Jan

17

Championship Week Early Injury Update & Good Karma Post #4 (a.k.a. There She Goes Again!)

Posted by Charger_Girl

January 17, 2008 |

Everyone knows the Chargers have a lot of injured stars; hopefully, however, everyone on this list will be A-O.K. to play Sunday in what, so far, is the biggest game of the season for San Diego.  Yes, the playoffs are important, and yes, they’ve done exceptionally well thus far.  But winning the AFC Championship is difficult enough on its own:  winning it against a team which hasn’t lost a game all year compounds the matter immeasurably.  Not to mention this opponent has a known cheater as a head coach, apparently willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Several people (namely Patriots fans) say the game Sunday is not a matter of David v. Goliath, old v. young, experience v. inexperience.  Instead, they point out (and as often as possible I might add) that it is maturity v. immaturity.  Frankly, I am sick of hearing this.  Sick of listening to the rantings of New England fans who think the sun rises and sets out of Tom Brady’s rear.  Sick of hearing Philip Rivers being badmouthed for being a passionate, vocal young man.  Sick of hearing about how LaDainian Tomlinson is a “whiner.”  (Pardon the interruption, but the last time I saw LT “whine” was after his teammate was blatantly DISRESPECTED on Chargers turf after the playoff game last year.)  Why is it Patriots fans seem to keep bringing that up?  Chargers fans have let it go, as we are focused on THIS week.  I have asked several mouthy New Englanders to name a game this season where LT whined (I have every game Ti-Vo’d for corroboration.)  But alas, such is the generic blanket statement of those fans who cannot define the word “class” to save their lives.

Another laughable statement by deluded Patriots fans involve the perceived superiority of their wide receivers.  Sure, they have some great ones, but San Diego has a better secondary.  I can’t wait to see Antonio Cromartie intercept a few of Brady’s passes to Randy Moss.  Or Quentin Jammer sticking it to Wes Welker.  Or Drayton Florence in coverage (NO pass interference calls Florence, got it?!)  Or Eric Weddle’s amazing skills (i.e. that one-handed INT against Indy while he was being held!)

But let’s examine the Chargers’ receiving corps, shall we?  Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers are #1 and #2, respectively, in the postseason stats thus far as receivers.  Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee have both been productive when needed.  And I’d love to see New England’s 5′10″ corners covering our 6′5″ receivers!!  Hardly!!

I continue to stress that the Chargers have DEPTH throughout the entire team.  When someone is hurt, the backups step right in and produce.  From Andrew Pinnock to Billy Volek to Jacques Cesaire to Cory Withrow (and everyone else!) 

I laugh when I hear that weather will be a factor.  I’m hoping it’s cold and snowy and windy because that will limit Brady’s prowess in the pocket.  Such conditions scream for a ground attack, and San Diego’s running attack is, in fact, better than New England’s. 

On the brighter side, here is a hilarious little video for your viewing enjoyment:

http://cincinnatibengals.contentquake.com/2007/10/01/shady-brady-and-bill-belicheat/#respond

Now, on to the injury report.  The following players did not participate in practice through Wednesday 1/16:  Antonio Gates (toe), LT (knee), Philip Rivers (knee), Shawne Merriman (illness), and Jamal Williams (team decision.)

On the bright side, Lorenzo Neal, who suffered a fractured fibula against the Titans earlier in the season, has been participating fully in practices.  Amazing!  (I broke a toe once and milked it for a month.)

Actually, the main injury with which I was concerned was Nate Kaeding; however, as he is not on the report, I feel better about him.

Stay tuned for further updates!

Michael ‘the burner’ Turner

Michael “The Burner” Turner


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Steve Alexander on January 17, 2008 11:15 pm

    I agree,I’m sick of hearing the Pats are geting the free ride to the Super Bowl,just show up and its a win.A warm weather team can’t win the cold.Chargers can’t win because of too many injuries,blah,blah,blah.ENOUGH ALREADY!
    Lets see how the Pats DB’s match up against our bigger receivers,lets see how they try to stop LT with a mixture of Sproles and Turner.Lets see how their WR’s match up against out athletic corners and safeties.Lets see how this plays out on the field.The last time I checked ,games aren’t played on paper.

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