San Diego Beware: (1 Viewer)

[tommyGunZ]

Who cares how bad your red zone defense is if teams rarely reach the red zone? Aren't the Chargers like 7th in defensive pts allowed? I don't care if you're 31st in red zone defense, if you're top 10 in pts allowed, your defense is not a liability.

And while the secondary isn't a strength, it's much improved over the past couple seasons with the addition of McCree and Jammer coming on.

The defense also led the league in sacks and sports an All Pro tackle in Jamal Williams, the best defensive player in the game in Merriman, and a double digit sack artist in Phillips on the other side. Not to mention Luis Castillo, whom **** Vermeil called "the best DL to come into the league since 1998" during a telecast this year.

They've been banged up all year, but make no mistake, the Charger defense is one of the best 5 defenses in the NFL when healthy.

 

[UCLAGIE]

Who cares how bad your red zone defense is if teams rarely reach the red zone? Aren't the Chargers like 7th in defensive pts allowed? I don't care if you're 31st in red zone defense, if you're top 10 in pts allowed, your defense is not a liability. And while the secondary isn't a strength, it's much improved over the past couple seasons with the addition of McCree and Jammer coming on.The defense also lead the league in sacks and sports an All Pro tackle in Jamal Williams, the best defensive player in the game in Merriman, and a double digit sack artist in Phillips on the other side. Not to mention Luis Castillo, whom **** Vermeil called "the best DL to come into the league since 1998" during a telecast this year.They've been banged up all year, but make no mistake, the Charger defense is one of the best 5 defenses in the NFL when healthy.

For how much press was given to the Jets ability to pressure Brady before last week's games I was suprised to see that the Jets were actually pretty mediocre when it comes to rushing the QB this season.They had 35 sacks this season, the Chargers have 61. Good luck coming up with a scheme that doubles both Merriman and Phillips

 

[Tau837]

There have been some comments on the San Diego defense, particularly its pass defense and red zone defense. I'm not sure how to easily find red zone defense per game... but I did post this just now in the other thread:

I assume everyone agrees that the Chargers have one of the best defensive front sevens in the NFL, if not THE best. 2 of them missed weeks 7-12:

Olshansky and Phillips missed weeks 7 and 8

Merriman and Phillips missed week 9

Merriman and Castillo missed weeks 10-12

Castillo and Godfrey missed weeks 16-17

The Chargers allowed 198 points in those 8 weeks, an average of 24.8 ppg. In the other 8 weeks, they allowed 105 points, an average of 13.1 ppg.

The Chargers allowed 262 passing yards per game in those 8 weeks. In the other 8 weeks, they allowed 140 passing yards per game.

IMO it is obvious that injuries had a significant impact in those 6 weeks. On top of that, defensive starters for San Diego missed another 11 games on the season besides those above... but never more than one starter in the front 7 in any other game.

This week all of their defensive starters are healthy. IMO their defense is better across the board (passing, rushing, scoring) than the regular season numbers indicate.

Well, the Chargers met the Browns in week 9. That is two weeks into your "stretch of 8 games". Here is an article previewing the Chargers-Browns game:http://mistakesports.blogspot.com/2006/11/...rs-preview.html

Looking for the Chargers' Achilles' heel? We've mentioned the secondary in the past, but this is also the league's worst red-zone defense, and it isn't even close. That's odd, because usually a team with a good front seven is going to be good in the red zone.

So the Chargers, heading into the Browns, were DEAD LAST in the red zone defense. That leads me to think whatever issue the Chargers are having with red zone defense isn't about injuries, because almost the entire stats they recorded to get ranked dead-last were when all those guys were playing.Here's a direct link to the story looking at the Chargers red zone defense:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6122994

OK. Heading into week 9, they had played 7 games, and their front 7 had missed 9 games collectively.In week 1, Oakland reached the red zone once, on the last drive of the game of a 27-0 Chargers win. Obviously they didn't score.

In week 2, Tennessee scored 7 points. They reached the red zone only on their 11th and 12th drives of the game, in a 40-7 loss. They ran 4 plays in the red zone; 1 pass was incomplete, 1 was spiked to stop the clock, and 2 were completed for 31 yards and a TD. 2/4 for 31/1/0 in the red zone, but it was a blowout.

In week 4, Baltimore took over on thei.r second drive on the SD 22, and ran 4 plays in the red zone for 20 yards and a TD. The next time they got to the red zone was on their 8th drive; they ran 2 red zone plays for 2 yards and turned the ball over on a fumble. On Baltimore's 12th drive, they ran 2 plays in the red zone for 10 yards and a TD. So for the game, Baltimore ran 8 plays for 32 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 fumble in the red zone.

In week 5, Pittsburgh ran 1 play in the red zone on its 4th drive, a 9 yard TD run by Parker. On their 5th drive, they ran 1 play for -1 yard and kicked a FG from the 21 (outside the red zone). That's it.

In week 6, San Francisco ran 3 red zone plays for 22 yards and 2 TDs.

That's 10 drives in 5 games that reached the red zone, and they yielded a total of 6 TDs and 1 FG on those drives.

 

[BGP]

Who cares how bad your red zone defense is if teams rarely reach the red zone? Aren't the Chargers like 7th in defensive pts allowed? I don't care if you're 31st in red zone defense, if you're top 10 in pts allowed, your defense is not a liability.

Basically the idea is that it is a "mediocre to good' 7th. Last year, the Seahawks were 7th with 271 points allowed. This year, the Chargers are 7th with 303 points allowed. That's a bit of a difference.I think "liability" is too strong of a word. The Chargers defense is not bad. I think the odds are low that it is good enough for the Chargers to win 3 playoff games, either. And I predict the Patriots will win here.

 

[Bri]

Anyone know if Rodney's playing yet?

A while back someone brought up Gostkowski. I was screaming at the TV as they didn't kick a FG and "went for it" on 4th down several times in the beginning of the year. BB though has seemed to be following some sort of plan. Each and every week he uses him more and the kid has come thru. It's really pretty interesting how BB chose to bring a rookie K along. He hasn't been a weakness yet. He's been excellent the last 4-5 weeks or so. I'm not sure if this is really a weakness for the Pats.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Anyone know if Rodney's playing yet?

There hasn't been any official word, but from what I've heard just on the airwaves, everyone in the know is basically going along with the thought that Harrison can't play this week.

A while back someone brought up Gostkowski. I was screaming at the TV as they didn't kick a FG and "went for it" on 4th down several times in the beginning of the year. BB though has seemed to be following some sort of plan. Each and every week he uses him more and the kid has come thru. It's really pretty interesting how BB chose to bring a rookie K along. He hasn't been a weakness yet. He's been excellent the last 4-5 weeks or so. I'm not sure if this is really a weakness for the Pats.

I've seen this discussed elsewhere, and I think it's a little overrated. I think Belichick has been pretty aggressive on 4th down in some of those "grey area" distances even with Vintatieri. Also, while I agree that they went for it a lot earlier in the season, you have to also remember that the condition of the field was terrible for the first half of the season, and that could've been a huge factor.Generally though, I don't think that Gostkowski is a liability on FG's. He's CERTAINLY not a liability on kickoffs.

 

[Bri]

For how much press was given to the Jets ability to pressure Brady before last week's games I was suprised to see that the Jets were actually pretty mediocre when it comes to rushing the QB this season.They had 35 sacks this season, the Chargers have 61. Good luck coming up with a scheme that doubles both Merriman and Phillips

QB pressures is another stat teams keep. It's not as "night N day" as those stats seem. Mangini got pretty good pressure out of his D this year. Edge is probably to the Chargers but that just seems like the Jets couldn't pressure the QB and that wasn't the case this year at all.As with every other matchup, the teams are not in good shape if it's 3rd and long.The Pats aren't going to want to block Merriman on 3rd and long. 3rd and long is probably where BB can really confuse a young QB like Rivers.

 

[PatsWillWin]

For how much press was given to the Jets ability to pressure Brady before last week's games I was suprised to see that the Jets were actually pretty mediocre when it comes to rushing the QB this season.They had 35 sacks this season, the Chargers have 61. Good luck coming up with a scheme that doubles both Merriman and Phillips

You don't need to double them. You have to slow them down and have a QB to who can make quick reads and get the ball away.:check:

 

[thayman]

I think it comes down to Rivers. You already know that Brady can step up in the postseason, if Rivers can step up to the plate and play smart football and not turn the ball over, I think it's going to be the game of the week easily, if not the best game of the playoffs.

