The Chargers won 23-9, that's the good news. The defense was solid, they have gotten better each week. Obviously, getting Joey Bosa back was big, but Desmond King has been a nice surprise as the slot corner and Derwin James is seemly in on almost every play. I'm still shocked that James fell to the Chargers at pick 17 of the draft. He would be a lock for Defensive Rookie of the Year if it wasn't for Dallas LB Leighton Vander Esch, who set the rookie record for tackles.
As far as King goes, I'm not going to claim he is one of the better Defensive Backs in the league, or even that he should have made the Pro Bowl, as some Chargers' fans and sportscasters have proclaimed. King has his faults, but he makes timely plays, both as a defender and kick returner. Yes I know Pro Football Focus has him graded as the #2 DB in the league, but if you look at PFFs top 5 you realize their must be something flawed about how they grade DBs.
As for the offense...what happened? OK the Ravens' defense is pretty good and the Broncos' defense is still pretty good, but no way this offense, with all those play makers, should be shut down for the entire half of both games. Chargers didn't convert a 3rd down score on offense until the 3rd quarter of either game.
A big part of it has been that Philip Rivers has struggled. Take away the 4th quarter comeback against KC and Rivers' has been mediocre in the last 3 games. Of the 12 interceptions he's thrown, 6 have come in the last 3 games. 5 have come in the 1st quarter of those games and he's thrown an interception in the open drive in all three. I don't have an explanation why, but I can make some assumptions. The 1st would be that the 37 year old Rivers is wearing down over the course of a season, but neither Rivers, the Chargers, or the media at large is reporting even a hint supporting that. Rivers' has under thrown a lot of passes lately though and almost everyone of the recent interceptions were under throws. The only assumption I can make is that the Rivers or the Chargers are tipping plays somehow, but I have no proof of that either. I can only hope the Chargers can straighten things out before next weeks Playoff game in Baltimore.
Which brings me to said Playoffs. The Chargers have a good possibility of facing every team they lost to (except the Broncos who didn't make the playoffs) if they make it the Super Bowl. They travel to Baltimore first. Keep winning and they'll likely to meet KC the following week or in the AFC Championship Game. The long shot is if they face the Rams in the Super Bowl and make it the dreaded All LA Bowl.
First things first though. The Ravens shut down the Chargers' offense in Week 16 allowing the only Chargers TD after a turnover. They kept Rivers' guessing by stacking the line of scrimmage and making the Chargers figure out who was rushing and what type of defense they were in, which is pretty much how the Ravens play everybody this year. While the result wasn't good and take solace in the fact the Chargers at least got a chance to see that defense on the field. Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt needs to earn his pay this week and come up with something effective they can run against that Raven Defense. The Chargers have found different ways to win this season and I can see them winning with defense, much the same way they beat the Broncos, but I would rather they play a much more complete game, something I feel they haven't done yet. That's both encouraging and disappointing at the same time.
TE Hunter Henry was seen taking first team reps on Monday. Henry was supposedly lost for the season with an ACL injury during the preseason. Rumors have popped up lately that Henry's recovery was going better than expected and it looks like the rumors were true. He's expected to play Sunday vs. the Ravens. Love Antonio Gates, but Henry provides another big play threat that Gates can no longer deliver and is an effective run blocker, something Gates never excelled at.
Thoughts on the rest of Week 17
So that's the season. Out from last year, the Falcons, Jaguars, Bills, Panthers, Steelers, and Vikings. In is the Chargers, Colts, Texans, Ravens, Bears, and Cowboys. My biggest disappointment award goes to the Jaguars. They hung with the Patriots 24-20 in the AFC Championship last year and avenged that loss with a 31-20 beat down of the Pats in a game that wasn't as close as the score, but could only muster 4 wins for the rest of the season.
I still believe it's going to tough to beat the Saints in New Orleans and although KC is a tough venue to play in, I wonder how the weather is going to change how they play. I have a feeling they are going to really miss Kareem Hunt.
The Philadelphia Eagles are in! They were destined for a fall from Super Bowl Champs to not making the playoffs, but the Vikings left the door wide open for them to sneak back in. It may not be all Kirk Cousins fault, but that big contract they gave him sure is looking like a bad investment right now. Of course Case Keenum's performance in Denver isn't working out well for the Broncos either, so the Vikings can at least say they were right about that.
I am going to make an insane prediction that I probably shouldn't make, especially since the Chargers are in the Playoffs. My prediction is that neither the Patriots or the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl. I believe the AFC representative will be one of the teams playing this week end. Obviously, I hope it's the Chargers, but I can see any of the 4 (Chargers, Ravens, Texans, Colts) playing in the Super Bowl this year. I just don't trust the talent or execution the Patriots have shown this season and either KCs defense and/or weather will eventually cost them a win. An icy and windy day against the Ravens would be their worse nightmare.
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Friday, December 28, 2018
Week 16 - Opportunity Lost
If the Chargers fail to reach to Super Bowl this year, they will look back on Week 15 and wonder what might have been.
All the credit goes to the Ravens. They did exactly what they needed to do, holding the Chargers to 5 drives, 2 first downs, 72 total yards, an interception in the first half and owned time-of-possession 19:54 to 10.06. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense doing their bend but don't break thing, holding the Ravens to 6 points despite giving up 195 yards and 3 trips into the Red Zone in the 1st half.
Then the Chargers got the break they needed, forcing a turnover on the Ravens first possession of the 2nd half. The offense finally gets into the end zone, but unfortunately the Ravens offense gets their one big play of the game and answer with a TD of their own on a 68 yard TD from Lamar Jackson to TE Mark Andrews.
It was all setup for Phillip Rivers to pull off the comeback again. It all sounded familiar. 4:46 left in the game. Chargers punt and the defense has to get a quick stop to give the offense one last chance. The defense follows the script of the last two Chargers big wins over the Steelers and Chiefs. They stuff two Raven running plays and on 3rd down sack Jackson to force the punt.
Next the special team does their part. Desmond King, returns the punt 24 yards to the Ravens 39. It's all setup, down 10-16, 3 minutes to go, only 39 yards for the game winning TD, and still 2 timeouts. It should have been easier than Pittsburgh or KC. Unfortunately, Antonio Gates makes a catch for 11 yards and fumbles. Ravens recover and take it the house to seal the win 22-10.
With a win over the Ravens, the Chargers would have awaken Monday morning with the #1 seed in the AFC. Instead they enter Week 17 with only a glimmer of hope placed on a Raiders win over the Chiefs in KC. As it looks right now, the Charges will be visiting Baltimore for a rematch next weekend.
Thoughts on the rest of the Week 16...
Chiefs have now lost 2-in-a-row. I would say that teams are figuring out the Chiefs offense, but they put up 31 points against a good defense in the Seahawks. Mahomes played another clean game, going 23-40, 273 yards, 3 TDs, 0 int. This was the first game that the Chiefs trailed for the majority of the contest, taking a brief 10-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter, but the Seahawks quickly answered to take the lead back, 14-10 and didn't trail for the rest of the game.
Aarond Donald leading the NFL in sacks as a Defensive Tackle is historic in itself, but with 19.5 sacks he has a shot at the all-time record of 22.5 against the 49ers.
Tight End Travis Kelce only needs 54 yards to break Rob Gronkowski's single season record of 1328 receiving yards for a TE. Chasing them both is SF TE George Kittle, who has 1228 receiving yards. With the Chiefs playing the Raiders and the 49ers playing the Rams I can see a scenario where the Chiefs are blowing out the Raiders and sit Kelce right after he sets the record. The 49ers will likely have to play catch up and Kittle's is capable of lighting it up. Kittles put up 210 yards against the Broncos in Week 13. Would Reid put Kelce back in if they find out Kittles is getting close?
Everyone is back on the Patriots bandwagon now that they're the #2 seed, but I still don't think this version of the Patriots can make a serious run at the Super Bowl.
Article on Bleacher Report by rules analysis Mike Pereira who's name NFL fans should be familiar with, The Game is Over Officiated. All I have to say about that is...DUH! I don't blame the refs and agree with Pereira who comments in the article "...that officials are simply doing what they're instructed by the league..." The rules committee was originally put together to protect the fairness of the game. Now the rules are geared to favor the offense. At least for me, many of these games have not been fun to watch despite the scoreboard barrage. High scoring shoot outs used to be that one or two great presents you got in an NFL season, now they're just a gift that you return to the store because you received a half a dozen of them.
All the credit goes to the Ravens. They did exactly what they needed to do, holding the Chargers to 5 drives, 2 first downs, 72 total yards, an interception in the first half and owned time-of-possession 19:54 to 10.06. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense doing their bend but don't break thing, holding the Ravens to 6 points despite giving up 195 yards and 3 trips into the Red Zone in the 1st half.
Then the Chargers got the break they needed, forcing a turnover on the Ravens first possession of the 2nd half. The offense finally gets into the end zone, but unfortunately the Ravens offense gets their one big play of the game and answer with a TD of their own on a 68 yard TD from Lamar Jackson to TE Mark Andrews.
It was all setup for Phillip Rivers to pull off the comeback again. It all sounded familiar. 4:46 left in the game. Chargers punt and the defense has to get a quick stop to give the offense one last chance. The defense follows the script of the last two Chargers big wins over the Steelers and Chiefs. They stuff two Raven running plays and on 3rd down sack Jackson to force the punt.
Next the special team does their part. Desmond King, returns the punt 24 yards to the Ravens 39. It's all setup, down 10-16, 3 minutes to go, only 39 yards for the game winning TD, and still 2 timeouts. It should have been easier than Pittsburgh or KC. Unfortunately, Antonio Gates makes a catch for 11 yards and fumbles. Ravens recover and take it the house to seal the win 22-10.
With a win over the Ravens, the Chargers would have awaken Monday morning with the #1 seed in the AFC. Instead they enter Week 17 with only a glimmer of hope placed on a Raiders win over the Chiefs in KC. As it looks right now, the Charges will be visiting Baltimore for a rematch next weekend.
Thoughts on the rest of the Week 16...
Chiefs have now lost 2-in-a-row. I would say that teams are figuring out the Chiefs offense, but they put up 31 points against a good defense in the Seahawks. Mahomes played another clean game, going 23-40, 273 yards, 3 TDs, 0 int. This was the first game that the Chiefs trailed for the majority of the contest, taking a brief 10-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter, but the Seahawks quickly answered to take the lead back, 14-10 and didn't trail for the rest of the game.
Aarond Donald leading the NFL in sacks as a Defensive Tackle is historic in itself, but with 19.5 sacks he has a shot at the all-time record of 22.5 against the 49ers.
Tight End Travis Kelce only needs 54 yards to break Rob Gronkowski's single season record of 1328 receiving yards for a TE. Chasing them both is SF TE George Kittle, who has 1228 receiving yards. With the Chiefs playing the Raiders and the 49ers playing the Rams I can see a scenario where the Chiefs are blowing out the Raiders and sit Kelce right after he sets the record. The 49ers will likely have to play catch up and Kittle's is capable of lighting it up. Kittles put up 210 yards against the Broncos in Week 13. Would Reid put Kelce back in if they find out Kittles is getting close?
Everyone is back on the Patriots bandwagon now that they're the #2 seed, but I still don't think this version of the Patriots can make a serious run at the Super Bowl.
Article on Bleacher Report by rules analysis Mike Pereira who's name NFL fans should be familiar with, The Game is Over Officiated. All I have to say about that is...DUH! I don't blame the refs and agree with Pereira who comments in the article "...that officials are simply doing what they're instructed by the league..." The rules committee was originally put together to protect the fairness of the game. Now the rules are geared to favor the offense. At least for me, many of these games have not been fun to watch despite the scoreboard barrage. High scoring shoot outs used to be that one or two great presents you got in an NFL season, now they're just a gift that you return to the store because you received a half a dozen of them.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
NFL Week 14 thoughts - Thusday matters, but not that much
Chargers came out hot scoring on their first two drives, then suddenly went flat. Opposite of the last two games, where they came out flat and then woke up. Chargers gained 150 yards and scored two TDs in those first two drives. They didn't score another TD the rest of the game and ended with 288 total yards. Statistically, it was Phillip Rivers worse game of the season.
Kicker Michael Badgley saved the game for the Chargers. Yes, you read that right, a kicker was the Chargers savior instead of the goat. Badgley went 4-4 in FGs for the Chargers last 12 points including a 49 yarder and francise record 59 yarder in the last play of the first half.
It's encouraging to see the Chargers win in different ways each week, it's discouraging that they weren't able to put together a complete game this late in the season against a team that was missing their starting QB and #1 WR.
It would be tough to prepare for everything the Chiefs can/will throw at you offensively in a full week. Chargers have to do it in a short week plus losing a day to travel.
Ravens played the Chiefs the best I've seen so far. Raven's are unique in that they play a lot of 3 safety with two of the three often lining up on the line of scrimmage. They make the offense try to figure out who's rushing and who's dropping back into coverage. They blitz a lot, sending a LB or one of the Safeties (or a combination of both). Saw Mahomes get happy feet for the first time, running out of the pocket even though everyone was blocked. Raven's held the Chiefs to 17 points up until the last drive. Mahomes still led the Chiefs to a game tying TD and eventual win in OT. He converted two 4th downs including a 4th and 9th with a 48 yard strike to Tyrek Hill scrambling to the right and throwing deep back over the middle...something you are never supposed to do in the NFL.
Chargers Safety Derwin James has lined up in every defensive position except Middle Linebacker and Nose Tackle. S Adrian Phillips lines up as the weak side LB on Nickle and Dime packages. But the Chargers don't blitz very often. 22.5 of their 32 sacks have come from the D-line. Joey Bosa's return has helped immensely in that area, recording 4 sacks in 4 games.
Everyone is acting like this is a game for the #1 seed, but in reality the Chiefs will still remain a on top of the Division even if they lose. The Chiefs have the divisional tie-breaker because the Chargers loss to Denver. Chargers also still have the possibility of not making the playoffs. With a10-3 record and games @KC, vs. Ravens, @ Denver remaining, there is a possibility the Chargers could lose all 3 and end up 10-6. The Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, and Titans are currently 7-6. What if two or more of those teams win their 3 remaining games and the Chargers end up in a 3-5 team tie at 10-6? Not sure how the tie-breakers would shake out in each scenario.
Thoughts on the rest of Week 14
Another sign this isn't the same Patriots. Yes I know about the Pats struggles in Miami, but the Pats don't lose games like this. They are too well coached, too disciplined. Always in the right place to make plays. They don't make crucial mistakes and seem to always come up with the big play when they need it. Well not this game. Steve Gronkoski missed an extra point. Pats have 1st and goal at the Miami 2 with 21 seconds left in the half. Two incomplete passes and a sack later, the clock runs out and the Pats come away with no points. You've probably already seen how it ended, but what was Rob Gronkowski doing in the game with the Dolphins on their own 31? No way Ryan Tannehill could reach the end zone on a Hail Mary from there. Tannehill hits Kenny Stills just short of midfield, he avoids a tackle, and two pitches later RB Kenyan Drake breaks into the open with only Gronkowski to beat. I really can't say that a defensive player would have made the tackle, but Gronk, being a TE, takes a bad angle and doesn't even lay a finger on Drake.
Saints have been shut down. The Rams have been shut down. The only offense that hasn't been shut down are the Chiefs, with their only losses coming on 40-43 and 51-54 shoot outs. Barring a complete collapse, in the AFC, the road to the Super Bowl will go through Kansas City. It's a tough place to get a road win, but I also wonder how the Chiefs will fair if the weather does what no defense has done so far...limit their passing game.
Kicker Michael Badgley saved the game for the Chargers. Yes, you read that right, a kicker was the Chargers savior instead of the goat. Badgley went 4-4 in FGs for the Chargers last 12 points including a 49 yarder and francise record 59 yarder in the last play of the first half.
It's encouraging to see the Chargers win in different ways each week, it's discouraging that they weren't able to put together a complete game this late in the season against a team that was missing their starting QB and #1 WR.
It would be tough to prepare for everything the Chiefs can/will throw at you offensively in a full week. Chargers have to do it in a short week plus losing a day to travel.
Ravens played the Chiefs the best I've seen so far. Raven's are unique in that they play a lot of 3 safety with two of the three often lining up on the line of scrimmage. They make the offense try to figure out who's rushing and who's dropping back into coverage. They blitz a lot, sending a LB or one of the Safeties (or a combination of both). Saw Mahomes get happy feet for the first time, running out of the pocket even though everyone was blocked. Raven's held the Chiefs to 17 points up until the last drive. Mahomes still led the Chiefs to a game tying TD and eventual win in OT. He converted two 4th downs including a 4th and 9th with a 48 yard strike to Tyrek Hill scrambling to the right and throwing deep back over the middle...something you are never supposed to do in the NFL.
Chargers Safety Derwin James has lined up in every defensive position except Middle Linebacker and Nose Tackle. S Adrian Phillips lines up as the weak side LB on Nickle and Dime packages. But the Chargers don't blitz very often. 22.5 of their 32 sacks have come from the D-line. Joey Bosa's return has helped immensely in that area, recording 4 sacks in 4 games.
Everyone is acting like this is a game for the #1 seed, but in reality the Chiefs will still remain a on top of the Division even if they lose. The Chiefs have the divisional tie-breaker because the Chargers loss to Denver. Chargers also still have the possibility of not making the playoffs. With a10-3 record and games @KC, vs. Ravens, @ Denver remaining, there is a possibility the Chargers could lose all 3 and end up 10-6. The Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, and Titans are currently 7-6. What if two or more of those teams win their 3 remaining games and the Chargers end up in a 3-5 team tie at 10-6? Not sure how the tie-breakers would shake out in each scenario.
Thoughts on the rest of Week 14
Another sign this isn't the same Patriots. Yes I know about the Pats struggles in Miami, but the Pats don't lose games like this. They are too well coached, too disciplined. Always in the right place to make plays. They don't make crucial mistakes and seem to always come up with the big play when they need it. Well not this game. Steve Gronkoski missed an extra point. Pats have 1st and goal at the Miami 2 with 21 seconds left in the half. Two incomplete passes and a sack later, the clock runs out and the Pats come away with no points. You've probably already seen how it ended, but what was Rob Gronkowski doing in the game with the Dolphins on their own 31? No way Ryan Tannehill could reach the end zone on a Hail Mary from there. Tannehill hits Kenny Stills just short of midfield, he avoids a tackle, and two pitches later RB Kenyan Drake breaks into the open with only Gronkowski to beat. I really can't say that a defensive player would have made the tackle, but Gronk, being a TE, takes a bad angle and doesn't even lay a finger on Drake.
Saints have been shut down. The Rams have been shut down. The only offense that hasn't been shut down are the Chiefs, with their only losses coming on 40-43 and 51-54 shoot outs. Barring a complete collapse, in the AFC, the road to the Super Bowl will go through Kansas City. It's a tough place to get a road win, but I also wonder how the Chiefs will fair if the weather does what no defense has done so far...limit their passing game.
Monday, December 3, 2018
NFL Week 13 Thoughts - Ying and Yang
The Steelers had never lost a night game at home with Big Ben as the QB. They had never lost a game when leading by 16 points in their storied history.
The way the first half went I didn't think the Chargers had a chance. They got lucky on their first two TDs, the false start no call and a pass that should have been picked gets popped up in the air and ends up in Keenan Allen's hands. For the game Allen caught 14 for 148 yards and should have had more. Rivers missed him a couple times and Allen slipped on another.
I don't know if it would have been different with Gordon, but the 2nd game with him out and the Chargers had just 2 yards rushing in the first half and the protection for Rivers isn't as good.
Chargers were down 23-7 at the half, but when Desmond King returned a punt for a TD, suddenly the score was tied at 23. Chargers went against their M.O. by going for two twice. It's taking some NFL teams a long time to decide to go for two when the score calls for it and the Chargers were one of them. Glad to see that coach Lynn isn't afraid to go for it went he needs to.
Why didn't Justin Jackson play in the 1st half? I like the kid and I don't know what the Chargers are going to do with Gordon, Eckler, and Jackson on the roster next year. Jackson's stat line; 8 carries, 64 yards, and the go ahead 18 yard TD run, all in the 2nd half.
Badgley gets 3 shots at the wining FG when the Steelers were off side twice. They were off sides on the winning kick also, but since Badgley made it the Chargers declined the penalty.
Did anyone catch Russell Okung's intro? "Russell Okung, Wakanda Tech." He even said it with an accent.
Quick thoughts on the rest of the NFL...
Did I just miss it or did the Kareem Hunt story just suddenly get public attention? I didn't hear anything about it until it was announced that the Chiefs released him before the game Sunday.
Arizona upsets Green Bay 20-17 and Mike McCarthy gets fired after the game. I know that the Packers haven't played well the last two years, but since McCarthy was hired the Packers have the best wining percentage in the NFC. I'm betting McCarthy lands a job as soon as the season is over.
The Texans are the team flying under the radar. The Chiefs are the talk of the NFL. The Chargers are everyone's sleeper pick. The Patriots will always be in the conversation as long as Belichick and Brady are there. But the Texans are sitting at 9-3, leading the AFC south, and on a nine game winning streak. Even a team trailing them, the Colts, have gotten more press than the Texans. Looking at their schedule it's not out of the question that they finish 13-3. It's not hard to imagine a scenario where the Texans get the #1 seed.
On the other hand, the Bengals are fading fast after starting the season 4-1.
The Ravens are a lot better with Lamar Jackson at QB. Can't understand why John Harbaugh is even considering putting Joe Flacco back in as the starter.
How did the Colts, who were on a roll, get shut out by the struggling Jaguars?
Don't look now, but the 'Boys are back! The team everyone loves to hate or America's team depending on which side you're on. Regardless, they lead the NFC East and is the divisions best team right now. The Saints came into Week 13 scoring 37 pts/game. How did the Cowboys hold them to 10 points?!
What happened to the Panthers? A month ago they were contenders at 6-2...the last 4 weeks they got blown out by the Steelers, and lost to the Lions, Seahawks, and Bucs. Crazy that the closest game was vs. the Seahawks.
Wow, the injury list was long this week. It's so long I'm inserting this link - Week 14 injuries.
The way the first half went I didn't think the Chargers had a chance. They got lucky on their first two TDs, the false start no call and a pass that should have been picked gets popped up in the air and ends up in Keenan Allen's hands. For the game Allen caught 14 for 148 yards and should have had more. Rivers missed him a couple times and Allen slipped on another.
I don't know if it would have been different with Gordon, but the 2nd game with him out and the Chargers had just 2 yards rushing in the first half and the protection for Rivers isn't as good.
Chargers were down 23-7 at the half, but when Desmond King returned a punt for a TD, suddenly the score was tied at 23. Chargers went against their M.O. by going for two twice. It's taking some NFL teams a long time to decide to go for two when the score calls for it and the Chargers were one of them. Glad to see that coach Lynn isn't afraid to go for it went he needs to.
Why didn't Justin Jackson play in the 1st half? I like the kid and I don't know what the Chargers are going to do with Gordon, Eckler, and Jackson on the roster next year. Jackson's stat line; 8 carries, 64 yards, and the go ahead 18 yard TD run, all in the 2nd half.
Badgley gets 3 shots at the wining FG when the Steelers were off side twice. They were off sides on the winning kick also, but since Badgley made it the Chargers declined the penalty.
Did anyone catch Russell Okung's intro? "Russell Okung, Wakanda Tech." He even said it with an accent.
Quick thoughts on the rest of the NFL...
Did I just miss it or did the Kareem Hunt story just suddenly get public attention? I didn't hear anything about it until it was announced that the Chiefs released him before the game Sunday.
Arizona upsets Green Bay 20-17 and Mike McCarthy gets fired after the game. I know that the Packers haven't played well the last two years, but since McCarthy was hired the Packers have the best wining percentage in the NFC. I'm betting McCarthy lands a job as soon as the season is over.
The Texans are the team flying under the radar. The Chiefs are the talk of the NFL. The Chargers are everyone's sleeper pick. The Patriots will always be in the conversation as long as Belichick and Brady are there. But the Texans are sitting at 9-3, leading the AFC south, and on a nine game winning streak. Even a team trailing them, the Colts, have gotten more press than the Texans. Looking at their schedule it's not out of the question that they finish 13-3. It's not hard to imagine a scenario where the Texans get the #1 seed.
On the other hand, the Bengals are fading fast after starting the season 4-1.
The Ravens are a lot better with Lamar Jackson at QB. Can't understand why John Harbaugh is even considering putting Joe Flacco back in as the starter.
How did the Colts, who were on a roll, get shut out by the struggling Jaguars?
Don't look now, but the 'Boys are back! The team everyone loves to hate or America's team depending on which side you're on. Regardless, they lead the NFC East and is the divisions best team right now. The Saints came into Week 13 scoring 37 pts/game. How did the Cowboys hold them to 10 points?!
What happened to the Panthers? A month ago they were contenders at 6-2...the last 4 weeks they got blown out by the Steelers, and lost to the Lions, Seahawks, and Bucs. Crazy that the closest game was vs. the Seahawks.
Wow, the injury list was long this week. It's so long I'm inserting this link - Week 14 injuries.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
NFL Week 12 - Well That Changes Things
Chargers came out flat in Week 12 after a terrible game in Week 11. The 2nd lowest scoring team in the NFL put up 10 points in their 1st two possessions. Seven minutes into the game the Chargers were down 10-0 to the Cardinals.
Then Phillip Rivers took over! He set a record for completions to start a game, breaking the record of 22 shared by Mark Brunell and David Carr (that would have been a heck of a trivia question) on his way to tying the record for consecutive completions (25) held by Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill set his record over 2 games. Rivers ended the game 28-29, 259 yards, 3 TDs. By halftime the Chargers were up 28-10 and at the end of the 3rd quarter the score was 42-10 and Rivers day was done.
After giving up 108 yards to the Cards in their 1st two drives, the Charger D only allowed 41 yards the rest of the game. Joey Bosa recorded 2 sacks.
It should have been a game that ended with all smiles, but Melvin Gordon left the game in the 3rd quarter with a knee injury. Gordon was visibly upset on the sidelines which normally isn't a good sign, but the news today was an MCL sprain. I have to wonder why he was still in the game with an (at that time) 35-10 lead when Gordon was questionable all week nursing a knee injury. He could possibly be out for the rest of the regular season and definitely won't play Week 13 against the Steelers.
I believe the Chargers will miss Gordon more than sportscasters are speculating. Austin Eckler is capable of breaking off big runs and is averaging 5.8 yards/carry, but the last game Gordon was out (Wk. 7 vs the Titans) the Chargers had only 47 yards on 16 attempts (2.9 yds/carry) and scored just 20 points., all season lows. Eckler rushed 12 times for 42 yds. I like Eckler, but I'll use a basketball analogy...Eckler is like the 6th man. He provides a spark off the bench, is talented enough to lead the team in scoring every now and then, but you normally won't start him because he can't sustained that high energy play for an entire game. If he tries to conserve that energy to play more minutes as a starter he's less effective. Also, Gordon has developed his blitz pickup technique over the years. Eckler is a decent blocker and a tough guy, but isn't as big as Gordon and isn't asked to block as often.
I also found it interesting that Justin Jackson had more carries than Eckler (Eck still led the team with 10 catches) after Gordon left. Was it just the team giving Jackson a try out in a blow out win or was it a preview of the plan moving forward...that being Jackson taking over Gordon's role and Eckler keeping his role? I honestly don't know the answer, but Jackson was a high volume back at Northwestern (1142 attempts, 5440 yards) and considered in some circles as the most underrated back in last years draft. I still feel that Eck will get more total touches, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jackson isn't the one on the field in early downs and gets more carries. Jackson isn't a one trick pony either, he had 858 receptions in his 4 years at Northwestern. Still, Jackson is a rookie and has had limited time on the field. I doubt Jackson will have had time to learn all the blitz pickups. That may limit his playing time more than any thing else.
The Chargers are going to need the defense to step up in this one...which is a tall order against a team with the level of talent on offense that the Steelers have. Of course, Rivers has to have a good game, but that's no different than any other game. Rivers picked up Offensive-Player-of-the-Week honors for his performance against the Cardinals, it would go a long way to winning this one if he can do it in back-to-back weeks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not much to say about the rest of the NFL. Saints still rolled the Falcons 31-17 despite having uncharacteristically inconsistent play on offense. Rams/Chiefs were on their Bye. Texans are 8-3, wining 8 straight after stating the season 0-3. Bengals have really struggled lately and now Dalton is done for the season. Seahawks, Broncos, and Cowboys are making a push for a playoff spot.
Speaking of the 'Boys. The Thursday Night Game is just coming to an end as I type this. Who would have thought that the Cowboys would win a 13-10 game over the Saints? Brees and Co. looked unstoppable in going 10 straight after losing the season opener. This was big. The Rams now have the #1 seed which means the road to the Super Bowl goes through LA. I would have bet the farm on the Saints if the Conference Championship was played in New Orleans.
Then Phillip Rivers took over! He set a record for completions to start a game, breaking the record of 22 shared by Mark Brunell and David Carr (that would have been a heck of a trivia question) on his way to tying the record for consecutive completions (25) held by Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill set his record over 2 games. Rivers ended the game 28-29, 259 yards, 3 TDs. By halftime the Chargers were up 28-10 and at the end of the 3rd quarter the score was 42-10 and Rivers day was done.
After giving up 108 yards to the Cards in their 1st two drives, the Charger D only allowed 41 yards the rest of the game. Joey Bosa recorded 2 sacks.
It should have been a game that ended with all smiles, but Melvin Gordon left the game in the 3rd quarter with a knee injury. Gordon was visibly upset on the sidelines which normally isn't a good sign, but the news today was an MCL sprain. I have to wonder why he was still in the game with an (at that time) 35-10 lead when Gordon was questionable all week nursing a knee injury. He could possibly be out for the rest of the regular season and definitely won't play Week 13 against the Steelers.
