Chargers
This is the most disappointing I've ever been with a Chargers' playoff game. This was one of, if not the most individually talented rosters the Chargers have ever put together and they were not even competitive. The history of this team, even when they've lucked into the playoffs has been to at least have a chance. Sure they've underachieved, especially during the Schottenheimer years, but to be totally non-competitive is another story.
The defense was run over, physically dominated. I know Tony Romo said they should go to man-to-man, but in reality what good would that have done when your front four is getting pushed 5-yards off the line of scrimmage. Then there is Desmond King, who I love as a player, but pointed out that he really didn't deserve the ranking that Pro Football gave him as the 2nd best defensive back in the NFL. King made big plays when the Chargers needed him to up until this game where he was completely destroyed by Julian Edelman. I think the only chance the defense had was to gamble. Put in the 7 DBs and go all out to stop the run. Put in the linebackers, stack the box, then send an all out blitz hoping Tom Brady changes the play to a pass. Would it have worked? Probably not against Brady, but the hope is that you get a big play or two out of it. If they give up chunk yards so be it, they weren't stopping the Pats anyway.
Just as disappointing if not more so, was the offense. They weren't facing an elite defense and they have enough play makers that someone should have been able to beat the coverage. Phillip Rivers just hasn't been the same since the week 15 game against the Ravens. After the week 14 win in KC, Rivers had thrown at least 2 TD passes in every game this season. He had 2 400+ games and thrown for at 250 yards in all but 3 games (one was the blowout of the Raiders, so he really didn't need to). Counting the Week 15 game against the Ravens, Rivers was under 200 yards in three straight going into New England and threw only 1 TD pass. He threw for 331 vs. the Pats, but it was almost completely gained during garbage time. I don't know if something was wrong with Rivers or he just hit the down hill slide toward ending his career. In the past Rivers had the ability to carry this team, but couldn't do anything against the Pats. The "amoeba" style defense is going to get the credit, but Rivers has been around long enough and with the receiver talent they have they should have been able to beat it enough times to stay in the game. Probably wouldn't have mattered since the defense wasn't even slowly the Pats' offense down, but they should have been able to at least put up a fight. Rivers even saw that defensive scheme a lot in practice since that's the style they played when John Pagano was the defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2016.
If they had least been in the game I would be looking forward to next season, but with the way they were just manhandled I'm wondering if, despite all the individual talent, that this isn't a good "team."
Wondering if Rivers can play an entire season as an effective NFL QB. Wondering if the coaching staff can take this team to the level it needs to play to win a Championship.
The Rest of Division Championship Weekend
I found it interesting that, in this era of pass happy, miss direction, motion offenses, the two "genius" coaches, the young phenom Sean McVay and old wizard Bill Belichick decided to line up in old school I-formation and run it down the opponents throats and use play-action passes.
Obviously, my prediction of neither the Chiefs nor Patriots making the Super Bowl isn't going to happen. One of them will be there. I still believe that one of the two things I predicted for these teams will happen. Either the Chiefs' defense will fail them or the Patriots won't be able to keep up talent wise despite the game plan.
I missed the best game of the weekend, Saints-Eagles, but I just couldn't watch any more football after the Chargers game. Didn't want to see an highlights and still don't. It's one game I rather just forget happened. I honestly don't know if I'm going to watch a game for the rest of the playoffs.
Into the Spider-Verse
So after the game that will no longer be mentioned, I wanted to just get out and forget so went to see Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse. I really didn't know what to expect, but sure didn't expect how intense it was for an Animated movie. Some of the scenes were pretty intense and even emotional. The story line, although really predictable, was still well performed. I really felt the animation was amazing and they threw in just about every style using the multi-verse as the basis behind the different looks. There was Japanese anime, old style comic book art and of course that modern style that over exaggerates features that you've seen in the previews. There was even Looney Toons style animation with the character Peter Porker/Spider-Ham. I also really liked how they portrayed the Antagonists, especially the Green Goblin, Scopion, and the total re-make of Doc Oc. The 40-year old Parker was also great and was very entertainingly (is that a real word?) voiced by Jake Johnson. Spider-Women was taken straight out of the comics/Ghost Spider, which is cool since it's the 2nd coolest looking spider costume baring the original. Although I can see how it wouldn't be for everyone, but if you like cool animation and/or anything Spidey, it's a must see and is a unique take on Superhero Movies.
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