San Diego Chargers

 

Football is back baby! That means we get to watch our Bears in action! Here are my notes from tonight's 25-10 preseason loss to the Chargers:

-He wasn't in the game for long, but Jay Cutler looked well enough in the eight plays he was on the field. He completed both of his pass attempts to Johnny Knox for 47 total yards. Otherwise it was hand-offs and a sack for Jay tonight in a bland offensive gameplan. Still, there's a noticeable difference on that side of the ball thanks to Martz. We'll see how it looks going forward. Some fans were surprised at Cutler only playing one series, but I was fine with it. He'll get plenty of reps in the next two games. Though I honestly doubted Lovie's claim of playing his starters close to a half. Yeah, right.

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It's been too long since I've gotten to talk about live Chicago Bears football! On Saturday the Bears will be in San Diego to take on the Charges in their first exhibition game this year. While I'll go in-depth at each position in later blogs, I'll let you know what to look for if you're in the mood to watch some scrubs fight for jobs.

Continue reading "Joe's Preseason Preview: Bears at Chargers"

After winning 11 straight games to finish the regular season, the San Diego Chargers came out with a resounding thud at home against the Jets on Sunday. Penalties, missed field goals and turnovers formed a perfect storm of suck for the Chargers and kept the Jets in the game until the final quarter where they took and held onto the lead to advance to the AFC championship game with a 17-14 victory.

Continue reading "Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego"

Go Cowboys.

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
4:40PM ET CBS 

After roughing up the Bengals, hopes are high in New York. Their Jets have the number one defense and number running game in the NFL, but Mark Sanchez is the key to the offense's success. His first step is not making mistakes, second is putting up points. Darelle Revis should have been the defensive player of the year, but he'll have his hands full with a probably match-up on the 6'5" Vincent Jackson.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

is could be a signature win to carry them over into next year.

(9-4) Cincinnati Bengals at (10-3) San Diego Chargers

In the most significant game of the weekend, San Diego and Cincinnati are essentially playing for the number two seed in the AFC and an additional home game in the playoffs. San Diego has been lighting teams up in December while the Bengals were just lambasted by Minnesota. After the tragic loss of Chris Henry, I can't believe the Bengals are going to have enough in the tank to head out west and win.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

They're certainly not the elite team everyone expected them to be.

(10-3) San Diego Chargers 20
(8-5) Dallas Cowboys 17

Oh Tony Romo, why do you get all the grief and blame? I don't think anything's wrong with the Cowboys this season, they just have a ridiculously difficult end of the season schedule. While they're not the powerhouse of years past, I've seen some positives from Dallas this year. Chargers QB Philip Rivers is once again putting on an MVP-type performance that no one will notice. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Look out New York. I'm just warning ya. 

(6-3) San Diego Chargers at (6-3) Denver Broncos

As much as it can this early in the season, this match-up may very well decide the AFC West. The Chargers have rebounded from their annual slow start to the meet up at 6-3 with a now struggling Broncos. If San Diego can get another big game from LaDainian Tomlinson like last week, Denver's defense won't be able to hang strong in the second half. For Josh McDaniels, he'll have to get everything and more out of probable starter Chris Simms. It doesn't look good for the Broncos this week.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

Aaron Rodgers (besides protecting him) is to hit the snot out of the other QB.  

(6-3) San Diego Chargers 31
(5-4) Philadelphia Eagles 23 

This was a bad week for the top of the NFC East. (But good for the Giants.) Philly stumbled but kept pace with the Cowboys. San Diego picked up another game on the Broncos, setting up a showdown this weekend. Donovan McNabb threw for 450 yards and LOST and Brian Westbrook suffered another concussion. Sit him down. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 10"

pping to 4-5 won’t do his job security any favors. 

(5-3) Philadelphia Eagles at (5-3) San Diego Chargers 

In another 3:15 start, Philly goes west to take on the surging Chargers. This is one of those games I’d stay away from in Vegas. Both offenses make their living off the big play. McNabb has DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy while Philip Rivers relies on Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Darren Sproles. The Eagles’ defense will prove to be the difference if their blitzes can get to Rivers on a regular basis. If he doesn’t have time to get downfield the Chargers offense will grind to a halt. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

More like a Gatorada Tsunami.

(5-3) San Diego Chargers 21
(5-4) New York Giants 20

That’s how you lose a game by making a field goal. After a late interception put him in field goal range, Tom Coughlin seemed content with simply running the ball and the clock down to about two minutes, then kicking a field goal. He didn’t even ask the third-highest paid player in the league (Eli Manning) to make a throw that could put the game out of reach for the threatening Chargers. Instead of going for the win, Coughlin settled for three points. He then watched Philip Rivers march his squad down the field with ease with no timeouts or opposition. That’s how you run a 2-minute offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

More like a Gatorada Tsunami.

(5-3) San Diego Chargers 21
(5-4) New York Giants 20

That’s how you lose a game by making a field goal. After a late interception put him in field goal range, Tom Coughlin seemed content with simply running the ball and the clock down to about two minutes, then kicking a field goal. He didn’t even ask the third-highest paid player in the league (Eli Manning) to make a throw that could put the game out of reach for the threatening Chargers. Instead of going for the win, Coughlin settled for three points. He then watched Philip Rivers march his squad down the field with ease with no timeouts or opposition. That’s how you run a 2-minute offense.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Thanks for arriving late to the party, motor-mouth.

(4-3) San Diego Chargers at (5-3) New York Giants

With their typical slow start, San Diego has another hole to dig out of in the AFC West. For the second consecutive season, they’ll have to overtake the Denver Broncos to get into the playoffs. Unfortunately for Norv Turner’s boys, this isn’t last year’s Broncos. Philip Rivers faces off against the man who forced his way out of San Diego on draft day in a trade. Eli Manning’s Giants are stumbling but have the bonus of a bye next week. Tom Coughlin will have his team ready to play in front of their home crowd.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

Trent Edwards left the game with a concussion. 

 

(6-0) Denver Broncos 34
(2-3) San Diego Chargers 23 

A special teams bonanza! Josh McDaniels should be thanking Eddie Royal all night long for those return TD’s that single-handedly kept the Broncos in the game before halftime. Kyle Orton is 6-0. I think I wanna throw-up. Seriously though, that system fits his skill set and allows Denver’s multiple playmakers to run after the catch. The Cutler trade will probably be a success for both teams involved. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

or Seau has un-retired again, without the Favre-like hooplah. 

(5-0) Denver Broncos at (3-2) San Diego Chargers 

Monday night is the stage for an early AFC West showdown. The undefeated Broncos are pulling away in the division, but the Chargers have a chance to bring them back a notch. Philip Rivers must push this offense and be aggressive against Denver’s surprising defense. Kyle Orton just needs to find his playmakers in space and protect the ball like he has through five games already. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

re Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton and 4-0 go from here. 

(2-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 38
(2-2) San Diego Chargers 28 

With 28 points in the final 17 minutes of play, I think the Chargers can rest a little easier about this loss. They definitely struggled for most of the game, but they ignited under Philip Rivers. Big Ben and the Steelers needed to avoid a 1-3 start to keep the AFC North race close. Maybe Rashard Mendenhall earned a few more carries for himself? 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

d come in and run all over Denver’s D, or there will be another crisis week in Big D. 

San Diego Chargers (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) 

Could you have seen a legitimate chance the Super Bowl Champs would be 1-3 after the first quarter of the season? Well see it now, because the Chargers are equipped to take advantage of Troy Polamalu’s continued absence in the Steeler secondary. Philip Rivers excels in throwing the deep ball, which is where a safety’s coverage skills are tested. While San Diego’s defense isn’t at full speed, Pittsburgh’s running game will struggle for another week. Mike Tomlin will have to rely on Big Ben’s arm to get a second victory. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

sastrous for the Seahawks’ season.

(2-0) Baltimore Ravens     31
(1-1) San Diego Chargers  26

Uh… don’t look now, but the Ravens have an offense. Joe Flacco isn’t just “managing” the game anymore. In San Diego, what was Norv Turner thinking with that Darren Sproles run up the middle on fourth down? Shoddy play-calling.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

The prize at stake is an early lead in the NFC West.

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at San Diego Chargers (1-0)

San Diego barely squeaked by the Raiders, while Baltimore had trouble with the Brody Croyle-led Chiefs. Both teams need to prove they’re better than those scores would suggest. Item of note: How many carries will Tomlinson lose to Darren Sproles? My guess is quite a few, bum ankle for LT or not.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

Yep Trent, you're a Bill. Sorry.