I believe the Chargers will miss Gordon more than sportscasters are speculating. Austin Eckler is capable of breaking off big runs and is averaging 5.8 yards/carry, but the last game Gordon was out (Wk. 7 vs the Titans) the Chargers had only 47 yards on 16 attempts (2.9 yds/carry) and scored just 20 points., all season lows. Eckler rushed 12 times for 42 yds. I like Eckler, but I'll use a basketball analogy...Eckler is like the 6th man. He provides a spark off the bench, is talented enough to lead the team in scoring every now and then, but you normally won't start him because he can't sustained that high energy play for an entire game. If he tries to conserve that energy to play more minutes as a starter he's less effective. Also, Gordon has developed his blitz pickup technique over the years. Eckler is a decent blocker and a tough guy, but isn't as big as Gordon and isn't asked to block as often.
I also found it interesting that Justin Jackson had more carries than Eckler (Eck still led the team with 10 catches) after Gordon left. Was it just the team giving Jackson a try out in a blow out win or was it a preview of the plan moving forward...that being Jackson taking over Gordon's role and Eckler keeping his role? I honestly don't know the answer, but Jackson was a high volume back at Northwestern (1142 attempts, 5440 yards) and considered in some circles as the most underrated back in last years draft. I still feel that Eck will get more total touches, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jackson isn't the one on the field in early downs and gets more carries. Jackson isn't a one trick pony either, he had 858 receptions in his 4 years at Northwestern. Still, Jackson is a rookie and has had limited time on the field. I doubt Jackson will have had time to learn all the blitz pickups. That may limit his playing time more than any thing else.
The Chargers are going to need the defense to step up in this one...which is a tall order against a team with the level of talent on offense that the Steelers have. Of course, Rivers has to have a good game, but that's no different than any other game. Rivers picked up Offensive-Player-of-the-Week honors for his performance against the Cardinals, it would go a long way to winning this one if he can do it in back-to-back weeks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not much to say about the rest of the NFL. Saints still rolled the Falcons 31-17 despite having uncharacteristically inconsistent play on offense. Rams/Chiefs were on their Bye. Texans are 8-3, wining 8 straight after stating the season 0-3. Bengals have really struggled lately and now Dalton is done for the season. Seahawks, Broncos, and Cowboys are making a push for a playoff spot.
Speaking of the 'Boys. The Thursday Night Game is just coming to an end as I type this. Who would have thought that the Cowboys would win a 13-10 game over the Saints? Brees and Co. looked unstoppable in going 10 straight after losing the season opener. This was big. The Rams now have the #1 seed which means the road to the Super Bowl goes through LA. I would have bet the farm on the Saints if the Conference Championship was played in New Orleans.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
NFL Week 11 - Where Do We Go From Here?
I recent article in the San Antonio Business Journal mentioned that former SA Mayor Henry Cisneros and current Mayor Ron Nirenburg believes SA Officials should "have a discussion" with the Chargers about moving the team to San Antonio. I would be all for it. SA Chargers sounds good to me and I would bet that the city would support the team in a way SD fans never did and LA fans never will.
I felt this was the worst game the Chargers played so far this year. Even including the other two loses. In those games, they played well, just couldn't stay with the Chiefs or Rams. In this game the Chargers shot themselves foot again-and-again. 10 penalties in the first half, 7 in the first quarter alone. 14 penalties for the game. They drove into the Red Zone twice only to have penalties end the drive with 2 long Badgley FGs. Pouncy and Rivers almost lost the ball on the snap 3 times, twice on bad snaps and a 3rd when Phillip just took his eyes off it. That juggle by Phillips made him throw the ball late and got it picked. Rivers also threw a 2nd pick in the 3rd on a lazy WR screen that set up the Broncos 2nd TD. The Broncos 1st TD came after a successful fake punt. Chargers mistakes kept the Broncos in this one.
They even had a miscommunication between Rivers and Gordon right at the two-minute warning. Rivers turned one way and Gordon went the other, leaving Rivers with no where to go. Rivers just went down for a 5 yard loss. I don't know who's fault it was, but it gave the Broncos one last possession to win the game. All those penalties, bad snaps, and mistakes on hand offs shouldn't happen in Week 11.
Chargers dominated the game until the Final drive. Case Keenum goes 5-5 to set up the winning FG. Broncos came in with a banged up offensive line and the Chargers could not sack Keenum even with Joey Bosa making his first appearance of the season. Going into that last drive the Chargers had out gained the Broncos 479 to 249. For the game, the Chargers ran 72 plays to the Broncos 52, won time of possession 37:49 to 22:11, had 26 first downs, to 16 for the Broncos, gained 8.9 yards per play, and only punted twice. They never should have lost this game. It shouldn't have even been close.
After the Week 3 loss to the Rams I posted this..,"Over the next 9 games (10 weeks) the Chargers face a series of games where I feel they should win. Divisional games are always tougher and they play the Raiders twice and Broncos in that stretch so I'm thinking they lose one of those (although they should win all three). The toughest game of the 9 game stretch is at Pittsburgh December 2nd. 7-2 should be doable, if not 8-1. That should mean a record of 8-4 or 9-3 with the last 4-games facing a tough stretch against Cincinnati, at KC, Baltimore, at Denver."...that was pretty prophetic.
It was the Chargers first home game in over a month and I think they got too comfortable. I don't know how else to explain this game. Hopefully its a wake up call for the rest of the season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of explaining something, how do explain the Eagles this year? As far as I know, no major players left in free agency. This Week they set a record for the biggest margin of defeat by a defending Super Bowl Champion, 48-7 by the Saints. Eagles are now 4-6 and haven't played any where near the way they dominated last season.
The Saints are rolling. Everyone looks at their offense, but their defense is playing great also. Sportscasters are finally giving them their due. If the road to the Super Bowl has to go through New Orleans I'm betting on the Saints making it to Atlanta. Always been a Drew Brees fan and he deserves the MVP this year.
I don't know why everyone is saying the Panthers decision to go for 2 to win was a bad one. Newton had Wright wide open and just over threw him. I don't know how he missed him. Newton wasn't under pressure, in fact he sat back in the pocket forever and no was even close. It should have been an easy toss and catch for the win.
Rams-Chiefs, heck of a game, but I don't know if I like it. Is it really that entertaining to watch a game where the defenses have no chance to stop the offenses from scoring except by luck, penalty, or turnover? With all the talent on the Rams defense, including the top candidate for defensive player of the year, they could barely slow down the Saints or Chiefs. The defenses are so hand cuffed now, that I don't think it's fun to watch.
When the Rams intercepted Mahomes to take the lead in the 4th, all my friends watching the game (all Chiefs fans) turned to me (the only one there rooting for the Rams) and I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "It doesn't matter, they're just going to get the ball back and score again." When the Chiefs went for it on 4th and 2 on their won 35, I knew we had officially entered video game territory. Screw punting, go on every down. The defense probably wouldn't stop the other team from scoring anyway. We even joked around after the Chiefs took their last lead that they should just on-side kick for the same reason...and guess what, no one argued. Rams promptly drove down the field and took the lead back. The most shocking thing that happened was that, with 1:49 left in the game, the Chiefs didn't put it back in the end zone.
I will say that the Chiefs have someone special in Mahomes, and it's not just the physical talent. The kid never got rattled even after giving up a strip sack for a TD and an interception for a TD. Despite throwing for 6 TDs and 400+ gazillion yards, he took full responsibility for the loss.
I also give Sean McVay credit. Despite having an all-star team for a defense and the best RB in the NFL, he realized (probably after getting beat by the Saints 45-35) that there was no way he could win this game unless they put up as many points as they could.
I don't know if I should be amazed or saddened by typing that last paragraph.
I felt this was the worst game the Chargers played so far this year. Even including the other two loses. In those games, they played well, just couldn't stay with the Chiefs or Rams. In this game the Chargers shot themselves foot again-and-again. 10 penalties in the first half, 7 in the first quarter alone. 14 penalties for the game. They drove into the Red Zone twice only to have penalties end the drive with 2 long Badgley FGs. Pouncy and Rivers almost lost the ball on the snap 3 times, twice on bad snaps and a 3rd when Phillip just took his eyes off it. That juggle by Phillips made him throw the ball late and got it picked. Rivers also threw a 2nd pick in the 3rd on a lazy WR screen that set up the Broncos 2nd TD. The Broncos 1st TD came after a successful fake punt. Chargers mistakes kept the Broncos in this one.
They even had a miscommunication between Rivers and Gordon right at the two-minute warning. Rivers turned one way and Gordon went the other, leaving Rivers with no where to go. Rivers just went down for a 5 yard loss. I don't know who's fault it was, but it gave the Broncos one last possession to win the game. All those penalties, bad snaps, and mistakes on hand offs shouldn't happen in Week 11.
Chargers dominated the game until the Final drive. Case Keenum goes 5-5 to set up the winning FG. Broncos came in with a banged up offensive line and the Chargers could not sack Keenum even with Joey Bosa making his first appearance of the season. Going into that last drive the Chargers had out gained the Broncos 479 to 249. For the game, the Chargers ran 72 plays to the Broncos 52, won time of possession 37:49 to 22:11, had 26 first downs, to 16 for the Broncos, gained 8.9 yards per play, and only punted twice. They never should have lost this game. It shouldn't have even been close.
After the Week 3 loss to the Rams I posted this..,"Over the next 9 games (10 weeks) the Chargers face a series of games where I feel they should win. Divisional games are always tougher and they play the Raiders twice and Broncos in that stretch so I'm thinking they lose one of those (although they should win all three). The toughest game of the 9 game stretch is at Pittsburgh December 2nd. 7-2 should be doable, if not 8-1. That should mean a record of 8-4 or 9-3 with the last 4-games facing a tough stretch against Cincinnati, at KC, Baltimore, at Denver."...that was pretty prophetic.
It was the Chargers first home game in over a month and I think they got too comfortable. I don't know how else to explain this game. Hopefully its a wake up call for the rest of the season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of explaining something, how do explain the Eagles this year? As far as I know, no major players left in free agency. This Week they set a record for the biggest margin of defeat by a defending Super Bowl Champion, 48-7 by the Saints. Eagles are now 4-6 and haven't played any where near the way they dominated last season.
The Saints are rolling. Everyone looks at their offense, but their defense is playing great also. Sportscasters are finally giving them their due. If the road to the Super Bowl has to go through New Orleans I'm betting on the Saints making it to Atlanta. Always been a Drew Brees fan and he deserves the MVP this year.
I don't know why everyone is saying the Panthers decision to go for 2 to win was a bad one. Newton had Wright wide open and just over threw him. I don't know how he missed him. Newton wasn't under pressure, in fact he sat back in the pocket forever and no was even close. It should have been an easy toss and catch for the win.
Rams-Chiefs, heck of a game, but I don't know if I like it. Is it really that entertaining to watch a game where the defenses have no chance to stop the offenses from scoring except by luck, penalty, or turnover? With all the talent on the Rams defense, including the top candidate for defensive player of the year, they could barely slow down the Saints or Chiefs. The defenses are so hand cuffed now, that I don't think it's fun to watch.
When the Rams intercepted Mahomes to take the lead in the 4th, all my friends watching the game (all Chiefs fans) turned to me (the only one there rooting for the Rams) and I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "It doesn't matter, they're just going to get the ball back and score again." When the Chiefs went for it on 4th and 2 on their won 35, I knew we had officially entered video game territory. Screw punting, go on every down. The defense probably wouldn't stop the other team from scoring anyway. We even joked around after the Chiefs took their last lead that they should just on-side kick for the same reason...and guess what, no one argued. Rams promptly drove down the field and took the lead back. The most shocking thing that happened was that, with 1:49 left in the game, the Chiefs didn't put it back in the end zone.
I will say that the Chiefs have someone special in Mahomes, and it's not just the physical talent. The kid never got rattled even after giving up a strip sack for a TD and an interception for a TD. Despite throwing for 6 TDs and 400+ gazillion yards, he took full responsibility for the loss.
I also give Sean McVay credit. Despite having an all-star team for a defense and the best RB in the NFL, he realized (probably after getting beat by the Saints 45-35) that there was no way he could win this game unless they put up as many points as they could.
I don't know if I should be amazed or saddened by typing that last paragraph.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
NFL Week 5 Thoughts...Winds of Change
Things are changing in Cleveland. That kick doesn't make it over the upright in any other game prior to Baker Mayfield taking the field.Yea, I know that Mayfield has nothing to do with the kick, but that kind of kick would have been destined to fail in any other season.
Before the season I was talking to a co-worker who is a Chief's fan. We talked about how one player sometimes changes the whole attitude of a team. Joe Montana changed everything for the 49ers. Tom Brady turned a so-so Pats team into Champions. I'm not going to go there yet, but right now, Mahomes and Mayfield are looking like the next "saviors."
Mahomes had his worse game (0 TDs, 2 INTs) and yet the Chiefs beat the Jags easily. KCs defense was MIA so far, but they showed up in Week 5. Jags were the AFC favorite going into Week 5, but the Chiefs have to be the top AFC now.
If you didn't know the distance and just watched the Graham Gano FG without sound it just looks like a routine kick. Down the middle and cleared the crossbar easily. Knowing that it's a 63 yard FG for the win in overtime...go crazy Carolina fans!!! The person that added the Titanic music is a genius.
Remember when the Colts went for it on 4th down and lost the game because they didn't make it? Yea, that was just last week against the Houston Texans in OT. So this week, Dallas has 4th and 1 on the Texans' 42 and decide to punt. 4 plays later, Deshaun Watson hits DeAndre Hopkins for 49 yards that sets up the Texans' game winning FG in OT. In poker they talk about pot odds. Basically it's a risk-to-reward factor on whether you should make the call or not. Frank Reich and Jason Garrett apparently never played serious poker.
Reich took too much of a risk going for it on 4th and 4 on their won 43. There was no guarantee of scoring even if he did make it. Garrett should have gone for it on 4th and 1 on the Texans' 42. K Brett Maher made a 48 yarder earlier in the 4th. Anything inside the Texans' 35 would have given Maher a decent shot of winning the game.
Yea, the Colts might have made it and the Cowboys may not have, but the risk-to-reward made the proper call to go for it NO for the Colts and YES for the Cowboys.
That was the Chargers best game so far this year.
Chargers D put a lot more pressure on the QB with LT Corey Liuget back from a 4 game suspension. Raiders didn't get into the end zone until a near meaningless TD in the 4th. Raiders biggest threat to score happened in the 3rd. DE Melvin Ingram made a great play on a defensive wrinkle where he dropped back into the passing lane and intercepted a Carr pass in the end zone. Raiders didn't convert a 3rd down in the first half.
Was it because of Liuget being back in the lineup? I didn't see anything that points to that, but I also didn't see anything that changed from the previous weeks. The Chargers blitzed less, but they didn't have to. All 3 sacks came from the D-Line. My first thought was "it's the Raiders," but they put up 45 points and 565 yards against an improving Browns' defense last week.
Despite Stub Hub not being a home field advantage the Chargers are 7-1 in their last 8 games there (the loss against KC in Week1).
I'm tired of articles talking about how the visiting teams fans outnumber the Chargers fans like it was something new since moving to LA (I won't even give one a link). Raiders fans have out numbered Charger fans even in San Diego. People writing these articles were never Chargers followers or they would know that anytime a popular team or other California team visited SD their fans outnumbered Charger fans at the game.
