December 5, 2008
Are the Raiders This Bad or Did Bolts Improve?
The game isn't even over yet, at least on the clock. But as we approach the end of the third quarter with the Bolts up by 20, it would be remarkable to see Oakland make it a game. So, the question going through the heads of Charger fans is... huh?
Where was this team last week? Or the week before? The answer is that they were there, but they weren't playing the Raiders.
But it is not just the opponent. The Chargers D has another week of Ron Riveria in charge. The Bolts wisely moved Shawn Phillips back to his natural position. Early on, the offensive line blocked for L.T. well enough to force openings deep that Philip Rivers and Steven Jackson exploited.
Also, let's face it. This is NOT the first time this year the Chargers have played a game this complete. They also did it against New York and New England. So the bumbling status of Oakland is not the only factor. The other two teams cited are competing for the AFC East crown.
Is it Norv? I don't think that Norv forgot everything he learned last year. The mark of a team that is not properly prepared is more than losing in the fourth quarter... it is quitting in the fourth quarter. And one thing this team does not do is quit. I do think that Ted Cottrell was unable to adjust to the loss of Shawne Merriman and that played a factor. A large factor.
Injuries have played a part, and not just Shawne. Being unsettled on the offensive line early, with two starters out. Nagging injuries to skill positions, particularly with L.T. and Antonio Gates. Jamal Williams unable to play whole games until recently.
Lost personnel have hurt the Bolts. Most especially, the absence of Lorenzo Neal. No single change has meant more. Darren Sproles has eased the loss of Michael Turner. Eric Weddle continues to improve taking over the "quarterback of the defense." But Lo-Neal flattened people. This year, those defenders have been blocked, but they stayed upright long enough to force L.T. to make a move, slowing him significantly. And that has hurt.
So as the score is now 34-7, the next question to answer is not whether the Chargers can make the playoffs. That is a long shot and out of our hands. The goal now is simple and achievable.
Finish the year 5-1 in the AFC West, with the only loss being to Ed Hochuli.
Where was this team last week? Or the week before? The answer is that they were there, but they weren't playing the Raiders.
But it is not just the opponent. The Chargers D has another week of Ron Riveria in charge. The Bolts wisely moved Shawn Phillips back to his natural position. Early on, the offensive line blocked for L.T. well enough to force openings deep that Philip Rivers and Steven Jackson exploited.
Also, let's face it. This is NOT the first time this year the Chargers have played a game this complete. They also did it against New York and New England. So the bumbling status of Oakland is not the only factor. The other two teams cited are competing for the AFC East crown.
Is it Norv? I don't think that Norv forgot everything he learned last year. The mark of a team that is not properly prepared is more than losing in the fourth quarter... it is quitting in the fourth quarter. And one thing this team does not do is quit. I do think that Ted Cottrell was unable to adjust to the loss of Shawne Merriman and that played a factor. A large factor.
Injuries have played a part, and not just Shawne. Being unsettled on the offensive line early, with two starters out. Nagging injuries to skill positions, particularly with L.T. and Antonio Gates. Jamal Williams unable to play whole games until recently.
Lost personnel have hurt the Bolts. Most especially, the absence of Lorenzo Neal. No single change has meant more. Darren Sproles has eased the loss of Michael Turner. Eric Weddle continues to improve taking over the "quarterback of the defense." But Lo-Neal flattened people. This year, those defenders have been blocked, but they stayed upright long enough to force L.T. to make a move, slowing him significantly. And that has hurt.
So as the score is now 34-7, the next question to answer is not whether the Chargers can make the playoffs. That is a long shot and out of our hands. The goal now is simple and achievable.
Finish the year 5-1 in the AFC West, with the only loss being to Ed Hochuli.
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