5 Good Things: Chargers at Texans
by Wonko on Nov 8, 2010 10:30 AM PST
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Print1. Road Win
The win on the road is a bigtime symbol for anyone who like symbols. It's a sign that the team is overcoming obstacles. It's a result of hard work and preparation to avoid all the stumbling blocks that have been a part of being on the road with a loud opposing crowd (false starts, delays of game, miscommunication, etc.) . And most importantly, it's a win when the team needed one to help catch up with the Chiefs, not lose ground on the Raiders and send a message to all those other wild card teams that it'll take a lot of work to stay ahead of the Bolts.
2. Clutch Defense
The defense came through when the team needed them most. The Chargers have a bad habit of making enough mistakes in the first half such that there is little room for error in the second half. That's a huge challenge for the defense, and they stepped up. Here's how it went down:
| Start of the 3rd quarter |
| Drive lasted 6:05. Texans were 2 for 3 passing for 40 yards. Texans ran 7 times for 26 yards. Stuffed Derrick Ward for 2 yard loss on 3rd and 2 on the 5 yard line. Held Texans to a field goal. |
| Houston Texans at 05:48 (3rd quarter) |
| Drive lasted 5:54. Texans were 5 for 5 passing for 53 yards and a sack (Antonio Garay). Texans ran 4 times for 7 yards (zero "successful" runs). Held Texans to 5 yards on a 3rd and 6 and 0 yards on a 4th and 1 play. |
| Houston Texans at 11:50 (4th quarter) |
| This followed a big interception by Houston when Chargers were down by 2 . Drive lasted 2:29. Texans were 1 for 1 passing for 5 yards. There was also a 5 yard illegal contact penalty and a sack with a forced fumbled (Donald Strickland) that resulted in loss of 12 yards on 3rd down. Texans also only ran for a 2 yard loss (Antonio Garay with the stuff). Texans forced to punt. |
| Houston Texans at 05:17(4th quarter) |
| Chargers just took a 6 point lead. Drive lasted 1:46. Texans were 4 for 4 passing for 47 yards, but were forced to intentionally ground the ball once that led to a loss of down and a 3rd and 15. Final pass was for only 13 yards when the Texans needed 15. Chargers stuffed Matt Schaub's quick snap QB sneak on 4th and 2. |
| Houston Texans at 3:06 |
| Texans still able to go ahead with a TD. Drive lasted 1:47. Don't need to really cover the stats. Drive ended in an interception by Paul Oliver. |
3. This space reserved for: El Capitan
If Philip Rivers doesn't show up on 5 Good Things, then something has gone terribly wrong in my opinion. He's the best thing the Chargers have. He's the best thing Southern California has. Actually, he's the best thing the state of California has (take that, San Francisco Giants). Screw it, he's the best thing the Western United States have (take that Charlie Whitehurst). He's just too awesome. John Gennaro said to me in the offseason, when the Vincent Jackson situation was just beginning and he wanted VJ traded, that the WRs don't make the QB, the QB makes the WRs. That's absolutely right (and for some reason I have to keep reminding him of that these days). And for anyone who thinks that Rivers is all Gates, they are dead wrong. And for all those that seem to think that just because most of his receiving options are hurt that Norv will switch the playcalling to favor the less effective running game, they are also wrong.
4. Aggressive Playcalling Early
Norv took the game to the Texans early on (with the exception of the first 3 and out drive) and it resulted in big plays. It also meant relying on guys that either hadn't proved their worth as Chargers or hadn't even proved their worth in the NFL. Three plays stand out.
- 1-10-SD 45 (9:36) 17-P.Rivers pass deep right to 89-S.Ajirotutu for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - This play relied on Seyi Ajirotutu running a deceptive route in order to beat CB Kareem Jackson and get open for the deep ball.
- 1-10-SD 41 (2:50) 17-P.Rivers pass short left to 88-K.Wilson to HST 22 for 37 yards (31-B.Pollard). flea-flicker - We haven't seen a play call like this all year. We also last saw Wilson on the receiving end of a catch when he fumbled against New England. The play went for 37 yards and it may have soften things up for the running game since Ryan Mathews ran for 11 yards on the next play.
- 1-10-HOU 11 (1:14) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 81-R.McMichael for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HST-29-G.Quin, Defensive Holding, declined. - This gave the Chargers their first lead and relied on Randy McMichael who hadn't wowed many since he got here and was filling in for All-World TE Antonio Gates. This was also a great throw by Philips Rivers.
This set the tone for the rest of the game as Seyi Ajirotutu and Randy McMichael would go on to each catch TD passes in the second half as well.
