Merry Xmas: Chargers Defeat Titans 42-17
by John Gennaro on Dec 25, 2009 7:38 PM PST
in San Diego Chargers News
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PrintThe Chargers spent their Christmas evening beating the Tennessee Titans by 25 points, and it wasn't even that close. Both of the Titans' touchdowns came essentially against a "soft zone" by the Chargers defense that was more than happy to trade time off the clock for points.
The San Diego Chargers have won ten straight games this season, and it's been with the same formula for each game. The Bolts simply do not make kill themselves with turnovers or penalties, and then they put up a bunch of points to force their opponent into making the mistakes. In this game, the Titans had to try and come back on the shoulders of Vince Young and he ended up turning the ball over three times. With the ball in their hands, the Chargers scored touchdowns on just about every drive through the air (2 passing TDs, 132.1 QB rating for Rivers) and on the ground (2 TDs for Tomlinson, 2 TDs for Sproles).
In a game where Philip Rivers only had 6 incomplete passes, and was pulled early in the fourth quarter, it's obvious where the mismatch lied. The Titans CBs and LBs simply could not defend Malcom Floyd, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates. That, plus the fact that the Chargers defense has been opportunistic and great-when-necessary for most of the season, is all you need to know about this one-sided matchup.
The Chargers have now officially clinched a playoff bye and the number 2 seed in the AFC. So, what do they do against the Redskins next week in San Diego? Do they treat it like a normal game? Do they rest all of the starters? Do they rest the guys with nagging injuries (Merriman, Phillips) but play all of the other starters? Tell me what you think in the comments. Bolts & Dolts tomorrow.
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congrats chargers...
we dont get to see phillip rivers much out here in nashvegas but he looked awesome. i think you’re gonna give the colts all they want. best of luck.
"hey, quit reading these ridiculous words of wisdom and get back to work!"
by stetix01 on Dec 25, 2009 7:41 PM PST reply actions
Let's learn from the Colts
And not kill our momentum by playing the scrubs. Rest/give limited play time to let some players heal up but put out a team witht he goal of winning, not avoiding injuries.
With all the injuries
the “scrubs” have been playing all season.
by HuangDi on Dec 25, 2009 7:44 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Play all out, but...
I want to see the starters play just long enough against Washington to put the game away, then bring in the 2nd teamers (Ideally, blow Washington away in the 1st half). Rest all players with nagging injuries.
"As a confirmed melancholic, I can testify that the best and maybe only antidote for melancholia is *action*. However, like most melancholics, I suffer also from sloth." - Edward Abbey.
by Jeff (sliderockmpc) on Dec 25, 2009 7:46 PM PST reply actions
I like...
what they did this game. Play 3 quarters, put in scrubs (where they aren’t already in) for the 4th quarter. give them some momentum, give them some rest as well.
The Chargers don't have many "scrubs".
"Live to love and love to live"!
by Desyrel on Dec 26, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
^This.
Bolts from the Blue // "I have got to be the most boring GM in the league." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 26, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions
Was hoping for a closer and more exciting game but Chargers are just too good
At least it was high scoring, because on my FF team I played Gates, Rivers, Jackson, LT, Kaeding, and Chris Johnson
SD is firing on all cylinders at the right time
I had Rivers, Jackson, Gates, Kaeding, and Sproles
by carneypower2005 on Dec 25, 2009 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
Sproles a good choice
ESPN FF points :
Sproles 23
CJ 23
LT 17
Rivers 18
Gates 13
Vincent 7
Kaeding 6
Chargers D 9
Which Vincent is that?
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 26, 2009 6:13 AM PST up reply actions
We only have one.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 7:44 AM PST up reply actions
Great game!
Good to see those damn on fire Titans beaten badly. Great win
Juju, you have already blessed the Duck masses by diverting Terrelle Pryor to Columbus Ohio; and in the process granted us one magical Masoli who happens to be "sicker than E-Coli (I know from experience with E-Coli, Masoli must be pretty damn sick)". We are all mutually gracious for this blessing. However, in our time of dearest need, we request that one Terrelle Pryor succumb to your overwhelming collegiate football dictation skillz.
Your very own Humble servant,
CaDuck
My guess is the guys with nagging injuries will rest.
That means no Merriman, Phillips, and possibly Weddle. The rest of the guys will play until the game is in hand, probably until some time in the 3rd quarter, possibly into the 4th. And then you’ll see some more Volektricity.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 8:01 PM PST reply actions
Indeed. Volektric Billy has come due.
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 25, 2009 8:03 PM PST up reply actions
It's not like they don't get a week off after this.
And when you’re 18-0 after Nov 30th, there’s no such thing as a meaningless game.
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 25, 2009 8:06 PM PST reply actions
Man
Bolts on Offense:
Norv
Phil
LT
Sproles
VJ
MF80
Hester (FB)
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 8:14 PM PST reply actions
Defense
Weddle
Dobbins
Siler
Ian Scott
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 8:16 PM PST up reply actions
To me
Hester loses his Bolt for the fumble.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 8:18 PM PST up reply actions
Nahh
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 8:19 PM PST up reply actions
I agree
I think the ones with serious injuries should rest and get as healthy as possible for the playoffs. The rest of them should play at least the first half. Like some have suggested, treat it like the final pre-season game, use it like a “tune up” and play a lot of back ups.
Especially Volek, get him some playing time.
Rivers as accurate as I've ever seen him...
And I agree, that post game show was off the hook funny
by FoutsBackPeddle on Dec 25, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions
I just wish
Rivers threw the deep ball accurately. I’ll give him a pass tonight, the wind was a problem.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
He threw a nice ball to Floyd
that was called back on penalty
by HuangDi on Dec 25, 2009 8:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not a bolt but
I think Larry English’s best game so far this season
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 8:25 PM PST reply actions
Larry English was in the game
Huh, didn’t even notice.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
You must not pay much attention then
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 8:35 PM PST up reply actions
Every detail
English is like Jyles Tucker out there. I see him working hard, but never doing anything special.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
english def. showed he is a great athlete
numerous times he was in on plays or being pretty disruptive in the run game, he’s def. improving every week
The best 3-4 OLB
Seem to make big impacts right off the bat. English may keeping improving to be an adequate or maybe average OLB, but it sure doesn’t look like he’ll ever be special. And that’s too bad. The D could use someone special again.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
he's 15 games into his career
and not getting a ton of playing time, i think we all owe him a little bit more of a chance to prove he can be a pro bowl type OLB
I respectively disagree
I’m not going to give up on him because he’s the best we have under contract for next season (excluding Phillips, but that’s basically a different OLB position). But, I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t have their doubts about him.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
totally understandable
i just feel its way too early to start saying he’ll be a non factor in the future. I feel like the NFL is the perfect example of guys just needing tons of actual playing on the field experience before they get comfortable. Perfect examples are Eric Weddle and Mike Tolbert. Both are from smaller college teams where they weren’t used to big stages, and both guys had their struggles early on. Now, they’ve developed into impact players on this team. I’m not saying English will ever be a pro bowler, I just think we need to see what he can do
I take it
That you disagree with my assertion that 3-4 OLBs usually make immediate impacts. Can you name another 3-4 OLB (or 4-3 DE) that suddenly started playing at a Pro Bowl caliber later in their careers. I can’t think of any. Almost all of them have really good rookie years.
The one caveat with English is that he hasn’t officially been the starter, but I almost want to remove that from him since I’m pretty sure he actually has gotten more snaps than Merriman this year. Plus, the young pass rushers usually have success off the bench since they are talented and are fresh when they come in and take advantage of more heavily worked Offensive Lineman.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
Granted
He was on the practice squad for the first two years, but he wasn’t playing.
The one and only AzDuck
That's kind of a tough sell
From the Steelers fans I know that saw him in preseason, he would have been that fresh legged rookie had he been in, but there wasn’t room on the roster. Also, shouldn’t a first round pick be held to higher initial standards than a UDFA?
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
True
Just was a name that came to mind to this:
Can you name another 3-4 OLB (or 4-3 DE) that suddenly started playing at a Pro Bowl caliber later in their careers.
I am not disagreeing with you on English, I expected more from him but i’m not quick to say he can’t make it to that level.
The one and only AzDuck
Yeah, I know
It met the criteria, but I just wanted to point out the extenuating circumstances.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
i understand that arguement
and i do agree that 99% of OLBs do make a quick impact. Yet, I really don’t think its English’s fault to say he’s not having such an immediate impact on this team. That’s not his job. If you’re Aaron Curry, Brian Cushing, that’s a different story. Those two were drafted to be the #1 weapon on their respective defenses. Larry English isn’t and probably will never be in that same position as those guys. His job for this season anyways, is to give Merriman and SP breaks. I doubt he’s seen more snaps than Merriman even with his injury. There have been at least 3 or 4 games this year where English has seen marginal to no time at all.
