tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583812909640928102024-03-05T18:16:02.516-08:00We'll Always Have OaklandA blog about the San Diego "Super" ChargersTJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-85208453193034733882010-03-08T13:00:00.000-08:002010-03-08T13:00:13.083-08:00This Makes Things... Better?News came out today that former Charger Antonio Cromartie fathered seven children by six different women in five states, four in bed, three in a car, two in California, one he actually likes, and zero condoms (Hint: only the first three numbers are true, and possibly the last). The New York Jets organization has fronted Cromartie half a million dollars to settle an upcoming paternity suit before training camp. And suddenly, the Charger organization's reasons for the trade have become a little clearer. There had been rumors of Cromartie being a trouble maker before (anyone remember the bottle throwing incident back in November?) but this suggests that the former Charger may have been as stupid as he was reckless.<br />
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Now I'm going to use this to deal with a much bigger issue that has angered me for a while. And that's the concept of the "high character team." Everyone seems to think that character and chemistry are these magical concepts that guarantee winning regardless of talent. You want to know what happened to the Chargers when Cromartie was traded last week? Net character went up, and net talent went down. The end result? The Chargers are a worse team now than they were at the end of the season. As long as guys in the locker room aren't killing each other and everyone is willing to do their job, chemistry means nothing. People always point out success stories like the 2009-10 Saints or the 2007-08 Boston Celtics as teams that got along really well and won championships, but the fact is it's the other way around. It's simply easier to get along when you're winning. You know who's a great group of guys? The Indiana Pacers. Players like Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Granger are by all accounts some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. But they still suck, because Granger is the only guy on the team capable of putting the ball in the basket. Antoine Cason could be the second coming of Gandhi, but if he can't cover a receiver as well as Antonio Cromartie (which he can't) the Chargers secondary just got worse.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-78351932335577898252010-03-04T20:10:00.000-08:002010-03-04T20:13:41.452-08:00Wow. Awesome.Two seasons removed from the greatest 10 game stretch any cornerback has ever posted, Antonio Cromartie is headed to the New York Jets. So... Yeah. Really smart, AJ. With the window closing on a team that many pick for the Super Bowl each year, you've traded a key piece for a 2011 3rd round pick that becomes a 2nd round pick if he plays well, so at least there's that. It's your show now, Cason. Try not to perform like another promising former Wildcat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zwU5xv6cuHW8FdWtPcifnqNPhPZFcdRQX5134cV7_oXfHNgltRwoP9vNh_dTpUtnx9GdFEv62vWQgt8PX3EZToYh9yVuIg4eCkJUelr83-vbuU0JusdJjy618uVy6wojPQtwXwfGCSsm/s1600-h/Arenas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zwU5xv6cuHW8FdWtPcifnqNPhPZFcdRQX5134cV7_oXfHNgltRwoP9vNh_dTpUtnx9GdFEv62vWQgt8PX3EZToYh9yVuIg4eCkJUelr83-vbuU0JusdJjy618uVy6wojPQtwXwfGCSsm/s320/Arenas.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dislike this team. A lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">UPDATE: The Bolts also released DT Jamal Williams, because he wasn't one of the best nose tackles in the NFL when healthy or anything. Oh wait. He was.</div>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-82785634357927350432010-02-22T13:47:00.000-08:002010-02-22T13:49:33.879-08:00Something Happened Today that We Already Knew Was Going to Happen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcKCXs1MK6uccNBhh6JmF3kuSjqaNQXY6gO_77qvon-qVQHoYwuxcnrKJiowvXciqxAAYOZxQCGKzb7gxIzGwehyjwbwRaV7CQAEPjR7vK9ywmSd_-PcPFtwPJNHXKm99GsZCYU0vqXgA/s1600-h/GoodbyeLT.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcKCXs1MK6uccNBhh6JmF3kuSjqaNQXY6gO_77qvon-qVQHoYwuxcnrKJiowvXciqxAAYOZxQCGKzb7gxIzGwehyjwbwRaV7CQAEPjR7vK9ywmSd_-PcPFtwPJNHXKm99GsZCYU0vqXgA/s320/GoodbyeLT.gif" /></a></div>Today the San Diego Chargers released an aging and underperforming running back, thereby saving $3 million in salary and another $2 million bonus that was due to him in March.<br />
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He just happened to be the greatest Charger in team history.<br />
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Moment of silence.<br />
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<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4936783">Tomlinson released by Chargers</a> [ESPN]TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-794726552685306812010-02-16T21:13:00.000-08:002010-02-16T21:15:51.202-08:00Meh.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>According to the Bolthype blog - my favorite because Rop Zepeda was nice enough to send me a lengthy email with blogging advice (ahem, Joel Price from Charger Blog and Ray from Bolttalk) - the Chargers are likely to draft Defensive Tackle Dan Williams out of Tennessee. Williams fills a need on the defensive line where a man called Jamal Williams used to play. He is also seemingly a very nice prospect whose teammates in Rocky Top (that's where the University of Tennessee is located, layman) called him "unblockable." But that's not saying much considering the quality of UT's offensive line. Offensive Tackle Cory Smith once described coach Lane Kiffin as "a real tough assignment. Very shifty."<br />
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But the quality of the Williams pick is not the issue here. It's simply another safe defensive pick from a Chargers front office that refuses to take risks on playmakers. It's what I call the Larry English Effect, and here it is in movie form.<br />
