2009 Predictions Revisited

by John (obviousman) on Oct 20, 2009 12:00 PM PDT Comment 213 comments

Remember after the Steelers game, when I pointed to my preseason predictions for hope in the future? I want to go back over them, revise them based off of the first 6 weeks of the season, and get an answer to the question that's plaguing all of us today: Do the Chargers still have a chance?

My predictions, and an answer to that question, are after the jump.

Week 1 @ Raiders

Predicted: Win

What Happened: Win (1-0)

Week 2 vs. Ravens

Predicted: Loss

What Happened: Loss (1-1)

Week 3 vs. Dolphins

Predicted: Win

What Happened: Win (2-1)

Week 4 @ Steelers

Predicted: Loss

What Happened: Loss (2-2)

Week 6 vs. Broncos

Predicted: Win

What Happened: Loss (2-3)

Week 7 @ Chiefs

Prediction: Win (3-3)

No change here. The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the league. While I buy into the mystique of Arrowhead when the Chiefs are a good football team, I think it means nothing in their current state. This is a game where the Bolts' weakness (stopping the run) meets the Chiefs weakness (running the ball), so it should be a relatively easy victory.

Week 8 vs. Raiders

Prediction: Win (4-3)

The Raiders hung tough in Week 1 and even beat the Eagles last week, but they've been outscored 83-26 on the road this season (outscored 46-56 at home). Even if their defense plays well against the Chargers, Oakland's offense is so bad that the Chargers should have no problem out-pacing the Raiders at home.

Week 9 @ Giants

Prediction: Loss (4-4)

I'm still calling this a loss, but the Chargers have the right kind of team to defeat the Giants. Much like the Saints did, the Chargers have the ability to put up points in a hurry. If they can get an early lead and force the Giants to play catch-up with Eli Manning, the chances of victory are high. They could win this game, but I don't think they're beating both the Giants and Eagles.

Week 10 vs. Eagles

Prediction: Win (5-4)

The Eagles lost to the Raiders for two main reasons. One is that they don't typically play well when they travel to the west coast. The second, and more concrete reason, is that their offensive line is in shambles. Shawn Andrews is out for the season because he's crazy. Stacy Andrews is hurt, plus is busy (allegedly) hitting his girlfriend. Jason Peters went down with an injury early in the Raiders game, and Richard Seymour feasted on the weak left side of the Eagles' offensive line all game.

There's a good chance that four weeks from now the Eagles will still be struggling to field a decent offensive line. If the Chargers can take advantage of that, they stand a very good chance of winning the game.

Week 11 @ Broncos

Prediction: Win

Revised Prediction: Loss (5-5)

Here's what I got from Monday's game against the Broncos: they are better than the Chargers. No doubt about it. If both teams are healthy and on a neutral field, the Broncos win the majority of the games. They have a talented roster and fantastic coaching. Without a major injury or distraction, this will be a really tough game for the Chargers. Not to mention the Bolts will be coming off games against the Giants and Eagles, which means lots of traveling and potentially injuries because those are hard-hitting teams.

If the Chargers have any chance at making the playoffs, this tough three-game stretch will determine how far they'll go this season.

Week 12 vs. Chiefs

Prediction: Win (6-5)

Time for that late-season run to begin. This game isn't quite in December (Nov. 29), but the Chiefs aren't going anywhere this year.

Week 13 @ Browns

Prediction: Win (7-5)

Hello December! In my preseason predictions, I wrote this about the Browns game:

Hmmmm, now here's a hard team to read. New coach but from the same system as the old coach. Lots of talent on the team that flourished for one year and disappeared. I, for one, am a big Brady Quinn fan. His size, his arm strength, his accuracy and intelligence make him a great QB prospect. I really can't see any way that he doesn't burst out this year and put his name on the map with a great season unless he gets injured. Their defense is still a few pieces away and I don't know that James Davis from Clemson will help out Jamal Lewis as much as is needed. This game will be tougher than you think.

Boy, I was wrong. This will be an easy win. If Mangini is still the coach by Week 13, I'll be shocked. For the record, I still think Brady Quinn has a great future in the league but not in Cleveland. Here's to hoping he ends up anywhere but Oakland or Cleveland.

Week 14 @ Cowboys

Prediction: Loss

Revised Prediction: Win (8-5)

The Cowboys are terrible. They have a better record than the Chargers, but their victories have come against Tampa Bay, Carolina and Kansas City. Their defense ranks dead last in yards allowed. They needed overtime to put away the Chiefs. Tony Romo has a TD/INT ratio of 3:2. The Cowboys remind me of the Giants, but with a defense that cannot compare. If you can get an early lead, you can eliminate their dynamic running game and force Tony Romo to try to win the game himself. That's a recipe for disaster for the Cowboys.

Week 15 vs. Bengals

Prediction: Win (9-5)

A week ago I might have changed this to a loss. However, without Antwan Odom Cincinnati's defense is neautured. Before Sunday they hadn't given up more than 249 passing yards in a game, and then Matt Schaub put up 385 yards on them without facing much of a pass-rush. I think this will be a competitive game and a Chargers win. I also think a lot of people around here will be talking about Rey Maualuga after this game. It's incredible that he dropped so far in the draft. He reminds me of Lofa Tatupu, but a harder hitter.

Week 16 @ Titans

Prediction: Win (10-5)

A Christmas game on the road, against a team that doesn't seem to belong in the NFL these days. You could argue that the Titans won't have anything to lose at this point, which makes them dangerous, but if the Chargers come to Tennessee with a four-game winning streak it will be tough to slow them down.

Week 17 vs. Redskins

Prediction: Loss

Revised Prediction: Win (11-5)

The Redskins are melting down. We've been over this. This should be an easy victory and, like Mangini, I'd be shocked to see Zorn on the sidelines for this game. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Colt Brennan starting this game.

So.....11-5. Is it something to get excited about? Probably not, considering the Broncos are already 6-0. Could the Broncos lose 5 of their last 10 games? With games against the Ravens, Steelers, Giants, Colts and Eagles it's certainly a possibility. Will 11-5 be good enough to get a Wild Card spot in the playoffs? Again, it's possible, but there's really nothing the Bolts can do to control that. A win against the Broncos in Denver would present a pretty big shift in control of the AFC West though.

I think the Chargers will end up being 11-5 this season. That's an improvement over 8-8 last season. Whether they make the playoffs, and Norv keeps his job, may just be up to the rest of the AFC.

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Comments

Optimism

I agree with these points, we need to play like we are supposed to and 11-5, 12-4 isn’t a stretch.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 12:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You really think

that it is not a stretch for the chargers to only lose ONE game the rest of the year? you are bananas

free special ed.

by Swissy14 on Oct 20, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Because I’ve watched these teams that we have to play and the only team I am afraid of is the Broncos.

by Dude52089 on Oct 21, 2009 7:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My advice to everyone

Is to stop worrying about the Broncos. The game is over, there’s nothing the Chargers can do to improve that cause until Nov. 22. If the Chargers had beat the Broncos could they have just packed it in and coasted to the playoffs? No effin’ way! The rest of the season lines up the same as it did before yesterday’s game. It’s still soft as a marshmellow and it should make for some entertaining Chargers football.

So, just pretend the Broncos aren’t 6-0. Pretend they don’t even exist. Ignore taunts from their fans. Either don’t watch their games or watch them and pretend they are an NFC West team or something. Just go out and root for this team as if all that mattered is that they win more than they lose and we’ll see if the standings take care of themselves. Enjoy watching football and stop worrying about championship until you are playing for one.

The Chargers are a .500 team playing a soft schedule. Teams like that make the playoffs all the time. Look at the Panthers or Cardinals last year. Or the Seahawks, Redskins and Buccaneers the year before. Or the Cowboys and Jets the year before that.

Or you can worry and fret and call for the head’s of people who in all likelihood won’t get fired. You can storm around and whine that we’ll never win a championship. But, I just don’t see where that gets you.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 11 recs

Congrats Wonko.

You just convinced me you’re human. I’ll stop calling you an AI.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool

That new empathy protocol is working.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

And Rec'd.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love the post

I think 9-7 is a good possiblity, maybe that gets us in as a wild card.

by JeromeB on Oct 20, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And if not

It gives us more happy weekends than sad weekends in the fall and winter.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And more fun games to watch on my computer

in the long spring and summer months until next season.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

rec'd

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How could I not rec this?

Okay everybody, sing along…

“Always look on the bright… side of life…”

"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 20, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm Brian

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Chargers play the rest of the season like they played yesterday they'll be in the playoffs

They held up very well against one of the toughest teams in the league. Everyone is focusing on the negatives, but there are a lot of positives to take from the MNF game, not the least of which is the run defense and how good LT looked. They can beat anyone on their schedule, including Denver, if they bring it like they did yesterday. If/when Hardwick returns, and maybe even if he doesn’t, the Chargers could make some noise in the post season.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:24 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

I actually feel the same way as you

It also rained in San Diego last night, so maybe the apocalypse is coming.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, the horsemen did just pass through town…

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A bronco fan saying we could be in the playoffs and can beat denver at denver

The apocalypse is coming.

In all seriousness you are right, but the problem is getting them to that consistency which we haven’t seen all year, bits and pieces but Denver was the most consistent game where it looked like we actually were going to try and play 60 minutes.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

CoastalBronco is a Chargers fan...

he just doesn’t know it yet

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 20, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

I really enjoyed the game last night

Six lead changes… holy cow. It was great fun, right up until the ambiguity of the Stokley touchdown. Can we please get some better refs for this rivalry?

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ya

I think you guys would like a win where there isn’t an ambiguous call. I thought when i saw it that he was down, doesn’t mean you guys don’t score on 4th down but, i thought it was the wrong call.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would’ve liked to see that 4th down play.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 20, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We did stop them on a 3rd and 1

so ya it would of been an interesting call to say the least.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Considering the short yardage problems all year, I expected a field goal.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which means

We are going down the field knowing we only have to get a Touchdown instead of a touchdown 2 point conversion and a field goal. Wish i could of seen it, but hey its over time for KC.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is all conjecture since the call was spot-on

But I think we go for it…the way the defense was playing, I love my chances to keep Rivers from a 99 yard TD drive IF we fail…I’d actually hedge my bets on us getting a safety right off the bat given how the D-Line was tearing up SD’s O-Line

"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 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it would have mattered

Even if the Chargers hold the Broncos would still have a 4 point lead, the Chargers would have to go 99 yards and score a TD. On the ensuing possession they had to go less yards than that and couldn’t come up with any points. Of course, maybe emotions would have been different and maybe the urgency would be less (since they would need 1 score instead of 2).

Then again, maybe the Broncos kick (I wouldn’t have though). Then the Chargers would have to go ~80 yards and score a TD just to tie.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You may be right that Denver goes for it on 4th and an inch. If they don’t make it, the Chargers have to go 99.5 yards to score against a defense that’s been manhandling them for most of the half. I’m not sure I would’ve risked it… Rivers, 4th quarter, and all.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, if the broncos kick the FG, they go up by 7. So, at worst, they're looking at OT, unless Turner decides to go for to Shanny-style.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Jaworski had an interesting point

The ref on the field didn’t signal touchdown until after Stokely rolled across the goal line. But, the head ref said the play “stands”. Which, doesn’t make sense since he was obviously down before he rolled across. The ref’s wording confused more than one person “The receiver had possession of the ball with both with down in the end zone”. People seemed to take it to mean that his feet were in the end zone (which rule-wise doesn’t matter). I took it to mean that the receiver had possession in the end zone and both feet were down when the possession was in the end zone (which is important because if you are across the goal line while jumping to catch the ball, but then you come down without the ball in the end zone, I believe that is not a touchdown).

If I was the ref I would have just said, “The replay shows that the receiver had both feet down while also having possession of ball across the goal line. Touchdown, Denver.”

