The passing game has a long way to go...and it's not just the pass blocking (although the Bears defensive lineman roughed up the Charger starting o-line). Phillip Rivers and the Receivers (the ones that are left) aren't on the same page. Rivers has been slow finding his receivers and while part of that is the fact that he hasn't worked much with any of the wide outs that took the field against the Bears, it also looks like Rivers isn't decisive enough. I'm hoping that comes in time, but I have to wonder (at least until Phillip can prove me otherwise) if he is a right fit for this type of offense.
The interception Rivers threw was a terrible decision. He forced it into double-coverage. He also had a guy open underneath. Phillip needs to learn to dump that down and give the receiver a chance to make the first down with his legs. If he doesn't make the first down you punt and live another day. The game was still in the first quarter and the score 0-7 Bears...no need to force a play.
The defensive front seven, which looked good against the Seahawks in the first preseason game, got beat on several outside runs. The line still looked stout in the middle and this may have been more due to poor outside linebacker play, a position that lost two starters from last season.
The Charges also looked bad on special teams...giving up several long punt returns (and Devin Hester didn't even play) and getting a punt blocked. The special teams unit has been suspect for the last several seasons and I was hoping the new coaching staff would make that a priority and straighten it out. Hopefully the game against the Bears was a wake up call.
3 turnovers in the first half doesn't give anyone a warm fuzzy about the teams chances this year. Along with Rivers INT, he also fumbled on a sack. It was a blind side hit, so not really his fault. Left Tackle make still be a problem area for the Chargers against good pass rushing teams. Rookie 1st round draft pick, RT DJ Fluker also got beat badly for a sack. The other turnover came on a muffed punt by rookie WR Keenan Allen.
Fluker and the rest of the o-line looked much better in the running game. Chargers racked up 141 yards rushing on 29 carries (4.9 ave). Ryan Mathews led the team with 9 carries for 45 yards against the Bears' starting defense. Mathews has looked good in both preseason games....you still have to question his durability, since he hasn't played for a full season since coming into the league.
TE Ladarius Green did a pretty good Antonio Gates impression, leading the team with 5 catches for 78 yards and a TD. Gates physical skills have been slowly diminishing over the last few seasons and Green looks to be the guy to replace him. With both Eddie Royal and Malcolm Floyd out with injuries, I think this was Robert Meachem's last chance...and he didn't step up. He caught one pass for 40 yards on a play where the defender fell down. For that matter none of the receivers stepped up with a change to play more.
Backup QB Charlie Whitehurst was much better this time out. Although I wouldn't want him as my starting QB, he at least looked like a serviceable backup this time. He looked like a "let's just cut him loose now" player in the first preseason game. Brad Sorensen looked good again. The kid has a strong arm and his passes have good zip on them. He actually over threw the Hail Mary pass out of the end zone at the end of the game...and that was from just past midfield (some 60+ yards in the air). Sorensen will replace Whitehurst as the #2 QB at some point. I see him as a potential NFL starter one day.
Still early, but it's looking like Head Coach Mike McCoy may have to lean towards a more run oriented offense. He was hired based on his ability to adapt to his teams' strengths...right now the Chargers' strength is their running game. Let's see if he and Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt can produce a more run-oriented game plan...at least until Rivers gets comfortable.
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