Bolts From The Blue: All Posts by Patrick GreenAn Unofficial Los Angeles Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47753/btfb-fv.png2016-01-19T12:17:19-08:00https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/authors/patrick-green/rss2016-01-19T12:17:19-08:002016-01-19T12:17:19-08:00Chargers filed to trademark the LA Chargers
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Last week the Chargers filed two trademark applications for the Los Angeles Chargers. Does it mean it's all over for San Diego and Spanos is set on joining Kroenke in Los Angeles?</p> <p>While the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> are purportedly still considering whether to move to Los Angeles or remain in San Diego, we've all been desperately trying to read the tealeaves. One seemingly bad tea leaf for San Diego's chances arose this morning when it came to light that <a href="http://www.tantalizingtrademarks.com/2016/01/chargers-football-company-files.html" target="_blank">the Chargers filed two trademark applications</a> for "LA CHARGERS" and "LOS ANGELES CHARGERS."</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chargers Football Company Files <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trademark?src=hash">#Trademark</a> Apps For LA CHARGERS <a href="https://t.co/oo4FtvGFgu">https://t.co/oo4FtvGFgu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nfl?src=hash">#nfl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenHeitner">@DarrenHeitner</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Pj1NYDc20">pic.twitter.com/4Pj1NYDc20</a></p>
— TantalizingTMs (@TantalizingTMs) <a href="https://twitter.com/TantalizingTMs/status/689453918913323008">January 19, 2016</a>
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<p>The applications were filed on January 14<sup>th</sup>, just two days after the Chargers received approval from the NFL owners in Houston to join Kroenke in LA. So, this surely means they're as good as gone and packing up Chargers Park as we speak, right?</p>
<p>No, not necessarily.</p>
<p>The Chargers filed intent-to-use applications instead of actual-use applications for the two marks. Such an approach is advantageous because it backdates the Chargers' federal trademark protection in the potential new name to before the team actually uses it. Ownership in the marks would otherwise attach on the date of their first use. So, assuming the intent-to-use applications are approved, the filing dates (January 14<sup>th</sup>) serve as the Chargers' date of first use of the marks, offering them protection against someone that might come along now and start slapping "LA CHARGERS" and "LOS ANGELES CHARGERS" on t-shirts and coffee mugs.</p>
<p>The Chargers have six months after approval to actually use the marks in the marketplace before the applications would be considered abandoned and they would lose the backdate advantage. This timeframe can be extended multiple times in six-month increments and approval of the applications can take up to three months. So, these applications could also end up serving the Chargers in the event that Spanos decides to give San Diego one more chance.</p>
<p>All in all, it's no surprise that the Chargers filed shortly after being approved for relocation, as it locks in that date in the event of a future move, whether in 2016 or 2017.</p>
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<p>So, keep the lighter fluid and open flames away from your Chargers gear for the time being, San Diego.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2016/1/19/10792042/chargers-filed-applications-trademark-los-angeles-chargersPatrick Green2014-10-12T12:30:02-07:002014-10-12T12:30:02-07:00What to Watch Out for: Chargers vs. Raiders
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<p>With the Raiders looking to run the ball early and often today, you should get to know the guy whom their running game revolves around.</p> <p>There's little else that gives <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> fans more glee than the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> being an absolute mess, and, man, Chargers fans have had a lot to be gleeful over for quite awhile now. Since the beginning of the 2003 season, the Raiders have won less than six games in a season NINE TIMES. And more importantly, the Chargers record against them over that span has been a dominating 17-5.</p>
<p>But before you get too far ahead of yourself and start preemptively sending those smug, profanity-riddled texts to all the Raiders fans you know, there's a caveat to this trend of domination that you should keep in mind: post-<span>LaDainian Tomlinson</span>, the Chargers are only playing .500 ball against their arch-nemesis (though the Chargers have won the last four out of five). What was barely a contest for seven years has evolved back into a slugfest.</p>
<p>Now, all that being said, the Chargers are by far the better team here and they should win going away, but don't be surprised if the Raiders keep this one close for awhile with interim head coach Tony Sparano, well, running the show now.</p>
<p>During Sparano's four seasons as head coach in Miami, the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dolphins</a> were never lower than 11<sup>th</sup> in the NFL in rushes and never averaged less than 27 rushes per game. Right now, the Raiders are only averaging about 18 rushes per game. So you can bet changing that is priority number one for Sparano going into this game.</p>
<p>"So, how do the Raiders like to run the ball?" you might ask. Well, their running game seems to center around one guy. No, it's not Maurice Jones-Drew. No, it's not <span>Darren McFadden</span>, either.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, it's rookie left guard Gabe Jackson. The scouting report on Jackson is in part that he's an extremely good athlete for his size, which allows him to move well out in space against linebackers and defensive backs. The Raiders have certainly tried to take advantage of this on what seems like nearly every running play, as Jackson's almost always pulling or releasing into the second level to clear the way.</p>
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<p>On this play, the action of the fullback coming across the formation gets the middle and outside linebacker flowing and crashing down to their left as they anticipate the run to that side, setting them up to be caught in the wash and screened out of making a play later on. The double team on the defensive tackle, for example, ends up killing two Dolphins by also taking care of the middle linebacker.</p>
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<p>Now, this is where Jackson comes in. The center will seal his guy to the inside, happily allowing the defensive tackle upfield while the running back cuts it up inside of them. Jackson, on the other hand, will just release into the second level to clean up the only linebacker left with a chance to make a play, leaving the running back one-on-one with the safety.</p>
<p>Although that's a pretty neat play design, that's not the way the Raiders have preferred to use Jackson so far this season. Their favorite way BY FAR is by pulling him - and I guarantee you'll see it more than a few times today.</p>
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<p>One this play, the Raiders are going to get two double teams on the play side, one on the nose tackle and the other on the defensive end. The running back and tight end (playing fullback) take a hard step or two to their left initially in the hopes of getting the linebackers caught up in the wash before going the opposite way. Our man Jackson will pull to kick out the outside linebacker while the tight end provides the lead block for the running back.</p>
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<p>Here, the running back cuts off the tight end to the inside instead of the outside, possibly costing himself a bigger gain (assuming, of course, that the tight end would've been able to seal that cornerback to the inside). Nevertheless, another play designed to take advantage of Jackson's athletic ability.</p>
<p>I wouldn't expect this tendency to just go away with Sparano now in charge. So if you're a Chargers defender today, just run to where Jackson's running and you'll most likely have the ball carrier in your sights. But then again, you also may then be in Jackson's sights. Yikes.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/10/12/6965431/what-to-watch-out-for-chargers-raidersPatrick Green2014-09-28T12:56:38-07:002014-09-28T12:56:38-07:00What to Watch Out for Today: Jaguars vs. Chargers
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<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With Blake Bortles getting his first NFL start, the Jaguars are going to need to do some things to help him out, otherwise this one could get ugly.</p> <p>Remember how we highlighted the experience disparity between quarterbacks last week. Well, it's even larger today with the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> finally deciding to stop pretending they were actually going to roll with <span>Chad Henne</span> all year.</p>
<p>It's a doozy of a beginning for <span>Blake Bortles</span>, the former University of Central Florida star. Not only will he be in enemy territory far away from home against a defense that turned EJ Manuel into a raging dumpster fire last week, he'll be trying to keep up with <span>Philip Rivers</span> and company. Seriously, g'luck, rook.</p>
<p>Bortles is a strong-armed, athletic guy. He can heave it deep or throw it into a tight window while evading a couple rushers on one play, and then keep it on read-option the next. He's an intriguing and promising talent, but he's still raw. And with a shaky offensive line, young receivers and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> defense smelling fresh meat, the Jaguars better be careful, especially early on, or things could snowball rather quickly for the rookie.</p>
<p>That's why I expect the Jaguars to get Bortles some easy completions early on to ease him in and settle down his nerves. Here's one such play:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5073660/Screen_Shot_2014-09-28_at_10.28.37_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/5073660/Screen_Shot_2014-09-28_at_10.28.37_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2014-09-28_at_10.28.37_am_medium"></a> <br id="1411925394264"></p>
<p>This is just a simple bubble screen against soft coverage. This one was to Cecil Shorts, but I've seen them also run it with Marqise Lee. In either case, it gets an athlete out in space one-on-one with a defender, but more importantly, it's an easy throw, one that can help Bortles get into a rhythm early on.</p>
<p>It'll also help him avoid obvious passing situations, where the Chargers defense will most certainly be pinning their ears back and trying to tee off on him. Another way the Jaguars can accomplish this is by leaning on their running game.</p>
<p>With Toby Gerhart in the backfield, Jacksonville is looking to run downhill and wear defenses down for their passing game. Here's a little wrinkle to throw at defenses when they start keying on Gerhart:</p>
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<p>Here, Gerhart is in as the fullback while <span>Denard Robinson</span> lines up at tailback. The fake to Gerhart gets the entire front seven, but more importantly the unblocked defender, going the wrong direction, giving Robinson all the room he needs to take the pitch and outrun the defender to the corner. This play only ended up going for seven yards, but if the blocking held up on the outside, it could've gone for much more.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, like the bubble screen, it does the job of keeping the offense on schedule and helping Bortles stay out of obvious passing situations. In addition to these plays, you'll also probably see plenty of rollouts (which will also help to get Bortles easier throws) and a little read-option mixed in to take advantage of his athleticism.</p>
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<p>These are ways the Jaguars can make it easier on Bortles, but no matter what they do, he's inevitably going to make mistakes and give the Chargers defense some opportunities for turnovers today. If they happen early and the Chargers convert, this one could be very, very ugly.</p>
<p>Welcome to the NFL, rookie.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/9/28/6857553/what-to-watch-out-for-today-jaguars-chargersPatrick Green2014-09-21T08:19:33-07:002014-09-21T08:19:33-07:00What to Watch Out for Today: Chargers vs Bills
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>EJ Manuel and the Bills' passing game may not be of any concern to you at first glance, but you should look again.</p> <p>As the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> today, they'll be putting their veteran, Pro Bowl quarterback in <span>Philip Rivers</span> against the Bills' inexperienced, unproven quarterback in EJ Manuel. In fact, the disparity between the two appears even larger when you consider that Rivers has thrown just shy of 4,200 passes in the NFL while Manuel has only thrown 354. That's a difference of 3,846. THREE-THOUSAND-EIGHT-HUNDRED-FORTY-SIX!</p>
<p>It's safe to say that Rivers has forgotten more about NFL defenses than Manuel has even seen up to this point. This lack of experience may be why the Bills haven't been willing to put much on Manuel's shoulders as of yet. Through the first two games of this season, he has only thrown 48 passes, which have been mostly of the shorter variety.</p>
<p>Which may lead you to say that EJ Manuel and the Bills' passing game isn't anything to worry about, except you'd be wrong.</p>
<p>Whether it's through the use of the bubble screen off the read-option or a running back or receiver slipping into the flat off of play-action, the Bills do a wonderful job of using misdirection to get Manuel easy throws to their playmakers in space.</p>
<p>Here is just one example of what I'm talking about:</p>
<p><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-09-21_at_7.31.21_am_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/5042790/Screen_Shot_2014-09-21_at_7.31.21_AM.png"> <br id="1411309979753"></p>
<p>The Bills ran this play twice against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>, one time for a first down, the other for just shy of a first down. It's a pretty effective little wrinkle and it's not hard to see why. Both times it was ran on first down with the fake going to the wide side of the field, which is key.</p>
<p>On first down the defense is anticipating the run, which sets up the potential for them to bite hard on any play-action. Also, if you're going to use the wide zone run play as part of the fake, it's a little more believable if it's toward the wide side of the field.</p>
<p>Here, <span>Robert Woods</span> motions tight to the line, settling a little just prior to the snap, as if he's going to help seal a linebacker to the inside on the wide zone. Instead, he's going to work laterally down the line at the snap and shoot out into the flat on the opposite side.</p>
<p>The offensive line is going work laterally the other way, blocking as they would for the wide zone by either sealing their defenders to the inside or pushing them as far as they can toward the sideline. Which is all mostly irrelevant, because this is, of course, a fake, so the blocking scheme doesn't really matter here. The only important takeaway is that the offensive line (and the fullback and running back) are all going to be moving left, which is the action that gets the linebackers moving that direction, away from where the ball is destined to end up.</p>
<p><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-09-21_at_7.33.50_am_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/5042798/Screen_Shot_2014-09-21_at_7.33.50_AM.png"> <br id="1411310075907"></p>
<p>The tight end is initially going to block as he would for the wide zone before peeling back and trying to seal a linebacker to the inside for Woods. His initial action helps to sell the fake. If he peels off too early, the linebackers may diagnose the play a little sooner and not be as many steps out of position as they would be otherwise, thus giving them a better chance to cut Woods off before he can gather a head of steam.</p>
<p>Watkins is going to run a clear-out route to - as the name of the route suggests - clear space in behind him for Woods. That route (and this play in general) is so effective here because the defense is in Cover 3. The corner has no choice but to go with Watkins deep.</p>
