*** OFFICAL 2009 San Diego Super Chargers Season Thread *** (2 Viewers)

[Tau837]

Disappointing. Feels like the Chargers let one get away at the end there. Things I didn't like:

- The last two offensive play calls. I get the idea of passing out of a 3 TE set on 3rd & 2, thinking you might catch the defense off guard, but I'd think that would be less effective with Sproles at RB (i.e., they are less likely to believe the run is definitely coming with Sproles in there than if LT were healthy). And I really don't like coming back with a run play on 4th & 2... just seems like a low percentage play against the Ravens without Hardwick, Vasquez, and LT, compared to the passing game that was clicking all day with a lot of good targets. Heck, I think spreading the field with 4 wideouts and running Sproles out of that would have stood a greater chance of success if running was the goal.

- Kicking the field goal on third down with 10 seconds left in the first half. I understand you don't want to risk a sack or a play that stays in bounds there... so why not a quick throw to the end zone? Even roll the pocket a bit if needed? Rivers is a smart QB, and you can remind him before the play to get rid of the ball if the play isn't there quickly. The second half would have obviously been different, but those were potentially 4 really big points.

- Rivers' first interception. Obviously, like all QBs, he throws his share of interceptions, but that was a level of carelessness rarely seen from him.

Aside from those things, I have a question about all the red zone trips that ended in FGs. Did the Chargers try any fade patterns or jump ball type throws? I didn't see most of the first half, but I saw deep throws that targeted Floyd and Naanee near the right corner of the end zone, and they both had a chance but did not come down with it. Given all the height they have in Jackson, Floyd, Naanee, and Gates, it seems that when they get inside the 10 so many times they'd try some plays that take advantage of it. Did I miss that?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

should be 0-2

 

[Gr00vus]

Aside from those things, I have a question about all the red zone trips that ended in FGs. Did the Chargers try any fade patterns or jump ball type throws? I didn't see most of the first half, but I saw deep throws that targeted Floyd and Naanee near the right corner of the end zone, and they both had a chance but did not come down with it. Given all the height they have in Jackson, Floyd, Naanee, and Gates, it seems that when they get inside the 10 so many times they'd try some plays that take advantage of it. Did I miss that?

No, they didn't make any real efforts to run such plays.A terrible loss with plenty of blame to go around.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I was at the game, so my opinions also factor in some beer.

There is no Superbowl comming our way unless the front 7 on defense can turn it around. They are just soft up the middle, and don't pressure the QB enough. The Ravens punched in from the goaline with no resistence. Jamals injury really really hurts. Until that changes, we are going to be in loads of shootouts.

That said, the offense is good to go. Sure Rivers made a few mistakes, but his deep passes were amazing. The Ravens D couldn't defend the pass very well. They tried to single cover the WR alot of times and just got torched. We are not a running team anymore, and had LT been healthy, we likely would have ran middle a bunch of times for little gains. I'm glad we are a passing team now, we have the weapons to do it.

The make shift O-Line played pretty good. I was impressed by the back up center. Marcus McNeil played right guard sometimes, and I thought it worked pretty well.

It was an exciting game to be at, hotter then hell though. The defense needs to pick it up in the first half, both of the games they came out flat. If the defense can do it, we should be ok, the sky isnt falling yet, there are alot of positives, to like.

Side note, my opinions of Joe Flacco were pretty much confirmed, he often just throws the ball up into coverage and hopes for the best. Got some nice PI calls that could have been INTs instead. But heck its working for him, so what can you say other then GG.

 

[Gr00vus]

There is no Superbowl comming our way unless the front 7 on defense can turn it around.

The good news there is they have a number of young guys who'll be learning on the job, so it's possible they could become solid as the season wears on. The bad news is it's possible they don't. Seemed like Castillo played a pretty good game though. Og was getting moved off his spot too easily too often. Yeah he was getting double teamed, but it's going to be his job to occupy 2 guys all game long. If he (or someone else) can't step it up they're either going to have to abandon the 3-4 or they're just going to get pushed around by anyone with a decent run game.I guess overall the playcalling on offense adjusted to the reality of their situation, but several conspicuous individual play calls were absolutely horrible - obviously so at the time they were called. The coaches don't have a margin for error anymore, the team can't afford them messing up like that.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

There is no Superbowl comming our way unless the front 7 on defense can turn it around.

The good news there is they have a number of young guys who'll be learning on the job, so it's possible they could become solid as the season wears on. The bad news is it's possible they don't. Seemed like Castillo played a pretty good game though. Og was getting moved off his spot too easily too often. Yeah he was getting double teamed, but it's going to be his job to occupy 2 guys all game long. If he (or someone else) can't step it up they're either going to have to abandon the 3-4 or they're just going to get pushed around by anyone with a decent run game.

That's my concern. They are just getting pushed around in the run game too easily. Until they adjust, be it 4-3, run blitzes, whatever, until they do something different, they just aren't going to get it done.I didn't have a problem with the playcalls, they dropped pts on Ravens, despite horrible penalties, redzone suckiness, etc. Rivers needs to be more cognizant of the play clock, 3 delays are brutal. But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Am I the only one who (despite the score and L) saw alot of positives in this game? Rivers-Vjax-Gates-Sproles is gonna be fine. The OL played well considering the polish reserves were in there.

