If McCardell was thrilled to be in San Diego, the Chargers (3-3) were almost giddy to have him. They lost leading wideout Reche Caldwell to a season-ending knee injury Sunday in Atlanta, and acquiring a two-time Pro Bowler such as McCardell – plus veteran receiver Bobby Shaw, who signed a one-year deal Tuesday – was an excellent comeback, although coach Marty Schottenheimer was unwilling to commit to playing either player Sunday at Carolina.
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- McCardell blossoms in rain
Thursday, October 21, 2004
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- McCardell blossoms in rain
Yahoo! Sports - MLB - Yankee magic disappears
Yahoo! Sports - MLB - Yankee magic disappears
In conclusion... Go National League!
Updated right-click BlogThis for Firefox (and Mozilla)
phil ringnalda dot com: Updated right-click BlogThis for Firefox (and Mozilla)
Finally found a tool to better update my more regularly! And as I mentioned before... Firefox, the best browser is the reason!
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Chargers Lose By 1 To Falcons
he Chargers held the greatest quarterback the NFL has ever seen, (sarcasm, my friends, sarcasm) Mike Vick, to meager stats through 3 quarters...and his final numbers were anything than impressive, but the Chargers defense, mis-managed timeout situation and penalties were the ultimate demise for the team and will help Vick again descend to super-human status. A one point road loss to many teams wouldn't appear to be all that bad, and especially for the Chargers who are often on the receiving end of double-digit drubbings when on the road...or even at home for that matter. But this year is different already for the Chargers. Proving that LaDainian Tomlinson is not the only Charger you need to defend against, Drew Brees, Antonio Gates and Reche Caldwell have shown why you can no longer neglect the pass against the Chargers. But this loss was one that the Chargers could have easily avoided...up 17-7 at half the Chargers could not get any offense going...only 3 first downs and 3 points in the second half. Then having squandered all their timeouts the defense couldn't stop the Falcons as they held the ball for the final 6 minutes of the game. My Notes: - Those that preach Vick is the messiah, he has clearly shown the past three weeks that if he is indeed the greatest quarterback in the world (as many tout), then there are a lot of quaterbacks that are better than Jesus. - Nate Kaeding kicked a career long 53 yarder. Not since John Carney have the Chargers had a kicker that could kick for distance, accurately. He had enough leg to go another 5 yards easy... I'm predicting a game-winning 60 yarder (or more) some time this year. **** This Just In McCardell Traded to the Chargers **** Reche Caldwell went down in the first quarter of this game and did not return. His status is still unknown but it appears as if the Chargers aren't going to wait...and not to mention the Chargers started the season without a true number on receiver. This should definately help Brees even further with the passing attack that has seemed to materialize out of nothing. Tampa Bay will receive the Chargers' third- and sixth-round picks in the upcoming draft in exchange for McCardell. This week the Chargers play Carolina....I think this is another good opportunity for the Chargers to pick up a road victory against an injury plagued team.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Chargers Continue Winning Ways
For the second straight week the Chargers did not turn the ball over, jumped to big first half leads, scored over 30 points and as a result, won both of their games to go to 3-2 on the season. This past victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars may be the confidence boost the Chargers need to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season. Even short-termed, I think the Chargers match-up well against their next 4 opponents - at Atlanta, at Carolina, Oakland and New Orleans. I think Atlanta is over-rated (as is Mike Vick), Carolina is certainly not looking like the team of last year and is injury plagued, Oakland's 2 wins have been against the Bills and Tampa Bay, a combined 1-8 record as of right now, and New Orleans is sub-500 at 2-3 and just got beat buy the previously winless Bucs. I think realistic expectations would be the Chargers to go 3-1 over those next four games and no worse than 2-2. Anything less will show that the Charger team is still inconsistent. After the bye the Chargers will start what will no-doubtedly make or break their playoff chances... they play at Oakland, at Kansas City and then host the Broncos.
But before we look too much further down the road, let's reflect back on the Jacksonville win and what went right...
First, the Chargers again jumped out to a 21-0 nothing lead...but before the half, the Charger defense gave up a Jacksonville TD to only lead by 2 scores, 21-7. Leftwich had an incredibly poor pass intercepted in the first half which aided the Chargers scoring. The Charger defense effectively shut down the Jacksonvilled running game forcing the Leftwich to prove he could get the job done through the air...and it wasn't until the game was put away after a 41 yard Jesse Chatman touchdown run, that Leftwich was able to do that, with the Chargers clearly playing a 'soft' defense.
The Chargers pass rush looked less effective than the first half of the Tennessee game the week prior, but it did appear as if there was some pressure throughout most of the game. But this is still an area where the Chargers do need to improve upon.