5. Tackling by the Secondary (Weddle, Oliver, Cason, Jammer, Gregory and Carter)
I'm sure more than one of you are thinking, "WHAT?!?!?" Let me explain. Take a look at Arian Foster's previous four 100+ yard games.
And now our game:
Notice that's the lowest average yards per carry and the lowest longest run of any of those performances. When Arian Foster is running well, he's going to get his yards. The key to Ron Rivera's defense has always been to make the other team earn those yards. Don't let them get the big gains that lead to easy scores and pad the stat lines. In his strategy each set of downs is another chess match that anyone can win and when the offense loses the high power Charger offense gets to take command. The secondary combined for 28 solo tackles and 7 assisted tackles. They were the main reason those big plays, especially in the running game, didn't happen.
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agreed,
but i think a good no. 6 has got to be the stepping up of the unproven guys. I know it’s all really because of Rivers, but man, it was a heck of a performance out of Ajirotutu. Now I’m just getting nervous that when the starters are all healthy and playing, we might cut some of these guys and regret it…
There are plenty of players that need to be cut who arent carrying their wieght
- 6 million dollar man SPROLES
with Mathews still shakey
Sproles will be key for our stretch run. Sproles had a couple good games in a row with 70+ combined yards in each. Laid an egg yesterday, but no one thought Sproles was going to put up big numbers week in and week out anyways.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 8, 2010 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
dude
he has sucked all year.. lost a lot of his explosivness.. I remember a time where teams where afraid to kick to him.. now not at all.
Sproles has never really been a return threat. 4 TDs over 5 years. Not sure there was ever a time where he really worried anyone.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 8, 2010 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
there was a time
where he would change the field position of our team on a punt or kick off for sure.
In 2008 he 11.3 yards per punt return now he is averaging 6.9 pretty signifigant for a 6 million dollar man. On kick returns his average is down 2 yards… I imagine the NFL rule change has effected him some of the wedge block but come one we have seen so many special teams players breaking on us how great would it be to see us get one.
he definitely had a few games in past years where he changed the complexion of the game all by himself on special teams, but I don’t think the other teams every really treated him like teams consistently treat Devin Hester or Josh Cribbs type players.
Plus, I don’t know exactly who to blame for our crappy special teams play this year, but I’d bet its not just causing the unsightly blocks and giving up long returns, I bet it’s also affecting the blocking on our returns. So I’m giving Sproles a bit of a pass this year. (Actually I haven’t watched too much special teams this year since I’ve just taken to closing my eyes and going to my happy place whenever the special teams are on the field)
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 8, 2010 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
I really, really really don't think they are paying him the franchise tag money because of the return game
That’s just a bonus of him being on the roster. They are paying him to be in the backfield for the passing game. They didn’t trust Mathews and Tolbert to be out there when we are dropping back back to pass in key situations. I’m pretty sure the exact moment that they knew that they’d be drafting a RB to be the main ball carrier is also the moment they knew they needed to keep Sproles.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
It's funny
how good he is in the protect role given his size.
"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 Nov 8, 2010 12:40 PM PST up reply actions
I've always thought the same thing
The best blocking RB we have is also the smallest.
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
There are a few in college now
That are also small and surprisingly good. Noel Devine for one.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I touched on the unproven guys in #4
But, I guess it could have been its own.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
If I had known John was going to give the game ball to Rivers
Then I could have mixed it up and used Unproven Guys instead of El Capitan. But, such is blog life.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
26 rushes yesterday
that varried the play call just enough to make them bite on the play action… all in all Norv did a good job. Hester needs to get his act together and he will. Any news on who missed their assignment on that blocked punt? was it Hester?
87 kelley washington
don’t know anything about him, but watched the game on nfl rewind. he turned the wrong way, offered a useless double team on a blocked guy while the blocker raced untouched to get to the punt
I doubt it
He’s new and doesn’t know the ST formation yet. I would give him a few more games to get used to it.
Then cut him if he suxorz
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
He's not going anywhere
With Goodman now on IR, there’s no one to replace him.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I will
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Let's see your celebration dance.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
specifically
your over-celebration dance
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 8, 2010 1:12 PM PST up reply actions
I'll hide a sign in the end zone
That reads
“BFTB = THE Bolts Blog”
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
And moonwalk while holding it
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
It's gotta be good right?!
