Broncos at Chargers (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

Big, big game this week for both teams. Many of the Chargers' injured have been targeting this game for their return, yet still there will be a number of injuries the Chargers will have to deal with this week. The Broncos have their own uncertainty breaking in the rookie quarterback and a day to day Al Wilson. There's the potential bad blood resulting from the questionable play at the end of the last meeting. There's a guaranteed playoff spot for the Chargers with a win, and the Broncos are fighting for their playoff lives. There's the LaDainian record watch. Big, big game this week.

The Chargers haven't covered in a while, and I think Denver has everything to play for and nothing to lose going in as 7.5 underdogs. I think the Chargers should be favored, but not by more than a touchdown, so I'll take the points (and unfortunately the Broncos).

What I'm curious to hear is what the Bronco homers think will be their team's approach to this game. Will it be different (apart from the advent of Cutler) than it was in the previous meeting? Do you think they emphasize stopping LaDainian a bit more?

What say you all?

 

[Gr00vus]

Here's another interesting tidbit for you Charger/LaDainian fans from the trib:

"Tomlinson will be a guest on the “Tonight Show” tonight."

Tune in and turn on!

 

[MagicMan]

SD wins big

 

[Two Deep]

Cutler made my decision easy, Chargers by 17

 

[jonessed]

It depends on if Castillo is back. I would take SD if he is and Denver with the points if he isn't. He and Jamal will force Cutler to throw more than he did against Seattle.

 

[thatguy]

I'll be the contrarian here and trust me, it's not because I'm a Broncos fan. I expect Denver, and particularly Cutler, to play well. They may not win, but I'd bet on Denver +7.5.

I don't know what people were expecting from Jay last week, but it seems like many are already writing him off. It was his first game as a pro. He took over for a team that was in the thick of a playoff race. He was on national television. It was freezing. That's a ton of pressure for a young kid. He'll play a helluva lot better now that the spotlight is off, the pressure is down, the expectations are tempered, the weather is warm, and he's got a full pro game under his belt.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'll be the contrarian here and trust me, it's not because I'm a Broncos fan. I expect Denver, and particularly Cutler, to play well. They may not win, but I'd bet on Denver +7.5.I don't know what people were expecting from Jay last week, but it seems like many are already writing him off. It was his first game as a pro. He took over for a team that was in the thick of a playoff race. He was on national television. It was freezing. That's a ton of pressure for a young kid. He'll play a helluva lot better now that the spotlight is off, the pressure is down, the expectations are tempered, the weather is warm, and he's got a full pro game under his belt.

How do you see the Broncos approaching things defensively?

 

[thatguy]

I'll be the contrarian here and trust me, it's not because I'm a Broncos fan. I expect Denver, and particularly Cutler, to play well. They may not win, but I'd bet on Denver +7.5.I don't know what people were expecting from Jay last week, but it seems like many are already writing him off. It was his first game as a pro. He took over for a team that was in the thick of a playoff race. He was on national television. It was freezing. That's a ton of pressure for a young kid. He'll play a helluva lot better now that the spotlight is off, the pressure is down, the expectations are tempered, the weather is warm, and he's got a full pro game under his belt.

How do you see the Broncos approaching things defensively?

I imagine similar to the last time the two teams played. I expect a decent amount of blitzing, though perhaps no all out blitzes where they are left with no safety help over the top (this burnt them on Tomlinson's TD reception). If I were them I'd try to do a better job of containment on the edge, as that's where LT burnt them in the first game. Basically, the key defensively will be to get solid pressure on Rivers and and contain the outside and I think they'll do this by blitzing off of the edge a decent amount. I think they'll play like a team that has very little to lose and it should result in good things. Granted, San Diego will get their points, but I don't think it'll come easy.

 

[Cowboys#1]

i strongly believe that the chargers will win this going away

 

[PahtyTom]

No way I can back Cutler in his first road start after the way he looked last game. No Al Wilson is big too. If the Chargers have all their injured starters playing this game, a blowout like 31-3 would not surprise me.

 

[The_Borg]

Chargers D + Cutler's inexperience = Big Chargers victory

 

[packersfan]

I don't know what people were expecting from Jay last week, but it seems like many are already writing him off. It was his first game as a pro. He took over for a team that was in the thick of a playoff race. He was on national television. It was freezing. That's a ton of pressure for a young kid. He'll play a helluva lot better now that the spotlight is off, the pressure is down, the expectations are tempered, the weather is warm, and he's got a full pro game under his belt.