The Defense? well thats looking a bit ugly but they seem to have good 2nd half adjustments in both game.

Oh and I thought Burnett could cover people? he hasnt shown me much in two games.

I think we missed LT in the redzone, not that he would have scored agains the Ravens front.

Lets get to 2-2 at the bye and get some OL help back.

 

[Gr00vus]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

 

[Gr00vus]

Oh and I thought Burnett could cover people? he hasnt shown me much in two games.

He's definitely come up small through 2 games. He's probably making as good an argument for switching to a 4-3 as anyone.

 

[DanFouts]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

I am no apologist and thought some of the playcalling was Meh....and the clock management was awful at times.That being said, there was an interesting article on SI talking about Ray Lewis and that play.

Chargers send guard pulling and lead blocker was out...Lewis said he was not supposed to run blitz, but saw the gap and made a decision to break his assignment and fire through. The Ravens NT said he amazed Ray did that. IMHO that was more a case of a amazing LB play ( a la Seau in the old days) than a bad play call....

I agree...if they go 2-2 into the bye that is not too bad....and our rookie NT was not that bad and will get better with on the job training!

 

[Gr00vus]

I am no apologist and thought some of the playcalling was Meh....and the clock management was awful at times.That being said, there was an interesting article on SI talking about Ray Lewis and that play.Chargers send guard pulling and lead blocker was out...Lewis said he was not supposed to run blitz, but saw the gap and made a decision to break his assignment and fire through. The Ravens NT said he amazed Ray did that. IMHO that was more a case of a amazing LB play ( a la Seau in the old days) than a bad play call....

No it's still a bad play call. A) You're dealing with Ray Lewis, he does stuff, you need to account for that and 2) Even if Lewis honors his assignment running Sproles into the line for short yardage is a bad call. Maybe he gets to the line of scrimage instead of taking a 5 yard loss, but the net effect is the same. There are few running backs in the league I'd feel LESS comfortable asking to get tough yardage than Sproles. You put your gigantic WRs/TEs out there, see which one is being covered by the 2nd/3rd string CB and throw it to him for 2 yards. Or maybe you run play action to Sproles and go for it all right there. Anything but what they actually did.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

I am no apologist and thought some of the playcalling was Meh....and the clock management was awful at times.That being said, there was an interesting article on SI talking about Ray Lewis and that play.

Chargers send guard pulling and lead blocker was out...Lewis said he was not supposed to run blitz, but saw the gap and made a decision to break his assignment and fire through. The Ravens NT said he amazed Ray did that. IMHO that was more a case of a amazing LB play ( a la Seau in the old days) than a bad play call....

I agree...if they go 2-2 into the bye that is not too bad....and our rookie NT was not that bad and will get better with on the job training!

I come down on the side that this was a bad play call at the end. If you want to run it, do it on third down. 4th and 2 (or was it 4th and 1?) you've got to go for a pass beyond the first down line.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

If Sproles breaks it Norv is a hero, if not he's a goat, that's the breaks. The week before it worked, this week it didn't. Like I said, I don't have a problem running it on 4th and basically 1, when you have to think the Ravens were thinking pass play. Ray made a great play, so be it.As for the 3rd and goal FG, yah in retrospect he prolly should have done a quick fade, but it wasn't why the game was lost. Rivers needed to get the play off on 1st and 1 inch, that had more bearing on that drive there and why there was no TD. Again, I am not saying these were outstanding play calls, but I don't blame the calls for the loss. If anything the refs not calling the PI on the interception a couple minutes before, which gave Baltimore essentially the free FG is what I would blame before blaming a 4th down run. The Bolts could have kicked a FG and won it instead of having to go for it on 4th and 1.

 

[Gr00vus]

Again, I am not saying these were outstanding play calls, but I don't blame the calls for the loss.

Any number of things could have improved the outcome - play calling is just the most controllable of them.

 

[Tau837]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

And it was 4th & 2, making it even worse.

 

[Tau837]

As for the 3rd and goal FG, yah in retrospect he prolly should have done a quick fade, but it wasn't why the game was lost. Rivers needed to get the play off on 1st and 1 inch, that had more bearing on that drive there and why there was no TD.

It appeared that Rivers and Turner had no idea that the play clock is not reset when a play is reviewed. He should have known, obviously, but it appeared that the team collectively did not know, in which case it seems like it's the fault of the coaching staff, not Rivers.

Again, I am not saying these were outstanding play calls, but I don't blame the calls for the loss. If anything the refs not calling the PI on the interception a couple minutes before, which gave Baltimore essentially the free FG is what I would blame before blaming a 4th down run. The Bolts could have kicked a FG and won it instead of having to go for it on 4th and 1.

Agree that PI probably should have been called there. But it was a bang-bang play, and I'm not surprised they missed it. Obviously, it was a huge play in the game.

 

[Gr00vus]

Some news & quotes:

Norv does damage control:

“I don’t think right now we’re as good as the people who cover us think we are or expect us to be,” Turner said Monday. “I don’t think we’re as good as our fans want us to be.”

