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*** Chargers Official 2021 Thread - The Little Team That Couldn't *** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Gr00vus
- Start date
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Bad news for this week, Bosa and Tillery are on the Covid19 list, might miss this week's game. At least one player tested positive and others are close contacts. Hope they're all o.k.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Obviously their health is more important than a football game but the Steelers can use all the help they can get
Gr00vus
Footballguy
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Tau837
Footballguy
~8 weeks later, things look quite a bit different:
At the time of my post, the chargers were 3-1.
- I predicted a toss up at home vs. Cleveland, and they won.
- I predicted a loss at Baltimore, and they did lose... though much worse than I would have expected.
- I predicted a win at home vs. New England, and they lost.
- I predicted a win at Philadelphia, and they won.
- I predicted a win at home vs. Minnesota, and they lost.
- I predicted a win at home vs. Pittsburgh, and they won.
- I predicted a toss up at Denver, and they lost.
- Next game is at Cincy (7-4). I originally predicted a win, but this seems more like a toss up now at best, maybe a loss.
- Home game vs. the Giants should be a win, as I originally predicted.
- I originally called the home game vs. the Chiefs a toss up, and that still seems reasonable, given the Chargers beat them in the road matchup. But the Chiefs do seem to be playing better recently, which could make this more likely to be a loss than a win.
- I originally predicted a win at Houston, and that still seems likely.
- I originally said the home game vs. Denver was a toss up. After today, that seems a bit generous.
- I originally said the game at Las Vegas was a toss up. That still seems appropriate.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
There aren't enough plus players on defense (I think really only James and Bosa - and it's been a quiet season for Bosa), particularly up front. Tranquill and White are the only others that may be better than average. Maybe. They probably won't get to the playoffs as a result, and if they somehow do, I figure they're an easy out.
The offensive line depth is atrocious, as always, and it's a problem, as always.
Telesco should be fired regardless of what they do the rest of the season - the problems were obvious and he didn't do enough to correct them, even with adequate resources to do so. Again.
But, bottom line, the ownership sucks, everything flows down from there. Unless that changes, I don't expect to see a Charger championship in my lifetime.
The offensive line depth is atrocious, as always, and it's a problem, as always.
Telesco should be fired regardless of what they do the rest of the season - the problems were obvious and he didn't do enough to correct them, even with adequate resources to do so. Again.
But, bottom line, the ownership sucks, everything flows down from there. Unless that changes, I don't expect to see a Charger championship in my lifetime.
Tau837
Footballguy
Tau837
Footballguy
I have a subscription. It was indeed scathing, and IMO completely on point. Excerpts:
That's not all of it, but you get the gist. I agree with it 100%, and I have been posting about Telesco's lousy performance for years. The only thing we don't truly know is how much of it is Telesco vs. John Spanos.
Tau837
Footballguy
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Yeah. When you see teams who have long term success, like the Patriots, or the Ravens, and they do the whole intro to the offense thing, I notice their offensive linemen are routinely in the top 20 at their respective positions almost across the board. Their receivers, not so much. And their draft and cap resources have been allocated accordingly. I think there's a lesson to be learned there somewhere...
Gr00vus
Footballguy
That game was a microcosm of the season so far. At times the Chargers looked unstoppable for long stretches. At other times they looked completely pathetic and inept for long stretches. The lack of depth showed through, but still a couple of lesser known guys made some huge contributions. Bengals ended up out self destructing themselves more than the Chargers did. Shocked to see Ekeler put the ball on the ground twice. Don't expect that to continue.
Staley finally blitzed on some x-and long plays and it paid off. Hopefully they keep more of that in the playbook from now on. He was also demonstratively salty out there - moreso than I've witnessed this season. That false start on the 2 point conversion attempt really broke him - he went flat out
. Good to see as long as he doesn't over do it.
I don't usually do this, but it sure seemed like the Chargers were on the wrong end of more bad calls, and bad no-calls than the Bengals. In particular that INT on the Palmer target sure seemed like defensive PI to me.
Next Up:
Giants
Chiefs
@ Texans
Broncos
@ Raiders
I'm thinking 2-3 or 3-2 here. 9-8 probably doesn't make the playoffs, 10-7 probably does. Gotta take care of business with the Giants. A loss this week would probably end their playoff chances.
Staley finally blitzed on some x-and long plays and it paid off. Hopefully they keep more of that in the playbook from now on. He was also demonstratively salty out there - moreso than I've witnessed this season. That false start on the 2 point conversion attempt really broke him - he went flat out
. Good to see as long as he doesn't over do it.I don't usually do this, but it sure seemed like the Chargers were on the wrong end of more bad calls, and bad no-calls than the Bengals. In particular that INT on the Palmer target sure seemed like defensive PI to me.
Next Up:
Giants
Chiefs
@ Texans
Broncos
@ Raiders
I'm thinking 2-3 or 3-2 here. 9-8 probably doesn't make the playoffs, 10-7 probably does. Gotta take care of business with the Giants. A loss this week would probably end their playoff chances.
rockaction
Footballguy
Cool title, Groovus. Funny. Perhaps that's been used before, but I've never heard it. Nice pull.
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Tau837
Footballguy
Agree 2-3 from here misses the playoffs, which would be a disappointment at this point. Beat Giants, Texans, and win 1 of the other 3 games (KC, DEN, at LV), and they are 10-7, and I think they get a wild card spot.That game was a microcosm of the season so far. At times the Chargers looked unstoppable for long stretches. At other times they looked completely pathetic and inept for long stretches. The lack of depth showed through, but still a couple of lesser known guys made some huge contributions. Bengals ended up out self destructing themselves more than the Chargers did. Shocked to see Ekeler put the ball on the ground twice. Don't expect that to continue.
Staley finally blitzed on some x-and long plays and it paid off. Hopefully they keep more of that in the playbook from now on. He was also demonstratively salty out there - moreso than I've witnessed this season. That false start on the 2 point conversion attempt really broke him - he went flat out
I don't usually do this, but it sure seemed like the Chargers were on the wrong end of more bad calls, and bad no-calls than the Bengals. In particular that INT on the Palmer target sure seemed like defensive PI to me.
Next Up:
Giants
Chiefs
@ Texans
Broncos
@ Raiders
I'm thinking 2-3 or 3-2 here. 9-8 probably doesn't make the playoffs, 10-7 probably does. Gotta take care of business with the Giants. A loss this week would probably end their playoff chances.
But better opportunity is there for the taking. The Chiefs have a significantly tougher remaining schedule than the Chargers (LV, at LAC, PIT, at CIN, at DEN). If they lose one more game than the Chargers and the Chargers beat them again in LA, the Chargers likely win the division, even if that final record is 10-7.
Great to be in the hunt.
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TheWinz
Footballguy
Chargers fun facts
- In 1979, Dan Fouts became the first QB in NFL history to throw for 4K (4082). He then bested his own record the following year, adding on 633 yards, bringing the new record to 4715. His encore for smashing his own record? Tack on another 87, making it 4802 in 1981. Dan was on a 5K pace the next year, but the strike shortened season only went 9 games. His run of 4 straight seasons as the passing yardage leader is a record that still stands.
- In 1979, WR's John Jefferson & Charlie Joiner become the first WR duo in NFL history to eclipse 1K receiving in the same season. They repeated the feat in 1980, and this time Kellen Winslow joined them, making the trio the only WR/WR/TE combo to ever accomplish this.
- In 1979, Dan Fouts became the first QB in NFL history to throw for 4K (4082). He then bested his own record the following year, adding on 633 yards, bringing the new record to 4715. His encore for smashing his own record? Tack on another 87, making it 4802 in 1981. Dan was on a 5K pace the next year, but the strike shortened season only went 9 games. His run of 4 straight seasons as the passing yardage leader is a record that still stands.
- In 1979, WR's John Jefferson & Charlie Joiner become the first WR duo in NFL history to eclipse 1K receiving in the same season. They repeated the feat in 1980, and this time Kellen Winslow joined them, making the trio the only WR/WR/TE combo to ever accomplish this.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Nice to see them take care of business in a game they were expected to win.
Limited pressure on the QB sure makes a big difference, doesn't it?
Only semi blemishes were the special teams play and Ekeler's ankle.
Going to be a bit contrast in competition level between yesterday and Thursday. This isn't the same Chiefs team the Chargers beat early in the season.
Limited pressure on the QB sure makes a big difference, doesn't it?
Only semi blemishes were the special teams play and Ekeler's ankle.
Going to be a bit contrast in competition level between yesterday and Thursday. This isn't the same Chiefs team the Chargers beat early in the season.
