San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs GameThread, Dec 14, 2008 10:00 AM PST

-Thigpen reminds me of a taller Flutie. Good running QB that plays with intelligence and a cool demeanor. He also is very accurate with the ball. Doesn’t mean he’s a great starter though.

-Our run defense looks good, Jammer and our linebackers in coverage look bad.

-How did AJ convince us that Wilhelm starting was a good idea?

-Running out of that “Pistol” formation sure looks awkward. It seems when the ball is handed off there’s at least a second of both QB and RB just standing there looking around.

-KC’s secondary isn’t bad. They’re kindof like Miami’s in that if they get one turnover they get excited and hit hard/play close the rest of the game.

-My prediction is pretty stale at this point. Rivers will have a great 2nd half. LT will have a couple of 10-15 yard runs that will be followed by the color guy saying “That’s a little bit of the LT of old”. We’ll either win by 3 (followed by “Are they back?” talk) or we’ll lose by 3 (followed by “no way Norv can stay” talk).

-Looks like this team has quit to me. On offense I only see Rivers looking frustrated. On defense I see nobody looking to hit anyone. Tackling is more of a chore than a way to win the game.

-Have we thrown a pass more than 10 yards yet? Our big deep threat is Jackson, who has had an end-around run and a screen pass thrown to him.

-Clary’s getting beaten on almost every play. The right side of our line needs help.

-Dielman coming back on the field was stupid and childish if he knew what he was doing. Bad call, yes, but he should’ve been spending time helping out the backup (not going to attempt that last name) instead of bitching and trying to sneak back in.

-Hester is running around like his hair’s on fire, but we haven’t gotten him the ball yet. Looks to me like he could be a spark. Maybe he should get the run up the middle instead of Sproles.

I’ll probably come back with more notes after the end of the game. If we lose today I’m going to post a complete team review sometime this week and maybe also a 2008 draft review.

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 11:39 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

LOL

Did you just see that news update that some Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at President Bush’s head?

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 11:41 AM PST reply actions

I like the official comment...

“The shoes were a size 10”

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions

this is too much

political talk and name calling. I’m shutting down the comments section. :) anyway, that iraqi reporter was simply inspired by kenny loggins’ song “footloose.”

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 11:47 AM PST up reply actions

good start

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 11:46 AM PST reply actions

p.s.

the bullpen was your idea. it’s drawing you toward it like a magnet, like gravity…feel the pull

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

not my idea

i just knew the game of it

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions

*name

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 11:50 AM PST up reply actions

Too bad this good field position all day hasn't amounted to shit

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 11:55 AM PST reply actions

Let's lose another probowl Oline-man

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:02 PM PST reply actions

Newberry and Mcousdsawakssesi In the game.

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:06 PM PST up reply actions

Tied with San Diegan Marcus Allen

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:12 PM PST reply actions

What the hell is wrong with the Chargers?

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 12:18 PM PST reply actions

Fake works again!

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:19 PM PST reply actions

but we suck again

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:24 PM PST up reply actions

If we aren't going to make the playoffs

can we just tank the rest of the season for a better draft pick?

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 12:25 PM PST up reply actions

padres already failed at that attempt

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:26 PM PST up reply actions

I can't believe Kevin Towers still has a job

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 12:27 PM PST up reply actions

I can’t believe that someone who thinks that is able to use a computer.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 1:47 PM PST up reply actions

If you think Kevin Towers deserves his job after dismantling the Padres

I hope you enjoy your 60-102 team this season.

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions

leghumpingjihadkiller....

May I direct you to Gaslamp Ball?

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions

TO WAR!

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you?

by Axion on Dec 14, 2008 3:05 PM PST up reply actions

another drop from gates

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 12:44 PM PST reply actions

If anyone thought the Chargers still had a chance at the playoffs.

They can forget about it now

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 12:48 PM PST reply actions

here's to next season...

by bighead on Dec 14, 2008 1:07 PM PST reply actions

boy do I have egg on my face...

GO PANTHERS!!!

by bighead on Dec 14, 2008 1:26 PM PST up reply actions

well, that's a positive

getting the onside kick…but did the ball get past the 40?

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 1:19 PM PST reply actions

at least we are still exciting

to the end. Can’t get too excited about this though.

scifres is the man

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 1:20 PM PST reply actions

TOUCHDOWN VINCENT JACKSON

Can you believe this?

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 1:24 PM PST reply actions

Wow

I didn’t think they had it in them.

by jbox on Dec 14, 2008 1:26 PM PST reply actions

Jebus

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 1:27 PM PST reply actions

save me jebus!

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 1:28 PM PST up reply actions

hahahahahaha

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 1:27 PM PST reply actions

wow...

by CPC on Dec 14, 2008 1:30 PM PST reply actions

Fucking Cason WTF???

Seriously bench him for the rest of the season.

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 1:31 PM PST reply actions

almost cost them the game

such a stupid move.

by jbox on Dec 14, 2008 1:31 PM PST up reply actions

What was he thinking????

2009 San Diego Padres. Not as bad as Aztec Football!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 14, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions

I believe he was trying to stand up while the idiot referee was standing over him.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions

End of Game Notes

-Did we almost just lose because Antoine Cason tackled the ref? That’s unbelievable! Also the first time I’ve ever seen a ref throw his flag while he was on the ground. Stupid, stupid move. Even without that they probably didn’t have enough time to spike it. And if they did it’s a 55 yarder instead of 50.

