Bolts From The Blue

OLB Marques Harris is coming back. Hasn't happened yet. He will sign today -- ka

2009-12-01T19:33:57Z

OLB Marques Harris is coming back. Hasn't happened yet. He will sign today -- ka

Acee Twitter

State of the AFC West Week 12

2009-12-01T19:32:40Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

LT protecting his baby.(AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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State of the AFC West is back this week after taking the holiday week off because I was out of state without my laptop. Actually, I had something prepared for last week but it's good that I didn't publish it because it would make me look less than prescient about the Chiefs and Broncos. On the other hand, Raiders suck-age is easy to predict no matter the circumstances.

I have to say that I didn't give the Broncos much of a chance against the Giants; although I will say I think that game probably said more about the Giants than the Broncos. The New York media is all saying how the Giants looked flatter than they've seen all season and that the team has lost its passion.

On the other hand, I was going to say how the Chiefs had improved; that was until the annoying Chief trolls came. It's a good thing that they did come because the Chiefs didn't really improve, they still suck; maybe just slightly less so with the release of Johnson. Jamaal Charles looks like the only good player on that team though.

Anyhoo, the Chargers are the first team in the division to finish division play, completing the tour with a 5-1 record. The Raiders and Chiefs still have a chance to play spoiler and affect the playoff picture; the Chiefs still have both games against the Broncos and the Raiders also play the Broncos once more.

One thing that I thought was interesting is that if you look at points allowed San Diego and Denver are almost identical when earlier in the season there was a wide gap. I wonder if its San Diego's defense improving or Denver's regressing. With the emergence of Vince Young, the Chargers have three tough games left: @Dallas, vs. Cinci, and @Tenn. The Broncos have two tough games left @Indy and @Philly. The tiebreaker scenario may end up to be important so I think it will also be difficult for Denver to sweep the 3 remaining division games.

Jump the break, yo.

AFC West Standings

	W	L	PF	PA
San Diego	8	3	312	219
Denver	7	4	196	189
Oakland	3	8	115	258
Kansas City	3	8	183	282

(updated 12.1.2009 at 1:12 AM PST)

I'm not going to post the injury widgets anymore because they suck and are inaccurate.

Oakland Raiders: A week after a big upset win the Raiders returned to their getting blown out ways. They gave up 24 points to the Cowboys who have had an enormous struggle with scoring points in recent weeks. Bruce Gradkowski similarly regressed and simply didn't play very well. It seems like neither Russell or Gradkowski is the answer at QB and they will have to look at the draft and try not to fail. Again. *cough* Russell, Heyward-Bey, McFadden *cough* DE Greg Ellis re-injured his surgically repaired knee in the loss and is questionable to play against the Steelers. The only other important injury is Justin Fargas who also is questionable. It looks like Ben will be back on Sunday so the Raiders will have their hands full with the Steelers and will try to play wildcard spoiler as well.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs thought that one win turned around the franchise. Think again. Its going to take a lot more than that to turn that mess around. That being said, Charger fans are definitely Chief fans for the rest of the season. Well, I guess they are getting better in that case. The only two games they have been blown out in were the two against the Chargers. If they limit the mistakes and stick to the run maybe they can help the Chargers out in the playoff picture. The Chiefs didn't sustain any additional injures, just the same ones as last week (Vrabel, Rogers, Savage, Herron). Bowe is still out from his PED suspension. With the Chiefs season over, the only story worth thinking about besides being spoiler is Charlie Weis' firing from Notre Dame. There is a strong possibility that Weis may take over as offensive coordinator at Kansas City given his connection with Scott Pioli and Haley request to focus more on overall game management. We'll have to see how it plays out.

Denver Broncos: After their embarrassing 4 game losing streak, the Broncos absolutely laid wood on the G-Men who looked like little girls on Thanksgiving. What does this mean for the Broncos? Probably a first round playoff loss. We'll have to see how they respond against a weak opponent in the Chiefs on Sunday. Either way, I still think teams have figured out how to scheme against them and the defense is going to play old. Eddie Royal left the game with a thigh injury and I haven't heard anything else about that. Losing Royal for any amount of time would be a huge loss. They are only 4.5 point favorites right now so the rest of the world hasn't regained their confidence yet. Not much else going on in Bronco land right now as things seem to have settled down after the win although Brandon Marshall has been real ornery lately.

