Bolts From The Blue: FanPosts

Rivers "obviously" telegraphing snap

2009-11-06T17:23:03Z

I couldn't hear the first moments of it, but Sal-Pal was on Colin Cowherd's show this morning previewing an upcoming ESPN show with Merril Hoge (which show, exactly, was part of what I missed). One of the things he mentioned was that Hoge was going to have a click-by-click video of how Rivers is telegraphing the snap on every single play. Paolantonio calls it "shocking" how obvious it is, and is incredulous that the coaching staff hasn't self-scouted enough to stop it. Two things: 1) if true, that is really horrendous coaching/scouting, and 2) maybe it's all the team needs to change to have much more effective run-blocking and pass protection.

Where is Clip Show???

2009-11-06T08:25:00Z

This is the weekend of the grand prize and Clip Show is lost in the world wide web. John is paying for the beer if I recall correctly. This is the contest that got me into the bolts from the blue family! I want pic's after the game John. Please wear your lightning bolts proudly in NYC. Weather is supposed to be great 50's and sunny, sounds like an aerial assault for the bolts. Hope you all have a great time!!

Pacstud Terminology Guide

2009-11-05T19:54:29Z

Pacstud's O-Line Terminology

Translation Guide

Here is a basic guide to translating the terms used in my offensive line analysis. None of this is mine. It is all basic jargon used throughout the football industry. Most of these terms have synonyms that are used. I try to stay consistent, but will sometimes name formations or plays differently. I hope this helps.

Example:

3. 3-2; -47

Pro Rt.

26 Power

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-1; RG-2; RT-1

The first line

3. 3-2; -47

Play #. Down-Distance; Yard Line (negative indicating opponent's half of field)

Punts and FGs are not included in the play # tally. I have begun to label the start of series as well.

The second line is formation

Pro Rt.

This may take a while. It is important to remember that you really don't need the formation to follow the play. It does help, though, to know where everyone is lining up in regards to the offensive line.

The third line is the play

26 Power

Run plays are fairly easy to diagnose and label, with a small number of exceptions. Pass protection is slightly more difficult, but we can still find basic structures.

The fourth line is the player grade

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-1; RG-2; RT-1

This is on a 0-2 point scale. 0 represents a "whiff" or being beaten completely on a play. 2 represents a successful and complete block. .5-1.5 is everything in between. While grades may vary slightly from one person to the next, consistency from a single graded over a period of time is the essential element.

I usually try to add any relevant comments afterwards. These are most helpful if combined with video.

Here is a glossary of terms used in Formation description:

Ace: A two tight end, single running back formation with two wide receivers.

Blue: A shotgun formation with two backs next to the quarterback. Used with a Twins set to one side and an Open set to the other. (Remember: Blue = Two)

Bootleg: A play-action look with a QB roll out opposite of the run fake.

Bunch: A trips set with three receivers clustered near the box. Usually the tight end is set in the middle and on the line of scrimmage, with the other two set off the line of scrimmage.

Empty: This is a formation with five wide outs and the quarterback is the only player in the backfield. Usually, though not always, out of a Gun set.

F: Letter designation for fullback.

Flanker: This is a spot on the field. A flanker is off the line of scrimmage (LOS) and adjacent to the offensive tackle.

Gun: A shotgun formation

H: Letter designation for secondary tight end. It also can be used to designate slot receiver (third receiver).

Lt.: Left. So "Pro Lt." would be an I formation with the tight end set to the left.

Naked: A bootleg without any protection to the roll out side.

On: This is a term used to designate that a player otherwise split out wide by formation is "On" the line and adjacent to the offensive tackle. Almost exclusively used for the tight end.

Open: Used to signify a single receiver set out wide. This can be used with or without a tight end on the same side.

Pro: Basic I formation

Rt.: Right. Strength is declared to the tight end. So "Pro Rt." would be an I formation with the tight end set to the right.

SB: Acronym for a Single Back set. While there may be an F or fullback in the formation, that player would not be in the backfield. An SB designation is not used in shotgun sets where there is no tight end.

Strong: An I formation (Pro) set with an offset fullback "F". In a strong set, the fullback is offset toward the tight end.

Texas: A combination of Ace and Pro. This is a formation with two tight ends and a fullback. This leaves only a single wide out. Often the single wide out is lined up in a wing or flanker position. Also, the wide out is sometimes a third tight end.

TO: Acronym for a Tackle Over set. Strength is still declared to the tight end side, which is opposite the tackle over.

Trips: Three wide receivers set to one side. Often this will include the tight end, designated as "Y". Otherwise, same as twins in regards to strength. Please note that if the Y is included in the trips call, then strength would be to the trips, not opposite.

Twins: Two wide receivers set to one side. I do not designate which is on or off, or their distance from the line (all things that would be done in a "real" formation call). When used, the Rt./Lt. call designates the Twins side. So "Pro Twins Lt." means we have a Twins set left, and by default the tight end (and strength) is opposite, or right.

Up: Used to denote that the player (usually tight end or "Y") is in a two point standing position instead of a three point stance. Up is not used if the player is "open" or "split out wide", it would then be inferred.

Weak: An I formation (Pro) set with an offset fullback "F". In a weak set, the fullback is offset away from the tight end.

Wing: This is a spot on the field. A wing is off the line of scrimmage (LOS) and adjacent to the tight end.

X: Letter designation for secondary wide receiver. Usually set on the line of scrimmage (LOS).

Y: Letter designation for primary tight end. Please note that often a "Y" is designated for schematic purposes, while the actual player may be a wide-out or back.

Z: Letter designation for primary wide receiver. Usually set off the line of scrimmage (LOS).

13, 22, 23, 31, 32: A basic description of "spread" sets. To try and describe any spread set requires multiple terms and numbers, so I use a general "left to right" rule. The first number is how many receivers are set out to the left, the second number to the right. Obviously, 13, 22, and 31 are four receiver sets. 32 and 23 (and I suppose 41 and 14) are Empty sets. If a receiver is set in a wing or flanker slot, I try to label accordingly.

Here is a glossary of terms used in Play description:

Run Plays (I will update throughout the season as needed)

Iso: Short for "isolation" (also known as Lead), the intent is to isolate a LB with your Fullback. The playside blocking is man. There is usually at least one double team. The double team is also responsible for the backside LB. The backside blocking can be man or zone.

Pacstud Note: I will update as this project continues. Trying to get diagrams inserted.

Week 8 - Raider Game II

2009-11-05T14:54:27Z

Week 8 - Raider Game II

http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2009/11/5/1117571/pacstud-terminology-guide

1. 1-10; -41

Ace Y-Up H-Flanker SB

829 Naked

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Easy protection, but I wish Norv would quit running it up the middle for one yard on first down!

