San Diego Chargers lose to Baltimore Ravens 31-26
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:35 PM PDT
in San Diego Chargers News
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PrintWell, I said I would be happy if the Chargers were competitive with the Ravens, one of the better teams in the NFL. They spread out the offense, threw like crazy, got some pressure on defense, made big plays and kept it close. Maybe if a pass play was called on 4th &2 instead of a run that Ray Lewis blew up in the backfield, the Chargers win. It doesn't matter.
The panic button has been put away, the Chargers are still contenders. This is a playoff team that have several months to get healthier on the offense line and mature on the defensive line.
There were good and bad things from today's game. Shawne Merriman had his best game in two years and the referees officiated the game like they had money on the Ravens. They'll all be covered in Bolts & Dolts tomorrow. Right now, your comments and insights from the game can go in the comments.
And remember Chargers fans, it's week 2 and the Bolts hung tough with a healthier team that they may meet again in the playoffs. If they do, I'll go into that game with confidence.
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Which feels better?
A tough win against an inferior opponent or a tough loss against a healthier, possibly better opponent?
I’ll take this. Considering the shape the team is in, I was expecting worse.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
neither
we have more talent than we were using and we seemed to rely on PR and sproles to baol us out. again pressure"light" seems to be the thing for the D.
There was 20 times more blitzing in this game.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
And still not much pressure.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
sacks baby, give me sacks.
pressure is fancy word for almost there.
by gatesoftds on Sep 20, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If they had this kind of pressure of Russell, who hangs onto the ball, they would’ve had 10 sacks.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
thanks
to me it’s all about hustle, and oppurtunities. and in both games i see clearly a lack of hustle, and not making the most of oppurtunities.
I don't know
I get the same message from both of the games. It’s a talented team that’s going to win a terrible division and maybe a playoff game or two before coming up short. The defense isn’t good enough, and some stupidity on the part of Norv and/or some bad breaks will doom the team.
The defense just cant play.
You can’t give up so many yards and points and expect to win a shootout every time.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 4:37 PM PDT reply actions
They gave up just over 300 yards.
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 Sep 20, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
to a team that had 500 yards last week. This wasn’t the Raiders or Chiefs or even Dolphins.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
because it was the chefs
they got 500 yards the problem is still there, it’s just under the rug.
They scored 31 points. Unacceptable.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
cam cameron
gave a steady dose of Rice, McGahee, and McClain all day. and it worked. they exploited or weak D-line, and passed when they felt like it.
Take away the free points the Ravens got from that uncalled DPI and it’s a win. Just a shame.
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
I like how we played but....
Considering how many missed opportunities we missed I’m pretty pissed right now.
Blame the refs
It feels better that way. Kindof.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought Norv did ok.
His use of timeouts was textbook. Nothing to wow you, but enough to give his guys a chance to get it done in the red zone.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Sep 20, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions
This game came down to missed opportunities in the red zone and an absolutely unacceptable uncalled DPI late in the game.
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
Yeah
The offense inside the opponent’s 10 did us in. You’d think with Gates, Jackson and Floyd (all tall guys with good hands) we could’ve come up with something down there. They seemed too eager to put the ball in Sproles’ hands down there and he was ineffective without much space to work with.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed.
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 Sep 20, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Worst officiating of the season
It looked like a high school play.
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 20, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I wanted to see Phil in the shotgun, and go to Gates with a quick pass.
Surely that’s got a better chance to succeed, on 3rd and 4th down.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions
why do the zebras hate us
because they want us to lose all week 2 games. this was so hard watching. 0/4 redzone? something like that…i guess the only thing i’m happy about is more passing and rushing like i wanted. stupid play call at the end. ravens knew we were going to run the ball, why go up the middle.
p.s. i’ll take the pats and steelers loss.
What? They were against us last week?
Not like they overturned a Raiders touchdown pass at the half or something..
If they call against you, they’re terrible. If they call in favor of you, no big deal, they were supposed to do that.
I wonder what AJ thinks about some of Norv's playcalls.