The Chargers won't play at Stub Hub again until Nov 18th. They do have a home game on Oct 21st, but that game is in London. They have the bye in Week 8, so it gives them a break in the middle. Not sure if the long hiatus from LA will be a disadvantage or not, but if they can pull off winning all 4 games they may see a few more Charger fans when they get back to Stub Hub. They're all winnable games (@Browns, Titans in London, @Seattle, @Oakland).
I'll end this post with a tip of the cap to Chargers Owner Alex Spanos who passed away today. He had been dealing with dementia since 2008. Pulled this from an article posted on CBS Sacramento...
Born in Stockton on Sept. 28, 1923, Spanos took an unlikely road to NFL ownership. After working in his father’s bakery and serving in the Air Force during World War II, Spanos borrowed $800 from a banker to buy a truck from which he sold sandwiches to migrant farm workers in the San Joaquin Valley. He began investing in real estate and started a construction company that mostly built apartment buildings, eventually expanding its footprint across the Sunbelt and Midwest.
Spanos and his wife were generous philanthropists, giving to many causes related to hospitals, universities and youth programs. He gave extensively to the University of the Pacific, his alma mater in Stockton, where the Alex G. Spanos Center houses the Tigers’ basketball and volleyball teams.
I didn't know him and words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the Spanos family today.
Before the season I was talking to a co-worker who is a Chief's fan. We talked about how one player sometimes changes the whole attitude of a team. Joe Montana changed everything for the 49ers. Tom Brady turned a so-so Pats team into Champions. I'm not going to go there yet, but right now, Mahomes and Mayfield are looking like the next "saviors."
Mahomes had his worse game (0 TDs, 2 INTs) and yet the Chiefs beat the Jags easily. KCs defense was MIA so far, but they showed up in Week 5. Jags were the AFC favorite going into Week 5, but the Chiefs have to be the top AFC now.
If you didn't know the distance and just watched the Graham Gano FG without sound it just looks like a routine kick. Down the middle and cleared the crossbar easily. Knowing that it's a 63 yard FG for the win in overtime...go crazy Carolina fans!!! The person that added the Titanic music is a genius.
Remember when the Colts went for it on 4th down and lost the game because they didn't make it? Yea, that was just last week against the Houston Texans in OT. So this week, Dallas has 4th and 1 on the Texans' 42 and decide to punt. 4 plays later, Deshaun Watson hits DeAndre Hopkins for 49 yards that sets up the Texans' game winning FG in OT. In poker they talk about pot odds. Basically it's a risk-to-reward factor on whether you should make the call or not. Frank Reich and Jason Garrett apparently never played serious poker.
Reich took too much of a risk going for it on 4th and 4 on their won 43. There was no guarantee of scoring even if he did make it. Garrett should have gone for it on 4th and 1 on the Texans' 42. K Brett Maher made a 48 yarder earlier in the 4th. Anything inside the Texans' 35 would have given Maher a decent shot of winning the game.
Yea, the Colts might have made it and the Cowboys may not have, but the risk-to-reward made the proper call to go for it NO for the Colts and YES for the Cowboys.
That was the Chargers best game so far this year.
Chargers D put a lot more pressure on the QB with LT Corey Liuget back from a 4 game suspension. Raiders didn't get into the end zone until a near meaningless TD in the 4th. Raiders biggest threat to score happened in the 3rd. DE Melvin Ingram made a great play on a defensive wrinkle where he dropped back into the passing lane and intercepted a Carr pass in the end zone. Raiders didn't convert a 3rd down in the first half.
Was it because of Liuget being back in the lineup? I didn't see anything that points to that, but I also didn't see anything that changed from the previous weeks. The Chargers blitzed less, but they didn't have to. All 3 sacks came from the D-Line. My first thought was "it's the Raiders," but they put up 45 points and 565 yards against an improving Browns' defense last week.
Despite Stub Hub not being a home field advantage the Chargers are 7-1 in their last 8 games there (the loss against KC in Week1).
I'm tired of articles talking about how the visiting teams fans outnumber the Chargers fans like it was something new since moving to LA (I won't even give one a link). Raiders fans have out numbered Charger fans even in San Diego. People writing these articles were never Chargers followers or they would know that anytime a popular team or other California team visited SD their fans outnumbered Charger fans at the game.
The Chargers won't play at Stub Hub again until Nov 18th. They do have a home game on Oct 21st, but that game is in London. They have the bye in Week 8, so it gives them a break in the middle. Not sure if the long hiatus from LA will be a disadvantage or not, but if they can pull off winning all 4 games they may see a few more Charger fans when they get back to Stub Hub. They're all winnable games (@Browns, Titans in London, @Seattle, @Oakland).
I'll end this post with a tip of the cap to Chargers Owner Alex Spanos who passed away today. He had been dealing with dementia since 2008. Pulled this from an article posted on CBS Sacramento...
Born in Stockton on Sept. 28, 1923, Spanos took an unlikely road to NFL ownership. After working in his father’s bakery and serving in the Air Force during World War II, Spanos borrowed $800 from a banker to buy a truck from which he sold sandwiches to migrant farm workers in the San Joaquin Valley. He began investing in real estate and started a construction company that mostly built apartment buildings, eventually expanding its footprint across the Sunbelt and Midwest.
Spanos and his wife were generous philanthropists, giving to many causes related to hospitals, universities and youth programs. He gave extensively to the University of the Pacific, his alma mater in Stockton, where the Alex G. Spanos Center houses the Tigers’ basketball and volleyball teams.
I didn't know him and words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the Spanos family today.
Monday, October 8, 2018
NFL Week 4 Thoughts
The game was close...closer than it should have been. The game couldn't have started any worse with Phillip Rivers throwing a pick-6 on their first possession to a team that didn't have an interception yet this season. But that's not what got me worried. It's the defense that's making me question whether this Charger team can put together enough wins to make the playoffs.
I can overlook the defense not getting the job done against KC and the Rams (is that a band?) with "Money" Mahomes and the return of "The Greatest Show on Turf." But Josh Allen was successful enough to get Buffalo 20 points and CJ Beathard, starting his first NFL game, moved the ball consistently leading the 49ers to 27 pts. Remember that the Chargers allowed only 17 pts/game last year.
What's the difference? The ability to pressure the QB consistently. The Chargers had 43 in 2017 (2.7 sacks/game). So far this season they have 8 which projects to 32 for 16 games. That's not a significant difference, but looking even deeper into the numbers, three of the Sacks this year has come from rookie Safety Derwin James. Quick math tells me that the front seven is only accounting for 62.5% of the sacks. Last year the front seven accounted for 38.5 of the 43 sacks (.895). You don't even have to dig into the numbers, just watch the game. The opposing QBs have had lots of time unless the Chargers have blitzed.
I have a hard time believing that Joey Bosa makes that much of a difference, but he's the only difference between 2017 and 2018. In fact, excluding Bosa, this defense should be better than last season with the addition of James. Yes Corey Liuget is also out (4 game suspension) and he is a key interior defensive lineman, but he only had 1.5 sacks last year. Liuget returns next week, so we'll see how much a difference he makes.
I also wonder how Kaleb Sturgis missed back-to-back extra points. Is there that much pressure to make a kick now? Thankfully Sturgis came through with what ended up as the game winning FG.
Turnovers were the saving grace for the Chargers D. Trevor Williams picked off a deflected pass and returned it 86 yards in the 3rd quarter. Beathard had led a drive down to the Chargers 8, trailing just 17-23. The second pick of Beathard came courtesy of a James blitz giving DL Isaac Rochell his first career interception.
It was also nice to see the Chargers throw to get the first down and put the game away instead of just running it 3 times and kicking a FG, which would have given the 49ers a last desperate drive chance of winning the game.
And my thoughts on rest of the games this week...
I still think the Browns got robbed despite the NFL explaining the call to re-spot the ball after the Browns got the game clinching first down. Yea, an NFL spokesman said Replay Command had an angle that showed Carlos Hyde's elbow hitting the ground with the ball short of the first down, but as far as I know that replay has never been shown and also as far as I know they have the same replays that the broadcast team has. No exclusive video that is only available to the NFL Replay Command. I know the Raiders still had to drive for the tying score and win it in OT, so you can't pin the loss solely on that call, but when it happens to a team like the Browns you gotta wonder.
I feel sorry for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Did he have an awful game against the Bears? No argument, but it's not like other QBs never had a bad game before. It also was going to be a tough game to win with the Bucs were giving up 5 TD passes by Mitchell Trubisky...in the first half! Fitz is a gambler who is going to take chances when his team falls behind. Doesn't always work out, but it was like that with Brett Favre. Am I saying he's as good as Farvre? Of course not, but Fitz is better than a lot of QBs that are starting this season. He's a career 59.9 percent passer that was completing 67.4 percent this year and despite the Bucs defense giving up a league worse 139 points in 4 games, managed to win 2 of them. He was also leading the league in passing yards.
The Tennessee Titans are 3-1 having just beaten the Jaguars and Eagles. I was wondering how? Nothing about this team is special, yet they are finding ways to win. 9-6 wining score in Jacksonville (when was the last time both teams were under 10 in a game?) and Marcus Mariota was having a terrible game in the first half against Philly. Down 17-3 midway through the 3rd, Mariota somehow led his team to 20-20 tie, then the gaming winning TD in OT. Good thing they didn't bench him at halftime (Yes that was a Fitzpatrick reference).
I still think the Patriots are in trouble. Yea, I've been there before, and so has the Pats. But this Pats team is short on play makers. Sure they crushed the Dolphins, but was anybody saying Miami was a contender even with the 3-0 start? Sure the Pats will likely make the payoffs because they play in the AFC East, but I don't feel like they'll be a threat in the playoffs this year. Even if Josh Gordon pans out, the defense is lacking in talent.
I can overlook the defense not getting the job done against KC and the Rams (is that a band?) with "Money" Mahomes and the return of "The Greatest Show on Turf." But Josh Allen was successful enough to get Buffalo 20 points and CJ Beathard, starting his first NFL game, moved the ball consistently leading the 49ers to 27 pts. Remember that the Chargers allowed only 17 pts/game last year.
What's the difference? The ability to pressure the QB consistently. The Chargers had 43 in 2017 (2.7 sacks/game). So far this season they have 8 which projects to 32 for 16 games. That's not a significant difference, but looking even deeper into the numbers, three of the Sacks this year has come from rookie Safety Derwin James. Quick math tells me that the front seven is only accounting for 62.5% of the sacks. Last year the front seven accounted for 38.5 of the 43 sacks (.895). You don't even have to dig into the numbers, just watch the game. The opposing QBs have had lots of time unless the Chargers have blitzed.
I have a hard time believing that Joey Bosa makes that much of a difference, but he's the only difference between 2017 and 2018. In fact, excluding Bosa, this defense should be better than last season with the addition of James. Yes Corey Liuget is also out (4 game suspension) and he is a key interior defensive lineman, but he only had 1.5 sacks last year. Liuget returns next week, so we'll see how much a difference he makes.
I also wonder how Kaleb Sturgis missed back-to-back extra points. Is there that much pressure to make a kick now? Thankfully Sturgis came through with what ended up as the game winning FG.
Turnovers were the saving grace for the Chargers D. Trevor Williams picked off a deflected pass and returned it 86 yards in the 3rd quarter. Beathard had led a drive down to the Chargers 8, trailing just 17-23. The second pick of Beathard came courtesy of a James blitz giving DL Isaac Rochell his first career interception.
It was also nice to see the Chargers throw to get the first down and put the game away instead of just running it 3 times and kicking a FG, which would have given the 49ers a last desperate drive chance of winning the game.
And my thoughts on rest of the games this week...
I still think the Browns got robbed despite the NFL explaining the call to re-spot the ball after the Browns got the game clinching first down. Yea, an NFL spokesman said Replay Command had an angle that showed Carlos Hyde's elbow hitting the ground with the ball short of the first down, but as far as I know that replay has never been shown and also as far as I know they have the same replays that the broadcast team has. No exclusive video that is only available to the NFL Replay Command. I know the Raiders still had to drive for the tying score and win it in OT, so you can't pin the loss solely on that call, but when it happens to a team like the Browns you gotta wonder.
I feel sorry for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Did he have an awful game against the Bears? No argument, but it's not like other QBs never had a bad game before. It also was going to be a tough game to win with the Bucs were giving up 5 TD passes by Mitchell Trubisky...in the first half! Fitz is a gambler who is going to take chances when his team falls behind. Doesn't always work out, but it was like that with Brett Favre. Am I saying he's as good as Farvre? Of course not, but Fitz is better than a lot of QBs that are starting this season. He's a career 59.9 percent passer that was completing 67.4 percent this year and despite the Bucs defense giving up a league worse 139 points in 4 games, managed to win 2 of them. He was also leading the league in passing yards.
The Tennessee Titans are 3-1 having just beaten the Jaguars and Eagles. I was wondering how? Nothing about this team is special, yet they are finding ways to win. 9-6 wining score in Jacksonville (when was the last time both teams were under 10 in a game?) and Marcus Mariota was having a terrible game in the first half against Philly. Down 17-3 midway through the 3rd, Mariota somehow led his team to 20-20 tie, then the gaming winning TD in OT. Good thing they didn't bench him at halftime (Yes that was a Fitzpatrick reference).
I still think the Patriots are in trouble. Yea, I've been there before, and so has the Pats. But this Pats team is short on play makers. Sure they crushed the Dolphins, but was anybody saying Miami was a contender even with the 3-0 start? Sure the Pats will likely make the payoffs because they play in the AFC East, but I don't feel like they'll be a threat in the playoffs this year. Even if Josh Gordon pans out, the defense is lacking in talent.
Monday, September 17, 2018
NFL Week 2 Thoughts
Lets get my thoughts on the Chargers out of the way...
It was the Bills, but the Chargers did what they needed to do...at least for a half.
In the first half they had 5 drives, 4 red zone trips, 4 TDs. Up 28-6 at halftime. Then they went to sleep in the 2nd half getting outscored 3-14 for the final 31-20 score.
Ken Wisenhunt added a wrinkle to the Chargers running attack putting in some misdirection plays. He even had RBs Austin Eckler and Melvin Gordon on the field at the same time. Eckler rushed for a career high 77 yards. Gordon's untouched 20 yard TD was off a counter. Look closer and you'll see an unbalanced line with both OTs on the right side (#76 is LT Russell Okung lined up on the far right. #88 is TE Virgil Green lined up at LT). Bills jumped the play thinking it was going to be a jet sweep to the right.
Does Joey Bosa make that much of a difference? I'm giving Gus Bradley credit for designing some cleverly schemed blitzes involving rookie safety Derwin James who has two sacks and a couple pressures in the first two games, but this team didn't need to blitz last season to put pressure on the QB. Buffalo rookie QB Josh Allen was pretty comfortable in the pocket in the 2nd half despite the Chargers big lead. A situation Bosa and Melvin Ingram fed on last year. Ingram did register 1.5 sacks and the Chargers had 5 total, but watching the game there were too many plays where Allen had all day to throw. Report is that Bosa has a bruised bone in his left foot and his return date is still unknown.
