Nov

3

Chargers release Chris Chambers

Posted by Charger_Girl

November 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/02/chargers-part-ways-chambers02/

To summarize the above article, the Chargers and Chambers have parted ways due to his dwindling performance and the emergence of Malcom Floyd. Speculation into Chambers’ personal life causing problems on the field have also been cited. (Is he dating Jessica Simpson?)

Any team who chooses to claim Chambers off waivers will have to pay him the $2.4 million owed by the Chargers so it is more likely that he will clear waivers and sign with another team. In that case San Diego would still owe him the balance of his $4.55 million contract.

*     *     *

I’ve been trying to think of who is in dire need of a WR right now.  Perhaps a return to Miami?  Also needy at this time are St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland. Chicago might have some use for him and New England and Dallas have the money if they so desire.  Atlanta might be interested in using Chambers as the bookend to Roddy White, particularly with the poor play of Michael Jenkins on MNF. Chambers is still a good player despite his slump and will be valuable to any team to which he goes.

Nov

1

13 in a Row…

Posted by Charger_Girl

November 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Chargers 24, Raiders 16

The Chargers now hold the longest current winning streak against one team in the entire league; however, the game was a bit too close for my comfort.  But a win is a win is a win.  Right Donkey fans?!  Oh, wait, the Donkeys LOST to the Ravens.  HOORAY!!!  Now the Chargers are only 2 games behind and it’s still early in the season.

The Chargers’ defense managed to step it up again with Antonio Cromartie’s early INT. Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips each had a pair of sacks, and Phillips also forced a fumble.  Tim Dobbins early knee injury looked bad but he did return to the game.

Uncharacteristically, however, Vincent Jackson tipped a ball for an INT and Darren Sproles lost a fumble.  Jackson redeemed himself once again with a fabulous game (103 yds, 1 TD) and LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 2 TDs.  It was nice to see him back in form.

I’m going to keep this short because I gave myself a headache screaming for the past 6 hours.

Next week the Giants host the Chargers after taking their 3rd consecutive loss.  Hopefully, they will remain in this downward spiral.  Pittsburgh travels to Denver for MNF.  As much as this nauseates me, I must say, (ack, gag, cough) “Go Steelers!”

Oct

25

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about…

Posted by Charger_Girl

October 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment

…although I do have a huge gripe.

Chargers 37, Chiefs 7

Let’s start with the gripe, shall we?  1st and goal inside the 5-yard line and LT is given the ball 4 times with no success - in two consecutive games.  I understand the whole “moral victory” thing for La Dainian Tomlinson but there’s a point where you play to win the game.  Got that Norv?!?  You have one of the best QBs and WRs (Vincent Jackson) in the league…let them do their thing! 

At any rate, however, it was nice to see the old LT breaking tackles for his first long rush of the season.  Hopefully he can keep that up, but the goal line thing has GOT to go.

Nonetheless, the Chargers dominated the lowly Chiefs.  And judging by the Jets’ domination of the Raiders I’m hoping for another W next week.  Oh, and Go Ravens (vs. Denver)!!

The defense looked much improved and WTG Steve Gregory and Tim Dobbins (who I managed to snag off the waiver wire in a fantasy league!)  And let’s not forget Jacob Hester’s blocked punt which HE recovered in the end zone for a TD!!  Outstanding!!

And how about Darren Sproles almost breaking a long TD run with one shoe?  On soggy grass too.

Kudos also to Nate Kaeding for racking up the fantasy points, including giving me an extra .25 for his tackle.

Next week the Chargers host the Raiders who do not look as good as they did week one when these two met.  Let’s hope the momentum carries the Bolts to another victory.

Oct

21

Ugh…(expletive, expletive)

Posted by Charger_Girl

October 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Chargers 23, Broncos 34

Well, I certainly don’t want to rehash THAT debacle.  But I will add my 2 cents worth.

It was nice to see some defense, particularly against the run and especially after the swiss cheese run defense the Chargers had vs. Pittsburgh.  The secondary, sans Clinton Hart, was adequate despite the horrible officiating (on both sides, mind you…I don’t want Donkey fans taking umbrage.) 

The offense was adequate…certainly not the impressive display we Chargers fans are used to from Philip Rivers et al.  LaDainian Tomlinson finally broke a pair of runs longer than 5 yards which was nice but he still doesn’t look 100%.  And Vincent Jackson reeled in another BEAUTIFUL TD (thanks for the fantasy points VJ!)