I actually think there's considerably more pressure on him now given how badly he played in his debut and coupled with the additional knowledge that a loss against San Diego could be the end of the Broncos' season. The division title was probably lost after the Seattle game and a loss at San Diego could pretty much end their playoff hopes completely. Dropping to 7-6 would put them in a huge hole. So I would disagree that there's less pressure on Cutler. I think it's mounting and will continue to mount until he shows some signs he belongs on an NFL field.I don't see any way the Broncos win unless Cutler wins it for them. They did run the ball on the Chargers in the first meeting and Tatum Bell has done well against the Chargers in the past (52 yards and 3 TDs in Week 17 last year and 4 TDs in two career games against San Diego) but that will be offset and likely dwarfed by LT. We all know what LT is doing and there's no reason to think he's going to slow down this week. The Broncos' defense has been wilting for weeks and it would be a major surprise if they were able to shut down Tomlinson.

The good news for Denver is Rivers has played poorly the last two games and if he plays poorly again that could keep the game close and give them a shot. But if Rivers gets back to the level that he was at prior to Week 12, I don't see any way the Broncos can win unless Cutler really plays well. The combination of LT and Rivers on offense will be too much to try and counter.

I don't see San Diego self-destructing mentally at home. They need to keep winning in order to try and take the top seed in the AFC away from Indy so I think they'll be sharp for this game. That means the Broncos need Cutler to rise up and lead them to the win because we've seen the combination of a good running game and defense hasn't been enough lately. So I think there's a considerable amount of pressure on Cutler this week. If he plays poorly again, the Broncos are toast. I think the only way they win is if he plays at a very high level.

I'm not sure he can do that. Even if he plays better, I'm not sure he's going to do what Rivers did in the first meeting - go on the road and beat a division opponent in a game with huge playoff implications. That's why I think the Chargers win and cover.

 

[Raider Nation]

Chargers roll.

I'm more concerned about Tatum Bell's production. I have to start him as he will get the ball early and often, though I don't expect a repeat of his 3 TD day last year @ San Diego. I'd be satisfied with 85 total yards, minimum.

 

[Ozymandias]

A QB making his first start is usually a mystery to defensive coordinators. So they sometimes perform relatively well. By the second game, the defensive coordinators have him in their sights. They see what his weaknesses are, and plan accordingly. I think Cutler will be a good NFL QB, but his next few games are going to be rough.

Chargers by 2 td's.

 

[packersfan]

Something that I think is being lost here is what I referenced earlier - Rivers isn't playing very well at the moment. That's being masked by LT's dominance but if the Chargers are going to make a run in the playoffs they need Rivers to get back to the level he was exhibiting prior to Week 12. If the last two weeks are the beginning of a trend they could be in trouble.

So I think this is a big game for Rivers as well.

 

[Fear The Turtle]

I'm with Raidernation. I'm much more concerned with TBell's outlook. How does everyone think he'll do?

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I'll be the contrarian here and trust me, it's not because I'm a Broncos fan. I expect Denver, and particularly Cutler, to play well. They may not win, but I'd bet on Denver +7.5.I don't know what people were expecting from Jay last week, but it seems like many are already writing him off. It was his first game as a pro. He took over for a team that was in the thick of a playoff race. He was on national television. It was freezing. That's a ton of pressure for a young kid. He'll play a helluva lot better now that the spotlight is off, the pressure is down, the expectations are tempered, the weather is warm, and he's got a full pro game under his belt.

How do you see the Broncos approaching things defensively?

I imagine similar to the last time the two teams played. I expect a decent amount of blitzing, though perhaps no all out blitzes where they are left with no safety help over the top (this burnt them on Tomlinson's TD reception). If I were them I'd try to do a better job of containment on the edge, as that's where LT burnt them in the first game. Basically, the key defensively will be to get solid pressure on Rivers and and contain the outside and I think they'll do this by blitzing off of the edge a decent amount. I think they'll play like a team that has very little to lose and it should result in good things. Granted, San Diego will get their points, but I don't think it'll come easy.

I'm looking for alot of LT up the middle - right where Al Wilson used to be.I hope you are right about how Denver approaches the game.....................and its not because Im a SD fan!

 

[T Man]

I expect the Chargers to win, but Denver is too good to give 7.5 points.

 

[DanFouts]

Bolts 31 - Broncos 17

Game is close until mid way 3rd, when Denver D gets worn out and LT getsa couple of big plays......

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Its going to come down to the Denver running game. In the last meeting Denver ran very well in the first half, then inexpicably went away from the run and Plumer stunk up the joint in the second half allowing the Bolts big comeback.

Now with Cutler in the fold, I expect the Bolts to crowd the box, play the run, run blitz, bring pressure on Cutler etc. I will be surprised if the Bells (mainly Tatum) get close to 90 yards nor do I expect the Broncos (barring fluke plays) to score 14 points.

And Rivers did not play poorly in Buffalo, considering those conditions and the way some of the Bills corners lit up the WR and forced drops. Rivers only played poorly against a Raider defense that hasnt given up 21 points in a game since week 5. And what team got the 21 points, oh yah the Bolts. (Houston offense did not score 21 points last week).

Final Score 31-10 Bolts

 

[packersfan]

I'm with Raidernation. I'm much more concerned with TBell's outlook. How does everyone think he'll do?

70 yards, maybe a TD would be my projection. And that's assuming he's still the goal-line RB. Given how healthy he looked I would think he'll probably keep that job now given how he had before his injury. But we never got a chance to see who would be in near the goal line last week since the Broncos never got close to the end zone on any of their drives (both TDs coming from outside the 5).

 

[The Jacket]

How do you see the Broncos approaching things defensively?

The same way they always do: horrible after 30+ minutes going up against an elite back.Come the second half of seemingly every game they face LT and LJ, they fold.

 

[BusMan]

How do you see the Broncos approaching things defensively?

The same way they always do: horrible after 30+ minutes going up against an elite back.Come the second half of seemingly every game they face LT and LJ, they fold.

I agree. I think the Broncos only chance is if they stack the box against LT, play discpline, containment defense, and force Rivers to beat them. Unfortunately, if Cutler plays like he did against the Seahawks, the Broncos will have several factors working against them.I don't see any way the Chargers fail to cover.

 

[SundaySchooler]

the Chargers have something else that Denver doesn't have...momentum. this team is coming off big wins, many of which were comeback wins. that was without Castillo and Merriman. i think they might see themselves as a team of destiny somewhat, which is powerful from a team morale standpoint.

Denver is more hungry, i'll give them that. but Cutler is still green, Denver's running game is not as consistent as in past years AND no Al Wilson. throw in LT's chase of the record and the return of key guys on SD's defense and i see a blowout at home.

 

[Banger]

the Chargers have something else that Denver doesn't have...momentum. this team is coming off big wins, many of which were comeback wins. that was without Castillo and Merriman. i think they might see themselves as a team of destiny somewhat, which is powerful from a team morale standpoint.Denver is more hungry, i'll give them that. but Cutler is still green, Denver's running game is not as consistent as in past years AND no Al Wilson. throw in LT's chase of the record and the return of key guys on SD's defense and i see a blowout at home.

Is Wilson in fact out? I thought he would be out but hadn't read whether or not he would play Sunday.

 

[Gr00vus]

So did anyone see LaDainian on the tonight show last night?

 

[jonessed]

So did anyone see LaDainian on the tonight show last night?

Damn. I forgot about that. I should have recorded it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

As a huge Broncos fan, I think the Chargers are going to win this game, and win big. SD's defense is healthier than it was three weeks ago, so the Broncos likely will not have as much success running the ball. Al Wilson's injury combined with the Broncos tendency to look really good one drive and then really bad the next will kill them against a team with an offense like the Chargers.

Prediction:

Chargers 34, Broncos 13

:(

 

[rascal]

I'm a huge Broncos fan I really don't want to watch this game.

WIth Merriman and Phillips on the other going against a rookie at LT (Pears) and a POS at RT (Foster) Cutler is going to get thrashed. Put the morgue on standbye, a coffin might be needed.

 

[Knight who says Ni]

I rather liked this quote:

“A large part of their success is their ability to hold and the refs not calling it,” Olshansky said. “ . . . It's not a coincidence they're always able to run the ball well with different running backs. Those guys hold. It's the system. If they had to power it, those guys are wussies. They wouldn't be able to.”

