The Chargers - A Look Back And Forward

What a ride the 2008 San Diego Chargers gave their fans.  You can simply scroll down and read my entries regarding the Chargers...where almost weekly, I would rail on the pathetic Charger defense and that they were basically out of the playoff picture ... which they were.

But then there was the ray of hope this season...maybe it was the miracle win in Kansas City to keep the AFC West crown attainable, which was then followed by improbable wins by Buffalo in Denver and San Diego's win in Tampa which set up the season finale where the Chargers absouletly destroyed the Broncos ... but what was once a season that looked as if it would be another wasted year and wasted talent for the Chargers, instead ended with another AFC West championship and a playoff win.  The flaws in the Chargers were too glaring to not be exposed by other teams.

And with the conclusion of the season for the Chargers means the beginning of the offseason and offseason news ... First off the press is Antonio Cromartie, a pure stud in 2007 looked nothing of the sort in 2008, said he played the entire season with a hip fracture and that he looks forward to a better season next year.  Well, I hope so because Cromartie went from being a great shut-down corner to being toast on a regular basis.

Norv dumped four coaches, secondary and offensive line the primary targets of the firings, not really a surprise considering the play of those units.

Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera is interviewing for the head coaching job in Detroit, so he is likely gone, if not to Detroit probably somewhere else.

And of course the biggest offseason question for the Chargers will be that of future Hall Of Fame runningback, LaDainian Tomlinson.  Already sports-talk radio hosts have fueled the speculation that the Chargers are beginning to 'shop' Tomlinson around ... the Chargers quickly deny doing anything of the sort.  Tomlinson has 3 years left on his contract and many think that the time is now to trade Tomlinson and go with Sproles.

There is nothing that makes me more sad then to think LaDainian Tomlinson play for a different team ... I think every effort should be made to keep LT a Charger until he retires ... but I understand the economics of the game and unfortunately great players like Tomlinson often end their careers in this fashion ... it still doesn't make me any happier or content in the resolution.

Chargers Season Over

And just like that the Chargers turn-around 2008-09 season is over.  The Chargers go to Pittsburgh and are soundly beaten with little resistance.

The Steelers played a near perfect game and the Charger defense showed it's flaws.  At no point during the game were the Steelers concerned and were able to make 3rd down conversions at will, regardless of the distance.  The Charger defense got zero pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and Ben was able to pick his targets all game long.  

There isn't much really to dwell upon this game and I hope to have some post-season thoughts/reflections as well as some of the Charger news of the day posted shortly...

Go Chargers!

Big game on Sunday.  I like the Chargers chances.  LT is out and Sproles is in.  Pittsburgh's defense will be out to prove itself and the Charger offense will need to counter.  Could be a smash-mouth, low scoring game ... probably not what the Chargers want ... I think if the Chargers can get 21 or more points they should win, imo... but anything can happen... the Chargers need to take care of the ball and maximize the chances they get. 

I like the Chargers chances but listening to the national media all week, all of a sudden the Chargers are the fashionable pick for the upset this weekend ... that could be the kiss of death...

I'm hoping for a good game from the Chargers and hope to see them play next weekend for a chance to go to the Super Bowl!

I Want To Be 6 Again!

My six year old son is my idol.  If I could switch places with anyone in the world right now it would be with my son.  He has the dream life, in my opinion...  Here is a typical day for my son...

7:00 AM - Get woken up and move from bed to the living room couch.  Lie there watching morning cartoons until breakfast is served, where you eat it on the living room couch while watching cartoons.

8:00 AM-3:00 PM - Get dropped off at school and spend the rest of the day in kindergarten.  Kindergarten is probably the greatest grade while going to school where recess is no more than an hour and half away.

3:05 PM - Get picked up and go home.  My son, for some reason, no longer likes to wear his clothes while around the house, so by 3:06 he has all of his clothes removed with the exception of his boxers.

3:07 PM - 6:00 PM - Play video games ... we just got a Wii for Christmas, still have our PS2 and of course a fully functional computer stocked with tons of games.  Even though he has literally 100's of games to choose from he is constantly begging for more.

6:00 PM - Eat supper, with of course the meal prepared by someone else.

6:15 -8:00 PM - Play video games/watch tv/play games, after supper my son might go back to video gaming or watch television (or both) but he does also really like board and card games.  So if he can find a willing game-mate, he is always up for a game.

8:00-9:00 PM - Wind down watching some cartoons - his favs.  For some reason most of his favorite cartoons have new episodes show at 8:00 PM our time, so he makes a point to be near a tv to catch all the newest episodes to his favorite shows.

9:00 PM - Go to sleep.

His schedule is a grueling one and not sure how he can do it day in and day out.  And remember, that throughout the day, most of his needs are, at the very least, assisted by an older person ... he gets help getting dressed, taking a bath, etc... all of which is no big deal.

What makes me kind of chuckle at him now-a-days is that he HATES to even leave the house primarily because it will mean he has to put clothes on ... his most favorite days are weekends where he won't even need to get dressed at all ... now tell me that isn't the life?

Happy New Year! Chargers Win!

The San Diego Chargers, a team that for the most part of this past season, have disappointed myself and most of their fans. But thanks to the late season collapse of the Denver Broncos the Chargers found a way to get into the playoffs and are now trying to make the most of this opportunity...

The Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts this past Saturday night in overtime to advance to the next round. After the 1st quarter, the Chargers, to me, seemed to be able to man-handle the Colts. Peyton Manning caught the Chargers (namely Cromartie) sleeping and scored an easy touchdown to go up 17-14 ... the Chargers then proceeded to do everything they could to keep Indy in the game ...after an interception by Rivers in the endzone and a Sproles fumble at the goal line it didn't seem like things were going to go the Chargers way ... but the Bolts get the game tying field goal and the Colts even had a fair amount of time to attempt a late game drive to potentially set up a game winning score, but the Charger defense stepped up to the task and the Colts were content to see overtime.

The Chargers win the toss and with the help of a couple of very obvious Colts penalties moved into field goal range but the Charger kicker, Kaeding, would not be needed because Darren Sproles - who had an unbeliavable game (with the exception of the fumble) - ran in for a touchdown and the game was over without the Colts even getting a possession in overtime.

A big factor to the Charger win was punter Mike Scifres who was unfreakin' believable the entire game ... no matter the distance, it seemed as is Scifres was able to get the ball inside the 5 yard line every time, pinning the Colts deep to start nearly every possession.

The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers on Sunday ... The Steelers are a battered team with plenty of injuries ... Tomlinson, who saw some action on Saturday but sat most of the game is likely to be questionable again for this game, but as most pundits agree with, having Sproles is certainly not a step backwards. I think the Chargers should play better than their first meeting earlier this year and hopefully can pull out a win. I am not really pulling for a Ravens win over the Titans - which would mean the Chargers would host the AFC Championship - because I think the Chargers could handle the Titans over the Ravens ... but really, no need to think that far ahead at this point... I'm just excited that I get to see another week of Charger football ... and Charger playoff football none-the-less!

2008 AFC West Champions - San Diego Chargers

I purposely did not post a blog entry after last weeks unbelievable events because I had predicted the opposite occoruance with such confidence ... there was no way the Chargers were beating Tampa Bay, in Tampa Bay and even if they did that, there was now way the Broncos were losing to the Bills, in Denver ... which would mean the week 17 matchup between the Chargers and the Broncos would be meaningless ... but no, instead, the Chargers beat the Bucs and the Bills beat the Broncos and that would mean a 1 game show down for the AFC West crown and the loser going home... 

