Game Thread W11 - San Diego V Denver (1 Viewer)

[BoltBacker]

Plummer has done very little to help the Broncos this year. That pick probably just cost them the division title.

Only one bronco fan blaming the loss on their QB? I'm a little disappointed. The Chargers score 28 points in the second half... give up 179 yards and 4 TD's to Tomlinson and that interception is what cost them the division title? When ahead 24-7 in the second half with supposedly one of the best defenses in the league at home I expected bronco fans to pin the loss on the QB... as usual. Good luck Cutler the honeymoon will be a short one. Ask Brian Griese.

 

[Jagerbomber]

Plummer has done very little to help the Broncos this year. That pick probably just cost them the division title.

Only one bronco fan blaming the loss on their QB? I'm a little disappointed. The Chargers score 28 points in the second half... give up 179 yards and 4 TD's to Tomlinson and that interception is what cost them the division title? When ahead 24-7 in the second half with supposedly one of the best defenses in the league at home I expected bronco fans to pin the loss on the QB... as usual. Good luck Cutler the honeymoon will be a short one. Ask Brian Griese.

It seems to me that the Bolts made the right adjustments and that Rivers was able to get better reads. The defense had a big letdown. However, for several of the games they've won, they've won despite Plummer, not because of him. It seems that the scapegoating today is more related to how ineffective he's been this season.

 

[BusMan]

As a Broncos fan, I too question the play calling, especially after SD's first second-half touchdown. They should have continue to pound the ball but the Chargers started to stack the box because they knew Jake wasn't going to hurt them. Shanahan probably saw this and decided to attack through the air, but obviously it didn't work out. The defense played well in the first half so the coaching staff likely thought they'd continue that success in the second half, but they were wrong. That zone dog or whatever Madden called it when LT2 went in motion to the right slot and a defensive lineman was manning up on him was one of the biggest mismatches you'll ever see, and it cost the Broncos big time.

Overall, the team really needs to think about how big of a liability the passing game can be. Plummer can be good (see the NE game), but he can also completely take over a game with his ineptitude. If Denver wants to take a crack at the SuperBowl this year, I really think the offense is going to need to aim for something like 75% rush and 25% pass. Denver really should have continued to pound it against SD, considering they were running out of players to field on defense. I don't understand the play calling and Denver really needs to get their act together because a loss on Turkey Day Night in KC puts them in really rough shape.

Oh, and a thought about Jay Cutler. Everyone knows that Cutler will take over next year. I don't think he gets any playing time this year unless the Broncos are eliminated from playoff contention (which won't be until super late in the year if it happens at all). I truly believe Shanahan doesn't want to rush Cutler into the pro game, which he felt he did with Brian Griese. They traded up and drafted Cutler to be the man in Denver for the forseeable future, and Shanahan isn't going to risk screwing him up when he can let Plummer go out, win some games and lose some games, and ultimately run himself out of town. This is a shark move by Shanahan.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I was impressed with the Chargers' defense in the second half, totally depleted. They started the game without Merriman and Castillo (and of course Foley), and during the first half they lost Phillips, McCree, Polk, and Hart. (And Kiel was playing at way less than 100% with a torn chest muscle.)

In his post-game press conference, Schottenheimer remarked that the defense was having trouble finding enough bodies to put on the field. Then he emphasized that he didn't mean that as a figure of speech: he meant it literally.

They were putting guys out there in positions that they had never practiced at before, just to get eleven bodies on the field. And they came through.

This team definitely has heart.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Here is the cheap shot by Nalen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UgEK6_nz28

 

[Gr00vus]

I was impressed with the Chargers' defense in the second half, totally depleted. They started the game without Merriman and Castillo (and of course Foley), and during the first half they lost Phillips, McCree, Polk, and Hart. (And Kiel was playing at way less than 100% with a torn chest muscle.)In his post-game press conference, Schottenheimer remarked that the defense was having trouble finding enough bodies to put on the field. Then he emphasized that he didn't mean that as a figure of speech: he meant it literally.They were putting guys out there in positions that they had never practiced at before, just to get eleven bodies on the field. And they came through.This team definitely has heart.

