Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson can't wait to regain his shiftiness and elusiveness.
``I think it'll be all at once,'' the San Diego Chargers' star running back said Monday.
Whether it happens Sunday at Oakland remains to be seen. The Chargers had last weekend off, giving Tomlinson a chance to rest his strained groin, which has hampered him for five straight games."
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Tomlinson feeling better after weekend off
Chargers hire NFL Super Bowl guru Steeg
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Jim Steeg, the NFL official who's been in charge of the Super Bowl for a quarter century, is taking on another Herculean task -- trying to get a new stadium built for the San Diego Chargers.
Steeg was hired Monday as the Chargers' executive vice president and chief operating officer. He'll take over the team's business operations, and his main task will be continuing the Chargers' difficult push to replace Qualcomm Stadium."
Friday, November 12, 2004
Still work to be done
Full Story HereAt first glance, the Chargers’ remaining schedule appears easier than the first half. Only two of the six teams—Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts—have winning records, while the other four teams (the Bolts play the Kansas City Chiefs twice) have a combined record of 12-21.
Run stoppers
Full Story HereWhen defensive coordinator Wade Phillips arrived this offseason, he implemented a 3-4 scheme, which is generally a tougher defense to run against than the 4-3 alignment.
The results have been impressive. The Chargers rank second in the league, allowing only 81.1 rushing yards a game, and they’re the only team in the NFL to have not given up a run of more than 20 yards. The run defense certainly has come a long way since last season, when they gave up an average of 138.6 yards per contest.
Midseason recap
Full Story Here: "Coming off a 4-12 season with a re-built offensive line, a new defensive scheme and one of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Chargers entered training camp with a lot of uncertainty. The team made no bold promises or predictions, but did vow to work hard, take one game at a time and let the chips fall where they may."
Seau not prepared to call it a career
Full Story Here: "His season is over, but not his career. Linebacker Junior Seau says he plans to return for a 16th NFL season next year if the Lord and Seau's body are willing.
'This is not it,' Seau said from his Mission Valley restaurant this week, a few days after undergoing surgery in San Diego to repair tears of his right pectoral muscle and biceps. 'I'm going to assess everything once I fully recover, but I definitely left something on the table."
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Wait watcher
Full Story Here: "During a recent afternoon at the San Diego Hall of Champions, Chargers rookie quarterback Philip Rivers fidgeted in his chair. He leaned forward, then back. He tugged the jacket of his black, pin-striped suit closed, then flipped it open.
His uneasiness had nothing to do with what was happening in the Hall and everything to do with what was happening in his belly and heart. An emotional tug-of-war was taking place."
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Chargers sign TE Baber
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - Tight end Billy Baber has a new home in the AFC West.
Waived by the Kansas City Chiefs on November 2, Baber signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the San Diego Chargers.
A 6-4, 260-pounder in his fourth season, Baber spent three years with the Chiefs after being selected in the fifth round out of Virginia in the 2001 draft.
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Primarily a blocker, Baber played in 29 games for the Chiefs, including two starts, and caught three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. He began the 2004 season on Kansas City's reserve-injured list."
Starring role
Full Story HereThe Chargers’ Kassim Osgood offers one name to explain how he has readily accepted his role as a special teams player and blocking receiver in the NFL after etching his name in the NCAA record book at San Diego State.
Hines Ward. He’s the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver who caught only 15 passes his rookie year in 1998 but has since evolved into a Pro Bowler.
Bolts look to re-charge
Full Story HereMost teams welcome their bye week as a reprieve from the daily grind of an NFL schedule and an opportunity to rest up and recuperate before the season’s final stretch.
The Chargers feel the same way, for the most part.
Similar to how a basketball player that has hit five of six three-pointers wants the ball, the Chargers, who have won five of their past six games by a combined 99-point margin, want to keep playing.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Chargers.com - All for one
Full Story HereThe Chargers of 2004, similar to the Air Coryell Chargers of two decades ago, are among the NFL’s highest scoring teams. That’s a comparison made with increasing frequency as quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Antonio Gates continue to put up numbers that have them ranked among the NFL leaders in offensive categories just as Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow were in their day.
Hope whispers
Full Story Here: "As much as the Chargers try to walk in step with their head coach, reciting cliche's about playing each game as it comes and not getting too far ahead of themselves, there are moments when the curtain parts and their real feelings materialize.
Several such instances occurred after Sunday's 43-17 rout of New Orleans. The victory was the Chargers' fourth in a row at home and fifth in six games overall, pushing their record to 6-3. And with no opponent to focus on this week because of a bye, some of the Chargers leaders allowed themselves to gaze beyond November and December."
Schottenheimer: Chargers not among elite in AFC
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- All that talk of swagger and playoffs was gone when the San Diego Chargers reconvened Monday.
That's what happens when Marty Schottenheimer is the coach.
The high-scoring Chargers head into their bye week at 6-3 after a 43-17 rout of the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. As impressive as they've looked in winning three straight and five of six, Schottenheimer doesn't want his players to get too far ahead of themselves."
Monday, November 08, 2004
Bolts send Saints marching home
Full Story HereIt’s tough to outdo a career-high five-touchdown game, especially when it comes in a runaway win over a fierce division rival, but quarterback Drew Brees came awfully close Sunday afternoon against the New Orleans Saints.
After being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his role in the Chargers’ win against the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, Brees gave the 59,662 fans at Qualcomm Stadium a superlative encore performance. He passed for 257 yards and four touchdowns on 22-of-36 passing in leading the Chargers to a 43-17 win over the Saints.
Lightning-fast starts
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "A quick summary of the Chargers' recent performances at home: four games, four fast starts, four blowout victories.
Coincidence? Not a chance."
San Diego Chargers -- Flood Gates
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "After sacking New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks early in the fourth quarter yesterday, Chargers linebacker Steve Foley stood over his fallen opponent and acted as if he were wiping dirt from the bottom of his cleats.
Foley drew a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, but it's doubtful there was a better metaphor for what the Chargers are doing to opponents in Qualcomm Stadium this season. After having sand kicked in their faces for so many years, they're doing a little kicking of their own."
Chargers 43, Saints 17
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- These clearly are not the San Diego Chargers of the recent gloomy past.
They can pass. They can catch. They can play defense. And even with LaDainian Tomlinson hurting, they can win big.
In routing the New Orleans Saints 43-17 on Sunday, they even showed a bit of a swagger."
Chargers rain on Saints parade
Full Story Here: "The San Diego Chargers won convincingly for the second straight week, beating the New Orleans Saints 43-17 with sporadic rain drops raining down. They built up a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter and cruised the rest of the way."
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Offensive line is no punch line
Full Story Here: "They are five men with one mind. They come from different backgrounds, different cities, even different countries, yet they share a common objective when the bottoms of their cleats hit a football field.
'They want to be the best offensive line in the league,' wide receiver Tim Dwight said of his Chargers teammates. 'They want to give up the fewest sacks; they want to have the rusher go over 2,000 yards for the season; and they want Drew (Brees) to be able to play well at quarterback.'"
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Chargers' Tomlinson returns to practice
Link Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced for the first time this week Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game at New Orleans.
Tomlinson, 10th in the league in rushing with 653 yards, has been nursing a groin injury. Since sustaining the injury on Oct. 3 in a win over Tennessee, he has practiced sporadically and hasn't rushed for 100 yards.
He was upbeat after Friday's workout.
``It feels better and better every week,'' Tomlinson said. ``It went good today.''
The Chargers are 5-3. The Saints are 3-4."
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Half and have
Full Story Here: "The Chargers have been one of the NFL's bigger surprises this season. Predicted by many to be among the league's worst teams at the start of the season, they have won four of five and are tied with Denver atop the AFC West at 5-3. Quarterback Drew Brees ranks third in passer rating, the defense is No. 1 against the rush and the young punter and kicker have been among the best at their positions."
Saints at Chargers preview
Full Story Here: "The New Orleans Saints are the back half of a two game homestand for the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. After the game the Bolts head into their bye week and have a chance to get healthy for the stretch run."