<p>In Cover 3, it's the linebacker's job on that side to get wide and defend the curl first and then the flat. In a perfect world, that linebacker would diagnose the play quickly enough to do just this and stop it in its tracks, but (fortunately so for the Bills) we live in an imperfect world. The linebacker along with his cohorts read run at the snap and flow with the offensive line to the wide side of the field. By the time they catch on, the damage is already done and Woods has a nice head start in the foot race towards the first down marker.</p>
<p><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-09-21_at_7.34.51_am_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/5042806/Screen_Shot_2014-09-21_at_7.34.51_AM.png"> <br id="1411310147146"></p>
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<p>This is just one example of the misdirection plays the Bills like to use to beef up their lean passing game, and the Chargers linebackers better be on high alert for them today. They'll have to diagnose as quickly as possible and then swarm to the football. With the athletes the Bills have, one or two steps out of position could mean the difference between a touchdown and a short gain.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/9/21/6754125/play-to-watch-out-for-chargers-billsPatrick Green2014-01-04T09:00:05-08:002014-01-04T09:00:05-08:00Playbook: Rivers connects with Gates for 60th TD
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<p>As usual with the Chargers, Sunday was chock-full of highs and lows, but there has always been one constant in San Diego over the last eight years: Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates are really, really good together.</p> <p><i><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> Playbook is a weekly series that features one of the best plays from the previous week's Chargers game. The hope is that it will not only serve to allow its readers to relive and relish in a glorious Chargers victory, but also, and maybe more importantly, be a tiny morsel of positivity in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.</i></p>
<p>I'm pretty sure that game on Sunday was the best Chargers game I've ever watched and also the worst. They put us through the usual roller coaster, but this particular time it felt like they took us from the peak of Mount Everest to the floor of Death Valley, and vice versa, all in the matter of seconds.</p>
<p>It all started with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> winning, thus allowing San Diego to control their own destiny. The roller coaster continued when the Chargers trailed 21-14 at halftime to a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> squad who was resting its starters. Things heated up when the Chargers mounted their comeback in the second half to tie the game only to watch Chase Daniels drive the Chiefs downfield for the winning field goal. Just when all hope faded for Chargers fans the world over, Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop missed said field goal at the end of regulation. And that wasn't even the end of it.</p>
<p>It was a wild, wild ride. Even so, the steady, constant tandem of <span>Philip Rivers</span> and <span>Antonio Gates</span> was once again on full display.</p>
<h3>The 60th Touchdown</h3>
<p>Daniels connected with <span>Dexter McCluster</span> on a swing pass for a 2-yard touchdown late in first quarter to restore the Chiefs' touchdown lead over the Chargers. Philip Rivers and company responded by driving 76 yards, down to the Kansas City four-yard line, largely on the back of completions to <span>Keenan Allen</span> and <span>Eddie Royal</span> of 24 and 30 yards, respectively. Faced with a crucial third-and-goal, Rivers turned to his ol' reliable buddy one more time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-01-03_at_10" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3803039/Screen_Shot_2014-01-03_at_10.26.07_AM.png"></p>
<p>One of the best things Ken Whisenhunt and Mike McCoy have done this season is allowed Rivers basically unlimited freedom at the line of scrimmage. In the past under Norv Turner, Rivers could do some stuff at the line, like, say, changing Malcom Floyd's route into a go based on the way the coverage played him, but it wasn't anything like the freedom Rivers enjoys now. He didn't have the ability to put the Chargers into an entirely different play based on what the defense showed him. Now he does, and the payoff has been huge.</p>
<p>Rivers has always been pretty good against the blitz. But this year, with the license to change the play on a whim, he's been unbelievable. According to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boltsfromtheblue.com%2F2014%2F1%2F4%2F5269924%2Fsan-diego-chargers-playbook-philip-rivers-antonio-gates-60th-TD" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus</a><i>, </i>when Rivers was blitzed in 2012, he was good for an 88.2 Passer Rating, which isn't too shabby. However, when he was blitzed in 2013, he was good for a 106.9 Passer Rating. With numbers like those, defensive coordinators should start adopting a strategy against Rivers that has often been used against Peyton Manning: don't show him any clues until it's too late for him to change the play.</p>
<p>Here, however, the Chiefs decide to throw caution to the wind by coming out of the huddle in a pressure look, with six guys on the line of scrimmage. They're most likely coming and Rivers knows it, so he changes the play by putting <span>Danny Woodhead</span> in the backfield and pulling <span>Ladarius Green</span> back tight to the line to stay in to block. As this is happening, Rivers also makes sure everyone has the protection by establishing that the "Mike" is the linebacker sitting in the A-gap, (who will be Woodhead's responsibility).</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-01-03_at_10" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3803145/Screen_Shot_2014-01-03_at_10.58.47_AM.png"></p>
<p>With Woodhead moving into the backfield to block, the safety that was covering him on the outside is now going to come on the blitz, turning it into a 6-man pressure. That's the guy that'll come screaming around the outside unaccounted for, but it'll be all to no avail. With the defense clearly in man coverage, Rivers knew right when he changed the play that he was going to throw the fade to Gates, so there was no chance any Chiefs defender was going to get there in time.</p>
<p>Although Gates did a wonderful job on that poor cornerback, Rivers made this play by using his intelligence and savvy. He'll have to manipulate the Bengals' stout red zone defense in similar ways and put pressure on <span>Andy Dalton</span> to come from behind if the Chargers have any hope of riding into divisional round of the playoffs still alive.</p>
<p>Hopefully this time it'll be less of a roller coaster ride.</p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/1/4/5269924/san-diego-chargers-playbook-philip-rivers-antonio-gates-60th-TDPatrick Green2013-11-29T13:15:06-08:002013-11-29T13:15:06-08:00Playbook: Ladarius Green's first career touchdown
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<figcaption>Peter Aiken</figcaption>
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<p>Ladarius Green showcased why so many are excited about him being the heir apparent to Antonio Gates on his 60-yard touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.</p> <p><i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> Playbook is a weekly series that features one of the best plays from the previous week's Chargers game. The hope is that it will not only serve to allow its readers to relive and relish in a glorious Chargers victory, but also, and maybe more importantly, be a tiny morsel of positivity in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.</i></p>
<p>It finally happened.</p>
<p>A contingent of Chargers fans haven't been shy about calling for <span>Ladarius Green</span> to be a much bigger part of the Chargers offense in 2013. With a healthy 20-plus yards per reception average coming into the game on Sunday, the argument was already a pretty strong one. It also didn't take a rocket scientist to know that Green's ability to stretch the field was going to get him into the end zone, most likely in explosive fashion, sooner rather than later. An event that would only cause the pro-Green supporters to grow more fervent and maybe force the coaching staff to finally listen.</p>
<h3>Force Their Hand</h3>
<p>San Diego was down 27-31 with nine minutes left in fourth quarter after the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> converted a 25-yard field goal. Without a defense that can be relied upon to get the ball back in crunch time, the offense needed to find a way to turn the drive into a touchdown. After a short run by <span>Ronnie Brown</span> and a 7-yard catch by <span>Antonio Gates</span>, the Chargers were faced with a crucial 3rd-and-2 in their own territory.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3650681/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_5.48.32_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3650681/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_5.48.32_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-29_at_5"></a></p>
<p>Given the down and distance and the design, I'm pretty sure Gates was the first option on this play. The switch release, with Green crossing in front of him immediately after the snap, is one way to keep defenders from jamming a receiver at the line, a strategy the Chiefs have deployed in recent years to take Gates away. Although it was effective in allowing him a free release off the line, it wasn't enough because the Chiefs deployed yet another anti-Gates strategy: bracket coverage.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3650793/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_5.48.54_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3650793/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_5.48.54_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-29_at_5"></a></p>
<p>Bracket coverage is basically just a double team. One defender plays the outside while the other plays the inside, creating a situation where the defense no longer has to wonder whether it's an in- or out-breaking route. They're ready and in perfect position for both. It's an effective strategy to hold a very good tight end or slot receiver in check, but it has a weakness. It's not difficult to figure out - just do the math! With a four-man rush, the bracket on Gates and a safety over the top, the Chiefs have no choice but to play man coverage everywhere else, putting the secondary under enormous stress and increasing the likelihood of the offense breaking off a big play.</p>
<p>Here, Green gets a step on <span>Brandon Flowers</span> out of his break and heads to the open space, where Rivers hits him in stride right in front of safety Quintin Demps. Both <span>Sean Smith</span> and Demps underestimate his speed and take horrible angles, allowing Green all the crease he needed to outrun them to the end zone. That's a tight end outrunning three defensive backs, by the way. Speed is nice, folks.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3651065/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_9.51.30_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3651065/Screen_Shot_2013-11-29_at_9.51.30_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-11-29_at_9"></a></p>
<p>Green is only just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He'll surely be an impact player in the future, but that future should start <i>right now</i>. There's no reason to let him marinate any longer. He's a mismatch with game-changing ability, a weapon that should be on the field for way more than 20-percent of his team's offensive snaps.</p>
<p>Hopefully that's the next thing we finally see happen in San Diego.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/29/5156816/playbook-ladarius-green-first-touchdownPatrick Green2013-11-16T13:30:05-08:002013-11-16T13:30:05-08:00Playbook: Mathews, geometry and stiff arms, oh my!
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uHKollnIP12-ROCMFqsvq9ALoBA=/0x199:3329x2418/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23300759/20131110_pjc_ah2_449.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA</figcaption>
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<p>While all the focus is elsewhere, Ryan Mathews is quietly having the best season of his career, and this past Sunday only reinforced that opinion.</p> <p><i><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> Playbook is a weekly series that features one of the best plays from the previous week's Chargers game. The hope is that it will not only serve to allow its readers to relive and relish in a glorious Chargers victory, but also, and maybe more importantly, be a tiny morsel of positivity in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.</i></p>
<p>As the focus this week is on whether Mike McCoy will ever be the coach we all hoped for, one thing is flying under the radar: Despite the fact that the stats say otherwise, <span>Ryan Mathews</span> is arguably having his best season as a pro. Don't look now, but he may be finally putting it all together.</p>
<p>As they say, better late than never, right?</p>
<h3>Play the angles</h3>
<p><span>Eric Weddle</span> was able to keep the opening drive for the Chargers alive by fighting for some tough yards on a fake punt. With a fresh set of downs, <span>Philip Rivers</span> wasted no time in connecting with <span>Keenan Allen</span> for 18 yards on the very next play, and then Mathews decided it was time to take off to the races.</p>
<h4>The Design</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3579583/RM_1Q_Run.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Rm_1q_run_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3579583/RM_1Q_Run_medium.png"></a> <br id="1384576309379"></p>
<p>King Dunlap cuts the defensive end to seal off the backside pursuit. They're not concerned about the outside linebacker on that side (which just so happens to be <span>Shaun Phillips</span>), because he's likely be caught up in the "wash" along the line of scrimmage anyway (which, you'll notice in a minute, happened here). Nick Hardwick tries to seal the nose tackle to the inside while Jeromey Clary pushes the play-side defensive end to the sideline. This is the hole that Mathews presses initially. Although Clary does a good job on his guy, Hardwick isn't able to seal the nose, and as a result, the hole just isn't there. However, Mathews wastes no time in bouncing the play to the outside for a big gain.</p>
<p>As an aside, I'm a fan of any play that ends up with Fluker running full speed down the field. On this play, he drives his guy for almost 20 yards. Can we please have more of that?</p>
<h4>GIF-ified</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3579615/RM24-01.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Rm24-01_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3579615/RM24-01_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Let's just ignore the clear-as-day holding penalty on <span>John Phillips</span>, okay? I'll just say that it's not easy to block <span>Von Miller</span>, regardless of who you are. What happens after Mathews is clear of the line of scrimmage is the important part of this play. First and foremost, he makes a guy miss at the second level(!), something that clearly doesn't come naturally to him. He does a great job here, though, of playing the angles and making the DB pay for taking a bad one against him. You don't have to break ankles like LeSean McCoy to win in the open field. Angles. Play the angles.</p>
<p>Oh, and then to top it all off, he recognizes all the open field to his left and cuts the run back for an extra 20 yards. Not too shabby for a guy that was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/Dec/03/norv-turner-clarifies-ryan-mathews-comments/">criticized by his head coach less than a year ago for his poor vision and decision making</a>.</p>
<h3>How does my stiff arm taste?</h3>
<p>After being toasted on a Julius Thomas catch and run early in the game, the Chargers defense recovered and only allowed one first down over the course of the next two series. After a three-and-out punt by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>, the Chargers put the ball in the hands of their talented running back again - and this time there wasn't a holding penalty to bail the Broncos out.</p>
<h4>The Design</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3580201/RM_2Q_Run.png"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3580201/RM_2Q_Run_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Rm_2q_run_medium"></a></p>