-Rivers also almost cost us the game by celebrating too much. That was the reason for the delay of game that made the 2 yard 2 point conversion a 7 yard failure.

-I called it. I said Rivers would be fantastic in the 2nd half (outside of the INT he was) and that we’d either lose by 3 or win by 3. We won by 2 with a failed 2 point conversion. We’re so predictable.

-Floyd is awesome. So is Jackson. I think next year we should go with Chambers as the slot receiver so that he’s lined up against nickel corners, he doesn’t get hurt as often and we find more time to get VJ and Floyd the ball.

-Loved that they started using Hester in the 2nd half. The screens to him were great calls. All of them.

-Either Rivers throws a horrible short pass (somewhat true) or LT hasn’t looked a ball into his hands all year (mostly true). This is an overlooked factor as to why our offense is out of rhythm this year. Every time we need a big catch & run from him we get a drop and a pouting LT.

-Why don’t we run the no-huddle during the first 3 quarters of games? Rivers obviously loves to do it.

-Great job defense. Great job Ron Rivera. There are still some personnel changes I’d like to see made in the offseason (that probably won’t happen), but outside of Thigpen’s 6 yard TD run off of Rivers’ INT our defense gave up nothing the entire second half. Love to see that.

-MVPs of the game:
Offense – Philip Rivers
Defense – Jamal Williams
Special Teams – Scifres

-Be kind to Cason. He’s a rookie. Jammer made rookie mistakes (lots of PI calls), Castillo had a roughing the passer every game it seemed, these things happen. He’ll learn. He’s a good player, a smart player and he’s better than Drayton Florence.

-Let’s go Panthers!

-I’d appreciate some responses or feedback to these “Notes” posts. I simply cannot watch a game while at my computer, but I can take some notes and put them here at half time and at the end of games if you guys like it.

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 1:44 PM PST reply actions 2 recs

Chargers won by 1

No idea why I put that we won by 2 with a failed 2 point conversion. I type faster than I think.

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 1:45 PM PST up reply actions

Rec'd

They’re good stuff, obvman.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 1:52 PM PST up reply actions

OK

I’m going to try and do them each game if I can. Next week I’ll get in the Half-time notes but the After the Game notes will come later. Probably in their own post. This is due to the fact that I’ll be watching the 2nd half on a plane.

The following Sunday I’ll be watching the entire game on a plane (or at least I’ll be looking for highlights), but will again post my thoughts when I eventually find my way back to the internet.

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 3:01 PM PST up reply actions

Sounds like a solid plan.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

i like these notes

good in-game synopsis and I (for one) appreciate you taking the time to write this up.

And I agree with you about LT. It’s hard to say what is going on in one’s mind, but LT seems quite off as of late. Hank Bauer compared him to a baby kangaroo discovering how his muscles moved for the first time.

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions

Just had this conversation with my father...

who said “I don’t know. I think LT’s cooked.” I know I wrote that whole thing up last week about us using him too much so far in his career, but I don’t think he’s done. I think he just needs to be splitting carries to give his legs a rest. I also don’t think his toe is right.

I’m actually starting to like the idea of a LT/Hester/Sproles backfield. With LT playing the Brandon Jacobs role, Hester playing the Derrick Ward role and Sproles playing the Ahmad Bradshaw role. However, they seem VERY reluctant to hand Hester the ball. Screens? sure. Fake punts? no problem. Dives/Draws up the middle? Nope, we’ll take the tiny guys.

This year has answered the question of “What would LT be like if he had to rely on his eyes and his speed rather than his freakish physical gifts?” I’m hopeful some rest for his legs bring back some of his freakish gifts the way splitting carries brought back power for Stephen Davis in Carolina and brought health to Fred Taylor in Jax.

by John Gennaro on Dec 14, 2008 2:59 PM PST up reply actions

Nicely Done

What, nobody could make it? Pffft, at least the Bolts came through in the end. :-)

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 14, 2008 2:56 PM PST up reply actions

I got there around the 4th

and hid in the back.

Looks like Carolina is holding up their end of the deal.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you?

by Axion on Dec 14, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions

One more week to

hang on by the fingernails … maybe. It was still beer & football; can’t complain too much.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 14, 2008 3:14 PM PST up reply actions

no one else went?

weak sauce. well, every once in a while my mind drifted to the ups and downs everyone at the bullpen must have been going through. I’d like to think I was that psychological lift when times were tough.

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 3:50 PM PST up reply actions

30-10, Panthers over the Broncos

Well, I guess we’re still in it for another week.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 4:23 PM PST reply actions

but

is buffalo really going to beat denver?

are we really going to beat tampa?

I hope so, that game at the murph would be out of control.

Bring back Balboa Stadium.

by calipatrick on Dec 14, 2008 5:47 PM PST up reply actions

As long as we finish no more than one game behind them I can spend the entire off-season talking about how the only reason we didn’t make the playoffs is Ed Hochuli and I’d like that, I think.

Bolts from the Blue // People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do.

by Richard Wade on Dec 14, 2008 6:07 PM PST up reply actions

Effing Hochuli. Forget about all the other close ones we lost. If we’d won that game, it wouldn’t matter if we lost next week, the final game would be for the playoff berth. Furthermore, if we won next week, we’d clinch. I hate the what if game, but it’s hard not to play it right now.

Death before Dishonor.

by MarineCorpsDuck on Dec 14, 2008 6:36 PM PST up reply actions