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<blockquote>Two young men, TYLER and DAN, are sitting on a couch watching a San Diego Chargers football game. TYLER is young, dashing, and clearly very intelligent. He also has a very nice haircut. DAN does not matter.</blockquote><blockquote>TYLER sees Larry English lying on the top of a running back two yards past the line of scrimmage. English has clearly not actually made the tackle, but will be credited with it.</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;">TYLER</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;">Larry English! First round draft pick doin' work!</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;">DAN</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;">Yup.</blockquote><blockquote>The game continues.</blockquote><br />
That happened a total of 23 times this year. And while English is not a bust by any means (he is a solid player and should start for the Bolts for years to come) he does not excite and he definitely will not win you a Super Bowl. On the other hand C.J. Spiller and Jahvid Best - while they do represent risks - have the potential to be number 1 or 2 guys on a championship contending team.<br />
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So in conclusion... Grow a pair, A.J. Smith, and for once in your life take a risk with that 28th pick.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bolthype.com/2010/02/chargers-unlikely-to-pass-up-tennessees.html">Chargers Unlikely To Pass Up Tennessee's Dan Williams</a> [BoltHype]TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-14194792068951748042010-01-19T07:50:00.001-08:002010-01-19T08:21:06.614-08:00I Don't Ask For Much...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVc9bvhanw5WKQwej_kpE0yIeqaJtanIekdSifuvstNpry3EnoFKLK-RqzR1BztykpL-NQCSjG4mSH0Nl6-xwGdozOggLPQb11icoBkgBd7SzP4JEgiUWYbpD9cnIb3UJzfGBZ1AogOOi/s1600-h/Jahvid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVc9bvhanw5WKQwej_kpE0yIeqaJtanIekdSifuvstNpry3EnoFKLK-RqzR1BztykpL-NQCSjG4mSH0Nl6-xwGdozOggLPQb11icoBkgBd7SzP4JEgiUWYbpD9cnIb3UJzfGBZ1AogOOi/s320/Jahvid.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Please, A.J. Trade up, whatever you need to do, just get this guy. If he doesn't work out you can blame me. Just get him.<br />
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</div>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-79939628277570684342010-01-18T20:48:00.000-08:002010-01-18T20:48:00.745-08:00Three More Years of This?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1WWf-vfrSKUOY0S2cJx_9QQ90h5NoetgMfnJpH1K_F68F4FJv00RSQVLD0Vh4jM7spQpItmXEUAhevjCmGSNhrPoQmJsK21Bn72m07T5gE_hdvoliz3aqd_EHakVaAKQpW9ajZWfIBI1/s1600-h/Norv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1WWf-vfrSKUOY0S2cJx_9QQ90h5NoetgMfnJpH1K_F68F4FJv00RSQVLD0Vh4jM7spQpItmXEUAhevjCmGSNhrPoQmJsK21Bn72m07T5gE_hdvoliz3aqd_EHakVaAKQpW9ajZWfIBI1/s320/Norv.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Norv signed a three-year contract extension yesterday, so clearly not enough of you bought our shirts.<br />
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As a staunch proponent of people being good at their jobs, this really rubs me the wrong way. There's this weird tradition in the NFL where you reward mediocrity, but forget success rather quickly. It's why we see Super Bowl-winning coaches get fired because they're at odds with the owner, a perennial playoff punching bags like Norv get extensions. And it sucks. It really does. Norv is brilliant in the regular season, imaginative in his play calling, and completely unable to prepare a team for the post season.<br />
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So, San Diegans, look forward to three more AFC West Championships, and exactly zero more Super Bowls. That's the way it'll always be with Norv.<br />
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All hail the Wet Blanket.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-57741777540665123582010-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:002010-01-18T18:23:36.093-08:00It's Not Your Fault, Nate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qqv4ZmFTMv4YNcFPYrkjQfAN7Tc89iHfkJ5WZOF89NfYJVLrzJZn15gXFEKQKXkiMR1IJr0jYvUzPSPJziFXKmRAyX2EKwpRwxhwGY_J3xmsoj466V_8BaDUnjaX0RFXPKGGNeRviQRn/s1600-h/KaedingSucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qqv4ZmFTMv4YNcFPYrkjQfAN7Tc89iHfkJ5WZOF89NfYJVLrzJZn15gXFEKQKXkiMR1IJr0jYvUzPSPJziFXKmRAyX2EKwpRwxhwGY_J3xmsoj466V_8BaDUnjaX0RFXPKGGNeRviQRn/s400/KaedingSucks.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>It's not your fault Nate.<br />
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NATE: Oh, I know<br />
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It's not your fault.<br />
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NATE: I know<br />
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It's not your fault.<br />
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NATE: I know<br />
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It's not your fault.<br />
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NATE: Don't fuck with me here!<br />
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It's not your fault.<br />
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NATE: I know!<br />
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It's not your fault.<br />
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NATE: (Cries)TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-33461087649027915562010-01-18T14:15:00.000-08:002010-01-18T14:21:02.576-08:00Redemption Failed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/S1TaOy20zMI/AAAAAAAAACs/5p4jWmCRTfc/s1600-h/jets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/S1TaOy20zMI/AAAAAAAAACs/5p4jWmCRTfc/s400/jets.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
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Well okay I'll admit it, I was wrong. They couldn't do it.<br />
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Once again the New York Jets came into San Diego and dashed the Chargers Super Bowl dreams and the consensus in San Diego one day removed from the game is that Nate Kaeding should be ran out of town.<br />
