5 Good Things: 49ers at Chargers
by John Gennaro on Dec 20, 2010 3:31 PM PST
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Print1. Vincent Jackson
So....um.....this is awkward. I'll cut to the chase. I am sorry Vincent. Is there any chance you would consider staying here in San Diego? It would really be what's best for your career, what with the nice weather and franchise QB that seems to love you, and....well, I'll never overlook your value to the team ever again. Especially not in a contract year. Please don't leave.
2. Defensive Secondary
This is going to sound weird, because I'm supposed to be an expert on these things, but I have no idea who the Chargers' starting SS is. Every time I feel confident in writing a "Congratulations Paul Oliver!" post, Steve Gregory comes out of the shadows and makes a huge play. Are they playing on assigned downs? is Eric Weddle in there on every play? I have no idea. There's a constant mix of three guys that always seems to be on the field, even though that's impossible, and they allow for Antoine Cason and Quentin Jammer to play in whichever way they want.
Remember in the days of Drayton Florence and Sammy Davis when the Chargers had one of the worst secondaries in the league each year? A.J. Smith should be given credit for focusing on that group as a weakness and drafting the right group of players to turn it into one of the league's best units.
Once again, the Chargers CBs and Safeties frustrated the opposing QB and nearly eliminated the opposition's top play-makers (in this case, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree) altogether. I would expect a similar performance against the Bengals and Broncos to close out an outstanding season for this position group.
3. Pass Rush
Any time you sack the opposing QB 6 times it is a dominating performance by your team's pass-rush. The Chargers managed to bring lots of pressure from everywhere, from the DEs to the NT to the OLBs and even the MLBs on blitzes, and it kept Alex Smith from ever getting comfortable in the pocket on Thursday night.
It got to the point where I almost started feeling bad for Smith. Before the snap he'd look across the line at Luis Castillo, Antonio Garay, Shaun Phillips, Antwan Barnes and others, and just know that they were going to be hitting him as hard as they possibly could in about 2 seconds. The offensive line in front of him didn't stand a chance at slowing down the best pass-rush in the league (that feels weird to say), and especially not with Joe Staley out for the season.
4. Running Game Balance
It is almost as if Norv Turner is purposely doing this as a game, week-in and week-out finishing games with his two top RBs having the exact same number of carries. "We have no starter!", I fully expect him to say some time soon. "Nobody on this teams gets the majority of the carries, it is the perfect balance between speed and power."
17 carries for Ryan Mathews, including some explosive plays and more than a couple of carries that had to put the defense on high alert. This kid is going to start breaking big runs soon, the only question is when. Then there were 17 carries for Mike Tolbert, who pounded himself into the consciousness of the average NFL fan along with the San Francisco defense. When you're describing the perfect NFL running game, this is almost exactly what you're aiming for in a RB tandem.
5. El MVP
While I will fully-admit that Tom Brady is having a fantastic season, I do not think he has eliminated everyone else from MVP consideration. Philip Rivers is having just as good of a season, with a little less luck and a whole lot worse group of Special Teamers sharing colors with him each week. The way he has pushed through this season, with all of the different receivers he's had to throw to, deserves a whole lot of recognition. So, I'll leave it at this: If the Chargers make the playoffs this season, then nobody deserves the MVP trophy more than El Capitan.
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I would love for Philip to win the MVP, but, there's too much Brady love around the league for him not to win this season.
Gaslamp Ball Game OT: "Makes you happy in the pants"
"Even Jedis don't stand a chance against our bullpen."
You know what should be drooling over Mike Vick?
Hungry pit bulls.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 20, 2010 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
Rec
Screw animal abusers. And screw ‘redemption’ for psychopaths.
"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"
by aesimpleton on Dec 20, 2010 7:56 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, it obviously doesn't work.
They just go right back to committing crimes and not reviving their NFL career with MVP-caliber seasons.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
I think you completely missed the point
At least a part of which was that being good at football does not redeem anyone. Does the fact that he is good at football make him a better person? I feel sorry for anyone who would argue that it does. What’s more, my contention, for anyone who knows what a psychopath is, was that they cannot be redeemed. Science (including psychology) has yet to find a fix for antisocial personalities. Advanced age appears to be the only mitigating factor. The fact that Vick has been able to stay ‘clean’, so to speak, has nothing to do with the kind of person he is. It only means he has adjusted. I’ll grant I don’t known him personally, but his actions are sufficiently outside the norm that they can be used as a measure. Whether his punishment was sufficient or his having ‘learned a lesson’ has somehow relieved him of culpability is a purely moral argument and thus not worth our time. But sarcastically implying that all is well or that he is ‘redeemed’ because he can manipulate an oblong ball better than most people is frankly kind of sad, not to mention unreasonable. What would you require to say he isn’t redeemed? That he immediately started killing dogs upon his release from prison?
"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"
by aesimpleton on Dec 20, 2010 9:29 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
You kicked the shit out of that straw man, congrats
You were so quick to point out that good play on the field doesn’t equal redemption, you didn’t even wait to see what my opinion was before choosing your favorite and knocking it down. It really makes the rest of your tirade seem like it was retrieved via can opener. :lol
I was actually referring to the fact that our criminal justice system is founded on a set of principles, one of them being that people are not permanently criminal.
Speculation with zero access to psychological testing results is also not worth our time, but that didn’t stop you.
It’s sad that you’d throw away the Bill of Rights to avenge some dead dogs.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
People can pay for their crimes, but that does not take the brand off
criminal justice system is founded on a set of principles, one of them being that people are not permanently criminal
Once a con, always a con – just ask any cop.
How does this social philosphy of redemption work for the SOBs on the Megan’s List? Ain’t one one them getting off those lists, even the people wrongfully registered.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 20, 2010 10:51 PM PST up reply actions
That legislation has yet to be played out
And did you just make the leap from animal cruelty to sex crimes? That’s seems pretty insulting to the victims of sex crimes, doesn’t it?
The point is he served his punishment that we, as a society, agreed was fair. Now, he’s become a taxpayer again, which is really what it comes down to. Better than that, he’s a rich taxpayer.
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 Dec 20, 2010 10:58 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Well
He’s a high salaried tax payer.
With garnished wages due to owing the IRS tons he’s not exactly rich. But, he does give the government lots of money. Woo!
The National League West title was all but a lock,
Then they lost 10 in a row, ‘twas like a punch in the jock!
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
It comes back slow
The point is he served his punishment that we, as a society, agreed was fair.
He’s completed the incarceration phase of his punishment. He might have completely paid his restitution. He might have done his therapy. He might have completed his community service. Yeah he’s probably paying taxes. I bet he still can’t vote.
I list all this stuff out because coming back into some semblance of full membership in society is a process, and it doesn’t end once he walks through the sally port. Ten years from now, Vick will still be a convict in the law enforcement databases. Very few people are able to get their records expunged, and Vick’s crimes are too heinous to make a full pardon politically viable. No Virginia… there is no such thing as an Ex-Con.
Oh BTW, he served time for the multi-state gambling aspects of his crimes, and animal cruelty went unpunished.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 21, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions
This, sort of.
Some serious crimes can be forgiven as soon as the punishment is served. If you severely injure a guy in a bar-fight, maybe you should go to prison and pay hefty damages, but then anybody except that guy and his family should just let it go as paid-for. Dogs can’t really defend themselves from animal cruelty, at least in most cases. So no, I’m not going to forgive a guy for that sort of thing.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 21, 2010 6:16 PM PST up reply actions
dog hater
"When the going gets tough... TheGrandHatching pops in later." -- WG
by TheGrandHatching on Dec 21, 2010 3:16 PM PST up reply actions
Well
Redemption is more of a religious philosophy, not a social one. As a beer swilling, bacon loving, football fan, I find it above my station to determine who is, and is not, worthy of redemption. As a Charger fan, I’m glad not to have to cheer Vick’s play, but I do respect the way he has gone about his comeback.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 21, 2010 8:16 AM PST up reply actions
From a football perspective, all's well.
That’s just not the issue for me.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 21, 2010 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
I spent 2 yrs in prison for a drug charge in Georgia in 1999,I've been staying away rom crime for about 10 yrs plus. I have a wife a son and am gainfully employed at 2 jobs. Yup I guess I'm still a piece of crap con,you're right
by Gorditoe1 on Dec 22, 2010 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I've got lots of friends who've been down
One just paroled out last week. I don’t think that about the majority of Cons. In fact most of what I know has come from the experiences with my hoodlum friends.
But ask a Cop. And ask the Justice System. As a Con you do not have the same sets of rights as a non-Con. Like say search and seizure, generally police need a warrant to come in your house. They don’t if you are a con. Cop stops me on the street, I get to stay in my car. You just might get to sit in the back seat, until the cop decides if he’s gonna ruin your year.
BTW Gorditoe congrats on getting your life put back together, they do not make it easy. Good job all the best!
by Trendsearcher on Dec 22, 2010 5:37 PM PST up reply actions
That has nothing to do with my point.
Unless you were selling dope disguised as a nun, and running a preschool prostitution ring a la Captain Sternn, it’s not in the same ballpark as maintaining a stable of fighting dogs.
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 22, 2010 5:46 PM PST up reply actions
Hangin's too good for 'im! Burning's too good for 'im!
He should be torn into little itsy bitsy pieces and buried alive!
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Dec 22, 2010 5:49 PM PST up reply actions
heavy metal? loved that movie...
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
Ice pick lobotomies work pretty good
Science (including psychology) has yet to find a fix for antisocial personalities
Electroshock is making a come back too!
by Trendsearcher on Dec 20, 2010 10:45 PM PST up reply actions
Luckily,
the NFL plays in a country where this kind of ridiculous speech is protected, but carrying it out would be considered completely barbaric.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
Well the ice pick yeah...
… but believe it or not, electroshock is alive and well in the US. Neurologist are performing the procedure again, in a much more informed and controlled approach than the One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest days.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 21, 2010 9:47 AM PST up reply actions
Vick grew up in a culture
that accepted this behavior as normal. People grow up in cultures where it’s perfectly acceptable to believe an imaginary man in the sky is watching their every move. The mind of a child is malleable and can be taught that virtually anything is reasonable. If he was going behind people’s backs, killing animals, then it would be safe to say he was a psychopath. He was just caught up in a really bad network of people and he didn’t have the willpower to tell his childhood friends that what they were doing was wrong. And that’s why he spent time in jail.
by SDreal on Dec 21, 2010 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
THIS
And the fact that none of us know what his level of involvement was in the killing of the dogs. People talk about Vick as if there’s conclusive evidence that he was doing the torture/killing with his own two hands. None of you know this.
Innocent until proven guilty in this country, folks. Review what he was convicted for before you make too many assumptions.
Ummm yeah we do
The Smoking Gun has the indictment (18 pages), and his plea (22 pages). And while admittedly its not testimony in open court, there were like 5 separate confidential informants cited in the indictment. Several were reportedly present when Vick hung to death or drown dogs. It was his house and they had ‘em tethered up to car axles in the back. No way could Vick not know what was going on. Vick financed it, was the front man on several out of state fights. The Bad Newz crew was doing the day to training and care (if you can call it that). Check it out some time.
And yeah innocent until pled guilty, his words not a jury’s words.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 21, 2010 9:09 PM PST up reply actions
The argument at this point seems to be
Brady: The key component to one of the most ridiculously good offenses that we as humans have ever seen. And doing so in such a way that getting to the playoffs was almost never in doubt.
Rivers: The key component to an offense that is barely keeping its team in playoff contention and doing so despite various injuries, holdouts and miscues unrelated to his performance.
It should also be mentioned that Rivers has gotten more help from his defense than Brady has, if you are considering the team performance as a whole.
The National League West title was all but a lock,
Then they lost 10 in a row, ‘twas like a punch in the jock!
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
by Wonko on Dec 21, 2010 12:06 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
^This. It's hard to argue against Brady at this point.
Bolts from the Blue // "It is what it is." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // "Richard is a jewel." - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 21, 2010 9:01 AM PST up reply actions
Anyone like
Polamalu? I know it usually has to be a RB or QB, but the Steelers defense looks pretty ordinary when he is out.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 21, 2010 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
It's tought to guage the value of a defensive player
because even when they generate stats like sacks and interceptions, it’s tough to tell how much that relates to offensive players. Essentially the awards have evolved to where MVP is for offensive players, while DPoY is the MVP for defense.
My name is Guybrush Threepwood, and I'm a mighty pirate.
"How appropriate! You fight like a cow!"
Faceless slider-tossing goofs FTW.
by Zach (maestro876) on Dec 21, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
Doesn't that
cut both ways? Surely Rivers feasted on the Texan secondary.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 21, 2010 12:45 PM PST up reply actions
If he'd played in every game maybe.
And even then I’d still lean toward Brady.
Bolts from the Blue // "It is what it is." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // "Richard is a jewel." - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 21, 2010 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
He only missed one game this season
Interesting that over the last two seasons the Steelers are 5-7 without him, 14-4 when he played. When Brady went down I think the Pats still went 11-5 or so.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 21, 2010 12:42 PM PST up reply actions
Mabye I'm just bitter that he missed the only game where I wanted them to win.
Bolts from the Blue // "It is what it is." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // "Richard is a jewel." - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 21, 2010 3:13 PM PST up reply actions
Tell me
I’ve been trying not think about what a complete and utter disaster last weekend was for our playoff hopes.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 21, 2010 3:34 PM PST up reply actions
I think Troy would have to blow up
Troy has had some much better years statistically, and he didn’t win MVP in those years.
But heck yeah the Steelers are a different team without him. Same thing with Bob Sanders and the Colts.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 21, 2010 1:05 PM PST up reply actions
A Smith
The Steelers d has also been missing their best d-lineman, Aaron Smith. That has a major impact on the success of their linebackers. With Troy and Aaron missing the Steelers d definitely loses something.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Dec 21, 2010 9:32 PM PST up reply actions
Is there
concern about the growing age of the Steeler defense? It seems like injuries are more frequent and the Patriots seemed to wear them out with young receivers.
The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'
by Brian (DaBolts) on Dec 22, 2010 7:36 AM PST up reply actions
I think there are concerns
about the age of the D line. Other than Ziggy Hood, they are getting up there in age.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Dec 23, 2010 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
Vincent Jackson
Obviously he played well but so has the rest of our receivers. We need to get a kick returner on special teams and get Sproles out of there. Someone that will give us some field position. Our passing game isn’t an issue – special teams is the issue.
I hope Kansas City wins out the next 2. Chargers have had their chances for how many years and haven’t capitalized? Maybe it will offer incentive to get rid of Norv, who should have 3 Superbowls by now with this team (him and Marty), and pick up someone like John Gruden to kick this relaxed team into shape. Mabye Kansas City will do something in the post season. God knows the Chargers can’t.
If the bolts don't go
I want the falcons to win
6/10/2010 - Tra Thomas signs with the Chargers
8/21/2010 - Tra Thomas retires.
That was fast.
Unless I missed my guess...
Hasn’t Cason been returning kicks the last couple of games? I know he returned them in the SF game.
And you really shouldn’t mess with the comeback karma. At least they are not phoning it in like many other teams do. You can still see the hunger and the fight left in this old dog. Ditch the negativity and let’s win the last two and hope the Raiders beat KC in week 17…yack…just got a little queasy there actually wanting the Raiders to win…
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, doctor, and I'm happy to state that I've finally won out over it." -- Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart), "Harvey"
Cason returns punts.
Sproles is still returning kickoffs.
And there is nothing that will get Norv fired after this season. He will be back next year to have us start slow again. Then roar back to life and hope to hell that we make the playoffs. Like every year.
by Its Mikey!! on Dec 21, 2010 9:11 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Thaaaaat's right...