Brees earns Offensive Player of the Week
Full Story Here: "San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees has had a lot of firsts this year. He is playing consistently well for the first time. He has the support of the city for the first time. And he backed it up with Player of the Week honors for the first time and should be a finalist for Player of the month of October."
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Chargers: Scouting report
Full Story Here: "San Diego will face its third consecutive sub-.500 team. But unlike the Panthers and Raiders, who entered Chargers week with losing streaks of at least three games, the Saints are coming off a win, albeit against the same horrible Oakland club San Diego just routed."
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Pick your poison
Full Story HereThe quarterback, Drew Brees, hit 88 percent of his passes to set a Chargers record. His quarterback rating of 151.3 nearly maxed out the highest possible score of 158.3 in the Bolts’ 42-14 win over the Oakland Raiders Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium.
One QB too many?
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "The better Drew Brees plays, the more often people wonder aloud what will happen with him in the offseason.
Understandably, the Chargers are as evasive as a cornered politician when confronted with the matter. They've won four of five and are tied with the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West at 5-3, so the last thing they want is for something to break their focus or rhythm.
But Brees has played so well the last five weeks, throwing 11 touchdown passes against only one interception, that questions about his future dominated coach Marty Schottenheimer's news conference one day after the Chargers routed the Raiders 42-14."
Brees is near perfect in rout of Raiders
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal joked during the week that the playing field might be the safest place in Qualcomm Stadium when the Raiders come to town.
He was right, unless you were an Oakland player or coach yesterday.
The Chargers whipped the Raiders so thoroughly before a crowd of 66,210 that San Diego supporters could have mocked the Silver and Black with 'Drew's Your Daddy' instead of 'Who's Your Daddy?'
Behind five touchdown passes from Drew Brees and a suffocating performance by the defense, the Chargers won for the fourth time in five weeks, burying the Raiders 42-14 in a game that wasn't as close as the score."
Raiders' like vanilla, especially on offense
Full Story Here If it looked as if the Chargers defense knew what was coming yesterday from the Oakland offense, well, there was a reason.
"We felt we had a good game plan against them," safety Jerry Wilson said. "We studied them pretty well, and the things we studied were the things we saw. They pretty much went according to what we saw on film."
Previous teams the Chargers played this season looked familiar, but not identical, to what the Chargers saw on film. The Raiders were almost like Memorex – an exact copy.
No wonder San Diego had little trouble handling Oakland's offense, holding the Raiders to seven points and 126 total yards through the first 42 minutes. By the time the Chargers stepped off the gas, the offense had rolled up a 42-7 lead en route to a 42-14 blowout at Qualcomm Stadium.
Raiders of a lost cause
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "This time, Al Davis wasn't summing up the ambitions of the team he has created in his image as 'Just win, baby.'
The Raiders had not won yesterday. They had been, in a word many of them chose, embarrassed. They had played so poorly that it was difficult to accept that they were, indeed, the team that has measured its triumphs not by games but by decades.
Yet after everything, after a 42-14 victory for the Chargers, after a fifth consecutive defeat this season for the Raiders and a 16th failure in their last 20 games, Davis still was defiant."
A softer, gentler Schottenheimer?
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "Attitudes aren't the only things changing with the Chargers. So are coach Marty Schottenheimer's rules. Schottenheimer acknowledged yesterday that he broke one of his longstanding commandments by allowing running back Jesse Chatman and wide receiver Tim Dwight to play against the Raiders even though they did not practice during the week."
Chargers 5-3 at midpoint and looking for a lot more
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- After last season's nightmare, who could have imagined the San Diego Chargers with a winning record, a reinvigorated quarterback and one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses?
Yes, the Chargers are a surprise at this season's halfway point, and they'll be an even bigger one if they can finish their respectable start by actually making it to the playoffs."
Chargers Report Card: Week 8 Oakland
Full Story Here: "When the San Diego Chargers beat the Raiders this thoroughly, it is tough to find fault anywhere on the field. Even the miscues have a rosy tint to them as the Bolts sent the black hole spiraling into the abyss. Raider fans had to leave the game early for fear of ridicule, eureka!"