San Diego Chargers: Another week, another win, another injury. The only thing stopping the Bolts right now from making a deep playoff run is injuries. Good thing we have a bye week to rest the walking wounded and let Hardwick and Runyan settle in. From what my inside sources tell me, Eric Weddle is out for probably two weeks, Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman will likely rest against the Browns. Everyone else looks ok. Larry English will probably get alot of playing time and we might be able to see what he can do in that role. I just got the exclusive scoop that OLB Marques Harris is re-signing today. That should help with depth at that position. The DL by committee shuffle win continue as is without Luis; we are definitely weaker against the run without him but we will manage. Hopefully he can return for the Dallas game because they have some dynamic backs. At safety, Oliver and Gregory should do the job just fine with Cason in the nickle and Ellison in on running downs.

Hopefully everyone will be rested up and healed in time to make a playoff run. I don't think this Cromartie thing is going to distract anyone with Phil and Norv at the helm and he'll play at least until he gets suspended or convicted. We'll have to see how it plays out but I assume Cason would take over if it comes to that. Let's hope his teammates who are saying he didn't do anything are telling the truth.

The generous Mz Lani sent in this picture of LT scoring a TD against the Chiefs on Sunday, with all...

2009-12-01T19:13:19Z

The generous Mz Lani sent in this picture of LT scoring a TD against the Chiefs on Sunday, with all of the Charger fans cheering in the background.

Cromartie to be charged with misdemeanor assault with deadly weapon today -- ka

2009-12-01T18:03:36Z

Cromartie to be charged with misdemeanor assault with deadly weapon today -- ka

Acee on Twitter
Please note to all you judges out there that this doesn't mean he did anything. A lot of time over-zealous DAs like to go after high profile people to make it look like they are effective in an effort to be reelected. Just let it play out before you start the lethal injection, ok?

Stat of the Day; Bolts & Dolts

2009-12-01T12:17:09Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

According to Bolts & Dolts, Darren Sproles has had just as many good games as he's had bad games in 2009. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Through 11 games, these are your 2009 leaders in Bolts & Dolts:

Bolts

Dolts

Darren Sproles (4)
Chris Chambers (4)
Jacob Hester (3)
Offensive Line (2)
12 tied with 1

Funny that Sproles shows up on both of these lists. Either he's terribly inconsistent, or I've been too harsh on him. As you would expect in the midst of an 8-3 season, there were significantly more Bolts than there were Dolts.

Shaun Rogers breaks leg; out for season.

2009-12-01T06:42:09Z

Shaun Rogers breaks leg; out for season.

I know some of you guys wanted to try and trade for him earlier in the season. Looks like we'll have an even easier time on offense this Sunday.

Open Thread: MNF Patriots @ Saints

2009-12-01T01:21:42Z

It feels like old times again, rooting for Drew Brees and local boy Reggie Bush. A win by the Saints means a better chance at a playoff bye for the Chargers.

On a side note, I'm rooting against Tom Brady. At the end of the year, when his season has been okay but not great, I'm going to be the first to point out that Philip Rivers had a better year coming back from the same injury with less recovery time.

Should be a good game though. Settle in.

Who Stole That Pick? Jammer vs. Weddle

2009-11-30T17:25:40Z

Who Stole That Pick? Jammer vs. Weddle

619 Sports' J.T. Rogan caught up with both Quentin Jammer and Eric Weddle in the Chargers' locker room after their 43-14 win over the Chiefs. Jammer got the INT, but did he steal it from Weddle? Listen to both interviews, including when TV cameras try to jump in to the interview before Jammer was, ahem…fully ready...

Bolts & Dolts: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

2009-11-30T12:11:13Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

2 days ago: San Diego Chargers Antonio Gates, right, and Kansas City Chiefs Chris Chambers, left, talk after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in San Diego. The Chargers won 43-14. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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As the Dolphins game proved earlier this season, any time the Chargers defense can start getting turnovers the game becomes very easy for San Diego. The offense typically turns those turnovers into seven points, and the fear of doing it again plays right into Ron Rivera's hands.