Takeo Spikes
but admittedly he was pretty good his rookie year. But didn’t up his game to pro-bowl caliber until his first year in Buffalo.
I thought he was a MLB in Cincy
And was no slouch there either.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
He played both
In 1999 he was the team captain, playing in all his games as a Right Inside Linebacker and a Right Linebacker. He forced four fumbles and recovered four, leading the team in that as well.
From Wikipedia
The one and only AzDuck
but he was never a pass-rusher.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:27 AM PST up reply actions
i guess
it’s a little bit of myself hoping he’ll pan out bc i see a ton of potential in him. I could care less if he’s not seen as a top OLB in the future, this 2009 chargers team has so many guys that were looked down upon and are such hard workers, I love that about them. The list could go on forever and those are the types of players that go out there to prove something week in and week out.
Joey Porter
has had an interesting career. His better seasons came later in his career, culminating with 17.5 sacks with Miami last year
If you think Porter’s best seasons are in Miami, you are very much mistaken.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:28 AM PST up reply actions
The point. His best season was not his first.
That was the context of the post. He got consistently better in Pittsburgh. As a pass rusher, he never had more sacks than in Miami. But I agree with you about his overall quality and value as a linebacker did not coincide with his time in Miami.
Lamarr Woodley
is someone who I think of right off the bat actually. Look at his stats for his rookie year and now then the past 2 years he has been pretty good
by elemenohpee on Dec 26, 2009 10:53 AM PST up reply actions
So far the guys who have been named that weren’t very good at the beginning of their careers have all been Steelers. Based on how complicated that defense is, and how great it makes certain mediocre players look, that’s not surprising. It’s also a completely different situation than SD’s.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions
It might be a different situation
But wasn’t the initial point that good olb make an impact in their first season? I’m not saying English is going to be great but I don’t think all hope is lost that he can be a pretty good player
by elemenohpee on Dec 27, 2009 11:56 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Shaun Phillips isn't a pro-bowler either
But if he develops into a player that good, I think we would all be happy.
Absolutely FALSE!!!
English will become really good. It’s rare that a player is incredible right off the bat. Charger fans seem extra critical of all the players and we have great players thoughout the line up. Just cos he doesn’t look like a pro bowler 10 or 12 games into his NFL career doesn’t mean he’ll just be average forever.
by nicklusk on Dec 25, 2009 11:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Asbolutely True
Wonko is dead on. Every really good 3-4 OLB was really good right off the bat. Which makes sense, because if you think about it the issue with most rookie development is that they need to catch up to the mental part of the game, but 3-4 OLBs are essentially told “get to the QB” and that’s it. That’s why guys like DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman made an immediate impact. If English can’t get that part down now, I don’t see him ever being good enough to be a full-time starter at OLB.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:30 AM PST up reply actions
Wonko is pretty accurate
about most pure pass rushers having an impact as rookies. I have been dissapointed in English but I am willing to be a little patient as he did play against very low level competition in college. Perhaps it has been a bigger adjustment witht he level of play in the NFL then the Chargers or English anticipated.
DeMarcus Ware went to Troy University. TROY UNIVERSITY. If you want to mention anything about English playing against lower-level competition, it’s that perhaps it played a part in him being evaluated as a first-round talent when he really wasn’t.
I didn’t mention it before, but perhaps this is a legitimate reason for AJ Smith to start bringing in all of the guys he wants to pick to check them out in individual workouts. I’m getting tired of hearing guys drafted saying “I had no idea the Chargers wanted me, I’ve had no contact with them.” Shouldn’t we be doing everything we can to evaluate these men before giving them these big contracts.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
Ware did go to a small college
and was a stud right away, that doesn’t mean the adjustment period for every small college player is the same.
I knew a guy with red hair that got hit by a truck and died, but not everyone with red hair gets hit by a truck and dies.
I am not saying English will be great, I am just saying that the possibilty does exist that his transition to the pros may take longer than some other players. Who knows maybe next year English and Martin will both be able to contribute more on defense ( I guess it could be argued that they could not contribute much less).