No team in NFL history has ever lead from week 1 thru 16 and not make the playoffs.

No team in NFL history has ever lead by 3 games with 3 games to paly and not make the playoffs.

Well guess what, the Denver Broncos now hold the dubious distinction to both of the above honors ... and I know of no better team to hold those honors and it gives me such guilty pleasure in knowing the Chargers are responsible for the final blow in giving the Broncos both those honors tonight....

But WOW!

The Chargers, already penciled in as biggest disappointing team of 2008, destroy a pathetic Bronco's team, win the AFC West and avoid that moniker...likely to go to the Cowboys now...

Now it's time for the Chargers to Pride Up... being 8-8 and making the playoffs will have many thinking you are not worthy to even be in the playoffs, and even putting up a close game next week against Indy will mean nothing...

When it all came down, the Chargers got the best they could have hoped for this season if you looked at the standings after week 8... a one game show down with the Broncos with the AFC West title on the line...

And I don't think I need to regress to detail the Charger turmoils over the past few weeks, specifically against the Chiefs (and are you kidding me, the Queefs?) but my hope is that this season has instilled a mentality within the Charger team... that being, that the Chargers were once a team that some felt could make the Super Bowl and then as the season progressed were written off... 

Well, San Diego Chargers you have risen from the ashes ... now prove you deserve to be in playoffs, you got home field against the Colts ... after the way this season has gone for the Chargers, as a fan, I would be satisfied if the season ended tonight, but mainly because of the late season rally and essentially having the playoffs start tonight against the Broncos and winning the AFC West almost seems as redemption itself... but no, for some reason, being a lifelong Charger fan that I am I feel greedy. Yes, winning the AFC West does feel gratifying this season - the way the season has gone for the Chargers - but I am willing to bet that most "pundits" have the Colts already beating the Chargers ... and that is why the Chargers not only need to beat the Colts next week but also go to the Super Bowl ... earn some respect, something no one associated with the NFL is giving you these days...

GO CHARGERS!

Winter Is Here, Christmas Almost - Time For Vacation

To say that I have tapered off towards the end of 2008 in my blogging is an understatement and now it will likely all but stop until next year with maybe an exception here or there...or maybe not...

But with the Chargers likely to be one of 2008's biggest disappointments - as many have already labeled them and are just waiting for the inevitable playoff elimination to officially crown the Chargers as 2008's biggest disappointment - I really haven't had much to blog about and that is primarily because I have remained fairly busy for the past few months.  I started 'moonlighting' to make some extra cash and it has really helped my financial situation, but then again, when does earning more money hurt a person?  Unfortunately I have to work more to earn more and as soon as I can earn money without working, I will be signed up for that!

But last week I was surveying my time off I needed to use by the end of the year and then when I am needed to work and I realized that I needed to start taking days off RIGHT NOW!  So I did and will continue to do so!  I am essentially working just 4 days from today until next year so I will likely not be posting as much until I return... my children make sure to keep my computer use to a minimal when they are around.  I really don't have any big holiday plans but I almost enjoy doing nothing over then packing up and staying somewhere for an extended stay...usually by the end of a lengthy stay with someone else, I know I am anxious just to return home and settle in again...  but who knows...with having a bunch of time off and nothing to do, something might come up or maybe just on a whim I could be going somewhere and/or doing something because what else do I got going on?

Chargers Rally To Improbable Win Over Chiefs

The San Diego Chargers were being soundly beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday, down 21-3 in the 3rd quarter with most of the few remaining fans heading out of Arrowhead because the Chiefs appeared to have this game all but won.

The Charger offense was totally stagnant against the Chiefs' 30th ranked defense.  In fact, if you watched the Charger offense you would have thought they were playing an all-pro caliber type defense.  The Chiefs are on pace to set a record for the fewest sacks by a team in a single season...I think they had 3 against the Chargers on Sunday...

But, the Chargers somehow found a way to eek out a win... The Chargers score with 1:13 left in the game to close within 5 points, 16-21... they try the 2-point conversion and fail ... now that makes it even more difficult because it takes away the field goal to send the game to overtime, if you should be lucky enough to recover an onside kick... well, luck would be on the Chargers side because the Chiefs fumble the onside kick, the Chargers recover the ball and are in business...having 1:11 on the clock and all three of their timeouts...

The Chiefs defense decided to take the rest of the game off because the very first play after the onside recovery was a 42 yard pass play and 2 plays later Rivers hits Vincent Jackson for the game winning touchdown.

The Chargers had no business winning that game...the Chiefs had slowly and methodically beaten the Chargers for 55 minutes ... but fortunate for the Chargers a game is 60 minutes and the Chiefs just didn't close the deal.

The Broncos lost to the Panthers and so the Chargers are still 'mathmatically' still in the playoff hunt via the AFC West championship but the Chargers play Tampa Bay, in Tampa and I find it highly unlikely that they will beat the Bucs... and the Broncos will host Buffalo and if they win, which I think they should do, but if either the Chargers lose or the Broncos win the Bronc's will win the AFC West Championship ... and good for them...their prize will be an ass-kicking given to them by one of the wild card teams (as it would be the same for the Chargers) in the first round of the playoffs....

 

Oprah Fat Again And Going To Stay That Way

Oprah Winfrey released an upcoming article in her magazine that says she has gotten fat and intends to stay that way.  Now I really don't even bother to waste my time with anything Oprah Winfrey does because she is just a glorified salesperson that has developed an empassioned group of women consumers.  But it is the empassioned group of women consumers I more openly mock...you see, these women IDOLIZE Oprah and she can do no wrong.  Her weight loss a few years ago was so inspirational and the women that idolize Oprah propped her up to near god status... now Oprah admits that her last significant weight loss was accomplished through starving herself and not through proper diet or exercise.  And now, she is openly abandoning any effort to try and stay thin again...I am sure this will be very inspirational to all the overweight women you inspired to exercise and diet...if Oprah can quit so can I ...

Seau Unretires...Again

I've must have missed a few memos...

First I didn't know that Junior Seau retired...again... at the end of last season, but it's not really a big deal because he just unretired...again... and re-signed with the Patriots.  I knew he broke his arm last season and I figured he would return this season with the Pats...after they didn't sign him, I figured it was the typical trick of just waiting until they need him and then they would re-sign him...which is what they did... 

I don't understand why Junior feels the need to say he is retired at the end of each season only to play agian... it is almost as bad as Favre's wishy-washiness....

I still respect Seau's years with the Chargers but to "retire" yearly only to play again is just a desperate gasp to gain some attention... When Seau does actually retire, I doubt anyone will even notice anymore because they have already previously attended a Junior Seau retirement announcement at some time in the past....

Winter Has Arrived

The weather forecast for my region is one that will plunge us ful throttle into winter.  Up to now we the region has slowly been cooling off but there has been no drastic drop in the temperature, just a slow easing of it and for the most par the temperature has been 'seasonal' ... low's in the 10's high's in the 20's ... still brisk.  Add that there has been very little snow and it hasn't been windy, the beginning of winter hasn't bee too rough at all...

The forecast has that all changing... in fact, today is likely the last day the area is above 20 degrees for who knows how long and that will give everyone the 'wake-up' call that winter is really here.