Chargers roll, 42-14
Full Story Here: "The San Diego Chargers handled business in style and the arm of Drew Brees was the catalyst to a 42-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders.
The Chargers scored 14 points in each of the first three quarters as they cruised to victory over the Raiders at Qualcomm."
Friday, October 29, 2004
Tomlinson practices, expected to start against Raiders
Link Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson practiced Friday and is expected to start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Tomlinson has been bothered by a strained groin the last three games and failed to gain more than 65 yards in any.
Two of Tomlinson's five biggest games as a professional came against the Raiders in 2003. He had a career-high 243 yards in a home win in the season finale, and 187 yards in an overtime loss at Oakland on Sept. 28.
His backup, Jesse Chatman, has played well, although he has a turf toe and has been held out of practice. Chatman is listed as probable on the injury report, although coach Marty Schottenheimer said it will be a game-time decision whether he'll play.
Sammy Davis is expected to regain his starting job at right cornerback. Drayton Florence started at right cornerback in last Sunday's win at Carolina, but sprained an ankle."
Black and blue rivalry
Full Story HereIf there were any authority on the subject of playing the Raiders, Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer would be the one. During his 19 years of head coaching in the NFL, he has a 21-7 record versus Oakland. In 10 of those 19 years, Schottenheimer was with the Kansas City Chiefs, whose rivalry with the Raiders is also legendary.
On Monday, Schottenheimer declared the next five days before the game “Raider week.” When asked what he thinks about the throng of Raiders supporters that often descend upon Qualcomm Stadium once a year, Schottenheimer offered his usual candid response.
Still feeling LT's burn marks, Raiders should be 'keyed up'
Full Story Here': "LaDainian Tomlinson had a queasy stomach, but it was Oakland defenders who looked ill as they left the field after a 21-14 loss to the Chargers last December in Qualcomm Stadium.
Only once before had the Raiders been gashed as badly as they were that afternoon, when Tomlinson made a mockery of their 'Commitment to Excellence' motto by running for 243 yards. That was 23 yards shy of the record total ran against the Raiders by Seattle's Shaun Alexander in 2001 and 23 more than the franchise single-game record Tomlinson set in 2002.
Sunday, Tomlinson and the Chargers will face the Raiders for the first time since that game. And though the Raiders have changed coaching staffs and some personnel, the desire for redemption figures to remain as great as ever for an organization that likes to define itself by the words pride and poise."
Chargers future is clear
Full Story Here: "The Chargers welcome the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, for a Halloween treat. While the Raiders are scuffling along with four straight losses and a 2-5 mark, the Chargers are headed the opposite direction. They've won three of four, and at 4-3, have matched last year's win total.
But the Chargers would be wise not to overlook the Raiders and peek too far down the road.
Of the nine games against the seven remaining teams on the schedule (they play the Chiefs and Raiders, twice) just two squads show a winning mark: the Colts and the Broncos.
Other than that, it's a bunch of sub-.500 teams, greasing the road for the Chargers to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995."
Chatman has been super subbing for Tomlinson
Full Story Here: "Chatman used to have one of the NFL's most obscure jobs until Tomlinson strained his groin four weeks ago. Since then, there's been little dropoff when the obscure substitute replaces the superstar for the surprising Chargers (4-3)."
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Chargers cite chemistry as a reason for progress
SignOnSanDiego.com >Full Story Here: "The Chargers are preaching trust and togetherness after finishing 4-12 last season, and there were doubts about whether Ball was of the same mind. He had a run-in with management in the offseason when it declined to sign him to a long-term contract despite Ball starting 21 games his first two seasons, and he admittedly was upset last week when he was benched after rookie Nick Hardwick returned from a knee injury to reclaim the starting job.
The last thing the Chargers (4-3) want at this point is a player who isn't pulling the rope as forcefully in the same direction as everyone else. They've won three of their past four entering Sunday's game against visiting Oakland (2-5) and believe chemistry is as responsible for their surge as anything."
