is seen from the view of the camera... each half hour show is made up of 2 15-minute episodes...not sure if girls would like this show because it is mostly 'guy humor' ... beer, girls, computers, pot.... etc... but regardless, is hilarious, imo. If there is now one show I am anxious to see the new episode(s) of, it is Secret Girlfriend...

I continue to watch "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" which, this season, I think has been fairly good. The show continues to be a silly show that a person will gain nothing from by watching...a show that I can enjoy. It's probably offensive to most moral people because they seem to make fun of most any and everything they can.

I have watched most of the "Parks And Recreation" series and I don't think it is too bad. Louis C.K. has been a regular guest star lately playing a character that is unlike his comedy or his previous character on his HBO show. Tom and Andy are my favorite characters on the show and need to start living together for complete hilarity...

My son (7 years-old) and I watch Human Wrecking Balls on G4 ... new season started last night and my boy was pumped. What could be cooler then destroying a helicopter with your bare hands? He also enjoys Mythbusters a lot so I usually spend some time to watch that show with him as well...

But, since I acquired my DVR a few years ago, I rarely watch any of these shows at their regularly scheduled time and besides, sitting through commercials is so boring, I usually watch most of my television a day or two late...I'm constantly saying, "Was that on last night? Good, then it's waiting on the DVR for me!" I still do not have an HD set up yet and won't get one for at least another year or 2 if I can help it... my children still destroy most everything in the house so it would be foolish to get something like that to only have my kids ruin it...

Chargers Escape New York With Win, Eagles Next

Sorry for the long delay in posting but the past 10 days have been insane at work...

So let's first go over the big Charger victory in New York over the Giants...

The Charger defense made an impressive goal line stand when the Giants intercepted Phillip Rivers and returned the ball to the Charger 4 yard line...at the time a 17-14 game with the Giants in the lead. Giants had to settle for a field goal and give the Chargers the ball back with 2 minutes on the clock...

Rivers shook off the interception and promptly drove the Chargers 80 yards down the field and hit Vincent Jackson for the game winning touchdown with 21 seconds left...a very thrilling comeback and credit goes out to both the offense and defense for making it happen...

But let's put this all into perspective...the Giants, after starting 5-0, beating mostly poor teams, are now on a 4 game losing streak after the Charger loss...most certainly a team that has lost its direction. The Giant defense is not as stout as some made it out to be and the Giant offense doesn't seem to have the 'quick strike' or be a hi-scoring caliber type team. The Chargers, to me, still haven't beaten a quality opponent this season...

The Philadelphia Eagles come to town this week, a team that lost to the Raiders this season and lost to the Cowboys their last game. Many thought that the Giants had their backs against the walls last week are now saying the same about the Eagles this week, but the truth be told, in the NFL every game should be treated as a 'must win' until you have your playoff ticket punched.

The Broncos have lost 2 in a row now and the Chargers are only 1 game back and face the Broncos the following week... if the Chargers win this week that game will be play for at least a share of the lead of the AFC West, a Bronco loss this week and it will be for sole possession ...

It's half-way point for the Chargers ... their final 8 games have 4 games against teams with winning records (Eagles, Broncos, Cowboys & Bengals) and 4 games against teams with losing records (Kansas City, Cleveland, Tennessee & Washington). If the Chargers can beat the Broncos and win 1 other game against the "good" four and sweep the "losing" four that would mean an 11-5 season for the Chargers...very impressive looking on paper and I still think feesible. The question will be as to whether the Chargers are really that good...which, unfortunately, they are not...just benefactors of a weak schedule...

Yanks Win World Series

The New York Yankees finished up the World Series last night by beating the Phillies. And if I was able to predict the World Series outcome as close as I did, namely Yanks in 6 games, most games with more than four runs (only 1 game had 4 runs), Yanks winning the low score game and almost splitting the homerun derby games (winning 3 out of 5) ... I have to think the World Series was actually very anti-climatic and predictable ... for everyone that is not a Yankee or Phils fan, that is.

But the 'odds' held and under the current MLB salary system, the odds are that every year the Yankees should be the World Champs just because they are allowed to buy the best players in the entire league...still the primary reason MLB sucks these days...

Well, congrats Yankees, you have bought your 27th World Series Championship....

Chargers Beat Raiders, Barely...Again

The Chargers beat the Raiders for the 13th straight time, but like the first game this season the Chargers did everything they could to keep the Raiders in the game and potentially winning...But like in the past, this Raider team just isn't good. JeMarcus Russell is likely a bust for the Raiders and that really hurts a squad already down...just ask the Chargers (ala Ryan Leaf era).

Yes it is great to see the Chargers get a win but not so great knowing that they could have very much lost the game and would have most certainly lost if they were playing a remotely competent NFL team.

