Martyball no more? (1 Viewer)

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

kinda of crazy what a difference a season makes. I guarantee if Marty was coachign this team still they would have a better regular season record, but ya know what last year Marty probably chokes the Tennesse playoff game and for sure chokes in Indy.

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

 

[BoltBacker]

As far as dropoff in player production, specifically LT and Gates, there are IMHO pretty obvious reasons other than a degradeing of talent that everyone seems to be speculating as to the cause .. Gates problem is nothing other than lack of opportunity .. through 12 weeks he's seen 65 targets his lowest number in quite some time ... 2004 - 92, 2005 - 90, 2006 - 83, 2007 - 87 .. that's close to a 25% dropoff in targets ... With LT the problem is a combination of things, his O-line haven't been as aggressive and the holes just aren't there .. there's also the lack of the best blocking FB in football being among the missing .. he's had a bumb wheel for a good part of the season and admittedly he's another season older so the wear and tear is beginning to show .. but to write him off as "toast", "stick a fork in him - done" .. not hardly!!

Disagree on both counts.Gates wasn't even sure he was going to start the season, that injury will just take time to heal. I think he'll be 100% next year, or at least much closer than he was at the start of this season. Sometimes you get less targets if you aren't getting open, if you're unable to create the separation you've been able to create in the past.Tomlinson..... I'm not sure if it's the injury or age but he simply isn't the same player he's been for so many years. It's revisionist history that SD has always had this great OL play in front of him. For YEARS he ran behind a below average OL and made them look better than they were. This is not the same guy. My hope is it's all injury but I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised the workload is starting to catch up. I didn't hear many Charger fans agree with me that they should just franchise Turner for at least one year since they had the cap space. I wonder how many SD fans now wish they would have?

 

[BoltBacker]

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

If this team is healthy next year I'd bet on them making the playoffs. Say what you want about this team but it has fewer holes to fill than any other team in the AFC west.

 

[CalBear]

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

If this team is healthy next year I'd bet on them making the playoffs. Say what you want about this team but it has fewer holes to fill than any other team in the AFC west.

Unfortunately they have a big hole to fill at head coach.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

If this team is healthy next year I'd bet on them making the playoffs. Say what you want about this team but it has fewer holes to fill than any other team in the AFC west.

Oline (clary's spot specifically), Fullback, all 3 Linebacker spots beside Merrimans, Saftey, Dline - really igor,jamal and luis have been a disappointment this year. Jamal is getting older but those other 2 guys are not impressing me at all

 

[T Bell]

glad to have cappy and rude on record. anyone else want to make reservations for some early January crow?

Yeah, 'cause you always show up to eat your crow.

 

[Gr00vus]

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

If this team is healthy next year I'd bet on them making the playoffs. Say what you want about this team but it has fewer holes to fill than any other team in the AFC west.

Oline (clary's spot specifically), Fullback, all 3 Linebacker spots beside Merrimans, Saftey, Dline - really igor,jamal and luis have been a disappointment this year. Jamal is getting older but those other 2 guys are not impressing me at all

Jamal's been playing very well for the last 8 weeks or so. I think Igor is gone after this season, and Castillo is made of glass. I think you need to give time to Tolbert to learn his position - consider he didn't play fullback at all until this year. He isn't going to become Neal overnight, a full offseason focusing on learning the position should make him much, much better going into next year. I don't think you can sell out Cooper and Phillips, but they need to take an honest look at what they're going to do with that other ILB position. I think they're still expecting Waters to fill it, but for whatever reason they never play him. Weddle is not meeting expectations, and I can't believe they think Hart is the long term answer back there. Neither one is in the top half of the league at their position. The right side of the OLine needs upgrading, and the left side needs to start earning their contracts.Also, I have to say, overall, Phil has looked bad these last 4 games or so. The numbers are still there sometimes, but his throws have been really ugly, he's missed some open guys with bad throws and the fumbling needs to stop right now.

This whole team is in a malaise, even the punter has been off. When it's teamwide you need to start asking serious questions about the coaching staff.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

John Madden had a GREAT insight last night. He said he was talking with Turner about red zone opportunities. Most coaches talk about the need to convert them to TDs and not settle for FGs. Turner talked about not making dumb mistakes or turning the ball over. You look at Turner's facve ont he sidelines and it is a face of frustration. The whole team seems to be in the same mode.

... and yet the Chargers are the second highest scoring team in the AFC. Which is what he was brought in to do, keep Cam Cameron's offense coasting along as one of the best in the NFL.

This Oline has regressedand the D while they played inspired last night has been horrible all year.Norv is a good OC, just not HC material.