It was depressing watching them get blown off the ball for the 1st half and early 3rd, but it looked like they made some adjustments, staying home a bit more to be less susceptible to the zone blocking Denver was killing them with, so yeah I was very impressed that they hung in there considering how short handed they were. They also layed some serious lumber on some people throughout the game.Igor should have kept his cool, and I don't blame Marty for yelling at him, but Nalen should get fined for the BS cheap shot attempt, possibly suspended. That's career ending garbage he's pulling. If the league doesn't punish him, I hope he gets some payback along the way from the players. Nothing career threatening, just maybe a couple of extra punches in the nuts during a few pile ups.The overlooked Charger receivers again were money, making big catches and running great routes.Great game, great win for the Chargers!

 

[BusMan]

San Diego definitely impressed me (a Broncos fan) last night. I don't think Denver is the toughest place to play these days, but its definitely near the top of the list. To get the stops they needed on defense is a real testament to their entire team, especially in light of the long list of injuries they had to contend with. If the Chargers can get healthy, I think they can complete with the Colts, even if the game is in Indy.

Right now I'd have to put the Chargers and Colts at the top of the AFC. The Patriots, Ravens, and Broncos are at the second tier. And just to round out the top six, I think KC is in good shape for the playoffs.

 

[Banger]

It was depressing watching them get blown off the ball for the 1st half and early 3rd, but it looked like they made some adjustments, staying home a bit more to be less susceptible to the zone blocking Denver was killing them with, so yeah I was very impressed that they hung in there considering how short handed they were. They also layed some serious lumber on some people throughout the game.

I think what they did was sellout on run stopping and make Plummer beat them. If Plummer hits a few passes where guys were open (I specifically recall a pass to Marshall) it's a different game. His accuracy was awful 13/28 (46%) (compared to Rivers 73%) especially when considering a number of his completions were screens (5 passes to Nash/Bell out of the backfield) and little swing passes.

 

[Marc Levin]

Plummer has done very little to help the Broncos this year. That pick probably just cost them the division title.

Only one bronco fan blaming the loss on their QB? I'm a little disappointed. The Chargers score 28 points in the second half... give up 179 yards and 4 TD's to Tomlinson and that interception is what cost them the division title? When ahead 24-7 in the second half with supposedly one of the best defenses in the league at home I expected bronco fans to pin the loss on the QB... as usual. Good luck Cutler the honeymoon will be a short one. Ask Brian Griese.

It is ty[pical for Denver fans to blame the QB over anyone and everyone.I blame Shanahan's defensive game plan, failure to adjust at half time, and poor tackling by the D more than Plummer's INT.Heck, if you are gonna blame the INT, do you all suddenly love the refs and their 30 yards of penalties on that drive?

 

[Marc Levin]

It was depressing watching them get blown off the ball for the 1st half and early 3rd, but it looked like they made some adjustments, staying home a bit more to be less susceptible to the zone blocking Denver was killing them with, so yeah I was very impressed that they hung in there considering how short handed they were. They also layed some serious lumber on some people throughout the game.

I think what they did was sellout on run stopping and make Plummer beat them. If Plummer hits a few passes where guys were open (I specifically recall a pass to Marshall) it's a different game. His accuracy was awful 13/28 (46%) (compared to Rivers 73%) especially when considering a number of his completions were screens (5 passes to Nash/Bell out of the backfield) and little swing passes.

Once again - that was as much Shanahan's game plan and play calling as Plummer's throws. Plummer has not been as accurate as in recent years, but he has been relatively efficient and he has been able to hit the big play in recent games - and i recall as many DROPS as I recall misses by Plummer in this game. This just in - S.D.'s defense is good - yet they allowed a lot of points to the Donkeys and the Kittycats.As I said, it is typical of Denver fans to bvlame losses on the QB and wins on the brilliance of Shanahan and the dominance of the running game - no QB since Elway gets any love in Denver. It's just the nature of the beast in this town.

 

[Marc Levin]

I was impressed with the Chargers' defense in the second half, totally depleted. They started the game without Merriman and Castillo (and of course Foley), and during the first half they lost Phillips, McCree, Polk, and Hart. (And Kiel was playing at way less than 100% with a torn chest muscle.)In his post-game press conference, Schottenheimer remarked that the defense was having trouble finding enough bodies to put on the field. Then he emphasized that he didn't mean that as a figure of speech: he meant it literally.They were putting guys out there in positions that they had never practiced at before, just to get eleven bodies on the field. And they came through.This team definitely has heart.