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And frankly, I would have to agree with them. Up until yesterday's performance, I would have argued against anybody who said that Nate Kaeding wasn't the best kicker in the NFL. Coming into the game yesterday Kaeding had made 67 straight field goals from inside the 40 yard line. He was 32 for 35 on field goal attempts throughout the season and his 91.4 field goal percentage was the best in the NFL.<br />
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You wouldn't have known that yesterday, Kaeding missed all three of his field goal attempts, one, to be fair, was a 57 yard attempt before halftime, but the other two were only from 40 yards out, a spot where he has kicked like clockwork from, for 67 straight attempts.<br />
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The final blow was his third field goal attempt with 4:38 left in the fourth quarter when he missed a 40 yard attempt that proved to be crucial after the Chargers rallied for a touchdown after stopping the Jets.<br />
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Not one of these attempts looked like they were going in when the came off of his foot. Anyone watching could instantly see that.<br />
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Regardless of Nate Kaeding's sullied efforts, it was the Chargers failure to capitalize when they had the ball that ultimatley cost them the game. In the first half the New York Jets faced six punts on six possessions and the Chargers only managed to score once, on a touchdown pass to third string Tight End Kris Wilson.<br />
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"We moved the ball and challenged them in ways they haven't been before, but we just didn't turn those into points" said Quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw an unusual two interceptions on the day, including one that put the Jets on the Chargers 20-yard line and set up a short touchdown drive for Mark Sanchez and company.<br />
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Ladainian Tomlinson also failed to get anything going on his 12 rushing attempts for a meager 24 yards and zero touchdowns.<br />
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Sadly, the man that was once the most feared player in the NFL has now failed to rush for a single 100-yard game this season. This also marks his first NFL season where he has rushed for less than 1000 yards.<br />
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The biggest post-season question will in fact be the fate of Ladainian Tomlinson. Sources are saying that L.T. has most likely had his last carry donning the blue and gold. The problem is no team is going to want a Running Back who performed like he did this season. I can't remember how many times this season that I saw Tomlinson run up the gut for a gain of 2 yards, I was frustrated, but I can imagine that no one is more frustrated than Tomlinson himself. He wants to go out and help his team, but there will be no place for him if he keeps on rushing for a 730 yards on the season.<br />
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Now that the off-season is upon us, we here at "We'll Always Have Oakland", will do our best in bringing you up to date coverage on Chargers off-season news, but will also be incorporating any sport we want to talk about.<br />
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It's our blog, we can do what we want.<br />
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Anyways, I'm going to close the season with the one thing that my father says to me every year when the Chargers lose in the playoffs.<br />
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Only 31 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-31426822974451059392010-01-17T17:31:00.000-08:002010-01-17T17:31:26.396-08:00Lazy Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IYBzytYynMs_FfAEVoDne6SZAc0dEnFWX9HKto2fMa_NYifXsRa13Hj7bQqgLD5ubqhm4nlN79ElwmlR4PGu4zwlz0hQnYVubAdGjzFCfrQW2L_ui8MatCXhn1m-2R05Ja2Ry1a4_DWy/s1600-h/NuggetsJazz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IYBzytYynMs_FfAEVoDne6SZAc0dEnFWX9HKto2fMa_NYifXsRa13Hj7bQqgLD5ubqhm4nlN79ElwmlR4PGu4zwlz0hQnYVubAdGjzFCfrQW2L_ui8MatCXhn1m-2R05Ja2Ry1a4_DWy/s320/NuggetsJazz.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The Utah Jazz visit the Denver Nuggets tonight on ESPN, and since nothing else happened today, you should all get your sports fix there. Basketball is a beautiful sport, people. Not like football. Football sucks. I'd never even dream of watching a football game, let alone actually rooting for a team.</span></span>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-89394934591838770382010-01-15T09:57:00.000-08:002010-01-15T09:58:29.278-08:00No Better Time Than Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/S1CrirLmh_I/AAAAAAAAACk/eUBoHHEk14c/s1600-h/VJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/S1CrirLmh_I/AAAAAAAAACk/eUBoHHEk14c/s400/VJ.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They did it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I jokingly said after the loss to the Denver Broncos on October 19th, that the San Diego Chargers, 2-3 record at the time and 3.5 games back in the AFC West, were going to run the table, finish 13-3, and secure home field advantage in the playoffs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never in my imagination did I think they were actually going to be able to pull this off. The Chargers chances of even having a winning record were dwindling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now as I sit before you, Friday January 15th, 2010, the San Diego Chargers are 13-3 and are facing the New York Jets at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the loss to the Broncos, Philip Rivers and crew said to keep the faith, and not give up on the season. Usually in San Diego sports terms "keep the faith" means please come to our games, we need money but don't really feel like playing anymore. As it was with Padres' 1999 season after their World Series year when they had fallen far short of expectations. In fact their team slogan was "keepin' the faith." So when I, as a Charger fan, hear these words realize that they are cue to abandon ship and wait for next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, Rivers and company astonishingly came through. And thankfully I can start instilling a little bit of trust in the San Diego Chargers organization.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every season begins with quest for Super Bowl glory. For the Chargers this year more than any I have witnessed is their best chance at it. They are working as a unit, Rivers has countless targets to throw to and the Chargers defense is playing better than they have all year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chargers will go into the game against the Jets this weekend with something to prove. They need to redeem themselves for that loss back in 2005, back when Nate Kaeding actually missed field goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than the Jets, the teams that have fettered the Chargers Super Bowl dreams in previous years will not be involved. No Patriots, no Steelers, the only thing that stands between them other the the Jets is an Indianapolis Colts team that the Chargers have had great success with over the last six years.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm saying it now like I said it before, the Chargers are going to win Those 11 straight wins need to turn into 13 straight wins. With 13 straight wins the Chargers are headed to Miami.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-80085256527052629482010-01-13T14:41:00.000-08:002010-01-13T14:41:02.067-08:00So THAT Didn't Really Work Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vyFaQGv6wg0SdPmOnV5-AR1c4Rab9OG-XSsou47okDk1cLlIPxby0wKvSp49TzaK5-IjQ-OOQW8Y6lpE4m4-gwES5qDHJJSEE8IpIm-9_hHEeM8oevBv_x-BIlPa3pcuEO9y4Rck40NV/s1600-h/KaedingJets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vyFaQGv6wg0SdPmOnV5-AR1c4Rab9OG-XSsou47okDk1cLlIPxby0wKvSp49TzaK5-IjQ-OOQW8Y6lpE4m4-gwES5qDHJJSEE8IpIm-9_hHEeM8oevBv_x-BIlPa3pcuEO9y4Rck40NV/s320/KaedingJets.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I'm not a huge Bill Simmons fan (lie), but one of his ideas seems pretty damn attractive right now. He has brought up the possibility on multiple occasions of bye week teams being allowed to choose their opponents for the second round of the playoffs. In this case, the Colts would have chosen the Jets, who are overall the weaker of the two teams. This leaves our beloved Bolts with the Ravens who HAVE A SECONDARY THAT WE WOULD PUT UP A BILLION POINTS ON!!!<br />
<br />
But we mustn't dwell on the past. This is the playoffs, and there is a game at hand. A game with an opponent that matches up almost too well with the Chargers. On the defensive side of the ball, the one thing the Jets do really well is stop the pass, whether it's with Rex Ryan's exotic blitz packages or Darrelle Revis, who makes receivers disappear. You may have noticed this season that the Charger offense is completely predicated on the pass. What you can do to the Jets with the right personnel is run on them. Unfortunately the Chargers have no running back. So while the pass game may still have a decent day because Rivers is excellent at avoiding the blitz and there are other receivers for him, like Floyd and that Gates guy, this is unquestionably a bad match-up.<br />
<br />
It only gets worse with the defense. The Jets offense is based completely on the run. They have a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez who they hide as best they can by simply running it down opposing throats and only asking him to throw short passes. The Chargers defense, on the other hand, shuts down the pass fairly well and allows running backs to pass through them like a freaking turnstile. More bad news for the Bolts. There is, of course, some upside to this match-up. Because if the Jets were so amazing they wouldn't have a bye, now would they? If Ron Rivera were smart - and he might be - he would stack the box, send the blitz at Sanchez on passing downs, and count on not giving up the home run play, which Sanchez hasn't shown he can deliver. But that's just if he was smart. Which he might be. Or might not. Probably not.<br />
<br />
Be loud on Sunday, Qualcomm. You're all we have.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-27061151619918838182010-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:002010-01-12T11:16:30.697-08:00Jerk.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirjakQYyAmYvZYT5LkqMfhdsd757x-XrpC6OTkDR2a5nOI8e8bsJSzpTW_pVQYq3KoPtJN8RCDzvN2MB6J5WlTq3IFCDN9b1ryobipCpl6sN5_WuEuK_zEcESWIhLPZaRFRNUoZ_57zbo/s1600-h/Brady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirjakQYyAmYvZYT5LkqMfhdsd757x-XrpC6OTkDR2a5nOI8e8bsJSzpTW_pVQYq3KoPtJN8RCDzvN2MB6J5WlTq3IFCDN9b1ryobipCpl6sN5_WuEuK_zEcESWIhLPZaRFRNUoZ_57zbo/s320/Brady.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Way to start sucking when we actually wanted to play you, Brady. I hate you so effing much. Jump off a bridge. Not a tall one. Just hurt yourself in some way. Asshole.<br />
<br />
More to come on the Jets later in the week I guess, but here's a prediction.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SEIejmDYxS-GNsKQoweCg9J7Q-l_qV8Qe0IogkKymGlLCoCg7FaG65G6-fvxwUMA63LXKM7ZToJ6XbScZM0LBSy923PU1d87lLYxTmjVrOBkkK-s3P8oaevjTBnFa-NqeAsmJVmQVjAW/s1600-h/KaedingJets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SEIejmDYxS-GNsKQoweCg9J7Q-l_qV8Qe0IogkKymGlLCoCg7FaG65G6-fvxwUMA63LXKM7ZToJ6XbScZM0LBSy923PU1d87lLYxTmjVrOBkkK-s3P8oaevjTBnFa-NqeAsmJVmQVjAW/s320/KaedingJets.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-40367950252236253572010-01-10T17:16:00.000-08:002010-01-10T17:16:46.629-08:00Possibly The Greatest Thing Ever.Good news everyone. The Super Bowl no longer matters. LaDainian Tomlinson has already secured us the best moment of this NFL season. Please disperse.<br />
<br />
<object width="500" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eXVoTWkWTkc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eXVoTWkWTkc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-56034649655869900462010-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:002010-01-07T08:18:18.474-08:00Hahahahahahahahahahahaha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqBHWjdl8hUp-CyXPQ2CBK-I0ousKe-ea3ddtJ8IWYSiANnZgeEX6PKUahkiu0akFgfMw5uX7vl2lqk8ZMCryeaFb3dFrk_Hug_7wuNdvupGslXJNsS53yNyIpu6rlIxGIl-PCv-DWBP/s1600-h/canepa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOqBHWjdl8hUp-CyXPQ2CBK-I0ousKe-ea3ddtJ8IWYSiANnZgeEX6PKUahkiu0akFgfMw5uX7vl2lqk8ZMCryeaFb3dFrk_Hug_7wuNdvupGslXJNsS53yNyIpu6rlIxGIl-PCv-DWBP/s320/canepa.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/erroneous_columns_2009/chargers_wont_make_playoffs.html?state=play">October</a><br />
<br />
<a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/21/drama-check-panic-never/">December</a><br />
<br />
jaribfiqurniauorfi... Oh sorry Nick, I was just choking on that irony.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-50703069439455219362010-01-01T22:33:00.000-08:002010-01-01T22:33:17.574-08:00Eh.<i>Nothing really matters this week, but how can I deprive my reader(s) of some sort of story? So here's some stream of consciousness ramblings that probably have nothing to do with football.</i><br />
<br />
I was listening to ESPN's NBA Today podcast the other day, and the guest was David Thorpe. You may know Thorpe as the guy who "analyzes statistics" and "studies game tape" in order to make fair judgments, but more often than not ends up confirming his own biases and making a fool of himself. Thorpe was discussing a column he wrote in which he declared LeBron James a better basketball player than Kobe Bryant. Now, I don't have ESPN Insider access, so I don't know the details of Thorpe's analysis. But, while talking about response to the piece, Thorpe mentioned that the comment section beneath his work was mostly negative. Realizing his error, Thorpe declared that it was <i>probably</i> negative, because he <i>definitely did not read the comments</i>. So why, may I ask, is Thorpe so frightened of the common man's response to his writing? Are they that far beneath him to acknowledge them is to essentially admit defeat? That's just sad. And that is why mainstream sports writing is failing to connect with people. It's a very simple Marxist philosophy. The proletariat (sportswriters) are attempting to serve the rest of the proletariat when their actual audience is the bourgeois (common man). The people taking over the sports media are people like Bill Simmons and Will Leitch. People who write for their audience, and not for their colleagues.<br />
<br />
It's a sad day when I'm more inclined to believe the Gilbert Arenas Twitter than The New York Times for news about Gil and Javaris Crittenton reportedly pulling guns on each other in the locker room. Actually... It's a happy day. NYT blows.<br />
<br />
I saw The Damned United today, further cementing my belief that the English are better than us at everything except producing athletes who actually look athletic.<br />
<br />
More to come on this since I enjoy it and you don't really care...TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-52571830864069035792009-12-22T08:15:00.000-08:002009-12-22T08:15:46.108-08:00Oh. Was There a Game On?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48_HwZnb1naPt87OTtjy9FC0exPzoEfnwhh4drFvJdFnvYwMyQjFEaU1HQdpoTNw8Vt8xIEYfwhgSrq8-9x7dsLXS8EvBCtxQg4JlL5e3u8PFzOmmaGUn3gM0amCaPsSVk12RljIUxKuG/s1600-h/VincentJackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48_HwZnb1naPt87OTtjy9FC0exPzoEfnwhh4drFvJdFnvYwMyQjFEaU1HQdpoTNw8Vt8xIEYfwhgSrq8-9x7dsLXS8EvBCtxQg4JlL5e3u8PFzOmmaGUn3gM0amCaPsSVk12RljIUxKuG/s320/VincentJackson.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Nice catch, Vincent. Too bad it wasn't in a game or anything.</i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've reached a difficult dilemma this week. The Chargers (may or may not have) looked really good this week. But if I write that, I might be jinxing them. So now it's time for a completely hypothetical game recap. Stick with me here...<br />
<br />
Let's just say there was a game this week between the Chargers and some team wearing orange and black. Just for the sake of this story, we'll call them the Cincinnati Bengals. Stupid, right? I mean, there's no Bengal tigers in Ohio. Dumb name. Just a really pointless thing to name an NFL team.<br />
<br />
But moving on, let's say that in this hypothetical game the Chargers were able to slow down one of the better power runners in the game - call him Bedric Censon - and hold him to 53 yards on 15 carries, a 3.5 average yards per carry. This would be well below the Chargers season average and would represent a marked improvement in the Chargers front seven. Would you be impressed by this? I would too.<br />
<br />
Let's also say that a somewhat slumping Vincent Jackson broke out of said slump to the tune of 108 yards and 2 touchdowns. Also, please allow me to say that he hypothetically did this against two of the better corners in the League, who we will call Heon Lall and Jonathan Joseph (crap). I would be very encouraged by this development, and would regain confidence in the Chargers' excellent receiving corp, which had been completely carried in recent weeks by Antonio Gates.<br />
<br />
Also, in this game that does not exist, why don't we also say that the Chargers corners gave up some big plays in the middle of the field, but consistently came up with big stops in the red zone, holding the Bengals potent passing offense to just one touchdown in four red zone visits. Couple that with two sacks of quarterback Parson Calmer and consistent pressure, forcing him out of the pocket and into two interceptions and another two passes that should have been picked, and you have a very good hypothetical day for the Chargers pass defense.<br />
<br />
So all in all, if this game actually happened, I would be very encouraged. I would certainly like the team's chances in the playoffs, where they might see this same Bengals team again. I would feel very good about all of this. If it actually happened, that is. Which it didn't.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Denis PoroyTJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-91550933898320953942009-12-18T22:52:00.000-08:002009-12-18T22:52:00.048-08:00Please. Stop.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD-XSSvvwsvbS9Vum2Nq_vRNapQCfdGxR20Bmwb_JXixAEi5h2x0NizMEV35YDOBtZ2w8Ca5gE0FdGxvcFzPnFdZXyvqoaM1pZvb4-_sLylwSFtYFVdO4b8NM_TvtrDygJOSwXPHwcNta/s1600-h/ESPN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD-XSSvvwsvbS9Vum2Nq_vRNapQCfdGxR20Bmwb_JXixAEi5h2x0NizMEV35YDOBtZ2w8Ca5gE0FdGxvcFzPnFdZXyvqoaM1pZvb4-_sLylwSFtYFVdO4b8NM_TvtrDygJOSwXPHwcNta/s320/ESPN.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>It's ending, people. The run is about to be over. Every talking head in the world now has the Chargers challenging the unbeaten Colts in the AFC Championship game, and most have the Bolts winning. That's right, they believe in us. Mike Tirico said today on the Scott Van Pelt (who, I have been informed, is quite ugly. Sorry Scott) Show that the Chargers and Colts are the class of the AFC.<br />