 

[tombonneau]

Not sure if this has been mentioned in previous postings, but Herald ran a list of Schotty's post-season results. I hadn't realized how many 4th quarter leads he's actually blown. (I've bolded the most egregious losses).

What I'd be most worried about if I was a Chargers fan is his last three playoff appearances -- he's certainly shown no sign of improvement, and in fact based on recent history is regressing when it comes to playoff success.

Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer's postseason record, which stands at 5-12, will be the most discussed statistic this week. Schottenheimer earned the record through stints in Cleveland, Kansas City and San Diego.

A game-by-game look:

SeasonScore RoundSkinny

1985at Miami 24, Clev. 21 Div. Browns blow 18-point, second-half lead.

1986at Clev. 23, Jets 20 (2ot)Div. Browns score 10 in final 4 min. to force OT.

1986Denver 23, at Clev. 20 (ot) AFC titleMarty done in by Elway and "The Drive."

1987at Clev. 38, Indy 21Div. Browns build 21-7 lead and hold it.

1987at Denver 38, Clev. 33 AFC title Earnest Byner fumble kills late bid.

1988Houston 24, at Clev. 23Wild Card Browns give up 10 in the 4th to lose it.

1990at Miami 17, KC 16 Wild Card Chiefs give up 14 in the 4th to lose it.

1991at KC 10, Raiders 6Wild CardClassic Martyball victory

1991 at Buffalo 37, KC 14Div. Bills race out to 24-0 lead and cruise.

1992at SD 17, KC 0 Wild CardChiefs had beaten Bolts twice in reg. season.

1993at KC 27, Pitt. 24 (ot)Wild cardJoe Montana ties it with late TD pass.

1993KC 28, at Houston 20 Div. Chiefs pull upset behind 3 Montana TDs.

1993at Buffalo 30, KC 13AFC title Another no-contest against the Bills.

1994at Miami 27, KC 17Wild card Two second-half turnovers spell defeat.

1995 Indy 10, at KC 7 Div. No. 1 seeded Chiefs miss 3 FGs and lose.

1997 Denver 14, at KC 10 Div. No. 1 seeded Chiefs can't hold on late.

2004 Jets 20, at SD 17 (ot)Wild card Marty plays for FG in OT and misses

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Not sure if this has been mentioned in previous postings, but Herald ran a list of Schotty's post-season results. I hadn't realized how many 4th quarter leads he's actually blown. (I've bolded the most egregious losses).

What I'd be most worried about if I was a Chargers fan is his last three playoff appearances -- he's certainly shown no sign of improvement, and in fact based on recent history is regressing when it comes to playoff success.

Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer's postseason record, which stands at 5-12, will be the most discussed statistic this week. Schottenheimer earned the record through stints in Cleveland, Kansas City and San Diego.

A game-by-game look:

SeasonScore RoundSkinny

1985at Miami 24, Clev. 21 Div. Browns blow 18-point, second-half lead.

1986at Clev. 23, Jets 20 (2ot)Div. Browns score 10 in final 4 min. to force OT.

1986Denver 23, at Clev. 20 (ot) AFC titleMarty done in by Elway and "The Drive."

1987at Clev. 38, Indy 21Div. Browns build 21-7 lead and hold it.

1987at Denver 38, Clev. 33 AFC title Earnest Byner fumble kills late bid.

1988Houston 24, at Clev. 23Wild Card Browns give up 10 in the 4th to lose it.

1990at Miami 17, KC 16 Wild Card Chiefs give up 14 in the 4th to lose it.

1991at KC 10, Raiders 6Wild CardClassic Martyball victory

1991 at Buffalo 37, KC 14Div. Bills race out to 24-0 lead and cruise.

1992at SD 17, KC 0 Wild CardChiefs had beaten Bolts twice in reg. season.

1993at KC 27, Pitt. 24 (ot)Wild cardJoe Montana ties it with late TD pass.

1993KC 28, at Houston 20 Div. Chiefs pull upset behind 3 Montana TDs.

1993at Buffalo 30, KC 13AFC title Another no-contest against the Bills.

1994at Miami 27, KC 17Wild card Two second-half turnovers spell defeat.