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We had quite a discussion about this at MHR

From the rulebook:

From Rule 11, section 2, article 1 "it is a touchdown:
a) when the runner advances from the field of play and the ball touches the opponents goal line (plane); or
b) while inbounds any player catches or recovers a loose ball (3-2-3) on or behind the opponents’ goal line"

From Rule 3, section 2, article 3 a "loose ball" is simply "a live ball that is not in player possession, i.e. any kick pass or fumble."

So while it seems a bit odd (because this type of play is very rare), the ref’s call was absolutely correct…where the ball is is irrelevant because of how the rules define a TD pass.

4th down and 1 never happens because the call was irrefutably correct. (Also note, the ref said “confirms” the call, not “we found no irrefutable evidence”)

"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 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to be skeptic with it

I still think you guys win whether i feel it was the right call or not, I am not saying this call cost us the game, I just feel that it pretty strange that he came down where he is on the 1, we always say where is the ball when his knee goes down and it looked like it was on the one.

It also begs the question are we saying the two feet rule, because it looked like he got one foot in the endzone and the other knee outside.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can understand your position

I wanted to see the rule today…I thought like you did initially during the game and couldn’t believe the overturned it…but the ref’s explanation led me to believe I was missing something.

Go watch a replay of it…both his feet are inside the goal line…his knee landing out is irrelevant.

I’m curious to see a goal-line camera angle so we can see if the ball went past the goal line or not anyway…cause I think it might have. The angles on TV are HORRIBLE for showing that…

"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 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

I rather not rewatch the game. I would like a goal line view but i doubt i will see one. End of the day Broncos got a W chargers got a L.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear you

and look forward to the rematch. See you in November.

"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 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Hopefully we can make it mean something.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cheers to that

I miss the days when the AFC West was full of good football teams.

"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 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It won't be long

Denver is already “good”
KC is building
Oakland would be good if the had a QB
SD needs to stop the free-fall. Marty was 14-2 before he was fired, the rest of the West should catch up by next year, two years at the latest.

"The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer."
--John Madden

by cpa913 on Oct 20, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I don’t think the faders are getting a decent QB any time soon. Al will probably draft another speedy WR in the 1st round

"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 21, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, yeah

The ones he got this past year aren’t any good, so he’ll have to go back to the well and draft a couple more.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ROTF

It is so funny and sad at the same time. I was absolutely aghast when they picked this year…couldn’t believe he at least didn’t select Crabtree.

"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 21, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Then they made it worse with their second and third round picks who only Mel Kiper had heard of.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Touchdown

free special ed.

by Swissy14 on Oct 20, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Terrible camera angle.

Not convinced

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 21, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bogus call

the ball has to cross the plane of the goalline. If you come back for the ball and catch it with your feet in the end zone, but the ball is outside the end zone it isn’t a TD. But, I am more curious about the backward throw that went out of bounds but was put back at the original line of scrimmage. It should have been placed at the spot where it went out of bounds. a backward pass is a ladderal. It clearly was a backward pass. The refs blew it. IMO

by irishlad on Oct 20, 2009 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your first statement is a misconception about TDs by receivers. Passes don’t need to have the ball in the end zone, they need possession by a receiver that is in the end zone. If they catch it in the field of play, then they need to break the plane since they are not yet “in the end zone”. The ball only has to cross the plane if you are running the ball from the field of play.

I agree with your second point…it looked to me like that play was a latteral which should have been spotted back a couple yards. But if we get into the nit pickiness of these things we will end up going back and forth…where were 2 times that the refs gave SD an extra yard on their spots…one of which led to a 1st down for instance.

"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 21, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's right

Ussually the receiver is head first so the ball does have to break the plain.

Here the Receiver had both feet in the end zone, so he was in the end zone with the ball.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

both sides are being thoroughly discussed on MHR: http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/10/20/1092408/if-you-find-you-have-to-defend#comments

Colinki’s comment seems to be pretty close to the final word:

Where people seem to have gotten off track is in assuming that it’s the only way to score. As I’ve said, the ball actually WAS in the endzone (as well as Stokely’s feet, too), although many have settled for the ‘feet in’ rule, but bad camera angles helped create a mild controversy. The linesman is looking precisely for that, and he started running in to signal immediately. There was a mis-impression created by one of ESPN’s commentators that it was in reaction to the Stokely’s rolling back in, but you can look at the footage and see that that claim is questionable.
There are endzone cameras that see the action from a goal-line view, which is a perspective that isn’t distorting. This is what replay officials look at, too, besides others. Strangely, ESPN never gave us that view, and they relied on a distorting view instead. Why?

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing ambiguous about it

There are two ways in which a touchdown can be scored. The first is by having the ball break the plane of the goal line. The second has 2 components – occupying the end zone and possessing the ball. Stokely had both feet in the end zone (occupancy) and possession of the ball – touchdown. Just like on a fade route to the corner of the end zone, feet are inbounds but the ball is usually not – it is, however, in the receiver’s possession and thus the score counts.

by BroncoFanUntilIDie on Oct 20, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't the ambiguous TD Scheffler's last one?

"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 20, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hasn't that always been the Chargers problem?

When they care, they play well. The Chargers play better when they’re losing. Hopefully they now have the urgency the need to bring it every week, instead of beating bad teams and losing to good teams.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ya

I think its partially a coaching problem, but he has gotten us in the playoffs so i mean say what you want about Norv but ill take getting into the playoffs every year. It just going to be focus on the game at hand and hopefully this team can play like they are supposed to.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, under norv

yeah, that seems to be the way they play under norv. Kind of lackadaisical untill the get behind, then turn it on. But, I think it’s too big a hole to climb out of.

by irishlad on Oct 20, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not yet...

but if this is what turns on the win streak, there’s still time not only to win the division but to earn a bye. But they pretty much have to run the table; even one or two losses will consign them to a wildcard, and three or four will take them out of contention.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

11 & 5 would probably be good enough to get a wild card spot

On paper we have a chance. But we also thought on paper this was one of the best teams in the NFL at the beginning of the season.