<blockquote>Colts, Chargers, draw a line, and then the rest.</blockquote>Jeremy Green went even farther on Football Today, saying that the Chargers WOULD beat the Colts in the AFC Championship game. This - of course - is the first step towards disaster. Because everyone knows, once people start believing in you and even liking you, it's ALL over.<br />
<br />
So here is my plea to the media: quit it. Just don't talk about the Chargers being a top team. Sure, you can keep it in the back of your mind that you like them, just whatever you do... Don't. Say. Anything. I'm gonna make it easier. I'll write you a script of what to say when the Chargers' playoff hopes are brought up. Just put it in the teleprompter and read. Cake. Here it is:<br />
<blockquote>Oh no, not the Chargers. I mean for one the star of that offense can't get three yards a carry. LaDainian Tomlinson is DONE. And who else do they have? Philip Rivers? Overrated. Throws like a GIRL. And on the other side of the ball, they just can't stop the run. That line is just awful. Shawne Merriman is a shell of his former self. Can't get to the quarterback. Can't do ANYTHING. He's more concerned with fighting Chad Ochocinco at half time than he is with the game. All in all, this team is just not built for post-season football. Everyone knows you need to run the ball and stop the run and San Diego just can't. Do. THAT.</blockquote>See, media people? It's so simple. All I'm asking is a couple months of doubt, then you can come out with your original predictions. Open the sealed envelope, whatever you need to do. Just give me this. I don't ask for much.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-67098984525390135872009-12-15T08:55:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:55:39.857-08:00Chargers Defense Defines Toughness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xkoBxrQ4AeEBR57hJBtwsmwIVe1gSS-nmZ5M7weBar9goPe_xqt2NFuA2ERRbAtPafDODntByOFdphtI6EiE3qODov1IH4QjV3i1fTui57L-Jnt7aJRO33PgoBjhxMSRQ8kEhtt0JUF0/s1600-h/ChargersD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xkoBxrQ4AeEBR57hJBtwsmwIVe1gSS-nmZ5M7weBar9goPe_xqt2NFuA2ERRbAtPafDODntByOFdphtI6EiE3qODov1IH4QjV3i1fTui57L-Jnt7aJRO33PgoBjhxMSRQ8kEhtt0JUF0/s400/ChargersD.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I gotta be honest, I just don't know what to make of this. We are seeing a completely different Charger defense during this eight game streak. They're unquestionably banged up. Shawne Merriman is a shell of his former self, Williams and Bingham are gone, they're relying on Kevin Ellison - a sixth round pick! - at safety, and they somehow manage to get stops. The weird thing here is that they're not even good. The Cowboys ran and passed on them at will, until it came to the red zone. They get down near the goal line and it's like a different team. No other Charger team makes that goal line stand against Marion Barber, one of the best power runners in the game today. And while there are still injuries to be concerned about, it's cause for optimism.<br />
<br />
Photo Credit: <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://chargers.com/">Chargers.com</a>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-75457514916959771812009-12-12T09:24:00.000-08:002009-12-12T09:24:08.374-08:00It Almost Seems Too Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbgWclpeKLGEOpjg3Plt2KVokWtsvuRTua0q4UbDfzG3KheQ5PoqCLP0_KSFYdaFNu_yJ6fLcZFuJ3LYYMDwK0ivBEN_S2ExozvsmGXJlTJj8bY-aLvcwKhyphenhyphenIoPJp1k2Rmfi0wTV8vIfy/s1600-h/TonyRomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbgWclpeKLGEOpjg3Plt2KVokWtsvuRTua0q4UbDfzG3KheQ5PoqCLP0_KSFYdaFNu_yJ6fLcZFuJ3LYYMDwK0ivBEN_S2ExozvsmGXJlTJj8bY-aLvcwKhyphenhyphenIoPJp1k2Rmfi0wTV8vIfy/s400/TonyRomo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Fighting out of the blue corner, unbeaten in the month of December since 2005, we have the San Diego Chargers! And in the - I dunno - silver corner(?), 5-9 in December with Quarterback Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboys!<div><br />
</div><div>From that clever little intro you would think mismatch. The Chargers are the best late-season team in the NFL, the Cowboys have famously choked down the stretch in recent years. But let's not get overconfident. The Chargers are banged up on the D-line. In addition to the losses of Jamal Williams and Ryon Bingham, new addition Alfonso Boone will also be out. Luis Castillo and Travis Johnson are probable with some minor nicks and bruises. All in all, not a very healthy front 7. Meanwhile, the Cowboys finally have their entire backfield (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice) off the injury report. That means a lot of runs breaking into the secondary where - surprise! - the Chargers surest tackler, Eric Weddle, is also out. I'm seeing a long run or two in this contest.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So the Chargers will not be slowing the Cowboys down. That means the burden is going to rest - as it often does - on the offense. Dallas is fast on the front 7 and 9th in the NFL in rush defense, so just count LT out. Really, just do it. I know you don't want to but really, it'll save you pain later. Moving on. The place where you attack the 'Boys, naturally, is through the air. They're 19th in the League in pass defense and have a habit of giving up big plays. Enter Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates, who have a habit of making big plays. Awesome.