Norv, seems like most people who are covering you don't have high expectations anymore. Mission accomplished?

“But I believe we can get there,” Turner said. “We have a lot of work to do to get there.”

...

“Our team has to be very careful because there is a mindset outside of here that success is just going to happen,” Turner said. “It doesn’t just happen in this league. These games are four-quarter games that you’ve got to play. If someone from the outside is getting frustrated because we’re not holding them three-and-out every time and we’re scoring every drive; if the people on the outside are being frustrated by that, we can’t let it affect us because we have to have a realistic understanding of what this league is.”

What's this league we don't have a realistic understanding of? The one where they don't reset the play clock after a review? The one where every other coach with 2 brain cells to rub together would actually, you know, try to score a TD on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left instead of going fetal kicking a field goal?

“We obviously went through a lot of change last week,” Turner said. “We had an assortment of young guys play, and in a lot of cases those young guys came in and played pretty well. The more time they get in there, the more reps they get, the better they’re going to handle it. I like the way the guys that replaced those people went in and played and I think we can be that team. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Well, I can get behind this at least.For those on LaDainian watch:

Turner said it was far too early to make any prognosis on the status of running back LaDainian Tomlinson for Sunday’s game against Miami.

“He’s in getting treatment and doing everything he can to get back,” Turner said.

He’ll know better following Wednesday’s practice. The same is the case for Johnson, center Nick Hardwick and guard Louis Vasquez.

The Chargers reported two new injuries Sunday. Linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips each suffered strained groins and will have their statuses updated later in the week.

Anyone got the numbers for Ed White and Louie Kelcher? Maybe we could get Billy Ray out of the broadcast booth...

 

[Gr00vus]

The Chargers break out some Boone's Farm.

Will he do better than present Louie Kelcher would? Only time will tell...

 

[Gr00vus]

Bad news and more bad news:

Injuries are piling up

Hardwick has surgery; nine players miss practice

By Kevin Acee

Union-Tribune Staff Writer

2:00 a.m. September 24, 2009

Chargers center Nick Hardwick (61) underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left ankle yesterday.

Said head coach Norv Turner: “We just have to weather the storm.”

Five days after the cornerstone of the Chargers defense was wiped out for the season, center Nick Hardwick underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left ankle yesterday in Indianapolis and is expected to miss eight weeks and possibly longer.

The Chargers did not place Hardwick on injured reserve, though that could happen as the season progresses. While they expect Hardwick back and want to have him available for a possible postseason run, they might not be able to preserve his roster spot should the injuries keep piling up.

The Chargers last week lost nose tackle Jamal Williams when he was placed on IR with a triceps tear.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson did not practice yesterday and is in danger of missing his second straight game.

Tomlinson hopes to play Sunday against Miami but said yesterday that he does not need to rush back due to the Chargers having Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett behind him.

“I can get healthy,” said Tomlinson, who last season played through a severe toe injury. “I don't have to just get to a certain percentage and then stay at that percentage all season.”

Right guard Louis Vasquez also missed another practice yesterday, and it appears his sprained knee could force him out a second Sunday as well.

In all, nine players, including Hardwick, missed practice due to injury or illness.

Starting offensive linemen Kris Dielman and Marcus McNeill and starting free safety Eric Weddle were out sick. Turner said he hoped to have all three back in practice today.

Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, another starter, did not work due to a strained groin that sidelined him the final five minutes Sunday against Baltimore. He is expected to play against Miami.

Linebacker Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) and defensive lineman Travis Johnson (groin) continued to miss practice, as well, and punter Mike Scifres was limited again due to a balky groin.

“It's a tough day for us,” Turner said.

It's been longer than a day.

Dating back to the 2007 playoffs, the Chargers have been besieged by injuries to key players.

Injuries are a part of football, it is said so often. But the Chargers have been one team that has taken that to ridiculous levels. Last season, they had six former Pro Bowlers miss at least one start due to injury and another three play large chunks of the season with significant injuries.

The team went into this season almost completely healthy. But that good fortune disappeared quickly when Tomlinson sprained his ankle in the first quarter of the season opener at Oakland, and Hardwick and Vasquez went down in that game's third quarter.

“We've been hit with a lot of injuries right away,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “It seems ironic we talked all camp how healthy we were. Now . . . we're just the opposite of that. It's there. There's no way to ignore it. But you just move on. The guys will step up.

“There's no question it is frustrating. . . . Some of the guys that have been injured, the role they play on this team, the leadership they provide, it's been tough. And it is frustrating, but this team has been through a lot. We don't feel there is too much we can't handle. I would expect us to battle through this, guys to step up and carry on.”

Scott Mruczkowski has been filling in for Hardwick and will continue to do so. The Chargers also signed free agent Dennis Norman, who plays guard and center, last week.

Mruczkowski played some center at Ball State but hadn't taken a snap there in the NFL until this offseason, when the Chargers decided to move him from guard.

“It's tough to lose (Hardwick),” Turner acknowledged. “We're fortunate to have Scott step in and play the way he did. We made that move in April. We're fortunate we made it back then so we're not trying to catch up even more than we are right now.”