Reality bites. We’ll just have to wait and see if you 11&5 prediction holds up. Now we know we can’t beat Denver… Can we beat KC? Do we split with the Raiders?

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Are you really suggesting that Chargers won't beat the Raiders at home?

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that happens

Season is over.

If jamarcus is the QB, it never happens.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

System malfunction.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 20, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way

I want you guys to lose as much as the next Bronco fan, but no way do you lose the faders. Their win vs Philly was a fluke…until the Lich owner of the faders stops meddling with the team, they are doomed to patheticness. Your team is vs their team = Profesisonal NFL team vs = Pop Warner team

"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 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it worth mentioning

That the Steelers continued their streak against the Browns this weekend? So the 3 way tie for the longest active winning streak by one team over another is still in effect. I would really prefer the Patriots or Steelers to blink first and end their streaks before the Chargers end theirs over the Raiders.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"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 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes I am suggesting that the Chargers could loose to the Raiders

- The Raiders played big in that first game. They beat us up.
- We go into that game with more #1 guys out of the picture than week 1.
- Jamarcus could be demoted by that time.
- It is practically a home game when all those thugs show up inour crib.
- Now that the Charger band wagon is empting out there will be more tickets available to Raider fan.

Yes the Raiders could beat us in that second game. We’ll have to play the game and see how it turns out. It is no where near being a certainty, like say Oakland vs. Philadelph… err… well there you have it.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

If you want to say that the emotional performance of a team on their opening night in a home game will carry over to a road game in midseason, then I could see how one might think the Raiders will win. However, they played their asses off and didn’t even win that one. Are they supposed to be get more fired up the second time? It’s hard for me to buy that performance as anything more than a fluke from a team that was desperate to start the season on the right foot and failed at doing it.

The Eagles game was the Eagles fault. They ran the ball well, but decided to abandon the run anyway. The also lost their left tackle. And, it was in Oakland.

I just don’t think many people are going to follow your thought process of the Chargers losing to the Raiders right after they basically showed that they could contend with the 6-0 Broncos on the field.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

JR is the biggest if in my mind

as long as he’s under center, we have little to worry about.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 20, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They beat the Eagles

The Eagles have way more talent than the Bolts. I would be worried about the Raiders. Even with the worst QB in the league they can manage to win games.

"The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer."
--John Madden

by cpa913 on Oct 20, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see it.

- Bolts want revenge for that game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some chippy and even filthy play from BOTH sides.
- Injuries will affect them too. At this point their best player (Aso) has wrist and cornea injuries, and Schilens has gimped a little bit. If those two get re-injured any time soon, we’re suddenly sitting much prettier.
- Who are their backups, anyways? It’s hard to think they could be worse than him, but I don’t expect a large improvement from, let’s see… is it Gradkowski?
- Agreed. It’s like roaches coming out of the sewer. Personal experience has shown that you stay in a section full of season ticket holders and you’re cool— endzone plaza and field level seems to be safest; upper view and the parking lot can get like Caracas.
- Also possibly true, but I wouldn’t bet on bandwagoners making the biggest difference.

"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 20, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That guy ===>

That skinny hippie selling the cotton candy in section L21? That guy would be more of threat than JR !

Who are their backups, anyways?

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do we split with the Raiders?

Heresy.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get Reall

for the chargers to go 11-5 they can only have 2 losses, WAY out of reach for this charger team try 9-7

free special ed.

by Swissy14 on Oct 20, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the way it will need to go:

Chargers schedule: Broncos schedule:

@Chiefs W Bye
Oakland W @Ravens L
@Giants L Steelers L
Eagles L @Redskins W
@Broncos W (only shot at divison) Chargers L
Chiefs W Giants L
@Browns W @Chiefs W
@Cowboys W @Colts L
Cincy W Raiders W
@Titans W @Eagles L
Redskins W Chiefs W

11-5 10-6

As of today, it sure looks like a longshot after the way things went yesterday but, you can’t say it is entirely impossible.

There’s still hope Charger fans. It’s a long season. You guys should all know this, especially after last year!!

by Freddyd on Oct 20, 2009 2:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry about the Broncos

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
You’ll only be disappointed.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed our job is to focus on ourselves

Win our games and let what happens happen if we win the division we win the division.

This team needs to focus on winning their games.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That should still be enough for a wildcard.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For which team

Denver?

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, for the chargers. I see two AFC west teams making it in.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Based off his prediction that you are commenting on

The chargers would win the division. I doubt we win the division, but i see us as a team that can be playoff bound.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, I was a little confused by the comment. Sorry.

I think that 10 wins is definitely within range for the Chargers, though. Some of the guys at MHR are still sipping the 13-3 koolaid, but I’m not sure about that. I think 11-5 is reasonable for the broncos.

Like I said, though, 10 wins is definitely within range of the chargers. I still feel that the chargers are one of the more dangerous teams in the AFC and you guys should make the playoffs, still.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

honestly i posted this elsewhere

Our biggest game is against you guys at Denver. I can see flaws in every other team we play. With our biggest stretch being @ NYG , PHI, @ DEN. The Giants got tore up by a passing game that i think rivers could match, the eagles lost to the Raiders, and who knows we may beat you guys some how, but realistically i see 11-5 as a sure possibility

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's doable, especially with 4 Ws against the Faders and chiefs.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

When you mark them as "W"s and "L"s you notice that sequence requires a 7 game winning streak for the Chargers (not to mention an 10 or 11 game winning streak to win the Super Bowl). As much as I’m willing to back this team, I don’t know if even my most optimistic moment sees a Chargers team that can go that long without losing.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

tail end of the schedule is pretty weak

It would be good prep for a playoff run. Agreed that Super Bowl is a stretch, but one step at a time.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’ve cracked off big win streaks to cap every single year of the P.R. era.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I luv how all the Chiefs and Raiders games are wins for the Donkeys and Bolts

That ain’t gonna happen. Division games are earned not given away. There is no way in hell SD and Denver sweep those games. A split is the best you can hope for. In fact, if carma has anything to do with it, the Bolts lose both KC games to make up for the gifts of Herm Edwards last year.

