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Around SBN: Chauncey Billups Injures Achilles Tendon

The Upside of Down: How I Learned to Stop Being Mad and Love Losing


Yes, it's over.  Call it a day.  Sorry that it had to end this way.  The Chargers -- runaway division winners before the season even started -- have fallen 3 and half games behind the undefeated Denver Broncos in the AFC West.  Yes, the season's over.

But wait a second... there IS good in losing, Charlie Brown.  Losing, thy name is Norv Turner, and your ticket out of town has officially been stamped!  No more of his sly Houdini-esque escapes.  No more pathetic, improbable onside kicks to save his sorry butt.  No more ridiculous late-season runs to make us all think he's a decent coach and this is a good football team.  Even a 4-0 December can't save him now. 

And for those of you who think it can, for those of you who think that, like a crack-addicted son, he can cry at Dean Spanos' shoe-tops and say, "It was the injuries, Pa.  That's what made me bad.  Just give me a little something to tide me over.  One more time,"  for those of you Norv-apologists, just wait until next week when the Chargers lose to the Chiefs!

If losing is the only way to give this franchise the proper shake-up it needs, then I say lose on.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.

Comment 205 comments  |  5 recs  | 

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Rec'd.

I absolutely agree— Norv is the problem with this franchise and will be on the first flight out of town… possibly sitting next to Merriman if he gets dealt at the deadline.

Whoo, that would be an awkward conversation.

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions  

I believe the trade deadline was last week.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

Today actually

Not that I’m expecting anything.

"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 Oct 20, 2009 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions  

I can't seem to figure it out

Some places say it was the 14th and some say it’s this afternoon. I’ll go with today, but I still don’t think Merriman is going to get traded. When he becomes a RFA he’ll either be signed for cheap or he’ll bring draft picks in return that will probably be higher than what we’d get for him now.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well coached teams play above themselves

Norv’s teams do not. Are the Donkey’s players really 3+ games better than ours?

by Robo65 on Oct 19, 2009 9:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions  

Well...

Their lines are…that’s for sure.

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Oct 19, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Robo...

…It’s not necessarily our players being better than yours, it’s the coaching of our players. Our team concept is like something I’ve never seen. These guys play for each other…I know that sounds corny, but it’s true.

Vinny Gambino: "Ms. Vito, Can you tell the court what this is a picture of?"
Ms. Vito: "Ya know what it's of"

by Bronco_Fan_Tom on Oct 20, 2009 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions  

agreed. You can go through the film and be like “if only this one player played better”, or “If only we didn’t allow so many special team touch downs.” But this happens every week.

If its not the defense screwing up (it was only marginally better this game against a squad not quite as good as the steelers) then its the special teams.

At the end of the day, the team is never prepared. Hopefully now the front staff has enough common sense to see what is going on here.

by myn on Oct 19, 2009 9:26 PM PDT reply actions  

Even when they're prepared

on offense and defense, it seems they had to completely ignore special teams to get there.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

i was mad mad mad until i read this article. completely agree. i thot maybe the pre game smack talk was a sign of things to come. CHARGER house! not any more! away with norv!!

by D-richman on Oct 19, 2009 9:29 PM PDT reply actions  

Thank you.

The Chargers lose both lines of scrimmage every game this year. Castillo needs to be straight cut for as much as he’s making, he gets about a million a play. The Chargers do not have the personnel to play the 3-4: overrated, talk too much LBs unlike a Philly or Pitt and no nose tackle except for Rent a Tackle. AJ has had two straight crappy drafts (Weddle still too short to play free), (Hester occassional fullback who can catch should be playing intermurals) and relatively little impact from English and Cason. No attention to build depth on the lines except Vasquez. I’m not saying dump him but he needs to check the ego.

 Norv, on the other hand, needs to go — long passes with no pass protection doesn’t work and he got away from LT when LT actually is making yards for the first time in three years. Why don’t the Chargers run no huddle keep teams off guard and soft huddle like the Colts or the Chargers with Cam and not just when games are over at the end?

At least Al Davis isn't running my team's drafts.

by bringbackbuddytrees on Oct 19, 2009 9:31 PM PDT reply actions  

Castillo has been good this year. Your analysis shows you’re not watching very closely.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions   2 recs

Catsillo is NOT very good this year

Luis Castillio 1.0 sack 14 tackles… 2009 $6,000,000.00

Wallace Gilbery (#2 in KC) 2.0 sacks 11 tackles…. $0.38M
Vonnie Holliday (#2 in Den) 2.0 sacks 8 tackles… undisclosed contract prob small.
Tamba Hali 3.0 sacks 18 tackles…. $0.94 M
Jason Taylor 3.5 sacks 11 tackles… $1.1M
Terrell Suggs 2.5 sack 31 tackles… $5 M
Will Smith 2.5 sacks 14 tackles $6.5
Charles Grant 4.0 sacks 14 tackles $7.5 M
D.J Williams 2.0 sack 45 tackles $9.5M

I didn’t have time to dig much deeper, but all of these DE’s in 3-4 schemes are having better seasons than Luis. Luis is bellow average at his position and getting paid top dollar.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ummm....

A lot of those guys are either 4-3 DEs or 3-4 OLBs. I’m pretty sure all but Vonnie Holliday, actually.

Castillo has been very good. He’s been drawing double-teams and forcing teams to run plays to the other side of the field.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions  

All were listed as DE's on yahoo

And I was checking for teams that run the 3-4 GB, Bal, Mia, KC, Den. True some like Hali and Suggs are cross over LBs.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

The 4-3 DE's are really, really better than Castillio..

Seems like we have a broad disparity of opinions re: Castillo.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

+1

That’s like comparing apples to eggplants

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Oct 20, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Those are two different positions

I don’t know how you can compare them.

DJ Williams is an INSIDE linebacker. Not even close to a DE. Here’s how you can tell which ones are 3-4 DEs

Castillo – 290 lbs
Gilberry – 268 lbs
Holliday – 285 lbs
Hali – 275 lbs
Taylor – 255 lbs
Suggs – 260 lbs
Smith – 282 lbs
Grant – 285 lbs

Holliday, Smith and Grant are the only ones close to Luis’ size. The Saints to not run a 3-4, which means the only comparable player you listed is Vonnie Holliday (who had comparable stats).

Castillo’s job is not to get sacks and tackles. It’s to take up blockers and free up the LBs.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

He's getting paid based on all those sacks his rookie season

If the guy is just another plug in the line, why are we paying him like he’s some kind of sack specialist?

I get that that they need him to stop the run and bull rush. I see that he’s drawing the double teams. The people getting paid FAT contracts like Castillio’s get it done under those circumstances.

Is it too much to expect Luis to get more than one sack after five games? Say after say 125 pass plays? I don’t think that is expecting too much. There are other DE’s in the 3-4 that are doing better than Castillio.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Right. You can tell on one hand we have people who watch him play and on the other we have people comparing his stats to those of other guys many of whom play a different position.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Anyone notice how Tolbert is a nice sub for Hester?

Why waste all those draft picks including 2nd, 3rds and more, when an undrafted guy is doing the job nicely, and has the hands to boot like Hester?

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hmmm.....

While I think a large part of the teams problems isn’t really his fault, he is still the head coach and should get the blame.

"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" - Groucho Marx

by sdpads24 on Oct 19, 2009 9:31 PM PDT reply actions  

This is the worst coached team in sports history. Norv and Ron should not be allowed to coach at any level of football. They are losers and their loser mentality has rubbed off on the players, Rivers included.

by Joe King on Oct 19, 2009 9:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Way to stay positive.
Norv and Ron should not be allowed to coach at any level of football. They are losers and their loser mentality has rubbed off on the players.

If you were a loser, wouldn’t you act just like them too? Why would they take the blame, when they can just keep their job and keep raking in the money each week?

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

all these 6+ foot recievers are useless with no protection
can we please get a nose tackle. tomorrow is the last day to trade…
i really didnt think denver was that good, but hey look what free agency can do! they signed like 12 and we signed 1.
im tired of hearing this and that! game time is no. as far as im concerned they all get paid millions to play, start playing

by D-richman on Oct 19, 2009 9:37 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Ed Johnson is still floating out there, ain't he?

Pull the trigger…

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hm.

And what a difference Scott made this evening.

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

I saw him make some plays.

The line play was pretty good. They shut down Denver’s running game, for the most part. The issue was they couldn’t get to Orton. Even in 2nd and 3rd and long, they couldn’t put pressure on.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 19, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Buckhalter had an average around six tonight, is that right?

Shut it down, my arse.

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Buckhalter isn't their only back.

They averaged 3.1 ypc. That’s shut down.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Even he only averaged 4.6 ypc.

That’s decent, but not great.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 19, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

They ran for 101 yards

and a 3.1 yard/carry average. We stopped them numerous times when they tried to run on short yardage situations. That wasn’t the issue tonight.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 19, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Alright, accept both your and Richard's arguments. Moreno went nowhere.

Pass pressure was an issue, bad calls and non-calls were there, we played dead in the 2nd half…

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

I disagree, their run game doesn't have to be that successful.

All they want is 3 yards per play. On 3rd down their looking at 3rd and 4 yards to go. Then their quick/short passing game kicks in for the first down. I would contest that we needed to shut down their running game completely as in 1-2 YPC, something the Chargers Defenses of the past had no problem doing week in and week out. How many years did the Chargers have a top 5 rush defense?

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

It was not the issue tonight

And they did play a ton better on run defense. But to say that they shut it down may be a little much. I will go as far as saying that they were respectable against the run tonight.

by JeromeB on Oct 19, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

the issue tonight was the same for every night pinky....

they couldn’t get off the field.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

I was replying to post about the run D

I am with you I don’t think the D played that good at all tonight. The Broncos drove down the field on them all second half, Orton finished with a passer rating of 115.4, neither Weddle or Ellison could cover Scheffler. And to be honest Denver probably would have put up bigger numbers in the first half but they only had four possesions due to their kick returns for touchdown.

by JeromeB on Oct 19, 2009 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

i know

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

agreed

 that’s really been the major issue, going all the way to last season…

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

I believe the trade deadline was October 13th.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

No, it's today.

At like noon or 1pm pacific.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 20, 2009 7:51 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well, I do like me some Shanahan

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:37 PM PDT reply actions  

shanahan, gruden, dungy… i want a tomlin!! thats what im talkin bout

by D-richman on Oct 19, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

I’ve never cared for him. I’d rather not see him coaching here.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

He has a score to settle.

Never count out a man with a score to settle.

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

I just don’t think he’s a great coach.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ditto.

I keep hearing about Shanahan and Schottenheimer. But Shanny would want total control, and he’s an awful personnel man. Marty had his chance and blew it. We need a new HC after this season, playoffs or no (if by some chance this team manages to win the SB, that’d be pretty much what it takes to change my mind on that, and I was a Norv apologist until Week 4), but what we don’t need is yet another retread.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

know what would be cool

 if Jeff Fischer were fired, at years end, and ended up here…..

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

You don't want Jeff Fisher.

Definition of mediocre, can’t-get-it-done coach.

He’s in his 15th year as head coach of the Oilers/Titans. He’s had precisely six winning seasons, and a bunch of 8-8 and worse seasons. It took him until his 5th year with the organization to finally post a winning record. Of his playoff appearances, he’s gone 1-and-done three times, and would have done so a 4th time if not for a miracle, once in a lifetime play against the Bills and had no Super Bowl appearances.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 20, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

hey just thorwing it out there...

the alternative is here until 2010.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Shanahan is soft.

Not what SD needs. One thing AJs been right about recently.

At least Al Davis isn't running my team's drafts.

by bringbackbuddytrees on Oct 19, 2009 9:39 PM PDT reply actions  

good call!

Holly shit! Shannahan would be perfect. Hes pretty familiar with our system being in our division. And we still have respectable talent.

A head coach with superbowl experience. Theres a thought!

by myn on Oct 19, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

i was with you....

right up until you said AJ, is a good GM. it takes more than evaluating talent to be a “good” GM.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's true it does.

You have to make good personnel decisions overall. For the most part, I think he does that. I think he should use free agency more, and I think he’s neglected the lines. But that stuff is correctable, especially if Dean takes a more active role like I’ve suggested.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 19, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

agreed

i think you hit it on the head. i to would like the Real Boss to assert his concerns to his GM. however before Butler and his crew were brought in, the sapnos’s had concerns about “free agents” that didn’t pan out. so it may be to his credit, AJ could just be following orders. but i’m reaching there….

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

AJ has to go

Unfortunately. AJ is so good at talent evaluation, but our collapse has much to do with his failings as a GM.

He has to loose the GM spot, and a demotion in SD would be too much of a slap in the face. AJ must go.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions  

See, I totally disagree. AJ is an excellent (sometimes overrated, but really good) personnel guy: maybe he doesn’t schmooze well enough with agents and picks fights with his players over personality, but frankly that’s forgivable if you’ve got the skills to find and bring in the talent.

I totally think that AJ has the perfect attitude towards FA, by the way. One or two free agents can plug holes. Five or six can saddle a team with unreasonable expenses if just a couple of them don’t pan out.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Rec'd

By the way, AJ doesn’t handle rookie negotiations…..contrary to what many people may think.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well said maestro.

For those of you who are thinking Shanny might be the answer, it’s my opinion Denver’s problem the last couple of years was thinking, “we’re just one or two players away.”

and then you see how many of Shanny’s players Coach McD and GM Xanders let go in the offseason….I think Dre Bly might be the only one starting.

Take care all, we’ll see you again here in Denver in a few weeks.

Blues. Cardinals. Broncos. Rockies (when not playing St. Louis!).
Drinkin' the orange kool-aid since the day McDaniels was hired.
Go DU hockey! Go Mammoth!

by HockeyHippie on Oct 20, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

I like Gruden

He will show emotion, He sounded like he wanted to coach rivers, and i don’t think hes that bad of a coach.

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:42 PM PDT reply actions  

Funny how people around here will rip Shanahan for the Broncos’ late fades in the season, but are all about Shanahan (who did that same thing more than once).

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:20 AM PDT up reply actions  

i don’t like Shanahan at all for this team. Cowher or Holmgren would be a better fit for this team.

by boltsgamedayfootball on Oct 20, 2009 2:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

Still not a fan of retreads. But I’d make an exception for either of those two.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hey guys cheer up you all could have the Rams for a team,lol

by peteyweestro on Oct 19, 2009 9:44 PM PDT reply actions  

we were the rams….. like 9 years ago!! not fun times

by D-richman on Oct 19, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

Whoregon State? We don't need him!

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

Haha!

I would ask for a competent DT first…

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

So tough to go to sleep

I have to be up in 5 and a half hours. Why couldn’t they win!

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

i think win or lose its hard to sleep after a late game! i remember after the raider game i was still hype for like 3 hours haha

by D-richman on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Im contemplating not sleeping. i only work 4 hours.

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

5 1/2 hours? Thats brutal!

Bummer. I whine like a pansy when I get 8 hours

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

3:30!

That is awful. That should be illegal, under labor laws!

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Haha

Work isn’t until 4:30, traveling there sucks though, nice roads and no traffic.

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Or a C, or a veteran SS....

Really, this team is only a few players away. I know you guys hate to hear that. But it’s a few really important players. We’re solid at all the offensive skill positions, we’re one guy short of a quality secondary, our OL has 4 guys worth fielding (though they need a couple standouts like KD ‘07 to show it), the DEs are ok, and we have what would be good depth at NT if we had a qualified starter. Our LB corps isn’t up to snuff, but that’s not so much a personnel thing as a conditioning thing.

This team needs two new things, if you ask me: a little time, and a new S&C coach.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

It is impossible to argue that we need anything more than a DT right now.

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 20, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think that’s an overstatement; lacking a true NT can be worked around (see Fields, Ron). But yeah, that’s priority #1. This year, that’s not going to happen. Next year, we’re not going to get one in the first round. Maybe a season and another offseason will help VM get up to speed. Another middling draft pick for insurance, and that’s all there will be. Williams might come back. Or he might retire.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

I just always feel like the players are forced to motivate themselves after big losses. Stuff about the defense meeting together or “private meetings” where they “got things together”. Isn’t this the head coach’s job? Why am I even asking, of course it is. Say what you want about Schottenheimer’s playcalling or whatever, but his teams at least showed up to play Week 1, quarter 1. When good teams fail to play well early in a season the blame should fall mainly on the head coach. It’s happened 3 straight season and it’s getting ridiculous.

by JollyWaffle on Oct 19, 2009 9:44 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

That'a s good point, Marty always got the best out of his team.

Whether that was 4 wins or 14, he never underperformed (until playoff time). But it is also possible that since he did get every last ounce out of his team, that the team wasn’t really as good as their record showed them to be.

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Marty always got the best out of his team.

That’s just hilarious.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well, who cares about that?

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 22, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just out of curiosity...

Is that old “Fire Norv” website still operating?

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:50 PM PDT reply actions  

if there isn't one...i'll make one. along with a link with fire AJ

I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies
and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics

by tonik on Oct 19, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

i give it a couple more games until we get a PR scare...

damn you O-Line.

I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies
and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics

by tonik on Oct 19, 2009 9:53 PM PDT reply actions  

He is taking too many low hits aroung his knees.

I cringe every time

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

it's like we're tempting fate. all our star players are getting hurt or are recovering.

I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies
and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics

by tonik on Oct 19, 2009 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Seriously.

We are walking (or more appropriately hobbling and limping) on thin ice!

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

If we lose to the Raiders or the Chiefs

Norv should just pack his bags right then and there.

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Schottenheimer?

Why don’t we just bring back Schottenheimer? He is still familiar with many of our players and I’d sure the players would love it. We need a good hard nosed playing style.

It’d be perfect if we just demoted norv to offensive coordinator. It seems like all this team is missing is an attitude and preparation.

by myn on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT reply actions  

I highly doubt we can just "bring him back"

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Norv has won play off games

 a spot where marty didn’t have any success

by Dude52089 on Oct 19, 2009 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

that correct no argument here.

except there are 16 games that have to be played before the playoffs. my point? i hate brining this up, but here goes. marty may have had a poor record in the playoffs, but at least he GOT US THERE. what good is norvs record, in the playoffs, if he CAN’T even get us there. marty gave us a “chance”, norv just gives me headaches.

i don’t know about you, but i read his resume before he was hired. particuarly the part about the “losing season record” as head coach.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Turner hasn’t failed to reach the playoffs yet.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

plenty of foot ball left to play

he did last year, the broncos let him in…

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

That’s just crap. If not for the Hochuli call, the Chargers are 9-7 and never in any danger of missing the playoffs. The fact that they made it in spite of that call is a credit to the team.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

so now it the refs fault...

if they wanted to win that game, all they had to do was stop the , touchdown, and the 2 point conversion. they had two shots to win after the call.

you are what you are…

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

That loss was undeniably the ref’s fault. They won the game on that play. It was over. The ref’s gave Denver another chance and they were able to cash it in.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

disagree

the ref’s have a job to do, and so do the players. if they stopped denver once, they should have done it again. they didn’t. they lost.

just like last night, they had “oppurtunities” to get of the field. they didn’t. they lost.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

You’re missing the point. They stopped Denver as many times as they should have had to that game. It was over. They won that game. Then, the referees took that win away and forced them to win it a second time, but they couldn’t.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

no i got it the first two times..

you just made my point.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sorry Richard, but I have to disagree on at least one point.

“If not for the Hochuli call, the Chargers are 9-7 and never in any danger of missing the playoffs.”

O.K. but 9-7 doesn’t make the playoffs in the AFC last year except as Division champs.

If everything else plays out the same way last year, the Chargers are still two games down with three left to play and still in danger of missing the playoffs.