<p>This is a designed cutback, boys and girls. The initial action is going to make things pretty easy from a blocking perspective by getting the defenders flowing away from what actually is the play-side. All the offensive line has to do is take them where they want to go. Now, there's also some pretty important zone blocking things going on here, but for our purposes just note that Hardwick and Dunlap are going to help their teammate next to them before sliding off to seal off the linebackers. The key to this play, however, is Antonio Gates. He had to win by sealing his guy to the outside, otherwise Mathews likely wouldn't have gotten very far at all.</p>
<h4><span>GIF-ified</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3580209/RM24-02.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3580209/RM24-02_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Rm24-02_medium"></a></p>
<p>You'd probably be able to tell Mathews grew up idolizing LT even if he never told you so. Oh, why you ask? Because of that stiff arm. He'll never be any where close to the runner LaDainian Tomlinson was, but that stiff arm isn't far off. And the best part is that he even made sure to dish out a little bonus punishment on his way out of bounds. I can pretty much guarantee that despite the fact that he often can't make someone miss to save his life, no DB is happy to be the one faced with getting Mathews to the ground.</p>
<p>Okay, I know what you're probably saying at this point.</p>
<p>Sure, the fumbles and injuries have been huge issues before, but they aren't right now. Maybe you're right that they'll come back, but maybe they won't. Either way, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy watching a kid play the best football of his career, instead of always waiting for his next failure.</p>
<p>I suggest you do the same.</p>
<p><br></p>
<h4>More from Bolts From The Blue:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/15/5107550/chargers-teammates-of-the-week-ryan-mathews-and-danny-woodhead?utm_source=boltsfromtheblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chargers Teammates of the Week: Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/16/5110098/san-diego-chargers-daily-links-november-16-2013?utm_source=boltsfromtheblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">San Diego Chargers Daily Links: November 16, 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/15/5108896/king-dunlap-injury-chargers-rookie-d-j-fluker-start-left-tackle-dolphins?utm_source=boltsfromtheblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">King Dunlap Injury: Chargers rookie D.J. Fluker to start at Left Tackle against Dolphins</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/14/5105888/2013-nfl-power-rankings-consensus-week-11-nfc-dominates-yet-again?utm_source=boltsfromtheblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">2013 NFL Power Rankings Consensus, Week 11: NFC Dominates Yet Again</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/13/5101452/film-study-san-diego-chargers-danny-woodheads-td-catch-against-denver-broncos?utm_source=boltsfromtheblue&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Film Study: Danny Woodhead's TD catch against the Denver Broncos</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/16/5103218/san-diego-chargers-ryan-mathews-long-runs-against-denver-broncosPatrick Green2013-10-24T12:00:05-07:002013-10-24T12:00:05-07:00Roundtable: Should Mathews be replaced next year?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kc1AZ6id8qa9eqPdfUgAI9EKyCM=/0x205:2890x2132/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21683921/20121216_gav_ah2_333.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bolts from the Blue staff discuss whether the Chargers should be looking a new starting running back come next season.</p> <p>Hello, folks. Hit us with your thoughts on <span>Ryan Mathews</span>' performance as of late and discuss whether or not the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> should be looking for a starting running back come next April. I know this is a particularly juicy one for some of you - well, one of you - but do try to keep the length within reason.</p>
<p><b>David Marver <a href="https://twitter.com/ChangeThePadres" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @ChangeThePadres</a></b></p>
<p>Mathews has no vision at the second level, hence no long distance runs. He can't pass block and isn't particularly skilled catching the football, hence his incredibly predictable usage (as John pointed out earlier this week).</p>
<p>But do we need another RB? No. Mathews is useful as a power back, while Danny Woodhead is awesome in nearly everything Mathews isn't. While it'd be nice to have an every-down back, that's neither a wise use of resources (as early round RB selections are of poor value) nor an area of need (unlike defensive back, offensive line, pass rush, etc.).</p>
<p>If the Chargers want to add a late-round RB next year, I won't complain. Just don't (a) count on Mathews to be more than he is or (b) use an early pick on a RB when we have much bigger needs.</p>
<p><b><i>Well said, Mr. Marver. It's certainly not very smart to invest early round picks on running backs in today's NFL. Let's move on.</i></b></p>
<h5><b>John Gennaro <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/BFTB_Chargers">Follow @BFTB_Chargers</a></b></h5>
<p>My thoughts are pretty similar to Marver's here. Using a high draft pick on a RB when it's one of maybe four positions on the entire roster where the team isn't on the verge of catastrophe would be nuts.</p>
<p>I would love to talk to Tom Telesco and get his opinion on running backs (which are, for the most part, a dime a dozen), since he was a part of the brain trust in Indianapolis that drafted both <span>Joseph Addai</span> and <span>Donald Brown</span> in the first round. I'd be curious to know how valuable he thinks starting running backs are and if his opinion has changed over the years.</p>
<p>However, this topic is most irrelevant. Ryan Mathews is signed through 2014, and isn't very expensive in the last year of his rookie deal. Releasing him before the 2014 season begins would save the team about $1.4 million in cap space, which they would need to use to replace him. All he has to do this season is not be a complete trainwreck and he'll be back in this same position, the "starting" running/power back that splits carries with Danny Woodhead, next year with the Chargers. So far this year, Mathews has been good enough.</p>
<p><b><i>Very good point there re: the potential cap savings. In the spirit of economy then - next!</i></b></p>
<p><b>Superduperboltman <a href="https://twitter.com/poyzinous" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @poyzinous</a></b></p>
<p>I'm happy with his last two games. With the exception of the fumble, I think he did well against Philly as well. I've just been wondering his value to the team as well as everyone else. The first 5 games of 2011 he was phenomenal. Since then, not so much. It looks like the team, with it's new direction and all, is just using him less when they need to rely on <span>Danny Woodhead's</span> traits: the receiving threat and pass blocking. I haven't seen much of Ryan as a blocker, and he's rated positively in PFF for what little he's done in that aspect, as well as a receiver. It may just be Woodhead's the more reliable and established one.</p>
<p>In any case, he has another year on his contract, as does Woodhead, and <span>Ronnie Brown</span>. With that being said, for security, I think if a top-5 RB is available in the fourth or fifth rounds come the draft, than they should be selected. There are other more serious needs on the team, so using a higher pick on a RB is ignorant. Even if both Mathews and Woodhead are retained, you still need a third RB for injuries and special teams reasons. I doubt the team wants Ronnie Brown for another year, so whatever scenario plays out, I feel the team will select a RB at some point in the draft.</p>
<p><b><i>Thank you, SDB. Good thoughts. What say you, Kyle?</i></b></p>
<h5>Kyle Posey <a href="https://twitter.com/The_KP_Show" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @The_KP_Show</a>
</h5>
<p>It's no coincidence that Mathews has had two of his best games the last two weeks when he's had the most carries of the season. He's a power back, they get better as the game goes on. He's running just as hard but the defense tires as the game goes on, so he's getting more yards after contact. I enjoy watching Mathews, but man, when you're in the hole 1-on-1 with a defender, do SOMETHING besides run into him. Anything.</p>