It was depressing watching them get blown off the ball for the 1st half and early 3rd, but it looked like they made some adjustments, staying home a bit more to be less susceptible to the zone blocking Denver was killing them with, so yeah I was very impressed that they hung in there considering how short handed they were. They also layed some serious lumber on some people throughout the game.Igor should have kept his cool, and I don't blame Marty for yelling at him, but Nalen should get fined for the BS cheap shot attempt, possibly suspended. That's career ending garbage he's pulling. If the league doesn't punish him, I hope he gets some payback along the way from the players. Nothing career threatening, just maybe a couple of extra punches in the nuts during a few pile ups.The overlooked Charger receivers again were money, making big catches and running great routes.Great game, great win for the Chargers!

Incredible third down efficiency at key points in the game - that was what killed the Denver D.And I still don't understand the Plummer hate - the team was up heading into the 4th, Plummer had no INTs, and the two QBs were forced to throw the ball similar amounts of times for similar efficiency through three quarters.The Denver defense collapsed in the fourth, and Plummer was forced to the air too many times - I think we all know Plummer can't be relied on to win the Broncos their games - if the D and running game are not being effective, Plummer won't save the Broncos. The Chargers were simply a better team last night.Overall, the Chargers betta get hea;thy on the D side if they hope to make a S.B. run, and Denver betta get a betta passing game in place if they want to make a run - down the stretch here, Plummer will need to throw the ball in the fourth Q. to win some games.Whoever said the Broncos are in trouble if they lose in KC on Sunday (a place the Broncos often struggle) was dead-on.It's still looking like the Colts and Patriots are the teams to beat in the AFC.

 

[Banger]

It was depressing watching them get blown off the ball for the 1st half and early 3rd, but it looked like they made some adjustments, staying home a bit more to be less susceptible to the zone blocking Denver was killing them with, so yeah I was very impressed that they hung in there considering how short handed they were. They also layed some serious lumber on some people throughout the game.

I think what they did was sellout on run stopping and make Plummer beat them. If Plummer hits a few passes where guys were open (I specifically recall a pass to Marshall) it's a different game. His accuracy was awful 13/28 (46%) (compared to Rivers 73%) especially when considering a number of his completions were screens (5 passes to Nash/Bell out of the backfield) and little swing passes.

Once again - that was as much Shanahan's game plan and play calling as Plummer's throws. Plummer has not been as accurate as in recent years, but he has been relatively efficient and he has been able to hit the big play in recent games - and i recall as many DROPS as I recall misses by Plummer in this game. This just in - S.D.'s defense is good - yet they allowed a lot of points to the Donkeys and the Kittycats.As I said, it is typical of Denver fans to bvlame losses on the QB and wins on the brilliance of Shanahan and the dominance of the running game - no QB since Elway gets any love in Denver. It's just the nature of the beast in this town.

It's a two way street though because I think Shanny's playcalling is a reflection of the lack of confidence in Plummer. Many of the big plays he's hit are the result of Javon Walker making huge plays. Outside of Walker who has he hit for big plays? It also doesn't help that Rod Smith is done.I think it's unrealistic to think that SD was gonna go into Denver and get shutdown by that defense. I think many had unrealistic expectations of that defense. Yes, they had some good stats but most were against mostly creampuff offenses and SD is the best offense in the league right now. The other good offense they faced at home (Indy) lit them up so it's not surprising SD did it too.

 

[tommyGunZ]

This just in - S.D.'s defense is good - yet they allowed a lot of points to the Donkeys and the Kittycats.

Just 20 to the donks - remember that Rivers is solely responsible for 7 of those pts.20 is still too many against a weak Denver offense, but w/o Merriman and Castillo I'm satisfied with the D giving up 20 ppg.

 

[BoltBacker]

It's a two way street though because I think Shanny's playcalling is a reflection of the lack of confidence in Plummer. Many of the big plays he's hit are the result of Javon Walker making huge plays. Outside of Walker who has he hit for big plays? It also doesn't help that Rod Smith is done.

Can you name any other player on the roster that is capable of making big receiving plays even if they had Manning at QB? Their #2 receiver last night; Damien Nash. Their total contributions from TE's; Alexander 1 catch - 4 yards.