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I try not to get too high with the highs or low with the lows, but how anyone could watch last night's masterpiece and suggest it creates a stronger argument for firing Norv is mystifying. I get the frustration angle, and I think the Denver loss is exhibit A of Norv's weaknesses as a coach, but I don't see how our offense won't take a step back if/when he is let go. Chargers haven't been blown out this year despite being ravaged by injuries and Rivers having the worst month of his career. They're a Rivers' mishandled snap from leading the division. I'm on the fence re: Norv and AJ right now.'Polar Dude said:
Last night's game shows that he has been given the players to compete at a top level. Norv's inability to get a team prepared to compete at that level for the first two or three months of the season is why he needs to go.
Yes. If we're looking at a playoff-less season and wondering whether it's more Norv's fault or AJ's fault, last night's game is evidence that the talent has been there all along. It just hadn't been put to very good use for much of the season.(On the flip side, I guess one could argue that the early season woes are evidence that the talent is lousy, and last night's performance was a miracle of outstanding coaching, elevating below-average players to stellar heights. But I think that argument is harder to swallow.)On the whole, though, while I understand Polar Dude's point, I do think that whenever the Chargers play up to their potential, it's a point in Norv's favor rather than a demerit. If the Chargers continue to play very well, finish 9-7, and miss the playoffs, I think Spanos will have a tough decision to make.But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Last year the Chargers blew out the Chiefs and 49ers in weeks 14 and 15, were playing great and heading toward 10-6 . . . and then looked like **** against the Bengals in week 16.
I've spent more time defending Norv than most but I think this would be horrible if true. If you would have asked before the season what Norv needed to produce to keep his job this year I would have said at least a playoff win, probably two. Just because the team was horrible in the middle of the season and has bounced back a bit I don't think the criteria for this season being a success has changed. It's extremely unlikely but I've seen extremely unlikely things happen before. The game last night just underscored why Norv and AJ will have jobs next year, in SD or elsewhere, but I don't think you can read too much in a single game. Does anyone really think KC fans are beating themselves up today because if KC can be beat GB.... why isn't KC undefeated?
In fairness, the Chargers have looked like a different team with a healthy Gates and a healthy Floyd, not to mention finally getting a little bit of continuity on the OL. Last night was the best game the Chargers have played in a couple of years, IMO. I'm hesitant to buy into the "elite talent" argument - I think it was more of a team with good talent hitting on all cylinders, and Norv calling an absolute brilliant game.
Disagree with the first part because BAL is a very talented team but only mediocre on the road(losing record on the road currently). On the other hand, that's why it was a must win for them(they desperately need home field advantage in the playoffs) so you would think that was certainly their best and most focused effort. The win at INDY(6-1 at home other than the SD game) last season was much more impressive imo.Completely agree with regard to all the "talent" talk over the past several years. They have a lot of fantasy football talent at the skill positions. In real football you need talent in the trenches and SD simply doesn't have it... period. I'd also argue that in todays league you really need good DB play as well and the DB play on this team fluctuates wildly outside of Weddle who really seems to be stepping up.Even though the game was great last night I couldn't help asking myself, "Why couldn't they have game planned this well in the oak home game?". That and the home loss vs den are why SD won't make the playoffs. Let's not forget those games. Norv was instrumental in both those losses.
AJ and Norv should be fired, tomorrow.
The offensive line alone has had eleven different starters, almost exclusively due to injuries. Gates, Jackson, and Floyd have only played together in about six games.The defense was probably hit the hardest. Starters Luis Castillo, Stephen Cooper, and Bob Saunders all ended up on IR, Jaques Cesaire and Shaun Phillips have spent as much time on the injury list as off of it.All teams struggle with injuries every year. This team is no exception.
I'm not making any excuses for how poorly this team has performed, but to suggest that there have been "no major injuries" associated with this season is ignorant (unless you simply don't put much stock into the importance of an offensive line, a receiving corps, or a defense).Exactly.I don't see the Chargers injury struggles being particularly grievous when compared to the rest of the league. You think that buys this regime another year? I would have a hard time swallowing that.
All teams struggle with injuries every year. This team is no exception.
Yes, you're right. Philip Rivers didn't get injured, so there were no major injuries. You can go play now.
It would be very interesting to visit an alternate universe where Schottenheimer had done this against Denver in 2005.I know your boys will do the right thing and play all the backups this week.
hmmm.Gruden?lukewarm at best
It'd be a huge upgrade from Norv. You'd rather have Fisher?I'm thinking A.J. stays, I just hope he learns from his mistakes and drops a healthy portion of his hubris.
I have seen rumors elsewhere about Cowher, but I assume he won't take the job, whether due to Smith, the Marty situation, or geography.I'd much prefer Gruden to Fisher, especially if Gruden already gets along with Smith. I think Fisher is a solid coach but is probably a bit overrated... he only had 6 winning seasons in 17 years as Titans HC. Gruden has more division titles than Fisher in 6 fewer seasons as a HC, and he obviously has coached a team to a Super Bowl win, which Fisher has not. I also think Gruden's strengths are a better fit for the current offensive players.What better candidate is available who might realistically accept the job?ETA: As for Smith, I don't care as much about his hubris as about his personnel decisions. He needs to improve his drafting significantly over the results of the past few seasons.
I very much agree with this. Seems like he's a bit more prone to run a dynamic/QB centric offense than Fisher. Maybe that's just because Fisher hasn't had a guy like Rivers at QB - then again McNair wasn't exactly chopped liver. Either one would be a huge upgrade IMO and it seems like either one wouldn't mind working with Smith, which is why I figure he'll still be around.The SD writers are saying Cowher would want full control and that Spanos won't roll that way, so he's not the likeliest of candidates.
I think his hubris drives many of his personnel decisions - both in drafting and in handing out deals. I think he gets overly infatuated with some of "his guys" and pays unnecessarily higher than market prices for them as a result. In that regard it'd help if he toned it down a bit.
I don't think he will, I was just hoping he would if he stays with the team.
Or if Rivers hadn't fumbled that snap against the Chiefs. Really, you could change one play in like 14 different games this year, and any of the four AFC West teams could have won the division. Pretty unreal, really.
That was the worst, but there were several other games the Chargers choked that would have gotten them there.At least they won one more for Norv.'Ghost Rider said:
I'm just glad they got out of it without Rivers getting injured.
I like Rivers. Not sure where the hate comes from. I think it is similar to the Jay Cutler hate. They guys just don't fit the PR mold.'tommyGunZ said:
