…after 14 games
Well, I haven’t written in my blog for a long while now. Granted, watching football has been pretty painful this season… One thing that I have discovered is that if the Chargers lose, I lose interest in football. Which makes me realize that I’m not really a football fan, but just a Chargers fan… I’ve been saying that for years though. But I did get up and leave the Chargers/Panthers game at half time. I did record it though, but I’m not sure I can watch the 2nd half when I already know the score.
And if the Chargers lose, my fantasy football team loses too (as I have Phillip Rivers, Ryan Matthews and the Chargers DEF on my team). Which makes each loss twice as painful. I finished the fantasy football season a gross 4-9. It was my 1st year in this new league, as this new league had some quirky rules, but I do not like losing fantasy football, considering that I’ve been playing this game for nearly 15 years (way longer than most of my league opponents). Forte was my 1st round pick (8/12), and he has a poor season too…
Regardless, this Chargers season, and my fantasy football season were exact mirrors of each other: both nasty (as in gross)
I’ll keep this short, but how does San Diego repair itself in 2013 (as I would expect some BIG changes next season).
GM: AJ Smith (as good as gone)
Head Coach: Norv Turner (as good as gone)
Quarterback: Phillip Rivers – I say trade him. Over the last two seasons (granted his O-line has been battered with injuries) he’s a turnover machine. If the Chargers can get two 1st round draft picks for him, then do it.
Running Back: Keep Matthews, but get a quality back up (oh how they should have gotten Michael Bush – Sorry Hacksaw)
O-Line: Dump left tackle Jared Gaither! what an epic fail. Move Clary to guard (which I’ve been saying for years). Find a new center and draft some O Linemen, early! complete overall is necessary!
Jammer GONE
Shawn Phillips GONE
Spikes GONE
English GONE
Week: 9 / Chargers are 3 – 4 & it’s not over…
I read a post saying to RELAX (if you’re a Chargers fan). I also read a Chargers Public Relations piece about TAKE A CHILL PILL. I’ve read stories about Philip Rivers not disclosing information about a throwing-arm injury from 2011 that still hasn’t healed. And I’ve read many articles about Firing Norv Turner, Fumbling Ryan Matthews and how terrible the offensive line is… Seems like a bunch of opinions from a bunch of self-proclaimed football experts and professional fans. What do you call opinions about opinions? Stories, truth, garbage, satire?
Sure, fans have emotional ties to their favorite things, me included. It physically hurts when my Chargers fail, but this is football. Nothing is for certain in the NFL and errors are a part of the game (and part of the reason we love it). It’s the UPS and DOWNS that make us so invested into our teams. Now if only San Diego could fix or minimize these errors, then I’d be a little happier (after this 3 – 4 start). Sometimes things need to get worse before they get better and I’m taking the half-full option right now…
I think I could relax if San Diego actually made a trade before Thursday deadline. The Chargers have a plethora of starting outside pass-rushing linebackers. Granted, I’m not too impressed with any of them at the moment, other than Shawn Phillips… which could make him trade bait. I haven’t even seen Antwan Barns (Chargers sack leader in 2011) or Larry English more than four times a game. Melvin Ingram sneaks in a few plays here and there, but he could be lined up anywhere OTHER than outside linebacker (trying to make him a jack of all trades / or master of nothing). Granted, the only thing I would want (if the Chargers traded away an outside linebacker) is offensive line help. But at this time of the year, everyone needs offensive line help, so I seriously doubt it happens.
Trading away players for draft picks is always an option, but if the Chargers do not win this year, then their head coach and general manager (Norv Turner and AJ Smith) both may be fired. So, what’s the point of trading players for draft picks (other than addition by subtraction, if the whole front office is fired next year)? If Shawn Phillips is trade-able, then San Diego could lose one of their true leaders (probably not an option for a future draft pick) and Norv and AJ want any talent they currently have.
Other players the Chargers could trade, just to get younger (and they have highly-rated younger backups waiting), would be: RB Ronnie Brown (current back up), LB Takeo Spikes (Mouton), Jarrett Johnson (Larry English), Antwan Barns (Melvin Ingram), Atari Bigby (Brandon Taylor). I wouldn’t expect a fire sale, but maybe one or two moves would help the team as a whole.
There are NINE more games remaining in the season, and anything could happen. Chargers could win six of them, and it could put them into the playoffs (with a 9-7 winning record). Or even better regular season record projections could happen and they could win-out with 12 -4 record… But I don’t think I’ll write off the season until mediocrity starts, and that may begin with the Chargers 8th loss.