Hardwick had the surgery in Indianapolis with the same surgeon that repaired his foot after the 2007 season.

Hardwick missed the first three games of last season recovering from that procedure.

“It's another blow to the team but you move on,” General Manager A.J. Smith said. “Injuries are part of the game. Backups move up into starting roles and go to work. They prepare for moments like this.”

Union-Tribune

9 guys missed practice yesterday. I keep trying to remind myself that all this team needs to do is be 9-7 and healthy coming out of December, but it's hard to believe they'll be able to be healthy and cohesive at the end of the season with the injury rate they've had so far. Jamal isn't coming back which is a huge hit, and it doesn't sound optimistic about Hardwick playing again this year either. I don't know if the window's closed, but it sure isn't open much wider than a crack.By the way if you're a betting person I'd take the Dolphins this week.

 

[Tau837]

That is bad news for sure. However, they moved the ball very well in the passing game last week against the Ravens without Hardwick, Vasquez, and LT. No reason to think they can't do the same against the Dolphins. I think if they can do a reasonable job against the Dolphins running game, they will win. And that's what I expect.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think if they can do a reasonable job against the Dolphins running game, they will win. And that's what I expect.

The Dolphins shredded the Charger D for 167 rushing yards last year. Things look somewhat similar going in to this game, except that the Chargers have had more time to prepare for the wildcat. This game could be a virtual replay of Monday night.

 

[Gr00vus]

No blackout this week!

Enberg and Fouts on the call.

 

[Gr00vus]

No practice for Merriman (along with Tomlinson and 7 others).

Updated: September 24, 2009, 8:25 PM ET

Chargers not optimistic about Tomlinson

Comment Email Print Share

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Seven San Diego Chargers players missed practice on Thursday, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and rookie right guard Louis Vasquez.

That total doesn't include center Nick Hardwick, who had surgery on his left ankle on Wednesday and is expected to be out the next eight weeks.

Coach Norv Turner said it's tougher to get players ready for Sunday's game if they miss the Thursday practice.

Turner said the team will see if Merriman (groin) and Vasquez (knee) can practice Friday. But he wasn't as optimistic about Tomlinson, who sprained his right ankle in the opener and missed last Sunday's home loss to Baltimore.

The Chargers host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

 

[DanFouts]

No practice for Merriman (along with Tomlinson and 7 others).

Updated: September 24, 2009, 8:25 PM ET

Chargers not optimistic about Tomlinson

Comment Email Print Share

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Seven San Diego Chargers players missed practice on Thursday, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman and rookie right guard Louis Vasquez.

That total doesn't include center Nick Hardwick, who had surgery on his left ankle on Wednesday and is expected to be out the next eight weeks.

Coach Norv Turner said it's tougher to get players ready for Sunday's game if they miss the Thursday practice.

Turner said the team will see if Merriman (groin) and Vasquez (knee) can practice Friday. But he wasn't as optimistic about Tomlinson, who sprained his right ankle in the opener and missed last Sunday's home loss to Baltimore.

The Chargers host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Wow...just crazy!

 

[tommyGunZ]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

Kicking on 3rd down at the end of the 1st half is inexcusable. Absolutely horrible decision, and I'm a Norv fan.I have no problem with the call on 4th and 2 at the end of the game. You can't run it on 3rd, b/c if you don't get it, time is ticking and you have to go no-huddle to a 4th down play. Win some, lose some. More often than not I think Sproles gets 2+ there, Rivers spikes it, and the Chargers have 3 shots at the end zone to win it.

 

[Gr00vus]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

Kicking on 3rd down at the end of the 1st half is inexcusable. Absolutely horrible decision, and I'm a Norv fan.I have no problem with the call on 4th and 2 at the end of the game. You can't run it on 3rd, b/c if you don't get it, time is ticking and you have to go no-huddle to a 4th down play. Win some, lose some. More often than not I think Sproles gets 2+ there, Rivers spikes it, and the Chargers have 3 shots at the end zone to win it.

Running on 4th 2 with Sproles vs. the Ravens with 2 backup linemen up front for the game isn't a good decision. I think you need to put the ball in the hands of your best player with the game on the line, and IMO their best player is Rivers. That's who you go down with if you're going down. Post up Gates, Jackson, Floyd, Naanee 3 yards down field and hit whoever's got the best mismatch.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I didn't have a problem with the playcalls...But I don't fault Norv for bad playcalls in this one.

Really? The decision making at the end of both halves was brutal. You don't kick a field goal on 3rd and goal with 10 seconds left, you just don't. If you don't trust your qb to do the right thing there you've got serious problems. You also don't run Sproles into the line with no lead blocker on 4th and 1. Horrible decisions/play calls.

Kicking on 3rd down at the end of the 1st half is inexcusable. Absolutely horrible decision, and I'm a Norv fan.I have no problem with the call on 4th and 2 at the end of the game. You can't run it on 3rd, b/c if you don't get it, time is ticking and you have to go no-huddle to a 4th down play. Win some, lose some. More often than not I think Sproles gets 2+ there, Rivers spikes it, and the Chargers have 3 shots at the end zone to win it.

Running on 4th 2 with Sproles vs. the Ravens with 2 backup linemen up front for the game isn't a good decision. I think you need to put the ball in the hands of your best player with the game on the line, and IMO their best player is Rivers. That's who you go down with if you're going down. Post up Gates, Jackson, Floyd, Naanee 3 yards down field and hit whoever's got the best mismatch.

THAT play STUNNED me...play action would have been perfect on that play...or spread them wide and let sproles go on a draw at least...sheesh

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

Redzone execution remains a problem. But the defense is showing some signs that it may be ok. Rivers now leads the league in Passing Yards. Should be a good game at the Burgh this weekend, thrid trip there in the past 10 months, hopefully the results can be a bit better. You guys like the play calls better this week, that razzle dazzle to Sproles was nice.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Overall I liked the play calling this week. I hope that Norv and Co. have reached the point where they completely abandon running Spoles between the tackles. Either run Bennett or just abandon the run altogether until LT comes back. I'm not sure there is a secondary in the league that can deal with VJax, Gates, Floyd, and Nanee. Just go shotgun the entire game and let Rivers make all the decisions.

It LT is able to play this week, I think we've got a decent shot at stealing this one. Pitt is banged up as well and look vulnerable. 3-1 at the bye week would be awesome considering the terrible luck w/re to injuries thus far.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Overall I liked the play calling this week. I hope that Norv and Co. have reached the point where they completely abandon running Spoles between the tackles. Either run Bennett or just abandon the run altogether until LT comes back. I'm not sure there is a secondary in the league that can deal with VJax, Gates, Floyd, and Nanee. Just go shotgun the entire game and let Rivers make all the decisions.It LT is able to play this week, I think we've got a decent shot at stealing this one. Pitt is banged up as well and look vulnerable. 3-1 at the bye week would be awesome considering the terrible luck w/re to injuries thus far.

Agreed all around. Sproles up the gut is a wasted play right now. I think even a draw play at this point is easily sniffed out. I was very happy to see Rivers scramble and the Defense score. We can't always play against Henne but the Chargers are going to have to get some unconventional scores to keep Defenses on their heals. I'm very excited about the Pitt game!

 

[California]

Overall I liked the play calling this week. I hope that Norv and Co. have reached the point where they completely abandon running Spoles between the tackles. Either run Bennett or just abandon the run altogether until LT comes back. I'm not sure there is a secondary in the league that can deal with VJax, Gates, Floyd, and Nanee. Just go shotgun the entire game and let Rivers make all the decisions.It LT is able to play this week, I think we've got a decent shot at stealing this one. Pitt is banged up as well and look vulnerable. 3-1 at the bye week would be awesome considering the terrible luck w/re to injuries thus far.

I agree that Sproles up the middle is a waste of a down. However, they've got to maintain some semblance of a running game either with Bennett or LT. I still see a lot of problems with the OL in pass protection (and run blocking). Even if Rivers doesn't get sacked a lot he's going to eventually get killed with all the hits he'll take.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

The OL has been terrible lately. Marcus McNeil has given up a lot of QB pressures. Kris Dielman has been terribly inconsistent. Mooch has been physical, but has missed a few blocks. Dombrowski played pretty well at the end of the Raider game, but he's become a big liability both as a run-blocker and as a pass-blocker. Clary has actually been somewhat solid. Heading into the year, he was supposed to be the weak link along the OL, but his decent (not great) play has been the best on the OL.

I'm not even sure how much a difference it will make when Hardwick comes back. He was having a bad game in Oakland before he got hurt.

Vasquez will be a big upgrade over Dombrowski, so that should help a bit.

They really need McNeil and Dielman to start playing like they did a few years ago. I don't know what happened to them, but they have both become really inconsistent.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Appreciate your OL reviews MT. I re-watch the games during the week and pay specific attention to the trenches, but trust your analysis more than my own. I hope you're right about Vasquez.

And I agree about the regression on the left side. I thought we'd have problems on the right, but hoped a healthy McNeil and Dielman would be a strength.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

well not much to say about last week.

I was at the lions game and missed the first half. When I came home and saw the action. Miami just looked like they couldnt cover a bomb to save their lives.

We need LT at the goalline

I would love to beat Pitt, but 2-2 at the break to get the Oline fixed sounds good.

3 straight divisional games after that before running through the NFC east after the bye

Denver has to be the worst 3-0 team ever.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Acee mentioned something in his mailbag. I'm rewatching the game right now and he's right.

After all those stupid plays where the Chargers have run Sproles up the gut for no gain, a lot of fans are saying, "C'mon, Norv, forget trying to run. Just pass, pass, pass, like they did back in the Coryell days with Fouts, Joiner, Winslow, et al. Trying to run is useless."

Acee points out that those two terrific long passes by Rivers against the Dolphins -- one to Floyd and one to Jackson -- both came on play-action to Sproles. Without those stupid runs up the middle to set them up, those passes may not have worked.

(He also pointed out that the Chargers have run only 72 times in the first three games. During the glory years of Air Coryell (79-82), only twice did the Chargers run fewer than 72 times in any three-game stretch. So in terms of forgetting the run . . . mission already accomplished?)

 

[Tau837]

(He also pointed out that the Chargers have run only 72 times in the first three games. During the glory years of Air Coryell (79-82), only twice did the Chargers run fewer than 72 times in any three-game stretch. So in terms of forgetting the run . . . mission already accomplished?)

It's a small point, but from 79-82, the Chargers ran ~70 offensive plays per game, compared to ~64 plays per game this season. It would probably be more appropriate to compare the percentage of runs. (Possibly with the same result, I don't know.)

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Acee mentioned something in his mailbag. I'm rewatching the game right now and he's right.

After all those stupid plays where the Chargers have run Sproles up the gut for no gain, a lot of fans are saying, "C'mon, Norv, forget trying to run. Just pass, pass, pass, like they did back in the Coryell days with Fouts, Joiner, Winslow, et al. Trying to run is useless."

Acee points out that those two terrific long passes by Rivers against the Dolphins -- one to Floyd and one to Jackson -- both came on play-action to Sproles. Without those stupid runs up the middle to set them up, those passes may not have worked.

(He also pointed out that the Chargers have run only 72 times in the first three games. During the glory years of Air Coryell (79-82), only twice did the Chargers run fewer than 72 times in any three-game stretch. So in terms of forgetting the run . . . mission already accomplished?)

I'm not saying quit trying to run. I'm saying quit trying to run Sproles up the middle. Do we really think that Pittsburg is going to bring 8 in the box to stop a trap or dive play to Sproles thus freeing up Jackson for the bomb? Play action works better when the run goes for more than minus 2 yards.

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm thinking we've got another lost season on our hands. I'm also thinking there's some serious rebuilding that may need to take place.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I'm thinking we've got another lost season on our hands. I'm also thinking there's some serious rebuilding that may need to take place.

can we have rivers? you can have any 2 players in return. & i can't stand that chap ### , rivers. he can play qb though. which would be a big step in the right direction for us...

 

[Gr00vus]

I'm thinking we've got another lost season on our hands. I'm also thinking there's some serious rebuilding that may need to take place.

can we have rivers? you can have any 2 players in return. & i can't stand that chap ### , rivers. he can play qb though. which would be a big step in the right direction for us...

He's one of the few bright spots to rebuild around right now along with Jackson, Gates, Sproles and maybe Naanee. Sproles isn't an every down back, and he'll probably want much more than he's worth in the offseason. Both lines are for ####. They haven't been able to open holes for over 2 years now on offense, and with Williams out everyone on D is being exposed for the frauds they are. That's a bad situation to be in. The vaunted LB corps is doing absolutely nothing. Merriman looks done to me - there's no way he'll be back next year. Cromartie looks like a flash in the pan, apart from Jammer (I can't believe I'm saying this) the entire secondary stinks.

 

[Air Coryell]

The defense performance was awful, but disapointing to see LT miss so many blitz pickups during the game. For a vetern RB to miss those pickups is inexcusable.

Understanding the importance of the NT spot in the 3-4 to not have developed any backup at that spot, and betting it all on the health of a 33 yr old looks like is playing out as a big mistake. At this point it might not be a bad idea to give up a 2010 pick to a rebuilding team for a DT that can step in now and fill the hole in the middle.

Not to rehash to many of the other posts, for the LB performance has been terrible, and you begin to wonder if Cromartie peaked two years ago.

 

[Gr00vus]

The truth hurts and Shawne's whining:

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman wasn't pleased to read a comment from general manager A.J. Smith that the team's play at times this year has been "soft and bewildered."

The Chargers lost 38-28 at Pittsburgh on Sunday night, falling behind 28-0 and allowing the defending Super Bowl champions to pile up 497 yards of offense. San Diego is 2-2 going into its bye week, and already is two games behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.

On Wednesday, Smith was quoted in The San Diego Union-Tribune as saying, "Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered."

Merriman at first declined to comment, which would have been a first in his five-year career.

"I don't know too much of that. That's an opinion of a person, and it's not needed," Merriman said. "We know that we have to play better. We met for an extra hour and a half as a defense as a whole to discuss what we need to do and things we need to do to get better. And we're going to make adjustments in this locker room as far as players and our attitudes and getting after people a little more. But all that extra [stuff] is not needed at all."

Merriman said it would be easier to absorb such talk if it came from a teammate.

"The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room. Anything else, it doesn't matter," he said.

Merriman returned to the lineup this season after knee surgery sidelined him for the final 15 games of 2008, plus two playoff games. He's been in and out of the lineup this season as he works to regain full strength, and has been affected by a groin injury he said he got from overcompensating for the knee injury.

The Chargers clearly missed Merriman's spark last year, when they finished 8-8 and won the AFC West in large part because of Denver's historic collapse. After beating Indianapolis at home in the wild-card round, the Chargers were exposed by the more physical Steelers in losing a divisional-round playoff game in Pittsburgh.

Merriman had 39½ sacks his first three seasons; he's still waiting for his first sack this season.

Merriman said the Chargers are lacking an attitude.

"When you play with an attitude you want to finish plays," he said. "Playing with just a nasty attitude, that's something that has to be gained around here. And it's not happening right now -- but I could say that as a player because I'm going on the field. We say that in the locker room as players. We say that to each other."

Nicknamed "Lights Out" because of his hard hits, Merriman said he's willing to shoulder the responsibility of the Chargers playing with more attitude and aggression.

"I don't mind being at fault for that," he said. "I've talked to several players on defense, and we all met, like I said, an extra hour, hour and a half, after the time we were supposed to be here, to get that fixed. We know that as players, we know that in the locker room and hopefully that we're going to keep talking among players and keep it here."

Smith didn't return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Asked about Smith's comments, coach Norv Turner said: "I expressed my thoughts on Monday about that game. We're getting ready for Denver. We're addressing the things we need to do to play better against Denver."

The Chargers host the Broncos on Oct. 19.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

The best way to show people you're not soft is to when someone calls you soft. I figure the GM is justified in calling out deficiencies as he sees them. I'd like to hear a bit more from him about how he plans on correcting that problem, since he's the guy responsible for putting together this collection of cream puffs getting pushed around the field and the coaching staff creating an environment in which that kind of thing can flourish.

I'm having a hard time figuring out a scenario in which Merriman isn't out the door this offseason. He's pretty much doing the opposite of what you'd do if you were trying to stick with the team.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

The truth hurts and Shawne's whining:

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman wasn't pleased to read a comment from general manager A.J. Smith that the team's play at times this year has been "soft and bewildered."

The Chargers lost 38-28 at Pittsburgh on Sunday night, falling behind 28-0 and allowing the defending Super Bowl champions to pile up 497 yards of offense. San Diego is 2-2 going into its bye week, and already is two games behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.

On Wednesday, Smith was quoted in The San Diego Union-Tribune as saying, "Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered."

Merriman at first declined to comment, which would have been a first in his five-year career.

"I don't know too much of that. That's an opinion of a person, and it's not needed," Merriman said. "We know that we have to play better. We met for an extra hour and a half as a defense as a whole to discuss what we need to do and things we need to do to get better. And we're going to make adjustments in this locker room as far as players and our attitudes and getting after people a little more. But all that extra [stuff] is not needed at all."

Merriman said it would be easier to absorb such talk if it came from a teammate.

"The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room. Anything else, it doesn't matter," he said.

Merriman returned to the lineup this season after knee surgery sidelined him for the final 15 games of 2008, plus two playoff games. He's been in and out of the lineup this season as he works to regain full strength, and has been affected by a groin injury he said he got from overcompensating for the knee injury.

The Chargers clearly missed Merriman's spark last year, when they finished 8-8 and won the AFC West in large part because of Denver's historic collapse. After beating Indianapolis at home in the wild-card round, the Chargers were exposed by the more physical Steelers in losing a divisional-round playoff game in Pittsburgh.

Merriman had 39½ sacks his first three seasons; he's still waiting for his first sack this season.

Merriman said the Chargers are lacking an attitude.

"When you play with an attitude you want to finish plays," he said. "Playing with just a nasty attitude, that's something that has to be gained around here. And it's not happening right now -- but I could say that as a player because I'm going on the field. We say that in the locker room as players. We say that to each other."

Nicknamed "Lights Out" because of his hard hits, Merriman said he's willing to shoulder the responsibility of the Chargers playing with more attitude and aggression.

"I don't mind being at fault for that," he said. "I've talked to several players on defense, and we all met, like I said, an extra hour, hour and a half, after the time we were supposed to be here, to get that fixed. We know that as players, we know that in the locker room and hopefully that we're going to keep talking among players and keep it here."

Smith didn't return a call from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Asked about Smith's comments, coach Norv Turner said: "I expressed my thoughts on Monday about that game. We're getting ready for Denver. We're addressing the things we need to do to play better against Denver."

The Chargers host the Broncos on Oct. 19.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

The best way to show people you're not soft is to when someone calls you soft. I figure the GM is justified in calling out deficiencies as he sees them. I'd like to hear a bit more from him about how he plans on correcting that problem, since he's the guy responsible for putting together this collection of cream puffs getting pushed around the field and the coaching staff creating an environment in which that kind of thing can flourish.

I'm having a hard time figuring out a scenario in which Merriman isn't out the door this offseason. He's pretty much doing the opposite of what you'd do if you were trying to stick with the team.

I have no problem with anything AJ said. The writer asked how he felt watching the game Sunday, he said Embarrassed, as were most Charger fans watching that soft defense. We shall see how they respond next week, frankly I like this shake up. Norvs candy store press conference on Monday was laughable, AJ did what he needed to do. Merriman and Cromartie need to spend less time twittering and more time making some dam plays.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I pretty much expected to be 2-2 at the bye, was hoping for 3-1 but what are you gonna do.

3 very winable games after the bye as we get all 3 division opponents and 2 at home. 5 -2 is very possible. Vs. DEnver on Monday night is huge.

Then we start to play the NFCEast - NYG and Philly. hmmmmmmmm

I for once want the chargers to look like they are prepared to play and come out and get off to a good start. Always seems like Norv's teams get behind by 10 early, Rivers has to pulls us back in. Sick of this routine.

Can Norv fix this running attack and stopping the run on D? i dunno

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I pretty much expected to be 2-2 at the bye, was hoping for 3-1 but what are you gonna do.