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Hester was the deep back and lined up too close to the line
Its Hesters job to pick whoever runs free, but Hester was out of position trading spit with that cute new long snapper.
by Trendsearcher on Nov 8, 2010 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
Well trying to trade split
The Long Snapper was trying to get the heck away from a chasing Hester.
by Trendsearcher on Nov 8, 2010 2:49 PM PST up reply actions
It looked to me like Paul Oliver was blocking the guy (Stanford Keglar, boiler up!) who tipped the punt
And he did slow the guy down, but not enough.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I am hoping this win acts as the catalyst for a winning streak that gets us back into the thick of things in the AFC West. The bye week will hopefully give us some time to work on ST’s and get most of our guys back healthy. As disappointing as the first half has been we can still finish strong. Looking at KC’s schedule I can see a 9-7 season, I expect a bit of an implosion there, and see them faltering. Oakland I see ending up 8-8. Denver is already toast. Us I can see at 9-7 or 10-6. I’m hoping we win the Div outright because I am not sure if we would win a tiebreaker. It’s going to be tight!
one thing I would like to note
Gates on the sideline really showed mentorship he was talking to the young WR pumping them up. It was really nice to see a player of his importance being at the game and not sitting there with a hood over his head crying (LT REFERENCE)
WR's, RB's
Pretty much every time he was shown on TV he was talking to one of the newer offensive players. It really is good to see him still actively participating even when hurt.
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
When is this tired old (and wrong) opinion going away?
(Begin rant) You try standing for three hours with a tendon detached from your pelvis.
The fact he considered playing is astonishing. When he set foot on the field, the guy showed he is nails. I’m no doctor, but it was pretty obvious that he couldn’t be effective; he would hurt his team by continuing and he took himself out of the game. He was emotional about it. He was in pain. What’s so hard to understand? With me, he gets a free pass forever for suiting up and starting. No human being could have played with that injury. I get that Charger haters keep bringing that up. That’s trash talk. Charger fans should know better. (End rant)
Are Marlon McCree and Antonio Cromartie the same person? Just askin'.
by QLFixBoy on Nov 8, 2010 9:09 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Nov 9, 2010 7:10 AM PST up reply actions
2 things
1) When I read the first line I didn’t read “detached from your pelvis.” I saw something a little different. . .
2) I assume this rant is in defense of LT? I am a bit confused. You seem to actually be agreeing with Mike. The only difference I can see is that Mike is saying LT wasn’t positive on the sidelines while being injured whereas Gates was.
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Let me clear it up
As for your first point… er, well there is a similarity between “pelvis” and another part of the anatomy. I’m not responsibility for, um, misreadings. Besides, the alternative would have been “pubic bone” and I went with what seemed safer. Heh.
As for your second point, I’m not saying anything bad about Gates at all. Like Mike, I was very impressed with his sideline presence; this team can use all of that it can get. I’m also not disagreeing that LT literally sat on the bench nursing his injury. He did. Maybe he even cried, as alleged. I, for one, wouldn’t find fault if he did. I think it’s understandable under the circumstances, especially considering how emotional LT is and how he’s all in every game.
What frosted me was the snide way of referring to him sitting out; the implication was that he should have been striding the sideline encouraging his teammates, and (like the haters) Mike implies LT is a p**** for not urging on his teammates. There are two things wrong with that premise. First, he was in a lot of pain. The detached tendon was one of those that is used to move the leg, so just walking around would have been excruciating. Compare to Gates who looked pretty comfortable (amazing, considering the foot injury). Second, LT was never much for fiery speeches; he led by example. True, on rare occasions he would speak his mind, like in team meetings. And at those times, everyone listened. I readily admit I could be wrong about this, but I don’t remember seeing LT stalking the sidelines trying to fire up the other players. If you guys do remember such a thing, I’m okay with that. But refer to point 1, which is really the one that matters.
Are Marlon McCree and Antonio Cromartie the same person? Just askin'.
And LT didn't have it surgically repaired
So he’s still dealing with it not doubt. I had something like this and had to give up Judo for several years. It still lays me out (as in can’t stand up – mucho pain) from time to time.
The problem with that injury is that it is hard to assess location and severity. With other joints the docs have all sorts of tests. Even with swelling, they can often grade the injury and decide to rest or repair. Truth is only LT knew how injured LT was at that time not even the doctor could have known. But LT was and still is a tough guy, he had tons of starts and you don’t do that in the NFL with out playing through pain and injuries (particularly RB). It was the post season… Where else would LT have rather been than on the feild?
by Trendsearcher on Nov 10, 2010 9:52 AM PST up reply actions
Does anybody else
think we ought to pull a fake punt? Every team is just salivating every time we punt now, shouldn’t we be able to pull a run when they are all totally focused on Scifres?