Firing Norv Turner now will be a big mistake, as you’d be firing your Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Play Caller. Norv Turner wears many hats and I don’t see an upgrade to firing him mid-season. I think if the Chargers do not make the playoffs this year, Phillip Rivers needs Turner fired for Rivers improvement, as Rivers has flattened out as a passer and not improving as an elite quarterback any longer.
Rivers may need to see his coaches and teammates fired as well, if they all under perform, including himself. Rivers job should be on the line, as being accountable is a part of the game. If you make $15 million per season, and leading the league in turnovers, your job must be on the line. Maybe a coaching staff / front office heads being fired and accountable will lignite something within Rivers as he clearly does not look comfortable is passing the football. To me, it looks like Rivers is his own QB coach, and Norv is merely an adviser (or intern). This offense is the “check’n chunk,” either Rivers a checks-down and tosses to a running back, or he chucks it up for grabs on a 2nd down 40 yard hailmary. Rivers decision making just feels off, and weird.
The AFC West is still very winnable The Broncos have a one game lead at 4-3 over the Chargers (including the tie-breaker at the moment), and no NFL team is invincible (even with Peyton Manning at quarterback). This is a team sport, and every teams is as only as good as ALL its players, so depth is key. But the Broncos are heavily invested into their one guy (Manning) and we’ve seen Manning never miss games to injury, and we’ve seen him miss a season with an injury. You never know with a 36 year old quarterback with a history of neck surgeries.
Just don’t throw in the towel yet…
Chargers vs. Saints (vs. Referees)
…what an uncomfortable game, with undesirable outcome. San Diego looked pretty good against the Saints, but in the final quarter, the game officials had an alternative agenda, favoring New Orleans. Multiple “home town” penalties seemed to outweigh reality, in favor of the win-less Saints. There were several questionable calls against the Chargers that made fans nauseous and grumble in disappointment (in remembrance of the old replacement refs). The calls (and non-calls) made me question a possible “fixed outcome” of the game.
Sure, the Melvin Ingram personal foul was valid (roughing the quarterback) and was the correct call, but how untimely was that penalty (taking away a Chargers interception). Ingram led with his helmet and hit Drew Brees right smack in the chin which is an instant penalty.
The Phillip Rivers interception was a horrible non-call. Rivers intended target Malcom Floyd was hit in the back before the ball arrived causing the ball to get tipped into the air, causing the turnover. It was a very close play (and possibly missed), but it was pass interference and should have been called pass interference, not an interception.
The Antonio Gates offensive pass interference call was a mystery and a phantom penalty. Gates was called for pushing the defenders hands off him, which is not a penalty. If anything, it should have been call illegal contact on the Saints, resulting in an automatic first down for San Diego.
The very next play was a ticky-tack holding penalty on center Nick Hardwick, eliminated a 25 yard Rivers to Floyd pass and catch. Then the next play was another flag on the Saints with illeagle hands to the face, automatic 1st down.
And with the finale turnover/strip: Chargers Left Tackle Jared Gaither (2nd game back, returning from a back injury and missed all of training camp) was not able to move well (due to stiffness, cramps, suggested groin pull) and Saints defensive end Martez Wilson knew something was wrong. Like a shark and with blood in the water, Martez Wilson blew by the stiff Gaither forcing a Rivers strip/fumble and Saints recovery, ending the game with 14 seconds on the clock, 3rd down on the Saints 33 yard line. In fact, fans watch knew Gaither was injured as television commentator Chris Collinsworth said before the play, to watch Gaither, something is wrong with him. “Gaither looks lame.”
Gaither should have been removed the play prior, since Gaither whiffed on another Wilson block (which hit Rivers after an incomplete pass). Gaither was clearly wounded, yet he could NOT go down with an injury as San Diego would have been charged their final timeout (with the NFL under two minute injury timeout rule). Either way, Rivers turned the ball over and ended the game, with an unused San Diego timeout. Phillip Rivers should have used that timeout to remove Gaither since he was injured. This is a team game, and if your team can’t block for it’s quarterback, then expect disaster.
Regardless of the outcome, timeouts, penalties, injuries & lack of substitutions, Drew Brees has a great game with 4 touchdown passes. Any team that gives up four big touchdown receptions deserves to lose. San Diego’s secondary was picked apart on Monday Night Football and Drew Brees looked very impressive (with a NFL record 48th straight game with a touchdown pass).
Dependable Backups – Chargers Depth Report
Finishing week 4 of the 2012 season has been quite inspiring for the San Diego Chargers. Despite a few players with acute injuries, the teams depth looks very respectable. Three key backup replacements get very good praise: Aubrayo Franklin, Mike Harris and Jackie Battle.
Incumbent Nose Tackle Antonio Garay has yet to play this season, but his replacement, Aubrayo Franklin, has played admirably. Franklin is the heavy anchor of the 3-4 defense, with reputable experience (and has probably earned the starting spot). San Diego has the luxury of having three solid nose tackles on the roster. Franklin, with current backup Cam Thomas, are as good as any nose tackle tandems in league. San Diego’s run defense is outstanding and have not allow a 100 yard rusher this season (like notable opposing running backs Darren McFadden, Chris Johnson, Michael Turner and Jamal Charles). Garay’s San Diego’s future is now question, as rumors swirl of his release. Garay is not the player he once was and still remains inactive, but Garay is a club house leader has versatility. He can be moved to defensive end (which can save his job, but probably not longer than 2012).
Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Mike Harris filled in at Left Tackle for the first three weeks and has shown glimpses of starting material, but he is still very raw and needs more training and experience He is a good swing tackle to have on the team and can backup both offensive tackle spots. His combination of coach-ability, foot-work, heart and size proves he will be in San Diego for a long while. It was a huge bombshell to see Harris start the first three weeks of 2012, but he played as well and held off respectable pass rushers in Cameron Wimbley and John Abraham. But starting left tackle Jared Gaither (with new contract) finally returned from a mysterious back injury that had him miss all of the preseason and first three regular season games. Gaither played well in week four against the Chiefs and needs to get back into “football shape.” Gaither is a huge impressive mountain of a lineman, and has a knack of playing well when you throw him into the fire, but missing time protecting Quarterback Phillip Rivers is probably the most important job on the team. Gaither is really is a “plug and play” left tackle and is the best offensive lineman on the team.
Running Back seems to be a mystery in San Diego. Ryan Matthews has shown glimpses of greatness and is a 1st round draft pick, but small, nagging injuries seem to cause him to miss playing time in his brief career. Matthews broke his collar bone on the first play of the first preseason game, causing him to miss the first two regular season games. Matthews much anticipated return in week three showed his explosiveness and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, but also included a goal line fumble (which may have shaken up trust factors within the coaching staff). Jackie Battle, Curtis Brinkley and Ronnie Brown are all solid back ups, but neither of them are “complete backs” like Matthews should be (can be). Battle was listed at the bottom of the running back corp but has nows shown some moxie in the power game, got the start against his former team the Chiefs in week 4. Battle had two touchdowns (rushing & receiving), so look for Battle to get more playing time, which can take away some Matthews touches. Both Matthews and Battle can be an explosive 1-2 punch, which will take pressure of the passing game.
Corner back, Nickle back, and the New guy:
Second year backup corner back Shareece Wright looked very good in preseason and has a lot up upside. Wright played very well in the preseason and has great speed that can create an instant impact for the Chargers secondary (who really needs his depth at corner back). Wright’s standout special teams play was expected to earn him additional playing time and as starting nickle corner in 2012. But Wright hurt his ankle very early in week one, and he’s yet to play since. San Diego signed veteran corner back Chris Carr to fill in for Wright for the moment. Carr has starting experience (and can return kicks and punts), so he is much more than a “fill-in” type. Carr can really find a home on this team if he plays well. Starting corner backs Antoine Cason and Quinton Jammer have their ups and downs and are both free agents after this year. Neither have been playing as well as hoped, but Jammer is playing with a broken hand and is very tough . Marcus Gilchrist,the other backup corner back and last years nickle corner, has the ability to eventually become a starter too, but he has been banged up this year too.
2012 depth looks very good for the Chargers, and the future is inspiring for San Diego fans…
The Seattle-Screw / Bad Call, Good Win
Monday Night Football came down to a controversial call/replay, last-second, Hail-Mary Pass that resulted in a touchdown and a come from behind win for the Seattle Seahawks (The Seattle Screw). Blame the replacement referees, blame the instant replay rules, blame the NFL rules in general, but don’t over analyze the results, that catch, the touchdown, the points on the board, or the win.