Not sure if I would agree 100%, but it's still funny Ni

 

[Gr00vus]

The preliminary injury report is ugly for the Chargers, not so much for the Broncos - note Al Wilson is probable:

DEN 	 QUESTIONABLE 	 T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)TE Chad Mustard (Shoulder)	  PROBABLE 	SS Hamza Abdullah (Hip)RB Tatum Bell (Toe)T Erik Pears (Ankle)WR Javon Walker (Foot)CB Darrent Williams (Shoulder)MLB Al Wilson (Thumb)SD 	QUESTIONABLE 	DE Luis Castillo (Ankle)G Kris Dielman (Ankle)ILB Randall Godfrey (Hamstring)FS Marlon McCree (Calf)OLB Shaun Phillips (Calf)DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)RB Michael Turner (Hamstring)	  PROBABLE 	DE Jacques Cesaire (Finger)WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle)C Nick Hardwick (Back)FS Bhawoh Jue (Knee)WR Keenan McCardell (Calf)DT Jamal Williams (Ankle)

 

[jonessed]

The preliminary injury report is ugly for the Chargers, not so much for the Broncos - note Al Wilson is probable:

DEN 	 QUESTIONABLE 	 T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)TE Chad Mustard (Shoulder)	  PROBABLE 	SS Hamza Abdullah (Hip)RB Tatum Bell (Toe)T Erik Pears (Ankle)WR Javon Walker (Foot)CB Darrent Williams (Shoulder)MLB Al Wilson (Thumb)SD 	QUESTIONABLE 	DE Luis Castillo (Ankle)G Kris Dielman (Ankle)ILB Randall Godfrey (Hamstring)FS Marlon McCree (Calf)OLB Shaun Phillips (Calf)DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)RB Michael Turner (Hamstring)	  PROBABLE 	DE Jacques Cesaire (Finger)WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle)C Nick Hardwick (Back)FS Bhawoh Jue (Knee)WR Keenan McCardell (Calf)DT Jamal Williams (Ankle)

I have no idea how Castillo can still be out. He's been out for 6 weeks. If Castillo, McCree, Philips, and Godfrey don't play then Denver could win this game. The points would be way too high in this situation.

 

[Gr00vus]

I have no idea how Castillo can still be out. He's been out for 6 weeks. If Castillo, McCree, Philips, and Godfrey don't play then Denver could win this game. The points would be way too high in this situation.

High ankle sprains are nasty things, I'm not that surprised it's taking this long. I say give him all the time he needs until he's about 100% and back in playing condition.The surprise (bad one) to me is to see Phillips questionable again. It'll be interesting to see the Friday report.I agree that the points are too much if all those guys aren't good to go - which sucks for me cause I'm locked into the usual bet with one of my Bronco fan friends and we have to take the line as given.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

This is as good a place as any to post this:

Tomlinson on Leno, 12/5/06.

 

[Gr00vus]

This is as good a place as any to post this:

Tomlinson on Leno, 12/5/06.

Thanks MT!Seems like a great guy as always. I'm not enamored of his wardrobe choices, but what can you do? Funny that Dennis Miller was there too, given his ex-MNF announcer status. Did Leno call him Damien at the end of that?

I wonder if #30 for the Bills has figured out where LaDainian went yet, because he sure didn't seem to know where he was going...

 

[thatguy]

I rather liked this quote:

“A large part of their success is their ability to hold and the refs not calling it,” Olshansky said. “ . . . It's not a coincidence they're always able to run the ball well with different running backs. Those guys hold. It's the system. If they had to power it, those guys are wussies. They wouldn't be able to.”

Not sure if I would agree 100%, but it's still funny Ni

They might be "wussies". But this Olshansky character is a moron. I suppose if I had to be one of the two, I'd choose moron, so he's got that going for him. Clearly this big dumb D Lineman has the Denver running game pegged yet defensive coordinators have been banging their heads on walls for years trying to figure it out unsuccessfully.Now I'm in way trying to justify Nalen's actions, but give me a break. Every NFL team holds. What a dip ####.

 

[Gr00vus]

They might be "wussies". But this Olshansky character is a moron. I suppose if I had to be one of the two, I'd choose moron, so he's got that going for him.

Clearly this big dumb D Lineman has the Denver running game pegged yet defensive coordinators have been banging their heads on walls for years trying to figure it out unsuccessfully.