Ladainian Tomlinson had a score and over 130 yards of total offense but with the Chargers lead at 20 points in the third quarter, he was done for the day. He aggrevated a groin muscle earlier in the week and although he could have continued, Marty Schottenheimer decided to keep Tomlinson out as a precautionary measure. Jesse Chatman came in and lit the place up...11 carries for 103 yards and the previously mentioned 41 yard touchdown run that iced this game for the Chargers.
Antonio Gates had another good outing, 8 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns...he continues to show good speed and good hands. Teams will have to divert some of their defensive schemes to insure he is covered or the Chargers will continue to make them pay for not doing so.
The most impressive thing that the Chargers and namely Drew Brees have done these past 2 weeks is not turn the ball over. Brees, who has often displayed irratic passing, has not been picked off over the past two games...plus his overall passing has looked very good.
The Chargers looked good against the AFC South, going 3-0 so far...but they have yet to play Indianapolis, which they will do December 26th... if both teams continue to look good, this should be a good game.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Chargers Looked Good In Win Over Titans
The question about the San Diego Chargers 38-17 win over the Titans that has all the NFL 'experts' lamenting is whether the Chargers are actually a competent team or are the Titans that pathetic? One week after Drew Brees could barely get a pass within 20 yards of a Charger receiver he goes 16-20 for 220 yards and three touchdowns. LaDainian Tomlinson had 147 yards on 17 carries, garnering him a 8+ yard per carry average. The Charger defense in the first half looked ferocious for the first time all season...forcing the Titans to adjust in the 2nd half...unfortunately the Charger defense made little adjustments and was held in check for most of the 2nd half. What was most impressive about this Charger win and something the Chargers haven't been able to do over the past few seasons, and that is get out to a respectable lead and put the game away. The Chargers moved the ball very effectively in the first half and went into the locker room with a 21-7 lead. After the Chargers kick a field goal to go up by ten it looked as if the Charger collapse was set and about to take place. The Titans went on a 16 play drive that stalled and forced them to settle for a 24 yard field goal. Titans then proceed to recover an onside kick and mount a 10 play, 58 yard touchdown drive and now trail the Chargers by just a touchdown, with 7:08 left to play in the game...plenty of time for the Charger collapse. But instead of that collapse the exact opposite ocurred. On the second play from scrimmage after the ensuing kickoff, Reche Caldwell made a fantastic one-handed grab that ended with him walking into the end zone 58 yards later. A Jesse Chatman score with less than 3:30 on the clock sealed the deal for the Chargers. The Chargers can back this win up with a good showing this weekend when they host the 3-1 Jaguars. Last year the Jaguars beat the Chargers in Byron Leftwich's second career start...he threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns. If the Chargers are looking to legitimize their season, this game will be the first step to doing so... a home win against an above 500 team early in the season. A victory would also put the Chargers above 500 for the first time since Marty Schottenheimer's first season with the Bolts, and they ended up 8-8. It was exciting for Charger fans to see the team perform very well on both sides of the ball, but most are not kidding themselves. The Chargers do look to be getting better and unfortunately, I have to think the Titans are not the team that they once were.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Same Charger Team Equals Same Results
My early season prediction of the Chargers not winning a game may not be 100% accurate, but I think I may only be 1 game off. The Chargers go into Denver and never really were in this game...and to the casual viewer of Charger games, one may have thought the Chargers had a chance, but just had a few bad plays...well, maybe not a few, but a lot... but theChargers are just not good and when the pressue is on this team, they fold.
The key play in this game happened in the third quarter. The Chargers had scored to pull within 3 points of the Broncos, 10-13. With 4:42 in the quarter, the Chargers forced the Broncos to punt and a 15 yard running into the kicker penalty kept the drive going for the Broncos...same drive, 4th and 9 on the Charger 33, the Broncos decide to go for it and a Plummer to Lelie td is the end result...game over for the Chargers, they lose 23-13.
Brees continues to struggle and it will only be a matter of time before Rivers will become the starting QB for the Chargers. I continued to support Brees as the starter for the Chargers, even into this game despite perfroming poorly last week, but I must withdraw my support for him as the Charger starter as of right now. Tomlinson had more passing yards than Brees did in the first half...yes, LT had 38 yards to Brees' 16 first half passing yards...on the upside, Brees, the recipient of the 38 yard Tomlinson pass lead the Chargers receivers at the half. On two seperate occasions Tim Dwight was WIDE open deep and poor passes from Brees gave Dwight absolutely no chance to make a play. Brees' passes all game were very irratic, receivers were almost always having to make adjustments to catch the ball. This is what has plagued Brees for the past season and half and is becoming more blatently apparent as the 2004-05 campaign continues. The Broncos took Tomlinson out of the game and forced the Chargers to win with their passing game and because Brees was ineffective for most of the game meant the Chargers would end up short.
Some of my thoughts...
- The Broncos can't possibly be a good team. I'm not sold on Plummer and my opinion hasn't changed. He didn't lose the game for the Broncos, but that's all any team/quarterback needs to do when playing this weak Charger team. The Chargers did stop the run, but as per usual, why run against the Chargers when you can pass. Teams are able to move the ball however they desire against the Chargers...the Charger defense has yet to prove they can stop any team at any time and that trend continues.
- How many times does John Elway get honored in Denver? The answer: every home game. This week it was the 'Presentation of his Hall Of Fame Ring'.... Next home game it will be the third anniversary of some win victory, to be followed with Elway buys a Coca-Cola celebration the following game... I haven't checked the schedule to see the other John Elway is god and we must never forget that celebration... Bronco fans, you may want to move on, but that's just my opinion.
- Could Dan Dierdorf be any more anti-Charger in his 'expert analysis'? I have been (un)fortunate to hear him do a few Charger games now and have yet to hear any comment from him that has been even remotely complimentary to the Charger team...sure the Chargers may not earn many compliments from anyone, but his nonsensical, over-stating the obvious and belittlement of the Chargers has just gotten so old with me, I mute the tv for any game he is involved in.
- Next week the Chargers play the Titans. With Tennessee coming off back-to-back home losses, you will no-doubtedly see a different team playing the Chargers...but every team looks good against the Chargers.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
My New Favorites
So I've had some free time lately and have discovered some great tools for web surfing...
First, if you aren't using Firefox as your web browser, you are missing out. It is a lot faster than IE and allegedly more secure. It has 'tabbed' browsing which allows a person to view multiple web pages in one window...as just one of the many features. But what makes it really cool is the customization. What really has peaked my interest was the extensions (addons) I have installed, some of which are really cool...
For all you blog-heads out there is the Sage plugin. A great way to get blog and news feeds....a quick easy way to surf your favorite blogs and news sites.
Next is Stumble Upon...which is a great tool if you are killing time and/or just want to surf the net. It's free to use. Sign up, click your interests and then click the 'Stumble' button to view web sites that fit into your rankings. I've just used the 'Stumble Upon' feature for a little while and am loving it! It's a great way to see sites that you are interested in without having to do any 'searching' for them.
Then for all your 'power users' is the Mouse Gestures extension which allows you to quickly navigate forward, back, open or close web pages with a simple right-click hold and move (or whatever you configure). Makes moving in and around a site quick and efficient.
If you think you are internet savvy, you better at least be aware of these tools...but I am willing to bet that all those that truly are internet savvy are using them now!
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Not As Close As It Looked....
The Chargers ended up losing by 6 to the Jets (34-28) this past Sunday, but the game wasn't that close. The Jets had a 14-0 lead after their first 2 possessions and the Chargers had 4 total turnovers. A 87 yard kickoff return by Tim Dwight was the big highlight for the Chargers that put the Chargers on the board, but still trailed at the half 17-7. The Chargers, despite 4 turnovers, could have snuck out a victory with a defensive stop in the fourth quarter. The Chargers trailed 27-21, after scoring with 8:05 left in the game, but the Jets easily moved the ball on a 70 yard drive, highlighted by a 48 yard Pennington to Moss completion, to essentially deal the death-blow. That Jet drive exposed what the Chargers team of past and still in the present exhibit...the inability to stop a team from moving the ball...especially late in the game. Curtis Martin was able to run early and for good yardage (32-137-3.7) as the Chargers had no containment. Pennington's uniform will not need to be sent to the cleaners for the Chargers were unable to even lay a hand on him. Penningon was able to sit back with no pressure and throw the ball to any of the open targets with little worry about any pass rush. - Brees was benched after sustaining a concussion and Doug Flutie came in for the final Charger score. Brees did have 2 intercerptions, the first one was totally awful... no Charger player in the vicinity and looked to be thrown directly to the Jet defender. Brees also did fumble early in the fourth quarter, crediting him with 3 of the 4 turnovers. The offensive line did give up a sack but it is evident that with Tomlinson in the backfield teams are respecting the run which is helping the passing game. - Tomlinson continues to show why he is the best running back in the league. 87 yards and a td on 19 carries and 76 yards receiving on 3 catches. - Reche Caldwell caught a touchdown, as he continues to exhibit #1 WR skills. - Eric Parker, although one of the fastest guys on the Chargers squad, fumbled a punt and dropped, what would have been, a touchdown pass late in the fourth...he's still young but these mistakes need to be minimized as much as possible if the Chargers are going to be competitive. Next up for the Chargers is the Denver Broncos at Mile High. The Chargers have lost 11 of their last 13 meetings with Denver and with Quentin Griffin showing that he can run the ball as good as any veteran back, the Charger defense will need to find a way to limit his production to give the team a chance to win.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
9/11 Pentagon Plane Conspiracy
I found this interesting...looking for information to the contrary...
http://www.freedomunderground.org/memoryhole/pentagon.php#Main
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Chargers Week 1 Victory
The Chargers have already proven me wrong... prior to the season beginning I saw no improvement on either side of the ball and predicted a winless season. The Chargers then preceded to go out and win in Houston...obviously not an upper-echelon team, but a season-opening win on the road can only be a positive for the team's confidence and overall attitude.