Bingo.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

As far as dropoff in player production, specifically LT and Gates, there are IMHO pretty obvious reasons other than a degradeing of talent that everyone seems to be speculating as to the cause .. Gates problem is nothing other than lack of opportunity .. through 12 weeks he's seen 65 targets his lowest number in quite some time ... 2004 - 92, 2005 - 90, 2006 - 83, 2007 - 87 .. that's close to a 25% dropoff in targets ... With LT the problem is a combination of things, his O-line haven't been as aggressive and the holes just aren't there .. there's also the lack of the best blocking FB in football being among the missing .. he's had a bumb wheel for a good part of the season and admittedly he's another season older so the wear and tear is beginning to show .. but to write him off as "toast", "stick a fork in him - done" .. not hardly!!

You're not asking the next logical question: why is he getting fewer targets? It's because he isn't completely healthy, doesn't have the same burst, and isn't getting open like before. Before this year, Gates was absolute $$ in the red zone. Opposing defenses knew it, but couldn't stop it. No so this year.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

At this point I would love to keep norv as OC and get a real HC in there but Im afraid we get one more year of Norv at the helm. If healthy I think they can make the playoffs next year but boy I wouldnt bet on it

If this team is healthy next year I'd bet on them making the playoffs. Say what you want about this team but it has fewer holes to fill than any other team in the AFC west.

Oline (clary's spot specifically), Fullback, all 3 Linebacker spots beside Merrimans, Saftey, Dline - really igor,jamal and luis have been a disappointment this year. Jamal is getting older but those other 2 guys are not impressing me at all

Jamal's been playing very well for the last 8 weeks or so. I think Igor is gone after this season, and Castillo is made of glass. I think you need to give time to Tolbert to learn his position - consider he didn't play fullback at all until this year. He isn't going to become Neal overnight, a full offseason focusing on learning the position should make him much, much better going into next year. I don't think you can sell out Cooper and Phillips, but they need to take an honest look at what they're going to do with that other ILB position. I think they're still expecting Waters to fill it, but for whatever reason they never play him. Weddle is not meeting expectations, and I can't believe they think Hart is the long term answer back there. Neither one is in the top half of the league at their position. The right side of the OLine needs upgrading, and the left side needs to start earning their contracts.Also, I have to say, overall, Phil has looked bad these last 4 games or so. The numbers are still there sometimes, but his throws have been really ugly, he's missed some open guys with bad throws and the fumbling needs to stop right now.

This whole team is in a malaise, even the punter has been off. When it's teamwide you need to start asking serious questions about the coaching staff.

what about that thrid round pick that we gave away our 2nd rounder this year to get? hester? I know he scored on sunday but that dude is gonna be a bust of craig davis like proportions. He is not an NFL RB, looks too small to play FB so what he's a special teamer? UGHThis team needs a kick in the pants and Norv isnt the guy to do it, even madden kept saying during the game that the O lacks emotion and fire, just like the coach does.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

At the end of the season, general manager A.J. Smith identified Phillips as a "nucleus" player the Chargers wanted to retain with a long-term contract. San Diego now has 24 key players under contract through at least the 2009 season.

"Everyone is familiar with my philosophy of identifying our own talent and tying up the guys that are in our program, and we're thrilled that Shaun is going to be with us for years to come," Smith said. "He is a great pass rusher, and last year he really solidified his talents as a two-dimensional player. He's developed into an outstanding player against both the run and the pass."

Bolts poised for a early 90s Cowboys type run. Young, talented, locked up long term, and still way under the salary cap.Take a bow AJ.

good luck with that...LT will be 30 in 2 years. make NO mistake that he is what makes this team go..coaching #### ups & changes over the next 3-5 years does nothing but hurt your chances to make it to the superbowl. norv #### ###, turner, retread, ex raider head coach is not the answer. gutless wonder coordinators who are 51-82 lifetime as head coaches are not what this team needs. this team has huge talent! schotty, his brother, me & you could "coach" this team to 9-10 wins next season, after that...who knows? good luck charger fan!

 

[fatness]

This team needs a kick in the pants and Norv isnt the guy to do it, even madden kept saying during the game that the O lacks emotion and fire, just like the coach does.

I can't for the life of me imagine Norv giving an inspirational talk to the team."Hey guys, quiet down. Guys? Aw come on guys...."

 

[trader jake]

Props to any FBG who thought the hiring of Norv Turner was the correct move.

lol

There are hundreds of posts in this thread you could bump to illustrate your point Brutus. Why bump mine when I stated immediately after that (and you deleted) "I know I wasn't one of them." I gave credit last season to those who argued in favor of Norv because I didn't like his hiring as head coach. Norv is a solid guy and a great coordinator but he's not a leader of men.Luckily for Norv and AJ the Chargers can still pull out of the hole that they have dug for themselves this season.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

next year isnt going to be any better either, the 2009 schedule out side the division right now would be

home:

Wash

Philly

Cincy

Balt

NEpats

Road

Dallas

NYG

Clev

Pitt

Indy

Yikes.