True, the first matchup against the Chiefs was a more dominating one for the Chargers. At least in this game the Chiefs offense showed some spirit (in the form of Jamaal Charles and Chris Chambers). What's different in this victory against other recent ones is that instead of a full team effort of greatness, the Chargers really won on the back of some big individual performances. That should make this week's Bolts & Dolts a little more interesting.

Bolts

Offense

Philip Rivers - 21/28, 317 yds, 2 TD. This six game winstreak for the Chargers has had a few games mixed in where Philip didn't have to win the game himself, and it's allowed him to be smarter and more efficient. Because of that, his QB rating for the season has been getting better each week. After yesterday's game, he has the 5th best QB rating in the NFL. Just below Peyton Manning and just above Tom Brady.

Antonio Gates - 7 catches, 118 yds, 2 TD. Remember a few weeks ago when Antonio was dropping big passes and everyone was talking about how he needed to work on his hands? His 7 catches, including a one-handed one for the first TD of the game, came off of 7 throws his way. An absolutely perfect, dominant game by Antonio Gates. (Random Sidenote: I was thinking this week. Antonio Gates was a Center at Kent State and everyone makes it seem like he was crazy for pursuing football instead of basketball. He's 6'4"! He's shorter than Michael Jordon (6'6") and significantly short than LeBron James. With his height, he'd have to become a shooting guard or somehow figure out how to become Charles Barkley. Football was the right move then and it is certainly the right move now for any short basketball player.)

Malcom Floyd - 3 catches, 85 yds. These numbers would be even better if he had not dropped that easy pass at around the Chiefs 10, and also if he had landed in the end zone instead of on the one yard line. Vincent Jackson was blanketed all game, and Floyd stepped up to become "the man" on third downs and down the field.

Offensive Line. Zero sacks allowed and it wasn't even close. That's the way to win football games. The running game wasn't as good as it was against Denver, but it was good enough to pick up key first downs. Also, Jacob Hester didn't help matters by falling forward every time he got the ball.

Defense

Brandon Siler - 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery. It's funny how many moving parts this defense has. If the opposing offense is one that loves to throw the ball (like the Broncos), Kevin Burnett and Paul Oliver will see a ton of time. If it's one that prefers to run the ball (like the Raiders), Brandon Siler and Kevin Ellison will get more time. Those are just two examples of switches in starters/personnel that happen based on the team the Chargers are going up against. I like that.

Anyways, Siler is proving himself to be a beast against the run (as expected) and good enough in coverage to be on the field in non-goal line situations. This game, in which the Chiefs were trying to ride Jamaal Charles to victory, showed that Siler is probably the best ILB on the team at blowing up a run play.

Quentin Jammer - 5 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble. I'm glad to see the hit he took in the Broncos game hasn't slowed Jammer down. He played his typical good coverage, got the interception when it was there for the taking and forced a fumble with his exceptional tackling. While there may be better coverage CBs around the league, I doubt there is another CB as complete as Quentin.

Paul Oliver/Larry English - 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive TD. I said it earlier this year, when I began to worry about English's lack of production. Teams that have good seasons and are strong in the playoffs are ones that get contributions from their role players. Oliver and English are good players, but at the moment they're playing only according to their specific roles. Oliver filled in for the injured Eric Weddle without much drop-off (that's a huge compliment) and English was pestering Matt Cassel all game, before and after he beat him to the fumbled snap.

Special Teams

Nate Kaeding - 2/2 FGs (longest: 55 yds), 5/5 XPs. Simply put, the best FG kicker in the NFL when you're within 50 yards of the goal post. Not resting on his laurels, Kaeding has definitely improved this season at kickoffs and long FGs.

Dolts

Offense

Jacob Hester - 3 carries, 3 rush yds, 1 catch, 3 rec yds. Everybody who was complaining about Darren Sproles getting all of the fourth quarter carries, listen up. Those carries should've been Jacob Hester's. Is he the starting FB? Not really. Is he the best Special Teams player on the team? Nope, 2nd or 3rd best. Mike Tolbert couldn't have taken every carry, because that would be risking injury to a player just as important as LT or Rivers. His 4 carries for 19 yards was fine. It was Hester, and his 1 YPC, that forced Norv Turner to try running the ball with Darren Sproles instead.