2. 1-G; 6

Pro Twins Rt. TO Weak Gun Z-Flanker (Wildfrog)

16 Power

LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; LT-2; RT-2

The Wildfrog makes its' debut! We run a Tackle Over set (TO) and offset the FB to the weak side (declaring strength to Y/Tight End still). We motion to a flanker on the backside to seal for the pulling guard. Notice the defender that goes over to cover our X (Rivers) is the first one to contact LT (the QB). Dielman pulls nicely and actually misses the safety/LB. However, the defender has to spin out to avoid contact and can't make the play. The double team from Vasquez and McNeil is great, and they don't have to come off to pick up the Will or the Safety (Will runs through backside, out of play. Safety gets caught up in the wash). Clary and Hester both make nice blocks. Touchdown.

Start of 2nd Series

3. 1-10; -29

Pro Twins Lt. Open Rt.

22 Iso

LT-2; LG-2; C-1.5; RG-1; RT-2

McNeil seals backside nicely. Dielman does a good job of picking up the Will. MCow does decently, but continues to struggle with staying locked on. Vasquez falls as Hester gets a nice block, though he received more than he gave...OUCH.

4. 2-5; -34

Pro Twins Lt. Open Rt. Strong

70 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Good protection, penalty on the play.

5. 1-10; -39

Trips Bunch Rt. Open Lt. SB

27 Dart

LT-2; LG-2; C-1; RG-2; RT-2

Dart isn't a new play, but we haven't seen it a ton. Dart (sometimes called Tag) is a basic pull play where the backside Tackle pulls around into the playside gap. A very good play against Even front teams (4-3). On this play, McNeil seals out, and the double team from Dielman and MCow is good. However, MCow is unable to get the LB when he comes off the double team. Clary's pull is nice, as is Vasquez's backside seal. Now, it may look like Gates is pulling as well...he's not. He simply can't handle #77 (Who had a career game against us). Why he doesn't cut him, I can't say. But it basically wrecks the whole play. LT does well to get 3. The WR isn't to blame, he's counting on the play staying inside.

6. 2-7; -42

Trips Bunch Lt. Open Rt. Gun Rt. (RB motions to a Quads Lt. Empty Gun look, 4 X 1)

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Very nice switch between Mcow and Vasquez.

7. 1-10; 48

Pro Rt. Twins Lt. Y-Flanker Up SB

26 Power

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Dielman's pull is nice, but he can't stick to the LB. Gates can't get 77 (again), sigh.

8. 2-9; 47

Pro Twins Rt. Open Lt. Weak

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

9. 3-9; 47

Pro Trips Rt. Gun Lt.

61 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Absolutely horrible penalty call.

Start of 3rd Series

10. 1-10; -37

Pro Twins Lt. Y-Up

28 Stretch

LT-1; LG-2; C-2; RG-1; RT-1

Watch VJack and Gates. Both do pretty awful jobs here. McNeil gets away with a pretty blatant false start (he'll get away with another in the 2nd half) and then can't get a LB, safety, anything? Dielman's pancake is the highlight of the play, as Vasquez is shed along with Clary (after some initial push from both).

11. 2-19; -28 (After Manu Penalty)

Pro Twins Lt. F-Wing SB

725 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-2; C-1; RG-1; RT-2

Vasquez gets shed and beat. MCow comes off too soon and is unable to adjust to the LB rush.

12. 3-1; -46

Pro Rt. Y-Flanker Up

32 Belly

LT-2; LG-2; C-0; RG-2; RT-1

Have I mentioned that Gates isn't a very good blocker? McNeil does a good job here. MCow is "posterized" with a snap down. Vasquez does a good job on the right side, but Clary is driven inside a bit much.

13. 1-10; -49

Pro Twins Lt. F-Wing

726 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Good protection here.

Start of 4th Series

14. 1-10; -22

Pro Lt.

29 Sweep

LT-2; LG-2; C-1; RG-2; RT-2

A great job all around...almost. MCow is unable to cut his man and gets driven. The right side does very well here.

15. 2-10; -22

Pro Trips Rt. Gun Lt.

61 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Nice switch between McNeil and Dielman.

16. 3-7; -25

22 Gun Lt.

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-1.5; RG-1; RT-2

Vasquez lunges and misses. MCow hesitates when he thinks he sees a switch coming which causes him to get beat towards the end. This basically puts two guys on Dielman, who holds up...barely.

17. 1-10; -45

Pro Rt.

25 Iso

LT-2; LG-2; C-1.5; RG-2; RT-2

MCow is unable to come off the double team cleanly and can't get the LB.

18. 1-10; 44

Pro Lt.

21 Iso

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-1; RT-2

Good double from McNeil and Dielman with Dielman getting a nice cut block on the LB. Vasquez needs to keep going, as his GMP (guy makes play).

19. 2-9; 43

23 Gun Empty Y-On

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Very good job!

20. 1-10; 29

Trips Bunch Rt. Open Lt. SB

27 Dart

LT-2; LG-2; C-1.5; RG-.5; RT-2

Vasquez gets shed and his GMP. MCow does well, but allows the LB to spin out and his GMP. Clary gets blown up but gets the block. Dielman gets a pancake!

21. 2-5; 24

Y Trips Rt. Open Lt. SB

28 Sweep

LT-1; LG-2; C-1; RG-2; RT-2

Gates gets blown up (great angle, he takes a false step with his left foot and places his helmet on inside instead of outside). Vasquez has to get 77 for Gates. MCow makes a bad cut block. Dielman does well, but McNeil has to overtake this block so Dielman can release to LB. McNeil goes over Dielman's block, and has no chance of getting the LB.

22. 3-10; 29

32 Gun Empty

50 Pro

LT-1; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

McNeil stumbles, and is unable to switch with Dielman.

23. 1-10; 15

Pro Rt. Strong

26 Power

LT-2; LG-0; C-2; RG-1; RT-1

Dielman doesn't turn up to get the Mike, who's in the hole. Vasquez and Clary are piled up on their double team, so that neither can come off to Will.

24. 2-8; 13

22 Gun Rt.

60 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

25. 3-3; 8

23 Gun Empty Y-On

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-1

Clary is beat by a swim move. Watch the endzone angle. What is Dielman doing with his right arm? Almost inexplicable. Injury? Coaching? It doesn't cost us here, but I can't explain this technique. Touchdown.

Start of 5th Series

26. 1-10; -20

Texas Rt.

24 Iso

LT-2; LG-2; C-.5; RG-2; RT-2

A good job from Dielman and Clary. The double team from Vasquez and MCow starts with promise. Possibly due to not enough help from Vasquez, MCow is unable to take over and secure the DT. Vasquez does a very good job on the LB.

27. 2-9; -21

23 Gun Empty

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Good switches from both T-G combos.

28. 3-4; -26

Pro Trips Lt. Gun Rt.