On a more happy note, TE Hunter Henry was seen working out in a knee brace this week. It's been just 4 months since he tore his ACL, but it was reported that he was doing some stop-and-start and change of direction drills. Still too early to say when he'll be back, but the odds of Henry seeing the field this season is getting better.
Patrick Mahomes!
Wow! I understand that he can't possibly keep this pace up. 10 TDs in two games is on a pace to throw 80 TD passes in a season which would shatter Peyton Manning's 55 TD record. If Mahomes averages just 2 TDs the rest of the way he would be at 38. So far any question regarding releasing Alex Smith has been rendered mute.
Fitz-Magic!!
Did anyone start Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1 or 2 on their fantasy team? I didn't think so. Back-to-back 400 yard, 4 TD games for Fitz. You also have to give it to him for his post game look after beating Philly 27-21 in week 2. Check it out here.
The Saints defense was supposed to be better this year, but Fitz lit them up. Then he backed it up against the defending champs. He gets to face the Steelers next week who Mahomes just carved up for 6 TDs. If he has another great game do you start Jameis Winston who is expected to be ready for Week 4?
AFC Front runners
The Jaguars were without their top WR (Marqise Lee) and starting RB (Leonard Fournette) and still beat the Pats easily 31-20. Patriots have the Chiefs, Packers, and Vikings on the schedule. Right now, I don't see them beating any of those teams. I still think the Pats make the playoffs since the AFC East is pretty weak. While I'll admit it's not smart going against Brady-Bilichick, especially this early in the season, but the Jags took Rob Gronkowski out of the game (2 catches, 15 yards) and Blake Bortles torched the Pats D for 377 yards and 4 TDs.
Announcers Not Knowing the Rules
Some of these guys are ex-players and have also called the game for a long time. So in tribute to the famous words "I didn't know the game could end in a tie," here are three plays where the announcers should have know better.
In the Chargers-Bills game TE Virgil Green lost control of the ball in bounds as he was going out of bounds. Crowd went crazy. Bills challenged. The refs upheld the call on the field, which was Chargers maintaining possession. The announcers watched the slo-mo replay which showed a clear loss of a position by Green before his knee touched out of bounds and claimed the officials made the wrong call. The rule states that if a player touches the ball while out of bounds, the play is dead. One of the smartest plays I ever saw was on a fumble bouncing towards the out of bounds line. Instead of trying to jump on the ball, the player purposely stepped out of bounds and stretched out to touch the ball. His team didn't recover it, but because he was out of bounds and touched the ball the play was dead and they retained possession. Same thing here. Even though Green lost possession he still had contact with the ball when his knee hit out of bounds.
In the same game, the Bills punt returner muffed a punt. A scramble for the ball caused it to go into the end zone where the Bills recovered. Announcers said it should have been a safety. The refs called it correctly as a touch back with the Bills getting the ball at the 20. A muffed punt is not a fumble (you have to gain possession for it to be a fumble) and thus the recovery in the end zone is a touch back. Now had the Chargers recovered it would have been a TD because the ball was touched by the receiving team first.
During the Chiefs-Steelers game, Big Ben threw a pass while crossing the line of scrimmage. Announcers said it should have been called back because the ball had crossed the line. The rule states that the passer has to be across the line of scrimmage for it to be an illegal forward pass. That's all of the passer. If even his foot is behind the line it's a legal forward pass.
NFLs New Roughing the Passer Rule
Rule 12, Section 1, Article 13 (2)
It was the Bills, but the Chargers did what they needed to do...at least for a half.
In the first half they had 5 drives, 4 red zone trips, 4 TDs. Up 28-6 at halftime. Then they went to sleep in the 2nd half getting outscored 3-14 for the final 31-20 score.
Ken Wisenhunt added a wrinkle to the Chargers running attack putting in some misdirection plays. He even had RBs Austin Eckler and Melvin Gordon on the field at the same time. Eckler rushed for a career high 77 yards. Gordon's untouched 20 yard TD was off a counter. Look closer and you'll see an unbalanced line with both OTs on the right side (#76 is LT Russell Okung lined up on the far right. #88 is TE Virgil Green lined up at LT). Bills jumped the play thinking it was going to be a jet sweep to the right.
Does Joey Bosa make that much of a difference? I'm giving Gus Bradley credit for designing some cleverly schemed blitzes involving rookie safety Derwin James who has two sacks and a couple pressures in the first two games, but this team didn't need to blitz last season to put pressure on the QB. Buffalo rookie QB Josh Allen was pretty comfortable in the pocket in the 2nd half despite the Chargers big lead. A situation Bosa and Melvin Ingram fed on last year. Ingram did register 1.5 sacks and the Chargers had 5 total, but watching the game there were too many plays where Allen had all day to throw. Report is that Bosa has a bruised bone in his left foot and his return date is still unknown.
On a more happy note, TE Hunter Henry was seen working out in a knee brace this week. It's been just 4 months since he tore his ACL, but it was reported that he was doing some stop-and-start and change of direction drills. Still too early to say when he'll be back, but the odds of Henry seeing the field this season is getting better.
Patrick Mahomes!
Wow! I understand that he can't possibly keep this pace up. 10 TDs in two games is on a pace to throw 80 TD passes in a season which would shatter Peyton Manning's 55 TD record. If Mahomes averages just 2 TDs the rest of the way he would be at 38. So far any question regarding releasing Alex Smith has been rendered mute.
Fitz-Magic!!
Did anyone start Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1 or 2 on their fantasy team? I didn't think so. Back-to-back 400 yard, 4 TD games for Fitz. You also have to give it to him for his post game look after beating Philly 27-21 in week 2. Check it out here.
The Saints defense was supposed to be better this year, but Fitz lit them up. Then he backed it up against the defending champs. He gets to face the Steelers next week who Mahomes just carved up for 6 TDs. If he has another great game do you start Jameis Winston who is expected to be ready for Week 4?
AFC Front runners
The Jaguars were without their top WR (Marqise Lee) and starting RB (Leonard Fournette) and still beat the Pats easily 31-20. Patriots have the Chiefs, Packers, and Vikings on the schedule. Right now, I don't see them beating any of those teams. I still think the Pats make the playoffs since the AFC East is pretty weak. While I'll admit it's not smart going against Brady-Bilichick, especially this early in the season, but the Jags took Rob Gronkowski out of the game (2 catches, 15 yards) and Blake Bortles torched the Pats D for 377 yards and 4 TDs.
Announcers Not Knowing the Rules
Some of these guys are ex-players and have also called the game for a long time. So in tribute to the famous words "I didn't know the game could end in a tie," here are three plays where the announcers should have know better.
In the Chargers-Bills game TE Virgil Green lost control of the ball in bounds as he was going out of bounds. Crowd went crazy. Bills challenged. The refs upheld the call on the field, which was Chargers maintaining possession. The announcers watched the slo-mo replay which showed a clear loss of a position by Green before his knee touched out of bounds and claimed the officials made the wrong call. The rule states that if a player touches the ball while out of bounds, the play is dead. One of the smartest plays I ever saw was on a fumble bouncing towards the out of bounds line. Instead of trying to jump on the ball, the player purposely stepped out of bounds and stretched out to touch the ball. His team didn't recover it, but because he was out of bounds and touched the ball the play was dead and they retained possession. Same thing here. Even though Green lost possession he still had contact with the ball when his knee hit out of bounds.
In the same game, the Bills punt returner muffed a punt. A scramble for the ball caused it to go into the end zone where the Bills recovered. Announcers said it should have been a safety. The refs called it correctly as a touch back with the Bills getting the ball at the 20. A muffed punt is not a fumble (you have to gain possession for it to be a fumble) and thus the recovery in the end zone is a touch back. Now had the Chargers recovered it would have been a TD because the ball was touched by the receiving team first.
During the Chiefs-Steelers game, Big Ben threw a pass while crossing the line of scrimmage. Announcers said it should have been called back because the ball had crossed the line. The rule states that the passer has to be across the line of scrimmage for it to be an illegal forward pass. That's all of the passer. If even his foot is behind the line it's a legal forward pass.
NFLs New Roughing the Passer Rule
Rule 12, Section 1, Article 13 (2)
A rushing defender is prohibited from committing such intimidating and punishing acts as “stuffing” a
passer into the ground or unnecessarily wrestling or driving him down after the passer has thrown the ball, even if the rusher makes his initial contact with the passer within the one-step limitation provided for in (1) above. When tackling a passer who is in a defenseless posture (e.g., during or just after throwing a pass), a defensive player must not unnecessarily or violently throw him down and land on top of him with all or most of the defender’s weight. Instead, the defensive player must strive to wrap up or cradle the passer with the defensive player’s arms.
So what did Clay Mathews do that violated this rule? Mathews didn't lift Cousins, he grabbed him with one arm and took him down. He didn't lift him. He didn't drive him into the ground. In fact, Mathews put his free arm down to keep from putting his full weight on Cousins. He didn't "Burp" him...whatever the definition of that is. I'm guessing that's when the defender wraps his arms around the QB and lifts him off the ground before slamming him to the turf, but that sounds more like the Heimlich then a Burp. I'm not going to say it definitively cost GB the win...Diggs still has to make the TD catch and 2 pt conversion...but I don't know what else Mathews can do to let up on that play.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
NFL Week 1 is Finally Here!
Watching Falcons - Eagles and thought it would be a good time to type out a few thoughts.
In what amounts to an 11th hour signing, Antonio Gates is back with a 1 year deal to make it 16 seasons with the Chargers. Now they can add "Win for Antonio" as another motivation. Gates obviously doesn't need the preseason to learn the offense, but there is a question about conditioning. Did he stay in shape or did he go into retirement mode? Still it's great to see him back if nothing else to see if the Chargers can rally around Gates before he hangs up the cleats for good.
Along with Gates, the Chargers' added ex-Falcon LB Emmanuel Ellerbee and ex-Chief DT T.Y. McGill. I don't know anything about either player besides the fact that they didn't make the 53-man roster of their respective former teams. Buffalo and Philly also put in waiver requests for McGill, so that at least tells me that the Chargers weren't the only ones that thought he could improve their roster. Chargers are also thin at DT with Justin Jones and Darius Philon nursing minor injuries and Corey Liuget suspended for the first 4 games .
That meant three players had to be released. Those were QB Cardale Jones, LB Hayes Pullard, and RB Justin Jackson. Jones and Jackson passed waivers and was added to the practice squad. Pullard remains unsigned.
I have a lot of anxiety about this opening game. Despite the hype surrounding the Chargers the truth about them is that they lost all 5 games last year against teams that ended the season with 10 or more wins. The 9 wins came from the Giants, Raiders (twice), Broncos, Bills, Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, and Jets. Not exactly against the crop of the NFL.
On the encouraging side, three of the seven loses were close games against last seasons Super Bowl contestants Philly 24-26 and Pats 13-21, and AFC losers, the Jags in OT 17-20. Close, but still losses. Two other loses came during the 0-4 start on botched FG attempts against the Broncos and Dolphins.
Also, the Chiefs swept the Chargers 24-10 in KC and 30-10 at home. Whatever the Chiefs have on Phillip Rivers it's real. In the two games Rivers was 40-73 (54.8%) and 6 interceptions. This in a season were Rivers completed 62.6% of his passes and threw just 10 ints.
The Chiefs defense lost CB Marcus Peters who had 3 of Rivers' picks, but the defense wasn't very good last year either and the Chiefs managed to win the division. The big change is QB Pat Mahomes replacing Alex Smith. Smith had a career year last season, but Mahomes is more mobile and has a stronger arm. Mahomes is surrounded by play makers. Tyreek Hill is one of the fastest recievers in the league. Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing. Travis Kelce is the 2nd best TE in the league. The Chiefs also added WR Sammy Watkins.
I believe rattling Mahomes is going to be the key to winning this game. If Mahomes gets comfortable and starts making plays, at best the Chargers will have to win a shootout. At worse, with the Chiefs having Rivers number, Chargers get blown out. Of course, rattling Mahomes goes hand-in-hand with keeping Hunt in check. Despite the lopsided scores the Chargers were trailing just 7-14 at half in the 1st game and actually were up 13-10 at half in the 2nd. Hunt broke a 69 yd. TD in the 4th to put game 1 away and had 206 combined yards and 2 TDs in game 2. Smith also hit Hill with long TDs for 1st quarter scores in both games. It's not exactly a revelation to say that the Chargers defense needs to limit the big plays and make Mahomes orchestrate long drives and trust that he will eventually make a mistake. After all this is only Mahomes 2nd NFL start.
To allow the defense to play the bend-not-break strategy, Rivers has to overcome whatever it is the Chiefs have on him. Tossing 3 picks in any game isn't going to end in many wins, let alone against an explosive offense and two-time division champs. Also getting the lead would help put the pressure on Mahomes. If Melvin Gordon, behind an improved o-line, can generate a consistent running game that would also help. It's always a plus to win the time of possession battle against a team with an explosive offense. Gordon has one of the top yards after contact averages in the league...problem is, contact is more often than not happening behind or at the line of scrimmage. The addition of C Mike Pouncey and LG Dan Feeney in his 2nd year should yield better blocking. For what it's worth, LT Russell Okung graded out as the best run blocker in the preseason by Pro Football Focus. How all this shakes out when the real games start is yet to be seen.
I can't imagine the pressure on Kaleb Sturgis if this game comes down to a FG in the waning seconds. I'm hoping the Chargers can somehow break the KC curse (8 straight loses) and find a way to win it convincingly. I wouldn't bet on it though.
In what amounts to an 11th hour signing, Antonio Gates is back with a 1 year deal to make it 16 seasons with the Chargers. Now they can add "Win for Antonio" as another motivation. Gates obviously doesn't need the preseason to learn the offense, but there is a question about conditioning. Did he stay in shape or did he go into retirement mode? Still it's great to see him back if nothing else to see if the Chargers can rally around Gates before he hangs up the cleats for good.
Along with Gates, the Chargers' added ex-Falcon LB Emmanuel Ellerbee and ex-Chief DT T.Y. McGill. I don't know anything about either player besides the fact that they didn't make the 53-man roster of their respective former teams. Buffalo and Philly also put in waiver requests for McGill, so that at least tells me that the Chargers weren't the only ones that thought he could improve their roster. Chargers are also thin at DT with Justin Jones and Darius Philon nursing minor injuries and Corey Liuget suspended for the first 4 games .
That meant three players had to be released. Those were QB Cardale Jones, LB Hayes Pullard, and RB Justin Jackson. Jones and Jackson passed waivers and was added to the practice squad. Pullard remains unsigned.
I have a lot of anxiety about this opening game. Despite the hype surrounding the Chargers the truth about them is that they lost all 5 games last year against teams that ended the season with 10 or more wins. The 9 wins came from the Giants, Raiders (twice), Broncos, Bills, Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, and Jets. Not exactly against the crop of the NFL.
On the encouraging side, three of the seven loses were close games against last seasons Super Bowl contestants Philly 24-26 and Pats 13-21, and AFC losers, the Jags in OT 17-20. Close, but still losses. Two other loses came during the 0-4 start on botched FG attempts against the Broncos and Dolphins.