Tau837
Footballguy
Slater is on the COVID list. I have no idea what they would do if he doesn't get two negative tests in time to play. I can't imagine Pipkins playing LT. I'm guessing Feiler might have to move to one tackle spot, with Norton at the other. Not sure who would play guard... haven't heard if Quessenberry is off the COVID list yet, so not sure if he will be available. Jaimes has only played 5 snaps this season, but Kelemete seems like the only other option, and he has been absolutely terrible.
Also haven't heard yet if Allen, James, and/or Samuel will play.
Huge negative if any combination of these 4 players miss Thursday's game. Fingers crossed.
Moving on to the game itself, it seems very likely that the winner of this game will win the division. This is the Chargers, so they could still blow it even if they win this game, but their schedule after Thursday is filled with winnable games: @HOU (2-11), DEN (7-6), @LV (6-7).
It's great to be playing such a meaningful game in December for the first time since 2018.
Also haven't heard yet if Allen, James, and/or Samuel will play.
Huge negative if any combination of these 4 players miss Thursday's game. Fingers crossed.
Moving on to the game itself, it seems very likely that the winner of this game will win the division. This is the Chargers, so they could still blow it even if they win this game, but their schedule after Thursday is filled with winnable games: @HOU (2-11), DEN (7-6), @LV (6-7).
It's great to be playing such a meaningful game in December for the first time since 2018.
Tau837
Footballguy
I need a scorecard to keep up with the Chargers roster issues...
[*]IR
[*]Unknowns:
[*]Added to COVID list today:
Other than Slater, that is 19 names, including 8 starters. And I suppose it could still get worse from a COVID perspective.
In particular, there are 7 DBs named above, not even including Ryan Smith, who was really more of a special teams player than defensive player. They could be playing street free agents in this game.
IMO the Chargers must win at least 2 of their remaining 3 games to make the playoffs. Although this game is on the road, it seemed like the easiest remaining game. But, as a Chargers fan, I would take nothing for granted, even at full health. If many of these players miss this game, this could easily turn into a loss.
- Good news:
LT Slater - out due to COVID last week; he will reportedly be activated, which should mean he will play Sunday.
[*]IR
RT Bulaga - remains on IR; unknown if he will ever play another snap for the Chargers.
- RG Aboushi - out for season.
- Edge Fackrell - missed last week due to knee injury and will miss at least one more game, so will not play against HOU.
- CB/ST Smith - out for season.
[*]Unknowns:
S James - last week, James played in the game but was pulled when his hamstring injury flared up. This is worrisome, since he had missed the previous game due to the injury, meaning he had gone 11 days between games... and now has 10 days between games if he is to play against HOU.
- CB Samuel - has missed the past 4 games and remains in concussion protocol as of today; unknown if he will play against HOU.
- S Gilman - has not played since week 10; unknown if he will play against HOU.
- S Webb - placed on IR in late November after a knee surgery; unknown if he will be activated to play against HOU.
- RB Ekeler - missed practice today, reason unknown; imixed reports on whether or not he was added to COVID list today; if so, don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday.
- C Quessenberry - out due to COVID last week; unknown if he will be activated to play this week. Big deal if Linsley is out (see below).
- TE Parham - left last week's game with a concussion, which seemed severe since he was carted off the field; he is reportedly doing well, but it would surprise me if he plays this week.
- TE Anderson - missed practice today, status unknown.
[*]Added to COVID list today:
Edge Bosa - unvaxxed and will miss Sunday's game.
- Edge Rumph - don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday; backup, but absence would be more significant with Bosa out.
- C Linsley - don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday; obviously a big deal.
- CB Campbell - don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday; big deal if Samuel doesn't play, bigger deal if both Samuel and James are out.
- CB Hall - apparently unvaxxed and will miss Sunday's game.
- S Marshall - don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday; big deal if James doesn't play, bigger deal if both Samuel and James are out.
- WR/KR Roberts - don't know his vax status, so unknown if he will play Sunday; if not, who will return kicks and punts?
Other than Slater, that is 19 names, including 8 starters. And I suppose it could still get worse from a COVID perspective.
In particular, there are 7 DBs named above, not even including Ryan Smith, who was really more of a special teams player than defensive player. They could be playing street free agents in this game.
IMO the Chargers must win at least 2 of their remaining 3 games to make the playoffs. Although this game is on the road, it seemed like the easiest remaining game. But, as a Chargers fan, I would take nothing for granted, even at full health. If many of these players miss this game, this could easily turn into a loss.
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rockaction
Footballguy
Oh my the title. Mon Dieu!
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
That sounds a lot like the dude police have been looking for. He was going from craft shop to craft shop dipping his junk in glitter.
It's pretty nuts.
rockaction
Footballguy
Tau837
Footballguy
Since this post, these players have been added to the COVID list (and no players have come off that list):
- QB Chase Daniel
- DL Joe Gaziano
- WR Jalen Guyton
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
Covid inactives aside, this is just not a playoff team yet. I hope they get Herbert some help before they waste him.
tommyGunZ
Footballguy
Hard to overstate how important Bosa is to this defense. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for his teammates to see him missing games because of ignorance. The Texans don’t ram the ball down the Chargers throats with that 4th quarter drive if Bosa is there IMO.
Worst loss of the year by far. Thanks Joey!
Worst loss of the year by far. Thanks Joey!
Tau837
Footballguy
I only got RedZone for parts of this game, so really didn't see much beyond the scoring plays and highlights. But this seems to reflect very negatively on primarily two things:
1. Coaching -- The Chargers played their last game on Thursday night, so they had 3 extra days to prepare for this game, which had to be viewed as a must-win game. They obviously weren't ready. COVID is not an excuse -- the Texans had more players unavailable than the Chargers. This does not reflect well on Staley and his coaching staff.
2. Depth -- The Chargers have some very strong starters -- Herbert, Ekeler, Allen, Williams, Linsley, Slater, Feiler, Bosa, and James. Those 9 players rival the top 9 of any team in the NFL. The problem is that the rest of the roster does not measure up to the the bottom 44+ players on the rosters of other playoff teams, and it's not particularly close. This is a front office/GM problem that has been persistent throughout Telesco's tenure.
1. Coaching -- The Chargers played their last game on Thursday night, so they had 3 extra days to prepare for this game, which had to be viewed as a must-win game. They obviously weren't ready. COVID is not an excuse -- the Texans had more players unavailable than the Chargers. This does not reflect well on Staley and his coaching staff.
2. Depth -- The Chargers have some very strong starters -- Herbert, Ekeler, Allen, Williams, Linsley, Slater, Feiler, Bosa, and James. Those 9 players rival the top 9 of any team in the NFL. The problem is that the rest of the roster does not measure up to the the bottom 44+ players on the rosters of other playoff teams, and it's not particularly close. This is a front office/GM problem that has been persistent throughout Telesco's tenure.
Tau837
Footballguy
Excerpt from Popper's take (bolding is mine) -- ‘We didn’t come ready to play’: Chargers stumble in must-win game at Texans
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Tau837
Footballguy
Already ruled out of week 16:
Last week, the Chargers only had 7 DBs available, including 2 claimed off waivers recently. Now they have lost 3 who played last week and activated 1. Adderley and Gilman played every defensive snap last week, and Chris Harris played 53 of 68. This has the potential to be a worse defensive performance than last week.
The playoffs don't seem very likely at this point.
- WR Williams
- CB Harris
- S Adderley
- G Kelemete
- Edge Egbule
- IDL Brown
- S Gilman
- RB Ekeler
- IDL Gaziano
- CB Campbell
Last week, the Chargers only had 7 DBs available, including 2 claimed off waivers recently. Now they have lost 3 who played last week and activated 1. Adderley and Gilman played every defensive snap last week, and Chris Harris played 53 of 68. This has the potential to be a worse defensive performance than last week.
The playoffs don't seem very likely at this point.
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Tau837
Footballguy
Fackrell is unlikely to play this week according to Staley but may be ready for week 18.
Activated from COVID list so far this week:
- RB Ekeler
- WR Guyton
- WR/KR Roberts
- C Linsley
- Edge Bosa
- IDL Jones
- IDL Gaziano
- CB Campbell
- CB Hall
- S Marshall
The Chargers still have 11 players on the COVID list, including OTs Norton and Pipkins. If both remain on the list through the game on Sunday, they will have to start a player out of position at RT. If that player is one of the current OL, like Schofield or Feiler, then either Kelemete or Jaimes would presumably start at guard.