<p>While I disagree with the reason, I think this could be the last season for a couple of the fan favorite Chargers, that includes <span>Donald Butler</span>, and Mathews. As well as he's ran, the lack of trust on the goal line is very telling for me. I think, unless he goes on a seven-game streak of 100-yard games, the team moves on from Mathews and looks to draft a running back.</p>
<p>I do disagree and believe it's a myth that "drafting a running back early has no value." Go down the list of the top backs in the league, the majority are drafted in the 1st 3 rounds, with extreme outliers like <span>Arian Foster</span> and <span>Alfred Morris</span>.</p>
<p>That said, in a deep draft for running backs, the Chargers should be able to get someone relatively similar to Mathews skill set in the middle rounds. I'll just throw the name Isaiah Crowell out there. And yes, Mathews will sign somewhere else and become a 1500-yard rusher.</p>
<p><b><i>And I'm sure that team will be with one that'll make it as painful as possible for Chargers fans. Sigh. Okay, Nick, I can almost hear you chomping at the bit over there. Have at it, kid.</i></b></p>
<h5><b>Nick Shepherd <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/NickNRickShep">Follow @NickNRickShep</a></b></h5>
<p>Friends, Charger fans, countrymen<br>I come not to bury Ryan, but to praise him.<br>While the evil that horrible vision and instincts do lives after them;<br>The good is oft interred with their bones;<br>So let it be with Ryan. The noble Marver<br>Hath told you Ryan is above average:<br>If it were so, it was a grievous fault,<br>And grievously hath Ryan answer'd it.<br>Here, under leave of palm trees and the rest--<br>For Gennaro is an honourable man;<br>So are they all, all honourable men--<br>Come I to speak in Ryan's funeral.<br>He was my frenemy, faithful and predictable to me:<br>But Marver says he was above average;<br>And Marver is an honourable man.<br>He hath ran many times in yonder pile, been captive many times in the open field to defenders<br>Whose tackles brought that ransoms did the general coffers fill:<br>Did this in Ryan seem above average?<br>When that the redhead have cried, BFTB staff hath wept:<br>Above average should be made of sterner stuff:<br>Yet Patrick says he was above average;<br>And Patrick is an honourable man.<br>You all did see that against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a><br>He thrice fell over for no reason,<br>Which he does every game: was this above average?<br>Yet Gabriel says he was above avaege;<br>And, sure, he is an honourable man.<br>I speak not to disprove what BFTB staff hath spoke,<br>But here I am to speak what I do know.<br>We all did love him once, not without cause:<br>His muscles on muscles inspire glorious thoughts of touchdowns<br>Yet his mind traps him to 4 yard gains<br>What cause withholds you then, to cheer for him?<br>O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,<br>And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;<br>My heart is in the coffin there with Ryan,<br>And I must pause till it come back to me.</p>
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<p>But yesterday the word of Ryan might<br>Have stood against the world; now lies he there.<br>And none so poor to do him reverence.<br>O masters, if I were disposed to stir<br>Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,<br>I should do Patrick wrong, and Gennaro wrong,<br>Who, you all know, are honourable men:<br>I will not do them wrong; I rather choose<br>To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,<br>Than I will wrong such honourable men.</p>
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<p>What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,<br>That made them do it: they are wise and honourable,<br>And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.<br>I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:<br>I am no orator, as Gennaro is on Gennaro-ly Speaking;</p>
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<p>That was, something? Figured I'd get dramatic with it. Ryan's not going anywhere. He's cheap and he's predictable. He'll continue to drive me crazy in the open field, but if he doesn't fumble or take stupid risks (don't jump sideways over a pile for a negative gain!) then I suppose all's well that ends well.</p>
<p><b><i>Whoa. That was completely unexpected - yet awesome at the same time. Thank you for your gracing us with your presence, Nicholas William Shepspeare.</i></b></p>
<h5>Andrew Tschiltsch <a href="https://twitter.com/atschiltsch" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @atschiltsch</a>
</h5>
<p>Mathews is running hard this year. If he keeps doing that, while staying healthy and throwin' stiff arms, then I don't know what else Charger fans could ask for out of him at this point.</p>
<p>As McCoy said, this team will live and die with Rivers. Mathews just has to do his job, hang onto the ball, and the rest will sort itself out. Mathews will be here until at least the end of his current deal, but I think the Chargers will use a mid-late round pick on a back this year to replace Ronnie Brown.</p>
<p><b><i>I always appreciate when somebody keeps it short and sweet. Nice work, Andrew.</i></b></p>
<h5>Jeff Siniard <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/JeffSiniard">Follow @JeffSiniard</a>
</h5>
<p>I love waking up to BFTBs staging of Julius Caesar. Terrific job of civilizing your Mathews vitriol, Nick!</p>
<p>As to Ryan Mathews...</p>
<p>It's time for everyone (including myself, honestly) to quit complaining about all the things Mathews doesn't do well. We know he's not good in space, and his lateral movement is limited (at best). We also know that he's terrific between the tackles, very rarely loses yardage, and fights through initial contact. As long as he protects the football, he's an ideal short yardage and 4th quarter running back.</p>
<p>I think his value in gaining 3-7 yards consistently is underrated, especially in an offense which is predicated on staying ahead of the chains and possessing the ball for long amounts of time. Furthermore, he's been solid protecting the football so far this year. From what I've seen, he's also been decent in pass protection this year... and it's at least possible McCoy and Whisenhunt are setting up tendencies now to exploit in the 2nd half of the season.</p>
<p>As far as the 2014 draft, I'm not taking a RB early unless the player in the Chargers' spot is the best player available. Mathews has good value right now, and is under contract for one more season at low cost. If the Chargers want to take a flyer on a RB later on, I'm fine with that, but I agree with others that replacing Mathews is not the number one offseason priority for this team.</p>
<p><b><i>Seems we have a bit of a consensus building here. It wasn't Shakespearean, Jeff, but good job nonetheless.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>
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<h5><b>SDNativeinTX <a href="https://twitter.com/SolidRockGPB" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @SolidRockGPB</a></b></h5>
<p>I am enjoying the season that Mathews has had, and really trying to take it for his contribution to the team this year, just as one of the team's backs and not whether he is justifying the trade up in 2010 to take him early in the first round. Thinking about some of things I have thought/spoken/written about RM 24 over the last 3+ years, I've had to ask myself if I would I have been or still be disappointed in his career if the Bolts took him as the 25th overall pick or even in the 2nd round? The honest answer is no.<br><br>Most have agreed that to compare Mathews with the prior 1st round RB selected by the Bolts is unfair; not too many compare with player that is a lead pipe lock for a bust in Canton. But you can't help but feel cheated that LT's replacement is not a game changing, team carrying stud of a rusher. And that is not fair either. RB is the biggest crap shoot in the NFL. Guys that were 'can't miss' in college and drafted like it and then live up to it are rare; AP is the exception. Guys that you would think have a tough time making teams like Alfred Morris and Arian Foster turn out to be league leaders.<br><br>As for RM's future? He is still relatively cheap going into next season, barring some catastrophe. That should not stop Tom Telesco from spending a 4th round or lower pick on a back or signing an FA with a body type or skill set the team likes. After that (2015), I think the team needs to consider picking up a back in the higher rounds, assuming that RM can be brought back at a reasonable price. RM's ceiling seems to be a power back that can get 4-6 yards most of the time, break off a 15-yarder once per game, and only get stuffed for 0 - 2 yards<span> three</span> or four times a game. That is fine for a change of pace back or the guy you feed in the 4th quarter to put away a game. Not fine for a guy selected 10th overall to be the big-gun, franchise back.</p>
<p><b><i>That's a great way to end us off, Robert. As always, don't forget to vote and comment below, folks.</i></b></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/10/24/5023700/roundtable-should-mathews-be-replacedPatrick Green2013-10-19T11:00:08-07:002013-10-19T11:00:08-07:00Playbook: Rivers and Allen, a match made in heaven
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<figcaption>Donald Miralle</figcaption>
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<p>Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen are developing chemistry and trust in a hurry, and that was on no greater display than on Allen's 22-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of Monday night's victory over the Indianapolis Colts.</p> <p><i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> Playbook is a weekly series that features one of the best plays from the previous week's Chargers game. The hope is that it will not only serve to allow its readers to relive and relish in a glorious Chargers victory, but also, and maybe more importantly, be a tiny morsel of positivity in the wake of a heartbreaking loss.</i></p>
<p>There were a lot of things to like on Monday. The Chargers defense played better than they have all season and shut down one of the better offenses in the league while Philip Rivers and company strung together 10-plus play scoring drives like it was no big deal. It certainly was a total team effort, however one thing stuck out in particular.</p>
<p>The trust and chemistry between <span>Keenan Allen</span> and <span>Philip Rivers</span> really is something to behold, especially since they've only been around each other for a handful of games. Sometimes it can take years for something like this to develop between a wide receiver and quarterback, but Allen and Rivers seem to have clicked from the get-go. They very well may be on their way to developing into one of the more feared tandems in the entire league - and it was hard not to see a little flash of that potential in this week's featured play. Let's get into it.</p>
<h3>12 plays, 74 yards and a Keenan Allen touchdown</h3>
<p><span>Indianapolis came out moving the ball well against the Chargers on their first drive, but ended up settling for a field goal. For the next two drives, John Pagano and the defense put the brakes on the high-powerful <span>Andrew Luck</span> offense. Unfortunately, the Chargers offense simultaneously stumbled out of the gates by punting on their first two drives. On their third drive, however, the tides suddenly changed when Rivers led an impressive 12-play, 74-yard drive that was capped off by a beautiful 22-yard touchdown pass to Allen.</span></p>
<h4>The Design</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3412093/Allen_TD.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3412093/Allen_TD_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Allen_td_medium"></a></p>
<p>The one takeaway here is that Allen wasn't supposed to get the ball against this particular coverage. The defense was in a Cover-2 look (two-deep zone with the safeties splitting the field in half), meaning that a quarterback should in theory always look to work the ball underneath instead of forcing a ball deep that will most likely be easy pickings for the safety on that side. So Allen's route should have worked to clear out that safety, allowing Rivers to find Gates behind the linebackers on a corner route for an easy pitch and catch. Now, that's all well and fine <i>in theory</i>, but <i>in practice</i>, players sometimes make errors that can create an opening that normally wouldn't be there otherwise.</p>
<h4>GIF-ified</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3412167/KA-TD.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3412167/KA-TD_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Ka-td_medium"></a></p>
<p>As you can see, the safety started to jump Gates' route before thinking better of it and trying to recover back to Allen. Those two steps out of position, however, were two too many for a passer as surgical as Rivers. He recognizes the mistake immediately and decides to put the ball in a place where only his receiver can reach it. It speaks to the level of trust that Rivers has in his rookie wide receiver that he didn't even hesitate here. He was confident that Allen would recognize what he was trying to do and make the appropriate adjustment on the ball. Also, credit Allen for not giving up on the route, which would be an easy thing to do when running a Go against a Cover-2. Those are the types of things that will keep a quarterback coming your way over and over again.</p>
<p>Make sure to keep a close eye on this tandem this week against a Jacksonville secondary that is ranked 22nd in the NFL, per <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprofootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boltsfromtheblue.com%2F2013%2F10%2F19%2F4851932%2Fplaybook-rivers-allen-match-made-in-heaven" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus</a>. There should be opportunities aplenty for Rivers and Allen to continue to build on their budding relationship.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/10/19/4851932/playbook-rivers-allen-match-made-in-heavenPatrick Green2013-10-18T09:30:07-07:002013-10-18T09:30:07-07:00Roundtable: Pagano can coach defense after all
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bolts from the Blue staff tells us their thoughts on the game plan executed on Monday night by San Diego's much maligned defensive coordinator.</p> <p><b><i>Howdy, gents. Tell me your thoughts on the game John Pagano called on Monday night. As always, please try to be reasonable with the length of your contribution.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>The floor is yours.</i></b></p>
<h5><b>David Marver <a href="https://twitter.com/ChangeThePadres" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @ChangeThePadres</a></b></h5>
<p><b></b>Pagano gets way too much crap around here in general, so I'm glad we can finally say something definitively positive: his game plan worked well, even if it was aided by a few timely drops (like the two third down drops the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> had) and long <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> drives. Despite having no pass rushers, and no quality corners, he was consistently able to coax one of the league's best quarterbacks to throw in front of the sticks; the Colts third down conversion rate speaks for itself.</p>
<p>The best defense of the day, though, was the Chargers offense keeping the Colts offense off the field. The Bolts' four consecutive 10+ play drives ate up significant clock, kept the defense fresh, and gave Pagano and crew time to analyze exactly what the Colts were trying to do when they actually had the football. That won't happen every game -- it has happened in the NFL just nine times since 2001 -- but the Chargers have seen an increase in sustained drives under Ken Whisenhunt's offense so far in 2013. Which is exactly what a team with little defensive depth needs.</p>
<p><b><i>I'm actually surprised that the first person up today kind of defended Pagano. I was expecting to read, "This was only one week, blah, blah, blah." Good stuff, Marver.</i></b></p>
<h5>jkvandal <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/jkvandal">Follow @jkvandal</a>
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<p>If the Colts make two or three of the big plays that their receivers dropped, we aren't sitting here today praising Pagano. Perhaps we would still be praising how he kept the Bolts in the game with a depleted roster, but we would write that off saying that all DC's have to deal with that at some point. Pagano is frustrating because he puts together games like the Colts game, showing what he can do against a good young QB to fluster him, but just the week before he couldn't even figure out he needed to flush Pryor to his weak side instead of his strong side. We have all seen the creativity and talent from Pagano to put together a stellar game plan, whether he has a depleted roster or not, but he just doesn't seem to be able to do that every week.</p>