60 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Very nice overall. Vasquez is just a tad slow on the switch.

29. 1-10; 45

Pro Rt.

25 Iso

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Dielman does a good job on the double team, but can't secure the LB completely. The double between Vasquez and Clary is also good, but Clary needs to latch on better.

30. 2-1; 36

Pro Rt.

32 Belly

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

OK, some honesty here. I tried, but was only to grade Clary as a legit 2. So why does everyone else get a pass? Because we ran Belly and got the 1st down, OK? If anyone wants to try to catch LT-RG and grade ‘em, go for it. #90 is the GMP if that helps.

31. 1-10; 33

22 Gun Rt.

RB Screen Rt.

LT-2; LG-2; C-1; RG-2; RT-1

MCow...oh MCow. Why don't you turn upfield? I understand that Vasquez was a tad slow on his release, but you know Vasquez has the kick out and you're the lead. Clary, normally is money on screens with his invite and snapdown. On this one though, 77 continues his HOF day and is the GMP.

32. 2-2; 25

Y-Trips Rt. Open Lt. SB

26 Power

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Lucky for us, 77 goes out after running down the screen. Gates is able to block the 7 tech, getting away with a hold in the process. The double from Vasquez and Clary is good. Dielman misses mostly, but forces the defender around him creating a seal.

33. 1-G; 10

Pro Rt. Twins Lt. SB

20 Trap (That's right, this was the game winner in Chargers-Raiders I)

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Dielman pulls and traps with a pancake (OK, the guy fell he bit so hard, but a pancake's a pancake). Great job by Vasquez and Clary. Touchdown.

Start of 6th Series

34. Kneel down. No grade.

End of Half

Start of 7th Series

35. 1-10; -20

Pro Rt. Wing Rt.

25 Zone Cut (?)

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-1

Clary takes a bad angle to the LB and is unable to secure completely. The holding call was bogus imo. LT is shot by a sniper.

36. 1-20; -10

Pro Rt.

25 Iso

LT-2; LG-2; C-0; RG-2; RT-2

Great double from Dielman and MCow is wasted when MCow can't come off to get the LB and his GMP.

37. 2-19; -11

Blue Twins Rt. Open Lt.

50 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Nice.

38. 3-19; -11

Blue Twins Rt. Open Lt.

50 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Dielman actually has two switches on this play. The first he handles fine. The second, which appears impromptu, he's unable to get and allows mild pressure on Rivers.

Start of 8th Series

39. 1-10; -38

Y-Trips Rt. Open Lt. SB

61 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-1

LT does a VERY nice job of picking up a DT on this one. I don't like the pick up scheme, putting LT on a DT is not a good idea but he makes it work. Clary gets driven back but secures the block.

40. 1-10; -49

Pro Twins Lt. Open Rt. Strong

60 Pro Max

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

This one's a little on Rivers. McNeil does right and walls the LB, but his ultimately his GMP. 92 gets some leverage on Dielman, forcing Rivers to step up and he then gets flushed.

41. 2-10; -49

Pro Lt.

29 Sweep

LT-2; LG-1; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Gates actually does a good job here (credit where it's due Antonio). Hester does not do a good job. The problem is caused by a LB blitz in the middle. Pre-snap MCow is going to get 92, and Dielman will pull to get LB. The LB blitzes at the last second and MCow picks him up. Dielman starts to pull, then realizes he needs to get Seymour. He does, but is driven back in the process.

42. 3-10; -49

13 Gun Lt.

70 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

The Raiders bring 7 and we have six in to block. Rivers is in charge of "picking up" the seventh man. That man should have been VJack who is WAO (Wide *** Open). Tough and fast read, but that's the throw.

Start of 9th Series

43. 1-10; -8

Pro Lt. Twins Rt. SB

70 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

44. 2-10; -8

Y-Trips Rt. Open Lt. Gun Lt.

61 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

45. 3-10; -8

Blue Twins Rt. Open Lt.

60 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Thank you Chris Chambers, for all you've done for San Diego! You will be missed (until we play the Chiefs).

46. 1-10; -28

Pro Rt. Strong

26 Power

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

McNeil's GMP, but not really his fault as LT inexplicably cuts back. Dielman hits the Mike in the wash, MCow seals to what should be backside (his GMP as well). Vasquez releases from the double team a tad slow.

47. 2-9; -29

Pro Rt.

724 Pro

LT-2; LG-1.5; C-1.5; RG-2; RT-2

Chop block on Dielman and MCow not called.

48. 1-10; -44

Pro Rt.

28 Sweep

LT-1.5; LG-1; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Gates does better than horrible, and we have a play! Backside troubles as McNeil gets away with his second false start, and then struggles to overtake. Dielman falls before he can get to the LB. Tolbert and Vasquez switch on the fly, it's beautiful to watch. Clary's kick out is very, very nice.

49. 2-1; 47

Pro Rt.

32 Belly

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-1.5; RT-2

Vasquez gets caught in a pile and can't get the LB. Dielman does a good job here.

50. 1-10; 44

Pro Rt. Strong

20 Iso (Read Norv's lips...20 ISO!)

LT-1; LG-.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-0

McNeil can't reach his 4i, Dielman gets blown up and Clary has a whiff on the DE's swim move. The Will never triggers, so MCow and Vasquez stay on their good double team.

51. 1-5; 39 (after penalty)

Pro Twins Lt. TO Weak

827 Bootleg

RT-2; LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2

52. 1-10; 25

Pro Rt. Wing Rt. Strong

26 Power

LT-0; LG-1.5; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

92 tools McNeil on this one. Dielman does a good job, dives a bit early. Vasquez gets the backside LB nicely.

53. 2-6; 21

Pro Lt. Strong

27 Power

LT-0; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Both guards do a great job. Vasquez annihilates the Mike. McNeil is visibly lost...get the Will!

54. 3-1; 16

Texas Lt. TO

26 Power

LG-2; C-2; RG-2; LT-1.5; RT-2

Great pull from Dielman, this is how you do it!

55. 1-G; 8 (after penalty)

Pro Rt. Wing Rt. Strong

26 Power

LT-2; LG-1; C-2; RG-2; RT-1.5

Dielman can't find the Mike in the wash, but may have if Sproles had stayed on track. Clary struggles to overtake the double team when Vasquez leaves to get the Will. Good job from MCow here.

56. 2-G; 6

Pro Rt. Wing Rt. Strong

50 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-0

Clary gets beat and gives up the sack, 77 to the HOF!

57. 3-G; 10

22 Gun Lt.

61 Pro

LT-2; LG-2; C-2; RG-2; RT-2

Raiders bring seven and play man behind this. Six of the blitzers are picked up, leaving number seven for Rivers. Doesn't happen L Field Goal.

Start of 10th Series

58. Kneel down. No Grade.

59. Kneel down. No Grade.

Hindsight: How Could This Have Been Avoided?

2009-11-04T22:52:01Z

I think we have a good front office, especially considering some of the ones that are out there in other cities (Oakland, Detroit, St. Louis). But the fact remains that they've made some fairly significant errors that has lead to this team being in the state it currently is--an average team with a few talented players, but not enough to be considered an elite group.

Hindsight is 20/20. I'm not disputing that. But A.J. has, over the past few years, appeared to over-value the players already on the team, and not taken any affirmative steps to improve the team beyond the draft. What I'd like to do is take a look back at the 2009 off-season and see what A.J. Smith and the front office could have reasonably, and realistically, done to improve this team. I know it's easier to see things now than several months ago, but I still think it could be a useful and interesting exercise to see what could have been.

By "realistic" and "reasonable", I mean no signings of Albert Haynesworth for $100+ million, no firing Turner or the coaching staff as a whole, no firing A.J. Smith, no replacing half the team and switching to a 4-3. I mean moderate steps that could have translated to significantly improved product on the field.

Feel free to agree or disagree with me. Let's take a look.

The Draft

The draft is the primary tool A.J. likes to use to build and improve a team, and I largely agree with this approach. I don't really have an issue with many of the choices he made, but I think he made a mistake with his 1st, and by extension 3rd, round picks.

I like Larry English. I think he looks like a good kid and has the potential to be a stand-out outside linebacker. I also realize that we had a problem with rushing the passer last year. But despite what we were told in the off-season about a 3-headed monster of pass-rushers, the reality has been that with Shawne Merriman's return, English hasn't seen the field much, and when he has been out there it's mostly been special teams.

A first round pick that could have made an immediate and SIGNIFICANT impact would have been Michael Oher. Many of us hoped/expected us to take him when our turn came and he was still unselected, and I count myself as stunned as anyone else was when Goodell called out English's name instead of Oher's. The simple truth is that Jeromey Clary has been average. He has his good days, and bad days, but he's never going to light the world on fire. Oher could have stepped in and started immediately and played at a high level, just as he's done in Baltimore. That could have allowed us to shift Clary to guard, where many think he would be better suited.

With Oher at right tackle and Clary at right guard, our 3rd round pick could have been used on any other position of need--safety, defensive line, running back. I'm not well-versed enough in the draft to know who would have been available in the 3rd round for us had we not chosen Vasquez. And that's not to say I don't like Vasquez--I do and think he'll be a great guard. But it probably would have been better for the team overall to have an experienced player starting at right guard and to have used the 3rd round pick on a player that could have filled another position of need.

Free Agency

This is where I, and many others, have the biggest problem with A.J. Smith. It's an interesting problem, too, because in the past he wasn't as averse to free agency as he is now. He brought in multiple free agents in the 2004 off-season, and it was a major reason why the Chargers went from last-to-first in one season's time. I have no idea what happened between then and now that's made him avoid it to the extent he has, but since 2004 he hasn't signed one impact free agent I'm aware of (unless you count Kevin Burnett). If someone knows why, please enlighten me.

When you avoid free agents so completely like A.J. does, you're trying to build/improve a team with one hand tied behind your back, and that's not a productive approach. Like I said before, I'm not advocating the idea that A.J. should have paid through the nose to acquire someone like Albert Haynesworth. But there were multiple mid-tier free agents he could have at least PURSUED to attempt to improve the team.

For the safety position, A.J. did make an offer to Jermaine Phillips. Phillips isn't a bad player, but he's got an extensive injury history, evidenced by him missing the last several games of 2008 with a broken arm, and his being placed on IR already this season with the same injury. Plus at the time, many observers believed Phillips was making the rounds in free agency solely to induce the Buccaneers to increase their offer to him. This is in fact what happened, as Phillips re-signed in Tampa.

What A.J. could have, perhaps should have, done was pursue free agent safeties Brian Dawkins, Darren Sharper, and Sean Jones. Dawkins and Sharper have already proven to be impact players on their new teams. Jones hasn't gotten a lot of playing time and probably isn't as talented as Dawkins or Sharper, but he would definitely have been an improvement over the Hart/Gregory/Ellison platoon. Regardless, any of these three players, especially the first two, could have provided immediate impact in the secondary and significantly improved our defense.

On the defensive line, I've already suggested in a couple other posts that we should have pursued Chris Canty. The point has been made that he was injured, and that is true, but he was injured in practice the Wednesday before the first game of the season. That's the kind of injury that's a freak thing, and could just as easily not have happened had he been in San Diego rather than New York. He would have immediately upgraded our defensive line, especially with Bingham going down and Cesaire spending the entire off-season injured. At the very least, he would have been the second most talented player on the line after Castillo, and could have been a valuable contributor to the rotation on the defensive line.

Coaching

This section is perhaps not so realistic. It's probably more wishful thinking. I've made it known elsewhere that I'm not impressed with Ron Rivera. He's not a 3-4 coordinator, and it shows. It would have been really, really nice to have hired an ACTUAL 3-4 coordinator this off-season, one who knows how to use its strengths and disguise its weaknesses. It doesn't seem very realistic to have replaced Rivera this off-season, though, given that he seemed like he had things in hand towards the end of the season. Plus the top 3-4 coordinators, Nolan and Capers, were each hired on January 13th and 19th respectively, which were mere days after our season ended.

Conclusion

In the end, this team wasn't as good as we hoped it would be. Merriman has taken weeks to work his way back, LT is clearly not the back he once was, and our offensive line has struggled in both run blocking and pass protection. The steps I've suggested above wouldn't have been a quick fix by any means. But they would have helped. We would have had a better outlook for the remainder of the season, and people like me wouldn't be being accused of needing Prozac (that's for you, 'Tec).

Like I said, I like A.J. But he really needs to recognize this team's shortcomings, and instead of standing mostly pat and depending on rookies, he needs to go out there and take affirmative steps to improve this team in the 2010 off-season.

The Ultimate Tailgate...

2009-11-04T01:36:50Z

As I sit at my apartment grading papers and patiently wait for my New York Giants parking pass to come in the mail, I cannot help but think of all the fun activities that await me in the parking lot of a sewer, if it were Next year it would be a really nice sewer. But that doesn't mean the smell of New Jersey will ruin my good time. I want to know what everyone thinks the Ultimate Tailgate food and Beer is. That is what I want to know! The best tailgate I did was Italy vs Ecuador in an International Friendly at the Meadow Lands. I am looking for some great Ideas! Here was the Menu...

Scallops wrapped in Bacon

Clams and melted Butter

Steak marinated in all sorts of goodness

Bubba Burgers

Chips and guacamole

the beer: Miller cans, bottles of Molson xxx (gotta love the Canadian in me) and Landshark

*this is the same for every Jimmy Buffett Concert!

Big Blue View on the scene to answer your Giants questions

2009-11-03T16:05:19Z

Hi guys, my name is Jim, I am one of the co-writers on Big Blue View, the SBNation home for the New York Giants. Obviously my Giants need to rebound, but it won't be easy against the Chargers. Bear with me, I'll get to all your questions as fast as I can.

Please Rec this FanPost to keep it at the top until Sunday

Let's get the two questions out of the way:

1. No, it is not supposed to snow Sunday.

2. Yes, I think the Giants made the right choice in Eli Manning.

Looking forward to the rest of your questions!

Thanks!

Jim

Carpe Carnac Trinidad Jack

2009-11-03T15:04:35Z

He posted his prediction in the prior weeks thread as I was somewhat tardy getting this weeks prediction up. Coming in a remarkable one point off the final score guessing 24-17 Chargers, he scampers off with the weekly Carnac. Good luck to you Jack, but I'm hoping the Broncos come up short in Pittsburgh. My apologies to Dude52809 who came in just two points away.

On the Leafy end of the stick this week was StrangeBroP25 who correctly picked the Bolts, but was farthest away on points with a 52-20 prediction.

Sometimes you get the Carnac, sometimes the Leaf...

Week 8 Review - Oakland Raiders at Chargers. Final: 24-16 Chargers.

2009-11-03T01:17:59Z

A good offensive 1st half, and a 2nd consecutive strong defensive effort is enough for the Chargers to beat the Oakland Raiders for their 13th consecutive win in the series.

Stats never lie, except when they lie. Looking at the Oakland Raiders' 4 scoring drives, not one went beyond 50 yards. The Chargers had 4 scoring drives of more than 50 yards. Oakland totaled 180 yards of offense, neither rushing nor passing for more than 100 yards. The Chargers ran for 100 yards, and passed for almost 250 yards. This begs the question...

How on Earth did the Raiders have a chance to tie this game in the 4th quarter? Answer: Unforced Errors.

In every game the Chargers have played this year (excepting Pittsburgh), the Chargers have been the biggest source of their problems. A good argument could be made that unforced errors have cost them 2 wins (vs. Baltimore, vs. Denver). Luckily, the Chargers played an opponent yesterday that was incapable of making the Chargers pay for their mistakes. Grades for each position are posted below.

Quarterbacks: B

Philip Rivers enjoyed his second straight game facing little-to-no pass pressure. He opened the first half on fire, making great use of mismatches as Norv Turner moved the receivers around to get favorable matchups. The tipped interception late in the first quarter likely snuffed a scoring drive, and was responsible for keeping the Raiders in the game through the first half. In the 3rd quarter, the entire offense was out of rhythm, and Rivers missed several throws, notably a slant to TE Antonio Gates that is usually a completion. In the 4th quarter, Rivers completed several clutch throws, one to WR Chris Chambers for a huge 1st down, and later threading the needle to Gates on a bootleg. A couple of chances for big plays were missed.

Running Backs: B

LaDainian Tomlinson continues to get better with each game. Despite scoring 2 TDs, we are still waiting on the "breakout" performance. Tomlinson also continues to improve in pass protection. Darren Sproles also contributed some nice runs, twice coming close to breaking free for touchdowns. Neither player was used much on screen passes, and both players served as decoys against the Raiders defense on passing downs. It should be noted that both players had more running room when operating out of spread formations than in power situations, and Tomlinson coasted for a TD on the Chargers 1st use of the Wildcat. Both FBs Jacob Hester and Mike Tolbert contributed drive-sustaining 1st downs on 3rd-and-1 dive plays. Tomlinson also recovered his potentially devastating fumble early in the 3rd quarter.

Wide Receivers: B

Vincent Jackson had another good outing, with 8 catches for 103 yards and a TD, but he made a serious mistake allowing a pass to deflect off his hands for an Oakland turnover. Also, somewhat similarly to the game against Kansas City, Jackson largely disappeared after a terrific 1st half. Gates made some huge plays, notably turning a 5 yard crossing route into a 30-yard gain, and a great catch off the Rivers bootleg mentioned above. Malcom Floyd contributed another marvelous jump-ball catch to set up the Chargers' first score, and Chris Chambers came up with a great catch, off a fade-stop with the sun in his eyes in the 4th quarter to keep Oakland's offense off the field.

Offensive Line: B-

For the second straight week, the pass blocking was sensational. The Chargers neutralized Richard Seymour, who wreaked havoc in the Chargers Week 1 escape. On the whole, nothing the Raiders did produced consistent pressure on Rivers. However, in the running game, the Chargers struggled again when running out of power sets, the exceptions a pair of FB dives on 3rd-and-1, and a 4th quarter 3rd-and 1 which Tomlinson took 13 yards to set up a 1st-and-Goal. The Chargers' most successful runs came from gimmick sets (such as the Wildcat) and out of spread formations. Penalties also hurt the Chargers; notably a false start against blocking TE Brandon Manumaleuna hurt the Chargers' chances to put the Raiders away in the 4th quarter. As usual, RT Jeromey Clary struggled with speed rushers - backup DE Matt Shaughnessy (subbing for Greg Ellis) abused Clary throughout the 2nd half.

Defensive Line: B

In the Week 1 matchup against Oakland, the Chargers lost Jamal Williams and got pushed around for a good part of the game. Yesterday, after Oakland fell behind, the D-Line contained Oakland's trap and slant based running game. Keeping Oakland in 2nd and 3rd-and-long situations benefited the Chargers line, allowing them to occupy linemen and create blitzing lanes for the linebackers. The DT rotation has improved with the addition of Ian Scott - the rotation of Scott, Vaughn Martin, and Ogemdi Nwagbuo has allowed the Chargers line to remain stout, if not disruptive at the point of attack. Holding the Raiders to 99 yards rushing, with a 3.7 per carry average, is good under any circumstances.

Author's Note: Vaughn Martin was inactive for this game, Travis Johnson was in the rotation at DT. Caught by the readers. Thanks for the info.

Linebackers: A-

OLBs Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman both got loose in the second half yesterday, each recording 2 sacks. Phillips made the play that all but clinched the game - crushing JaMarcus Russell late in the 4th quarter and putting the Raiders' offense in a huge hole. Merriman is getting closer to full strength, getting a sack after fighting through a block, and later blowing up Raiders' LT Mario Henderson on a bull rush. Inside, ILB Stephen Cooper contributed 10 tackles. ILB Brandon Siler, substituting in for Tim Dobbins (Dobbins was replacing an injured Kevin Burnett) contributed 6 tackles. The only issue for the ILBs was the failure to contain Oakland TE Zach Miller and RB Justin Fargas on short and intermediate routes.

Secondary: B

As was the case in Week 1, CBs Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie were not challenged by Oakland's receiving corps. WRs Louis Murphy, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Johnnie Lee Higgins combined for 2 catches, 16 yards. Cromartie contributed an interception early to force the Raiders' offense into a shell and sparked the Chargers' opening TD. Steve Gregory played well in his 2nd game as the nickel DB, and contributed a sack off a safety blitz. Safeties Eric Weddle and Kevin Ellison also had good games, although the group had problems with Miller in the middle of the field. Tackling was improved across the board, and there was none of the confusion that resulted in cheap plays for the Raiders (contrast this with Week 1, where Cromartie and former S Clinton Hart allowed a late TD bomb to give Oakland a 4th quarter lead).

Special Teams: C-

Surprisingly, this area has become a weakness for the Chargers over the last 3 weeks. Coverage teams allowed a long kick return - the Raiders were able to get a cheap FG late in the 1st half, just after the Chargers had taken a commanding 21-7 lead. For the 2nd straight game, the blocking teams were unable to create space for Sproles. Sproles himself had an unusually rough game, losing a fumble near midfield during a punt return - this play gave Oakland momentum after closing within 8 points. Later, on the kickoff following Oakland's last FG, Sproles mishandled the return, getting brought down at the Chargers' 8-yard line. P Mike Scifres nearly had a punt blocked when Hester missed a block. PK Nate Kaeding had only 1 FG attempt - he was his usual perfect self inside 40 yards, and made a touchdown-saving tackle on the return mentioned earlier. The Chargers should consider returning to the short, high kickoffs used the previous week in Kansas City.

Coaching: B

Norv Turner showed some imagination, using the Wildcat to get the Chargers on the scoreboard. He also was smart to emphasize the passing game in the first half against the Raiders, build a large early lead and force Oakland's passing game to keep pace. However, the Chargers came out with a stalled engine in the 3rd quarter, and it appeared that Turner didn't have an answer for jump-starting the offense. On defense, Ron Rivera dialed back the blitzes a bit against JaMarcus Russell, but nearly every call was effective. The only knocks against Rivera were not taking Miller completely out of the game with constant double teams, and not using more zone-blitzes in the first half to flood the middle of the field and take away what little comfort zone Russell has.

Biggest Positives:

Norv Turner getting innovative with the Wildcat inside the opponents' 10-yard line.
Emphasizing the pass to build an early lead in the first half.
Red-zone offense was improved, scoring 3 TDs in 4 chances.
Building a lead allowed the Chargers' defense to attack the QB - posting 5 sacks.
Defense holds the opponent to less than 100 yards rushing.
Defense keeps Oakland from scoring TDs in 3 out of 4 short field opportunities.
Improved pass protection for Rivers.

Biggest Areas of Concern:

The Chargers inability to control the line of scrimmage when operating a power-run offense.
Norv Turner's insistence on running the ball out of power-run formations.
Self-inflicted mistakes keep the Chargers from putting opponents away.
Inability to neutralize the opposing teams' TE.
Special Teams miscues gave Oakland great field position during the 2nd half.
Injuries to Burnett and Dobbins at ILB.

Looking Ahead:

To "monkey wrenching" Eli Manning's postseason hopes. Based on the Giants last three losses (at Saints, vs. Cardinals, at Eagles), their defense has problems handling spread offenses. With this in mind, Norv Turner should continue to emphasize the pass over the run. The game in New York will give us the first opportunity to gauge whether the Chargers have turned the corner, or whether they've taken advantage of 2 of the worst teams in the NFL.

An open question from the Dolphins community.

2009-11-03T00:14:45Z

If you were us, would you suggest we take a crack at Chambers, or is he too far gone at this point to be of use. I'm afraid our roster is already very crowded and I'm not quite certain who would lose their gameday action, but at the very least I wonder if we ought to PAY to have Chris come mentor our youth for the remainder of this season and possibly (depending on performance) the next season...

Seems like a pretty decent turn of events if Chambers can produce.. Not like he would have stiff competition from our WR lineup :/

Thanks

My Optimistic Prediction

2009-11-02T07:09:30Z

I've been pretty pessimistic around SB Nation lately, both on Gaslamp Ball and here on BFTB. Therefore, in celebration of our victory over the Raiders today, I've decided to put forward a rosy view of the future. An optimistic portrait of what we could accomplish in the coming weeks if we can improve each week.

We currently stand at 4-3. Our next three games are at the Giants, home vs. the Eagles, and on the road vs. the Broncos. If we can somehow manage to win two of those three games, we'd stand at 6-4 ten games in. You'd like to win the one against Denver to even the tiebreakers, but it's not necessary.

After that, we get two nice games at home vs. Kansas City, and on the road at Cleveland. It should not be a problem winning those games. That would put us at a nice 8-4.

The following two games are somewhat more difficult. At Dallas, who is playing great football right now, and at home vs. Cincinnati, who currently sits in first place in the tough AFC North. If we can somehow manage to split those two games (the game at home vs. Cincy seems like the best bet), we'd be at 9-5 with two games to play.

Our last two games of the season are eminently winnable--@ Tennessee on Christmas Day, and at home vs. the Redskins. Winning those two games would close us out at 11-5, which COULD be enough to win the division if we split with Denver, and should almost certainly be enough for a Wild Card spot.

The keys are the 5 games @ NYG, @ DEN, @ DAL, vs. PHI, and vs. CIN. Going 3-2 in those games would almost guarantee a 10+ win season, assuming we don't mess up against the remaining crappy teams on our schedule. That's our best chance to salvage the season.

This Week is for Winners, so no Giants Allowed

2009-11-02T00:50:47Z

Now is the time, my friends. I consider this coming Sunday’s game against the giants a make-or-break game. For us here in Charger land it is a must win game. Let’s face it; we are not an elite team. We cannot win against the raiders (albeit with good statistics for individual players) and expect that to translate into the Chargers being a competitive football team. We are an underachieving team.

But I am an optimistic man and I think we match-up well against the giants. I usually like to focus on the Chargers defensive side of the ball but I think the key to next week’s game is the giants d. The giants run a 4-3. This will clog the line and shut down our running game. Guess what? Our running game is staggering in its ineptitude. We have not been able to run all year and I lay the blame squarely on our o-line. We cannot block, and we are outmatched without our pro bowl center. The only reason we have gotten this far is with the work of Dielman. With four defensive linemen we simply cannot compete with smash-mouth football. I hope that Hardwick can play next week and get his excellent line-calls up the middle, but barring his return we will not be able to run. I will be looking for Rivers to eat up the secondary but still get a lot of pressure. Look for plenty of outlet passes to the flat. Which brings us to tonight’s word.

It cannot go without saying that little eli is a total b-word. For those who don’t know, I used to live in NOLA when I went to Tulane. Great place to be, but it’s also a small world and people talk. I was living there when little eli decided that he didn’t want to play for the Chargers, or I should say, daddy archie decided for him. I won’t repeat the direct stories about little eli but I think everyone can agree that his daddy runs his life. Ok, I’ll repeat one story. Hey little eli, what ever happened to that confederate flag tattoo you had on your ankle? Just asking. You give New Jersey a bad name.

Also, the NYC Charger fans have organized a couple of buses to take people from manhattan to New Jersey to see the game. It is a group of about 50 people or so and it should be a rockin time. If anyone is going to the game let me know and hopefully you can stop by before the game and meet some really cool Charger fans. I personally don’t know many of them well but they are kind souls. Unlike little eli.

OT: Let's talk about the other games.

2009-11-01T18:11:51Z

So let's talk about various other games that are going on. Denver-Baltimore, San Fran-Indy, Dallas-Seattle, all of them.

Have I mentioned how much I hate the 75-word requirement?

So are we all agreed that we're rooting for the Packers over the Vikings? It's almost like the old Colts vs. Pats good vs. evil rivalry.

I'm not going to talk much about Denver, because I've decided to ignore them as suggested by Wonko.

Yee ha!

What happened to Craig "Buster" Davis?

2009-11-01T15:32:31Z

Saints and LSU fan here. Just wondering what happened to this former Tiger, Craig Buster Davis. I thought he'd be pretty good in the NFL but it looks like injuries got him. Can anyone update as to whether he's still with the Chargers and whether he's going to play this year?

This guy was a phenomenal athlete from the New Orleans area. He was a standup guy at LSU and I hope he succeeds in the NFL. We Louisianians like to see our Tigers do well...except against the Saints... Hey, everyone's gotta have an off day at some point, right?

ps - thanks for Drew Brees! ;)

Predictions

2009-10-31T22:49:44Z

The Raiders come to town; will they be like they were in the opener or come out flat? History would suggest a Charger victory, 31-17.

What say you all?

Jack O Rivers

2009-10-31T16:30:18Z

I know I can't compete with jodes0405, but I carved this pumpkin yesterday to fend off any would be Raider trick-or-treaters tonight. My Jack-O-Rivers looks pretty possessed as he'll be doing some carving of his own tomorrow... carving up that Raiders' D!

Happy Halloween!

SABP here to Answer Your Raiders Questions

2009-10-28T12:36:51Z

Please rec this FanPost so that it stays at the top of the site until Sunday. - John

Oakland at San Diego

Hello Charger fans, TheRaiderWay here to answer your questions about this week's game or about the Raiders in general.

We are hoping now for a competitive game like the season opener and not the blowouts similar to 2 of the last 3 games. The Raiders will be heading into the bye-week and this team needs to show its fans that they care and can be competitive. After the debacle against the Jets, the raiders response in this week's game should be fascinating.

Week 7 Review - Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs. 37-7 Chargers.

2009-10-27T02:47:45Z

By playing their most complete game of the season so far, the Chargers obliterate the Chiefs for their 3rd consecutive win at Arrowhead Stadium.

Another classic sports cliche applies to games like this: "Good teams beat the teams they're supposed to beat." In this case, the Chargers did so convincingly. It is immaterial whether or not the Chiefs are just bad or truly awful (in this case, maybe the worst Chiefs team I've ever seen), because the Chargers should beat them regardless.

As good as the Chargers looked in this game, there are still some areas for the coaching staff to work hard on during the upcoming week of practice. In fact, it was self-inflicted mistakes that prevented the Chargers from hanging more than 50 points on Kansas City.

Quarterbacks: A

Philip Rivers has been the best player for the Chargers this season. In the previous 5 games, his ability to attack the opponent was hampered by problems on the offensive line. Not this week, as Rivers was hit only twice and not sacked. Operating with a clean pocket, and effective running game, Rivers shredded an over-matched Chiefs secondary. There wasn't a throw in the game that was close to being intercepted, and Rivers was consistently able to evade the meager pass rush that the Chiefs provided. Minus one poor throw to Gates inside the Chiefs 5-yard line, dropped passes were the only thing keeping Rivers from throwing 4 (or more) TDs. According to ESPN stats, Rivers passed Stan Humphries for 3rd on the Chargers career passing TDs list with 88.

Running Backs: B+

LaDainain Tomlinson quieted at least a few critics yesterday. He hit the holes with burst and showed some elusiveness in the open field, most notably on a 36-yard trap run to the left in the 1st quarter. His final stat line shows 23 carries for only 71 yards, however, 9 of those carries came inside the Kansas City 10-yard line (see Offensive Line below). Darren Sproles added 41 yards on the ground, as well another highlight TD, 58 yards off a swing pass from Rivers. Tomlinson was improved on blitz pick-ups, while Sproles was outstanding at keeping heat off Rivers.

Wide Receivers: B+

Vincent Jackson has become the best deep ball threat in the NFL. His speed, ability to beat double teams down the field, attack the pass at it's highest point, and athleticism are first-rate. His grade for the game is an A+. Posting a team-record 142 receiving yards in 1 half is astonishing, considering that this is the franchise of Lance Alworth, John Jefferson, Charlie Joiner, Wes Chandler, and Kellen Winslow. Gates was outstanding as usual, his early season case of the the fumbles appears to have been cured. Malcom Floyd contributed a 4-yard TD catch. This brings me to Chris Chambers, who, to put it nicely, was not very good. On consecutive drives in the 2nd Quarter, Chambers dropped a TD, followed by a 3rd down drop on the next series that would have given P Mike Scifres much more room to work with. For his first season and a half in San Diego, Chambers caught almost everything thrown his way. This season, he has been inconsistent at best.

Offensive Line: B-

If I was grading the Offensive Line's play up to the Kansas City 10-yard line, the grade would be an A. Inside the Chiefs' 10, a C-. Pass protection was excellent across the board, as the Chiefs got no pressure on Rivers whatsoever, blitzing or otherwise. Run blocking was solid, but not great. There were a limited number of penalties, except for a bizarre call against rookie Brandyn Dombrowski for not reporting as an eligible receiver (the dubious penalty cost Tomlinson a TD run). However, this unit must significantly step up it's game inside the red zone. The inability to finish drives was the primary factor in the loss to Baltimore in Week 2, and here it could have allowed the Chiefs to mount a second-half comeback. Special attention must be paid to rookie RG Louis Vasquez, a terrific pass blocker who needs to execute better in short-yardage and goal-to-go running situations.

Defensive Line: B+

For the first time this year, the Chargers' defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. And what a difference it makes. The Chiefs offense was not effective using a power running game under any circumstances. The biggest play of the game was stuffing Chiefs' QB Matt Cassel on a 4th-and-1 sneak at the Kansas City 41-yard line. The Chargers linemen occupied multiple blockers, allowing Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera to run some early safety and zone blitzes that kept the Chiefs' offense guessing throughout the 1st half. In the 2nd half, Rivera used the linebackers more, and the space eaten up by the line helped force Cassel into 3 interceptions. Some work needs to be done on defending draw plays and QB scrambles. Also, it appears that DT Ian Scott, while no Jamal Williams, has added some desperately needed bulk and power to the interior of the defense. Minus Cassel's scrambling, the Chiefs rushed for only 97 yards.

