MVN: Most Valuable Network

Michael Turner is a friend of ours.  We all have loved him for years.  We speak glowingly of him and since he left we have all pointed to his performance as though Charger fans were adoptive parents, proud of his success despite having only the slightest influence upon it. Oh, and we have all looked at the stats on Monday mornings and thanked our appropriate deities that he isn't in Denver.

I mean, Turner the Burner is still a MySpace Top Friend of Chargers Confidential.  He is one of ours, the prodigal son returning home.

How ironic that if there is one thing that needs to happen for the Chargers diminishing playoff chances to be boosted, it's to shut down the old friend.

Despite all the ways that these Bolts have found to be a point or two down in the last minute and despite the improvement in Atlanta, I expect a Bolt victory today.  Because the game is at home, because the Falcons rely on the run and most importantly because the Chargers backs are against the wall and everytime that has been the case for this group of players, they've responded.

So, today we chant "You Can't Run" in the direction of our pride and joy.  Because the old saying we've used over the years for guys like Marshall Faulk doesn't apply today. We can't hope Michael does well but his team loses because when Michael has good days, the Falcons win. 

Philip will play well today.  He always does at home.  When I looked at the schedule before the year, I liked all the late home games.  I mean, you want to be playing your games in San Diego in December.  Duh.

Now I look at them as our last hope.   Fact: The lightning bolts strike far more often at home.  This team draws inspiration from it's fans and it's friendly environment.  They play better here.

That and the weakness of the west is what is keeping us going.  Five in a row, boys.  We can do this.  I need you to do this.

Because, despite the kindness of the people and the light-hearted comments about my Bolthead gear, a change of zip code DOES NOT make me a Steeler fan.