Special teams STUNK!!!  TWO returns for TDs?!?!!  Come on guys, what is up?  Even David Binn (upon whom we could always count to prevent big returns) missed a couple of tackles.  Kudos to Darren Sproles, however, for finally breaking one and going all the way.  Had Eddie Royal returned one, then that wouldn’t have been as bad, obviously, but there was absolutely NO excuse for the second one.  Minus the two returns the Chargers might have actually upset the overrated Donkeys.

But they didn’t.  And I’m STILL pissed off.

Next week the Bolts travel to Kansas City where they have historically had problems; however, the Chiefs stink….but I’m still not expecting much.  Better not to be disappointed.

Oct

16

Big, unexpected defensive changes

Posted by Charger_Girl

October 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Last Wednesday, the Chargers released veteran SS Clinton Hart and signed DT Ian Scott. The Bolts have been hit hard on defense with injuries, with Jamal Williams’ season-ending tricep tear the most damaging. It is likely that rookie Kevin Ellison–who was alternating time with Hart and rumored to be a threat to his starting position–will get the starting job, with Steve Gregory assuming the position in obvious passing situations when the Chargers employ the nickel package.

Oct

5

2-2…

Posted by Charger_Girl

October 5, 2009 | 2 Comments

…is still better than the 1-3 from last season (wherein, may I remind you, that the Chargers ended up winning the division…)

Steelers 38, Chargers 28

I have to admit that I didn’t really expect San Diego to win with all of the trouble they’ve had in Pittsburgh and I had written off the game at halftime; however, I do have to say that I, again, am proud of the team for continuing to play their hearts out and make a game of it.  I’d really like to know what Norv said in the locker room at halftime.

Philip Rivers (21/36, 354 yds, 3 TDs) was great in the 2nd half and it was nice to see Antonio Gates (9 receptions, 124 yds, 2 TDs) back to form.  The running game never really got off the ground, even with LaDainian Tomlinson’s return, primarily due to the continued lack of an offensive line.

Special teams proved valuable as usual, especially with Jacob Hester’s forced fumble/snatched-out-of-the-hands 41-yd TD. I was hoping that Darren Sproles would have broken that last KR after the Reed FG for a TD.

Defensively, the loss of Jamal Williams continues to hurt the virtually nonexistent defensive line.  The Chargers need to fix that mess during their bye next week as they host the unusually-good Denver Broncos on MNF week 6.  Antonio Cromartie needs to read the rule book during the bye as well as his 3 penalties were far too costly.

Sep

27

Chargers WIN, Steelers LOSE…Next week - BIG game

Posted by Charger_Girl

September 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment

San Diego 23, Miami 13

 

 

I have to admit I was worried during the first half.  No offensive line, no defensive line, Ronnie Brown running all over the defense….but then Norv adjusted and the Chargers pulled off a big win to stay only one game behind the Donkeys (who have yet to beat a REAL team so I’m NOT impressed!)

Shawne Merriman left the game with an injury; hopefully that’s not serious as the Bolts have enough injuries.  Jamal Williams is out for the year; Nick Hardwick is out for 8 weeks.  Philip Rivers went down before the half and it looked as though he’d be sidelined with Chad Pennington (who survived a bloodied nose but then suffered a right shoulder injury) but he came back in the 2nd half with a vengeance!! Rivers went 18/33, 303 yds (we won’t mention that lost sack fumble); however, he had some clutch passes on 3rd down.  Vincent Jackson came up big, as usual, with 5 catches for 120 yards, including a key 55-yarder.  Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates, and Legedu Naanee all contributed nicely.  The running game wasn’t up to snuff (again) and I hope they figure something out….like an offensive line.  LaDainian Tomlinson was out so Darren Sproles got the majority of the workload (and some vicious hits) with Michael Bennett helping out.

Defensively, Eric Weddle’s 4th quarter pick-6 sealed the Dolphins’ fate and was the team’s #2 tackler behind Kevin Burnett who also had a sack (and who I just picked up on a fantasy team!)

Nate Kaeding missed a 41-yd FG but did make 3 others and 2 XP.  Unfortunately, those FGs were short AGAIN and while I appreciate all of Kaeding’s fantasy assistance, the Chargers need to get it together in the red zone - only 16% efficiency today….NOT acceptable!!  They also need to get the penalties down as they went into today’s game leading the league in penalties.  Today was much better - 3 for 20 yds.

Next week Rivers will have to overcome his Pittsburgh-itis and play well…Troy Polamalu should still be out and the Squealers dropped to 1-2 after losing to Cincinnati today.  Hey Norv….watch the tape. 