1995 Indy 10, at KC 7 Div. No. 1 seeded Chiefs miss 3 FGs and lose.

1997 Denver 14, at KC 10 Div. No. 1 seeded Chiefs can't hold on late.

2004 Jets 20, at SD 17 (ot)Wild card Marty plays for FG in OT and misses

No doubt that the thing that could hold the Bolts back are Marty & Rivers. But Im hopeing that Marty learned something from his protege last year, a coach with a similar playoff losses that finally won it all.

 

[tombonneau]

No doubt that the thing that could hold the Bolts back are Marty & Rivers. But Im hopeing that Marty learned something from his protege last year, a coach with a similar playoff losses that finally won it all.

Exactly. Will be interesting to see how stubborn Marty is. I brought this up earlier in the year when talking about Shanny & would he bring in Cutler. It was early in the season and people were saying no way, but I'd stated that Shanny already had a proven history of what he would do in this sort of situation, and history dictated he would bench the vet.My stance stemmed from something that stuck with me that I read from some German philospher, namely that if a person is put in the same situation they have already been in, they will continue to make the same decisions/mistakes. Its just in their genetic makeup. Hence, I said Shanny would bench the vet & start the rook.The same thing tells me that if there is five minutes left and Marty is up by 4, he will run, run, run and not try to win the game with another score. This could again prove his undoing.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Who cares how bad your red zone defense is if teams rarely reach the red zone?

If teams rarely reach the red zone, any red-zone ranking will be based on too small a sample size to mean very much.Great post by JetsWillWin breaking down the PPG allowed in relatively healthy weeks versus weeks without at least two starters in the front seven. (And note that McCree was out in the secondary during many of those same weeks.)Everyone is back healthy now. I guarantee you that Bill Belichick is not underestimating the Charger D the way some people in this thread are.

 

[jonessed]

No doubt that the thing that could hold the Bolts back are Marty & Rivers. But Im hopeing that Marty learned something from his protege last year, a coach with a similar playoff losses that finally won it all.

Exactly. Will be interesting to see how stubborn Marty is. I brought this up earlier in the year when talking about Shanny & would he bring in Cutler. It was early in the season and people were saying no way, but I'd stated that Shanny already had a proven history of what he would do in this sort of situation, and history dictated he would bench the vet.My stance stemmed from something that stuck with me that I read from some German philospher, namely that if a person is put in the same situation they have already been in, they will continue to make the same decisions/mistakes. Its just in their genetic makeup. Hence, I said Shanny would bench the vet & start the rook.The same thing tells me that if there is five minutes left and Marty is up by 4, he will run, run, run and not try to win the game with another score. This could again prove his undoing.

Marty is not involved in the playcalling for the first time in his career. After the Baltimore game Cam Cameron took over all control. Martyball cannot live unless Marty interferes with the playcalling. It's not dead because Marty is going to suddenly change it's dead because he's not involved in that aspect of the game anymore. That's why the Chargers have been able to win close games this year. This is a non-issue. If New England wins it's because they were the better team not because Marty couldn't pull it out.

 

[tombonneau]

No doubt that the thing that could hold the Bolts back are Marty & Rivers. But Im hopeing that Marty learned something from his protege last year, a coach with a similar playoff losses that finally won it all.

Exactly. Will be interesting to see how stubborn Marty is. I brought this up earlier in the year when talking about Shanny & would he bring in Cutler. It was early in the season and people were saying no way, but I'd stated that Shanny already had a proven history of what he would do in this sort of situation, and history dictated he would bench the vet.My stance stemmed from something that stuck with me that I read from some German philospher, namely that if a person is put in the same situation they have already been in, they will continue to make the same decisions/mistakes. Its just in their genetic makeup. Hence, I said Shanny would bench the vet & start the rook.The same thing tells me that if there is five minutes left and Marty is up by 4, he will run, run, run and not try to win the game with another score. This could again prove his undoing.

Marty is not involved in the playcalling for the first time in his career. After the Baltimore game Cam Cameron took over all control. Martyball cannot live unless Marty interferes with the playcalling. It's not dead because Marty is going to suddenly change it's dead because he's not involved in that aspect of the game anymore. That's why the Chargers have been able to win close games this year. This is a non-issue. If New England wins it's because they were the better team not because Marty couldn't pull it out.

I guarantee you in a close game with the playoffs on the line Marty isn't going to be sitting on the sideline doing a Sudoku. I'd have to imagine he would have some input as to the style of playcalling.

 

[Gr00vus]

I guarantee you in a close game with the playoffs on the line Marty isn't going to be sitting on the sideline doing a Sudoku. I'd have to imagine he would have some input as to the style of playcalling.

I'm sure Marty's had some input, but it's really true that since Baltimore Cameron has been calling the shots on offense.It's funny how many people in this thread are harping on situations relating to the Chargers that just aren't relevant to this point in time. I learned my lesson this year (thanks to Cal Bear) when I was dead certain that Denver would shut down LaDainian in Denver because they always had in the past. He came out and worked them over. The past is the past people. But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.Here's another fun statistic: BB and Brady are 4-0 against #1 seeds in the playoffs.

 

[BGP]

Here's another fun statistic: BB and Brady are 4-0 against #1 seeds in the playoffs.

Another fun fact. Schottenheimer is 1-3 in the playoffs as the #1 seed.

 

[parrot]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

 

[jonessed]

No doubt that the thing that could hold the Bolts back are Marty & Rivers. But Im hopeing that Marty learned something from his protege last year, a coach with a similar playoff losses that finally won it all.

Exactly. Will be interesting to see how stubborn Marty is. I brought this up earlier in the year when talking about Shanny & would he bring in Cutler. It was early in the season and people were saying no way, but I'd stated that Shanny already had a proven history of what he would do in this sort of situation, and history dictated he would bench the vet.My stance stemmed from something that stuck with me that I read from some German philospher, namely that if a person is put in the same situation they have already been in, they will continue to make the same decisions/mistakes. Its just in their genetic makeup. Hence, I said Shanny would bench the vet & start the rook.The same thing tells me that if there is five minutes left and Marty is up by 4, he will run, run, run and not try to win the game with another score. This could again prove his undoing.

Marty is not involved in the playcalling for the first time in his career. After the Baltimore game Cam Cameron took over all control. Martyball cannot live unless Marty interferes with the playcalling. It's not dead because Marty is going to suddenly change it's dead because he's not involved in that aspect of the game anymore. That's why the Chargers have been able to win close games this year. This is a non-issue. If New England wins it's because they were the better team not because Marty couldn't pull it out.

I guarantee you in a close game with the playoffs on the line Marty isn't going to be sitting on the sideline doing a Sudoku. I'd have to imagine he would have some input as to the style of playcalling.

He is on thin ice with management there is no way he starts sticking his nose in the play-calling again. During the final drives of the Denver game he didn't even have a headset on. If you think that if a head coach isn't calling plays then he has nothing to do I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Gr00vus]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

 

[bostonfred]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

I was kind of hoping that we'd see something along the lines of Stan Humphries vs. the Pats.

 

[parasaurolophus]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

If the results from 2005 and 2002 mean nothing, then the results of the 2001 and 1990 superbowls mean nothing.

 

[BGP]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

If the results from 2005 and 2002 mean nothing, then the results of the 2001 and 1990 superbowls mean nothing.

The 2001 and 1990 super bowls are considered to have more relevance in my view because Belichick had strong clubs in those seasons, like he does now. The 2005 and 2002 seasons were times when Belichick had distinctly weaker clubs. At this point, I like to use the 05 patriots as a "floor' of performance, if anything. Given what statistically was a clearly weaker club, Belichick could be beaten on the road IF they committed 5 turnovers.I find that frightening.

 

[parasaurolophus]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

If the results from 2005 and 2002 mean nothing, then the results of the 2001 and 1990 superbowls mean nothing.

The 2001 and 1990 super bowls are considered to have more relevance in my view because Belichick had strong clubs in those seasons, like he does now. The 2005 and 2002 seasons were times when Belichick had distinctly weaker clubs. At this point, I like to use the 05 patriots as a "floor' of performance, if anything. Given what statistically was a clearly weaker club, Belichick could be beaten on the road IF they committed 5 turnovers.I find that frightening.

i find that the 2006 SD chagers are vastly superior to the 2002 and 2005 chargers. So wouldnt that equal out the difference?

 

[Gr00vus]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

If the results from 2005 and 2002 mean nothing, then the results of the 2001 and 1990 superbowls mean nothing.

I agree with this also.

 

[BGP]

But by all means continue to dillude yourselves about those things - you're in for a surprise on Sunday.

Does this apply to people looking at week four of last year and earlier too? If so I concur completely.

And I agree with that as well. The results from 2005 and 2002, etc. have 0 to do with the game on Sunday.

If the results from 2005 and 2002 mean nothing, then the results of the 2001 and 1990 superbowls mean nothing.

The 2001 and 1990 super bowls are considered to have more relevance in my view because Belichick had strong clubs in those seasons, like he does now. The 2005 and 2002 seasons were times when Belichick had distinctly weaker clubs. At this point, I like to use the 05 patriots as a "floor' of performance, if anything. Given what statistically was a clearly weaker club, Belichick could be beaten on the road IF they committed 5 turnovers.I find that frightening.

i find that the 2006 SD chagers are vastly superior to the 2002 and 2005 chargers. So wouldnt that equal out the difference?

Not to me because Belichick, when given a team this strong, seems to consistently beat, well, just about everyone.

 

[Bri]

bump

 

[BGP]

Well the autopsy shows the Patriots reached the red zone three times. The first time they got a TD. The second time the score was 21-13 in the fourth and the Patriots not only got the TD but converted the 2-point try, which was another red zone play. And the final time the Patriots just sat on the ball to eat clock and kicked a FG.

The lack of red zone defense definitely contributed to the loss.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Well the autopsy shows the Patriots reached the red zone three times. The first time they got a TD. The second time the score was 21-13 in the fourth and the Patriots not only got the TD but converted the 2-point try, which was another red zone play. And the final time the Patriots just sat on the ball to eat clock and kicked a FG.The lack of red zone defense definitely contributed to the loss.

a fumble by mcree had the most to do with the loss.What about the stoud Pats red zone d?

 

[Bri]

What about the stoud Pats red zone d?

each team wasn't very good in the red zone todayAs I said in the game thread and earlier here, no one disagrees that LT2 is money from the 3 or 1 yard line. There wasn't much chance to evaluate the Pats red zone D, re to the 20 yard line

 

[BoltBacker]

Well the autopsy shows the Patriots reached the red zone three times. The first time they got a TD. The second time the score was 21-13 in the fourth and the Patriots not only got the TD but converted the 2-point try, which was another red zone play. And the final time the Patriots just sat on the ball to eat clock and kicked a FG.The lack of red zone defense definitely contributed to the loss.

a fumble by mcree had the most to do with the loss.What about the stoud Pats red zone d?

Fumble by McCreeIdiotic penalty by FlorenceFumble by Gates near the goal-lineFumble by Parker fielding a punt with no pressure around him..... then not falling on the ball(is this pop-warner?)I think the litany of SD mistakes precluded them of any chance of winning. NE played like they had been there before and calmly and patiently waited for opportunitites to capitalize and did when they arose. I thought it was a well played game by NE but not their best game and they still beat SD. SD has a lot of talent but not so much they can overcome such a sloppy performence.Congratulations Pats fans. Well deserved win. Good luck in the next round.Thanks Marty for a great season, probably the best regular season since I've followed the team. Hopefully with the youth on the team they can build off this season.

 

[Gr00vus]

Congrats to the Pats. They are the better team - especially in the ways that count. I give them all the credit, they made the plays.

I'm going to go get very bitterly, depressedly drunk now. You'd think as a Charger fan I'd be used to this by now, but somehow it still really hurts. Bad. I'll see you guys on Thursday or so.

Oh yeah - bye bye Marty. How you go one and out with the best team in Charger history is beyond me. I hate you. :middlefinger:

 

[BassNBrew]

Chargers matchup extremely well with the Patriots. If Rodney Harrison isn't back, this could get ugly. Let's not forget the total ###-whooping the Boltz laid on Brady and Co. in Gilette, 41-17.Should be a similar outcome next week. Give the points with confidence.

They don't call him the kiss of death for nothing.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers matchup extremely well with the Patriots. If Rodney Harrison isn't back, this could get ugly. Let's not forget the total ###-whooping the Boltz laid on Brady and Co. in Gilette, 41-17.Should be a similar outcome next week. Give the points with confidence.

They don't call him the kiss of death for nothing.

I could use a hug and a kiss right now.

 

[BGP]

Well the autopsy shows the Patriots reached the red zone three times. The first time they got a TD. The second time the score was 21-13 in the fourth and the Patriots not only got the TD but converted the 2-point try, which was another red zone play. And the final time the Patriots just sat on the ball to eat clock and kicked a FG.The lack of red zone defense definitely contributed to the loss.

a fumble by mcree had the most to do with the loss.What about the stoud Pats red zone d?

Despite all the turnovers, if the Chargers make some stops in the red zone, they still win.

 

[Gr00vus]

Well the autopsy shows the Patriots reached the red zone three times. The first time they got a TD. The second time the score was 21-13 in the fourth and the Patriots not only got the TD but converted the 2-point try, which was another red zone play. And the final time the Patriots just sat on the ball to eat clock and kicked a FG.The lack of red zone defense definitely contributed to the loss.

a fumble by mcree had the most to do with the loss.What about the stoud Pats red zone d?

Despite all the turnovers, if the Chargers make some stops in the red zone, they still win.

I was thinking of you every time the Pats scored in the red zone - seriously. You were 100% correct.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

3 Members: bicycle_seat_sniffer, stbugs, tommyGunZ

Tommy please become an arizona cards fan or something. TIA

 

[sainttillidie]

as the person that started this thread, I told you. See you next year San Diego.

 

[Borat]

Chargers' coaching is not as good as the Patriots'

I think BB et. al. are the best in the NFL, but I submit that nobody has been better at making in game adjustments - particularly at halftime - than the Chargers' coaching staff. Those guys have not received enough credit for many of the Charger wins this year.

Care to re-think this bit?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

need to address 1 thing that bothers me SOOOOOO much about people's analysis here and other places regarding the Pats/Chargers.the idea that it's as simple as loading the box and scheming to limit LT and therefore forcing Rivers to win the game. Uh Duh...of course they are going to try to do that but do you not think that that has been tried by every single team this season? What was the result? #1 red zone offense and #1 team in points scored.

couldn't I say the same about you about possibly the best D mind in the history of the game?

The brilliant defensive mind of Belichick watched LT gash his defense for 160 yards and 2 TDs last year and 237 yards and 2 TDs in 2002

 

[Tau837]

need to address 1 thing that bothers me SOOOOOO much about people's analysis here and other places regarding the Pats/Chargers.the idea that it's as simple as loading the box and scheming to limit LT and therefore forcing Rivers to win the game. Uh Duh...of course they are going to try to do that but do you not think that that has been tried by every single team this season? What was the result? #1 red zone offense and #1 team in points scored.

couldn't I say the same about you about possibly the best D mind in the history of the game?

The brilliant defensive mind of Belichick watched LT gash his defense for 160 yards and 2 TDs last year and 237 yards and 2 TDs in 2002

:X

So your view is that the Pats conceived of and executed a brilliant defensive gameplan?Yeah, that was great defense that caused McCree's fumble, Parker's fumble, Parker's drive killing drops on the first two drives, their dropped interception on the Pats' first drive, Marty's stupid challenge, Marty's decision to go for 4th & 11 rather than a 48 yard FG, Florence's 15 yard penalty, etc. I clearly underestimated Belichik's game planning ability. ETA that the question at hand in the quoted post was whether Belichick's defensive wizardry would stop LT and/or the Chargers red zone offense. How did that work out?

 

[On The Rocks]

need to address 1 thing that bothers me SOOOOOO much about people's analysis here and other places regarding the Pats/Chargers.the idea that it's as simple as loading the box and scheming to limit LT and therefore forcing Rivers to win the game. Uh Duh...of course they are going to try to do that but do you not think that that has been tried by every single team this season? What was the result? #1 red zone offense and #1 team in points scored.

couldn't I say the same about you about possibly the best D mind in the history of the game?

The brilliant defensive mind of Belichick watched LT gash his defense for 160 yards and 2 TDs last year and 237 yards and 2 TDs in 2002

:X

So your view is that the Pats conceived of and executed a brilliant defensive gameplan?Yeah, that was great defense that caused McCree's fumble, Parker's fumble, Parker's drive killing drops on the first two drives, their dropped interception on the Pats' first drive, Marty's stupid challenge, Marty's decision to go for 4th & 11 rather than a 48 yard FG, Florence's 15 yard penalty, etc. I clearly underestimated Belichik's game planning ability. ETA that the question at hand in the quoted post was whether Belichick's defensive wizardry would stop LT and/or the Chargers red zone offense. How did that work out?

you bring up some interesting points....so let me think about this one for a second.........nope....still

 

[Tau837]

.....nope....still

Whatever.