All the 'weak' spots seemed to have some hope against the Raiders...Shawne Merriman not only had his first sack in almost 2 years added a second...in fact the Chargers doubled their season sack total from 5 to 10 in the one game against the Raiders yesterday. Cromartie had an interception...grant it, Russell badly overthrew his triple-covered receiver, but doesn't change the outcome.

But some 'weak' spots continue to very noticeable...Tomlinson had 2 touchdown runs, one out of the Wildcat formation, but the Charger run game was very muted. The Chargers jumped out to a decent half-time lead, 21-10, failed to really do much in the 2nd half and let the Raiders hang around. After Kaeding kicked a field goal to extend the lead to 8 with under 5 minutes to go the Raiders were able to convert on one 4th down conversion but not on their next...Charger defense held against a bad team and got the win.

This week another team that appears to be "The Best Of The Lousy", the New York Giants come to town to face the Chargers. The Giants are like the Chargers, all their wins have came against bad teams...but they do have 1 win against a team with a winning record, the Cowboys which came in week 2.

So this will be a game that will determine who is truly the Best of the Lousy NFL teams and whoever loses will be the 2nd Best of the Lousy NFL Teams...

If anything it will be Rivers vs Eli part 3 (I think it is...) and if my memory serves me correctly, I do believe Eli has never beaten the Chargers...

WS 09: Phillies vs Yankees

Game 1 of the World Series fires up tonight and it should be a pretty good World Series, in my opinion....

The Phillies have proven that they are solid team from the National League and defending World Champs. The Yanks are always the team to beat and the odds in their favor...maybe never more so then this year. The Yanks, with the highest payroll in all of baseball, have managed to produce and win relative to the salaries these guys are getting paid... the Yankees always sign the best free agents in the offseason and the last few years that hasn't panned out so well...but they are definitely getting their money's worth this year... C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira have all pulled their weight ... which was added to A-Rod, Jeter, Posada, Pettitte, Rivera, a stout squad to say the least.

I think both clubs can slug it out if it has too, but I think the Yanks might have the arms to go the distance. I think Yanks in 6 with most of the games having more than 4 total runs being scored and that's why the Yanks will win... they will win the low scoring close games ... if the game turns into a homerun derby, Phils will probably win half of those...

Chargers: Best Of The Lousy

The Chargers, after being thoroughly beaten down the previous 2 weeks on national television do what most expected them to do...beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

It is quite clear that the Chargers represent the best of the lousiest teams in the NFL. They haven't beaten any team with a winning record and when they do win, they destroy their inferior opponent. But when a quality opponent is on the other side of the ball a person gets a glimpse at what this team is really made of...

Against the Chiefs, a person saw Shawne Merriman put pressure on the Chiefs quarterback, Shaun Phillips get two sacks and the Charger defense look respectable...intercepting Matt Cassel three times, a qb that had not been intercepted in over 150 attempts prior... Against the Chiefs the Charger offense looked unstoppable... LaDainian Tomlinson cracked off a 36 yard run in the first quarter and a person saw flashes of his past, Phillip Rivers was virtually untouched for most of the game, giving him plenty of time to sit in the pocket and throw deep bombs to Vincent Jackson.

Yes, these are the games which give the illusion that the Chargers are a good team because against lousy teams the Chargers look like an all-star team able to look like the above...but the fact remains the same...the Chargers have yet to beat any team that matters, all they have done is proven that they can beat another lousy team...something you would hope from "The most talented team in the NFL." And even against the Chiefs and even in a 37-7 rout, the Chargers still made sure to display some of their inadequacies...red zone scoring. Against a better team the Chargers would have paid dearly for their several attempts inside the red zone that ended in little, but against the Chiefs ... all is good.

I also don't want to fall into the trap...again. The Chargers make the playoffs, win one game and then lose and Norv Turner is back again and next season by week 8 the Chargers look like shit and need to scramble, only to salvage the season and repeat...but at the end of the day the Chargers continue to beat only the weak of the NFL and until the Chargers can prove otherwise, they are only the best of the lousy....

Raiders are next ... after upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles 2 weeks ago the Jets pounded the Raiders. The Chargers lucked out in week 1 to escape with a win, but the team should be in full season mode now and the Raiders have seemingly regressed ... it won't surprise me if the Chargers lose...but they should be able to run away with this game as well...

Chargers: Low Expectations

The NFL season has yet to even reach the half-way point and, like last season, many are writing off the Chargers. Unfortunately, unlike last season, the likelihood of the Chargers able to 'rally' the troops, salvage the season and make a playoff run seem all too remote. Even if the playoffs are somehow achieved this season, it is hard to imagine the Chargers doing much more then they have in the past...maybe a first round win and then be soundly beaten on the road in the second round.

Many thought the Chargers would have a walk in the park in retaining their AFC West title...even if they were unable to be successful in their non-divisional games the Chargers should easily outmatch the rest of the lowly AFC West. But not any more... the AFC West may still be regarded as 'lowly' but the Chargers have now joined the ranks of the bottom-feeders. A person can not look at the Chargers schedule and point to any one game that the Chargers can and would win...without a doubt. Instead, for the rest of this season, any win the Chargers get will be a surprise...and that also does include games against the Raiders and the Chiefs...once taken for granted the Chargers are no longer even remotely dominate in any phase of the game to clearly outmatch any opponent regardless of how bad they may be.

What this latest loss for the Chargers has done to its fan base is set them up for the remainder of the season...to know that the Chargers are likely to put on a good game but will not be able to be competitive against most teams. The problems for the Chargers are all too glaring...as a person watched the game last night it had me wondering... Why do the Broncos only rush 4 players and sack Phillip Rivers all the time? Why does Kyle Orton have enough time in the backfield to take a nap, wake up, have a snack, look around and then pass the ball? Why does Norv Turner take out LaDainian Tomlinson on 3rd down and goal on the 2 yard line to hand off to Darren Sproles who promptly gets tackled for no-gain? Other teams ram the ball down the Chargers throats and score at will but the Chargers need to resort to trickery and deception and then still are unable to score...oh they get close but can never punch it in.

After the Steeler's loss Charger GM AJ Smith had said that the Chargers are "soft," especially on defense...some Chargers (ie: Merriman) took offense to those comments but they are more truth than fiction. Merriman has yet to do much this year except talk...the trade deadline is today and there is a rumor that the Patriots might be making a play for him... I think Merriman was likely going to be let go after this season anyways and by doing so now would hopefully garner a respectable outcome for the Chargers....but it would really say something if the trade does happen and Merriman performs at a higher level then he currently is...maybe highlighting issues with the coaching staff more than issues with the players...

I have never liked Norv Turner and I think he has successfully all but destroyed what was once a 14-2 team. Norv went 11-5 in 2007 and then 8-8 last season with the Chargers and currently is sitting at 2-3 this season. Norv was the losingest head coach in NFL history and was handed the keys to one of the most dominant and talented teams in the league. Norv lucked out last season and because making the playoffs seemed like a miracle in its on right was back on the sideline this season. 3 years ago the Charger team looked like a young team with only one direction to go...up. Instead, for three years the Chargers have struggled and struggled to the point of regression rather then progression. Obviously all the blame can not be put on Norv Turner, but after he was named head coach of the Chargers in 2007, I don't think anyone would doubt any of this could have happened with him as head coach. In fact, my direct quote from the day of the hirings: "Hiring Norv Turner to be the head coach, is just plain retarded." I have stuck by the Chargers and it is sad to see that it has taken three lack-luster years but hopefully this will be the last one with Norv Turner as head coach of the Chargers...

Broncos Control AFC West, Chargers Descend

Most NFL pundits have officially removed the 'over-rated' label from the Chargers and have firmly applied the "not a good team" label to this Charger team.

The Chargers got beaten soundly last night in what the team and many others felt would be a statement game for the Chargers...if the Chargers wanted to continue to lay claim as the best team in the AFC West they needed to beat the Broncos last night. Not only did the Chargers lose but the Broncos remain undefeated and the Chargers are fighting for the cellar with Oakland and Kansas City...and with the way the Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs have been playing, they all three will likely tie for 2nd and last place in the AFC West with the Broncos running away with it.

The reason the Chargers lost last night is easy to finger... oh sure, there were 2 special team scores by the Broncos, something the Chargers don't typically give up, but the reality is the same... The Chargers defense is awful with no pass rush, the Chargers can't stop the pass or the run when needed, the Chargers have zero running game and both their offensive and defensive lines get owned every game. It is so obvious every week and every week a person can see it not getting any better.

Is the season over and are the Chargers out of the playoffs...not yet. But this Charger team has remained consistent so far this season...consistently bad. Chargers go to Kansas City this weekend and then play the Raiders ... both games the Chargers could either win or lose but no one is certainly banking on a Charger victory... Chiefs have confidence and the Chargers don't ... the other AFC West rivals can smell the Charger blood in the water and finally can really unload on a soft Charger team. In less then 3 weeks the Chargers could be firmly entrenched in last place in the AFC West... all alone...and when folks thought the AFC West was weak no one figured the Chargers would be the weakest team in the division but the Chargers most certainly can contend for that title this year....

Seau Unretires

I 'tweeted' about the Seau unretirement but I think it deserves some more space...but not too much more...

Not sure why Junior wants to continue on but I've never questioned this guy's desire to play. One more chance at a Super Bowl ring. I'm really wondering why New England hasn't found a more viable solution other than bringing back Junior.

A great Charger during his day but has lost his credibility a long time ago so this announcement really is not that surprising.

Good luck Junior, I still wish you the best...