A big reason for the victory was the Drew Brees came through. In his 3rd year as the starter for the Chargers, this was the most confident he has looked, made good reads and because Tomlinson was in the backfield, it made the Texans always honor the run and thus open the passing game up...which happened last season, but Brees and the receivers never were able to exploit the opportunities. Tight End Antonio Gates had a fantastic day, 8 catches and 120 plus yards. Young receivers Caldwell and Parker both had touchdown catches and respectable days.
The defense, which in the recent past, has been notorious for failing to stop teams from scoring, especially late in the game...or when protecting a lead, was able to keep the Texans from scoring in the 4th on 2 series' to preserve the lead...helped with Texan miscues and turnovers, but regardless a good way for the defense to begin the 2004-05 campaign.
This week the Jets roll into San Diego. Many of the major sport writers are writing off the Chargers' week 1 victory as nothing special and the 'real' Chargers will show up shortly, if not this week against the Jets. I know that the Chargers have already proven me wrong once and will be more than happy to have them continue to do so... I still have my reservations about Marty Schottenheimer, the entire defense, the offensive line and the wide receivers and the week one victory over the Texans...although gleefully accepted...did nothing to alter my concerns in those areas.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Tomlinson Highest Paid Running Back In NFL
The move is a no-brainer... Tomlinson is arguably the best runningback in the league and is now making the salary that he deserves. After halting talks with their number 1 pick, Phillip Rivers, the Chargers show that they are not afraid to spend some money on players that have proved their worth.
Hopefully this will mean Tomlinson will be a Charger for the duration of his career and Charger fans have some hope for the future because there is little else to hope for this season...
CARSON, California (Ticker) - LaDainian Tomlinson needed just three years to set a new standard for running backs.
Tomlinson, the dynamic running back of the San Diego Chargers, has agreed to a contract extension that reportedly will make him the NFL's highest-paid player at his position.
"I agreed to a contract," Tomlinson said following practice Thursday. "I'm not sure when I'll sign it. I'm going over the last details. I'll probably sign it in the next couple of days or so." Numerous reports have Tomlinson's new contract eclipsing the eight-year, $50.5 million deal that Clinton Portis signed with the Washington Redskins in the offseason.
Tomlinson, 25, had two years remaining on his original contract. He is scheduled to make $5.5 million this season and $6.5 million in 2005.
The fifth overall pick in 2001, Tomlinson has rushed for 4,564 yards and 37 touchdowns in his first three seasons.
"He's the best running back I've ever seen," Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said.
Last season, Tomlinson became the fifth player in NFL history to rush for 200 yards in four games. He also became the first player in league history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes.
Tomlinson rushed for 1,645 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 100 receptions for 725 yards and four scores in 2003.
Link to story here.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Rivers Holding Out
My June 21st blog entry spelled out many of the problems of the Chargers. None of those problem areas have been addressed and to add to the quagmire, there is the Chargers' #1 pick, Phillip Rivers, is holding out. According to Charger management the offer that was extended to Rivers was better than offers accepted by Gallery and Fitzgerald, both picked ahead of Rivers, number 2 and 3 respectively. It is becoming a Charger tradition where their first round pick, regardless of when the Chargers pick, have contract disputes. But in this case, if the information from the Chargers' brass is true, this is clearly the player and agent holding the Charger franchise ransom. I really do applaud a team that refuses to bend to a player/agents every whim...to not buy into the player's self-promoted level of ability without even taking a NFL snap. I just wish it wasn't the Chargers that have to be the team to set the standard, for it never has a positive affect for the team overall.
The Chargers, are being ranked dead last in the Sportsline Power Ranking and should remain there for the length of the season. The Chargers will certainly have the number 1 pick in the draft next season, but if they choose to select and attempt to sign someone, it will only further set this team back.
Marty needs to be fired. The team needs a new GM and coach that will instill common sense and a winning attitude...hopefully the inevitable 0-16 record that will occur in this 2004-05 campaign will be the wake up call for the Spanos family.
And that's right... I am predicting the Chargers to be 0 and 16. As I said before, I would love to be proven wrong but at this time I see absolutely no improvement in any area on the Charger team.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
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