"The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer."
--John Madden

by cpa913 on Oct 20, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hehehe

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 2:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't think we can win out?

Neither do I, from this early, but it’s quite possible to beat any and all of those teams.

"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 20, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better chance of hell frezing over

then thinking that the Broncos wont beat ONE of their “hard” games? and go 4-6 after a 6-0 start.

free special ed.

by Swissy14 on Oct 20, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I’m pretty sure that’s going to happen. I’m hoping for a Wild Card spot.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 2:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A fine assessment of how the season SHOULD play out...

… but since my new directive in life is about figuring out a way to get Norv Turner fired, my question is which sure-fire “should be a W but turns out to be an L” will enlighten those that need to be enlightened??

If the Chargers lose to KC, will that be enough?? Do they have to lose to Cleveland?? KC at home?? The Raiders at home?? All of the above?? What’s it gonna take to ignite AJ’s hair tonic to want to fire Norv?

by Andy (allfield) on Oct 20, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd say miss the playoffs

But we will see

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was just thinking

Assuming the Chargers don’t take advantage of the schedule that looks like a marshmallow, the Broncos nice little run here could be what gives the Chargers the opportunity to push Norv out. You can finally look past all the usual arguments about why Norv could go and you’d finally have the reason to do it that most teams do. They need a change. I think it will be enough that if the Chargers miss the playoffs and finish 4-5 games back in the division race, then that might be enough for A.J. to say that the team needs something new to get it done. I’m also curious about Norv’s contract. That seemed to be a big reason behind the timing of the Marty firing, so maybe that could help push Norv out if he’s only got a year left on the deal. I’m not a big proponent of going through coaches like tissues and their are a lot of teams in more dire straits than the Chargers, but Norv has had a good run here and I don’t see how a coaching change could make the team worse at this point (even if they fired him midseason, which is something I was very against last year).

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

I agree with you.

Though I don’t think they’ll fire him in mid-season unless they believe he’s completely lost the locker room. Which may happen if they keep losing. Acee reports it’s not as bad as it was around Week 11 of 2007 when they lost to the Jags and were at 5-5, but he said it might be getting there.

Missing the playoffs is what I think will lose Turner his job. That’s what AJ believes in as the goal of the regular season—making the playoffs. If we miss them, then I think that’s what would finally push him to make a coaching change.

If that were to happen, I don’t think I want Rivera hanging around. I’m not terribly impressed with his handling of the defense, and would prefer some fresh blood there. I’m thinking John Pagano would be a great choice. He’s been with this team for a while, and the players by all accounts love him. He’s seen several different DCs now and I think he could put together a pretty good defense.

As for a new HC, I don’t really want a retread, like a Cowher or Holmgren or Gruden. I’d like someone knew with fresh ideas who can make a name for themselves with our team, rather than trade on a reputation they built with another one.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What do you think

Of having Cam come back and be the HC? Shelmon can stay on offense and maybe you bring in someone new for DC. I wonder if Romeo Crennel would be up for it?

Another idea would be Greg Manusky in SF as HC. He was with the Chargers under Phillips and has been SFs DC for a few years now.

It’s hard to think of candidates. The retreads are all terrible and the prominent ones I just don’t see coming to the Chargers. College coaches can’t be trusted and are usually bad. Last year all the up-and-coming coaches were made HCs (Spagnuolo, Schwartz, Haley, McDaniels, Ryan). I can’t think of one “hot name” coordinator out there anymore other than Jason Garrett in Dallas and I think he’s lost his luster. Usually the top candidates come from top teams, but you go through and think… Patriots, completely raided… Colts, new regime… Giants, you want Gilbride again?… Steelers, LeBeau is old, maybe Arians… I could go on. It’s a tough coaching candidates world. It was kind of the same deal when Marty was fired.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't think I want Cam Cameron as our Head Coach.

All accounts were that he was terrible in Miami, and contributed greatly to their craptastic season in 2007.

I remember Manusky, and that might be a decent choice for HC. I still like Pagano as DC. Unless they want to bring Phillips back as DC (not HC).

Arians intrigues me as a head coach. Given what he’s done with Roethlisburger and the Steeler receivers, I’d love to know what he could do with Rivers, Jackson, Gates, and co.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Dolphins team was rotten to the core

Remember, they replaced their entire front office when they fired Cameron. Also, given their experience with Saban bolting on them the year before, it would have been tough for any coach to earn their trust. I guess it is a negative mark on Cameron that he couldn’t rally the team since that’s a similar criticism that Norv got. Put me in the category of people that wasn’t convinced that Cam Cameron was any more of a reason for that disaster than 100 other things that went wrong that year.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's fair.

But he just doesn’t excite me. And hasn’t he had failure in other head coaching jobs in college football? He strikes me as another one of those guys like Phillips and Nolan—excellent coordinators, not great HCs. Like everyone thinks Turner is.

I think I’d be willing to give Manusky or Arians a shot. If we brought in Manusky, though, I’d like to find someone to run the offense other than Shelmon, given that Manusky is a defensive guy.

So there’s my picks. HC either Manusky or Arians. If Manusky, then someone knew as OC (though I don’t know who). If Arians, then Phillips or Pagano as DC. Probably Pagano.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh

Just thought of one of the “hot names” in coordinators. Leslie Frazier of the Vikings. We’d probably have to ditch the 3-4 though which would mean some roster changes.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm fine with the 3-4.

I like the 3-4. When done correctly I think it’s better at getting pressure than the 4-3. Phillips did the 3-4 correctly. Nolan has been doing it right with his personnel in Denver. I don’t understand why Dumervill was constantly matched up against TEs and RBs while Rivera had Merriman trying to bull-rush an OT and OG. But whatever, that’s neither here nor there.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let it be known

I was in favor of getting Nolan last year after he got fired, but obviously, most fired HCs wait until the offseason to get a job and I guess A.J. sold himself on Rivera.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Rivera was Turner's call, actually.

From what Acee reported when Cottrell was fired, it was Turner who had been pushing AJ to make a change for a while, and he wanted Rivera.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What?

No Cowher? He would take a bunch of cash though; I wouldn’t mind seeing Dick Lebeau in here either if they could get him. He didn’t do well with the Bengals but I bet the defense would sharpen up.

"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 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The idea of Cowher coming here is ridiculous

I thought about LeBeau, but having talked to people who following the Steelers new clippings religiously, it doesn’t seem like LeBeau would really want another HC job. I’d be interested in him if he did. I’d want to bring in somebody as OC who was a former HC though, just to make sure the Cincinnati issues didn’t crop up again.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The idea of Cowher coming here is ridiculous

Probably, are you thinking about the money or conflict with AJ?

it doesn’t seem like LeBeau would really want another HC job

I’ve read that too; and he is kinda old to be starting off again. Still, the Chargers do have a team that might make somebody rethink.

"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 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Money, AJ, distance from his family, he likes his current job

Cowher is in no hurry to find an NFL job. Maybe when his kids finally grow up and move away he’ll come back, but I think our current scenario has Norv being fired sooner rather than later.

There are just too many things in the way and plus my gut just says no.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you.

Plus I’m just not a fan of bringing in guys who have made their names elsewhere. There have been a couple coaches who have been to a Super Bowl with different teams, but none that have won a Super Bowl with more than one team.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough

Was it me, or was Gruden making a pitch for the job? He kept going on about how talented the Bolts were, and then kept going over how they were being out-coached, tried too hard with the deep routes, etc.

"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 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seemed that way

I wouldn’t want him. He reminds me of Norv a little bit. Too much of a OC, not willing to let go of the reins of the offense to focus on being a leader.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He also seemed

to get into too many pissing contests with his players.

"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 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still, the Chargers do have a team that might make somebody rethink.

That, with Rivers included, is why I think we’d have a chance at Nolan.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think I want Nolan as a head coach.

Not after his abysmal performance in SF.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what makes me think we really are close to a coaching change?

The last two years, when people were bitching about Turner, Acee categorically denied anything was going to happen. Now, he’s no longer denying it. He’s even reporting that things are close to blowing up in the locker room. The only thing he’s done is say that nothing will likely happen while the season is still going.

That, to me, says that no playoffs means Turner is done here.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

btw, here’s why I don’t blame Nolan for being terrible in San Francisco….the starting QBs of his 49er teams:

2005: Alex Smith
2006: Alex Smith
2007: Trent Dilfer
2008: Shaun Hill

SF’s defense definitely got better under Nolan, and he started with next to nothing. Ownership tried to force Smith down his throat to try to get value out of the pick. If he had a good Offensive Coordinator paired with Philip Rivers, I think Nolan would be a fantastic coach.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe.

Looking at DVOA, Nolan’s defenses in SF ranked 31st, 29th, 24th, and 18th. So I guess that’s improvement, but not by much.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The SF ownership

Is not a good situation. They are a bunch of non-football cheapskates that try to meddle in football business. Singletary is just a band aid. Nolan, I think, wanted to build something there but didn’t have the resources.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he would do well here then.

I’m open to the possibility, especially if that Denver defense stays consistent.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The bar is set pretty low anyway

You basically just have to make sure the next guy is better than Turner. I think at worst Nolan is of similar caliber to Turner.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus there's the hope he could turn the defense around.

Hopefully he could work with AJ to figure out what kind of personnel he needs to run things.

And since he’s a defense-minded guy, we could go with Hue Jackson for OC, like you suggested earlier. I kind of like that idea.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you know

how the SF players viewed Nolan? I’m wondering if he was able to be an effective leader and head coach. He’s clearly good at designing a defense, but he needs to be more than that as a head coach.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure

I did just remember that he was going through the loss of his father (who had dementia) while he was coaching the 49ers. Don’t know if that had an impact or not.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m pretty sure they loved him. I know a bunch were sad to see him go. I’m sure even Singletary was. Those guys have been really tight since their Baltimore days.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that's in fact the case

and Nolan continues to have success in Denver, then there’s a strong case to be made for bringing him in here, assuming we miss the playoffs and Turner is fired.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d be in favor of hiring Nolan just so he wouldn’t be in Denver any more.

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 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That and the suit.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love the suit.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True enough.

Though let’s hope if we did hire him he would actually be a good head coach.

There’s something to be said for the idea that HCs do better their second time around, after they get their feet wet learning what works and what doesn’t.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked Nolan in San Francisco, too. That was just an abysmal situation, though.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if he and AJ would get along.

You gotta think he’ll be a hot coaching candidate if Denver stays good. I have to think that the Charger HC spot would be a pretty coveted position, though again he’d have to get along with AJ.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally, I’m still hoping Turner turns things around enough that this isn’t something we need to worry about.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%.

But, for reasons I outlined above, I think for the first time this is becoming a real possibility, and it’s worth having the discussion.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re right about that.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LeBeau is also really, really old.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hue Jackson

is the Ravens QB coach who also worked with Carson Palmer in Cincy and obviously would be familiar with Cam’s offense, which Rivers/Hardwick/LT probably still remember. He’d be an OC candidate if they with a defense oriented Norv replacement.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet that would work pretty well.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Todd Bowles

Assistant Head Coach and secondary coach with Miami who apparently Parcells likes is another hot name for HC. Miami kind of runs a 3-4 and they could keep Pagano or Rivera to help him there.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That intrigues me too.

Though like I said before I’d like to part ways with Rivera. Unless he somehow turns it around.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chud

he was the OC in Clevland, and now he’s back as the Asst./ tightends coach. he knows the system.

The peanut gallery has spoken!!!

by gatesoftds on Oct 21, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that's a good thing?

When Browns OC and current Asst HC of the Chargers are on your resume, I’m not sure I want you.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What’s it gonna take to ignite AJ’s hair tonic to want to fire Norv?

Go 14-2?