Now I'm in way trying to justify Nalen's actions, but give me a break. Every NFL team holds. What a dip ####.

From his Oregon bio:

a standout in the classroom, earning academic honorable mention all-conference honors.

I think moron is a bit excessive. And it's not like he's the first guy who's accused the Broncos linemen of cheating in different ways. Also, if they are indeed allowed to hold, there's nothing a defensive coordinator could "figure out" to stop it.I think maybe the Broncos do cheat a bit more than normal, but I don't think all their success, or even a significant part of it is due to that. I just think Igor had an emotional response to a loaded question after some guy went after his recently surgically repaired knees. Cut him some slack.

 

[Diamond One]

Something tells me that San Diego is in for a reality check. Broncos by 3. Just a hunch here, so...

 

[thatguy]

They might be "wussies". But this Olshansky character is a moron. I suppose if I had to be one of the two, I'd choose moron, so he's got that going for him.

Clearly this big dumb D Lineman has the Denver running game pegged yet defensive coordinators have been banging their heads on walls for years trying to figure it out unsuccessfully.

Now I'm in way trying to justify Nalen's actions, but give me a break. Every NFL team holds. What a dip ####.

From his Oregon bio:

a standout in the classroom, earning academic honorable mention all-conference honors.

I think moron is a bit excessive. And it's not like he's the first guy who's accused the Broncos linemen of cheating in different ways. Also, if they are indeed allowed to hold, there's nothing a defensive coordinator could "figure out" to stop it.I think maybe the Broncos do cheat a bit more than normal, but I don't think all their success, or even a significant part of it is due to that. I just think Igor had an emotional response to a loaded question after some guy went after his recently surgically repaired knees. Cut him some slack.

I think "wussy" is more than a bit excessive, so I guess you can call Igor and me even.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think "wussy" is more than a bit excessive, so I guess you can call Igor and me even.

Nah, he's still ahead - no one's quoting you in the national media. Besides, I can think of much worse things to call someone than "wussies" can't you?I'm just saying, I don't know how invested (intellectually) he was in those statements he made, or the actions he took there at the end of the game. I think he'd just seen his career potentially flash before his eyes and was speaking on pure adrenaline/anger - a heat of the moment type thing. Note he's not said anything like that before or since.It'll be interesting to watch that subplot on Sunday though - it should be an even more bitter war in the trenches this week, especially when combined with the cheap shot Hart took last game. As James Brown summed it up - Pappa don't take no mess! Or will it be the big Payback?

 

[thatguy]

I think "wussy" is more than a bit excessive, so I guess you can call Igor and me even.

Nah, he's still ahead - no one's quoting you in the national media. Besides, I can think of much worse things to call someone than "wussies" can't you?I'm just saying, I don't know how invested (intellectually) he was in those statements he made, or the actions he took there at the end of the game. I think he'd just seen his career potentially flash before his eyes and was speaking on pure adrenaline/anger - a heat of the moment type thing. Note he's not said anything like that before or since.It'll be interesting to watch that subplot on Sunday though - it should be an even more bitter war in the trenches this week, especially when combined with the cheap shot Hart took last game. As James Brown summed it up - Pappa don't take no mess! Or will it be the big Payback?

I suppose I agree with you.The fact that there are far worse things to call someone is what makes it funny. Seeing a big D Lineman calling other grown men "wussies" kinda makes me laugh.

 

[Gr00vus]

The fact that there are far worse things to call someone is what makes it funny. Seeing a big D Lineman calling other grown men "wussies" kinda makes me laugh.

Right on

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I think "wussy" is more than a bit excessive, so I guess you can call Igor and me even.

Nah, he's still ahead - no one's quoting you in the national media. Besides, I can think of much worse things to call someone than "wussies" can't you?I'm just saying, I don't know how invested (intellectually) he was in those statements he made, or the actions he took there at the end of the game. I think he'd just seen his career potentially flash before his eyes and was speaking on pure adrenaline/anger - a heat of the moment type thing. Note he's not said anything like that before or since.It'll be interesting to watch that subplot on Sunday though - it should be an even more bitter war in the trenches this week, especially when combined with the cheap shot Hart took last game. As James Brown summed it up - Pappa don't take no mess! Or will it be the big Payback?