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Tomlinson expects to play Sunday against Raiders
Full Story Here: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice Wednesday and will probably sit out Thursday because of a strained groin, but the San Diego Chargers running back expects to play against the Oakland Raiders.
Tomlinson has been playing through the injury the last three weeks, and does not want to miss the big home game Sunday.
``I consider the Raiders our biggest rival because everybody around town loves that game,'' Tomlinson said. ``That's the game you look forward to playing.''"
Oakland Raiders Scouting Report
Full Story Here: "It has been only two seasons since the Oakland Raiders won the AFC Championship and faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium. But it seems like the 2002 season was decades ago.
Since then, the Raiders have switched head coaches and struggled to a 6-17 record."
Chargers tryout four
Full Story Here: "Tuesday is the day off for NFL players but that doesn't mean the San Diego Chargers front office has closed shop. First they signed Bob Hallen and released Jason Ball. Four other players also worked out for the Chargers on Tuesday. A look at the players making the trek through Murphy Canyon shows another signing may be coming soon."
Chargers cut center Ball, won't specify why
Full Story Here: "General Manager A.J. Smith wouldn't specify the reasons for the move, but apparently there was concern inside the organization about the center's attitude after last week's move that put rookie Nick Hardwick back in the starting lineup and Ball on the bench."
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Chargers release center Jason Ball, wide receiver Micah Ross
Full story here: "The Chargers have released center Jason Ball, who lost his starting job to rookie Nick Hardwick while boycotting training camp and the start of the season because of dissatisfaction with his contract situation"
NFL labor negotiations get into revenue sharing
Link Here: "NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL players union wants major additions to the revenue pool used to determine player salaries, making negotiations to extend the current contract more difficult than in the past.
Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, will meet in Detroit this week with owners on the league's management council. He is expected to outline a proposal that would add revenues to the television and base ticket sales now used to determine player salaries.
``We're concerned about the growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots,'' Upshaw said, a concern voiced in a different context by owners such as Dan Rooney of Pittsburgh, Ralph Wilson of Buffalo and Jim Irsay of Indianapolis. ``And we're concerned that a lot of revenue that should go to players is not being included in the pool.''"
Defensive dominance
Link here Fans watching the Chargers’ 17-6 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday could’ve mistaken the Bolts for two different teams.
In the first half, the Chargers allowed 88 rushing yards—three yards more than their season average—despite the fact that Carolina was without their top three running backs. Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster and Rod Smart were inactive due to injury.
The Bolts’ offense, on the other hand, held possession of the ball for only 9:09, managed just 80 yards of offense, had one turnover, six first downs and didn’t score in the first two quarters.
Tomlinson injury treatment is rest - More News & Notes
Link here: "The diagnosis hasn't changed much on the sore groin of LaDainian Tomlinson, which means more of the same for the Chargers running back:
Rest when he can, play through the pain, and know his coaches and teammates are saying an extra prayer or two each night."
Chargers opening eyes with 4-3 start
Full story here: "A year ago, the Chargers were the NFL's worst team and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season. Now they've won as many games as they did all of last year, improving to 4-3 with a 17-6 road win over last year's surprise team, the Carolina Panthers."
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Chargers win ugly
Link Here
Drunken entry:
Horrible first half... penalties killed them... Tomlinson was ineffective.....
2nd half... defense held..... Chatman saved the day... again....
Brees looked good, McCardell will only improve this team....
Raiders next, at home....
Go Chargers!
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Fresh legs
Full Story Here: "Joining the second-youngest roster in the NFL that has an average age of 25, wide receiver Keenan McCardell, a 13-year NFL veteran, must feel like an old man, right?"
NFL - Mastering Their Trade
Full Story Here: "The San Diego Chargers are finally making the most out of their draft picks, and they are doing it by trading them away. For the fourth time this season, the Chargers have been involved in a big-time trade. Each of them has involved both players and picks changing hands, and each has given a much needed facelift to a historically underachieving Chargers franchise."
Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace World Series Game 4
Full Story Here: "A unique date in the annals of baseball history will be recorded Wednesday, Oct. 27 when for the first time a total lunar eclipse will occur during a World Series game"
Friday, October 22, 2004
McCardell could start for Chargers
Link: "SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Newly acquired wide receiver Keenan McCardell will make his season debut on Sunday and might even start for the San Diego Chargers in their road game against the Carolina Panthers."
More than third of Turkish women justify beatings by husband
Link Here: "ANKARA, Oct 21 (AFP) - More than a third of Turkish women believe they deserve being beaten if they argue with their husbands, deny them sex or burn the meal, according to a survey carried by Anatolia news agency on Thursday.
The survey found that 39 percent of women in Turkey believe their husbands are right to beat them for at least one of the following reasons: burning the meal, disputing the opinion of their husbands, spending money unnecessarily, neglecting the children or refusing to have sex.
In rural areas, 57 percent of women said their spouses had a right to batter them in at least one of the above circumstances.
Arguing with the husband topped the list of justified reasons for domestic violence, followed by too much spending and the negligence of children.
The poll was conducted among 8,075 married women by Ankara`s Hacettepe University and was funded by the European Union and the Turkish government.
The European Union, which Turkey is seeking to join, has put pressure on the Ankara government to better protect the rights of women.
Florence's focus fast as his feet
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- Florence's focus fast as his feet
Chargers cornerback Drayton Florence was near the front of the line when the football gods were handing out athletic ability. At 6 feet, 205 pounds, he has excellent size and speed, and an aggressive temperament that's ideally suited for press coverage.
But while his physical gifts are a blessing in one sense, they were a curse for him last year as a rookie reserve because he tended to rely on them too heavily. He was so confident in his athleticism that he overlooked the importance of being mentally prepared. He might take a false step here, or look at the wrong landmark there and – boom! – the receiver was off and running free.
This season, teammates contend they have seen a more mature and focused Florence. He had an interception in each of the past two games and now is in line for his first pro start Sunday when the Chargers (3-3) meet the Carolina Panthers (1-4) in Charlotte, N.C. Coach Marty Schottenheimer has yet to announce his starter at right cornerback, opposite Quentin Jammer, but Florence has been taking the majority of the reps in practice and could get the nod over incumbent Sammy Davis and backup Jamar Fletcher.
"No one has said anything to me, but I'm just excited that I'm getting an opportunity now to at least be considered as a starter," Florence said. "I've just got to take it and grab it and keep it and not let it go."
If he plays as well this weekend as he did against Jacksonville and Atlanta, it could be hard to keep him out of the lineup. Florence picked off Byron Leftwich while playing a deep zone, then rolled off the slot receiver to intercept Michael Vick along the sideline last weekend.
If he took anything other than the football away from those games, it was the importance of being mentally prepared.
"The physical is all there," said Florence, the first of the Chargers' two second-round picks last year, out of Tuskegee. "It's just taking it from the study room to the field and applying it; that's where I've made the most improvement. I think that's where Marty said he's seen the biggest improvement, too, focusing on the little things."
Schottenheimer isn't alone in that assessment. Teammates who marveled at his athleticism now are applauding his concentration.
"It looks like he's more focused," free safety Jerry Wilson said. "I think he figures it's for real now. He has an opportunity to really step up and break the starting lineup, and it seems like it's something he's really hungry for. It didn't hurt that he had a couple of good games back-to-back, with a couple of picks; and now it seems as if he's trying to build on it. He's looking good out there.
"I feel comfortable seeing him to the right of me because I'm talking to him out there and he's responding. He's playing the technique I'm expecting him to play. He's making receivers go where I want them to go. So, he's putting himself in good position, and that's all I can ask for."
Florence's attention to detail didn't start this week when he was told he had a shot at starting. It started after last season, when following an impressive training camp he struggled to get off the bench because of repeated mental mistakes. During his postseason exit meeting with Schottenheimer he was told he had the physical tools to excel but needed to improve in the details that come with playing the position.
So, Florence studied and learned. When the rookies went through a three-day minicamp before summer workouts, Florence was the only veteran to attend as a spectator. He took a spot along the sideline and studied the defense in general and the secondary in particular.
It is only now, 22 games into his young career, that he said his feet are outracing his mind.
"The game is a lot slower for me," Florence said. "(Last weekend) it felt like college, really. I've been able to take what I'm learning and apply it on the field. If they come out in a certain set, you basically know they're going to run this or run that. (Last week) the receiver ran the out and I sat underneath it because I knew what to expect."
He has done nothing during the week to diminish the coaching staff's expectations this weekend and said he is feeling no added pressure about having an opportunity to start.
"I know they're watching me a lot closer than they were the weeks before, but actually it's motivation," Florence said. "If somebody told you that you had a chance to start, how would you take it? I'm just working like I've been working, and if things happen to work out to where I'm starting, I'm starting. If they don't, then I just play the role I've been playing."
Nuts 'n' Bolts
Schottenheimer said he's uncertain whether defensive end Adrian Dingle will play Sunday. Dingle, who ranked second on the team with six sacks last season, hasn't played the past two weeks because of pain and weakness in one of his knees.
"It's still not at a point where I'm confident that he can give us 30, 35 plays," Schottenheimer said. "And in the absence of being able to do that, it's hard to have him be active because you end up really in effect going in with five guys . . . I'm a little bit concerned because it hasn't gotten better at this point."
If Dingle is out, Schottenheimer said Jacques Cesaire would start. Eric Downing also could see action after rookie end Dave Ball was placed on IR this week with a broken toe.
Wideout Tim Dwight (toe) was the only player not to practice, but he's listed as probable on the injury report.
Running game motivated this week
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Running game motivated this week: "Is there anything finer than watching LaDainian Tomlinson take off for a long gainer? This may be the week his rocket ship takes off again.
It's a pairing that is too difficult to resist: LaDainian Tomlinson 's health against the Panthers' run defense.
Tomlinson is back at nearly full strength, after pulling himself out of two games with a groin injury. But Sunday in Atlanta, he reportedly wasn't bothered by it, which is a good sign for the Chargers.
Tomlinson is also motivated to spit out some big numbers after being kept 2 yards under his season average when trying to solve the Falcons' tough run defense.
He won't be facing a similar stout unit on Sunday.
Now the Chargers may start the game cute -- with passes, reverses and a little trickery. But the rubber meets the road, the ball will meet Tomlinson's gut.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
The Chargers' wobbly pass defense vs. the Panthers' passing game.
Thou shall not run is a good way of describing the Chargers' run defense, which is best in the AFC. But stopping rivals through the air is another matter. That's why the secondary will likely be tested by Jake Delhomme . No doubt, Delhomme will zero in on the right cornerback spot, which has allowed more than its share of big plays. Jamar Fletcher and Sammy Davis and Drayton Florence will rotate there and who will start remains an unsolved mystery; Delhomme could be due for a big game, as he has struggled throughout most of the season. He's 25th with a rating of 71.3 and has thrown a league-high nine INTs. But plenty of quarterbacks have gotten well this year when facing the Chargers' pass defense. Keep an eye on rookie WR Keary Colbert -- you can bet Delhomme will. The Chargers' run defense vs. the Panthers running game.
DT Jamal Williams ' numbers don't leap from the stat page -- 14 tackles -- but he's doing something more. He is taking care of the blockers along "
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Man Wears 'Cocaine' T-Shirt in Court
Man Wears 'Cocaine' T-Shirt in Court: "HONG KONG - It was not the best legal defense strategy: A Hong Kong man appeared in court on drug charges wearing a T-shirt that said 'cocaine' and drew a stern rebuke from the magistrate, a newspaper reported Thursday."
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Chargers at Panthers Preview
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Chargers at Panthers Preview: "The suddenly surging, despite a loss last Sunday, San Diego Chargers believe they can win their next three games and head into the bye week with a 6-3 record. The first test occurs this week against the Carolina Panthers."
SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Chargers -- McCardell blossoms in rain
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
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
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