Also, the Chiefs swept the Chargers 24-10 in KC and 30-10 at home. Whatever the Chiefs have on Phillip Rivers it's real. In the two games Rivers was 40-73 (54.8%) and 6 interceptions. This in a season were Rivers completed 62.6% of his passes and threw just 10 ints.
The Chiefs defense lost CB Marcus Peters who had 3 of Rivers' picks, but the defense wasn't very good last year either and the Chiefs managed to win the division. The big change is QB Pat Mahomes replacing Alex Smith. Smith had a career year last season, but Mahomes is more mobile and has a stronger arm. Mahomes is surrounded by play makers. Tyreek Hill is one of the fastest recievers in the league. Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing. Travis Kelce is the 2nd best TE in the league. The Chiefs also added WR Sammy Watkins.
I believe rattling Mahomes is going to be the key to winning this game. If Mahomes gets comfortable and starts making plays, at best the Chargers will have to win a shootout. At worse, with the Chiefs having Rivers number, Chargers get blown out. Of course, rattling Mahomes goes hand-in-hand with keeping Hunt in check. Despite the lopsided scores the Chargers were trailing just 7-14 at half in the 1st game and actually were up 13-10 at half in the 2nd. Hunt broke a 69 yd. TD in the 4th to put game 1 away and had 206 combined yards and 2 TDs in game 2. Smith also hit Hill with long TDs for 1st quarter scores in both games. It's not exactly a revelation to say that the Chargers defense needs to limit the big plays and make Mahomes orchestrate long drives and trust that he will eventually make a mistake. After all this is only Mahomes 2nd NFL start.
To allow the defense to play the bend-not-break strategy, Rivers has to overcome whatever it is the Chiefs have on him. Tossing 3 picks in any game isn't going to end in many wins, let alone against an explosive offense and two-time division champs. Also getting the lead would help put the pressure on Mahomes. If Melvin Gordon, behind an improved o-line, can generate a consistent running game that would also help. It's always a plus to win the time of possession battle against a team with an explosive offense. Gordon has one of the top yards after contact averages in the league...problem is, contact is more often than not happening behind or at the line of scrimmage. The addition of C Mike Pouncey and LG Dan Feeney in his 2nd year should yield better blocking. For what it's worth, LT Russell Okung graded out as the best run blocker in the preseason by Pro Football Focus. How all this shakes out when the real games start is yet to be seen.
I can't imagine the pressure on Kaleb Sturgis if this game comes down to a FG in the waning seconds. I'm hoping the Chargers can somehow break the KC curse (8 straight loses) and find a way to win it convincingly. I wouldn't bet on it though.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
NFL Preseason -- Does It Matter?
Pre-season games, BAH! Who cares right?
Well USA Today posted an article titled "The NFL Preseason Matters More Than You Think." In this era of Big Data and Advanced Analytics the data is out there for any and all to see and use. The question mark comes from the "Analytics" part. What data is relevant and how do you use it?
The USA Today article title is misleading. In my opinion, the data shows that preseason records are totally irrelevant. At first they had me going with a chart that showed that 75% of the teams that finish with 2 or more wins made the playoffs. That's a pretty significant percentage. Sure there's that 1 in 4 team that makes the playoffs with 1 win or less, but 3 out of 4 is a lot better odds.
Then they showed the 2nd Chart. Basically it shows that 75% of the teams (data collected over 5 years) finished with 2 or more wins. Of those teams, 40% made the playoffs. Of the 0 win preseason teams, you guessed it, 40% of the teams made the playoffs. There were just a lot less of them, which accounts for the 25/75 split in the first chart. The 1-win teams made it only 28% of the time, but even the article admits that it's probably just an outlier and it would probably move more towards 40% with a bigger sampling size.
Really, the preseason records don't matter. What a Shocker huh?
Just before the NFL draft I read an article about analytics in regards to drafting players (I would link it if I could find it). They interviewed several organizations and basically what it came down to was using analytics to back up your findings. It's when the numbers don't match what your findings tell you that you have to reevaluate. They gave an example of how every successful edge rusher in the NFL has a 10-time (the time a player takes to go 10 yards from a three-point stance) under a given time that I can't remember. They zeroed in on two unnamed players. One had the quickest 10-time ever recorded. He had top 5 totals in sacks and pressures in college, but scouts questioned his strength and technique. The other player also had top 5 totals in sacks and pressures. Great work ethic, great technique, overpowering at times...but a 10 time that was slower than any successful edge rusher in the NFL today.
Both were drafted (I don't remember how long ago). Where are they today? Both are out of the league. Neither made it. The Analytics lesson? If there's a data point that matters don't ignore it. But it's also not the only thing. One rep for an organization that wasn't named even said that they've been doing Advance Analytics for decades, they just didn't call it that and that the data available now is so much more that you need people just to make sense of it all.
So back to preseason games. Players are playing that won't be around when the season starts. Established starters may play 3-4 quarters out of the 4 games...some not at all. Most coaches are running vanilla game plans. They are not trying to create mismatches, on the contrary, they are trying to put players in certain match ups so they can evaluate them. There are several players on the field still learning the offense/defense so the pace is slower. Put those findings altogether and reasonable thinking is that the preseason records don't matter....and the data backs it up.
Well USA Today posted an article titled "The NFL Preseason Matters More Than You Think." In this era of Big Data and Advanced Analytics the data is out there for any and all to see and use. The question mark comes from the "Analytics" part. What data is relevant and how do you use it?
The USA Today article title is misleading. In my opinion, the data shows that preseason records are totally irrelevant. At first they had me going with a chart that showed that 75% of the teams that finish with 2 or more wins made the playoffs. That's a pretty significant percentage. Sure there's that 1 in 4 team that makes the playoffs with 1 win or less, but 3 out of 4 is a lot better odds.
Then they showed the 2nd Chart. Basically it shows that 75% of the teams (data collected over 5 years) finished with 2 or more wins. Of those teams, 40% made the playoffs. Of the 0 win preseason teams, you guessed it, 40% of the teams made the playoffs. There were just a lot less of them, which accounts for the 25/75 split in the first chart. The 1-win teams made it only 28% of the time, but even the article admits that it's probably just an outlier and it would probably move more towards 40% with a bigger sampling size.
Really, the preseason records don't matter. What a Shocker huh?
Just before the NFL draft I read an article about analytics in regards to drafting players (I would link it if I could find it). They interviewed several organizations and basically what it came down to was using analytics to back up your findings. It's when the numbers don't match what your findings tell you that you have to reevaluate. They gave an example of how every successful edge rusher in the NFL has a 10-time (the time a player takes to go 10 yards from a three-point stance) under a given time that I can't remember. They zeroed in on two unnamed players. One had the quickest 10-time ever recorded. He had top 5 totals in sacks and pressures in college, but scouts questioned his strength and technique. The other player also had top 5 totals in sacks and pressures. Great work ethic, great technique, overpowering at times...but a 10 time that was slower than any successful edge rusher in the NFL today.
Both were drafted (I don't remember how long ago). Where are they today? Both are out of the league. Neither made it. The Analytics lesson? If there's a data point that matters don't ignore it. But it's also not the only thing. One rep for an organization that wasn't named even said that they've been doing Advance Analytics for decades, they just didn't call it that and that the data available now is so much more that you need people just to make sense of it all.
So back to preseason games. Players are playing that won't be around when the season starts. Established starters may play 3-4 quarters out of the 4 games...some not at all. Most coaches are running vanilla game plans. They are not trying to create mismatches, on the contrary, they are trying to put players in certain match ups so they can evaluate them. There are several players on the field still learning the offense/defense so the pace is slower. Put those findings altogether and reasonable thinking is that the preseason records don't matter....and the data backs it up.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
The San...Los Angeles Chargers
"Just win, baby!"
Okay, so that used to be the slogan of another team that used to be in Los Angeles, but that is what it's going to take for the Chargers to get fans to support them.
I don't remember any 49er fans before Bill Walsh and Joe Montana. Ditto for Patriots fans before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Once they started winning the fans followed.
The hype surrounding the Chargers this year is over the top. This for a team that went 9-7 last year. A team that hasn't beaten the defending AFC West Champs, the KC Chiefs since 2013. A team with no home field advantage and will play one of those home games in London. A team that seemingly has to overcome early injuries every season. In 2017 it was 1st and 2nd round picks G Forest Lamp and WR Mike Williams. CB Jason Verrett was lost for the season in the 1st game. 2018 is no exception with Antonio Gates heir apparent TE Hunter Henry and CB Jason Verrett is again out for the year.
Still, I can see why sportscasters are predicting good things. Despite an 0-4 start, they were the #1 offense in passing yards and the #3 defense in points against. This team has talent at every position. Under Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Philip Rivers has had two Pro Bowl seasons. He regressed last season when Whisenhunt left for a Head Coaching job only to return as OC the following year. Rivers was only sacked 18 times and the Chargers' added C Mike Pouncey, a 3-time Pro Bowler, in free agency. Lamp will also get his chance this season. The WR core is deep and talented and Mike Williams is reported to be making an impact in training camp this year.
Despite the loss of Verrett, the DBs are stacked and the Chargers added #1 pick S Derwin James. This defense led the league in fewest passing yards allowed. Everyone knows about Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The defensive coordinator is Gus Bradley who created the "Legion of Boom" in Seattle.
Still there are issues...
Can they get past the KC Chiefs? The Chiefs' defense seems to have Rivers' number. He had only 10 passes intercepted last year, but 6 were picked off by the Chiefs. If Patrick Mahomes plays as good as Alex Smith they'll be fine, after all they won the Division with him. If he plays as good as the Chiefs think he is, then the Chiefs offense is going to be tough to stop because there's a lot of offensive talent surrounding Mahomes.
Rivers is 37 years old. You have to wonder if the drop off will come suddenly aka Peyton Manning.
Injuries. Lamp isn't 100% yet. CB Trevor Williams has an ankle injury and will miss all of the preseason. Williams played great last season in place of Verrett. Rookie WR Dylan Cantrell is out with a bone bruise and will also miss the preseason. While the WR position is deep, Keenan Allen has played in all 16 games just once (last season). C Pouncey has been injury prone, missing games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. The two Melvin's (Ingram and Gordon) have been durable lately, but both were injury prone early in their careers. While not an injury, DT Corey Liuget is suspended for the first 4 games of the season. Chargers got a big scare when Bosa limped off the field during practice, but it wasn't anything serious.
Bottom line; Beat the Chiefs, overcome the lack of home field advantage, and avoid serious injuries to key players and the Chargers will be in the playoffs. Do that and the talent is there to make a run at a Championship.
Okay, so that used to be the slogan of another team that used to be in Los Angeles, but that is what it's going to take for the Chargers to get fans to support them.
I don't remember any 49er fans before Bill Walsh and Joe Montana. Ditto for Patriots fans before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Once they started winning the fans followed.
The hype surrounding the Chargers this year is over the top. This for a team that went 9-7 last year. A team that hasn't beaten the defending AFC West Champs, the KC Chiefs since 2013. A team with no home field advantage and will play one of those home games in London. A team that seemingly has to overcome early injuries every season. In 2017 it was 1st and 2nd round picks G Forest Lamp and WR Mike Williams. CB Jason Verrett was lost for the season in the 1st game. 2018 is no exception with Antonio Gates heir apparent TE Hunter Henry and CB Jason Verrett is again out for the year.
Still, I can see why sportscasters are predicting good things. Despite an 0-4 start, they were the #1 offense in passing yards and the #3 defense in points against. This team has talent at every position. Under Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Philip Rivers has had two Pro Bowl seasons. He regressed last season when Whisenhunt left for a Head Coaching job only to return as OC the following year. Rivers was only sacked 18 times and the Chargers' added C Mike Pouncey, a 3-time Pro Bowler, in free agency. Lamp will also get his chance this season. The WR core is deep and talented and Mike Williams is reported to be making an impact in training camp this year.
Despite the loss of Verrett, the DBs are stacked and the Chargers added #1 pick S Derwin James. This defense led the league in fewest passing yards allowed. Everyone knows about Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The defensive coordinator is Gus Bradley who created the "Legion of Boom" in Seattle.
Still there are issues...
Can they get past the KC Chiefs? The Chiefs' defense seems to have Rivers' number. He had only 10 passes intercepted last year, but 6 were picked off by the Chiefs. If Patrick Mahomes plays as good as Alex Smith they'll be fine, after all they won the Division with him. If he plays as good as the Chiefs think he is, then the Chiefs offense is going to be tough to stop because there's a lot of offensive talent surrounding Mahomes.
Rivers is 37 years old. You have to wonder if the drop off will come suddenly aka Peyton Manning.
Injuries. Lamp isn't 100% yet. CB Trevor Williams has an ankle injury and will miss all of the preseason. Williams played great last season in place of Verrett. Rookie WR Dylan Cantrell is out with a bone bruise and will also miss the preseason. While the WR position is deep, Keenan Allen has played in all 16 games just once (last season). C Pouncey has been injury prone, missing games in 4 of the last 5 seasons. The two Melvin's (Ingram and Gordon) have been durable lately, but both were injury prone early in their careers. While not an injury, DT Corey Liuget is suspended for the first 4 games of the season. Chargers got a big scare when Bosa limped off the field during practice, but it wasn't anything serious.
Bottom line; Beat the Chiefs, overcome the lack of home field advantage, and avoid serious injuries to key players and the Chargers will be in the playoffs. Do that and the talent is there to make a run at a Championship.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Super Blow Out. How do you see Manning now?
Of all the scenarios I thought would play out in this game, I felt the least likely would have been a Seahawks blowout of the Broncos. Did I underestimate the Seahawk defense? Maybe. I did believe they were good, best in football this year, but we were talking about the most prolific offense in NFL history playing in an era where all the rules favor the offense.
I really didn't care who won this game...as the saying goes, "I had no dog in this fight." As a Charger fan my beef is with Eli not Peyton...even though Peyton is a Bronco now...and even though I would choose Brady over Manning in the great, who's better debate, it's not like I'm saying Peyton sucks. On the contrary, the fact that you mention Peyton in an argument with Brady is because he is that good considering those are more or less considered the best QBs in the league right now. In any event, Peyton will be a first ballet HoFer and go down as one of the best of all time despite this 43-8Superbowl loss.
That being said, I think his legacy is tarnished a bit...again not saying he's not great, he is, but when you start to look at performances in signature games, Peyton doesn't live up to his own high standards. Even the year he took the Colts to a Superbowl victory he threw 7 interceptions and 3 TDs in the post season. The Colts' defense really saved them that season, wining the Wildcard game 23-8 against the Chiefs despite Manning throwing 1TD and 3 INTs. He won the MVP for the Superbowl, but his stat line wasn't very MVP-like...25-38, 247 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Good, but not great. In the Saints Superbowl, the Saints came back to win after trailing 6-10 at the half. That year, Manning had Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, and Reggie Wayne...and don't say they didn't have a good defense, because neither did the Saints. Everyone expected a shootout, but the Saints won going away 31-17 aided by a Manning 4th quarter interception that was returned for a TD.