Finally, congratulations to the Detroit Lions who upset the Washington Redskins and recorded their first win since 2007!!

Photo by Denis Poroy/AP

Photo by Denis Poroy/AP

Sep

20

A disappointing but valiant effort

Posted by Charger_Girl

September 20, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Chargers 23, Ravens 28

First of all, that last handoff to Darren Sproles was a HORRIBLE call Norv…don’t you think that the Ravens D KNEW you were going to do that??!!

Anyway, I am proud of the Bolts for a hard-fought tough game against a great team (unlike Denver beating Cleveland, lol…the Donkeys are 2-0 against two non-teams!)

Philip Rivers set his own personal passing yardage record going 25/45 for 436 yds, 2 TDs and 2 (really unnecessary) INTs.  Actually, the deflecterception was not his fault but, come on Philip, TAKE THE SACK instead of throwing it away!!!  Sproles had another fabulous game (10 carries, 26 yds, 7 receptions, 124 yds, 1 TD, and a 53-ys KR) as did Vincent Jackson (6 catches, 141 yds, 1 TD…but let’s not forget Antonio Gates’ fumble recovery and some key 3rd down catches also.)  Gates had some key receptions as well (5 for 78 yards and an almost TD.)

The defense played pretty poorly in the first half with the injuries evident early; however, the secondary stepped it up and the team seemed more cohesive in the 2nd half.  A valiant effort but, sadly, not enough.  On the bright side, Antoine Cason had a key INT and Luis Castillo sacked Joe Flacco. 

Had the Chargers had all of their starters healthy, I believe they would have pulled off the win.  Also troublesome are the four short FGs by Nate Kaeding.  Great job Kaeding, but they should have been able to score TDs on at least two of those drives.

The Chargers also committed WAY too many penalties.  Would someone please tell me how a home team is repeatedly flagged for delay of game and false starts??!!

And let’s not forget the HORRID officiating that has been plaguing the league for the past few seasons.  That running into the kicker penalty against SD was ridiculous as were the non-calls on several occasion.  Both teams were hampered by bad calls, not just the Chargers.

Nevertheless, they are 1-1 but it’s early.  LT and Nick Hardwick will hopefully be back next week and maybe Ron Rivera can reconfigure a very thin D-line into one more productive.  That Jamal Williams will be out all season is NOT good, but as I have always said, the Chargers are a team and have a whole lotta heart!  I’ll take that anyday!!

Next week the Bolts host the Dolphins who meet the Colts on Monday night.

Sep

20

Injuries again plague Chargers

Posted by Charger_Girl

September 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

Jamal Williams has been placed on IR for the rest of the season after suffering a torn triceps muscle last Monday against Oakland.  His backup is Ogemdi Nwagbou who spent last season on the Chargers’ practice squad.  Nick Hardwick, Travis Johnson, and LaDainian Tomlinson will also be out for this week, at the least.  The Chargers are confident that LT will be fine after one down week; however, Hardwick’s status is still unsure.  Hopefully his injury won’t sideline him for nearly half the season as it did last year. 

It’s time for Darren Sproles to show the league what he can REALLY do!!!

As usual, the Chargers are considered to be underdogs; this time against an overrated Baltimore team.

Sep

15

LT Injury Revealed

Posted by Charger_Girl

September 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Apparently LaDainian Tomlinson rolled his ankle on the play where he fumbled the ball Monday night versus the Raiders.  This quashes all speculation about why he wasn’t on the field for the Bolts’ game-winning drive.  LT is downplaying the injury, which was not revealed until after San Diego narrowly avoided a humiliating loss versus Oakland in one of the Chargers’ worst performances as of late. 

The injury, which is expected to keep LT out of practice on Wednesday, does not bode well for all of the offseason debate over his age and career.  Frankly, I’m sick to death of hearing how so-and-so is the best QB/RB/WR/TE/etc. in the league every week and how LT must relinquish his crown to Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson.  Yes, Peterson is a great RB; however, bestowing the ultimate moniker on a player is not only moot but also applies pressure upon whom the title is placed.  Why can’t commentators just call a game without feeling forced to establish some subjective hierarchy to every player. 

Furthermore, all of this discounts the significance of LT’s career thus far.  Yes, he’s 30.  Big deal (I wish I was 30 again.)  His career is far from over; however, his recent predisposition for injury is alarming (I’m sure Philadelphia fans can relate with the eternally-injured Donovan McNabb.) 

But then there’s Darren Sproles.  ‘Nuff said.  For now.


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