San Diego Chargers 24, Oakland Raiders 20

So… LT didn’t look all that great, and it brought him a seat on the sidelines as the game was on the line in the fourth quarter. Philip Rivers looked flustered at times until his final drive when the Raiders gave him every check-down he wanted enough space to gain ten yards.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

It's that time of year again folks. Time to start predicting the unpredictable. Will any of the Denver Broncos running backs get enough carries to warrant a spot on your roster? Can Michael Turner replicate last season's performance and warrant the second overall pick in your draft? What will Terrell Owens's numbers look like now that he is in Buffalo? And how does that impact Trent Edwards value as the Bills' QB? Who am I taking if I get the first pick? What if I get stuck at the end of the first round? Do I snatch up two running backs? Or should I go one running back and also nab a top tier receiver?

Continue reading "Fantasy Footbal is Upon Us"

rsquo;t acquire another target for Manning, they might not have a choice.

Pittsburgh Steelers 35, San Diego Chargers 24

Pittsburgh was the only home team to win in the divisional round. Hom

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That’s playoff football at its finest.

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers, CBS, Sunday 4:45 PM (ET)

Hopefully, for the fans’ sake the conditions at Heinz Field will be more playable than during week 11, when these teams met in an ugly 11-10 Steelers victory. However, the Steelers’ number one rated defense wont care, they like any weather conditions that slow down the opposing offense. With LaDainian Tomlinson’s confirmation of a torn tendon in his groin, stand-out return man Darren Sproles will again be called on to carry the load at running back. Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates was still having toe and ankle problems, so Philip Rivers may be lacking the explosive weaponry to which he’s accustomed. On the opposite sideline, Ben Roethlisberger will have a full complement as Willie Parker is healthy and ready to be the feature back. It is perfect timing for Big Ben, as no one knows how well he’ll perform following the mild concussion he suffered in the regular season finale. Obviously Pittsburgh wouldn’t risk their franchise quarterback, but they’ll have to keep an eye on Ben’s tendency to hold onto the football too long. San Diego’s defense may be lacking sack machine Shawne Merriman, but coordinator Ron Rivera will still bring the blitzes to put Roethlisberger on his back. This one may not be football at it’s prettiest, but it will be as physical a match-up as you’ll see all weekend (okay, maybe not as much as Ravens v. Titans, but it’ll be close).

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Divisional Round"

securing the victory and propelling them into a match-up with the Carolina Panthers next weekend.

San Diego Chargers 23, Indianapolis Colts 17

Well, I did say Darren Sproles would be the difference-maker for San Diego. I hate being right. Sproles totaled 105 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns as he filled in for the ailing LaDainian Tomlinson, who sat out for most of the game after trying to gut it out early. San Diego’s defense was the surprise, holding the potent Colts offense to only 17 points through four quarters and overtime (where Peyton Manning never saw the ball). Despite two turnovers, the Chargers rallied with 31 seconds left to hit an over-time forcing field goal, careful not to leave too much time for Manning to return the favor. After winning the coin toss, Philip Rivers led his team on an eleven play, 75 yard drive that soaked up over six minutes of clock and ended on a 22-yard Sproles romp to the end zone. Conversely, Manning had to shoulder the entire load, as the Colt backfield only managed 64 yards on the ground. It was too much to ask even of Manning, who in a solid effort could not overcome the lack of balance on offense. The field position battle also played an integral role in Indy’s demise, as Charger punter Matt Scifres booted all six of his punts inside the twenty yard line, putting even more pressure on Manning before he even stepped back on the field. The loss provides a somber ending to a character building season for Tony Dungy’s team while also offering more evidence to the possible moniker of “underachievers.” Norv Turner’s Chargers are playing their best football at the right time, but will have a heck of a challenge going into Heinz Field against the Steelers on Sunday.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

the Bengals and 49ers); they’ll need some help to make it into January.

Atlanta Falcons 22, San Diego Chargers 16

Anyone who predicted that the Atlanta Falcons would be 8-4 with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback is either a certifiable genius or an authentic wacko. Matt Ryan is out-performing even the loftiest of expectations that come with being picked number three overall. On the flip side, the

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make a go of it the Redskins will be beaten before the game even starts.

Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-7)

Among a glut of improved teams in the NFC, the Falcons are without a doubt the biggest surprise. Being a surprise doesn’t have to be the whole story in 2008 though, as Atlanta still has a chance at the division as well as a possible wildcard spot. Matt Ryan will get strong consideration for Rookie of the Year, and Michael Turner may have been the best free agent signing of the off-season. Turner departed the Chargers, who are fighting for their lives in a less-than-stellar AFC West. A loss would ensure San Diego goes no better than .500, but with a strong possibility to end up with a losing record. That won’t be enough for a team with all this supposed “talent.”

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Week 13"

Jake Delhomme is now unquestionably the worst quarterback in the division.

Indianapolis Colts 23, San Diego Chargers 20

Including the Chargers, the Colts don’t face a team with a winn

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rom tailback Michael Turner if they have a hope to beat the Panthers.

Indianapolis Colts (6-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-6)

On a three-game winning streak, Peyton Manning and the Colts may finally have righted the ship. Luckily, the rest of the AFC is sagging, so every non-division leader looking for a wild-card berth is also 6-4. The Colts are getting healthy at the right time, and after the Chargers they face Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit, a stretch of teams that have only have 5 wins combined. Things are looking up for Tony Dungy and his crew.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Twelve Preview"

lty in the closing weeks, but in a drooping AFC, 10 wins will get you in.

Pittsburgh Steelers 11, San Diego Chargers 10

Despite a suspicious 13 penalties for 115 yards (San Diego had one for 5 yards), the Pittsburgh Steelers escaped snowy Heinz Field with a win. They did it with old fashioned Steeler football: efficient quarterback play, establishing the run, and hard-nosed defense. With two Philip Rivers interceptions and 36+ minutes in time of possession, this should have been a wider margin of victory. Speaking of, WHY did they even bother calling back Polamalu’s touchdown? The Refs for this one have since come and out said they botched the call, but they’re lucky it didn’t decide the outcome.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week Eleven"

re, and will be a valuable pick-up in the off-season if the Bucs don’t retain his services.

San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

The Chargers struggled to defeat the lowly Chiefs, needing a defensive stop on a two-point conversion to secure the win. LaDainian Tomlinson’s production is part of the reason, as he’s straining to reach mediocre statistics. Philip Rivers continues his fantastic yet overlooked season, keeping his team within striking distance of first place Denver.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eleven Preview"

San Diego Chargers (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (3-4)

San Diego was man-handled by the Bills last week, so they’re due for an exciting win. The problem is, so are the Saints. These are two of the most unpredictable teams in the league, and both are coming off bad losses. The Chargers aren’t making up any ground on the faltering Broncos, and sooner than later the frustration will take its toll on them. L.T.’s toe injury just hasn’t gone away, and it’s causing their running game to suffer tremendously. Philip Rivers leads the league in touchdowns at 16 and passer rating at 108.5, but his spectacular season is overshadowed by the Chargers’ incongruity.  San Diego won’t be able to keep trading off wins and losses, so getting back to .500 is monumental going into the second half of the year.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eight Preview"

For everyone else, it’s a crap-shoot. Now onto week seven in the NFL:

Buffalo Bills 24, San Diego Chargers 14

Okay, now we all should know the Buffalo Bills are as good as advertised. Trent Edwards is the best quarterback in the NFL that no one’s talking about. Edwards completed a Brady-like 25 of his 30 pass attempts, and was protected by an offensive line that allowed no sacks. That same line pushed the Chargers around for running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch who combined for a workmen-like 28 carries for 103 yards. The Bills offense never turned the ball over while the Bills defense took it away three times. As long as Trent is upright and health, the Bills will contend for the division title this season.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 7"

Week seven in the NFL will continue separating the good from the simply mediocre.

San Diego Chargers (3-3) at Buffalo Bills (4-1)

The Chargers of years past were predominantly designed to hand-off to L.T. and keep their quarterbacks from making too many throws. This year’s Chargers, with Tomlinson’s injury slowing him down, are in a “throw first, run later” mindset. It worked last week, as San Diego demolished New England. Philip Rivers has been successful without his number one receiver in Chris Chambers, who hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle in their October fifth loss to Miami. Stepping up to the plate, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are frequently getting open downfield and stretching the defense. Chambers won’t need to rush back with the way the Super Chargers are lighting up scoreboards as of late.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Seven Preview"

ohnson should be able to put up points, but there may be too many injures for Dallas to overcome.