I suppose I agree with you.The fact that there are far worse things to call someone is what makes it funny. Seeing a big D Lineman calling other grown men "wussies" kinda makes me laugh.

He said it 10 mins after the game in the locker room. He opened up the interview apologizing to the fans and his teamates for getting ejected. He was still fired up about Nalen trying to wreck his career. Igor had been out the past 3 weeks with a knee injury, so hopefully you can understand where he was comming from. They had to kinda end the interview quick becuase he was melting down, thus the wussies comment.

 

[Banger]

The preliminary injury report is ugly for the Chargers, not so much for the Broncos - note Al Wilson is probable:

DEN 	 QUESTIONABLE 	 T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)TE Chad Mustard (Shoulder)	  PROBABLE 	SS Hamza Abdullah (Hip)RB Tatum Bell (Toe)T Erik Pears (Ankle)WR Javon Walker (Foot)CB Darrent Williams (Shoulder)MLB Al Wilson (Thumb)SD 	QUESTIONABLE 	DE Luis Castillo (Ankle)G Kris Dielman (Ankle)ILB Randall Godfrey (Hamstring)FS Marlon McCree (Calf)OLB Shaun Phillips (Calf)DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)RB Michael Turner (Hamstring)	  PROBABLE 	DE Jacques Cesaire (Finger)WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle)C Nick Hardwick (Back)FS Bhawoh Jue (Knee)WR Keenan McCardell (Calf)DT Jamal Williams (Ankle)

Looks like Castillo and McCree are back. It's scary to think that the Chargers have been winning while their two best players on defense Castillo/Merriman both missing 4 games (all of which they won), McCree 2 and Phillips I believe missed a game or but has been banged up. It's probably a blessing in disguise because it's really allowed the Chargers to open up their offense while their defense has surrendered some points. With Merriman back, Phillips healing and now Castillo back....Cutler = tackling dummyReturn of injured starters Castillo, McCree should bolster Chargers defenseBy Kevin AceeUNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERDecember 7, 2006 Florence rues ones that got away Perhaps the most promising factor in this midseason run of perfection is that the Chargers have done it shorthanded. Now on a six-game win streak, as the push to the playoffs begins in earnest, reinforcements are returning. And with a December spent almost entirely at Qualcomm Stadium, confidence is growing. “We're almost at full strength, and we've got three of the last four at home,” safety Marlon McCree said. “We're feeling pretty good right now.” McCree and defensive end Luis Castillo are expected to return to the field Sunday against Denver, when the Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with a victory and clinch the AFC West title with a win and a Kansas City loss. Eight Chargers missed at least a portion of yesterday's practice – Castillo and linebacker Randall Godfrey (knee) among them. But the team is in superb health compared to recent weeks. The team's backups have stepped in and stepped up better than anyone expected, helping the Chargers to victories in all four games without linebacker Shawne Merriman, the past four without Castillo and the past two without McCree. The return of Castillo, who sprained his ankle after making a sack Nov. 5, should provide almost as big a boost as the one the Chargers got this past Sunday when Merriman came off his four-game steroid suspension. Castillo was beginning to accelerate his play in the weeks before the injury. While he has just five sacks – “just” being a relative term – Castillo is known for his ability to crash the pocket and often set up others for big plays. “He does a great job of getting up the middle and forcing the quarterback to one side or the other, which gets me and Shawne sacks,” said linebacker Shaun Phillips, who is tied with Merriman for the team lead with 10½ sacks, tied for second-most in the league. “It's going to be huge to get him back,” Phillips said. No one is more pleased than Castillo, who has been moping around the complex for four weeks. “The thing that makes it easier to deal with is we're winning,” he said. But in that Castillo is a man of immense pride, with considerable personal goals set for this season, watching has been miserable. He has watched the past three games from the sideline. But his ankle was too swollen and painful to travel to Cincinnati on Nov. 12, so he watched that game from his couch. “You just start going crazy,” he said. “There's nothing you can do. How do you sit there knowing this is your team, you put all your heart into this team, and there's nothing you can do.” He had recorded the game and would rewind each play at least seven times. As the Chargers fell behind early that day he was calling people to share his angst, including a conversation with his mother in Spanish. It has been only slightly better watching in person. He is genuinely proud of Jacques Cesaire and Ryon Bingham, who have filled in for him and have combined for four sacks in his absence. But he sees opportunities left on the field, and no one doubts his presence would have made a difference for a defense that is allowing seven more points and 65 more yards per game without him. “Right now the team is going great, and I can't wait to get back in there and be a part of it,” Castillo said. “It's a terrible feeling when you're not in there contributing. You look at personal goals and team goals. The personal goals, you just set that stuff aside and say, 'Hey, things were going good, but wait till next year.' I felt like I was on pace to do the things I think I can do in this league. Unfortunately, it happened. I just can't wait to get back and help us achieve that ultimate goal, which is winning the Super Bowl.” As he spoke yesterday, Castillo was almost as animated as ever. He was light on his feet for the first time since tripping over Cleveland quarterback Charlie Frye after sacking him and spraining his ankle when he tried to regain his balance. Castillo began running close to full speed last week, and the final step he must take this week is to be able to capably change direction. But where he has not been optimistic in any of the past three weeks, he said yesterday he will play against the Broncos. “When we get everybody back and get rolling,” he said, “we know we can be a dominant defense.”