You could argue that, heading into a potential blowout, Michael Bennett should've been active for this role. You're probably right, but I imagine the coaching staff had some faith in Hester getting it done since he did it last week.

Also, I should note that Hester was almost a Special Teams Bolt this week, as he usually is.

Darren Sproles - 9 carries, 17 rush yds, 5 catches, 66 rec yds. This is a Dolt for his return bobbling/fumbling again. In B&D, players get rewarded for improving and fixing their flaws. This is a flaw that is not getting any better. If anything, it's getting worse. Also, the Chargers need to give up running Sproles. It's no use. Pretend he's Terrell Fletcher, use him only on 3rd downs and only as a blocker/receiver. 9 carries for 17 yards is ridiculous, when you think of the type of runner he is.

Defense

There are no defensive Dolts this week.

Almost Bolts

Mike Tolbert - I know eventually I'm going to have to start expecting it, but every time Tolbert catches a few balls for some yards and runs the ball better than anyone else on the team I'm surprised. What a tremendous player, and an incredible find for AJ Smith.

LaDainian Tomlinson - This is not for stats. This isn't for the fumble, the two touchdowns or the 3 YPC. This is because LT is looking better than he did earlier in the season, and is taking what the defense gives him. This is the "smart runner" that I talked about earlier this season. LT running smart, plus plenty of rest (only 14 touches!) should equal a more successful playoff experience for him.

Time of Possession - Usually, when a team struggles to run the ball and wins because of turnovers, they lose the time of possession battle. The Chargers won the TOP battle by more than 10 minutes! This offense is capable of doing whatever they want right now. Need a big play? There it is. Need a long drive to rest the defense? Sure thing.

James Holt - Welcome to the league, kid.

Shaun Phillips - That guy sure knows how to fill up a stat-sheet. He's been really good against the run. Unfortunately, you can see the dip in his pass-rush whenever Shawne Merriman is out of the game.

Almost Dolts

Vincent Jackson - I don't think it took this long for teams to gameplan for stopping VJ, but apparently somebody somewhere came up with one that works. He's been held without a TD for 3 straight games, and hasn't been over 100 receiving yards for 4 straight games. In yesterday's game there was at least one jump ball he lost that he probably would've gotten earlier this season. He has to figure out what the defense is doing and adjust.

Highlights - KC Chiefs at SD Chargers

2009-11-30T10:53:42Z

Highlights - KC Chiefs at SD Chargers

619 Sports postgame Chargers coverage

2009-11-30T07:23:09Z

619 Sports postgame Chargers coverage

Craig and J.T. Rogan from 619 Sports break down a 43-14 win over KC in a postgame podcast from Qualcomm Stadium. Also check out our locker room 1-on-1 interviews with Shaun Phillips, Brandon Siler and Paul Oliver!

Kevin Acee wraps up the game. Eric Weddle has a sprained MCL and will miss at least the next two...

2009-11-30T02:40:28Z

Kevin Acee wraps up the game. Eric Weddle has a sprained MCL and will miss at least the next two games. Shawne Merriman didn't aggravate his foot injury, it was just too painful to play through. He may miss next week's game. Shaun Phillips is playing out of his mind good.

Open Thread Sunday Night Game

2009-11-30T01:21:55Z

Not sure if anyone else wants to watch this. It has major playoff implications with the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) traveling to Baltimore to play the Ravens (5-5). I'm gonna be watching the game if anyone else is watching the game leave comments and we can talk about it. Interesting note Dennis Dixon who has thrown 1 pass in his whole career gets the start. Big Ben is out as is Charlie Batch.

Poll

Who wins this game?

Steelers

5 votes

Ravens

44 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

San Diego Chargers Defeat Kansas City Chiefs 43-14

2009-11-30T00:07:26Z

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, foreground, celebrates his one-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of n NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

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Two games against the Chiefs, two blowouts. The Chargers have beaten the 2009 Chiefs by an average of 29.5 points in their two matchups.

I said before the game that the only chance the Chiefs had of beating the Bolts was by winning the turnover battle, which they lost handily. This was a good team effort by everyone on the Chargers. The offensive line looked really solid (I almost don't want to play Jon Runyan and Nick Hardwick unless necessary), the running game was good enough and Antonio Gates proved why he's one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL.