I would pay big bucks to watch a game with him.
according to AJ
he wasn’t worried when the $100 million dollar man hit the turf in preaseason. why should he care now?
i know i'm in the minority on this . . .
but i actually like norv. or at least what he’s done with the offense and becoming a more balanced team and the growth of phillip rivers. marty wouldn’t have done that. nannee, floyd, manumaleuna all contribute and make the bolts a more versatile and less predictable team. i like that. defense, is another story. if they do make a coaching change after this year, i’d rather they get an offensive minded coach than a defensive one for the simple reason that that is what they are. you play with the personnel you have. phillip rivers is the franchise. pass on cowher, i’d go with jon gruden. love him on mnf.
I like Turner too.
But those were just dumb playcalls at the end of the game.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions
my favorite play
whe the chargers called for a max protection scheme for PR, and 52 came right up the middle, untouched, for the sack. LOL i fell off the couch laughing. if you can’t block, you can’t run. seaking of which, more benett would have been nice.
What killed us in the red zone
was lack of a running game.
When you can’t run it in from a few yards out, you have to throw it, and that’s hard to do.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 4:57 PM PDT reply actions
it was a lucky bounce to win the game
but still, they went toe-to-toe with a team that put up 31 on the Packers defense today. Denver held that team scoreless for 59 minutes.
I don’t think Denver is as bad as most Chargers fans are hoping, but time will of course tell.
good division competition
would be a nice change of pace, especially if the game isn’t decided by a ref.
We'll come back.
Denver’s got a combination of a soft early schedule and a surprise factor. I thought they were a 4-12 team, but I was wrong: they’ll go 7-9.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Sep 20, 2009 5:02 PM PDT reply actions
Meh
Maybe, but the 9 wins would be for the Chargers to win. I’m fairly certain that the Chargers will go 6-0 or 5-1 in the division, so if they tie with someone (like the Broncos) I think they’ll win based off their division record.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
You're underestimating the Broncos
They handily beat a team they should have today, and it wasn’t as close as the score would indicate due to missed opportunities in the first half.
Last week they beat a good Cinci team, judging by how the Bengals handled the Pack today.
I’ll wait a week or two to beore definitive, but there’s a good possibility Denver is for real.
by Leukadian on Sep 20, 2009 6:03 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm just upset over how
we went throw on 3rd (which is fine) but ran on the 4th.
It might be more predictable but run on the 3rd down and try and get the first. If not, just either go for the TD or a quick pass route on the 4th…..
by dulciusEXasperis on Sep 20, 2009 5:04 PM PDT reply actions
nope
just under used by our brilliant play caller.
oh thats great
cuz i bigger back wouldnt have been better… of course not! or a throw like they did all game long
You typically don’t run the ball very often when you’re trying to come back from a large deficit.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 20, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions
then i stand by what i said
bennet was underused. which would have made since to use him “early” and often. he’s the LT insurance policy. and he got what 5 carries? also in short yardage he’s proven useful. so when we were in the red zone, i don’t know why we were trying to " finess" our way to 6 points.
Also, when you’re up against a team with a great run defense and you’re short two starting interior lineman it’s tough to run on them.
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 Sep 20, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
agreed
But on AJ’s an Norv’s words, the backup’s wouldn’t be there, if they thought they couldn’t play. they know the plays, they know thier resposibilties, and because they’re not starters isn’t an excuse. when your numbers called your expected to preform. but the thing that burns, is they kept bennet as insurance if LT got hurt. LT got hurt, and they didn’t use bennet fro the bilk of the carries. so if baltimore’s D was so tough to run against, trow it in 3WR sets. which they couldn’t stop when ran, so it goes back to play calling.
when SD started to stiffen against the run, baltimore “threw” it to all 3 of thier backs. we only seemed to throw it to one.
They can play, but they’re the backups for a reason.
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 Sep 21, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
yes the furture starters.
Matt Cassel was a back up to. never started an NFL game, and he stepped in and won 11 games at QB. backups are expected to step up and play at a “starters level”. the only thing that may seperate a starter from a back up is experience, talent, or drive.
Og got the only sack in the raider game, because he did what the coaches taught the “starters”, beat your man. he got doubled by baltimore, and his “inexperience” showed his in ability to compinsate. but he’s got a whole year to figure that out.
This is just a ridiculous argument. They’re not as experienced and/or talented as the starters. That’s why they’re backups. You can’t pretend having backups in doesn’t matter or that it even shouldn’t matter.
Cassel didn’t play as well as Brady would have and has in the past. He was in a great situation and still didn’t light the world on fire.
Ogemdi Nwagbuo got the only sack, but you can’t say he played as well as Cesaire would have.
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 Sep 21, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Good game guys.
You gave me one hell of a scare when we did not score a TD after that 2nd pick. Then Frank Walker came in, and I was sure it would have been a TD to win it against him, and it nearly was.
Rivers showed me he is WAY better than I though. Your WR group was too big and too physical for our smaller corners to stick with. I don’t care what anyone says, Sproles is the biggest game breaker in the league. Hands down. Vincent Jackson is a FA after this year isn’t he? I would loveeee to snatch him up.
Tough to beat a completely healthy team when you guys were missing so many guys on both Lines. But you definitely stuck with it and nearly pulled it off.
Keep your heads up. You guys have a very, very good team. Bring all those guys back from injury, and you are very tough to beat. Good luck in your season.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 20, 2009 6:03 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
good to hear
that eases the pain a little.
the ravens are for real.
i wouldn’t be surprised to see these teams meet again.
Injuries
Chargers are reporting only two injuries from the Ravens game. Both Merriman and Phillips have groin injuries.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
DUDE PENALTIES!
The Penalties…. Ok whatever but the Defense really……..and now Phillips and Merriman hurt? are they serious? what is going on? Its just the beginning of the season and everyone is getting hurt… any word on Rivers? is he ok? Sproles and the WR’s VJ awesome! hands down to them… Those Refs were working for Hochuli! lol But damn they were harsh and some of em I swear I didnt see or agree on…
Over all I thought this was gonna be a blown out game for the Ravens but I hope its more for them to grow on as the season progresses… Tied with Raiders is scary and whoa hiatus Denver won their 2nd game??? ugh thats even more annoying..
Venting process… =)
***MZ LANZ***
Good to Be in the Clean World
Reading the posts on the UT is like reading the the Cliff’s Notes for the Anarchist’s Cookbook. How these people manage to survive with the vitriol they spew on a daily basis about how badly Norv Turner sucks and how useless the owners are I can’t understand. Maybe that’s how they get through the day? Blaming Norv Turner and the Spanos’ keeps them from beating their kids, I guess. It’s fun to watch people jabber on about clock management and play calling while they sit in their armchairs and get fatter on undercooked nachos but at least on here (for the most part) we can see the game for what it was. Not great, but not the end of the world. The Defense still needs to get more pressure and the offense needs to find a way to block for PR and maybe even open up a running lane here and there and the penalties…crap…the penalties. Every damn play it seemed like someone was holding…probably got to the point the refs just started calling penalties on us out of habit (chop block? Didn’t see it…pass interference on Ravens? Not bothered to call…they were probably watching the offensive line to see if they could call any of them for having their socks twisted wrong). But to hang with a team far healthier is good. It’s week two and the line-up looks like a MASH unit. All in all not too bad.
Fed UP with Rivers!
Where’s Volek? I’m ready for Volek to get his shot with this team. I’m done with Rivers. Hand Offs are getting old, and his lack of leadership is worse. Ya, ya you can blam Norv for those plays, but Rivers is the QB, he’s the one in charge on the field. Those last two plays were disgusting. One wasted on throwing it to the floor, and a Stupid hand off that EVERYONE knew was coming. I’m a huge Charger fan, and believe the team today did a great job, especially Sproles (who now carries the team) but I’m officially done with Rivers.
Yeah, those 436 passing yards were aweful.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't see how Rivers was the problem
You can blame norv for the two play calls, but other then that it was a good play calling game. It really came down to the defense and injuries(injuries aren’t an excuse) but what the raiders had success in the ravens did. You run all over our defense with no Jamal and you are looking at a game where rivers needs to step up. With a horrible make-shift OL and he goes out and has a career year. Rivers made this game close.
how PR become part of the problem?
yeah he doesn’t look oof the safties. okay he doesn’t pump facke. so he stares down his recievers. but all in all with VJ, floyd, Chambers and Gates on the field, does it really matter? besides PR doesn’t all the plays, he doesn’r design the schemes either. heck he doesn’t coach the O-line at all. he just make plays inspite of all the tragedy around him.
player play, coaches coach
I agree, Rivers should be benched! After all, he only had the highest QB Rating in the league last year and threw for over 400 yards today. What the hell game were you watching? How is the fact that Rivers had no time to pass and still tore the Ravens secondary up his fault?
i hope this guy is joking.
thats one of the stupidest post i have ever read.
Rivers is the team,
genius.
You joined just to post this idiocy?
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 Sep 20, 2009 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions
High comedy.
Good stuff. Best QB we’ve ever had.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Sep 20, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Preliminary thoughts.
Win next week, and we’re looking at 2-2 heading into the bye. If we somehow managed to upset the Steelers, 3-1. At the bye, we’ve got a long two weeks, as our next game is on Monday Night. That’ll be a nice break to heal up and figure out how to fix what ails us.
After the break, we’ve got three straight AFC West games. That means we’re lining up to be 5-2 halfway through the season.
I was pessimistic about this game going into it. I’m happy they played as well as they did, and that they were again able to make good halftime adjustments, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Season’s not over. Give it time.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions
Also wanted to add
that despite everything, we were still in that game, and would have had it won if not for our awful performance in the red zone. Add 8 points, and we’re leading at the end.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree maestro
We played great with a make-shift line. Made a couple of mistakes, but that happens. Clearly if we score at least one of those field goals for touchdowns we win the game. We still had a chance in the game. Give us time to heal and time to work with this team and i like our chances.
agreed
in spite of my comments. i still believe of what they are capable of, but baltimore is a playoff caliber team, and if you find it difficult to beat them in the regular season. how much more difficult it will be to win the post season?
i’m not jumpimg ship. this is my team, for better or worse. i’m just frustrated.
peace out
Most teams struggle against playoff teams.
The Steelers last year were 3-4 against playoff teams. The Cardinals were 0-fer. The 2007 Giants were 1-5. You see my point.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
i can see that
but brees and the saints made it look easy against philly. and they were and 8-8 team last year, while philly was one game away form the SB. food for thought.
So?
The recipe for success is to find a way to beat almost all of the non-playoff teams and stay in the fight against the playoff teams, with a few wins. This is quite possibly a 12-4 team: just stick around.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Sep 20, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
i thought this was a 12-4 team
with everyone healthy (pre-season). i can’t imagine them being 12-4 with all these injuries. maybe more around the 10 wins range.
despite this. i will remain hopeful.
Ssoooooo
the saints weren’t a play off team, and they had the same regular season record as SD, and they got it done against a playoff team, “and made it look easy”. we could barely beat a team with a 4-12 record. and couldn’t beat a playoff team today.
the recipe is to dominate the teams we should beat, and find a way to win the close games against the playoff teams we could easliy be a 12-4 team, but i only see that happening is we find our pass rush, and and start spreading the ball around with our $100 million QB.
peace out
any trades or FA pick ups??
with both lines as short as they are, do you see any new personnel coming in?
yeah im super stoked about boone
he is a 33 year old player who has never played in a 3-4, only weighs 305 pounds and got cut by the chiefs. Woopie!
Who?
12.5 sacks in 8 seasons? That’ll help.
As for the game today, I think Rivers was far and away the best performer on either team, I think Chambers finally got the memo that he better start producing, I think Norvall needs to pull his head out (Ray Lewis > Darren Sproles, especially on 4th down), and I think Mr. Pooponyourface needs to do the same. Just my two cents.
"Everything I say, is calculated, appropriated, written and arranged in Feng Shui."
--Gnarls Barkley, "Feng Shui"
by StrangeBroP25 on Sep 20, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions
What charger fan didn't expect better than chargers have played today
I’m surprised river’s threw all those yards I was impressed with the O-line cuz I was expecting worse I thought they would’ve called shotgun all the time. The defense needs a lot of work 4 touchdowns is to much but they got the interception and sack when they needed it the most. But still
we all no the reason our runing game has go down hill was the Neal going somewhere else. I was happy with 2day could have gone better but we were in it so im happy
or it has something to do with our star RB not being able to stay healthy.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 21, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions
nope
a power running game requires personel to do it. marty was a physical coach, Norv isn’t. his schemes are that of a passing finess, that’s trying to apease our past achievments as a power running team. marty understood LT was a back that works best in space. so they got the personel to force open holes for him. as well as get him a punishing back. when those three things left, LT’s production seemed to go down, and his injuries went up. i don’t believe in coincidences. this is football.
look i like Norv, but as a head coach thier are differences from Marty. and we are in a state of this team doesn’t know if they are a power running team, or a spread offense. a 3-4 D, or 4-3. you sny bsck that has to run up the middle where ther are no holes, will get eventually.
it’s time for Norv, to use LT abilities, in a “New” way. make him a pass catching back like philly does westbrook, and the rams did with faulk.
Pass-catching backs may be all SD has left in the tank
There is no power running game in SD right now. The Chargers need consistency between the tackles. If Bennett can’t assume this role, an inability to get short yardage could tank SD’s season.
… or is my disappointment at waiving Gartrell continuing to show through?
Wow.
Some of these posts I’ve read on the way down read like they haven’t passed 3rd grade. Anyway.
Norv should be fired tomorrow for the play calls he made today. I guarantee if he were in Dallas, New York, or any other big city he would be cut immediately. Unfortunately, there isn’t much out there as far as replacements (Cower), but I can sure ass hell tell you what NYC thought.
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 20, 2009 8:30 PM PDT reply actions
BTW
This game encouraged me more than discouraged me. Just sayin…
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 20, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
norv likes to take me on emotional rollercoasters
sometimes i like him….and by sometimes i mean 20% of the time.
It was a play (Sproles draw play) that worked at the end of the Raiders game by catching everyone by surprise. It was certainly a surprise call, Ray Lewis just beat it.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 21, 2009 2:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Not just that call.
Field goal with 10 seconds left on 3rd down? You play to win.
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 21, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Turner will only be fired if we fail to make the playoffs.
That’s the only possible scenario. Given the injuries we’ve sustained, even that may not be enough. It make take a 5-11 or 4-12 result to get him fired.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions
even if we lose the next 3-4 games?
i’m not saying he SHOULD be fired, but because we have all these injuries, wouldn’t experimenting with a new head coach and see what he can do, make some sense? losing close games fall on the coach.
anyways. he got one thing right = more passing.
If we lose the next three games
and then win out and finish 12-4?
I keep hearing this, “close games fall on the coach.”
Why?
A ball that gets tipped into a defender’s hands killing a drive, that’s on the coach?
A receiver runs a route a yard too short to pick up a first, that’s on the coach?
A corner blowing a coverage, that’s on the coach?
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions
i guess coaches don't get blamed then.
i guess it’s sproles and rivers to blame for running that last run.
The playcall at the end is on Turner.
But none of those other things are, and they all contributed as much or more to the loss.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions
That play works if whoever was supposed to pick up Lewis does their job.
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 Sep 21, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I wonder if having Hardwick on the line would’ve resulted in a different result? Not sure if he would’ve called a different blocking assignment…
I have to imagine not having Hardwick hurt a lot on Sunday as guys just weren’t accounted for and that’s his responsibility when he’s on the field.
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 Sep 22, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
where the injury bug bites the hardest
in hindsight, it seems obvious. Although “the replacements” are capable and do their job relatively well, inexperience is bound to show up at least a few times a game. It’s one thing to replace Hardwick’s (and Jamal’s) physical ability, it’s something entirely different to replace their leadership, years of experience, and familiarity with the system.
Nanee's route wasn't the problem on that play
him running around with a chicken with its head cut off and dancing like he was in the club cost us a first down on that play. He turns up field and runs he gets the first down with 2 or 3 yards to spare.
Jennings, Hellickson, Davis, Brignac, Beckham, Moore > Your top 3
That's fine
the point is the same—the receiver made a bonehead decision that isn’t the coach’s fault.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Sep 20, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Why this specific game is on Norval
1. The decision to kick a field goal on third down at the 5 with 10 seconds left. 10 seconds is tons of time to run a play, even with no timeouts left. Call a pass into the end zone, give Rivers an easy way to throw it away if pressure comes, if the play fails then you can still kick on fourth down. Inexplicable.
2. The fourth down run. The Ravens had been shutting down the run all game. Rivers is the best player on the team and they took it out of his hands on the most important play of the game. I didn’t really like the third down call either, where they decided to take weapons off the field in favor of three TEs.
3. Stupid clock mistakes. Multiple delays of game inside the red zone, possibly costing them TDs. Blowing three timeouts in the first half, which proved costly on the last drive. I guess Rivers can get some blame here, but ultimately it’s the coach and offensive play caller who needs to instill the discipline necessary to get the plays run on time. Also, it’s completely on Norv for not knowing the rule that the play clock doesn’t restart after a booth review (I think that was the explanation for that delay of game).
If these really elementary, dumb mistakes aren’t made, I think the Chargers win.
by benrb on Sep 21, 2009 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 21, 2009 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions
a new head coach in the middle of the season has never, and will never, equal success in that season.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 21, 2009 2:11 AM PDT up reply actions
I am generally happy with how we played today
Considering we had so much stacked against us!
Formerly Blount#9...
neither am i
more frustrated at the fact that if we scored on those 4 red zone appearances, the score would’ve looked like a basketball game
dude...
im feelin you on that… just imagine those FGs were TDs and Rivers with those passing yards It would had been the perfect game…. especially with the injuries, it would had said so much more… but it easily coulda gone the other way where they scored more… a lot of good teams lost today alot with high expectations and not a lot of them were blowouts. This is what the Chargers needed… They needed to deal with a team who was physical and aggressive and its good for the rookies as well to get that feel and experience you know….
Now I hope they brush this off and get the win for next sunday… The Recievers were amazing today, i cant get enough of them and of course for Sproles. He’s the difference maker right behind Rivers!…..
***MZ LANZ***
by ChargersWitch on Sep 20, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions
The last drive
I would have run on third down with a timeout in the pocket and thrown out of shotgun with 5 wide on fourth. Or maybe I would have just run up the gut twice. But either way. ugh.
And that non-PI on chambers was whack.
Although mostly...
Still gonna be ok with 2-2 at the bye so I was pretty happy to have it come down to the wire given our injury situation.
these post game threads should be great....
where drunk fans go to try to type their emotions…. ‘try to type’ being the key words
I have a question
the two Rivers INTs … the first one, WTF? Jake Plummer thought it was a terrible throw. The second one was bad luck, but that first INT was just killer. The Ravens turned it into seven points. What the hell was Rivers thinking?
Points off turnovers, BAL 10 SD 3. Ballgame.
I do, however, like the Chargers to crush Miami. Short week, flying from coast-to-coast … should be a romp.
ALL THAT TALENT
All that talent and no where to go. I don’t care how much talent you have. If you make poor decisions, bonehead penalities, timely and costly turnovers, bad coaching decisions, you will lose to most teams in the NFL. We are not as good as we think and it is looking even worse. Make excuses with all the injuries but good teams find a way to adapt, overcome, adjust, and win. Our defense is suspect at best. Teams will continue to expose our poor defensive front with Jamal Williams out for the season. You can drive a semi through our front line. Luis Castillo will earn almost 12 million this season. They could have bought some real talent upfront for that kind of money.
SH is a long way from being what he once was. The window is closing fast. Drew Brees where are you?
Reax
Fellow Bolts Backers,
The Chargers lost this game for 2 reasons: Because they were short handed on both lines & because the players didn’t execute in the red zone. It’s too easy to rail on Turner when he’s done a fine job since his hire. The players are at fault here. Period.
And it’s only week 2. The Bolts will get healthy, make adjustments and make the playoffs. AJ HAS TO MAKE A TRADE FOR A GOOD DT AND GIVE UP A COUPLE HIGH PICKS TO ACQUIRE A TALENT ON THE LINE!! DON’T BE SO CHEAP SMITH!!!
Thanks for the nail-biter, Chargers fans
but don’t ever do that again! PR gave us fits all day with those Hail Mary’s to the big guys. He knew you couldn’t run and also knew his huge receivers were outmuscling us so he took advantage by just throwing the ball up and letting them grab it away from us. Too bad he couldn’t do the same thing inside of the Red Zone,as you were 0-5 inside the 20 for TD’s, which won the game for us. Running on third down at the end of the game might have made sense, but 4th? We were so surprised to see that but not surprised to see Ray do what he did, as he is still the best student of the game and stays in great shape after 14 years in the league and this is just one more reson why he is the best ever to play the game. As much success as you had throwing it up to your big guys, why not a fade route on 3rd down and run around back there, Phil until you find someone open on 4th. Sweet call, Norv.
However, do not blame this one on the refs. In Baltimore, we were complaining about them all game long. In fact I actually said to my wife and kids that the refs all think we’re thugs so the look for things to call against us. So while you can join us in complaining, I’ve never blamed a loss on them and you shouldn’t either, especially after giving up 31 points while throwing for well over 400 yards.
Good luck the rest of the year and we will be glad to do this again in our house in January! You’ve got a great “leader” in John and super fans here on BFTB. Stay classy, SD!
aka 'Rexx'
I was really
impressed with the Chargers O-line. I was fully expecting to see Rivers on his back all day long. Considering the injuries going into this game, well…I understand now how the Chargers, with 4-8 last year, made it into the playoffs. Your team never says die. Considering how the Ravens have put on 4th quarter points since Harbaugh has taken over, I was impressed how the Chargers held in there.
From my point of view, as a Ravens fan, I expected the Chargers unable to run, protect Rivers, or do anything effectively with the pass with all that pressure. Seeing how one dimensional the Ravens made the Chargers offense, my freaking god, how good is Rivers?!? And your receivers are freaks of nature… I would hate to face you guys healthy…
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace
"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Sep 21, 2009 6:27 AM PDT reply actions
Honestly
I came away with more positives then negatives from that game as a charger fan. Injuries and Refs are never excuses for a loss because they happen around the league and every fan can find one call the ref “screwed their team over.” Our inability to get it in the end zone when inside the Red zone was our downfall. I expect both teams to make the play-offs this year so who knows maybe we will have the chance to repay you guys. Good luck this season Raven fans and charger fans its week 2 going on week 3 the season is young.
Hey, better watch out
for the Broncos, who are 2-0 and in 1st place with you tied with Oakland. Better not rely on another choke job by Denver in the last part of the season and take care of Pittsburgh for us, please!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 21, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Broncos won on a fluke to a crappy bengals team
and barely beat a crappy raiders team. I dont’ think we’re too worried at this point.
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 21, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions
You’re thinking of the Chiefs, who barely lost to the Raiders. The Broncos had a bye this week (meaning they played the Browns).
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 21, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh ya
The argument stands.
A kid who has a unicorn ranch in his room cannot call other people weird. Yes, we know about "Rancho Unicorno."
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Sep 21, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Cinci stomped the Packers this week
It isn’t last year’s Bengals, they may not be as crappy as you think.
But your point that Denver hasn’t proven anything yet is valid. After taking on the commitment to excrement, games against Dallas, the Patsies, and SD should tell the tale of what to expect from the Broncos this year.
The broncos
I question who have they beat so far. Cinci on a lucky play and then the perennial door mats of your division the Cleveland Browns. I’d be more worried if they didn’t trade their franchise QB for Orton.
it might be their defense that should concern you
This is a different Broncos team than we’re all used to.
Cinci scored 31 on the Packers; they scored 7 on the Broncos, and those came with 40 seconds to play. Cleveland scored 20 on the Vikings; they scored 6 on the Broncos. It looks like the D may be back in Denver.
The offense has sputtered until the second half against the Browns (when they looked pretty darn good against a respectable Cleveland D), so I’ll wait for more consistency to make claims on this front.
You were impressed with the O-line?
What about all the pressure leaking through the middle? How can Rivers pass with that kind of pressure directly in his face. Perhaps they were expecting the pressure to come from the outside, and did fix that a little in the second half, but I thought the pressure allowed through the middle was terrible.
I was impressed
considering the shear number of injuries on the Chargers line and the quality of the Ravens Defense. I did not think your line could hope to cope. Granted, Rivers got beat up, but you were still in it all the way to the end.
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace
"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Sep 21, 2009 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
They did do much better then i was expecting after struggling with the crappy raiders, but what i can’t get over for the life of me is that no matter how good Sproles is, he is no big bruising goalline back, so why on 4th and 2 from damn near the goalline and with Ray Lewis on the other side give it to him????
Not even Brandon Jacobs breaks that Lewis tackle...
We thought we could sneak one by them, I guess…
Formerly Blount#9...
Exactly. It was like a pitcher throwing a change-up after throwing a bunch of 99 MPH fastballs. Everyone wants the heat because it’s more impressive, but the change-up is the strikeout pitch.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 22, 2009 2:02 AM PDT up reply actions
and Pedro Martinez, who’s change-up may have been even better.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 23, 2009 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions
NEED MORE PASSING AND MORE PASS PROTECTION
Where in the hell was the 400 yrds passing? All I saw was the same sorry crap as last Monday and the last few years. Hand off, Hand off, Hand off, PUNT!!!!! Thats why LT is hurt and it is what is going to get Darren Sproles hurt. Everyone, all the analyists say the Chargers have one of the most “EXPLOSIVE” offenses in the NFL. Things don’t explode unless you light the fuse. Start passing more, why do we have Gates, Chambers, Jackson, Naanee, Osgood, Manumaleuna, if we’re NOT going to use them. One guy on here said we need to use the RUNNING game more. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? The only way I can see we could get more running game is if you only send out The Center and a running back, hike it straight to him and run. (Which is basically what we’ve been doing) How is PR the number 1 rated QB last year, must be from all the hand offs. We need a more mobile QB and a little better passs protection. Show me ONE Super Bowl winning team in recent history (like maybe the last 20-30 years) Who didn’t rely HEAVILY on the DEEP THREAT and YES had some good running game as a “SUPPLIMENT” to that, just to keep em’ on their toes. COME ON !!!! We have the TALENT “START F%#@*&N USING IT”!!!!!!!
by DisgustedChrgrfan on Sep 21, 2009 9:53 PM PDT reply actions
47 passes, 21 rushing attempts.
He cannot possibly be a Chargers fan. He just said that Rivers stinks and the Chargers need a more mobile QB.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 22, 2009 2:05 AM PDT up reply actions
We signed Dennis Dixon?
Oh wait, we still have one of the best passing QB’s in the freaking NFL!!!
(Formerly, well, lets not go there) The curse! I cannot live knowing i have the power to knowingly dictate somebody's fate.Yes, that is Jahvid Best as my profile image (as motivated by marinecorpsduck). We should all collectively hope like hell that putting his picture up there will have the same effect my screenname did. We will find out on Saturday!
The one they LOST!!!!
To poor play calling, I admit, I missed the first 3 quarters, (which was apparently where they did all the passing) but what I did see was a bunch of lame running plays. The only decent play I saw (which was a pass play) was the TD to Jackson. Nose of the ball on the goal line and First down and you end up with 3 points? Yeah, not gonna win many games like that. 3rd down feild goals on the 5 yrd line? Yeah not gonna win many games like that. Game on the line 3rd and 2 inside the 10 yrd line and throw it away? You see where I’m going. And then on 4th down same drive hand it to Sproles to go up the MIDDLE?!?!?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS? I’m a FIRM believer in PASSING teams. The Dallas dynasties, PASSING team. All the 49r Super bowl teams, PASSING teams. New England Super Bowl teams, PASSING teams. Any great Super Bowl team has been a big time PASSING team. Aparrently they did pass alot in this game with 400+ yrds but as I said, I didn’t see alot of it in the 4th and if it was working for the first 3 quarters why did they stop?
by DisgustedChrgrfan on Sep 21, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions
4th quarter playcalling - 15 passes, 4 runs
And actually, 2 of those runs were Rivers just trying to get positive yardage on passing plays. You could say the 4th quarter playcalling was actually 17 passes and 2 runs.
In the future, when you’re trying to make statements about a game please watch more than the Sportscenter highlights. Also, try to back up your statements with facts and statistics so that you can prove the validity of your argument to yourself and the other members of the community.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 22, 2009 2:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Any great Super Bowl team has been a big time PASSING team
Steelers, Giants, Ravens, Redskins, Bears – running teams
Patriots, Packers – passing teams
49ers, Cowboys – balanced teams
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John Gennaro on Sep 22, 2009 2:13 AM PDT up reply actions
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