San Diego Chargers defeat Arizona Cardinals 17-6

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 10:33 AM PDT in San Diego Chargers Training Camp/Preseason

The Chargers are now 1-1 in the preseason and we're only two weeks away from the start of the season. We're also now 6 days away from week 3 of the preseason, which is usually the most important week and the one in which the starters play the most.

To be honest, I watched chunks of the Chargers/Cardinals game but didn't make it to the end (it came on NFL Network at 1:30am) and was distracted by friends during most of it. The game is waiting on my DVR to be reviewed in depth, and I'll create the Bolts & Dolts post from that and put it up during the week. However, by looking at the stats, here's what stands out to me.

QB Efficiency - Rivers completes 5 of 7 passes, Volek completes 6 of 7 (and throws a TD) and Whitehurst completes 5 of 9 (no interceptions). I feel like this is a combination of Arizona's secondary having some glaring holes in it and a sign that our QBs and WRs are getting on the same page. It's great to see that as bad as the offensive line was at protecting the QB last night, nobody panicked.

Running Improvement - Against the Seahawks, the Chargers carried the ball 21 times for 55 yards (2.6 YPC) and 1 Bennett touchdown. Against the Cardinals, the Bolts carried it 33 times and managed 125 yards (3.8 YPC) and another Bennett touchdown. Gartrell looked improved (2.9 YPC, up from 1.6 YPC against Seattle), but has to get better at short-yardage carries. I thought LT looked much better, much bouncier, in his runs and as a receiver. I'm finally excited to see what he can do in 2009.

Buster Davis - Two good games in a row? Not so much. Zero catches, 1 rushing attempt for 11 yards.

Legedu Naanee - Continues to shine. He caught the 49 yard TD pass from ~~Volek~~ Rivers, which was the biggest offensive play of the game for the Chargers.

No Blitzes - Again, lots of 4-3 looks and only 1 sack (Tucker). On the contrary, the Cardinals brought a lot of heat and worried a lot of Chargers fans by putting Philip Rivers on his back more than a couple of times (5 sacks total). I know these games don't count, but I'd love to see the heat brought consistently for at least one game so the players go into Week 1 against Oakland knowing that their pass rush can't be stopped.

Kevin Burnett - Might be better than Stephen Cooper. I really hope he can stay healthy, because he is an excellent linebacker. I know it's only been two preseason games, but this FA signing is looking to be another brilliant move by AJ Smith. He tied for the most tackles on the team for the second straight week.

More views and opinions after I get a chance to watch the game intently. What did you guys think of the performance by the Chargers last night?

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Comments

small correction

the 49-yard pass to Naanee was from Rivers. the TD was a 5-yard pass from Volek.
NAANEE IS THE BUSINESS!

by Harsh_619 on Aug 23, 2009 11:15 AM PDT reply actions

According to the Box Score

You’re wrong. There were 2 TDs scored by the Chargers. One was the 49 yard pass by Volek, the other was Bennett’s run.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Box score is wrong.

He caught a 5 yard pass from Volek while backpedaling into the end zone . The 49 yard pass was from Rivers on the first offensive play of the game.

by Natrone Bomb on Aug 23, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

What box score are you looking at?

Here’s the nfl.com box score.

And watch the game film.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Ahhh

I see the mistake I was making. I was assuming the 49 yard reception was the touchdown reception, which means it would’ve had to come from Volek. Good catch guys.

I will watch the film tonight.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Volek did throw a short TD pass to Naanee

It was a five or six yarder to the front left side of the endzone. Naanee made a nice catch on the play.

by JeromeB on Aug 23, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions

The pass from Rivers

was a beauty by the way. Perfectly placed between two Arizona defenders where only Naanee had a play on the ball. Looking forward to more of those connections once the season starts.

by Natrone Bomb on Aug 23, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

The O-Line

sacred me, I almost thought Rivers got hurt and thats the scary part of it. The Defense looked good, Burnett is a hunter love him. I think that penalty on 41 Spillman was a legal hit totally cuz it was the exact same hit Gregory had w/ the seahawks… It was shoulder pad no helmet but oh wells thats Hochuli for ya. My main worry was the O-line … Clary was ugh and Vasquez needs to really put his feet in the ground if he wants a startn job and what happened to the special teams??? Thats the one area I was never worried about until now… FIELD POSITION is key! But boy Cromartie is bringng back them memories, hopefully he’ll get his 15 interceptions this season… still dangerous… Jammer is a ball Hawk… Still to soon to tell but glad for that win esp holdn the NFC Champs to 2 field goals.