That's six wins in a row and a game in Cleveland next weekend. Good job, fellas.

Your Bolts & Dolts recommendations are always appreciated in the comments.

Final - 11.29.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
Kansas City Chiefs	0	7	7	0	14
San Diego Chargers	7	21	10	5	43

Complete Coverage >

Game Thread: Chiefs @ Chargers, 2nd Half

2009-11-29T22:36:33Z

Well, the rout is on. Somebody (I wonder who?) called it. It must be hard to be a Chiefs fan, and especially one who believes his team is going to win every week.

Weddle and Castillo, arguably the two most important players in the Chargers D, are injured and will not play in the 2nd half. They should take off next week and be healthy for the stretch run. Just my two cents.

Paul Oliver is a first half Bolt, as is Philip Rivers. The second half belongs to LaDainian Tomlinson, Jacob Hester and Mike Tolbert.

Game Thread: Chiefs at Chargers, 1st Half

2009-11-29T21:00:14Z

Chargers game day! I can't tell you how bored I was watching non-Chargers football on Thanksgiving. Thank goodness the Bolts play on Christmas.

Anyways, I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, but I don't see this game being even competitive. I believe the Chiefs are a perfect matchup for the Bolts on both sides of the football, and San Diego should be able to do whatever they want (similar to the first game). I also won't complain if Chris Chambers takes a big hit over the middle after bashing the organization.

The Chargers are going for their 6th win in the row, and my white LT jersey is going for it's 4th win in a row. Everyone, get your lucky jerseys and trinkets in place.

Open Thread: Early Games

2009-11-29T16:51:22Z

Well, I'm back home and about 40 pounds heavier. I'd probably feel like hot death if it weren't for the fact that the Chargers are playing a division game a little later today. I'll hold off death for one more day.

Are there any early games that mean anything for the Chargers? Cleveland and Cincinnati probably matters if you're looking at possible Wild Card competitors as well as future Charger opponents. Indianapolis and Houston will not only be a good game (I think), and a Texans upset would be huge. I'll also have my eye on the Redskins/Eagles game because it's a past opponent versus a future opponent.

So....how was your Thanksgiving?

"I was two or three steps out of the tunnel when Shaun Phillips raced up to me with his helmet off...

2009-11-29T11:37:08Z

"I was two or three steps out of the tunnel when Shaun Phillips raced up to me with his helmet off and said, 'I'll kick your [expletive] ass, too,' " explained McDaniels. "I'm not saying I felt physically threatened but that's exactly the way it went down. It surprised me in a way but we played them a lot when I was in New England and he's always been that kind of guy.

"I wasn't out there trash-talking their players, going through their drills. This guy has been doing this since I've been in the league and, because they won, he takes the liberty of telling his side of the story. I didn't swear at him or threaten him. What I actually said was, 'I've heard the same thing from you for four or five years now, and when I was in New England, we owned you.'"

The Broncos coach added, "Now, I'll apologize for that but it was nothing like [Phillips] portrayed."

Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels tells his side of trash-talking incident - ESPN

Coryell a Hall of Fame Finalist

2009-11-29T11:26:32Z

Coryell a Hall of Fame Finalist

Don Coryell is one of 25 semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010, the Hall of Fame announced Saturday.

Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts has written numerous letters to Hall of Fame selectors, and Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner is one of numerous men who have stumped for Don Coryell’s enshrinement in Canton.

The innovative Coryell came a step closer to seeing that happen Saturday as the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that the former Chargers head coach is one of 25 semifinalists for Canton’s 2010 class.

Coryell took over the Chargers midway through the 1978 season and held the position until 1986. In 1979, his first full season at the helm, he led the team to it’s first postseason appearance in 15 seasons. In his previous post with the St. Louis Cardinals, he produced a playoff berth in his second season, the franchise’s first since they’d relocated from Chicago in 1960.

More importantly, his offensive expertise left a handprint on the NFL game that is still visible every Sunday. The Chargers’ current offensive system is based on the one Coryell innovated when he was head coach at San Diego State in the 1960’s. Several NFL teams run a similar version of "Air Coryell."

It's Prediction Time

2009-11-29T00:26:50Z

Nice that the blackout is lifted.

Now we can all enjoy the Bolts 27-10 victory.