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So yes, it looks like a shootout. The Bolts can't slow down the Cowboys, and the Cowboys can't slow down the Bolts. In fact, I can't even give them the coaching edge, since Wade Phillips is also awful. But the Cowboys need a win, and I'm predicting some overconfidence from the Chargers with also these December comparisons. 38-35 Dallas. Former Wildcat(!) Nick Folk kicks the game-winner. My apologies.</div>TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-13418718969791002692009-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:002009-12-11T11:15:17.202-08:00Chargers: Hey, remember when we said we would build the stadium? Yeah about that...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFaM4lmIZYUL_4ztdBAjErnvIeJ9uyNHbDlunResGEOdFRh-KtLGjEiz77Ik6R4PCUjEEv-6qrqrOv6KVXKCAbRO6euwjBf9XO-yRP25kGeWvl0mTFWKq6sY1Rxl1QfAGMJfSoWGYC8sh/s1600-h/NotGoodEnough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFaM4lmIZYUL_4ztdBAjErnvIeJ9uyNHbDlunResGEOdFRh-KtLGjEiz77Ik6R4PCUjEEv-6qrqrOv6KVXKCAbRO6euwjBf9XO-yRP25kGeWvl0mTFWKq6sY1Rxl1QfAGMJfSoWGYC8sh/s400/NotGoodEnough.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>You may recall way back in 2002 when the Chargers started making noise about a news stadium. You may also recall that the center of their argument was essentially this statement: "Give us the land, and we will build the stadium ourselves." Well a lot can change in seven years, guys. This is a complicated case, Maude. A lot of ins, a lot of outs, a lot of what-have-yous.<br />
<br />
Well, long story short, the Chargers are gonna need some of your money for their new stadium. Don't worry though, they're good for it. They'll pay you back with really cool fancy stuff. Like office buildings, and urban renewal, and flippin' off-the-charts levels of gentrification.<br />
<br />
Exactly how much they're asking for depends on the results of that fancy survey we talked about a few weeks back, but according to Mark Fabiani (who you may recall is the man who has kept his job for seven years without fulfilling his only directive):<br />
<blockquote>"It's almost certainly going to involve some sort of taxpayer money"</blockquote>Some of you may want to stop reading here, because we're getting into politics.<br />
<br />
Mayor Jerry Sanders made construction of a new stadium "a priority" last month. Now I'm no Glenn Beck. I'm not so tuned in to the political speak of politicians who are involved in politics. But I'll tell you what I hear. When the great and honorable and dandy Mr. Sanders declares "it's a priority," he means "I am the mayor of a bankrupt city. I have more important things to do. Leave me alone." This is perfectly reasonable. But here is the only solution to the "we're gonna need some funds" problem that the mayor's office has offered up: The Chargers will borrow money from the city against future redevelopment projects. Cool. We build the Chargers a stadium, they built us some shopping mall once they get back on their feet. The only problem here, of course, is that the city has no money, which brings us back to taxpayer money, which everyone opposes. Crap.<br />
<br />
So here it is in math terms, if you prefer to think that way:<br />
<br />
Spanos money + city money + taxpayer money - bureaucracy - broken promises < Chargers stadium<br />
<br />
Everyone is desperately trying to see a new stadium in this equation, but unless the financial situation changes in the next year or two, it likely won't happen. And if it does, it's fairly likely to turn our fair city into something closely resembling Sodom and Gomorrah back in the heyday.<br />
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Fingers crossed for some independent investors, everybody.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-84006975946772710092009-12-09T14:51:00.000-08:002009-12-09T14:51:22.178-08:00And Just Like That, The Chargers Are Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKILNpgPE76AWi8Jb6ZPYPfbPQ5OJw3JmU4ajcLMsuukv2E1JJXcWvEitox72xm7FJIv2IESSuTS8ZzWItG3CyuV5eQh4Po7UuoffHREAmzUAfBQwbeuih1PVpT0MGje7b_oUBagKvvRp_/s1600-h/SprolesRivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKILNpgPE76AWi8Jb6ZPYPfbPQ5OJw3JmU4ajcLMsuukv2E1JJXcWvEitox72xm7FJIv2IESSuTS8ZzWItG3CyuV5eQh4Po7UuoffHREAmzUAfBQwbeuih1PVpT0MGje7b_oUBagKvvRp_/s400/SprolesRivers.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Folks, I really don't know how we continue to arrive at this point. There's always a slow start, followed by a winning streak to get back into playoff contention. Thankfully it happened earlier this year and we don't have to rely on the Broncos going 8-8 to win the division.<br />
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Let's skip the pessimism for once here. Namely that this is indicative of a team that continuously enters the season unprepared and plays catch-up for the first have and eventually that second half surge isn't going to happen. Sorry.<br />
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Seriously, there are good signs here. And when I say good signs, I mean the offense has so many playmakers they can't have them all on the field at the same time. Seriously. In an offensive set there is a quarterback, 5 eligible receivers, and 5 fat guys (JK, linemen. You know we love you). The Chargers, currently, have VJax, Gates, Floyd, LT, Sproles, Naanee, and (Somehow???) Mike Tolbert. That's 7 guys for 5 spots. A real dilemma until you remember it's a good thing. offensive coordinator Norv Turner (See what I did there?) has been very inventive in giving each guy his shots, and the offense looks just about unstoppable these days.<br />
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The defense of course is a story for another day (Maybe tomorrow? Yeah, you're salivating. I can tell.) but all in all the team looks good.<br />
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Having said that, I still don't quite believe and I think the ceiling is probably a devastating loss to the Colts in th AFC Championship Game.<br />
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Image Credit: Getty ImagesTJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-29459534524927979792009-12-07T13:37:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:37:22.712-08:00Breaking News: It didn't workWe'll Always Have Oakland is reporting today, Monday, December 7, 2009, that the Cleveland Browns are officially so bad that they cannot win even with the help of a blatant jinxing.<br />