"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 Nov 8, 2010 12:52 PM PST reply actions
Todd Haley, is that you?
Or is this Tom Cable?
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Todd Cable
to you sir.
It always seems to turn out well in Madden…
"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 Nov 8, 2010 1:09 PM PST up reply actions
Screw you
You’ll be Tom Haley and like it.
Or if we’re going all Madden we can get creative. Seyi Crabtree? Ndamakong Gostkowski? BenJarvis Dombrowski?
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Oshiomogho Asomugha
Chinedum Houshmandzadeh
Sebastian Aromoshadu
The sports team from my geographical area is superior to the sports team from your geographical area and will emerge victorious due to its very superiority.
by Superduperboltman on Nov 8, 2010 2:38 PM PST up reply actions
Captain Morgan
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Wouldn't they have to block long enough for someone to get open?
Are Marlon McCree and Antonio Cromartie the same person? Just askin'.
I was
thinking direct snap to Hester…
"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 Nov 9, 2010 8:05 AM PST up reply actions
Ah, okay.
I kind of like that, in the right situation. But Hester would need to line up a few steps back to do it. Then again, if he did that, maybe he could see if someone is coming in unblocked and pick the guy up. That would be good, too.
Are Marlon McCree and Antonio Cromartie the same person? Just askin'.
I can't seem to find the bring back Wade fanpost?
where we fire Rivera and install Wade as DC.
I’m sure it’s around here somewhere, I mean, it’s been almost an hour since he was fired.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 8, 2010 1:13 PM PST up reply actions
i second a "bring back Wade
that could be also included with the good things.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
by gatesoftds on Nov 8, 2010 1:18 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Can we hire Wade as the new long snapper?
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Maybe he can block
on punts.
"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 Nov 8, 2010 1:21 PM PST up reply actions
Wade could be the executive vice assistant head coach of player personnel – defense, placing him suboridnate to chud in the chain of command
by Orz on Nov 8, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
I'm waiting for Zach to write it.
No, I don't think you're an idiot. Please don't go trying to prove me wrong about that.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
wow! tough audience here!
before yesterdays game we had the top defense in the league and people are salivating to replace RR? Granted, i loved what Wade did in his time here, and should Rivera move on to a Head Coach position this off season, id be the !st to clamor for his hiring, but at present, our defense (and QB) are the least of our worries
"i'm not inclined to resign to maturity"...PSYCH theme
by $#%@ eli and his daddy on Nov 8, 2010 2:47 PM PST up reply actions
I'm not actually a proponent of this
Wade as the savior of the defense is almost as much of a meme as the bring back Schottenhemier meme.
hold on, Schottenhemier is available as well? Let’s get the band back together!!!! 14-2 here we come!
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Nov 9, 2010 11:51 AM PST up reply actions
At the time, I had wished that we would have fired shottenheimer quicker and elevated Wade before the cowboys snatched him away. Now in hindsight that probably would not have worked out based no the Dallas results.
Exactly what I thought
That should probably scare you a bit…
"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 Nov 9, 2010 7:54 PM PST up reply actions
Can the special teams be better with the influx of healthy guys?
With the sudden return of Legedu, English, Gregory, & Siler one has to hope the special teams will be better, and the guys who have been playing on the field and special teaming can be more focused on their special teams duties?
I know I sound like an apologist, but with 2 weeks preparation and some healthy bodies, if they can’t get a good effort from their special teams against Denver, then it will never happen this season.
i would love to see a first quarter
Of all passes. Yes, pick the right team (e.g. not a great pass rushing team), but I remember the NE game in Norv’s second year at NE and Brady/Belichick just ran pass after pass. Could not be stopped. Now, they did it after seeing a hole in SD defense.
But my point is I really think PR is almost unstoppable. These would not all be the vertical passes that Norv loves, some of screens, more “possession” type routes, designed 4-6 yard dumps, but just go out and see if a team can stop our passing. If they cannot, just keep doing it until they respond effectively. I feel a lot of our drives falter after a few failed runs, leaving 3rd and shorts that fail.
Mix in a few draws or disguised runs, but pass until they adjust. Then start mixing in the runs. Norv seems to think it vital to establish some sort of run early. He is a HC and I am a fan, so maybe he has something. Our YPA rush attempt are solid, so it is not as frustrating as with LT last year, but I am not convinced they add much to our passing attack.
Like the Eskimos apparently have jillions of words for snow, we should have jillions of passing looks, making the opposing DC’s sweat and puke at night. And just when they think they have a angle that is starting to slow it down, having taken a quarter or two to adjust, Ryan Matthews runs past them.
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