Even after the next two games they’d have been 8-7 with Denver at 7-8 going into that last game. The tie breakers would still be important unless they beat Denver in that last game. So even without the Hoculi call, the Chargers couldn’t have put away the division until the last game v. Denver.

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Oct 20, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Actually

We owned the tiebreaker over you with the better division record. I don’t remember which team you lost to, I think it was KC @ Arrowhead, but that was how we got into the playoffs at 8-8.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also lost to Oakland at home

I’m pretty sure the division tiebreaker goes:
1. Head to head (We were tied)
2. Division record (SD 5-0 Denver 2-3)

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

Your missing the point.

I’m just rying to say that the Chargers were not:

 “…never in any danger of missing the playoffs.”

even if the Hoculi call went the other way. The Chargers made a great comeback last year, but even with the call they still had to make a great run, but instead of winning 3 of they last 3, they would have had to win at least 2 of the last 3.

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Oct 20, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh agreed

I just was more pointing out that the last game wouldn’t have meant anything if the season would of played out as it did. Got on you for a small thing and missed the big picture.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

No problem.

I really wish the Chargers good luck and good health.

As to the fans, things might not feel so good right now but it really is a long season. Hang in there.

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Oct 21, 2009 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions  

As Dude52089 pointed out, you’re quite wrong.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Because their styles are fully incompatible.

Norv is renowned as a schemer, although this season his aces are up his ass rather than his sleeve. Martyball is conservative, smash-mouth, effective ball.

Also, as noted by Duck… he ain’t coming back unless AJ grovels a bit. There’s a reason he was replaced by a lapdog like Turner.

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

^this^

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

Also Marty's good years are well behind him

…. seemed like he was slipping a bit in that last year. HC in the NFL so very demanding, at some point a guy just gets too old to cope with it all. Marty is past it, great coach in his day, past it now.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

No, he didn’t.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

He was an improvement over Mike Riley, so he helped.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 22, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Was he really? I like Mike Riley…

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 22, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

well there it is..you are what you are.

 but i guess this would be a good time to chime in on how, " it’s only five games, still plenty of football left to play…". or the ever popular, " i thought we did some good things out there, we can build on…."

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 9:58 PM PDT reply actions  

Underprepared

it’s so hard to watch the bolts come out flat every game and then scramble to catch up in the fourth. I’d love a no-huddle offense or some kind of quick throw gameplan to take advantage of our receivers. That would hide some of our O-line deficiencies too…

Let’s pray that Norv is gone ASAP. Gruden would be a great fit… but how about Cowher? I hate to compliment the steelers but he’s seems like he would get the chargers playing a lot tougher

Shaq as an undercover cop:
Shaq: yo man, can I score some dope?
Dealer: Motherf****r, you shaq.

by kguner on Oct 19, 2009 9:59 PM PDT reply actions  

Actually the opposite was the problem tonight.

The offense scored 17 points and the defense held the Broncos to 3. They fell apart in the second half, not the first.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Oct 19, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yup

Either the Broncos’ half-time adjustments were better or Dawkins made a huge difference.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

Well, come Tmrw, Im sure I will be thinking logically

I sure as hell am not right now

A much needed bye week; and two whole weeks to focus the inner hatred of UW even moreso than normal.

Locker...Welcome to my profile, You will be formally introduced by Juju at a later date, 10/23 to be more specific!

by CaDuck on Oct 19, 2009 9:59 PM PDT reply actions  

I just realized the irony of collapsing in the last quarter...

sound like a certain team last season?

"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."

--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"

Firmly of the "Go Cesaire-- And Take Chambers With You" camp.

Can we PLEASE draft Ali Villanueva of Army this year??? I'd mortgage a kidney for a tackle/wideout hybrid.

by StrangeBroP25 on Oct 19, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions  

LOL

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Our O-line is an absolute train wreck

On the other hand that #21 guy looked pretty good, maybe we can keep him!

by Orz on Oct 19, 2009 10:10 PM PDT reply actions  

I said it several years ago when Marty was fired....
You have to be insane to fire a 14-2 coach for a guy who had never had a winning season as a head coach in two previous attempts.

AJ Smith is insane…not quite Al Davis insane, but certainly crazy.

Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.

by Tim Lynch on Oct 19, 2009 10:10 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Stop it.

As much as I would love to have our team play with the tenacity that they did with Marty as our coach, you cannot look past his ineptitude in the playoffs.