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Wildlife special indeed.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-89692596540407547802009-12-06T09:56:00.000-08:002009-12-06T09:56:18.627-08:00Science Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEqsHIw5YQarJ_-QeghO_5ZSuvpG4efKvJIPyzXBhJE5ulvdH4EUoFFBW5SQk_D2cd8_vRfwGURy-3NgMk_81c9aPKQra1iZqhnHRhrOvUotl-7f6pEXYwaCp8o0N8-RjW32KYbpMi6CL/s1600-h/ChargersBrowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEqsHIw5YQarJ_-QeghO_5ZSuvpG4efKvJIPyzXBhJE5ulvdH4EUoFFBW5SQk_D2cd8_vRfwGURy-3NgMk_81c9aPKQra1iZqhnHRhrOvUotl-7f6pEXYwaCp8o0N8-RjW32KYbpMi6CL/s400/ChargersBrowns.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>This week is a bye week. There is no way we will lose to the Browns. The Browns suck. Their quarterback is Brady Quinn. Brady Quinn sucks.<br />
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If this game was a wildlife special, we would be the lion and they would be the antelope. It's only a matter of time.<br />
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Thank you for participating in my science experiment. That is all.TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-11114759435076327632009-12-04T14:42:00.000-08:002009-12-04T14:42:09.346-08:00Merriman, Castillo, Weddle Likely Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf-gWBUjX1q-wJ8HP58MIQ4ET2DPd6vzAW1lf87i6yBjb2_h0l-4EdEfSFNBMXiTei-544vLGS_cA7Ag9bbycw4v4vFfyrPKPEf32yvVtCpNz7mIWrCokR0PbMEr02U8tK1-H2V6GX0Cs/s1600-h/BradyQuinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf-gWBUjX1q-wJ8HP58MIQ4ET2DPd6vzAW1lf87i6yBjb2_h0l-4EdEfSFNBMXiTei-544vLGS_cA7Ag9bbycw4v4vFfyrPKPEf32yvVtCpNz7mIWrCokR0PbMEr02U8tK1-H2V6GX0Cs/s320/BradyQuinn.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Uh oh... None of the three practiced today and will most likely sit out Sunday's game against Cleveland. This spells trouble for an already thin Chargers defense, as Weddle is the most reliable tackler in the secondary and Castillo and Merriman - while still a shell of his former self - are the two biggest playmakers on the front seven not named Shaun Phillips. You may now commence worrying.<br />
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But wait. Who's that on the other side of the line? Is that-? Why yes, I think it is! It's Brady Quinn! Oh thank heavens! Brady Quinn! We're saved!<br />
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<a href="http://www.chargers.com/team/injury-report.html">Week 13 Injury Report</a> [Chargers.com]TJ.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11005216490473872229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758381290964092810.post-76374712926333522732009-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:002009-12-03T11:27:32.991-08:00Give Kassim a Chance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/SxgQOLNvO2I/AAAAAAAAACI/TkbAM-7eljI/s1600-h/kassim.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yhFGKgDsQXo/SxgQOLNvO2I/AAAAAAAAACI/TkbAM-7eljI/s400/kassim.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411092788000275298" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The San Diego Chargers offense is one of the most elite offenses today in the NFL.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Go no further than their depth at the running back position. </div><div><br /></div><div>Future hall of famer Ladainian Tomlinson as the starter and then Darren Sproles, one of the best kick returners in the game today, at second string. The only time when this depth was beaten in Chargers history was a few years back during the 2005-2007 seasons. When the running back depth chart was as such: Tomlinson, Michael Turner, and Darren Sproles. Absolutely Incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of the loss of Michael Turner, who deservedly left for a starting job in Atlanta after the 07-08 season, the offense is still top class. </div><div><br /></div><div>The impeccable wide receiver core is unmatchable. Wide receivers Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd and future hall of fame tight end Antonio Gates, who might as well be a third receiver, create endless targets for Quarterback Philip Rivers to throw to. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the start of this season, the emergence of Legedu Naanee as a catching threat and even as a threat when lined up in the Quarterback position in the Chargers take on the popular "Wildcat" formation has taken form. </div><div><br /></div><div>This receiver core has so much talent, that even a wide receiver with two Pro-Bowl appearances has not made a reception this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wideout Kassim Osgood, one of the best special teams players in the NFL made his name in college as tenacious receiver at San Diego State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where as a sophomore (playing for Cal Poly) he led the nation in receiving yards.</div><div><br /></div><div>Osgood has proved his merit, time and time again, and even his pro-bowl appearances (for special teams) didn't give him any more clout in the Chargers franchise. He is on the list for the 50 Greatest Chargers of all time, and even this hasn't provided more receiving opportunities. </div><div><br /></div><div>He has the qualities of a great receiver. He is a force to be reckoned with at 6' 5" and 220 pounds, he is quick off the line and the few catches thrown his way are usually caught. He has incredible potential but the Chargers aren't giving him a chance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Osgood set out to play the wide receiver position when he started his football career, but now he is not being able to fulfill what he set out to do. With his size and speed, Osgood would be a starting wideout at almost any team in the NFL, and this is what frustrates him.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm going to be a great receiver someday " said Osgood in a 2006 article to the Union Tribune, "Probably not in San Diego." </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0