Game Five Preview: Chargers vs Broncos

The San Diego Chargers enter week 6 with an extended break...fresh off their bye week and a Monday night game against the undefeated, division rival, most hated team in the NFL, Denver Broncos.

The Chargers may be well rested but after getting their asses kicked by Pittsburgh it is probably welcomed. Last season the Chargers went into their bye week with an awful defense and fired coordinator Ted Cottrill. This year the Chargers defense seems to be about the same...extremely weak...and this season they cut the starting safety Clinton Hart. Clinton Hart was the partner in crime with Cromartie in week 1 when the Raider receiver, on 4th and 16, scored a touchdown as Hart and Cromartie pointed at each other as the Raider player strolled on down the field unguarded by either. After the bye week newly promoted defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera, took a few games to retool the defense but eventually got it playing marginally better...but never near a quality NFL defense.

The game against the Broncos will certainly be a statement game for both teams... The Chargers, with the inferior record, will want to prove that they are not ready to relinquish the AFC West title this season. The Broncos will certainly remember last season when they had the AFC West all but won and after pissing away their 4 game cusion still had a chance to win the title by simply beating the Chargers in the last game of the season last year...instead, they were thoroughly pounded and left out of the playoffs.

The Chargers play each of their AFC West foes in the next 3 weeks but there is no bigger game then the one against the Broncos this Monday night. If the Chargers lose they will be 4 games out in the division, under .500 and essentially in the same position as the Chiefs and Raiders when they will meeting up in the following weeks...all in a virtual dead-heat for 2nd and last place for the AFC West...

The 2 biggest, glaring issues that, most everyone can agree on, are hindering the Chargers...both about equal in terms of being a concerning factor to the Chargers lack of success. The first, and is a broken record now, is the defense. The Chargers can not stop the run or the pass. The Charger defense can not get any pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and the Charger defense can simply not stop a team from driving down the field at will. The second glaring concern for the Chargers is the lack of a running game...and that is an understatement...the running game is actually non-existant as of this time. Tomlinson has been hurt since week 1 and hasn't done anything on the ground. Sproles, his fill-in, has been spectacular but primarily as a receiving back out of the backfield. You combine both of these factors in and you can see why the Chargers are playing the way they have been... teams have been able to control the tempo of the game, maintain ball control, move the ball and score. The Chargers are unable to mount any threat of the running game even though they consistently convert on long plays...but unfortunately the red zone efficiency for the Chargers is pathetic...likely due to the lack of a power running game. The Chargers simply can not ram the ball down anyone's throats. The offensive line has been pushed around all season long and the Chargers use spread and shotgun formations as any means to give Rivers any time to set up...running out of the pro form would have defenders meeting Rivers in the backfield immediately after the snap.

The Chargers have a chance to at least to be seen as somewhat legitimate if they beat the Broncos. A loss will only further implant the impression that many media types are already forming about this team... a soft, defenseless team with a formidable offense but unable to beat any quality team. A win will likely hurt the national impression of the Broncos more than it will boost the Chargers. The facts remain the same... the Chargers still haven't beaten a legitimate, quality team (except the Colts) during the regular season since '06...beating the Broncos will likely just prove that the Broncos are not a legitimate, quality team. A loss by the Chargers does the same for them...proven the Chargers are not a legitimate, quality team.

Steelers Destroy Chargers

With the exception of me thinking the game might be close at half, this past week's game between the Chargers and Steelers went exactly as I had previewed.

The Charger defense is so awful that the Steelers had zero resistance on any of their possessions and drove the entire length of the field at their leisure this past Sunday night. Antonio Cromartie is not near the DB he was 3 years ago. Merriman, who again was sidelined for most of the game, remains a non-factor even when on the field. There is little to no pass rush from the Chargers and a good blocking offensive line easily paved the way for their back-up running back to run for 165 yards...gaining 4-5 yards with ease per carry. On the other side of the ball, the Chargers rushed for a pathetic 16 yards and had to struggle to get that. The passing game remained formidable but unless the Charger offense can score on every possession there was no way they will win a game because the opponent's of the Chargers can, and do, score on virtually every possession.

The Chargers go into their bye week with a similar dilemma they had last season...a defense that is horrendous...one of the worst in the NFL. Last season they fired Ted Cottrell and put Ron Rivera in charge...many thought he would have enough time to 'fix' the Charger defense and it would be at least respectable for this season but that is not the case. Any deficiencies on this Charger team are greatly overshadowed by the defensive woes.

The Chargers remain a team that is unable to win a 'quality' game. The Chargers do well against other mediocre teams but playing the NFL elite they are exposed for what they are... a defensively poor team with an offense that is unable to establish the run game. Sure the Chargers may upset a team here or there, but as this team is and looks right now, going into the bye, any post-season aspirations will be short lived against any sound team.