"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" - Groucho Marx

by sdpads24 on Oct 19, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

+1

I’m with Zappa..and was then. I thought it was nuts to fire Marty

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Oct 19, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

This is just dumb. Turner has had more success in 2 seasons than Schottenheimer had in his entire tenure with the team.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

you are right this is dumb

 marty built up a winning team and it was given to norv. 14-2, 11-5, 8-8, 2-3…to be continued

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 19, 2009 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Marty didn’t build the team. He didn’t draft or sign anyone on that team. He coached it ineffectively to zero playoff wins.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 19, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

No, Richard. Give credit where due. He coached it very effectively to zero playoff wins.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

But you’re right about the basic point.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions  

Touche.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

since were' looking at records

so far Norv is on track for 7-9 season. the fact is, Marty’s track record gives you a chance. Norvs track record gives you a .500 season, at best.

defend the Norv all you want. call marty a lousy coach all you want. Marty took a bunch of no-name players and "coached they into a winning team. Norv has taken a talented team, and coached them into 8-8 season. Marty has never, never had as much talent as he had here, in one season. and at some point that young talent had to mauture into championship franchise.

instead, they gambled in 07’ and lost. we can’t go back, and we are not going to recover, as long as things remain the same.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Another way of looking at it is that Schottenheimer had a bunch of guys playing their best ball and did nothing with it while Norv came in and with a bunch of guys who are no longer as good as they once were has won more playoff games than Schottenheimer did in more than twice as many seasons.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

okay you win.

 Norv is far better coach. he’s a great coach, and to prove it, Norv is going to turn all this into a SB trophy.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

I suspect that Norv has to coach this team to one or more wins in the playoffs every year until we win a SB, or he’s gone.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

I never said Norv was great. I said Schottenheimer was terrible.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Marty and Norv’s records with the Chargers really aren’t that different. It took the Chargers 2 years to get the right players in there. Once they did…

2004: 12-4 (0-1 playoffs)
2005: 9-7
2006: 14-2 (0-1 playoffs)

For Norv?

2007: 11-5 (2-1 playoffs)
2008: 8-8 (1-1 playoffs)
2009: ??

I’m not saying the Chargers will go 14-2, but it’s not like Marty was sooo much better. Also, that 14-2 team started off 4-2 before winning 10 straight games against a weak schedule.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 21, 2009 3:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

O-Line

It all has to start there. I don’t know how you can fix it this season, but that is where AJ needs to start for sure…or you guys are right…Rivers won’t make it through the season like this.

I’m with you guys on the coaching change too…always hated Norv as a HC. He sucks at it. There are so many good coaches out there that I can’t imagine him not getting canned if the season keeps going downhill for the Chargers.

Much respect to your skill players though…that offense is scary as hell when Rivers isn’t getting hit and pressured. Your defense has some pieces, but obviously needs some serious attention on the line…losing Jamal is just killing their mojo.

See you all in a few weeks at Mile High.

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Oct 19, 2009 10:37 PM PDT reply actions  

In All Due Respect

I hope Chargers fans realize that the longer Norv Turner’s been in San Diego, the worse the team has gotten. You have to get rid of him in the same way the Skins have to cut themselves loose of Zorn. With all of that said, I’m not here to hate. The Broncos had to earn this one and San Diego gave it their best shot. Mr. Spanos needs to look into firing A.J. Smith as his incendiary comments have hurt the franchise more than helped. Again, Chargers, good game, but it’s a Broncos division again. How sweet it feels!

Brad James

by the Bradfather on Oct 19, 2009 10:49 PM PDT reply actions  

Agreed. Fire Norv, maybe. But AJ? No way!

I remember 1983-2003, and as I remember it, not even our ’94 SB team was anywhere near as good as the Chargers have been since.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Two moves = One fire

On moving day we say that as we fill up the dumpster, and can’t fit anything else in the truck. Basically by the time you’ve moved twice all that original stuff is worn out and needs replacing anyway.

Two HCs = One GM

Who’s at fault? A few years ago AJ told us it was Marty. Now he says it is Norv… AJ is point one finger and three others are pointing right back at him.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nice to meet you, Trendsearcher. My name's not AJ.

AJ has a fair share of defenders who stand by the high level of skill position talent he’s produced. Norv’s defenders will abandon him the first time he fails to make the playoffs, or maybe even the first one-and-done, unless this team wins the SB.

Is it possible that the real problem is Hurd? Really, you can second-guess everything everyone does, but the injuries are the elephant in the room this year as well as last.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Abolutely right it is injuries
injuries are the elephant in the room

And AJ builds the team. We were loaded to the gills with skills talent going into the draft. Where did the #4 go? …Running Back.

We were getting old and had a history of injuries in the Lines? We let Goff out as an FA, and aside from Vasquez didn’t address Lines in the draft / free agency (Martin is a great project, but no help right now).

We were out of balance Skills vs. Lines coming into camp, and AJ erred on the side of skills even with his 53-man roster.

If injuries end up playing so much of a difference, then the #2 guys are not good enough. In my mind the lack of depth falls almost exclusively at the feet of the GM.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Call me crazy

But I’ve seen teams come back from worse situations. I remember the 0-4 ‘92 Chargers, when my roommate at the time said, "Hey, maybe they’ll win 10 of the next 12 and make the playoffs!"

And I thought he was stupid for saying that.

SD won 11 of the next 12 and made it to the playoffs.

Until the Chargers are mathematically out of the playoffs, I still have hope. No use getting upset, as I had nothing to do with them winning or losing.

by Nohm on Oct 19, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions  

I remember watching the Bills lose 4 Super Bowls in a row

and one of my best friends at the time was a Bills fanatic.