There are other key players still on the COVID list as well, including WR Williams, CB Davis, S Adderley, and CB Harris. Any of them getting activated from the COVID list would be a big positive.
Tau837
Footballguy
Activated from COVID list so far this week:
I still haven't seen anything about the injury status of LB Tranquill or S James. Edge Fackrell and, of course, RT Bulaga remain out.
Players still on the COVID list and not available this week include TE Cook and LB Murray
All in all, it feels like the team dodged a bullet for tomorrow, though it is unknown if any of these players actually had COVID symptoms and thus could be affected by that and also remains to be seen if these players will be affected by the missed practice time.
- RB Ekeler
- WR WIlliams
- WR Guyton
- WR/KR Roberts
- C Linsley
- T Norton
- T Pipkins
- Edge Bosa
- IDL Jones
- IDL Gaziano
- CB Davis
- CB Chris Harris
- CB Campbell
- CB Davontae Harris
- CB Hall
- S Adderley
- S Gilman
- S Marshall
- PK Hopkins
- LS Overton
I still haven't seen anything about the injury status of LB Tranquill or S James. Edge Fackrell and, of course, RT Bulaga remain out.
Players still on the COVID list and not available this week include TE Cook and LB Murray
All in all, it feels like the team dodged a bullet for tomorrow, though it is unknown if any of these players actually had COVID symptoms and thus could be affected by that and also remains to be seen if these players will be affected by the missed practice time.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Hey @Just Win Baby - this source seems to be repeating a Popper post saying Linsley is day to day with his back issue and will practice today. You have an athletic account right? Can you verify? Very good news if true.
Tau837
Footballguy
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Linsley practiced yesterday. Good news.
Also on Bolts from the Blue is this fluff piece on Pipkins's improvement over the last couple of games. You buying in or are these fluke performances? I guess, for me, the fact that he was playing the whole game, both games, and I didn't notice it was a marked improvement over what he'd been doing.
Also on Bolts from the Blue is this fluff piece on Pipkins's improvement over the last couple of games. You buying in or are these fluke performances? I guess, for me, the fact that he was playing the whole game, both games, and I didn't notice it was a marked improvement over what he'd been doing.
Tau837
Footballguy
It's hard to say for sure, since Chris Jones was out for KC and multiple players were out for DEN in his past two games. Take a look at his game grades from PFF throughout his career (with snaps):
- 2019
Week 4 at MIA - 60.1 (6 snaps)
- Week 7 at TEN - 60.0 (1)
- Week 9 vs GB - 60.0 (2)
- Week 10 at OAK - 69.2 (68)
- Week 11 vs KC - 60.8 (79)
- Week 16 vs OAK - 51.7 (32)
- Week 17 at KC - 63.1 (63)
- Season - 63.3 (251)
[*]2020
Week 1 at CIN - 60.0 (1)
- Week 2 vs KC - 59.3 (75)
- Week 3 vs CAR - 37.5 (44)
- Week 4 at TB - 44.9 (53)
- Week 5 at NO - 41.9 (71)
- Week 7 vs JAX - 54.3 (81)
- Week 9 vs LV - 79.1 (77)
- Week 12 at BUF - 47.7 (83)
- Week 13 vs NE - 65.1 (14)
- Week 17 at KC - 79.0 (72)
- Season - 54.8 (571)
[*]2021
Week 1 at WAS - 68.5 (6)
- Week 2 vs DAL - 62.4 (4)
- Week 3 at KC - 41.7 (9)
- Week 6 at BAL - 60.0 (2)
- Week 12 at DEN - 60.0 (1)
- Week 14 vs NYG - 57.4 (5)
- Week 15 vs KC - 71.0 (79)
- Week 17 vs DEN - 73.3 (67)
- Season to date - 68.5 (173)
He has 14 games to date with 30 or more snaps, and he scored in the 60s-70s in half of them. As painful as it has been at times to watch him, that's not bad for a project player who played college football in Division II.
Given that the coaching staff changed after 2020, I'm inclined to be cautiously optimistic about his recent play. The team also brought in veterans in Linsley, Feiler, and Aboushi to replace less experienced players who departed last offseason, and Staley has commented recently that having more veteran experience in the OL room has helped Pipkins.
Don't get me wrong, I don't expect he will become a quality full-time starter, but he has shown he can be a solid depth player over the past few weeks.
Now, had you asked for opinions about him before week 15...
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