 

[DPRugby]

OK, the Norv experiment has gone horribly wrong. Can we fire him, A.J. Smith and maybe everyone else and start over?

 

[Capella]

I love thread bumps like this. It allows the emotional, reactionary, knee jerk fans to out themselves.I'll re-bump this thread after the Bolts win their playoff opener.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

OK, the Norv experiment has gone horribly wrong. Can we fire him, A.J. Smith and maybe everyone else and start over?

I agree Norv has to go, this team has taken on his persona now and there isnt anything to do but can him.AJ is still one of the best but his polish is starting to wear off.

 

[T Bell]

OK, the Norv experiment has gone horribly wrong. Can we fire him, A.J. Smith and maybe everyone else and start over?

I agree Norv has to go, this team has taken on his persona now and there isnt anything to do but can him.AJ is still one of the best but his polish is starting to wear off.

AJ will be there for one more head coach, but he'd better get his next hire right. Norv was an abortion aside from two months of heroics last December and January. Hopefully this will finally put to an end the myth that Norv Turner has been the victim of coaching in bad situations with bad owners.

 

[Family Matters]

Just posting an opinion and thinking outloud. Not looking for a fight from the Charger diehards that like to bash people with contrary opinons. But here goes:

I realize there are many reasons why the Chargers are not doing well this year but I still can't help but think that AJ made a few moves that have clearly backfired. When you take away a Pro Bowl QB and start over with a rookie it sets the team back while the rookie learns to play and lead an NFL team. When you take away proven leadership in a coach and hire a coach with no proven track record as a winning leader then you start over. These two moves were huge factors in where this team is today.

Not that Rivers is bad, he's turned pretty good. But the team had to take a step back while he learned. The team had to adjust to a new leader in Rivers as well. You have to wonder if there have been some players that questioned this move and maybe some others and perhaps it affected their play. MAybe now they're fine with it but how much was lost getting comfortable with that change? The point is it didn't have to happen at all. Sticking with a proven QB could of made a huge difference in how this team performed in the playoffs.

The same with the coaching issue. They had a proven leader in place but the GM refused to get along and got him fired. What message does that send to the rest of the team? After this senseless move, perhaps a few players didn't think AJ was in it for them? So then he hires the wrong guy and most knew it. But that was the best AJ could do and he knew this before he made his decision to make a change. Or as some insist, before Spanos fired him. lol

I realize there is no way to know what woul of happened for sure if these moves had not been made but it doesn't take much to figure out they were not moves made in the best interest of the team. I know some have bashed my thinking on this in the past but I think we can see now that the window of opportunity has passed this team by. They must now find new leadership and a new future RB to replace LT and build anew. Apparently, AJ didn't have the forethought to realize that LT would need replacing in the near future so he traded away his replacement in another move that burned the Chargers.

Not looking for a fight on this (but I'm sure a few will come bashing away) but you have to realize that these and some other moves were moves to make AJ feel good about being right. Many of these moves went against common sense and did not have the Chargers winning at heart when they were made. And I think they missed a great opportunbity to win at least 1 Super Bowl and maybe 2 or 3. These opportunities are few and far between so it's disappointing they missed it.

Perhaps Spanos needs to reevaluate his front office. Maybe the next change should be the GM. Clearly, his moves have left many scratching their heads and wondering what his thinking is.

 

[fatness]

Norv's got them headed to a solid 6-10 season.

 

[DPRugby]

Just posting an opinion and thinking outloud. Not looking for a fight from the Charger diehards that like to bash people with contrary opinons. But here goes:I realize there are many reasons why the Chargers are not doing well this year but I still can't help but think that AJ made a few moves that have clearly backfired. When you take away a Pro Bowl QB and start over with a rookie it sets the team back while the rookie learns to play and lead an NFL team. When you take away proven leadership in a coach and hire a coach with no proven track record as a winning leader then you start over. These two moves were huge factors in where this team is today.Not that Rivers is bad, he's turned pretty good. But the team had to take a step back while he learned. The team had to adjust to a new leader in Rivers as well. You have to wonder if there have been some players that questioned this move and maybe some others and perhaps it affected their play. MAybe now they're fine with it but how much was lost getting comfortable with that change? The point is it didn't have to happen at all. Sticking with a proven QB could of made a huge difference in how this team performed in the playoffs.The same with the coaching issue. They had a proven leader in place but the GM refused to get along and got him fired. What message does that send to the rest of the team? After this senseless move, perhaps a few players didn't think AJ was in it for them? So then he hires the wrong guy and most knew it. But that was the best AJ could do and he knew this before he made his decision to make a change. Or as some insist, before Spanos fired him. lolI realize there is no way to know what woul of happened for sure if these moves had not been made but it doesn't take much to figure out they were not moves made in the best interest of the team. I know some have bashed my thinking on this in the past but I think we can see now that the window of opportunity has passed this team by. They must now find new leadership and a new future RB to replace LT and build anew. Apparently, AJ didn't have the forethought to realize that LT would need replacing in the near future so he traded away his replacement in another move that burned the Chargers.Not looking for a fight on this (but I'm sure a few will come bashing away) but you have to realize that these and some other moves were moves to make AJ feel good about being right. Many of these moves went against common sense and did not have the Chargers winning at heart when they were made. And I think they missed a great opportunbity to win at least 1 Super Bowl and maybe 2 or 3. These opportunities are few and far between so it's disappointing they missed it.Perhaps Spanos needs to reevaluate his front office. Maybe the next change should be the GM. Clearly, his moves have left many scratching their heads and wondering what his thinking is.

I agree with most of your post. The only gray area is Rivers/Brees. If Brees isn't injured then yea, bad move. But with the type of injury he had, I can see why they made the move they made. This season has been a disaster... and of course the PTTS moment when we fumbled away the interception that would have sealed the game against the Patriots two years ago.

 

[EdwardCat]

I realize there is no way to know what woul of happened for sure if these moves had not been made but it doesn't take much to figure out they were not moves made in the best interest of the team. I know some have bashed my thinking on this in the past but I think we can see now that the window of opportunity has passed this team by. They must now find new leadership and a new future RB to replace LT and build anew. Apparently, AJ didn't have the forethought to realize that LT would need replacing in the near future so he traded away his replacement in another move that burned the Chargers.

Who expected the premiere San Diego offensive line to perform so poorly this year in addition to LT crashing? What happened to the reliable Gates? What happened to the team that could drive down the field? This offensive unit is almost entirely the same unit it was last year. Either it is age or poor coaching the is causing this mis-utilization of talent...and a wealth of talent at that.This season is over. They are three behind Denver.

 

[cstu]

Cowher, please.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I love thread bumps like this. It allows the emotional, reactionary, knee jerk fans to out themselves.I'll re-bump this thread after the Bolts win their playoff opener.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Just posting an opinion and thinking outloud. Not looking for a fight from the Charger diehards that like to bash people with contrary opinons. But here goes:I realize there are many reasons why the Chargers are not doing well this year but I still can't help but think that AJ made a few moves that have clearly backfired. When you take away a Pro Bowl QB and start over with a rookie it sets the team back while the rookie learns to play and lead an NFL team. When you take away proven leadership in a coach and hire a coach with no proven track record as a winning leader then you start over. These two moves were huge factors in where this team is today.Not that Rivers is bad, he's turned pretty good. But the team had to take a step back while he learned. The team had to adjust to a new leader in Rivers as well. You have to wonder if there have been some players that questioned this move and maybe some others and perhaps it affected their play. MAybe now they're fine with it but how much was lost getting comfortable with that change? The point is it didn't have to happen at all. Sticking with a proven QB could of made a huge difference in how this team performed in the playoffs.The same with the coaching issue. They had a proven leader in place but the GM refused to get along and got him fired. What message does that send to the rest of the team? After this senseless move, perhaps a few players didn't think AJ was in it for them? So then he hires the wrong guy and most knew it. But that was the best AJ could do and he knew this before he made his decision to make a change. Or as some insist, before Spanos fired him. lolI realize there is no way to know what woul of happened for sure if these moves had not been made but it doesn't take much to figure out they were not moves made in the best interest of the team. I know some have bashed my thinking on this in the past but I think we can see now that the window of opportunity has passed this team by. They must now find new leadership and a new future RB to replace LT and build anew. Apparently, AJ didn't have the forethought to realize that LT would need replacing in the near future so he traded away his replacement in another move that burned the Chargers.Not looking for a fight on this (but I'm sure a few will come bashing away) but you have to realize that these and some other moves were moves to make AJ feel good about being right. Many of these moves went against common sense and did not have the Chargers winning at heart when they were made. And I think they missed a great opportunbity to win at least 1 Super Bowl and maybe 2 or 3. These opportunities are few and far between so it's disappointing they missed it.Perhaps Spanos needs to reevaluate his front office. Maybe the next change should be the GM. Clearly, his moves have left many scratching their heads and wondering what his thinking is.

Interesting. A couple of questions for you.1) When did the Chargers turn the team over to a "rookie"?2) When did the Chargers "trade" away LT's replacement, Michael Turner? What did they get for him?3) When you suggest the the Chargers "stepped back" when Rivers took over as QB, are you talking about his first season as a starter, when the Chargers went 14-2, Rivers went to the Pro Bowl, and the Chargers lost a heartbreaker to NE by 3 when Marlon McCree fumbled an interception instead of going down to seal the win?4) You suggest that the players may have thought that the GM didn't have the best interests of the franchise in hand when making personnel decisions. Does this make any sense what so ever? Your line of thinking has been bashed in the past because you don't know the facts and you fail to realize the salary cap implications of the personnel moves you've suggested the Chargers make. Keep Drew Brees AND Phillip Rivers? Sounds great to me, but please detail where you'd cut payroll 10M elsewhere to carry 2 franchise QBs.Keep Michael Turner? Sounds great to me. Please detail where you'd cut 6-8M in salary elsewhere on the roster to make room for Turners deal, and please detail your negotiation ploy to get Turner to sign a long term deal in SD as a backup instead of getting the chance to start elsewhere. Also, give your logic for paying top 10 NFL RB money to a player who may get 60-80 carries as LT's backup.Thanks in advance.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

tommygunz,

you're still 4-8.

with the loss of merriman the team lost what heart it had. turner sucks, always has, always will. he's just not cut out to be HC. you know who leads the saints in their pregame pump up the team huddle? drew freakin' brees. that surprised me when i saw it. & that's one of the key things this sd team lacks, fire. or so it seems from my living room. see ya next thursday.

 

[tommyGunZ]

tommygunz,you're still 4-8. with the loss of merriman the team lost what heart it had. turner sucks, always has, always will. he's just not cut out to be HC. you know who leads the saints in their pregame pump up the team huddle? drew freakin' brees. that surprised me when i saw it. & that's one of the key things this sd team lacks, fire. or so it seems from my living room. see ya next thursday.

don't get me wrong DR, I'm extremely disappointed in the Bolts and their loss coupled with Denver's upset in NY makes the playoffs much tougher. Lots of reasons why the Bolts are losing, but going with Rivers and LT instead of Brees and Turner isn't one of them. And Family Matter's insinuation that the GM isn't "acting the team's best interests" is idiocy.

 

[Tau837]

Just posting an opinion and thinking outloud. Not looking for a fight from the Charger diehards that like to bash people with contrary opinons. But here goes:I realize there are many reasons why the Chargers are not doing well this year but I still can't help but think that AJ made a few moves that have clearly backfired. When you take away a Pro Bowl QB and start over with a rookie it sets the team back while the rookie learns to play and lead an NFL team. When you take away proven leadership in a coach and hire a coach with no proven track record as a winning leader then you start over. These two moves were huge factors in where this team is today.Not that Rivers is bad, he's turned pretty good. But the team had to take a step back while he learned. The team had to adjust to a new leader in Rivers as well. You have to wonder if there have been some players that questioned this move and maybe some others and perhaps it affected their play. MAybe now they're fine with it but how much was lost getting comfortable with that change? The point is it didn't have to happen at all. Sticking with a proven QB could of made a huge difference in how this team performed in the playoffs.The same with the coaching issue. They had a proven leader in place but the GM refused to get along and got him fired. What message does that send to the rest of the team? After this senseless move, perhaps a few players didn't think AJ was in it for them? So then he hires the wrong guy and most knew it. But that was the best AJ could do and he knew this before he made his decision to make a change. Or as some insist, before Spanos fired him. lolI realize there is no way to know what woul of happened for sure if these moves had not been made but it doesn't take much to figure out they were not moves made in the best interest of the team. I know some have bashed my thinking on this in the past but I think we can see now that the window of opportunity has passed this team by. They must now find new leadership and a new future RB to replace LT and build anew. Apparently, AJ didn't have the forethought to realize that LT would need replacing in the near future so he traded away his replacement in another move that burned the Chargers.Not looking for a fight on this (but I'm sure a few will come bashing away) but you have to realize that these and some other moves were moves to make AJ feel good about being right. Many of these moves went against common sense and did not have the Chargers winning at heart when they were made. And I think they missed a great opportunbity to win at least 1 Super Bowl and maybe 2 or 3. These opportunities are few and far between so it's disappointing they missed it.Perhaps Spanos needs to reevaluate his front office. Maybe the next change should be the GM. Clearly, his moves have left many scratching their heads and wondering what his thinking is.

FM, the problem with this post and most of your past posts on these subjects is that they are not rooted in reality. The facts have repeatedly been pointed out to you, and you have repeatedly failed to accept them.The fact that the team is struggling this year does not validate any of your stances. The team didn't need Marty or Brees to win two playoff games and reach the AFC championship game last year.I agree that the team has disappointed this year, and there is no doubt that A.J. must take plenty of the blame for it, as should Norv. Again, that does not prove that Marty should have stayed and/or Brees should have been resigned. The situations when Marty and Brees left are different than the situation today.All that said, I'm quite certain that you will continue to ignore the facts. And you will probably just label me as a Chargers "diehard" who is "bashing" you because of your "contrary opinion." So be it.

 

[tommyGunZ]

One big mistake AJ Smith made was letting Lo Neal go.

 

[Loopdog]

So is LT done or what?

 

[EdwardCat]

So is LT done or what?

Not sure how he could be anything but done.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

tommygunz,you're still 4-8. with the loss of merriman the team lost what heart it had. turner sucks, always has, always will. he's just not cut out to be HC. you know who leads the saints in their pregame pump up the team huddle? drew freakin' brees. that surprised me when i saw it. & that's one of the key things this sd team lacks, fire. or so it seems from my living room. see ya next thursday.

don't get me wrong DR, I'm extremely disappointed in the Bolts and their loss coupled with Denver's upset in NY makes the playoffs much tougher. Lots of reasons why the Bolts are losing, but going with Rivers and LT instead of Brees and Turner isn't one of them. And Family Matter's insinuation that the GM isn't "acting the team's best interests" is idiocy.

i never said anything about rivers/brees, LT/turner. the only reason i brought up brees is that he's an emotional player. something that is lacking imho, in this team, from the top down. norv turner is a joke as a HC

 

[FairWarning]

One big mistake AJ Smith made was letting Lo Neal go.

:X

 

[DA RAIDERS]

this was one of the big topics on the radio in socal today. i thought it was interesting to learn that jerry rice is of the opinion that, norv turner is the worst coach he's ever had at ANY level.

 

[twr]

So is LT done or what?

what is moreno goes to the bolts. bingo.

 

[Die]

At the end of the season, general manager A.J. Smith identified Phillips as a "nucleus" player the Chargers wanted to retain with a long-term contract. San Diego now has 24 key players under contract through at least the 2009 season.

"Everyone is familiar with my philosophy of identifying our own talent and tying up the guys that are in our program, and we're thrilled that Shaun is going to be with us for years to come," Smith said. "He is a great pass rusher, and last year he really solidified his talents as a two-dimensional player. He's developed into an outstanding player against both the run and the pass."

Bolts poised for a early 90s Cowboys type run. Young, talented, locked up long term, and still way under the salary cap.Take a bow AJ.

good luck with that...LT will be 30 in 2 years. make NO mistake that he is what makes this team go..coaching #### ups & changes over the next 3-5 years does nothing but hurt your chances to make it to the superbowl. norv #### ###, turner, retread, ex raider head coach is not the answer. gutless wonder coordinators who are 51-82 lifetime as head coaches are not what this team needs. this team has huge talent! schotty, his brother, me & you could "coach" this team to 9-10 wins next season, after that...who knows? good luck charger fan!

Ouch.

 

[BoltBacker]

next year isnt going to be any better either, the 2009 schedule out side the division right now would be

Yeah, but keep in mind we had a cream puff schedule this season because teams like MIA/ATL/NYJ/CAR were (16-48) in '07. Those same teams are (32-16) this season. A lot can happen in a year.Really, as disappointing as this season has been the Chargers haven't lost to a bad team all year long. They've just lost a lot of close games to good teams.

 

[Gr00vus]

One big mistake AJ Smith made was letting Lo Neal go.

I think drafting Buster Davis, trading up and giving extra picks up to get Weddle and Hester have all been much, much bigger mistakes. LaDainian isn't what he used to be, plain and simple, he doesn't make people miss like he used to, he isn't as quick to the corners as he was, and he doesn't accelerate out of the backfield like he used to. Lorenzo Neal wasn't going to fix that.If Norv is the coach again next year, I'll be expecting nothing from this team.

 

[BoltBacker]

I think drafting Buster Davis, trading up and giving extra picks up to get Weddle and Hester have all been much, much bigger mistakes.

People certainly seem to be willing to write off a lot of guys as busts pretty quickly.Davis - Meh, he's a WR. How often do rookie WR's produce? His health or lack thereof is frustrating and it was a knock coming out of college but has he honestly been that much less productive than Vincent Jackson was coming into the league.... and look at him now. I give WR's 3 years in the league before deciding about how good they are.Weddle - Definitely hasn't been as consistent as I had hoped but I like his ball skills and if the front seven were better against the run and he wasn't asked to do as much run support I think he'd look a lot better.Hester - Just hasn't seen the field much, partly because he's playing behind a HOF, partly because Sproles has played great when given the opportunity. Again, pretty early to make a decision even if the guy had been getting opportunities.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think drafting Buster Davis, trading up and giving extra picks up to get Weddle and Hester have all been much, much bigger mistakes.

People certainly seem to be willing to write off a lot of guys as busts pretty quickly.Davis - Meh, he's a WR. How often do rookie WR's produce? His health or lack thereof is frustrating and it was a knock coming out of college but has he honestly been that much less productive than Vincent Jackson was coming into the league.... and look at him now. I give WR's 3 years in the league before deciding about how good they are.Weddle - Definitely hasn't been as consistent as I had hoped but I like his ball skills and if the front seven were better against the run and he wasn't asked to do as much run support I think he'd look a lot better.Hester - Just hasn't seen the field much, partly because he's playing behind a HOF, partly because Sproles has played great when given the opportunity. Again, pretty early to make a decision even if the guy had been getting opportunities.

at making excuses for Davis. He can't even get on the field. It's pathetic they had to draft him and then spend a 2nd rounder on Chambers 6 games into last season because Davis can't do anything. Meanwhile Greg Camarillo, who got cut because they had to make room for Davis, has at least done something this year before he got hurt. Awful decision even if Davis manages to play some downs in an actual NFL game someday.Weddle looks lost out there way too often. He's as much to blame for the gaping hole in the middle of the pass defense as anyone. It's game 12 and I'm still watching TE's run free down the middle of the ####### field every ### #### game, and he can't tackle them even when he manages to be in their general vicinity.Hester is doing virtually nothing.But beyond that there's the opportunity cost. Extra draft picks spent, and other guys not taken who could be contributing more at this point. That's the most painful part of those selections.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think drafting Buster Davis, trading up and giving extra picks up to get Weddle and Hester have all been much, much bigger mistakes.

People certainly seem to be willing to write off a lot of guys as busts pretty quickly.Davis - Meh, he's a WR. How often do rookie WR's produce? His health or lack thereof is frustrating and it was a knock coming out of college but has he honestly been that much less productive than Vincent Jackson was coming into the league.... and look at him now. I give WR's 3 years in the league before deciding about how good they are.Weddle - Definitely hasn't been as consistent as I had hoped but I like his ball skills and if the front seven were better against the run and he wasn't asked to do as much run support I think he'd look a lot better.Hester - Just hasn't seen the field much, partly because he's playing behind a HOF, partly because Sproles has played great when given the opportunity. Again, pretty early to make a decision even if the guy had been getting opportunities.

at making excuses for Davis. He can't even get on the field. It's pathetic they had to draft him and then spend a 2nd rounder on Chambers 6 games into last season because Davis can't do anything. Meanwhile Greg Camarillo, who got cut because they had to make room for Davis, has at least done something this year before he got hurt. Awful decision even if Davis manages to play some downs in an actual NFL game someday.Weddle looks lost out there way too often. He's as much to blame for the gaping hole in the middle of the pass defense as anyone. It's game 12 and I'm still watching TE's run free down the middle of the ####### field every ### #### game, and he can't tackle them even when he manages to be in their general vicinity.Hester is doing virtually nothing.But beyond that there's the opportunity cost. Extra draft picks spent, and other guys not taken who could be contributing more at this point. That's the most painful part of those selections.

Did you see Hester basically od nothing but get in LT's way most of the Atl game? geez ANd they better not draft a RB in round 1 next year. That pick better be a LB or a DL I'll accept a OL as well. And with the 2nd rounder, oh wait we traded it to freaking NE to take Hester.Well at least we'll get a comp 3rd rounder for Turner.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

One big mistake AJ Smith made was letting Lo Neal go.

I think that was more Norv than AJ. Norv met with Neal after last season and told him that the Chargers weren't going to use him much this season, so Neal asked to be released, and he was.

 

[stevegamer]

It's amazing this thread keeps coming back when you think it's dead.

It was clear to me at the beginning that Norv was an awful HC hire, but it turned out that it has worked better than I thought it would. This stint with the Chargers is his high water mark as a head coach. The Chargers gambled that turner could get them over the hump, and lost. Now they need to work on finding LT's replacement - Turner's gone, and the next best candidate Iin my eyes , Sproles, may be allowed to leave as well, leaving them with Hester.

Chargers have some management decisions to make and then they can address player isues in the off-season.

 

[jonessed]

It's amazing this thread keeps coming back when you think it's dead.It was clear to me at the beginning that Norv was an awful HC hire, but it turned out that it has worked better than I thought it would. This stint with the Chargers is his high water mark as a head coach. The Chargers gambled that turner could get them over the hump, and lost. Now they need to work on finding LT's replacement - Turner's gone, and the next best candidate Iin my eyes , Sproles, may be allowed to leave as well, leaving them with Hester.Chargers have some management decisions to make and then they can address player isues in the off-season.

I think both Sproles and Merriman's contracts were in question before this season. Afterwards I don't know how anyone can argue that we shouldn't do all we can to keep them.

 

[cstu]

It's amazing this thread keeps coming back when you think it's dead.It was clear to me at the beginning that Norv was an awful HC hire, but it turned out that it has worked better than I thought it would. This stint with the Chargers is his high water mark as a head coach. The Chargers gambled that turner could get them over the hump, and lost. Now they need to work on finding LT's replacement - Turner's gone, and the next best candidate Iin my eyes , Sproles, may be allowed to leave as well, leaving them with Hester.Chargers have some management decisions to make and then they can address player isues in the off-season.

RB's are a dime a dozen and there is a glut of them right now.

 

[cstu]

I think drafting Buster Davis, trading up and giving extra picks up to get Weddle and Hester have all been much, much bigger mistakes.

People certainly seem to be willing to write off a lot of guys as busts pretty quickly.Davis - Meh, he's a WR. How often do rookie WR's produce? His health or lack thereof is frustrating and it was a knock coming out of college but has he honestly been that much less productive than Vincent Jackson was coming into the league.... and look at him now. I give WR's 3 years in the league before deciding about how good they are.

Weddle - Definitely hasn't been as consistent as I had hoped but I like his ball skills and if the front seven were better against the run and he wasn't asked to do as much run support I think he'd look a lot better.

Hester - Just hasn't seen the field much, partly because he's playing behind a HOF, partly because Sproles has played great when given the opportunity. Again, pretty early to make a decision even if the guy had been getting opportunities.

at making excuses for Davis. He can't even get on the field. It's pathetic they had to draft him and then spend a 2nd rounder on Chambers 6 games into last season because Davis can't do anything. Meanwhile Greg Camarillo, who got cut because they had to make room for Davis, has at least done something this year before he got hurt. Awful decision even if Davis manages to play some downs in an actual NFL game someday.Weddle looks lost out there way too often. He's as much to blame for the gaping hole in the middle of the pass defense as anyone. It's game 12 and I'm still watching TE's run free down the middle of the ####### field every ### #### game, and he can't tackle them even when he manages to be in their general vicinity.

Hester is doing virtually nothing.

But beyond that there's the opportunity cost. Extra draft picks spent, and other guys not taken who could be contributing more at this point. That's the most painful part of those selections.

Did you see Hester basically od nothing but get in LT's way most of the Atl game? geez ANd they better not draft a RB in round 1 next year. That pick better be a LB or a DL I'll accept a OL as well.



And with the 2nd rounder, oh wait we traded it to freaking NE to take Hester.

Well at least we'll get a comp 3rd rounder for Turner.

Just to make you feel worse, here are the RB's SD passed up to take Hester:Charles, Slaton, Choice, Torain and Hightower.

 

[Tau837]

It's amazing this thread keeps coming back when you think it's dead.It was clear to me at the beginning that Norv was an awful HC hire, but it turned out that it has worked better than I thought it would. This stint with the Chargers is his high water mark as a head coach. The Chargers gambled that turner could get them over the hump, and lost. Now they need to work on finding LT's replacement - Turner's gone, and the next best candidate Iin my eyes , Sproles, may be allowed to leave as well, leaving them with Hester.Chargers have some management decisions to make and then they can address player isues in the off-season.

Which hump are you talking about? The Chargers have not won a Super Bowl under Norv, but they won their first playoff game in 12 years, and then won another one after that and made the AFC Championship game. That was pretty big hump they got over IMO.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Despyzer]

It's amazing this thread keeps coming back when you think it's dead.

It was clear to me at the beginning that Norv was an awful HC hire, but it turned out that it has worked better than I thought it would. This stint with the Chargers is his high water mark as a head coach. The Chargers gambled that turner could get them over the hump, and lost. Now they need to work on finding LT's replacement - Turner's gone, and the next best candidate Iin my eyes , Sproles, may be allowed to leave as well, leaving them with Hester.

Chargers have some management decisions to make and then they can address player isues in the off-season.

Which hump are you talking about? The Chargers have not won a Super Bowl under Norv, but they won their first playoff game in 12 years, and then won another one after that and made the AFC Championship game. That was pretty big hump they got over IMO.

No... everyone knows that coaches only get one year with a team to win the Super Bowl and then it's considered a failed gamble. Pull your head out!

 

[tommyGunZ]

I love thread bumps like this. It allows the emotional, reactionary, knee jerk fans to out themselves.I'll re-bump this thread after the Bolts win their playoff opener.

Hi Cappy. Sorry about your Bucs.