Maybe I’m jaded now. :-)

by Nohm on Oct 20, 2009 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

I guess my point is

At the end of the season, there is only one winner. All other teams have lost.

Until the Chargers cannot be the winner, I still believe. :-)

by Nohm on Oct 20, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions  

Big time Broncos fan

Not looking to troll or anger anyone, thought this would absolutely be Denver’s hardest game of the season thus far, and I was right. Rivers certainly showed off some skills tonight. All in all, great game on both sides. Questionable calls for both teams? Always. thats football!

by true believer on Oct 20, 2009 12:48 AM PDT reply actions  

The Broncos played WAY better than I though they would back in July

And the Chargers played way worse.

Congratulations Denver fan! You guys have a team to root for this season. If it can’t be the Chargers, at least let’s have one good team from the AFC West (well except for the Raiders)

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

I cant say I thought we'd be doing this well

I saw this season going not 3-13 as some predicted, but still badly, 7-9 or 8-8. Best of luck to you chargers! Well, almost best. Slightly less good than our luck I hope!!!

by true believer on Oct 20, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

love the enthusiasm

but with KC (twice), OAK, and WAS on our schedule, not to mention a Ravens team that looks about half as intimidating as they did at the beginning of the season, its not looking likely. Nothing is impossible, but a lot of things are highly improbable

by true believer on Oct 21, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Spanos is the problem

Think it out — Norv is a well-known loser as a HC and Spanos let A.J. run out a 14-2 coach for this guy. He also let Beathard run Ross out of town. Coaches are busy dealing with the team downstairs and A.J. is upstairs right next to Dean’s office. So who do you think has Dean’s ear?

Dean isn’t smart enough to tell you whether it’s Interstate 15 that runs along the freeway near the facilities or Interstate 805. All he knows about football is that the football isn’t round. Lifetime dweeb.

by cucamonga on Oct 20, 2009 1:54 AM PDT reply actions   2 recs

Wrong

Norv is not a well-known loser. He was fairly successful in Washington, but had a poor record coming into San Diego after trying to win in Oakland.

AJ left go of a coach that won 14 games in the regular season but couldn’t win a single playoff game. Turner is 3-2 in the playoffs in two years and Marty was 0-2 in the playoffs in five years. One is better than the other.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 2:38 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

incorrect

marty couldn’t win 2, two, playoff games. in San Diego. marty has been in several AFC games with two different teams. which means he has won in the playoffs. AJ simply used his dislike of Marty, and is influence with Dean, to have him removed as HC. let’s not try gloss over the fact why a good 14-2 coach “REALLY” got fired.

don’t get me wrong, i’m not a bring marty back, and fire norv bangwagon. that is not an option, and would not help this team. but we simply can’t ignore the performances of “this team” under the watches of the two, very different, HC’s.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

Schottenheimer was fired for directly disobeying Spanos. He got himself fired on purpose. I’m tired of people re-writing history.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

and i’m tired of people ignoring the truth. AJ created disfunctional atmosphere with his head caoch, and used the circumstances to his advantage.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 20, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

AJ didn't make Marty

hire his brother. Marty could have stayed if he wanted to, he didn’t. I am not sorry a bit he is gone. And I don’t care what kind of draft choice we get or who gets fired, I ain’t ever rooting for the Bolts to lose.

"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 Oct 21, 2009 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

5-13

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 21, 2009 3:15 AM PDT up reply actions  

Call me when

Norv coaches in his 19th play off game, don’t worry you will not need my #.
Just Joking, both coaches have their weak and strong points.

The thing that I liked the most about Marty was that he always seem to bring an inspired team that was fired up and ready to play to the field. But it is hard to argue with his lack of post season success.

by JeromeB on Oct 21, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just classic
Dean isn’t smart enough to tell you whether it’s Interstate 15 that runs along the freeway near the facilities or Interstate 805. All he knows about football is that the football isn’t round. Lifetime dweeb.

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe we should raise the number of recs needed to turn a comment green.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I’m done with Norv. The team doesn’t seem to be well prepared game to game so it becomes a fire drill.

If i see him run it up the middle again on 3rd and goal with Sproles, i’m gonna have to kick the dog and I love my dog.

by boltsgamedayfootball on Oct 20, 2009 2:47 AM PDT reply actions  

HAD TO WORK LAST NIGHT ...MISSED THE GAME....DVR'D IT THOUGH....MY WIFE SAID SHE

FELT UNCOMFORTABLE WATCHING THE GAME WITHOUT ME…..SHOULD I GO ON?….WORST DAY OF THE MONTH…..PERIOD!!!

AHH MEMORIES…..

GOOD TIMES LOST….SIGH…:(

Chance favors the prepared mind.......

by Gorditoe1 on Oct 20, 2009 3:44 AM PDT reply actions  

Amen!