***MZ LANZ***

by ChargersWitch on Aug 23, 2009 11:45 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

I am surprised the OLine wasn't a bullet point

Clary was real, real bad. I have to wonder though how much they prepared for the Arizona blitz. In a real game they’d spend a lot of time the week before doing blitz pickup practice. I still think Clary’s performance was worrisome because he was also bad in the run game. And I mean real bad.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 23, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, it's cause for concern.

I also think that if a team came out blitzing in the regular season like the Cardinals did last night, Turner would abandon the intermediate/deep routes he kept calling last night that take time to develop, and switch to quicker, shorter passes.

Watching the game again, I noticed he DID do that and our offense performed much better as a result.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Right side looked very weak

I know he missed a lot of camp and it was his first live NFL action but Vasquez looked lost on pass protection. Missing the game was the best thing that Forney could have done to secure his starting spot. I am sure that Vasquez will improve, and one year be the starter at RG, but right now he doesn’t look ready to be the back up. Clary looked bad again, I guess one could use the usual excuse for Clary that he had a weak link playing next to him, but that game is getting old.
At this point I guess we just have to hope that Forney can play like he did a few years back in ATL and hope that Clary comes around because I am not sure there is anything that can be done to shore up the right side.

by JeromeB on Aug 23, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions

from what I saw

Vasquez would’ve made any RT look horrible, old excuse or not. I saw a play where the guy in front of him went to the right (hitting Hardwick) and Vasquez just stood in place, looking around to see if anyone was going to try to get through him. In the meantime, Clary was holding off two guys for two seconds before one got through and hit Rivers.

I’ll go more in depth with this when I finally watch the whole game.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Vasquez was lost

He looked confused on a number of passing plays, on the play that you are talking about I give Vasquez “full credit” for the sack.

by JeromeB on Aug 23, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Clary needs to improve

His horrible Foot work

by BFTB_zach on Aug 23, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

No stats

When I do the Bolts & Dolts thing, Clary and Vasquez will be in there. But since I couldn’t watch the whole game, the post above is based mostly off of what I took out of the box score.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree on Burnett, he seems like something special. And I remember back in the day saying the same thing about Cooper because of his preseason performances. So preseason stuff isn’t all meaningless. I just like how the guy does “clean up”, which is one of the needed traits of an ILB, but he seems to do it at the line of scrimmage, which is awesome..

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 23, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions

Cooper had what many on the Chargers staff thought was a Pro-Bowl year in 2007.

With Burnett, I believe we have two potential pro-bowl ILBs. A far sight better than the trash we threw out there week 1 last year.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't call Dobbins trash

But he’s not starting caliber for a championship team. He’s an excellent backup and a force on special teams.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 23, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

I was referring to Matt Wilhelm and Derek Smith.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Dobbins I agree is a great backup and ST player.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Another point of emphasis

The secondary. How good were they? Cromartie with a great INT. Hart made a good play on the ball to get his INT (even if he did fumble it away afterwards — Take a KNEE!). And Jammer cutting of Fitzgerald’s routes to knock down some balls; he was fantastic. Weddle had a least 1 real good cleanup tackle that may have saved a TD. And, of course, Cason looked good on special teams what with being the sole reason why the Cardinals didn’t score an opening TD.

Cromartie and Hart seem to be showing the signs that they are on the trail to have comeback years now that they are both healthy.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 23, 2009 11:56 AM PDT reply actions

Absolutely.

People forget that Hart had 6 picks in 2007. If he’s healthy, with a good pass rush, he may approach that again.

I was thinking about Wade’s defenses that people are nostalgic about. The fact was that those defenses gave up their share of yards. In his time here, the Chargers never ranked higher than 10th in total defense. But what they did do was make plays. They got interceptions, they made sacks, forced fumbles. That’s really what was missing last year.

I don’t think we’ll ever be a defense that stifles opponents like the Steelers and holds them to 200 yards of total offense. But what we can do is be a big play defense. It’s what defined the Chargers the last few years. I think we’re getting back to that now.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Gartrell or no Gartrell

Gartrell was awesome in college, I loved watching him play, and I am sure that just like many young RBs in NFL camps he has the potential to possibly develop into a player that contributes in the NFL one day.
In almost every NFL training camp teams have a young UDFA WR, RB etc. that they see alot of promise in. Some times it works out, most of the time it doesn’t.
At this point I don’t see any way that Bennett doesn’t stay ahead of Gartrell on the depth chart. I would rather see them keep a true lead blocking fullback on the roster (not to start in front of Hester, as I think his versatility is too valuable, but in some cases a true lead blocker would be useful) over a fourth RB that may or may not develop into something down the road.
If they decide to go with a young 4th RB, I think they should keep an eye on the Titans as it is starting to look like Chris Henry could be the odd man out there. He came out of college too early and has not proven anything in Tennessee, but he is only a year older than Gartrell and his size and speed are tempting.

by JeromeB on Aug 23, 2009 1:33 PM PDT reply actions

We have a true blocking FB

Two of them actually, Manumaleuna and Kris Wilson.