November and December are the months that really make a winter season really bad or not... there have been times when the temperatures and weather plunged full force into winter mode at Halloween and never let up until March, making it a long and hard winter... other years I have seen it be mild and pleasant to Christmas time... a few years ago we didn't have any snow until a few days before Christmas... I do not think I have ever witnessed a 'Brown Christmas'.  So any day(s) we can get through November and December that are mild, not so cold or windy are good winter days.

Once January hits the temperatures can remain below zero for weeks and not let up until March.  I don't recall a Super Bowl Sunday that hasn't been freezing cold here...the upside to this is after living almost 2 full months in temperatures that single-digit or lower, as soon as the sun comes out and it gets to 20 degrees, the temperature it is about right now, it means we get rid of the winter jackets and break out the spring appareal... right now, I am already cold and am not looking forward to the winter blast that I know will be showing up soon...

 

Chargers Destroy Raiders - Media Mocked

The San Diego Chargers completely and utterly destroyed the Oakland Raiders last night winning 34-7.  As I listened to the game last night and sports talk this morning it was very clear that both these teams are not respected at all.  Granted, Collingsworth ragged on the Raiders considerably more but had plenty of shots at the Chargers as well.  The national media couldn't find enough deragotory terms to describe the two teams playing last night as well as the game itself.  It was as if everyone in the sports world was apologizing for this NFL game offering.

And I guess that about sums it up...

I haven't cruised through any of the Charger forums yet but I would guess there are a few super-homers that are still reserving hope that the Chargers are going to somehow pull this season out of their ass and last night was proof as to how 'awesome' the Charger team still is.

Well, I hate to break the news to these guys, but the Chargers only beat what many consider to be one of the worst teams in the NFL... all the Chargers have done is prove that they are not totally shitty... yet.

Chargers go Kansas City next week, a team they barely beat after the bye week only because the Chiefs couldn't convert a 2 point conversion for the win and ending up losing by 1.  The Chiefs host the Broncos this week so KC is a critical part in determining the AFC West Champion...

But I really don't see the Chargers beating Tampa Bay in 2 weeks and that would be the death-blow and it really doesn't even matter... the Chargers have put themselves in a position where they no longer control their own destiny ... instead, they are praying for the Broncos to lose 2 games before they meet up for the final week of the season.  The Broncs are at KC, at Carolina and the Bills before they finish up in San Diego.  The only game that I think is a 'sure' loss (as sure as it can be in the NFL) is the Carolina game.

But it was good to see that the Chargers did come to play last night and haven't fully mailed in this season...yet.

Chargers - Raiders In 3D

Tonight's Chargers-Raiders game the NFL will be testing a 3D broadcast version of the game for team owners, the media, vips, etc...

They really should send that signal to the national audience because there really isn't a reason to watch tonight's game and at least seeing crappy football in 3d might bring some entertainment value to the game...

BTW, the line for tonight's game is still Chargers favored by 9.5 points... are you kidding me?  Of course I don't think I've won a NFL bet this year against the line but I would think taking the Raiders and the 9.5 points is a sure bet....Even if the Chargers win they may not score 10 points total....

Morning Driving

I am not a 'morning' person, never have been one and likely will never be one either.  I am not fresh and perky in the morning, I am usually tired and slow.  It takes me a good hour or two before I hit my stride for the day....but that is really just my personal traits and is just a little background information.  My true topic is that of morning driving and probably more specifically, crazy morning drivers.

You see, I guess I am lucky, I have a job where I really am never in a rush to get to work...sure, I am to be at work by 8:00 AM most days and I do try to get there by 8:00 AM each and every day but I am not reprimanded or punished if I am not here at exactly 8:00 AM.  So I drive to work in a non-rushed manner.  Now mind you, I am not a pokey or slow driver either... I usually go at least 5-10 MPH over the limit in town - at least whatever traffic is doing.  But each and every morning there is at least 1-5 cars that I will encounter on my way to work that you can see are breaking any and every law they can to get to whereever they need to be as fast as possible.  As I see these people my first thought is "Man am I glad I am never in such a hurry that I have to drive like that!"  The speeding tickets, potential for accident and bodily injury are written all over these crazy morning drivers.  What makes it even worse is once it snows around here and the roads become icy and snow covered.  That is of little concern to crazy morning drivers and because other drivers are usually more cautious when conditions are worse traffic, as a whole, slows down ... so now the crazy morning driver needs to double their insanity in their driving to get to wherever they need to go to even faster.

And I will say that my view might be a little skewed because I reside and drive right by a large University and there is no question that the majority of these crazy drivers are young adults/college aged people.  This only makes things worse because college kids think they are smarter than everyone else because they are in college, so you extrapolate that and they are obviously now the greatest drivers in the world but in both instances the exact opposite is more close to the truth.

And really I don't have a problem with any and all crazy morning drivers that need to get all the way across town in 2 minutes.  I just want to drive undisturbed and peacefully to my destination and if you leave me be that is exactly what happens.  But no, the crazy morning driver has to first drive right on to your bumper and almost meld with your vehicle.  You see, that no matter how fast you are driving it will not be fast enough for the crazy morning driver.  They will literally be within inches of your bumper in an effort to persuade you to speed up.  Of course my favorite tactic is to slow down as much as possible...you can then watch a person in the rear view mirror begin to unleash a tirade of profanity and become increasingly animated is the usual result...as I smirk to myself.  And I do nothing to provoke or try and incite crazy morning drivers , but I do get frustrated that because they are in a hurry it then justifies their driving habits ... and is there anything more sweet then seeing a crazy morning driver on their cell phone weave in and out of traffic and fly by you just to see them wreck a few blocks ahead of you... I always like to give those folks a honk and a wave for a job well done... I hope the rush you were in was worth it!

Back At It

Well it has been a busy past few months, as they always are from August - December and things are just beginning to settle down a bit for me so I hope to get back to some regular posting.  I have been asked by some why my blogging has been so light lately and it is simply I have been busy with work.  And let's be honest here... I don't think there is anyone that is really 'Jonesing' for some of my observations but I'll get back at it here for everyone that might have begun to feel some form of withdrawal symptoms...

Chargers Lose, Season Over

Not that it was a shock to anyone that has watched the Chargers at all this season, but the Chargers were beaten easily at home by the Atlanta Falcons yesterday essentially squashing any playoff hopes for the Chargers.

The Chargers had 3 turnovers yesterday and it still wasn't enough for a win.  One of the turnovers was when Eric Weddle recovered a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown, but after looking at the play, I thought it would have been overturned and rule an incomplete pass, but it wasn't.  This was a rare site to see from the Charger defense, but really didn't mean the defense was any better than it has been all season.  The Falcons had little problems with the Chargers and controlled most of the game on both sides of the ball.  The Charger offense was ineffective, only able to score 1 touchdown on a short field after a Falcon muffed punt.  If the Falcons would have taken care of the ball better this game would have been a lop-sided affair...in fact, the Falcons were actually stopped on the goal line in the first half and if they would have scored there, the game would have been out of hand quickly.

Even the 'faithful' homers of the Chargers have been meek and quiet after this loss.  They were still reserving hope that the Chargers would be able to rally in December to challenge for the AFC West crown.  They are now resigned to the fact that the Chargers won't be going anywhere but golfing after December.

The Chargers have a short week and play the Raiders on Thursday night.  It might be a contest to see which AFC West team is more incompetent and right now I think it might be a coin toss.  It will likely be a close game, quite possibly a low scoring affair...Charger offense is now awful as is the Raider offense.  The Raider defense is probably better and that might be the edge that tilts the game in their favor... either way, it will be a lack-luster game that I am sure only few will even bother to watch.

I would hope that Norv Turner is fired after this season but AJ Smith, GM for the Chargers, came out last week to state that Norv was here to stay...if that is the case then maybe AJ Smith needs to go along with Norv.

Chargers Continue To Disappoint, Lose To Colts

I am no longer surprised at how bad this Charger team is...especially the defense.  So this past weekend's loss to the Colts that came with no time left on the clock just seemed like most every other loss for the Chargers.

The 2008 Charger team has lost any desire and determination to play...and that is probably because of the coaching.  The Charger, going into Sunday night's game, were given a second chance at the playoffs when the Radiers beat the Broncos.  Now a Charger victory would put the Chargers only 1 game behind the Broncos and within sight of the AFC lead.  Instead, the Chargers kick a game-tying field goal with well over a minute left on the clock,  The Colts then have little problems moving the ball to within field goal range and end the game as time expires.  The Chargers had a 4th and 2 when they kicked the tying field goal and many fans, knowing the Charger defense, felt that the Chargers should have gone for it because even tying the game with that much time left surely would end in a loss for the Chargers as it has all season...heck, the Steelers held the ball for 9 minutes and ground the clock out against the Chargers in the 4th quarter as they effortlessly moved the ball for the game winning score...

The cold reality of this season being a complete failure has begun to creep into the mindset of even the most faithful Charger fans...yet they continue to view the 2008 Chargers as if they were the Charger team from the past 2 seasons which, on paper they are, but on the field they are not even close to resembling the play this team has shown the past 2 years.

Rivers did look better this past week, Tomlinson had a decent game but dropped an easy pass late in the game and overall doesn't look like the LT most had seen prior to this season... he slips or trips for a loss/no gain almost every other play, there are no long touchdown runs (anymore) and he now drops what appear to be very catchable balls.

But again we turn to the defense...words can not describe how bad this defense is... they had some pressure on Manning but never enough to effect the Colts offensive output.  Jammer had a very nice interception in the first half which was the first Charger takeaway in 5 games but is going to be a very rare defensive highlight for this team, this year.

It is very possible now that the Raiders could very well pass the Chargers in the AFC West standings before the year is out ... and heck, if the Chiefs win a couple more games, they too could be in the hunt... The Chargers play the Atlanta Falcons this week and I don't see any way the Chargers are going to beat this team.  The Falcons are a young team that I am sure is not intimidated by the lowly Chargers in any manner.  Matt Ryan should have a career day and Roddy White will also have a very big day in his young career.  Micheal Turner will show the Chargers what they let go and LT will likely be ineffective which will only add gas to the fire.  I didn't like Norv getting hired and hopefully this is the beginning of the end of his coaching tenure in San Diego.

Chargers Lose To Steelers

The San Diego Chargers have all but wrapped up their 2008 season after losing to Pittsburgh 11-10 with the same 'theme' that this Charger team has exhibited for most of the season...the Charger defense can't stop anyone and especially when it matters most.  The Chargers scored only 1 touchdown and didn't allow Pittsburgh to score any and defensively, for most of the game, the defense played well.  But the Steelers got the ball in the 4th quarter with just over 6 minutes on the clock.  They methodically moved down the field and only faced 2 third downs, the latter 3rd down is when they lined up for the game winning field goal with 11 seconds left.  The Steelers even had a 1st and 20 (after a penalty) but the Steelers could easily gain 5-7 yards per play on the final drive as the Charger defense provided no resistance to the Steelers at all.

Phillp Rivers who had started out the 2008 season red hot has now looked like complete crap the past 3 games.  Against the Steelers he had 2 interceptions, one wasn't his fault as Vincent Jackson continues to not hold onto the ball and the Steelers make an incredible interception after his bobble.  But the second interception was such a poorly thrown pass and right to the Steeler defender there was no one but Rivers to blame.  Rivers also had a fumble in the endzone that accounted for a Steeler safety...not totally his fault, but still, not a timely event for the Chargers.

Nate Kaeding, the Charger field goal kicker, has proven to be a colossal choker.  He can make a field goal anytime it doesn't matter and if the conditions are perfect.  Kaeding missed a 42 yard field goal in the 3rd quarter that would have matched the Steelers field goal they scored on the previous possession.  But Kaeding has proven time and time again that he can not be counted on for a game winning, game breaking or big game kick.  When he missed the field goal against the NY Jets in the playoffs, was it, 5 years ago(?) I had hoped that would be a character builder...instead it has been a defining moment for him.  Yes, he is a solid kicker...but only when it doesn't matter.

There are still plenty of Charger hope amongst some of their fans...but my mid-season prediction is 2-0 so far and I don't see how the Chargers can even compete against the Colts this Sunday night.  Peyton Manning could very well break some NFL records against this horrible defense...

Chargers Win Disgustingly

This past week was to be the week the Chargers make everyone forget the first half of the 2008 NFL season and revert back to the Chargers we saw from the previous 2 seasons...a defensively sound, high powered offensive team.  The high powered offense is still present in the '08 Chargers but the defense had sunk to one of the worst in the NFL.  But the firing of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrill and promotion of Ron Rivera after the London trip and with 2 weeks to prepare for the Chiefs seemed like it could theoritically be that easy of a fix...well it wasn't.

In a game in which the Charger offense seemed to struggle against a Chiefs team that carted an injured defender off the field after each play.  And the Charger defense showed little improvement... Tyler Thigpen and Tony Gonzalez shredded the Charger defense and the Chiefs rarely even tried to run the ball, knowing that passing is ticket to beating the Chargers.

The Chiefs scored a touchdown with :23 left to go after converting several 3rd downs and a 4th and 8 on the drive, but instead of settling for a tie with an extra point Herm Edwards, the desperate coach of the Chiefs, knew that this might be the best opportunity to get a win for his team...1 play against one of the league's worst defenses to gain 3 yards.  Of course the target was Gonzalez but the Chargers had a swarm of defenders around him and prevented the Chiefs from winning.

Hey a win is a win, as the saying goes, but this win is a bittersweet one.  It might be the continuing tale of the Chargers pathetic defense which will prevent the Chargers from likely even making the playoffs.  It's on the road to Pittsburgh in a game that will likely be a Steeler romp over the Chargers.  Hopefully improvement on the defense will be seen... I don't believe Thigpen was sacked at all and that would mean over 2 games with no Charger sacks.  Roethlisberger won't have to worry about getting injured and should have a good "practice" against the Chargers this Sunday...

Chargers Start 2nd Half Of Season 3-5

So the Chargers start the second half of the season 3-5, fresh off another loss in London.  With the exception of the New England game, any game the Chargers have been involved in has gone down to the wire...which shouldn't be the case with a team that was considered to be among the NFL's best. 