I was saying it last year! Last not I saw Ron Rivera and said “its your fault the D sucks” But then I said no its not you are calling great plays the D is just not getting any penetration what so ever.

by 40.OZ on Oct 20, 2009 6:49 AM PDT reply actions  

my favorite part is how the broncos almost matched the chargers SEASON TOTAL for sacks in ONE night. Chargers season-7, Broncos last night-5.

and…is Hester losing more and more playing time to Tolbert? ugh.

by BORTZ on Oct 20, 2009 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yes he is

Tolbert’s a better pass-catcher apparently, and a hell of a pass-blocker. Tolbert’s only downside is that he’s quite slow in run-blocking and that kills a lot of those plays.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I agree

But what does this say about the 4th place schedule the saints are playing this year?

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions  

Exactly

It says that the Saints are riding a wave of momentum after playing some truly terrible teams.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Oct 20, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

they did just beat the Giants...

he did kick Joe Louis’ ass

Joe Louis was 135 years old at the time!

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Oct 20, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

Whatever, I'd take Marty back with open arms...

You telling me Norv is the answer? Get…rid…of…him…now!!!! I’ve never believed in him….he’s never proven anything as a coach. And I don’t care what you say, you don’t fire someone after a 14-2 season. You just don’t. How many times can we watch Norv just standing there with that blank stare after we get scored on over and over? Does he inspire anybody in that locker room? We are at a disadvantage as far as preparation against EVERY SINGLE team we play!!! Is that not incredible to anyone else? I agree with the article…if losing means a quicker exit for Norv, I’m all for it because he is not the answer. Give me Bill Cowher, Brian Billick, John Gruden…someone who will change the culture around here and who will remove our label of being soft.

by avillalobos on Oct 20, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions  

IDK

but I ready for a new begining wether its getting rid of Norv plus Aj smith I want that

by BFTB_zach on Oct 20, 2009 3:41 PM PDT reply actions  

Our record has declined with the run game

2004 – Record 12-4, Rushing Yards Per Game: 136.6
2005 – Record 9.7, Rushing Yards Per Game: 129.5
2006 – Record 14-2, Rushing Yards Per Game: 161.1
2007 – Record 11-5, Rushing Yards Per Game: 127.4
2008 – Record 8-8, Rushing Yards Per Game: 107.9
2009 – Record 2-3, Rushing Yards Per Game: 57.6

Gee let’s run the ball. Being able to pick up 17 yards on a single play is a great asset to this offense, but long sustained drives is what wins football games. We need to shorten the passing game a bit. Seems like at around 130 yards per game is where most of our recent success lies. That 130 rushing yards per game is generally ranking 10th in the league over the last 6 years.

by SJO on Oct 21, 2009 4:53 PM PDT reply actions  

The reason teams with more wins have higher rushing totals is because they’re running the ball to kill the clock in the second half.

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

And the Pats and Colts

prove that throwing teams can win, just look at the Colts win against Miami.

"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 Oct 22, 2009 8:07 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm talking tendencies
And the Pats and Colts prove that throwing teams can win, just look at the Colts win against Miami.

And how did the Pats end our season in 2007? I do recall Mr. Maroney on the final drive just demoralizing our defense.

The reason teams with more wins have higher rushing totals is because they’re running the ball to kill the clock in the second half.

And sir you have that backwards, It’s because the team can run the ball in the second half that they have more wins.

by SJO on Oct 22, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Football Outsiders Basics

Bolts from the Blue // "Game over." - Jamal Williams
Bloody Elbow // "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

by Richard Wade on Oct 22, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

You can try to run to kill the clock, but our 2.85 YPC isn’t going to kill any clock. So even when we are ahead our backs don’t get lots of yardage. The point is you have to run SUCCESFULLY. I wonder what’s the correlation between Wins and YPC, regardless of total yards, or yards per game.

by SJO on Oct 22, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thank you Richard, John, and Maestro

for keeping some semblance of sanity around BFTB. I’m all for free speech but this thread is making me hate my fellow fans. Comments like “FIRE NORV NOW AND JUST HIRE PETE CARROLL DUH! WTF!” make me want to stab things.

Look I’m not saying Norv is perfect, or that he even belongs here but I cannot think of one other coach who has taken his team to the playoffs twice in 2 years of employment and been so overwhelmingly hated. It confuses me to no end. What bar has any San Diego team set so high that warrants these kind of expectations? This is the NFL and winning is tough every week for every team. Don’t think that some other coach would have us at 5-0 right now, this team just isn’t that good.

This is going to sound twisted, but I hope we make the wildcard and make a run in the playoffs. Not because I want to win (I do), but because i want to see these torch wielding yahoos whither and squirm as they have to sit through another season with “two-face satan” at the helm. Hearing them complain about a 3/3 playoff coach would be funny.

If you don’t like AJ I want to hear who you would replace AJ with and why that person would be better. He’s not god but he has put together one of the NFLs best teams over the past half decade.

This blog has devolved into UT like, uncerebral blabber

by soulSD on Oct 22, 2009 11:32 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Hearing them complain about a 3/3 playoff coach would be funny.

If they make the play-offs, I’d gladly eat my words. Frequenty I bet money against the Chargers just so I can be happy with either outcome.

For the record even though I’ve trashed AJ & Norv, I don’t know how we can do better. Each man needs to make some personal improvements – I know I do too.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 23, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

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