I keep telling everyone. Outside of last year, with Marcus Thomas, this team rarely ever selects a player with a pick higher than the 7th round and then cuts him (or even sends him to the practice squad).

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 23, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Not FBs in my opinion

You are right about them not cutting picks, and if I had to bet, I would bet that they will keep Gartrell as the 5th back. It is just not what I would prefer they do.
While I like both of the TEs that you mentioned and think that Manumaleuna is a great blocker, I think that being a true lead blocking FB is a specific skillset. Asking Manu to be a Lo Neal type fullback is asking him to do something that he is just not suited to do, in my opinion. Putting a TE that can block in as a FB will lead to success on some plays, but I don’t think that it is a good way to build a solid ground game that can grind out the clock when you need it.
I see players like; Ovie Mughelli, Leonard Weaver, Mike Karney, Tony Richardson, Ahmard Hall, Brad Hoover and Vonta Leach as examples of the type of player I am talking about. Of course we can’t get one of these guys and Tolbert may (or probably) may not be the answer, but that is the direction that I would like to see them go with the 5th RB spot.

by JeromeB on Aug 23, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Letting Lo Go

Wasn’t the talk when Lo Neal was let go that a traditional lead blocking fullback wasn’t needed in Norv’s offense? We needed more of a hybrid pass blocking/ run blocking/ pass catching back? Was that just a press release more favorable than “we think Lo is at the point of diminishing returns, and we want to let him go while he still can catch on somewhere else”?

Does Tolbert have a chance to make the team? I assume Gartrell is in.

Manu can chip in as a FB in certain situations, but he isn’t the answer. His value as a blocker comes as much from the fact that he can break away and make a catch, thus keeping the D honest as from straight pass blocking or road grading ability. I agree with JeromeB that lead blocking FB is a specific skillset, and I think that to make the roster, a back has to have more than just that skillset.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 23, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions

What happened with Neal

The team wanted him to stay and play out his contract. But, they told him they wouldn’t use him as much in Turner’s offense. He then asked for a trade or release, because he wanted to keep a central role in the offense. Out of respect for him, they granted him his release.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 23, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I know they don't have a history of cutting those guys

But, I don’t think they’ll keep a guy for the sake of saving face on a pick. I’m not going to make the bold prediction that they cut Gartrell, but I really think that this team will set up its roster to be the best group of the 53 for this year. If that means they have to cut a fourth round pick because they think Tolbert will help them get wins because of his special teams play or something, then they’ll do it. I’m wondering though if they’ll keep Tolbert and Gartrell and cut an extra WR (like Buster Davis). Somebody should post a “bracketology” sort of list of the roster and show all the guys on the perceived bubble (i.e. Davis, Green, Gartrell, Tolbert, Clark) and see what combinations of players could possibly be kept. Of course, some things are going to be clearer soon as first cuts are right around the corner.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 23, 2009 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

This is what we have the practice squad for.

What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on our souls.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 24, 2009 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Sort of

This is what we hve the practice squad for.

I don’t think Gartrell Johnson or Kris Wilson are Chargers, if they don’t make the 53-man roster this year. They are too good not be snapped up someplace else. So if we give two extra spots at RB and TE/FB where do we compromise?

Tolbert? Linebacker? WR?

by Trendsearcher on Aug 24, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions

You’re all overthinking it. There will be 4 RBs. Sproles pulls double-duty as the kick returner as well. There will be 1 FB in Hester. There’s no chance that Kris Wilson isn’t the team’s 3rd TE and could also be the backup FB.

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

by John Gennaro on Aug 24, 2009 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions

cromartie did have a great pick

but he continues to be the softest player on the team.

he is afraid to make a tackle, its really frustrating.

someone so big and athletic shouldnt be afraid to lay the wood but he definatly is.

by cameronm on Aug 23, 2009 1:58 PM PDT reply actions

I AGREE

I saw that a couple of times in the game to me it looked like he was afraid to block for Hart when he Picked it off and also when the running back was close and he just kinda waited for his other Charger to make the play.
Its pre season he probably doesn’t want to risk getting an injury again

by BFTB_zach on Aug 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

The injury is a big issue

coming off a fractured hip is no joke.

But yeah, the chargers dont play him because he can hit…

by soulSD on Aug 23, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw Hart get burned more than once notwithstanding his INT

Didn’t anyone else notice how the other Safeties did (Oliver Ellison, etc..)

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 23, 2009 2:28 PM PDT reply actions

I agree

Hart lost coverage on a few plays, he also lost the outside edge on a few runs. Prior to the pick, I had him down for a miserable game, and he almost lost that back on the fumble. Ellison was terrific against the run; but he doesn’t look good in coverage either. Can’t say I noticed Oliver particularly. That Strong safety position is still a concern I think. CJ Spillman impressed me as somebody who likes to hit, I thought he looked good out there. He lists as a free safety, but he hit like a ton of bricks.

I agree with everyone on Burnett; that guy is gold, this group of linebackers is awesome and we haven’t even seen English yet. The other thing I liked was Hester running with Tolbert on lead block. That is a lot of momentum right there; I’m thinking they should dump Gartrell and keep Tolbert at this point. I know some of it is on the line, but two cracks from the goal line and coming away empty says something. The front three have been stout against the run even after Jamal goes out, which is encouraging 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 Aug 23, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree about Gartrell but not necesarily about Tolbert

I am a huge fan of Hester though. IMO he is a GREAT blocker. I wonder if Lo Neal wants a job as fullbacks coach…

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 23, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Lo Neal wants a job as fullbacks coach…

It sure would be great to see him back in SD where he belongs.

"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 Aug 23, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Hester changed to fullback

They should put him on running plays as a tailback becuz I think hes an exellent runner

by BFTB_zach on Aug 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe we'll just go with the old fullback dive in goalline situations for him

Especially if we cut Gartrell

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 24, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Exactly

Did Hart make a nice move on the ball on that pick? Sure … but then he nearly gave it back. His tackling, or getting into position to make tackles, was horrible. On the other hand, you have Spillman making a tremendous LEGAL hit on Doucet & tackling well on a few other occasions. Ellison looked much better in stopping the run than in pass coverage, but he did make the majority of his tackling opportunities count. Gregory has shown he’s a valid backup safety. I’d let Hart go, but doubt it happens.

In just a couple of carries, Hester showed that he’s more tailback than FB. I would let Latsko go & keep Tolbert – continue to work with him on his blocking. His physique is that of a young LoNeal. I’m not saying that he’ll ever be that good, but I really feel that he has potential at the FB position. Gartrell, as much as I hate to say it, is fighting for a spot. Bennett has the upper hand right now.

If I have to choose between C.Martin or Banks going to the PS, I send Martin. I like the looks of Banks – he could be an Eric Parker-type of guy for us.

As for the OL – Clary has poor foot speed & that won’t get fixed. It just isn’t there. AZ ran some nice stunts on Sat. night that fully stumped Vasquez, but I expect that right now. He’s raw – those were his first NFL game reps. I do have some concern about the OL. Isn’t Runyan still out there looking?

V.Martin looked better this game than last. He has a ways to go, but he’ll figure promiinently in the rotation. I’ve always said that he’s a NT – maybe that will prove true at some point. Nwagbuo looks good in the mix.

Burnett is a 3-down guy. The real battle should be between Dobbins & Coop. Applewhite out-played Tucker again this week.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Aug 25, 2009 4:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Could I praise Cason...

forgot to mention if it wasnt for Cason those 2 punt returns woulda been TD’s….

***MZ LANZ***

by ChargersWitch on Aug 23, 2009 5:41 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Observations

Hart was out of position on a number of plays, and a second late making tackles. I noticed Vasquez caught off guard (no pun intended) quite a few times, especially on some of the early sacks. Glad he got the playing time, though, as it will show him how much he has to learn. I didn’t see Clary as quite as bad as others saw; but that side of the line has work to do.
Great QB play, solid LB play. I’m curious to hear a breakdown of Beckwith’s performance. Didn’t hear much from him, but it was a Cardinals broadcast. Liked what I saw of Ellison, and Spillman’s hit was reminiscent of R. Harrison.
We talk about how AJ missed on Craig Davis, but he hit a HR on Cason. I’m convinced of it.
Where was Charly Martin? Did he play, but just not get any chances? I had thoughts that Osgood would be let go in favor of him. I still think it’s possible. Osgood won’t get any run on offense this year. I think Martin could. ST standout or not, he hasn’t always towed the company line. Just MHO.
Naanee is going to be a stud this year. Gates took a bit to digest the NFL and establish himself. Naanee takes that step this year!

by Hoot1969 on Aug 23, 2009 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

Let Osgood go

We can use the roster spot to keep a guy who can contribute at more than ST. It’s obvious that he’s not an NFL caliber WR, certainly not on this team. Let him go prove it somewhere else – we need the roster spot to shore up more important positions.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Aug 25, 2009 4:23 AM PDT up reply actions