<p>I will say that very few DCs are able to field a shutdown defense week in-week out in this league. Maybe, as fans, we expect too much?</p>
<p><b><i>Ah, there it is. That's more like what I was expecting. Don't fans, for the most part, always expect too much? Quality work, JKV. Who's next up?</i></b></p>
<h5><b>Superduperboltman <a href="https://twitter.com/poyzinous" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @poyzinous</a></b></h5>
<p>The 'what if' scenarios are endless... I mean, even if the Colts receivers make some of those catches, give them a TD over a FG and that's an extra four points. Holding the Colts to under 20 is something to praise Pagano for regardless, because no one has done it this year, and they average 27 per game. The math? They were limited to a third of their normal output. By one of the worst defenses in the NFL. And then there's the other side of the 'what if': Would the Chargers play so conservatively had the Colts gotten a few extra catches that may or may not have resulted in points?</p>
<p>Anyway, the defensive game plan worked. Oakland was a mess, but the poor tackling attempts by Charger defenders on Pryor overshadow that game plan, that on paper, was fine. Besides, the secondary was a mess and the turnovers didn't help. It's one of the reasons I don't do the typical thing and blame coaching. Put the blame where it should go: Injuries and poor execution by the players. Seeing the grades on PFF, there is twice as much red as there is green. You see plenty of players not winning their match-ups, but what can you do? There isn't any depth. When there is, the depth is worse. Bring in another DC with this same group of players and what can you realistically expect? The overall 4th worst defense to improve to 5th worst? C'mon, man.</p>
<p><b><i>I'm not sure everyone agrees that the Oakland game plan was fine, but I won't get into that here. Do you really think that Ron Rivera or Rex Ryan wouldn't be able to get more out of this defense? Hmm. Anyway, good argument, nonetheless, SDB. Atten-HUT! Fearless Leader in the house, y'all.</i></b></p>
<h5><b>John Gennaro <a href="https://twitter.com/BFTB_Chargers" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @BFTB_Chargers</a></b></h5>
<p><b></b>I still have no idea how Pagano got that performance out of that defense. I'm not sure if it was the perfect play calls, or simply the level of deception that the defense was showing (and hadn't ever shown before). On most of the important plays, the entire front-seven was standing up and moving around. It was a wrinkle Pagano has never used, and <span>Andrew Luck</span> and Pep Hamilton never really figured it out. Will Pagano use it more? Hopefully. Will offensive coordinators figure out ways to attack is successfully? Probably. Do the Colts win the game if their receivers don't drop the ball, as jkvandal stated? There's a good chance they do, yes.</p>
<p>As Jerome pointed out, it was a Ron Rivera-like game for Pagano. He got a good performance from his defense, which was stocked with <span>Eric Weddle</span> and a bunch of other random guys. Rivera found ways to do it game after game, so maybe Pagano can do it consistently as well. It'll be really interesting to see how he does against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a> after the bye. I'm less interested in how he'll do against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>, who the Chargers should be able to beat in a shootout if they need to.</p>
<p><b><i>I'm a little scared how much we're all overlooking the Jaguars. Yes, we're not playing the game, but if we're doing it, you know players are to some extent as well, regardless of whatever they're saying publicly. Anyway, I digress. What say you, Nikki? </i></b></p>
<h5><b>Nick Shepherd <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/NickNRickShep">Follow @NickNRickShep</a></b></h5>
<p><b></b>John Pagano is a frustrating cat. He seemingly changes his style on a week to week basis. This would be a good thing, if multiple styles seemed to work for this D. But they do not. Before, when he still had playmakers like Butler and Freeney, he seemed content to sit in base D. We saw how that worked when the likes of Mike Vick and <span>Jake Locker</span> looked like Joe Montanas against us.</p>
<p>That said, his performance against the Colts was masterful. He understood their tendencies (power run, play action) were predicated on a fairly simple blocking scheme, and he had the defense moving pre-snap like we've basically never seen before. He dialed up exotic blitzes at the right time, moved the pressure points of his defense from side to side, and allowed his only playmakers, the defensive line, to line up, beat their man, and get up the field. I'd love to see this moving forward.</p>
<p>I still have a bone to pick with Pagano (surprise!) and it's how he's using Derek Cox. Cox showed he can be an above average corner in Jacksonville when playing press-man and mirror-man coverage. In San Diego he's become a zone CB. I don't fully understand why this is the case, especially when the biggest weakness of the D seems to be their Strong Safety having no fucking clue what coverage their in, or where he's supposed to be.</p>
<p>Look, I hope that this is a sign of things to come for Pagano. He'll need to keep it up, too. He's the easy scapegoat for a Chargers poor season: the offense has been terrific, the defense is ranked dead last in the league and he's not "McCoy's guy." Unless you believe that Pagano has the worst defensive personnel in the league (I don't, but it's close) then he's underperformed. 1 good performance after five terrible ones does not make me a believer.</p>
<p><b><i>Strong showing there, Nick. God bless Pagano, though, because once Nick has a bone to pick with you, he's likely to hold on to it with the deathliest of all death grips. (See: Mathews, Ryan). Which reminds me, Nick, PETA called; they want to talk about your treatment of horses.</i></b></p>
<h5>Richard Wade <a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/RichardWade">Follow @RichardWade</a>
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<p>I'm not ready to believe in John Pagano yet, but what his defense did on Monday night was truly impressive. I thought Ron Rivera was calling the plays again. Here's to hoping he keeps letting his best players play to their strengths and scheming situations where the numbers are on his players' side. I'm not going to hold my breath, though.</p>
<p><b><i>Boy oh boy, are we ever still infatuated with Ron Rivera in San Diego.</i></b></p>
<h5><b>SDNativeinTX <a href="https://twitter.com/SolidRockGPB" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @SolidRockGPB</a></b></h5>
<p>I did not see too much in the way of creative or outlandish defense scheming from Pagano. And that was OK. Against a vanilla offense, a well executed vanilla defense can be all that is needed. I will give Pagano some credit for dialing up the 4th rusher from different spots on the field. The defense was playing decent, disciplined football, but let's be honest here, the Colts damn near handed the Bolts the game on a silver platter. <br><br>Exhibit 1: the dropped passes. Much was made on the lack of 3rd down conversions, but of the six drops I counted on Monday, five of them had to have come on 3rd downs. Exhibit 2: an uninspired offensive game plan from Pep Hamilton. It looked as though the Colts thought they could just show up and score 28 points. Except for the lack of deep balls, it was like watching a Turner-esque dive into the pile running game. Anyone claiming that the Colts run a West Coast offense needs there head examined -- the pass routes I saw would have been considered unimaginative at a high school level. That is not a West Coast offense.</p>
<p><b><i>Exhibits? Did we all just get lawyer'd by Robert? I think so - and I kind of liked it.</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>That's all for this week, boys and girls. Don't forget to vote and tell us your thoughts in the comments.</i></b></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/10/18/4851688/roundtable-pagano-can-coach-defensePatrick Green