Chargers Fall to the Packers: Good, Bad, and Ugly
by Steve Adler on Nov 6, 2011 7:40 PM PST
Email
Print
Chargers fall at home to the Packers and are now 4-4 on the season. A blow out turned close game, turned heart breaker is the best way I can describe today's game. After starting the game with an amazing opening drive, that was coined (and rec'd) "BEST START TO A GAME IN THE NORV TURNER ERA!!!!" by Superduperboltman. Rivers started throwing to the guys in Green. Two pick sixes later, the Chargers were in a hole.
The Chargers were able to hang around until the fourth quarter when Aaron Rodgers decided he had enough of the cat and mouse game and put the Packers up 45-24 with 10:27 remaining in the game. At that point Philip Rivers, went all "PHILIP RIVERS" and started taking advantage of the Packers soft defense. The Chargers put up back to back touchdowns and we within seven points of the lead, when they received the ball with less than two minutes to go. After a few pass interference calls against the Packers, Rivers inevitably threw a game ending interception. Chargers lose 45-38
Good
Philip Rivers - The guy was on fire! 26/46 385 yards and four touchdowns. The first drive was fantastic and for a good portion of this game I was reminded why the fan LOVE Rivers
Vincent Jackson - Nice to see Action Jackson is back! 12 targets, seven catches, 141 yards and three touchdowns. All seven of Jackson's catches results in first downs. No Floyd, no problem for the Chargers offense.
Mike Tolbert - Tolbert took full advantage of Mathews being out, piling up 142 total yards (83 rushing, 59 receiving), six first downs, and a touchdown on the day.
Antonio Gates - 11 targets, eight catches, 96 yards, and a touchdown for Gates. He's not the same guy he was before the foot injury, but he is still fantastic. Five of his catches went for first downs and Woodson was called for pass interference twice, which resulted in two more first downs.
Antwan Barnes - Two sacks, seven tackles, and a tackle for loss. Love the speed coming off the edge and his nose for the QB.
Honorable Mentions: Darrell Stuckey and Vincent Brown
Bad
Penalties - Chargers tallied eight penalties for 64 yards. On the flip side, the Packers were penalized five times for only 33 yards. You cannot beat good teams when you shoot yourself in the foot.
Marcus Gilchrist - He led the team in tackles with nine, but that's the only thing that kept him off the ugly list. I saw the back of his jersey all day long.
Steve Gregory - Finley abused him on a jump ball in the end zone and he only had three tackles on the day.
Ugly
Turnover battle - Chargers turned the ball over three times and were not able to force one turnover. I accept that the Chargers are not going to force a lot of turnovers, but if that is the case, they need to stop giving them up.
Philip Rivers - This team wins and loses with Rivers and once again, Rivers lost. Rivers did some good things today, but throwing three interceptions in unacceptable. It was nice to see him pick apart the Packers vanilla defense in the fourth, but he has to stop turning the ball over.
With all the talk about this being his team, Rivers needs to brush things off and do something Tomlinson's teams always did... beat the Raiders.
46 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I'm happy Gilchrist was mentioned
Sorry, thats selfish on my part. I noted he had a lot of tackles but for the most part he was BURNED all day. I’m not gonna throw the towel on him, not by a long shot, but he definitely needs more time too develop.
GOOD: the D for the most part
If the offense could have played with as much determination, they would have probably won.
Against most teams that's true
Today they were playing against a historically good offense which has shredded everyone they have played stretching back almost a full season. Given that, and the injuries on defense, they actually were able to make some stops and give the Chargers a chance to win.
Also, take away the 14 points gifted to the Packers by Rivers, and 31 points would have been enough to win.
If the Chargers could have forced a punt before mid-way through the 4th I would agree
Steve Adler
www.Friarhood.com
www.FantasyDaddy.com
Co-Host of HBR on XTRA Sports 1360
www.xtrasports1360.com
They did
But just like every other week, the refs didn’t like that so they flagged some fake transgression that gave the other team a first down.
i would give a good to the entire defensive line. They put way more pressure on Rodgers than I have seen anyone do this year. It hurt them when they lost contain, but I think you have to take that, because having him beat you with his feet is preferrable to his arm.
Yes, I'm aware of that.
Which the Packers could have kicked a FG on, but that is not what I said.
Steve Adler
www.Friarhood.com
www.FantasyDaddy.com
Co-Host of HBR on XTRA Sports 1360
www.xtrasports1360.com
A 53 yarder in the rain
A punt was just as likely in that situation. Hell, getting the 4th down stop is more impressive, because they had to stop the Packers 4 times in a row instead of just 3.
by CABurrito on Nov 7, 2011 6:23 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Up to the 4th quarter the Packers had only 4 possesions
Resulting in 2 TDs, 1 FG and 1 Turnover on downs.
The first TD resulted from a questionable PI call on Gilchrist, otherwise that’s a FG.
The other TD was a lucky non-overturn by the replay booth. Mike Pierra said that he would have overturned the call, otherwise that’s a FG as well. It was also a perfectly thrown ball, impossible to defend.
The defense played well
Rodgers ran for a number of long first downs after tight coverage shut down the throwing lanes. Rodgers made some great throws on guys who were covered and he put the ball in perfect spots. He’s just playing lights out right now. Take away Rivers’ picks and the Chargers could have won the game. They way we were moving the ball, including the way we were running, each of the picks looked like 14 point swings. Tolbert almost got 100 yards rushing in a game we were playing catch up from the very first quarter. Sure, coulda, woulda, shoulda… but the Chargers can hang with the Packers. Rivers just needs to tighten it up and cut down on the picks. The last pic wasn’t a bad idea. He just didn’t throw it high enough and far enough to hit Jackson. The safety was late getting there and got lucky Rivers under threw it.
Take away Rivers’ picks and the Chargers could have won the game.
You could say that about every single loss this season.
by Ferguson1015 on Nov 7, 2011 12:34 PM PST up reply actions
True.
Now that I think of it our defense did play pretty well. But at the end of the day rodgers went like 21-25??. Though some of those throws rodgers made were unbelievable I cant say the D is good when an opposing qb only throws 4-5 incompletions.
My favorite movie is "The Good, the Bad, and the Bad"
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Nov 6, 2011 8:12 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
You guys kill me.
Steve Adler
www.Friarhood.com
www.FantasyDaddy.com
Co-Host of HBR on XTRA Sports 1360
www.xtrasports1360.com
At least I broke it to you creatively
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Nov 6, 2011 8:21 PM PST up reply actions
I would also add:
Good: defensive pressure, I suppose you cover this with Barnes but really the entire front 7 seemed to do a good job of getting pressure, collapsing the pocket and getting sacks.
Novak: sure he only kicked one FG but it was a 52 yarder in bad rainy and wet conditions. He continues to have a very good season. Also his onside kick was a thing of beauty.
The bad: Goodwin constantly taking the KOR out of the end zone and not making it to the 20.
The ugly: this might seem a bit nit picky but ball security, specifically Crayton and Brown holding the ball away from their bodies during a catch and run. This team already has enough ball security and turn over issues, we don’t need to add WR fumbles to that list.
by SDBear on Nov 6, 2011 10:58 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Garay had a great game as well.
Steve Adler
www.Friarhood.com
www.FantasyDaddy.com
Co-Host of HBR on XTRA Sports 1360
www.xtrasports1360.com
Novak
what are the chances that he has the job next year? slim to none? not saying we give up on Butters (Kaeding) but just wondering if his good season is worth anything to us
I think it's really going to come down to Novak making FGs in the post season.
Steve Adler
www.Friarhood.com
www.FantasyDaddy.com
Co-Host of HBR on XTRA Sports 1360
www.xtrasports1360.com
Post season? What team is he going to be kicking for?
Bolts from the Blue // "Go for the throat, Norval." - Jim Rome
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Nov 7, 2011 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
If Seattle can make the playoffs, so can San Diego.
The Chargers may have gotten beat by the Packers, but the Chiefs and Raiders got beat by the Dolphins and Broncos.
Advantage: Chargers.
i say we keep whoever is cheaper
field goal unit hasn’t really missed a beat and he has made every kick that kaeding could have made.
It would suck though if someone picked up kaeding and he made a game winning fg on us =/
This team is not in 1st place without Rivers
but the division would almost be locked with Rivers of old.
Signs of light, I tell you, signs of light.
Oh internet, what a wicked web you weave.
That's what I'm seeing, too.
The Chiefs and Raiders aren’t good enough to take control of the division if the Chargers can win at least two of the remaining three division games. I always thought the Dolphins were better than their record and the Chiefs worse, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d won that game. But 28-3!
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Nov 7, 2011 5:40 AM PST up reply actions
The Worst: the streak is broken
We knew it would happen one day, but that day was today. He went his first 94 games without throwing more than two picks. Is that a record?
An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Nov 7, 2011 5:37 AM PST reply actions
Why is the ?
It isn’t as if Aaron needed the help but why is the nagging question . After the first drive and subsequent APPARENT stop forcing a FG attempt lo and behold a timely flag on 3rd down gives Rodgers a 1st and goal . The momentum was lost , stolen, whatever and the game soon thereafter lost for all intents and purposes but I still don’t believe it was necessary to give Rodgers a boost . It’s like watching a college game . Let’s see what’s in store vs the raiders
The Raiders are one of the most penalized teams in the league
Hopefully that balances things out a bit.
Penalty stats
Chargers: 55-454 yards
C-Opponents: 52-463 yards
Raiders: 84-730 yards
R-Opponents: 57-498 yards
Advantage Chargers.
I included the Opponent’s penalties as well so that quality of officiating couldn’t be called into question. It looks like the Chargers just about match up with a typical Raiders opponent, while the Raiders are the most penalized team in the league. Looks like both teams are getting approximately the same quality of officiating (arguable, but I haven’t watched any Raiders games) in that the Opponent totals are about even. Take into account too that the Chargers have played “Mistake-Free” teams like the Packers and Patriots. Despite that they only have 3 more penalties and 9 fewer yards. I think the Chargers are just fine in the penalty department so far.
by Ferguson1015 on Nov 7, 2011 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
one bothersome thing about the game
I found the Packer players specifically A.J. Hawk and Jermichael Finley to be obnoxious. I am still baffled at why the refs did not throw a delay of game flag on Hawk when he tossed our lineman’s shoe… that would have given the Chargers a first down early in the game since the very next play Rivers throws a pick 6 on a long 3rd and 4. Also, Finley taunting gesture was just uncalled for. If your the champs then act like them.
Throwing a shoe
probably isn’t a delay of game because regardless of where the shoe ends up (and by the way, it was the Tolbert’s shoe) it will take time to put it back on.
That said, I agree with your observation that some of the Packers are generally obnoxious.
I am pretty sure it is delay of game
I mean then that would have to apply to a helmet as well. I am pretty sure you can’t throw someones helmet across the field if it gets knocked off.
unsportsman like conduct
It should have been called. Just like V J kicking the challenge flag in the playoffs didn’t result in a delay of game but was still called unsportsman like conduct. also, why wasn’t the packers guy flagged for shoving tolbert after his td? not blaming the refs, just getting tired of the inconsistantcy of penalties. They call a nit picky penalty one time but let it pass in another. and it’s usually the favorite team that gets the nit picky calls in their favor.
What if his last remaining supporter gives up on him?
Good
Philip Rivers – The guy was on fire! 26/46 385 yards and four touchdowns. The first drive was fantastic and for a good portion of this game I was reminded why the fan LOVE Rivers
So I guess this means the Phillies making it past the 1st round of the 2010 post season was a fluke.
In this frustrating season, I have just one bit of optimism I'm clinging to
In all four losses, the Chargers should have (or at least could have) won. They haven’t been blown out and have been in every game. Chiefs and Raiders can’t say that, although the Raiders’ one blow out loss came when they didn’t have a legitimate QB option.
So I guess this means the Phillies making it past the 1st round of the 2010 post season was a fluke.
they never have, and still don't
"I promise you, we’re going to build a dictating, dominating, attacking defense. I’ve said it a million times. It’s not a slight on our offense, but we’re not going to win any world championship until we have that." - A.J. Smith
Palmer threw some passes yesterday that I don't believe Campbell could ever hope of completing
He was really threading the needle and his throws had zip. As he gets more familiar with the offense and his receivers, he’s going to be a threat. I hope the Chargers aren’t taking him as lightly as you are.
So I guess this means the Phillies making it past the 1st round of the 2010 post season was a fluke.
Just because you can throw a ball hard does not make you a good quarterback
"I promise you, we’re going to build a dictating, dominating, attacking defense. I’ve said it a million times. It’s not a slight on our offense, but we’re not going to win any world championship until we have that." - A.J. Smith
Rivers Pick Sixes
On both 1st qtr interceptions, Rivers had other wide open receivers. He chose the wrong and maybe predetermined option. Maybe he just does not trust some of the new guys – Crayton, Brown etc.
This was my first NFL game at the Q and I must say it was good to see the bolts put up some fight. If it were not for costly turnovers, the bolts would be where the packs are ..yeah baby..8-0 :-))….dream on
Nice to see Brown come up with some catches and build up that confidence level with PR
[Comment From Jesse Jesse: ]
Do you imagine a scenario where we could, say, sell Hudson to a Japanese team?
by Natrone Means Business on Nov 7, 2011 10:33 AM PST up reply actions
epic comeback failed
on a silly pick.
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."
Bolts from the Blue
by Superduperboltman on Nov 7, 2011 9:59 AM PST reply actions
Bad: Defense
The Chargers got to Rodgers 4 times and forced some critical 3rd and longs. However, they failed to capitalize on it as the Packers converted. still need to get off the field in those situations.
the only reason they’re not ugly, they sacked Aron Rodgers 4 times. that is something to be positive about.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bolts From The Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
BFTB Apparel Store
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Roger Goodell wants Wi-Fi in every stadium
- Plaxico Burress wants to workout for the Dolphins; Dolphins don’t want Plaxico Burress
- NFLPA files collusion claim against NFL, claiming salary cap arrangement in uncapped year
- Donald Driver compared winning ‘Dancing With The Stars’ to winning Super Bowl
- Report: Most NFL players would have no problem with an openly gay teammate