Linebackers: A-

At long last, a sighting of both OLBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips in something resembling Pro Bowl form. Phillips had a terrific 2nd half, netting 2 sacks of Cassel. Merriman contributed several QB hurries, at least one of which helped force an interception. Merriman also had a vintage play, running down Chiefs' RB Larry Johnson for a short gain on 3rd-and-3 from across the field. Inside, reserve ILBs Tim Dobbins and Brandon Siler (substituting for Kevin Burnett and Stephen Cooper, respectively) combining for 19 tackles. Dobbins in particular played with a nasty streak, getting penetration and making solid, hard tackles. There were no troubles in pass defense, as Dobbins collected a tipped interception, and the zone blitz scheme was used effectively.

Secondary: A-

Rookie S Kevin Ellison had his second good game in a row, contributing solid tackling and aggressive run support. Replacing CB Antoine Cason with S Steve Gregory at the nickel back slot appears to have been a good coaching decision, as Gregory made a few nice pass break-ups and grabbed Cassel's 3rd interception. S Paul Oliver, who has seen the field infrequently, snared a terrible Cassel overthrow. CBs Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie had solid games, finally getting the better of Chiefs' WR Dwayne Bowe. Cassel had nowhere to go during his initial reads, and the secondary was rewarded with consistent pass pressure.

Special Teams: B

Mike Scifres had his first good game in a couple of weeks, hitting punts with the booming distance and hang time we're accustomed to seeing. PK Nate Kaeding remains Mr. Reliable inside of 40 yards, but anything beyond 40 yards is a question mark. it is interesting to note however, that the flags on the top of the goalposts indicated there was a stronger wind than was on the field - both Kaeding and Chiefs' K Ryan Succop pushed their kicks to the right. Kaeding's kickoffs were shorter than usual, but it appeared deliberate on the part of the coaching staff to limit long returns. Coverage units played well, although kick and return blocking were not as good as they have been in previous weeks.

Coaching Staff: B+

I'm not sure whether Norv Turner and the staff can be overly praised for the Chargers being ready to play with a sense of urgency - this may be more the team realizing that the Denver loss puts them in a must-win situation. That being said, Turner called a good offensive game. Considering the red zone difficulties, Turner made 3 outstanding calls: the clear out which resulted in Floyd's TD catch in the 1st quarter, the 3rd-and-Goal where Rivers threw the fade stop to Chambers in the 2nd quarter, and the 3rd-and-Goal where Rivers missed Gates on a play-action pass in the 4th quarter. Also, I liked that Turner challenged the offensive line in the 3rd quarter with the game in-hand. Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera mixed in early safety blitzes which confused Kansas City's offensive line, building on that later with a series of well designed zone blitzes. Also, the defensive lineup changes appear to have had an impact, substituting Gregory for Cason at nickel back, as well as increasing the play time for Ellison at safety.

Biggest Positives:

Overall play of the defense was outstanding. Defensive line, linebackers, and secondary played as a whole unit for the first time. Players appeared to trust each other and not try to go "beyond the scheme" to make plays. Regardless of the opponent, allowing 7 points, 203 total yards, and 10 first downs is a job well done.
Offensive run and pass blocking was terrific between the 20s. When Rivers has a clean pocket and the threat of a running game, the Chargers' offense is as good as any offense this side of New Orleans.
Receiver play, excepting Chambers, was sensational.
Coaches had an excellent game plan on both sides of the ball. In-game adjustments and play calls were well above average.
Starting fast by passing to set up the run.
Defense was excellent at keeping Kansas City in 2nd and 3rd-long situations throughout the game.

Biggest Areas of Concern:

Inability to finish drives inside the opponent's 5-yard line kept the Chiefs in this game well into the 3rd quarter - the game could have been over at halftime.
Chambers appears unfocused, or age is catching up with him. Either way, it will be harder and harder to keep Floyd out of the starting lineup if Chambers continues to struggle.
Defense is still susceptible to draw plays and QB scrambles on 3rd and long.

Looking Ahead:

To running the streak over Oakland to 13 games. In film buff parlance, the Chargers haven't lost to the Raiders since The Rundown was the #1 movie in America.

Author's Note: Linebacker section was corrected to reflect that ILB Stephen Cooper did not play, or was extremely limited in game action.

A Carnac for Gorditoe

2009-10-27T16:18:30Z

Gorditoe1 peered into the future and saw a victory as complete as Hannibal's at Cannae; ok not that complete, but a pretty thorough thumping. Go forth in pride as the latest Carnac of BFTB Gorditoe.

Meanwhile LJBumfool earns a Leaf for his abject failure at prognostification, just barely edging out the Maestro. Oh well, such is Leaf:

Owen Daniels - The best tight end in the AFC ?

2009-10-27T15:43:40Z

The Top 4

Player	Team	G	Rec	Yds	Yds/G	Lng	Avg	TDs	20+	40+
Heath Miller	PIT	7	40	353	50.4	25	8.8	4	1	0
Owen Daniels	HOU	7	39	497	71.0	44	12.7	5	7	2
Dallas Clark	IND	6	38	485	80.8	80	12.8	3	6	2
Antonio Gates	SD	6	34	474	79.0	37	13.9	2	8	0

I know I'm a homer, so just wanted to get some other opinions about who has been the best tight end in the AFC this season. And I am just talking about this season, wasn't comparing career stats on these guys. I also posted this on all the respective blogs for these four tight ends to get differing opinions.

Poll

Bolts From The Blue: FanPosts

Rivers "obviously" telegraphing snap

Where is Clip Show???

Pacstud Terminology Guide

Week 8 - Raider Game II

Hindsight: How Could This Have Been Avoided?

The Ultimate Tailgate...

Big Blue View on the scene to answer your Giants questions

Carpe Carnac Trinidad Jack

Week 8 Review - Oakland Raiders at Chargers. Final: 24-16 Chargers.

An open question from the Dolphins community.

My Optimistic Prediction

This Week is for Winners, so no Giants Allowed

OT: Let's talk about the other games.

What happened to Craig "Buster" Davis?

Predictions

Jack O Rivers

SABP here to Answer Your Raiders Questions

Week 7 Review - Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs. 37-7 Chargers.

By playing their most complete game of the season so far, the Chargers obliterate the Chiefs for their 3rd consecutive win at Arrowhead Stadium.

A Carnac for Gorditoe

Owen Daniels - The best tight end in the AFC ?

Who has been the best tight end in the AFC this year ?