New for the second half of the season is Ron Rivera taking over the controls of the Charger defense that so far this year has done nothing to stop opponents from moving the ball and scoring at will.  Most observers of the Chargers, me included, have noticed that there is absolutely no pass rush and no pressure on the passer at all.  It seemed as if the Chargers rarely blitzed and mostly dropped into a zone coverage that, with no pressure on the quarterback, allowed for routine gains for their opponents.  Some are saying that the loss of Merriman was that impactful to this team's defensive pressure, and if that is the case then it really exposed how 'thin' this defense is.  That without one player this defense goes from a top-tier defense to the league's worst would clearly expose that their are more issues then anyone could have guessed.

But that is not my thought.  I don't think a player like Antonio Cromartie, who led the league in interceptions and looked like a pure stud last year, now look like complete crap this year.  Shaun Phillips who was a prominent pass rusher is now rarely even seen near the quarterback.  The young defensive backs Weddle and Cason are oftentimes seen missing tackles or chasing receivers.  Are these things that Ron Rivera can rectify and turn this defense around?  His first test is this weekend against Kansas City, a team that the Chargers should beat at home...but didn't last year.

The Chargers don't have much room to give if they want to win the AFC West, which will likely be the only path into the playoffs this year for the Chargers.  The Browns couldn't help the Chargers out even though they were up 23-10 in the third and get outscored 24-7 in the last 25 minutes of the game to lose to the Broncos.

A loss to the Chiefs this weekend will show that there is more wrong with this team than the defense.  It will show that this team has lost it's heart and has given up on this season.  We'll see how the Chargers approach the second half of this season with this game.  If the Chargers come out and win convincingly it will regain the confidence of the fans of this team and likely energize the players.  Next week it is a trip to Pittsburgh so it won't get any easier...

Election Day 2008 - Unexcited

I don't recall an election day where I have been more uninterested in the election this year...which was likely the same feeling 4 years ago.  What was different this year was that Ron Paul, a candidate that I would have voted for, actually seemed like he had a legitimate chance to win...but of course the major media squelched Ron Paul and the only choices Americans get is what version of more of the same do you want?

But I still get up and go to the polls and cast my vote like I do every election day but it just doesn't seem very worthwhile when I know that my vote will literally not count for jack shit...but that's the American way.

I'm not sure if I had noticed it before after Bush won the last 2 elections, but I most certainly have noticed it after this past election and that is the 'snobbishness' of know Democrats.  I had just briefly flipped to MSNBC the day after the election to see how the anti-Fox news channel was reacting to the Obama victory and to say that they were elated was an understatement.  Keith Oberman was literally yelling taunts at conservative show hosts and writers ... at one time I had respect for Oberman but after seeing that pathetic display and clearly displaying his open bias and disdain towards those that he doesn't agree with removed any respect I had for him.  For a political party that tries to portray itself as the party for the lower-class and use class-envy as part of their party's attack process, come off as seeing themselves as 'superior' to others right now.

Having not voted for Obama (or McCain) I will hold them accountable to what the media essentially promoted what will happen if Obama would be elected...that being the war in Iraq and Afghanistan should be over by the end of 2009, 95% of all American tax payers will get their taxes cut and fuel and energy costs will be reduced.  

If McCain was elected, I would be expecting nothing to change because that was essentially how they were sold to us... McCain was a vote for more of the same, whereas Obama was a vote for change (such as the ones described above) and since that is how he was sold, I expect him to deliver ... but of course I know he won't and is just a typical lying politician... how long will it take until Obama has to admit that 95% of Americans won't be getting their taxes cut and more likely have them increased...

Chargers Fire Cottrell, Rivera Promoted

The San Diego Chargers have fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. Cottrell secured his demise when the Charger defense had not moved from the bottom of the NFL's pass defense this season and Drew Brees had a field day in London against the Charger defense. Fill Cottrell's spot will be former Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator Ron Rivera who was the Chargers linebacker coach.

I have been very vocal in my dislike for Ted Cottrell since he was hired and can only think that this move will hopefully improve the Charger defense that, so far this year, has given other teams little resistence on the field and a big reason the Chargers sit at 3-5 right now.

Obviuosly I would like to think that this move will improve the Chargers and my recent season ending prediction of 6-10 may have to be revised after this move...

Chargers: No Defense, No Comeback - The Trend Continues

The Chargers continue the trend that has been the theme for the 2008 season with their game against New Orleans in London.

The Charger defense is ranked as one of the worst in the NFL and displayed why this past weekend.  Drew Brees was able to move the Saints whenever they needed to march down the field to keep the game out of reach for the Chargers for the entire game.  Then the Chargers had a final possession and if they were able to score a touchdown would have emerged victorious...instead, for the second week in a row, Phillip Rivers - who has played very well so far this season - threw an interception on the final drive and the game was over.

The Charger defense has had absolutely no pressure on opponents' quarterbacks...they can easily drop back and have plenty of time to survey the field and pick apart a Charger secondary that is routinely in poor position.  This Charger team defense reminds me of the Charger defense of the late 90's when they set an NFL record for consecutive games without allowing a 100 yard rusher...but their record was (approximately) 6-74 over that 5 year span because the reason no team rushed for 100 yards on the Chargers is because they didn't need too....they could easily pass for 500 yards on the Bolts and that is becoming the theme of this defense for the 2008-09 campaign.

Many of the Charger faithful are just pointing to the weak AFC West and that the Chargers are still in the running to win the AFC West and get a playoff berth and then, with a team as 'talented' as the Chargers, would have the opportunity to redeem themselves for a shoddy regular season....and boy would I love to be drinking that Kool-Aid...but that is not what I see.  Many think that 9-7 could win the AFC West...well, here's my 'breakdown' for the rest of the schedule for the Chargers after this week's bye week:

W -Kansas City - They should win this game against a bad Chiefs game and fresh off their bye.

L - at Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh's defense will demonstrate how important a respectable defense is.

L - Indianapolis - Actually this could be a coin-flip because the Chargers have had success against the Colts the past few years...but I really don't see how Peyton Manning wouldn't be able to shred this defense.

L - Atlanta - Micheal Turner returns to San Diego...he likely won't need to factor in but Roddy White and Matt Ryan will torch the inept secondary of the Chargers.

W - Oakland - Chargers win against a team that barely qualifies as an NFL team these days.

L - at Kansas City - Chargers can't win on the road regardless of how bad a team is.  Chiefs prove this.

L - at Tampa Bay - Tampa has a solid defense and a possession control offense.  They should methodically beat the Chargers the entire game.

W - Denver - The Chargers pride up for their season finale against Denver.  After getting screwed by Ed Hochuli in their first match up the Chargers, likely playing for nothing but pride end the season on a positive by beating the Broncos, who likely will be AFC West champs and looking ahead to the playoffs.

So I have the Chargers at 6-10 for the season and obviously out of the playoffs.  My 'picking' skills are pretty shitty and I hope that I am wrong... It certainly would at least turn into an entertaining season if the Chargers could enter the playoff picture...

Favre Continues To Be A Loser

Could Brett Favre be a bigger loser then he has already shown to the world? Well, the answer of course is YES!

Word is that he may have talked with Matt Millen of the Detroit Lions to give him some specific nuances regarding the Green Bay offense. Of course Favre is denying any wrongdoing. But this just continues a trend of Favre being a totally classless loser.

And let me say this...