Your pre draft workouts point seems right on and I don’t understand why he would not bring more players in, unless he wants to keep other teams from knowing we are interested in certain players.
Your pre draft workouts point seems right on and I don’t understand why he would not bring more players in, unless he wants to keep other teams from knowing we are interested in certain players.
That’s always been his reasoning, and in some cases (Vasquez) it helps and it others (English, Castillo) it just comes off as silly and pointless.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 7:06 PM PST up reply actions
I would hold back judgement on English as a special player until 2nd year
I can think of a number of very good to great OLB that had relatively modest rookie seasons. A few that come to mind: Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, Andre Tippet, Jason Gildon, Pat Swilling, Willie McGinest. I am sure there are others. Somebody else said Joey Porter as well. His first year stats look remarkably similar to what English’s are (I do not agree that his best seasons were in Miami though). Obviously there are varied circumstances (draft position, playing time, coaching, position change from college, etc.) that affect what a player does on the field in his first year, but a modest rookie campaign does not doom a 3-4 OLB to mediocrity.
My English Take
I dont have a problem with the English pick, I wanted Oher; and my 2nd choice would have been Mathews but Im cool with English, for the same reason Im cool with the Weddle and Hester trades. Versatility and STs.
To be fair Merriman and DWare arent special teams players, they are 43 DEs that are great enough to stand up. So they were higher risk and reward type picks.
If a guy like that, doesnt work out then you could end up with Vernon Gholston. The Broncos might have a backup 34 OLB who cant play STs in the making in Robert Ayers.
That hurts.
Will English be a 15 sack a year guy, I doubt it; but Im cool with 7 sacks a year (going forward) from a rotational guy with versatility, and good STs player.
What Im saying is it was a safe pick, you could end up with a first round backup you cant cover kickers; and therefore never see the field. a la Buster Davis
itll come with time
seems like a hard working guy and he’s got some great teammates that have taken him under their wing and showed him a ton of things (sp95 and coop).. i’m excited for his future
He's showed the speed move
on the outside. Now he needs a power move to the inside. Haven’t seen it yet. I hope it does come with time, but I think Wonko has a point about 3-4 OL. Hope he proves the doubters wrong.
vincent jackson bolt and dolt?
loved a few of his plays, and the stat NFL network showed early in the game was unreal.. 87% of VJ’s catches go for 1st downs. I understand he runs a ton of 15+ yard patterns, but still thats awesome. But anyways, he dropped 2 sure touchdowns tonight. Not saying they were easy catches, but a player of his caliber makes those plays. As far as other bolts/dolts I’d say
BOLT: D-Line, Tolbert
DOLT: none
The guy is allowed to drop a couple of passes in a blowout win.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:32 AM PST up reply actions
Was a great game
Merry Christmas everyone definitely a first round bye is something nice to get.
The one and only AzDuck
Call me crazy
I’ve been lurking on this site for a while, and finally managing to make my first comment. Call me crazy, but I’m rather nervous about taking next week off and the first round bye. In the years when the Chargers have the first round bye, they’ve lost in their first playoff game – at least in my short memory. I’m definitely stressing – and praying I’m completely off base.
by Chargers Chickee on Dec 25, 2009 8:51 PM PST reply actions
I'd be suprised if everyone took time off next week
I think its just a 4th preseason game, play the starters and then give them a break.
The one and only AzDuck
We still don't know
Exactly how they’ll approach next week. There are 9 days until they play again. Plenty of time to figure out how best to handle it.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
I'd be more nervous
if they get more players hurt playing a meaningless game. I’m pretty sure the coaches will do what is right for this particular squad.
Look at tonight's game though
We had two guys reaggravate injuries (Phillips and Weddle) and then come back in and one new injury (Hester) that I saw. And this was supposed to be a dangerous game against a desperate opponent. From a coaches mentality, that’s got to be fresh in your mind when thinking about potential injuries.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
I bet that Phillips, Merriman, and Weddle all sit out next week.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:22 PM PST up reply actions
what about hardwick?
tough decision, shake the kinks out for a quarter or 2? I think thats the best option
He probably plays
He needs some gametime reps but i wouldn’t play him the whole game.
The one and only AzDuck
Yeah he definitely needs the playing time.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:24 PM PST up reply actions
What do you think?
Did Hardwick’s presence equate to those big holes for LT today? Or was that just Tennessee playing poorly without their OLBs and top DT?
(That’s for anyone’s answer/opinion, not just maestro)
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
ill take a stab at it
i’d say a little of both for a few reasons.. i think dielman and louie vasquez are playing out of their minds good right now, plus it didn’t hurt to have the titans D banged up the way they were
A bit of both
Mooch was adjusting to the center position, and hardwick knows how to run block a bit better, he makes your line completely better. Also Bullock is a beast so glad we missed him this week.
The one and only AzDuck
I didn't record the game
But I’d love to go back and see how Nick handled his blocks. Everyone saw his one in open space, but I’m more curious about how he would block between the tackles. A lot of blocking is about moving your man as much as keeping him in place. I wonder if that’s what Hardwick can do better or if its simply making the right calls.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
I'll have to look at the game again as well.
It seems the Titans were testing him quite a bit—sending a lot of guys up the middle. My guess is that he wasn’t great, but not terrible either. But the playing time should do him good, and he should get even better next week. But he’ll likely have his hands full with Albert Haynesworth.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:45 PM PST up reply actions
Really?
It seemed to me like the Titans were really trying to get to PR with the outside rush.
What are the chances Hayneworth actually stays on the field. In one of my fantasy leagues I had him as my DT (you start every position on defense) and I had to bench him for Kelly Gregg because I just can’t trust him to play.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
That wouldn't surprise me either.
Like I said, I’ll have to re-watch the game. But you’re right, there was a lot of edge-rushing as well. Both McNeill and Dombrowski struggled at times in pass-protection.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:49 PM PST up reply actions
On a side note
It’s readily apparent Dombr. is better at tackle than guard.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:49 PM PST up reply actions
Which is why the team moved him there in the first place. They never really wanted him to play Guard this season, but they didn’t expect the C and RG to both go down at the same time.
I loved him in at LT with Runyan in at RT, by the way. I didn’t see if they did it, but I’m starting to think a goal line formation with all 3 tackles in would be nearly impossible to stop. Runyan looks really good in run-blocking.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:39 AM PST up reply actions
Hardwick moved his guy quite a bit. It actually surprised me. I thought Mooch was doing a great job because he could hold his blocks and keep his guy in one spot, but Nick (who I think is smaller than Mooch) seemed to hit his block and then move him left or right (depending on where he wanted to go) with relative ease. That’s why it looked like Dielman and Vasquez were playing out of their minds.
To summarize, Hardwick looked the complete and total opposite of “rusty” and was a big improvement over Mruczkowski. I just hope his ankle feels well today.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:37 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d throw Cooper into that group, based on how bad his elbow is (according to Acee). Also, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Castillo and Cesaire on the sidelines as well.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:34 AM PST up reply actions
This was probably pointed out in the OGTs, but I'll mention it here since I didn't get to participate
This was the Chargers highest scoring game of the season.
If the Chargers win the Super Bowl, this will officially be the winningest team in Chargers history because it would take at least 15 wins to do it (16 if they beat the Redskins). The 2006 Chargers are the previous winningest team at 14.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
I bet our weighted DVOA goes up again this week.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:06 PM PST reply actions
I guarantee it
I think our Defensive DVOA may have actually been on the good side (negative) for this game.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
I know.
Punts and turnovers. Should be one of our better games this year.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
And those two drives
Will definitely get marginalized as garbage time by DVOA foh shoor.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
We might be a top-5 weighted DVOA team by the end of the year.
And that’s a good sign for the playoffs.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:12 PM PST up reply actions
With the bye
We have cut down on how many teams we have to beat to win the SB by 25%. I’m a little less worried about statistical playoff indicators as I used to be because it basically comes down to beating a certain set of teams. It’s hard to put this into words, but basically what I’m saying is that with only 3 teams to play it seems more about matchups at this point. I like what lies ahead in that regard, because there’s no superb defensive teams in the playoffs this year it seems.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
The best pass defenses we could face
are Denver and Baltimore. Either or both could miss the playoffs, and either or both could lose in the first round. On top of that, Philip has shown the ability to pick apart both defenses.
There’s no way New England’s defense can hang with our guys.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions
No one
Has a Defensive DVOA over (under?) -20% right now. And the closest is the Jets. That seems like a good thing for us. From a relative perspective, it makes our D looks less shitty since the whole league ain’t such hot stuff.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
For example
Last year Pitt was ~-27% and the Chargers 8%. That’s a 35 % pt different. This year the Jets ~-18% and the Chargers 9% (going into tonight). That’s only a 27 % pt difference. And the Jets may not make the playoffs. The Ravens are next at ~-13%. A 22% pt difference.
The difference between our defense and there’s doesn’t seem like as much to overcome with our offense.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
by Wonko on Dec 25, 2009 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I strongly doubt that the Jets will make the playoffs.
And if the Ravens do, the only way they’d play us in the first round is if both wild card teams win, which is unlikely. If we play them in the AFC Championship, I’d be overjoyed to get that game at home in San Diego.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:42 PM PST up reply actions
We can move down the list
Denver’s D is about the same as the Ravens, but the scenario for playing them is the same as the Ravens. Next up is the Colts at -1.6%. At that point you’re inching close to a level playing field on D, especially depending on injury situations.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
The Colts D scares me a little bit. They seem to make big plays when they need to.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:42 AM PST up reply actions
job well done Chargers
to distract people from all the laker angst and misery :)
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I saw that they got blown out.
I’m not much of a basketball fan, but my Dad is so I heard about it.
"I aim to misbehave." - Mal Reynolds
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 25, 2009 9:40 PM PST up reply actions
How did Martin play
I got to watch a bit of the game, but on a small feed – getting more time to rest Cesaire is a bonus I reckon, and if we can get all of them healthy, I like our depth at MLB.
Follow the annual quest for the premiership in all its horror and glory - Passion Play (http://spunc.com.au/members/hunter/product/9780980517965/)
Didn't notice him
Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
Representing the San Diego State University Aztecs, home of the 2009 College Cheerleading National Champions in the all women's division.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Dec 25, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
He was out there but didn’t make an impact. Castillo, Boone and Scott were all playing so well (and the defense was hardly on the field) that I think they played most of the game.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Dec 26, 2009 4:44 AM PST up reply actions
I didn't notice him as much as the last game
But the run defense did a pretty good job before the game got out of hand. I have to assume he was doing what needed to be done. I definitely didn’t see him falling on the ground or missing tackles.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently taking about.
Chargers Christmas Poem
Twas a cold Christmas night in that Nashville town
A clash with the Titans, about to go down
Fans filled the stadium, ready to chear
Only a win could hope to, extend their new year
Set for a battle, the game had begun
With screams “Give it to Johnson” that man can run
They drove down the field, only to stall
But three points was better than, nothing at all
Out came the Chargers, with confidence and poise
Able to focus and, shut out the noise
Right down the field, they scored with such ease
That man Phillip Rivers, looked cooler than Brees
The Titan’s regrouped, to drive once again
A costly mistake put, that to an end
The Chargers struck quickly, the D’backs confused
So many receivers, which one do I choose
So quick the game ended, before the first half
The Titans couldn’t stop, their precision attack
Their season was over, the analysts right
Chargers were better, on this Christmas Night
by Richard 56 on Dec 25, 2009 11:16 PM PST reply actions 5 recs
Should Chargers rest injured players against Redskins
I say yes, rest injured players and pull starters once game is under control.
This reminds me of The Prisoner
Tenn: “Who are you?”
SD: “The new number two.”
Tenn: “Who is number one?”
SD: “You are not number six.”
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 26, 2009 6:58 AM PST reply actions
Limit the starters playing.
Hello all, I am a newbie here but, like Johns commentary and blogs.
I am very impressed with this years team. They seem so focused now and, after beating so many good teams on the road they seem to have it going on. They are on there way and honestly, I have no fear they will prevail against any team they play in the post-season.
We are a different team now compared to when we were 2-3 and lost to the Ravens, Steelers, and Denver. I know we can beat any of those teams right now. Patriots would not stand a chance agaist us nor would the Colts (we already have there number.)
Afriend of mine told me after the game last night that they should change they’re name to THE SAN DIEGO TOUCHDOWNERS thought that was pretty funny.
I say keep the momentum next week and start everyone the first half till we have a mild 40 point lead lol.
Nice posting John and everyone else. GO CHARGERS
by iliketowinallthetime on Dec 26, 2009 7:29 PM PST reply actions
Hello all, I am a newbie here but, like Johns commentary and blogs.
Welcome to Bolts from the Blue.
Bolts from the Blue // "I have got to be the most boring GM in the league." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // " looks like your comment violated rule #4. and it’s a heck of a rule, rule #4" - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 26, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions
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