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 3:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Something tells me

The Chargers aren’t going 14-2 this year. Just a hunch. So we can throw out that option.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They decided Denver didn't want the win enough

So we will go 14-2.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It just means Norv's job is safe

That’s why he throws three early games… job security.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes Marty was fired after a 14-2 season

But he also had an 0-2 playoff record with the Chargers and allowed all his coordinators and coaching staff to go get jobs elsewhere.

Smith and Spanos both said “We kept Marty on board with the understanding that his coaching staff would stay with the team too. When they all left, we saw no reason to keep Marty.”

by creanium on Oct 20, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agreed with A.J. that Marty was no better than the staff he had

In KC, Marty had, what, 5 future head coaches on his staff (Cowher, Dungy, Edwards, McCarthy and Cunningham)?

Of course, the Norv Turner staff has never been anything to write home about.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 20, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think A.J is the one needing to be fired

by Freddyd on Oct 20, 2009 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A.J. Smith is under contract through 2014. Everyone who wants him fired should go ahead and give up on that idea right now because it’s not happening.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yikes

Did he represent himself and the Chargers during the negotiations?

by CoastalBronco on Oct 20, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How the Chargers can save next season:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU0SwTX6mbY

by drowningboy on Oct 20, 2009 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So, we need to replace Clary, Merriman and Turner. And the only replacement they named is Gruden. I have to say, I’m not impressed.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearly he is A.J. Smith in disguise

Or the next GM, because unless you get paid to make these decisions you normally end up on the wrong side of the stick more often then not.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I assume it had something to do with the .608 WPCT the team had under his direction at the time. .675 if you ignore that first year when he had just taken over after Butler’s death.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and the fact that 2004 was our first winning season since 1995.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

From 1983 to 2002, we had 4 winning seasons, you know, the same amount of winning seasons we’ve had in A.J. Smith’s 6 years as the GM.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Rec'd

A.J. is the best thing to happen to this team since the Epic in Miami.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Oct 20, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Like John Butler best

and he and AJ were boys. AJ has done great things. Right now things are not looking so great.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looking ahead...

If the Chargers win all the games they should (KC, OAK, KC, @CLE, CIN, @TEN & WAS), they’ll be sitting at 9-7. It will probably take 10 wins to make the playoffs. That means they’ll need to win all seven of those games plus one from the games they should lose column (NYG, PHI, @DEN & @DAL).

I’m not sure if they’ll do it, but I’m feeling better about their chances the more I think about it.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that fixed it.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

I don’t know if i put @Dal in the lose column but we will see

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m basing the shoulds on current DAVE values.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we go by DVOA instead, that puts @KC in the should lose column.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah

Was wondering how you got the stats for the should win and should lose. Big games start now every week until the end of the season.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arrowhead is a tough place to play

But even if they lose there, I think DAL and PHI are possible wins.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 21, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Philly would have to self destruct to lose, so I guess what I’m saying is you’re right.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know this has nothing to do with this thread

But i went to go check the Chief site cause i know you go over and answer questions John and i thought they really acted immature, I don’t think ive seen anyone do that so far, MHR at least got on BFT. So much for being nice to the chiefs eh?

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What happened?

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh

He was asking for no trash talking like normal and everytime he stated his opinion, they would jump down his throat because what his opinion was clashed with their own. Near the end of it j-man came in and the reply to j-man wasn’t needed. Too lazy to go get the comments.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let it be known that if Bolts from the Blue members act like that, they’ll no longer be members.

by Richard Wade on Oct 20, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Sorry i didn't know where to really voice that

But it felt like a classless act and i agree this should be a place we can voice our opinions but do it with class even if you don’t agree.

by Dude52089 on Oct 20, 2009 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I just went and checked it out.

I agree with you guys.

Also, I saw they brought up those “Merriman before and after” pics. You guys should know, when this was originally brought up in the (I believe) 2008 off-season, it was eventually determined that in the first picture, the “during steriods” picture, that’s Merriman’s head photo-shopped on Ryon Bingham’s body. It comes from the Charger 2005 media guide, when they didn’t have a full body picture of him, only a head shot. You can see Ryon’s numbers on the jersey.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 20, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

It sickens me.

Just how downright rude, disrespectful and insulting some of those commenters are. Homer bias is always going to play a part, but there isn’t a shred of class among a large portion of those guys. I certainly wouldn’t call it a tiny minority, which is sad. By far the worst opposing fans I’ve come across this season.

John is essentially doing this as a favour for them and he gets treated like that.

It’s a disgrace.

by gman87 on Oct 20, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like when they called me a troll.

Yes, I long for the MHR commenters. Actually, every opponent blog has been great so far this season. This is the first one with any actual problems.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 2:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not too surprised either

I remember them being like this to an extent in the preseason when you were over there answering questions.

by gman87 on Oct 21, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, they don’t like me.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I might suggest

heading over there and setting a good example. You know, discuss stuff without reacting to the name calling. Help keep the discussion topic. If you go, take a lot of self control with you… I tried and didn’t pull it off as well as I hoped.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 21, 2009 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is hard over there

Of everyone I thought would be total punks KC wasn’t even on the list for me when I started blogging, but they really get nasty quick for some reason. Hopefully they change…I’ll still visit every week we play them in hopes that they do.

I’m really glad for MHR, BFTB, BTB, etc…lots of good discussion and great insight from football fans.

"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 21, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silver and Black Pride guys aren’t bad either.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They’re my favorite division rivals so far.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been pretty impressed by the MHR visitors.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guys like sadaraine, j-man and Trinidad Jack are certainly very pleasant visitors.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

CoastalBronco

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think of him more as one of ours.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

He's a regular

And a closet Charger fan as a lot of people think around here :-p

by Dude52089 on Oct 21, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have so many posters on Arrowhead Pride

Hard to keep personal accountability with a group that large. In a smaller forum these same people might be 180 degrees different. In the big group it is like a Mob Psychology takes over. I think the size of the group has to be a factor in the poor etiquette.

Now Raider fans….. A “group of one” just might constitute a mob.

by Trendsearcher on Oct 21, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

what's BTB?

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 21, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No clue. The only SBN blog that matches up with is Blogging the Boys (the Cowboys blog).

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s what I assumed he was referencing. Blogging the Boys is an excellent blog.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 22, 2009 3:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never read them. I’ll have to start.

by Richard Wade on Oct 22, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he may've been talking about Baltimore Beatdown?

Good guys over there, too

"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 31, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Never realized that. That’s awesome.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 2:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you remember

it was a huge media storm back in 2008. The pics were brought up on PFT, Charger bloggers started to figure out they were photo-shopped, and PFT eventually found the original was from the Chargers’ media guide.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could be wrong

but I thought it was put on Jamal William’s body. I could be wrong, and if you can see Bingham’s # on the jersey then I probably am.

by JeromeB on Oct 21, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It depends on which version of the photo you look at.

The one they posted is edited so you can’t see the # tops, but the full version you can.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a link to the PFT archive explaining what happened.

http://archive.profootballtalk.com/11-19-07through11-23-07.htm

Scroll down to the November 19th 9:21pm entry.

Merriman held out of camp, so they didn’t have a picture of him for the media guide. So they took an old head-shot of him and photo-shopped it on to Jamal Williams’s body, who happened to be wearing Bingham’s jersey at the time.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Someone should tell the Arrowhead Pride people that.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by maestro876 on Oct 21, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure they’d be able to comprehend it.

by Richard Wade on Oct 21, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Exactly why I won’t even bother. They have crap in their ears.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

or eyes.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The AP guys always seem to have a problem with me. I don’t know why. They’re also always convinced that “things are coming together” and that the Chargers will lose to them.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 2:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The AP guys always seem to have a problem with me.

It’s not you, its 4-12 and 2-14. They got into it with the MHR guys last year in the pre-season too. I always liked the bloggers at AP, but the fanbase there are an unhappy and angry lot.

"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 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I agree with your reasoning

I think that is why they are that way too, but I still think that having a sucky team is not a reason to be classless to others.

"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 21, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like I said above

the Silver and Black Pride guys were more than courteous with me.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

They were good folks when I visited last year too.

"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 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Time for that late-season run to begin. This game isn’t quite in December (Nov. 29), but the Chiefs aren’t going anywhere this year.

The Chargers only have one more win than we do…correct?

The bolts never live up to their full potential. 11 wins? Very optimistic. You guys will go 8-8 yet again sadly not making the playoffs. The Chiefs won’t make the playoffs either but don’t gloat about a team that is barely doing better(thus far). That’s like me talking down about the Titans when I’m a chiefs fan. It’s irrelevent.

by Chiefsfan85 on Oct 21, 2009 2:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rankings

Offense:
San Diego – 14th
Kansas City – 30th

Defense:
San Diego – 23rd
Kansas City – 29th

Record of teams lost to:
San Diego – 13-5
Kansas City – 16-12

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 3:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Offense/defense/special teams stats

Don’t mean anything without the WINS which you guys only have one more of.

by Chiefsfan85 on Oct 21, 2009 3:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re kidding yourself if you think the Chiefs are nearly as good as the Chargers. The Chargers are a “middle of the pack” team with the potential to be one of the best in the league. They’ve been disappointing in that way. The Chiefs are among the worst teams in the league in 2009, which has been expected.

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just an opinion

The Chiefs are 5.5 underdogs at home this week

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

by John (obviousman) on Oct 21, 2009 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

explanation...

"middle of the pack" team with the potential to be one of the best in the league.

-Potential means nothing if not capitalized. Every team has potential.

The Chiefs are among the worst teams in the league in 2009, which has been expected.

-Stat wise we are one of the worst. I agree.

-What I’m trying to say is…the wins are what matters in this league. You can be virtually the best team in the league stat wise but if you find ways to lose then you won’t go far. You guys have 2 WINS. The Raiders have 2 WINS. Are you guys better than the faders? By far that was proven since you guys beat them and stat wise. Win wise? No, you both have 2 WINS. Will you guys have more wins than the Raiders? Yeah, unless for some divine reason the Raiders win games they aren’t suppose to win which is almost all of them. Hell, the SKINS have two wins and you guys are better but again that isn’t what matters.

-You are talking down to a team(Chiefs) with one less win. WINS decided playoff spots. Not stats.

by Chiefsfan85 on Oct 21, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

However

The number of wins you have in Week 6 does not determine if you get into the playoffs. No team has ever clinched or been eliminated by week 6. Therefore, at this point in the season, stats and schedule adjustments are much better than wins when trying to determine the playoff chances for a team because they have an inherent predictive nature. Having an equal number of wins in week 6 is not exactly a good determination of team worth and if you did a correlation of teams with 2 wins in week 6 based off of their wins at season end I think you would see the error in your logic.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Oct 21, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

You are not getting it....

I’m saying you guys have no right to talk down to a team that you have only one win over…Will it be more after the whole season? Most likely yes. That’s like the Ravens talking down about you guys. They ARE a better team in total offense and defense yet they only have ONE more win than you guys. Wins are what counts in the end, not stats. Which the Ravens aren’t doing to well with the talent they have, just like you guys. They have no right to talk down to any team, neither do you guys. I’m not argueing the fact that your team is better or not because the fact is the Chargers are better, they just don’t show it win wise.

by Chiefsfan85 on Oct 22, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

since the Ravens actually beat the Chargers

that might not be the best example to support your point.

I hear what you’re saying, but there are other ways to evaluate teams than just wins, even if it is the most important stat. These other evaluation strategies come in particularly handy early in the season due to the small sample size of games played. Even so, I’m not advocating “talking down” to the Chiefs.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 22, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Lions can talk down to the 16-0 patriots....who cares.

It’s called freedom of speech.

by SJO on Oct 22, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can think of quite a few things that are called freedom of speech that I don’t advocate. Just because you have a right to do it doesn’t mean I have to support it.

by CoastalBronco on Oct 22, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs