One of the most intriguing questions in the NFL these days is this: What do the San Diego Chargers...

One of the most intriguing questions in the NFL these days is this: What do the San Diego Chargers know about December that nobody else does?

After last Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Chargers have won a record 16 straight regular-season games after Dec. 1. Since 2005, the Chargers are 18-3 during the regular season after that date—giving them an 86% win rate. Only one other team in recent years, the perennial powerhouse New England Patriots, has performed as well as the Chargers during crunch time.

The NFL Team That Solved December

A good article about the Chargers and their current December winning streak from the Wall Street Journal. However, after reading about the practice methods of failed coaches in December I would've loved to hear what Norv does differently.

about 2 years ago John Gennaro 12 comments 0 recs |

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If I had to guess

Turner does everything exactly the same late in the year as he does early. That’s what everyone always says about him—he never waivers, never varies from his message or strategy. It’s one of the things that makes him a good playoff coach, because he doesn’t freak out on the sidelines, doesn’t panic.

"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds

by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 17, 2009 7:31 AM PST reply actions

Yeah

Also, I’m willing to bet most coaches that aren’t looking for some magical spark (like the Cowboys and Giants are) just keep things the same. However, I think Norv gives the team a little extra time off late in the season to help with injuries.

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

by John Gennaro on Dec 17, 2009 8:28 AM PST up reply actions

he never waivers

Norv never wavers. AJ waivers guys all the time. He doesn’t usually get guys off of waivers, but that’s usually because this is a good team with a good track record and can dig into its rolodex for replacements.

Sorry. Had to.

What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 17, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions

WEYVURZ!!!!

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Dec 17, 2009 2:16 PM PST up reply actions

Interesting

But I’m waiting for the naysayers to say that the weather in San Diego gives them a “benefit” compared to others who play in harsher December weather. I personally dont buy it, but no one wants to actually say that its talented players and good coaching.

by skberry64 on Dec 17, 2009 9:01 AM PST reply actions

WSJ

When you want the very latest on old guys, money and old guys’ money, you turn to The Wall Street Journal.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play

by Axion on Dec 17, 2009 9:51 AM PST reply actions

That article is about the Chargers

Not the Vikings.

What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 17, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions

Do they know that?

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play

by Axion on Dec 17, 2009 5:32 PM PST up reply actions

I think

It’s just a function of having good teams, some schedules that don’t feature a lot of hard games and maybe some easy ones along the way (Hello, Cleveland!) and maybe a little bit of luck. If you look much harder than that, I think you’re looking for something else that isn’t really there.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Dec 17, 2009 12:31 PM PST reply actions

Totally Agree

People naturally try to look for patterns and secrets even when none exists. This whole December thing is exactly that. Take a good team, which has always had “something to play for” in December and has had pretty good injury luck in recent years. Give them a relatively easy December schedule, and through in a spoonful of luck, and you get a strong December record.

Eventually, the Chargers will lose again in December. Hopefully not anytime soon, but it could very well be this year. But for a play or two it could have happen last week. Or last year against KC. Or in 2007 against the titans. Or 2006 against the Seahawks. All close games in which the Chargers managed to prevail one way or another. Maybe they have some “December secret”, but I think its just a lot easier to conclude that they are just a good team which has played well late in the year and won a lot of games in which they were favored.

by CABurrito on Dec 17, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions