Hacksaw: Bolts narrowly escape from The Rock with a win

San Diego’s worst nightmare grew as the night wore on. Battered on the offensive line, they lost center Nick Hardwick and guard Louis Vasquez with significant knee injuries. Luis Castillo came off with a shoulder injury and never came back.

Nose tackle Jamal Williams hardly played in the second half, and neither did LaDainian Tomlinson. One wonders about their health.

Shawne Merriman was dragging his surgically repaired left leg while chasing ball carriers or rushing the passer and was a shell of himself.

The electrifying Sproles, who made very big plays down the stretch, dropped three kicks, something never seen before. Tomlinson fumbled, Rivers was picked off and the offensive line gave up three sacks and allowed 13 pressures.

Kevin Burnett cannot cover tight ends. Clinton Hart got burned multiple times. Steve Gregory was singed in coverage. Defensive end Travis Johnson got crushed. And when it was Big on Big, the defensive line was pushed around like a shopping cart at Vons.

My worst fears all arrived at once. I worried about lack of depth on the offensive front, and now you have lost two starters. Those backups committed three critical penalties.

I worried about lack of talent along the defensive line, and now you see what has transpired.

The Chargers may have won, but they lost a lot of talent along the way. The Raiders may claim a moral victory, but it was a real-life loss.

over 2 years ago John Gennaro 10 comments 0 recs |

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Comments

What a sad sack...

Gee, I may be a little disappointed in last night’s win (isn’t that an oxymoron?), but I’m not pissy and beligerent like Hacksaw. Geez, get a life pal.

Yeah, it was a mistake-filled game that featured dumb penalties and turnovers and injuries. But it was a WIN. Let’s not lose sight of that.

That’s how this team seems to operate. They tend to underestimate their opponents, especially on the road, not step up until the second half, and then find some dumb, incredible way to make it a game and often WIN. Does that make them any “less good?” Okay, maybe. But I don’t think there’s any reason to speak in such annoying hyperbolic — “Hacksawian” — ways, while finding every chance to pat himself on the back. What a putz.

by Andy (allfield) on Sep 15, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions

It wouldn’t be Hacksaw if he wasn’t pointing out how smart he is.

Rome’s impression of him still kills me.

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

by John Gennaro on Sep 15, 2009 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions

I love Rome’s Smacksaw bit… the best part is how he never ever explains it to the national audience.

by Orz on Sep 15, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

As a counterpoint

You should ignore the problems that crop up during wins. They are still problems, no matter what the scoreboard says. Otherwise, you might as well be the guy that hits on 18 in blackjack every time it comes up because the first time you did it you got 21.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Sep 15, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

@619sports tweeting like crazy

Looks like lots of sprains. Good, yes?

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 Sep 15, 2009 12:11 PM PDT reply actions

That seems in line

with what Norv was trying to imply last night in the postgame press conference. Still not a good way to go into the Ravens game and your home opener, but it’s better than some alternatives.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Sep 15, 2009 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions

On a short prep week too

Only 5 days to heal up.

by Trendsearcher on Sep 15, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Despite his choice in hair-style

Saw has a point. To keep hold of as much skill as possible, the Chargers entered the season a bit slimmed down on the BIG BOY side of the equation.

We had the talented Linemen, but not the depth. The strategy works if the guys can stay healthy. Well here we are – nicked up. LT can’t push a pile or create a hole. Rivers can’t complete a pass without protection. Our team is out of balance, and AJ needs scramble to find understudies to plug into the lines.

I think that NFC East is going to be a significant challenge. Those teams are really going to try and push us around. I thought we adjusted well in the second half, but still 3 to 4 yards a carry is bread & butter in the NFC.

by Trendsearcher on Sep 15, 2009 12:15 PM PDT reply actions