Thanks, Mikey. And you’re right – Norv is dug in deeper than an Alabama tick. He won’t be going anywhere. And what’s a Chargers football season without the year-end mad dash, try-not-to-have-a-coronary aspect of it all? :Þ
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, doctor, and I'm happy to state that I've finally won out over it." -- Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart), "Harvey"
I'm not so sure on Norv
Norv is dug in deeper than an Alabama tick. He won’t be going anywhere.
I don’t know who could do better. But all his Charger teams have under performed early in games and early in the season.
If the Chargers do not win the division this year, I think you have to take a step back. The 2010 Chargers were super Chargers on O and D, and yet they could not make the post season. Basically we are the laughing stock of the league, best team – too stupid to get out of our own way. There will be plenty of blame to go around once the season is over. Personally I think Norv should have fired Steve Crosby a very long time ago. It was Norv choice to keep Crosby. Special teams is the biggest part of the 2010 Chargers failures. Spanos could blame Norv for his inaction.
by Trendsearcher on Dec 22, 2010 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
Nice that TO is done for the year
That Chargers secondary just got a big break!
Time to pay VJ
He is doing the right things. He obviously is serious about football. He came back in great shape, and ready to play. He hasn’t taken a single play off, like some thought he might only making 200K this year. He is serious, focused, and worthy of a top flight contract. Now pay the man, he might be the one to get this team over the hump.
And by the way, didn’t Antonio Garay’s hair style go out with “Kid N Play”?
Hey i see El Capitan had 3 TD's, who caught those?
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
AND he's #1.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Dec 21, 2010 7:56 AM PST up reply actions
i know and thank you.
but i was trying to drive home a point. when i was in “panic mode” about Vj not being here at the start of the season. i was told to chill, we got plenty of receivers, it’s PR that makes them great, VJ’s nobody special. i knew time would tell what was closer to the truth. regardless of the situation the Chargers were a far superior team, the last two games VJ has been on the field, then they have been all season. simply “…it is what it is.”
With that said, it took a lot to admit your wrongs John and so can i. No longer wil accuse AJ of siding with his ego, and call for Norv’s firing. that’s right i’m officially off that bandwagon. why? because i was wrong. i give far to much blame to those two when things go wrong, and not enough credit when they go right. Despite what i think about AJ he has continued to bring talent to the Chargers and been the spear head of many winning seasons under his watch. Norv, despite his past HC win percentage, he has managed for three straight season, to get this team to the playoffs in spite of the major coaching changes.
Norv, AJ i’m sorry. great job.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
by gatesoftds on Dec 21, 2010 9:41 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Weddle plays every single defensive and special teams snap
The man should have a stamina rating of 109 in Madden. Cason and Jammer as well. Oliver and Gregory are on rotation. Ron likes using 3 corners and 3 safties sometimes. One of them plays the Rover position as a linebacker, that’s why you see one of the 3 getting tackles around the LOS. He’ll send a pass rush of 2 linemen, 1 OLB, 1 ILB, 1 safety or Nickelback. It’s awesome.
Dielman on Rivers: "I've tried to get him to say s--- or f--- and all he'll ever do is say, 'Golly gee, I can't do that."
by Superduperboltman on Dec 21, 2010 6:48 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
I hope Pagano's taking notes.
Bolts from the Blue // "It is what it is." - A.J. Smith
Bloody Elbow // "Richard is a jewel." - Kid Nate
by Richard Wade on Dec 21, 2010 9:03 AM PST up reply actions
Fox sports reported that the Chargers will franchise VJ
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/page/fox-flash?vid=7d68a96b-b3f8-4357-a5d9-052b99870867&from=foxsports/nfl/home_gallery
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
Love the VJ bicep catch. Must keep him, a man amongst boys.
Brady for Mvp at this point of the season.
In documented witness testimony, Vick threw a dog into the pool that had weights tied around it ’s neck and hooked up the positive and negative terminals on a dogs ears before the switch was thrown. Chargers will win out with Raiders beating KC.
I also took the points and San Fran last week, so what do I know? Obviously nada.
If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, then you will be fired with enthusiasm. Vince Lombardi
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