Well, this day has worked out just lovely, hasn't it? The Chargers defeat the Cowboys, and look good doing it, and the Broncos and Bengals both lose their games. A win against the Bengals next week and Norv can start thinking about resting players on Christmas and against Washington.
This a team that's not just about their personnel, but about their coaching. Ron Rivera managed to hold the Cowboys to 10 points (those last 7 were in garbage time) with any run defense (outside of the goal line stand). Norv Turner looked like he knew every Dallas defensive call before Wade Phillips did. Play-calling on both sides of the ball was absolutely perfect. It's the performance of the coaching that has been the biggest factor in the Chargers winning 8 straight games in 2009, and 16 straight games in the month of December.
Philip Rivers won the battle of the QBs against Tony Romo, and I will not hear it differently. Romo had the benefit of a strong running game, and the defenses were playing just about the same, yet he could not consistently get first downs. Besides the 99 yard drive (that Tony was barely involved in), I was not very impressed by the Cowboys offense today. Rivers did everything he possibly could (including avoiding many rushes) to win this game and looked great doing it (besides the interception).
Some quick Bolts are below. As always, your feedback is appreciated and will be a part of the final selections after I re-watch the game.
- Philip Rivers
- Antonio Gates
- Vincent Jackson
- Malcom Floyd
- Marcus McNeill
- Stephen Cooper
- Brandon Siler
- Antonio Cromartie