 

[Gr00vus]

Castillo began running close to full speed last week, and the final step he must take this week is to be able to capably change direction. But where he has not been optimistic in any of the past three weeks, he said yesterday he will play against the Broncos. “When we get everybody back and get rolling,” he said, “we know we can be a dominant defense.”

If Castillo, Phillips and McCree are truly healthy this week it could be a really tough game for Cutler. People have forgotten what that defense was doing earlier in the year when they had all their starters. This could be an excellent week to start the Chargers' defense if you have them.

 

[Banger]

Castillo began running close to full speed last week, and the final step he must take this week is to be able to capably change direction. But where he has not been optimistic in any of the past three weeks, he said yesterday he will play against the Broncos. “When we get everybody back and get rolling,” he said, “we know we can be a dominant defense.”

If Castillo, Phillips and McCree are truly healthy this week it could be a really tough game for Cutler. People have forgotten what that defense was doing earlier in the year when they had all their starters. This could be an excellent week to start the Chargers' defense if you have them.

They are the #1 start among defenses IMO.

 

[Gr00vus]

The injury report is still ugly for the Chargers, and actually got worse for the Broncos too:

DEN OUT FB Cecil Sapp (Ankle) QUESTIONABLE TE Stephen Alexander (Ankle)K Jason Elam (Hamstring)T Adam Meadows (Hamstring)MLB Al Wilson (Neck) PROBABLE SS Hamza Abdullah (Hip)OLB Keith Burns (Knee)OLB Patrick Chukwurah (Finger)G Ben Hamilton (Thigh)FS Quentin Harris (Finger)TE Nate Jackson (Ribs)LS Mike Leach (Thumb)WR Brandon Marshall (Ankle)TE Chad Mustard (Shoulder)T Erik Pears (Ankle)DT Demetrin Veal (Knee)CB Darrent Williams (Shoulder)SD OUT WR Malcom Floyd (Ankle) QUESTIONABLE DE Luis Castillo (Ankle)G Kris Dielman (Ankle)ILB Randall Godfrey (Calf)SS Clinton Hart (Ankle)WR Keenan McCardell (Calf)DE Derreck Robinson (Foot)RB Michael Turner (Hamstring) PROBABLE DE Jacques Cesaire (Finger)FS Bhawoh Jue (Knee)FS Marlon McCree (Calf)WR Kassim Osgood (Elbow)OLB Shaun Phillips (Calf)Looks like a downgrade for Al Wilson but it still sounds like he'll play. Is the Elam thing serious?As for the Chargers, Floyd's out and McCardell and Osgood are both on the report. Hopefully Vincent's got his head together. Gates doesn't appear here (yet) but the blogger's got him with a tweaked hamstring, could be very bad news for the Chargers if he can't go. I bet Turner sits again this week, who knows with the rest of the questionables. It is good to see the upgrades on Phillips and McCree.

 

[Gr00vus]

Looks like I was wrong about Turner sitting. But it does sound like Godfrey will not be 100% and might not play much. Interestingly even though Turner may play, Cromartie is still supposed to return kicks.

 

[H.K.]

Cutler made my decision easy, Chargers by 17

However, I am sure the Chargers will score more than 17. LT is good for three TD's and Cutler is good for giving up at least one defensive score. The real question should be: will Denver get on the board at all?