3 very winable games after the bye as we get all 3 division opponents and 2 at home. 5 -2 is very possible. Vs. DEnver on Monday night is huge.

Then we start to play the NFCEast - NYG and Philly. hmmmmmmmm

I for once want the chargers to look like they are prepared to play and come out and get off to a good start. Always seems like Norv's teams get behind by 10 early, Rivers has to pulls us back in. Sick of this routine.

Can Norv fix this running attack and stopping the run on D? i dunno

I have my doubts. But one thing is for sure, if anyone on this D could tackle the team would be so much better. It seems like it's always the 4th or 5th defender to touch the runner that gets the tackle. So I'm thinking that AJ is right and that is product of soft play, not the scheme. If you are going to get run over anyway, at least tackle the guy. It's painful.

 

[GoL]

What's the latest on LT?

Is he going to come back from the bye healthy and return (at least somewhat) to form?

Has he posted his last 100+ multi TD game?

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

What's the latest on LT?Is he going to come back from the bye healthy and return (at least somewhat) to form?Has he posted his last 100+ multi TD game?

He should be back to full speed next monday night. The key here is that the Charger Defense can't dig a big hole. When they do, then the offense must pass too much to climb out, thus limiting LT. "IF" LT is back, the next 3 games against the Division opponents should tell the tale.

 

[Gr00vus]

Link to some of the stronger comments A.J. made.

"Absolutely embarrassing,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith confirmed Tuesday during the first of our annual quarterly report get-togethers. “Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered.”

“Everybody gets hurt in the National Football League, if not early, then late, or in the playoffs,” Smith said. “You do the best you can. Deal with it."

“Everything bothers me right now and there's not much we can do. You can make trades (trading deadline's Oct. 20) or go on the street, but all you can do is tweak in football – during the season. You can lose your job and the players are still here."

“If this trend continues, we'll be 8-8 – or worse – and certainly out of the division,” Smith said. “We won't have the credentials. It's not going well for the San Diego Chargers and we'd better get our act together quickly."

“We need to complete games. We've gained absolutely no ground over last year. I'm extremely disappointed.”

I don't think there's any equivocating here - sounds like he just put everyone on notice. If they finish out the year the way they've started I'd expect some serious housecleaning in the offseason, including the coaching staff, Norv in particular. That almost makes me want to root for them to miss the playoffs this year. Almost.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Link to some of the stronger comments A.J. made.

"Absolutely embarrassing,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith confirmed Tuesday during the first of our annual quarterly report get-togethers. “Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered.”

“Everybody gets hurt in the National Football League, if not early, then late, or in the playoffs,” Smith said. “You do the best you can. Deal with it."

“Everything bothers me right now and there's not much we can do. You can make trades (trading deadline's Oct. 20) or go on the street, but all you can do is tweak in football – during the season. You can lose your job and the players are still here."

“If this trend continues, we'll be 8-8 – or worse – and certainly out of the division,” Smith said. “We won't have the credentials. It's not going well for the San Diego Chargers and we'd better get our act together quickly."

“We need to complete games. We've gained absolutely no ground over last year. I'm extremely disappointed.”

I don't think there's any equivocating here - sounds like he just put everyone on notice. If they finish out the year the way they've started I'd expect some serious housecleaning in the offseason, including the coaching staff, Norv in particular. That almost makes me want to root for them to miss the playoffs this year. Almost.

unless they hire shannahan or Cowher there isnt anyone else out there worth it is there?Cowher isnt coming becuase of the whole Marty thing

Shanahan would be very interesting

 

[Tau837]

Link to some of the stronger comments A.J. made.

"Absolutely embarrassing,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith confirmed Tuesday during the first of our annual quarterly report get-togethers. “Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered.”

“Everybody gets hurt in the National Football League, if not early, then late, or in the playoffs,” Smith said. “You do the best you can. Deal with it."

“Everything bothers me right now and there's not much we can do. You can make trades (trading deadline's Oct. 20) or go on the street, but all you can do is tweak in football – during the season. You can lose your job and the players are still here."

“If this trend continues, we'll be 8-8 – or worse – and certainly out of the division,” Smith said. “We won't have the credentials. It's not going well for the San Diego Chargers and we'd better get our act together quickly."

“We need to complete games. We've gained absolutely no ground over last year. I'm extremely disappointed.”

I don't think there's any equivocating here - sounds like he just put everyone on notice. If they finish out the year the way they've started I'd expect some serious housecleaning in the offseason, including the coaching staff, Norv in particular. That almost makes me want to root for them to miss the playoffs this year. Almost.

unless they hire shannahan or Cowher there isnt anyone else out there worth it is there?Cowher isnt coming becuase of the whole Marty thing

Shanahan would be very interesting

Gruden? Holmgren? Or follow the trend and go with a guy with no HC track record?As for A.J.'s comments, while I don't disagree with them, I am also starting to think that his GM performance has been overrated in recent years. He is the guy more than anyone else that is responsible for the depth issues on the team. He says every team gets hurt and you deal with it... what was his plan to deal with the OL and DL injuries? Is he implying that he did his job well and either the players or coaches or both aren't doing theirs?