Back to the this years Superbowl...the Seahawks did match up with the Broncos the way no other team can. They played man on both receivers (with a safety over the top) and played zone underneath. The speed of their safeties and linebackers were key to stopping the Broncos short passing game. Broncos lived all year on short passes on crossing routes and off picks. Picks didn't work against the under zone, because the defender didn't have to stay with one WR. Plays where Bronco receivers took those short passes and turned them into decent gains, if not big plays, those same routes against the Seahawks resulted in <5 yards. Also the size of the Seahawks' DBs played a big part. The other Bronco staple was the WR screen out of a bunch formation. Seahawk DBs constantly ran through those WR blocks to make stops.
With the short passing game ineffective, Peyton had to hold the ball a little longer to go down field...and the Seahawk CBs played the outside WRs tight. That gave the pass rush time to get to Peyton. Normally, Peyton would start checking down to running plays, but against the Seahawks front seven that wasn't effective either. That was another key, allowing the Seahawks to keep one safety deep.
Bottomline, the Seahawks were just a more physical team and the Broncos didn't have an answer for that. Manning couldn't make enough plays under duress and nobody else could will the team to step up to match the Seahawks physically (not even Demaryius Thomas' 13 catches, 118 yds, 1TD).
Sure, you can't give Manning all the blame, but that street goes both ways. Manning was being hailed as the greatest during the season, but he did have a lot of weapons and a good running game. The defense wasn't great, but they stepped up when they had too. I didn't hear too many people talking about their injuries on defense when they shut down the Patriots in the AFC Championship game and the defense played great in the first half keeping the Seahawks out of the end zone twice after the safety and Manning threw his first pick (score was just 8-0 at that point). Also, I don't know how many times I heard "I want Peyton to win a ring" this past two weeks, like their wasn't 52 other guys on the team. So although it isn't fair to put all the blame on Manning, he does get most of the accolades when things are going well.
Maybe not fair, but I think this ends the debate on Peyton Manning being the best of all-time. He'll be like Brett Favre, have all the passing records, but unless you're a Favre/Packer fan, than he doesn't enter in the discussion of NFL's best ever.
I really didn't care who won this game...as the saying goes, "I had no dog in this fight." As a Charger fan my beef is with Eli not Peyton...even though Peyton is a Bronco now...and even though I would choose Brady over Manning in the great, who's better debate, it's not like I'm saying Peyton sucks. On the contrary, the fact that you mention Peyton in an argument with Brady is because he is that good considering those are more or less considered the best QBs in the league right now. In any event, Peyton will be a first ballet HoFer and go down as one of the best of all time despite this 43-8Superbowl loss.
That being said, I think his legacy is tarnished a bit...again not saying he's not great, he is, but when you start to look at performances in signature games, Peyton doesn't live up to his own high standards. Even the year he took the Colts to a Superbowl victory he threw 7 interceptions and 3 TDs in the post season. The Colts' defense really saved them that season, wining the Wildcard game 23-8 against the Chiefs despite Manning throwing 1TD and 3 INTs. He won the MVP for the Superbowl, but his stat line wasn't very MVP-like...25-38, 247 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Good, but not great. In the Saints Superbowl, the Saints came back to win after trailing 6-10 at the half. That year, Manning had Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, and Reggie Wayne...and don't say they didn't have a good defense, because neither did the Saints. Everyone expected a shootout, but the Saints won going away 31-17 aided by a Manning 4th quarter interception that was returned for a TD.
Back to the this years Superbowl...the Seahawks did match up with the Broncos the way no other team can. They played man on both receivers (with a safety over the top) and played zone underneath. The speed of their safeties and linebackers were key to stopping the Broncos short passing game. Broncos lived all year on short passes on crossing routes and off picks. Picks didn't work against the under zone, because the defender didn't have to stay with one WR. Plays where Bronco receivers took those short passes and turned them into decent gains, if not big plays, those same routes against the Seahawks resulted in <5 yards. Also the size of the Seahawks' DBs played a big part. The other Bronco staple was the WR screen out of a bunch formation. Seahawk DBs constantly ran through those WR blocks to make stops.
With the short passing game ineffective, Peyton had to hold the ball a little longer to go down field...and the Seahawk CBs played the outside WRs tight. That gave the pass rush time to get to Peyton. Normally, Peyton would start checking down to running plays, but against the Seahawks front seven that wasn't effective either. That was another key, allowing the Seahawks to keep one safety deep.
Bottomline, the Seahawks were just a more physical team and the Broncos didn't have an answer for that. Manning couldn't make enough plays under duress and nobody else could will the team to step up to match the Seahawks physically (not even Demaryius Thomas' 13 catches, 118 yds, 1TD).
Sure, you can't give Manning all the blame, but that street goes both ways. Manning was being hailed as the greatest during the season, but he did have a lot of weapons and a good running game. The defense wasn't great, but they stepped up when they had too. I didn't hear too many people talking about their injuries on defense when they shut down the Patriots in the AFC Championship game and the defense played great in the first half keeping the Seahawks out of the end zone twice after the safety and Manning threw his first pick (score was just 8-0 at that point). Also, I don't know how many times I heard "I want Peyton to win a ring" this past two weeks, like their wasn't 52 other guys on the team. So although it isn't fair to put all the blame on Manning, he does get most of the accolades when things are going well.
Maybe not fair, but I think this ends the debate on Peyton Manning being the best of all-time. He'll be like Brett Favre, have all the passing records, but unless you're a Favre/Packer fan, than he doesn't enter in the discussion of NFL's best ever.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Chargers Given A Gift
The Chargers were handed a playoff spot...no other way to put it. Not only did they have to have the Ravens and Dolphins both of their last two games, but they needed a blown 41 yard field goal and at least one (and in my opinion, two) blown calls by the refs. By now everyone knows the Chargers were lined up in an illegal formation on the field goal attempt at the end of regulation, but I also think it was a quick whistle on the fake punt in overtime.
Don't know what to think about this Charger team. They've beaten the Colts at home and the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos all on the road, yet have losses to the Texans, Raiders, and Redskins. And now they almost lose a game against the Chiefs' backups with a playoff spot on the line. If you understand this team please let me in on it.
Three weeks ago when the Dolphins upset the Patriots I figured the playoff chance had realistically ended for the Chargers. Dolphins needed just one win against the Bills or Jets in the last two weeks to clinch a spot. Talking to a co-worker (who is a Bronco fan) we were already discussing the possibility of a Colts-Broncos rematch after the Bengals eliminated the Dolphins and the Colts end the Chiefs season. Go figure that the Dolphins only score 7 points in those final two games. At the time the Ravens had the last playoff spot in the AFC, but I predicted to my co-worker that they would lose to the Pats and Bengals, so thought they would hand the last spot to the Dolphins.
No way the Chargers deserved to win yesterdays game. No way did they should have even had the chance. So what now for the Chargers? If I'm in the Charger organization I would have walked into the locker room this morning and said to the team, "We were given a gift...now lets go do something with it!"
They're a TD underdogs to the Bengals, and rightfully so. With the exception of the QB spot, the Bengals are a superior team and the Chargers lost to the Bengals 17-10 at home in Week 13. Look closer at that game though, and you would see that the Chargers turned the ball over twice deep in Bengals territory (fumble by Antonio Gates and an INT by Rivers on a pass that was caught by Gates, but ripped out of Gates hands). The score was also tied 7-7 at the half.
In all honesty, it's going to take a lot better game offensively then they played the last time (or this past Sunday against the Chiefs) and they need a better effort by the defense...but they've shown they have that ability at times this season. The defense, terrible for most of the season, held the Broncos to their lowest point total of the season (20) and also the Broncos 3rd lowest (28). The offense has also been able to protect that defense at times by leading the league in 10 play drives, time of possession, and #1 in 3rd down conversion percentage.
So the Chargers have it in them to pull off the upset...we'll see Sunday if they can.
Don't know what to think about this Charger team. They've beaten the Colts at home and the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos all on the road, yet have losses to the Texans, Raiders, and Redskins. And now they almost lose a game against the Chiefs' backups with a playoff spot on the line. If you understand this team please let me in on it.
Three weeks ago when the Dolphins upset the Patriots I figured the playoff chance had realistically ended for the Chargers. Dolphins needed just one win against the Bills or Jets in the last two weeks to clinch a spot. Talking to a co-worker (who is a Bronco fan) we were already discussing the possibility of a Colts-Broncos rematch after the Bengals eliminated the Dolphins and the Colts end the Chiefs season. Go figure that the Dolphins only score 7 points in those final two games. At the time the Ravens had the last playoff spot in the AFC, but I predicted to my co-worker that they would lose to the Pats and Bengals, so thought they would hand the last spot to the Dolphins.
No way the Chargers deserved to win yesterdays game. No way did they should have even had the chance. So what now for the Chargers? If I'm in the Charger organization I would have walked into the locker room this morning and said to the team, "We were given a gift...now lets go do something with it!"
They're a TD underdogs to the Bengals, and rightfully so. With the exception of the QB spot, the Bengals are a superior team and the Chargers lost to the Bengals 17-10 at home in Week 13. Look closer at that game though, and you would see that the Chargers turned the ball over twice deep in Bengals territory (fumble by Antonio Gates and an INT by Rivers on a pass that was caught by Gates, but ripped out of Gates hands). The score was also tied 7-7 at the half.
In all honesty, it's going to take a lot better game offensively then they played the last time (or this past Sunday against the Chiefs) and they need a better effort by the defense...but they've shown they have that ability at times this season. The defense, terrible for most of the season, held the Broncos to their lowest point total of the season (20) and also the Broncos 3rd lowest (28). The offense has also been able to protect that defense at times by leading the league in 10 play drives, time of possession, and #1 in 3rd down conversion percentage.
So the Chargers have it in them to pull off the upset...we'll see Sunday if they can.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Chargers at Broncos.
I've been out of town the last couple weeks...I was actually in California...so I haven't posted about Charger games the last few weeks.
As I type this I'm actually watching the game via live look ins on NFL.com. If you've read my posts about cutting the cable you know I don't have cable TV anymore, so no NFL channel. I'm actually amazed that they are streaming game footage live, considering how much the NFL has been money hungry lately. They are not showing the entire game, but almost all of it.
First possession by the Broncos and they score a TD easily. Bad coverage by the CB (I think it was Wright). He had inside help from Weddle, but still bit on the inside move. Chargers only get a FG on their first drive...shades of the first meeting this season in San Diego when the Chargers settled for FGs on three possessions in the first half and came away with only 6 points (missed one) to trail 14-6 at halftime.
These NFL.com announcers are terrible. After a Vincent Brown catch for a first down they called him a money maker for the Chargers. Brown has had a very sub par year (36 catches, 380 yards) so far. Chargers manage to keep the Broncos to a FG and get a 19 yard TD from Keenan Allen with a great run after catch to tie the score 10-10 early in the 2nd quarter.
Chargers force a 3-n-out. How often have the Chargers done that...or for that matter how many time have the Broncos done that? Ask and you shall receive...according to the stat they just flashed on the screen, the Broncos only go 3-n-out 13.7% of the time. The Chargers just did it for the 2nd consecutive drive...and then a 3rd straight 3-n-out.
Chargers holding the ball on offense, almost 19 minutes in the half. Allen gets his 2nd TD...he should be Rookie of the Year. Chargers amazingly have a 17-10 halftime lead.
Scoring on the first possession of the 2nd half is huge. Mathews busting a 23 yard run for a TD to put the Chargers up 24-10. Broncos defense is getting run over...Chargers already over 100 yard rushing (Mathews 15 carries, 79 yards). Not a 3-n-out, but Broncos punting for the 4th straight possession.
Wow, big special teams mistake by the Broncos. They held the Chargers down inside their own 10, but get hit with an offsides penalty giving the Chargers the ball back. Broncos also get caught with 12 men on defense...the 2nd time in the game.
Broncos back in the game. More terrible play by the Chargers on a 4th down and 6. Don't know who it was, but the LB ran himself totally out of position to allow an easy pitch and catch for the first. Leads to a Bronco TD pass to Caldwell on a WR screen. 24-17 Chargers. with 10:25 left in the game.
Broncos have a shot. Mathews stuffed on 3rd and 1. Scifires somehow gets a great punt off on a muffed snap that gets out of bounds on the Broncos 3. Peyton with 5:50 left and 97 yards to go for a tying TD. Can the Chargers defense come up with a stop?
Liuget gets big pressure on Manning and he puts up a duck. Keiser gets an easy pick. They have the ball on the Broncos 33. Chargers go to an I-formation...that's old school running. Chargers don't throw a pass, running the clock down to 2:41 and getting a Novak 35 yard FG to put them up 27-17.
Would anyone have guessed the Chargers would hold the Broncos to 20 points? In Denver? Go figure. 27-20 Chargers win. Who would have thunk it?
As I type this I'm actually watching the game via live look ins on NFL.com. If you've read my posts about cutting the cable you know I don't have cable TV anymore, so no NFL channel. I'm actually amazed that they are streaming game footage live, considering how much the NFL has been money hungry lately. They are not showing the entire game, but almost all of it.
First possession by the Broncos and they score a TD easily. Bad coverage by the CB (I think it was Wright). He had inside help from Weddle, but still bit on the inside move. Chargers only get a FG on their first drive...shades of the first meeting this season in San Diego when the Chargers settled for FGs on three possessions in the first half and came away with only 6 points (missed one) to trail 14-6 at halftime.
These NFL.com announcers are terrible. After a Vincent Brown catch for a first down they called him a money maker for the Chargers. Brown has had a very sub par year (36 catches, 380 yards) so far. Chargers manage to keep the Broncos to a FG and get a 19 yard TD from Keenan Allen with a great run after catch to tie the score 10-10 early in the 2nd quarter.
Chargers force a 3-n-out. How often have the Chargers done that...or for that matter how many time have the Broncos done that? Ask and you shall receive...according to the stat they just flashed on the screen, the Broncos only go 3-n-out 13.7% of the time. The Chargers just did it for the 2nd consecutive drive...and then a 3rd straight 3-n-out.
Chargers holding the ball on offense, almost 19 minutes in the half. Allen gets his 2nd TD...he should be Rookie of the Year. Chargers amazingly have a 17-10 halftime lead.
Scoring on the first possession of the 2nd half is huge. Mathews busting a 23 yard run for a TD to put the Chargers up 24-10. Broncos defense is getting run over...Chargers already over 100 yard rushing (Mathews 15 carries, 79 yards). Not a 3-n-out, but Broncos punting for the 4th straight possession.
Wow, big special teams mistake by the Broncos. They held the Chargers down inside their own 10, but get hit with an offsides penalty giving the Chargers the ball back. Broncos also get caught with 12 men on defense...the 2nd time in the game.
Broncos back in the game. More terrible play by the Chargers on a 4th down and 6. Don't know who it was, but the LB ran himself totally out of position to allow an easy pitch and catch for the first. Leads to a Bronco TD pass to Caldwell on a WR screen. 24-17 Chargers. with 10:25 left in the game.
Broncos have a shot. Mathews stuffed on 3rd and 1. Scifires somehow gets a great punt off on a muffed snap that gets out of bounds on the Broncos 3. Peyton with 5:50 left and 97 yards to go for a tying TD. Can the Chargers defense come up with a stop?
Liuget gets big pressure on Manning and he puts up a duck. Keiser gets an easy pick. They have the ball on the Broncos 33. Chargers go to an I-formation...that's old school running. Chargers don't throw a pass, running the clock down to 2:41 and getting a Novak 35 yard FG to put them up 27-17.
Would anyone have guessed the Chargers would hold the Broncos to 20 points? In Denver? Go figure. 27-20 Chargers win. Who would have thunk it?
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Chargers Keep Playoff Hopes, Upset Chiefs 41-38
That was a heck of a game. There were 9 scores in the 2nd half alternating for both teams accounting for 7 lead changes...luckily the Chargers get the last score for the win. Phillip Rivers was sharp all game.
Lets get the Chiefs injuries out of the way...did it make a difference in the game? Losing your two outside linebackers and sack leaders have to effect your defense, but I can counter that with the fact that the Chargers are also without their starting two outside linebackers and also the two that replaced them ( starters Melvin Ingram, Dwight Freeney; subs Larry English, Jarret Johnson). Sure Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are better players, but the Chargers are down to their 3rd stringers. Chargers also lost Ryan Mathews who had 55 yards on 14 carries and 1TD before he left the game.
Also, the Chargers DBs are terrible. This week it was Donnie Avery who beat them for 4 catches, 91 yards, 1TD. Alex Smith, who isn't exactly know for throwing the ball, went 26-38, 294 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Corner Derek Cox was benched for the 3rd straight game. I know the Chargers paid $20 million in the free agent market to get Cox, but it's time to give up on him. He hasn't been able to cover anybody. The Chargers secondary was also hit for 4 pass interference calls and 1 holding...and I can't argue any of them.
Okay, enough of the negatives. Somehow the Chargers managed to pull off a big upset and a big reason why came from their draft.
Lets get the Chiefs injuries out of the way...did it make a difference in the game? Losing your two outside linebackers and sack leaders have to effect your defense, but I can counter that with the fact that the Chargers are also without their starting two outside linebackers and also the two that replaced them ( starters Melvin Ingram, Dwight Freeney; subs Larry English, Jarret Johnson). Sure Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are better players, but the Chargers are down to their 3rd stringers. Chargers also lost Ryan Mathews who had 55 yards on 14 carries and 1TD before he left the game.
Also, the Chargers DBs are terrible. This week it was Donnie Avery who beat them for 4 catches, 91 yards, 1TD. Alex Smith, who isn't exactly know for throwing the ball, went 26-38, 294 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Corner Derek Cox was benched for the 3rd straight game. I know the Chargers paid $20 million in the free agent market to get Cox, but it's time to give up on him. He hasn't been able to cover anybody. The Chargers secondary was also hit for 4 pass interference calls and 1 holding...and I can't argue any of them.
Okay, enough of the negatives. Somehow the Chargers managed to pull off a big upset and a big reason why came from their draft.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Chargers Lose 3rd Straight, 20-16 to the Dolphins
I'm not sure what to make of this game. It was the lowest total points the Chargers put up all season and it was against a team that wasn't playing well and was surrounded in controversy. I really don't get how the offense didn't get it done when they needed a win to stay in playoff contention. Watching the game on NFL Rewind I really didn't see what the Dolphins did that should have gave the Chargers that big of a problem scoring. The Chargers got yards from Ryan Mathews (19 carries, 127 yards) and Phillip Rivers (22-34, 298 yards), but they only scored one TD. Rivers also threw an INT on the Chargers 1st possession on a pass to Vincent Brown. Rivers expected a route down the sideline and Brown turned the pattern inside. Don't know who's fault it was, but Rivers and Brown just haven't gotten on the same page this year.
Also being unable to put the ball in the end zone is getting to be a big problem with this team. Three times in the red zone last week and another three this week resulting in field goals. They had first and goal on the 6 with plenty of time left in the half and couldn't punch it in. Settled for a FG that tied the score 10-10, instead of going up 14-10 at the half.
I really like TE LaDarius Green. He had a team leading 81yards on 4 catches. I've said it since early in the season...with both starting wide receivers out, I would love to see the Chargers go to a double TE set with Antonio Gates and Green. Both TEs can play also be effected in the slot and that would give them a lot of flexibility on offense without having to substitute.
Missed tackles killed the Chargers in this game. Dolphin TE Charles Clay scored on a 39 play were he caught a short pass in the flat and ran thru/pass 5 Charger defenders. The defense definitely didn't play great either. When they needed a stop in the 4th quarter to give the Chargers' offense one last shot at the win, they got the job done, but not before the Dolphins were able to run 2 minutes off the clock and driving from their own 6 out to the 38. A great punt gave the Chargers the ball back with 1:25 left in the game on their own 17. The offense just couldn't get the winning TD, running out of time on the Dolphin 25.
Rookie WR Keenan Allen wasn't in the game on the last drive, hurting his knee and leaving early in the 4th quarter. Allen, the Chargers best receiver, could have made a difference. Luckily, it wasn't anything serious and reports are that Allen will play against the Chiefs Sunday.
So this leaves the Chargers 4-6 on the outside of the playoff picture looking in at the 5-5 Jets, who would be the last team in if the Playoffs started today. Losing to the Dolphins was big, since the Dolphins are also 5-5 and now own the head-to-head tie breaker. They are also stuck in a group of 5 other 4-6 teams, two of which are the Raiders and Titans, teams they've lost to earlier this year.
With two games against the Chiefs, one more against the Broncos (in Denver), and also the AFC North leading Bengals left on the schedule, the Chargers chances of making the playoffs doesn't look good.
Also being unable to put the ball in the end zone is getting to be a big problem with this team. Three times in the red zone last week and another three this week resulting in field goals. They had first and goal on the 6 with plenty of time left in the half and couldn't punch it in. Settled for a FG that tied the score 10-10, instead of going up 14-10 at the half.
I really like TE LaDarius Green. He had a team leading 81yards on 4 catches. I've said it since early in the season...with both starting wide receivers out, I would love to see the Chargers go to a double TE set with Antonio Gates and Green. Both TEs can play also be effected in the slot and that would give them a lot of flexibility on offense without having to substitute.
Missed tackles killed the Chargers in this game. Dolphin TE Charles Clay scored on a 39 play were he caught a short pass in the flat and ran thru/pass 5 Charger defenders. The defense definitely didn't play great either. When they needed a stop in the 4th quarter to give the Chargers' offense one last shot at the win, they got the job done, but not before the Dolphins were able to run 2 minutes off the clock and driving from their own 6 out to the 38. A great punt gave the Chargers the ball back with 1:25 left in the game on their own 17. The offense just couldn't get the winning TD, running out of time on the Dolphin 25.
Rookie WR Keenan Allen wasn't in the game on the last drive, hurting his knee and leaving early in the 4th quarter. Allen, the Chargers best receiver, could have made a difference. Luckily, it wasn't anything serious and reports are that Allen will play against the Chiefs Sunday.
So this leaves the Chargers 4-6 on the outside of the playoff picture looking in at the 5-5 Jets, who would be the last team in if the Playoffs started today. Losing to the Dolphins was big, since the Dolphins are also 5-5 and now own the head-to-head tie breaker. They are also stuck in a group of 5 other 4-6 teams, two of which are the Raiders and Titans, teams they've lost to earlier this year.
With two games against the Chiefs, one more against the Broncos (in Denver), and also the AFC North leading Bengals left on the schedule, the Chargers chances of making the playoffs doesn't look good.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Chargers Lose Faceoff With Broncos, 28-20
I didn't get a chance to re-watch the game on NFL rewind until this afternoon.
I was actually impressed with the defense and disappointed with the offense on this one...the opposite of almost every other game this season. I think the best thing they did on offense all game was the fake punt on the first possession. It was a gutsy call on their own 28, but it eventually led to a punt after a 39 yard run by Ryan Mathews got called back on a holding penalty. Mathews got hurt on the play and didn't play for the rest of the first quarter, but came back in the 2nd quarter ending with 14 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD.
The defense held the Broncos to their lowest point total of the year and kept the Chargers in the game by allowing only 1 TD by the Broncos in the 2nd half. That "Amoeba" front 7 the Chargers have been playing for the last 3 weeks got to Peyton Manning. It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs come up with this Sunday. The Chargers' defense made two big mistakes...the first on the Broncos first drive when Julius Thomas scored on a simple pass in the flat that he took 74 yards. No one covered the TE and Derek Cox should have easily forced him out of bounds (Cox ended up getting benched, but came back in in the 2nd half when his replacement got injured). The 2nd big mistake was on a bubble screen to Demaryius Thomas that scored a TD. Chargers got caught on a corner blitz so they were out manned on that side.
What really doomed the Chargers chances of winning was the offense getting into the red zone three times in the first half and came away with only 6 points (2 made FGs and 1 missed). Phillip Rivers was a pedestrian 19-29, 218 yards, 1 TD. Needed more from him if the Chargers had any chance of winning. Vincent Brown did drop a TD in the 2nd quarter.
Broncos did a good job of taking away Keenan Allen, who had been Rivers' favorite receiver the last few weeks. Allen ended up with only 4 catches for 41 yards.
The Chargers' again suffered injuries to two areas they couldn't afford to lose. LT King Dunlap left the game forcing rookie D.J. Fluker to move from RT to LT for the 2nd time this year. Dunlap is listed as out with a neck injury.
Allen (3rd round) and Fluker (1st round) have been two great pickups in the draft.
OLB Larry English also left the game in the 2nd half. The Chargers are already without their two starting OLBs and one of the backups. English was put on the IR earlier this week. Coincidentally, the Chargers picked up Andrian Robinson who had played 6 games for the Broncos this season.
Even though the final score looked close and the defense kept them in the game, the Chargers' offense never threatened the tying TD/2 point conversion. From a game plan perspective the Chargers did what they needed to, holding the ball and keeping the Broncos to only 11 possessions, but they didn't put the ball into the end zone enough times.
This game left me encouraged about the defense, but also left me wondering if the league has seen enough of their new offense and figured out how to defense it.
I was actually impressed with the defense and disappointed with the offense on this one...the opposite of almost every other game this season. I think the best thing they did on offense all game was the fake punt on the first possession. It was a gutsy call on their own 28, but it eventually led to a punt after a 39 yard run by Ryan Mathews got called back on a holding penalty. Mathews got hurt on the play and didn't play for the rest of the first quarter, but came back in the 2nd quarter ending with 14 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD.
The defense held the Broncos to their lowest point total of the year and kept the Chargers in the game by allowing only 1 TD by the Broncos in the 2nd half. That "Amoeba" front 7 the Chargers have been playing for the last 3 weeks got to Peyton Manning. It will be interesting to see what the Chiefs come up with this Sunday. The Chargers' defense made two big mistakes...the first on the Broncos first drive when Julius Thomas scored on a simple pass in the flat that he took 74 yards. No one covered the TE and Derek Cox should have easily forced him out of bounds (Cox ended up getting benched, but came back in in the 2nd half when his replacement got injured). The 2nd big mistake was on a bubble screen to Demaryius Thomas that scored a TD. Chargers got caught on a corner blitz so they were out manned on that side.
What really doomed the Chargers chances of winning was the offense getting into the red zone three times in the first half and came away with only 6 points (2 made FGs and 1 missed). Phillip Rivers was a pedestrian 19-29, 218 yards, 1 TD. Needed more from him if the Chargers had any chance of winning. Vincent Brown did drop a TD in the 2nd quarter.
Broncos did a good job of taking away Keenan Allen, who had been Rivers' favorite receiver the last few weeks. Allen ended up with only 4 catches for 41 yards.
The Chargers' again suffered injuries to two areas they couldn't afford to lose. LT King Dunlap left the game forcing rookie D.J. Fluker to move from RT to LT for the 2nd time this year. Dunlap is listed as out with a neck injury.
Allen (3rd round) and Fluker (1st round) have been two great pickups in the draft.
OLB Larry English also left the game in the 2nd half. The Chargers are already without their two starting OLBs and one of the backups. English was put on the IR earlier this week. Coincidentally, the Chargers picked up Andrian Robinson who had played 6 games for the Broncos this season.
Even though the final score looked close and the defense kept them in the game, the Chargers' offense never threatened the tying TD/2 point conversion. From a game plan perspective the Chargers did what they needed to, holding the ball and keeping the Broncos to only 11 possessions, but they didn't put the ball into the end zone enough times.
This game left me encouraged about the defense, but also left me wondering if the league has seen enough of their new offense and figured out how to defense it.
Chargers at Jaguars
Saw that I forgot to post this after the Jags game....
For the first time this year the Chargers win back-to-back games with a 24-6 win in Jacksonville. Chargers are also above .500 for the first time this season at 4-3.
Take these next stats with a grain of salt, because this was the Jaguars, but the Chargers defense has not allowed a TD in two straight games. The defense also had 6 sacks, the Chargers had just 13 total in the previous 6 games. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what the Chargers are doing on defense...what Jon Gruden called the "Amoeba Defense" last Monday night.
I read one story that said they were using a 2 DL lineup, but I don't think that's 100% accurate. Yes the two starting DE's Cory Liuget and Kendall Reyes are staying in the game and they pull NT Cam Thomas out, but the Chargers replace him with DE Thomas Keiser who sometimes stays upright (as opposed to down in a 3-pt stance) and it looks like a 2 DL lineup. Other times Keiser goes down in a 3-point stance like a DE and the other DEs end up being DTs with the opposite LB playing like a DE...so it's kind of a 4-3. Keiser recorded 2 sacks.
For the first time this year the Chargers win back-to-back games with a 24-6 win in Jacksonville. Chargers are also above .500 for the first time this season at 4-3.
Take these next stats with a grain of salt, because this was the Jaguars, but the Chargers defense has not allowed a TD in two straight games. The defense also had 6 sacks, the Chargers had just 13 total in the previous 6 games. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what the Chargers are doing on defense...what Jon Gruden called the "Amoeba Defense" last Monday night.
I read one story that said they were using a 2 DL lineup, but I don't think that's 100% accurate. Yes the two starting DE's Cory Liuget and Kendall Reyes are staying in the game and they pull NT Cam Thomas out, but the Chargers replace him with DE Thomas Keiser who sometimes stays upright (as opposed to down in a 3-pt stance) and it looks like a 2 DL lineup. Other times Keiser goes down in a 3-point stance like a DE and the other DEs end up being DTs with the opposite LB playing like a DE...so it's kind of a 4-3. Keiser recorded 2 sacks.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Chargers Lose to Redskins in OT, 30-24.
Danny Woodhead's game winning TD was overturned (correctly by the way) and the Chargers failed to score from the 1-foot line. Kicking a FG to send the game into overtime. Chargers never got the ball on offense as Washington drove down the field to score a TD and end it.
Lets get the last 3 plays of regulation out of the way, since that's what all the Sportscasters are talking about. Yes, they should have been able to score from less than a yard out and I will say that they deserved to loose when they couldn't get it done. But you can 2nd guess the play calling all you like, it comes down to execution. They score and nobody is saying anything about what was called.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)