San Diego Chargers 30, New England Patriots 10

This game clearly revealed these teams’ true identities. San Diego is a talented team on both sides of the ball, and they excel at the big play. New England is old on defense, and Matt Cassel is no Tom Brady. Philip Rivers hit Vincent Jackson 48 yards deep on the first play from scrimmage and the Chargers never looked back. They dominated this game, and never was it more evident than their defensive goal line stand as the Patriots were attempting to get the game within one score. Even without a dominant LaDainian Tomlinson rushing performance, the Chargers had no problem pulling themselves back up to .500, only one game behind the division leading Denver Broncos. Charger defensive tackle Jamal Williams penetrated the Patriot offensive line all night, wreaking havoc in the backfield on running plays as well as on Cassel drop-backs. New England’s secondary was exposed as corner Deltha O’Neal was a favorite victim of Philip Rivers’ precise passing. Bill Belichick better figure out his quarterback situation or his Patriots may not even sniff the postseason.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

cked quarterback in the league will have another painful afternoon.

New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)

Who knows what we’re going to see from these teams on Sunday

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Six Preview"

en Bay could be in trouble, and it has nothing to do with missing Brett Favre.

Miami Dolphins 17, San Diego Chargers 10

The team that won one game all of last season has beaten both participants of the last AFC Championship. Miami’s turnaround under Tony Sparano is another great example of parity in the NFL. They won’t win the AFC East, but they’ll hover around .500 for a bulk of the season in my eyes. Their “single wing” offense is successful for another week as Ronnie Brown seems to baffle defenses when he goes under center. Chad Pennington simply plays efficient football, which is exactly what this team needs to have success. San Diego continued its annual “start slow and scare the pundits who picked us to go to the Super Bowl” tradition by dropping to 2-3 behind their division rival Broncos who lead at 4-1. LaDainian Tomlinson has been slowed by an injured toe and horrible offensive line play. Back-up Darren Sproles is making a name for himself, becoming the next L.T. backup to eventually leave for a starting job somewhere else. San Diego needs to rebound like they did last year, or it’ll be another season of disappointment for Charger faithful.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

ball, as Matt Cassel isn’t going to attempt thirty-five passes from the shotgun formation.

San Diego Chargers (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0)

The Chargers sure do like to make things hard on themselves. They are notorious slow starters. Denver wasted no time last Monday as Jay Cutler picked apart a pitiful Raiders defense. With no Shawne Merriman to rush the passer, Cutler should have all the time he needs to attack an average San Diego secondary in this division match-up.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Two Preview"

Since I'm still finding a more thoroughgoing blog voice re Lakers, I thought I'd post here my reply to Kareem's informative and enjoyable post off nba.com:

Kareem, you will always be my all-time favorite Laker. The grace, dignity, and extraordinary numbers you posted over your long distinguished career remain nonpareil. And the multi-champ team with you and Magic and Worthy, et al remains my fave too.

Continue reading "KAREEM POST"

I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.

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I wasn’t very excited about Norv Turner, but he proved me wrong by taking the San Diego Chargers almost there this season. This tells me he wasn’t all bad. But asking Lane Kiffin

Continue reading "The Los Angeles Raiders"

knew they could do it! They had their number earlier in the year and they did it again today! The San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts in a 28-24 victory that came down to the wire at the RCA Dome. Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie were key in the defense against Peyton Manning, both making big plays when it really counted. I was truly worried when LaDainian Tomlinson went out of the game and even more pessimistic when Philip Rivers had to be sidelined – but the rest of the team made me a believer! I take back every less than flattering statement I have ever uttered about Norv Turner!  He really is an NFL coach that deserves respect.  

Continue reading "Go Bolts!"

who I will be rooting for next week for sure (remaining season afterward to be determined):

Go San Diego Chargers! This is my number one choice of course, being a Southern California native. LaDainian Tomlinson is not only remarkable, but a role model with his quiet confidence. You never see him trash talking, he simply does his job and does it well! I am fully allowed to root for them as they were once the Los Angeles Chargers and I actually lived in Del Mar for a period. Also, I have been to Seau’s and had a cigar (alright, he isn’t there anymore but that’s not the point)!

Continue reading "Bandwagon Season!"

There is no hope from my San Diego Chargers either…huuuuhhhmmmmm

Go Bucs!

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