I am fairly sure that this stuff happens all the time where an ex-player has a friend with another organization and they of course go out to dinner or whatever and talk about things. The difference with Favre, again as we have seen in the past, is that his 'private' conversations are eventually found out by the media. First it was his cell phone conversations with the Packers president being made public, then his cell phone conversations with Vikings during his trade drama get made public and now his conversations with Matt Millen are made public... is it just me or does anyone see a trend? I don't think there is any other NFL player that has more "private" phone conversations reaching the media than Brett Favre...continuing to add to my theory that Brett Favre is just an attention seeking media whore and he doesn't care if the media is talking good or bad about him, he just continues to want them to only talk about him at all times...

This guy is a total fucking loser and there is nothing he has done or will do to change that fact.

No Power In Buffalo

There was no electricity for much of the game in Buffalo at the stadium or for the Chargers.

The Charger defense, again, with a chance to step up and help the team overcome a late defecit is unable to stop the Bills and 2 late turnovers by Phillip Rivers seal the fate of the Chargers.

The Chargers continue an unimpressive season and clearly resemble a team that was highly over-rated coming into the season.  

LaDainian Tomlinson continues to be totally ineffective and I am sure many sports media types are beginning to prepare to attach their 'past his prime' label to Tomlinson...and possibly rightly so.  Sure, the offensive line has been far less then stellar so far this season but LT started out his career under a similar scenario, where his offensive line was absolutely horrible yet he was able to 'Barry Sanders it' and make something out of nothing and, of course, break off a big run on occassion.  This season there are no big runs, no big plays for LT.  Instead he is met at the line of scrimmage, usually, by multiple defenders...so is it LT, the o-line or the playcalling?  Probably a little of each but as this season has started, Tomlinson has been a totaly non-factor in any of the Charger games.

But Tomlinson is not the biggest concern on the Chargers team, no, it is the Charger defense that once again is put under pressure to make a stop late in the game and like it has been seen so far this season, the Charger defense was unable to stop the Bills as they preceded to drive down the field and essentially put the game out of reach.  Yes, Rivers threw an interception at the goal line that would have given the Chargers a 21-20 lead with about 6 minutes to go, instead it is 23-14 Bills with about 3 minutes to play...essentially ending the game.  A Phillip Rivers fumble on the following possession sealed the fate of Chargers and have officially been exposed as over-rated.

The Chargers travel to London to play the Saints who will be without Reggie Bush and who knows what Charger team we will see this Sunday, but the New Orleans offense will likely have a big game against a Charger defense that is incapable of shutting down any sort of offense consistently.

On a side note, the Broncos got totally beat down by the Patriots last night and have clearly shown that the AFC West is a laughingstock and there is no team worthy in the entire division.  The winner of the AFC West would be primed for an early playoff exit because they likely will be playing a competent wild card team that will be hungry to succeed whereas the AFC West teams all look like low rent NFL teams with inconsistent play and poor defense.

Chargers Rout Pats: Play To Level Of Competition

One week the Chargers look absolutely horrible and lose to a team that went 1-15 last year and ran a high school offense. This past week rout the defending AFC Champions.

It is becoming clear that no one really knows what Charger team will show up on any Sunday...but that might be the latest trend in the NFL...

The Redskins lose to a previously winless St. Louis team, the Browns beat the defending Super Bowl champs and Arizona beats the Cowboys all this past weekend, truly a picture of parity.

The NFL has clearly shown that no team can truly be 'counted out' on any given Sunday and that is why just making the playoffs is a huge first step to making a run at the Super Bowl.  Like last year, the Chargers are starting the year very inconsistent, sloppy and generally unimpressive.  Last year the Chargers were able to straighten things out and make a run for the title, but not until sacrificing home field advantage and a first round bye...both of which are no longer an absolute to guarantee victory, just pleasantries.

The question for the 2008 Chargers is whether or not they can continue a level of good, consistent play to beat quality opponents.  The Chargers continue to struggle run blocking...Tomlinson is likely having one of his worst years as a pro so far, oftentimes being met at the line of scrimmage by multiple defenders.  Other teams have forced Rivers to beat them and so far Rivers has done well, it will be interesting to see if other teams begin to respect the passing game of the Chargers and that might in turn help the running game.

The Chargers are on the road to face a rested Bills team and then they are off to London for the following week's game against New Orleans... a tough 2 game road trip that may reveal the fortitude of this team.

Cubs Lose, Cubs Lose

I don't make to many posts regarding baseball because I think baseball is very poorly run...essentially allowing any team to spend as much money as they want to buy a championship or, at the very least, pay to be competitive...

But I do get sucked into watching the playoffs and I have several friends that are 'diehard' Cubs fans...and when I say diehard I mean the non-bandwagon Cubs fans...I've known they have been Cubs fans for more than a decade which really had me surprised this year...

Why are they so surprised they have been eliminated from the playoffs? Is it because nothing bizarre or odd happened to continue to perpetuate the 'curse' hypothesis? Or was it because they had the World Series won before they even played in it? I think it is a little of both...

First, the Cubs got beaten, fair and square...no goats, no Bartman, no controversies at all...the longtime Cubs fan has to feel almost cheated that they can not sit and stew over how the Cubs got fucked over this year because of some wierd happening...what good is a curse if it isn't going to work all the time?

And then you have several of the Cubs fans...especially some of the younger/newer ones...or bandwagon as I typically refer to them, but there were also longtime, hardcore Cubs fans too...that essentially had the Cubs winning it all this year. They steamrolled through the regular season and had several games where the Cubs rallied in late innings to win games that seemed they were certainly destined to lose. And then since many media outlets had the Cubs performing well this year and continued to trumpet that all season had plenty of folks buying into what they were selling and then to have it end so quickly, so abrubtly and so definitively had to be like driving into a brick wall.

In talking with my Cubs friends prior to the postseason I had told them that I think the Dodgers could win it all. They seem to have gotten into the playoffs 'under the radar' and not many have given them a chance...the perfect recipe to go deep in the playoffs. Their team has gotten stronger just in time, the playoffs. Furcal returned after missing almost all of the regular season and on the flip side, Andrus Jones was injured and not playing in the playoffs - both are likely positives for the team since Furcal has already shown his effectiveness whereas Jones has been nothing but a colossal bust since signing with the Dodgers last year and it might be a blessing to have him not play - oftentimes when you are shelling out huge dollars for a player you feel obligated to play them because of that...regardless of the quality of his play.

Before the playoffs started I was hoping that Milwaukee and Tampa Bay were the teams to make it to the World Series - the ratings for that series would be about 6 people but probably entertaining...

So now the networks have got to be cheering for Boston and really LA or Philly are good markets for them...but if Tampa doesn't make the World Series then it will be all major market teams....yawn...

Dolphins Beat Chargers: Awful Defense

Is it 2007 again?  Just like last year, the San Diego Chargers start the 2008 NFL season with a losing record and look absolutely horrible.  Last year the Chargers lost to a Chiefs team that managed only 3 wins all year.

The jury may still be out on the Dolphins and most agree that they are improved from last year, but if the Chargers are going to resemble a team that deserves respect and be considered an upper-echelon team, they should not be losing to the Dolphins.

Ronnie Brown, single-handedly, beat the Chargers.  The Dolphins ran an offense that some high school teams employ, the 'Wildcat' and Ted Cottrell - defensive dunderhead for the Chargers - couldn't come up with any answers.  On one score, Ricky Williams went into motion and Brown, obviously aware that the play wasn't going as planned, merely smiled, waved for the snap and then ran in virtually untouched into the enzone.

The Charger offensive line has done nothing so far this year...with moderate pass protection and absolutely no run blocking.  The Charger defensive line was totally man-handled by the Dolphins this past week.  The Chargers can't stop the run or the pass.  Chad Pennington looked fairly respectable against a Charger defense that looked clueless throughout the game... The Chargers couldn't score a single point in the fourth quarter and were behind the entire game...a theme the Chargers have had for this season so far.

The AFC West is weak...that might be the bright spot for the Chargers...but to expect them to do anything in the playoffs with the way they are playing right now is an extreme stretch...

New England is up next for the Chargers and Matt Cassell could likely have a career day against the Chargers...another reocurring theme for the Charger defense is that any respectable athlete can single-handedly beat the Chargers... Adrian Peterson did it last year, Ronnie Brown did it this year.  If I was the Pats, I would use Laurance Marooney exclusively for the entire game, the Chargers will likely have no answers for that...

The Boss To Play Halftime At The Super Bowl

Excellent news came out this morning... I will continue to not have to pay attention to the halftime act at the Super Bowl because this year it is Bruce Springsteen who will be providing the entertainment.  I doubt I will ever have the urge to watch a Super Bowl halftime... I think the first and last halftime act I watched was in 1980, when I was 10, and of course the halftime act was 'hyped' up...and then I watched it and realized that there was no need to watch any halftime acts of the Super Bowl....ever again and I haven't.  This year will be no exception...I think the Boss might actually be the weakest act of recent... Sure Janet Jackson was weak too and Springsteen is probably right there.  Not sure how he is going to fill a half hour with hits, but I suspect a slow ballad/tribute song in the mix to consume some time...

Chargers Rally To Beat Raiders

The Chargers started the fourth quarter down 15-3 to the Raiders, score 25 points and win the game 28-18 which is the positive note for the Chargers in a game that they looked sloppy offensively and extremely loose on defense.

The Charger defense allowed the Raiders to move the ball at will during the first half...a continuing trend for the Chargers.  Cromartie had another game in which he didn't seem to play well with a couple of penalties and a couple of poor defensive plays.  The Charger offensive line was absolutely horrible, the Raiders had consistent pressure on Phillip Rivers and although the stat line for Tomlinson looks pretty good (106 yards, 2 td's) the Raider defense had stopped Tomlinson (and his backup Sproles) for most of the game until a 41 yard late in the game essentially iced the game.  Tomlinson also dropped an easy pass that would likely have had him scoring again as he was wide open inside the red zone.  Tomlinson and Rivers also had a miscue in the first half where they were unable to make a handoff exchange in their own endzone which gave the Raiders a safety.  And just as kicker Nate Kaeding was beginning to be noticed for his accuracy as a kicker he misses 2 field goal attempts.

So how did the Chargers win this game?  Two Raider turnovers in the second half, with the second being a fumble recovering for the Chargers inside Raider territory.  The defense was able to get pressure on Jemarcus Russell in the fourth quarter and the defensive coverage seemed good...something that was lacking for most of the game.

Of course the Charger fan will take the win but at the same time realize that Ted Cottrell continues to be fairly predictable in the beginning of games and as a result, the Chargers have had to come from behind in almost every game this season...and at the very least, with the exception of the Jets game, the Chargers have not been able to dominate anyone on both sides of the ball.

The Chargers are on the road again next week, traveling to Miami to face the Dolphins.  The Dolphins will be fresh off their bye week after an unbelievable win over the Patriots.  So the Chargers best be prepared because the Dolphins are not a guaranteed win for anyone...

Injured Chargers Return

The Charger team is looking like it may be getting up to full speed... yesterday every member on the Charger roster practiced.  Hopefully this is a sign that Tomlinson and Gates will both be able to perform at a high level and with the starting offensive line finally getting a chance to play together, I am hoping the Chargers look good against Oakland this Sunday.

Chargers Destroy Favre's Jets, Raiders Next

This past Monday Night the San Diego Chargers were able to 'right the ship' and literally destroy the New York Jets.  Brett Favre was throwing interceptions, Cromartie was picking Favre off and running back for touchdowns, there was a pass rush, Phillip Rivers looks like the real deal and with Cris Chambers the Charger offense is looking good.  

Antonio Gates is still nursing a sore toe and although LaDainian Tomlinson did score twice on goal line dives, both of these Charger weapons were relatively quiet...although Gates' lone reception was for a touchdown.

This week the Chargers travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders who got killed by the Broncos in week 1, killed the Chiefs in week 2 and lost in the final minutes last week in Buffalo.  Buffalo is looking like a respectable club and to play them tight in their home does say something about this Oakland team...namely that they could be tougher than one thinks.  The Chargers need to remain focused and not take the Raiders lightly or because the Raiders will most certainly be bringing their A game against the Chargers...

But, if the Chargers can get some pressure on Russell and force him into making bad decisions, the Chargers could capitalize.  I think the Charger offense should hopefully continue to click and if the defense can hold when they need to the Chargers should win this game.

Chargers Look To End Bad Luck

The first two weeks of the 2008 NFL season has been a tough one for Charger fans... in week 1 we saw Jake Delhomme drive the length of the field to score a touchdown on the very last play of the game to beat the Chargers at home.  And then last week's unbelievable outcome... Ed Hochuli giving the game to the Bronco's ... has Charger nation reeling.  

Brett Favre, who lit the Chargers up last year with the Packers, is coming to town to do some 'gunslinging' the question will if the Chargers will be ready for him.  The Charger defense has not been good and a poor defense against a guy who likes to throw bombs does not bode well for the bolts.  Cromartie admitted to how poorly he played last week, now let's see if he can straighten it up for the Jets.  Tomlinson did practice on Friday but said he was still bothered by the toe but is optimistic about playing on Monday, but with the way Darren Sproles has been playing, Tomlinson will get as many breaks as he needs.

The Chargers haven't jumped out to a lead in their first two games and have had to play from behind most of the game...it would be refreshing to see the Charges come out and get on the board quick.  I think Rivers has played really well so far this year and if there is a weak spot for the Chargers it is the defense and maybe most glaringly, the lack of a pass rush.  If the Chargers can get some pressure on Favre then things should look better for them...if not, I think Brett could have a career game against a young secondary that has shown it can be picked apart.

SNL - James Franco Videos

Here are some videos from the SNL hosted by James Franco...

McCain Approves Open:

George and Lenny:

Yankee Stadium: Scorsese & Perez:

SNL Digital Short: Hey! (Murray Hill):

O.J. Jury Selection:

TNT Promo: The Looker:

Hochuli Graded Down For Blown Call

The NFL really cracked down on Ed Hochuli and his blown call that gave Denver the win this past weekend... they are "grading him down."  That essentially translates into doing nothing and sweeping the entire issue under the rug...

This league may begin to resemble something corrupt if this is the action that is taken in how game's are decided...

SNL - Micheal Phelps Video

Here's the promo for the show...



Fake commercial for jar glove...


SNL Digital Short - Space Olympics


Charles Barkley Show - Bella Korolyi, Phelps


T-Mobile - Fav 5


Micheal Phelps Diet

Ed Hochuli Gives Broncos The Victory

Unfreakin' believable...

Ed Hochuli, known Charger hater and NFL referee made sure the Chargers were not going to beat the Denver Broncos yesterday...

In the first half, Cris Chambers makes a reception, is clearly down when Champ Bailey rips the ball from him and was rule a fumble recovered by Denver.  Trying to review the play, the replay equipment mysteriously isn't working and thus, the play stands as called... no quick whistle there...

And then in the fourth quarter Jay Cutler clearly fumbles the ball and the Chargers clearly recover the fumble...but Ed Hochuli whistles the play dead when he realized that Denver would end up losing the ball and the football game, gives the ball back to Denver and the Broncos go down and score a touchdown and because Shanahan knew that this might be his last best opportunity to beat the Chargers, goes for 2 and the Broncos win a game that was gift wrapped by Ed hochuli and his crew of officials...

Sure the Charger defense is still totally crappy but the Chargers were down 21-3 at one point in this game and should have won the game...but everything else in that game is overshadowed by the totally bunk call that gave the Broncos the victory.  I'm sure Ed had a great time in Denver and the Bronco fans I am sure are his biggest fans...

2 games into the 2008 season and the Chargers have lost 2 heartbreakers already... ugh...

The Lights Are Out For Merriman's '08 Season

Shawne Merriman decided today to have surgery and not play the 2008 season.  Merriman said he didn't feel right and felt it would be best if he would shut it down for the year and get surgery.

The rest of the Charger defense will need to step up to fill his void especially his replacement who just signed a nice 4 year deal with the Chargers, Jyles Tucker.

Chargers Lose On Last Play Of Game

Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season is in the books and the San Diego Chargers are 0 and 1.  The Chargers were behind most of the game to the Carolina Panthers and with 10:09 left to go in the game the Panthers were up 19-10 after a Panther field goal.  The Chargers rally to take the lead 24-19 and kick the ball back to the Panthers with 2:27 remaining in the game...the Panthers made it look easy as they drove down the field and with no time left on the clock connect on the game winning 14 yard touchdown pass.

Really not too suprising if a person watched the entire game... the Panthers were able to run on the Chargers all game long and the Panther offense really had little to no resistence the entire game. Delhomme had plenty of time in the pocket and the Panther offensive line easily handled the Chargers.

The Charger offense took until the 2nd half to get going, but when it did start clicking was looking good.  Tomlinson was held in check with the exception of just a couple of decent carries.  Antonio Gates, who has been rehabbing a bad toe the entire offseason came back to score a touchdown but did fumble the ball which resulted in a Panther run back for a score.

The Charger defense was clearly the weak link in this game...they offered little resistence to the Panther offense and Igor Olshanky's lone sack was the only time Delhomme was pressured the enitre game.

Obviously the season is still early and the first 4 games of the regular season are almost like 'preseason' for the Chargers because many, if not most, of the key players on the Chargers hadn't seen any playing time this season until this game.  Last year the Chargers started out slow from the gate and I think it is almost to be expected again...the problem the Chargers have is that they have the Broncos next week and being a division game is not a game you want to remain rusty or unprepared for because the late-season consequences could be tremedious. 

2008 Chargers Preview

The 2008 NFL season kicks off tomorrow so I best give my Charger preview/prediction/hope post.

And I will start out with this... I still have little to no faith in Norv Turner or Ted Cottrell even though they did take the Chargers to the AFC Championship last year...but for most Charger fans that was the least that team could have achieved without it being a disappointing season.  I say this after personally sitting in the stands and watch Adrian Peterson run all over the Chargers last year.  The Minnesota Vikings had only one offensive weapon last year and every other team in the league except San Diego and Chicago were able to stop Adrian Peterson.  It troubles me that the coaching staff could not find adjustments from taking a beating from basically one form of offense.  The same was with the Packers and the Chiefs loss when both those teams basically kept running the same post play and turned it into huge gains that resulted in their teams beating the Chargers.  But saying that, it clearly shows that Cottrell is probably more inept than Turner and I might agree to that assesment.  The Chargers, though, have so much talent on both sides of the ball they are able to overcome some of the coaching missteps and typically play fairly well.

So what's the deal with the 2008 edition of the Chargers?  Well, we'll start on the offensive side of the ball and for the most part, it is all intact from last year.  Of course the centerpiece of the Charger offense is future hall of famer, LaDainian Tomlinson who is coming off an injury from late last season.  Most of the offseason interviews I have heard with Tomlinson have him expressing how hungry he is this year to win a championship and that the critism of him unable to play in the AFC Championship game has only added fuel for the drive this season.  Phillip Rivers...who has this bizarre throwing motion and at times seems irratic...but to me, seems to have the mental fortitude to be a quarterback.  Phillip Rivers seems like a leader...that he is a guy that when something needs to get done, he will take it personally and get the team on his side.  I like the way he hits the wide open guy...easier said than done in the NFL.  Last year I don't recall how many times the Chargers had a guy that was literally WIDE OPEN and Rivers got the ball to him.  Watching other games, I find it hard to believe that other teams aren't in that same scenario more than a couple of times a game and it is a matter of whether or not the quarterback can find and hit that wide open receiver.  And speaking of receivers, Cris Chambers has already proved his worth on the Chargers and now it is time for Vincent Jackson to step up.  He did have a good playoffs last year but in the regular season he was just too streaky...he was the guy that would drop a pass when he was WIDE OPEN.

Now the defensive side... of course the big news this offseason has been the status of Shawne Merriman.  Merriman has said he is going to play this season and we'll see whether or not he can stand the test of a full season.    I almost expect Merriman to get hurt and his career essentially be over...and not that I want this to happen, just think it is what is going to happen.  I also think that is what the Chargers management thinks as well in signing his backup to a four year deal during the preseason.  But overall the Charger defense should remain a force...especially now that Antonio Cromartie will be playing a full season and starting.  Last season he wasn't starting until a few games into the season and once it was revealed that he is an outright stud he finally got the playing time he deserves.  With Quentin Jammer on the other side of the ball, the Chargers have 2 cornerbacks that I think are amongst the best in the league.  The defensive line remains solid with Castillo, Williams and Olshanksy add the linebackers of Phillips and Merriman/Tucker (his backup) it is a formidable front that should get plenty of pressure on the quarterback and big enough to shut down the run.

Now we look at the schedule... the AFC West is allegedly weak again this year, the Chargers play the NFC South with the game against the Saints in London, the AFC East and of course the other AFC division champs Indy and Pittsburgh.

So my record prediction: 

I think the Chargers should go 4-2 in their division games agains Oakland, KC and Denver.  Realistic, I think the Chargers should sweep the NFC south teams but a game in London and being NFC teams, I could see the Chargers dropping one there to go 3-1 against the NFC South.  Of course the AFC East has the Patriots but the rest of the division doesn't seem as formidable... I think the Chargers beat the Pats but then likely lose a road game to Buffalo or something like that...but end up 3-1 against the AFC East.  The Chargers have owned Indy in the past few years so I think they continue that trend especially since they finally get to play Indy in San Diego but the Pittsburgh game is in Pitt so they will likely split between those teams to go 1-1.

So calculating the numbers, I have the Chargers at 11-5 and I think that is a reasonable expectation for the this team... I think most other fans and many media folks will expect the Chargers with a better record, but I want to put out a reasonable expectation and I think that is reasonable.  Of course regardless of what the Chargers regular season record will be, this season will be gauged on the playoffs.  The Chargers are expected to make the AFC Championship again and anything less will likely be a disappointment and the window of opportunity beginning to shut on this team's current veterans a chance to win a championship.