No one cheated, so it’s a win. Even if the Seahawks did cheat, they still won. It’s the referees call, and the replay could be looked as a legitimate touchdown (by rule). Dozens of MISSED CALLS or FLAGS alter football games every week, so why is this TD so differnt? Replacement Refs are under a microscope, NFL is under a microscope, Packers are widely touted and the national spotlight of Monday Night Footaball will over analyze this games result. There are 32 teams in the NFL that play 16 games each year, and any team would love to take a win every week, any way you can get it. So any team would take this win. Think about if the roles were reversed and quarterback Aaron Rogers threw that ball to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, would this win be so controversial? Probably not, because the Packers are the Packers. If wins gets you into the playoffs, then wins are what you demand. So take the win and enjoy it.
2012 NFL Predictions (Super Bowl: San Diego over Seattle)
The 2012 NFL Season is near, and an opinionated, yet semi-educated, guess/prediction of what will happen this season needs to be noted, by me, for you to read. So I’ll make a few guesses and point out division winners (and losers) without TOO much invested in actual records, plus an estiamted playoff picture with MVP’s and seasoned indivdual award tacked in there too.
After this seasons Super Bowl, we can all look back and see how amazingly CORRECT I was, or how totally incorrect I can be. After all, this is only a guess, right?
MY DIVISION PICKS
AFC East
1. New England
2. Buffalo
3. New York Jets
4. Miami
AFC North
1. Baltimore
2. Cincinnati
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cleveland
AFC South
1. Houston
2. Tennessee
3. Indianapolis
4. Jacksonville
AFC West
1. San Diego
2. Kansas City
3. Denver
4. Oakland
NFC East
1. Philadelphia
2. Dallas
3. New York Giants
4. Washington
NFC North
1. Green Bay
2. Chicago
3. Detroit
4. Minnesota
NFC South
1. Atlanta
2. New Orleans
3. Carolina
4. Tampa Bay
NFC West
1. Seattle
2. San Francisco
3. St. Louis
4. Arizona
ANNUAL AWARDS
Best regular season teams: San Diego & Green Bay, with a 12-4 record
Worst regular season team: Cleveland, with a 2-14 record
MVP: Phillip Rivers, San Diego
Defensive Player of the Year: Mario Williams, Buffalo
Offensive Player of the Year: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Melvin Ingram, San Diego
Coach of the Year: Pete Carroll, Seattle
Most surprising team (positive): San Diego
Most surprising team (negative): Denver
First coach to be fired: Leslie Frazier, Minnesota
PLAYOFFS
AFC wild card games: Houston over Cincinnati, Baltimore over Tennessee
Divisional round: San Diego over Houston, Baltimore over New England
AFC Championship Game: San Diego over Baltimore
NFC wild card games: Atlanta over Chicago, San Francisco over Philadelphia,
Divisional round: Seattle over Philadelphia, Green Bay over San Francisco
NFC Championship Game: Seattle over Green Bay
Super Bowl: San Diego over Seattle
2012 NFL Training Camp (Race and Course)
…training camp!
We like to hear those two words. Its like our “football-seasoned” appetizer has just arrived at our table, as our main course is nearing (the regular season). Well, then you have preseason games, which really doesn’t have a positive flavor in our football fix (as a $60 ticket for a game that doesn’t count and doesn’t really taste that good). But still, preseason football is still football (just like bad buffalo wings & burnt fries still get eaten), we do like watching ALL four quarters on our big screen HDTV’s. Watching undrafted rookie free agents SHINE (at least for their quick moment) and watching the superstars socialize with each other and interview with standard cliche’ answers on the sidelines, “…one game at a time…”
Then there are the worries: The injuries You can only hope that your favorite players have shown up in decent shape so that training camp, drills & practices do not create any NEW injuries. JUST STAY HEALTHY and STAY AVAILABLE!!!! Little by little, these high performance machines are getting tinkered, pumped torked & flexed into game shape. Yet if you push their engine too far, car problems can occur and a gasket may blow or a block may get cracked. So we all hope the hamstrings stay healthy, knee injuries are just minor, groin/abdominal injuries are slight and ligaments & bones are normal.
And that’s just the body and the guts – or the tools, motor & parts from the neck down…
What about the HEAD, the BRAINS? Learning the playbook, adapting to new schemes, working well with your teammates, new coaches, new positions (and the good ole’ concussion).
It’s honestly amazing how complicated you may think this 2012 training camp really is & how much rides on it. But in actuality IT’S ONLY A GAME (a race or a course). A game that has changed our culture and dominates our interests. A game that keeps us connected to Twitter daily, fan-blogs and to football-related websites during the entire off-season ( just because we NEED TO KNOW whats happening with our team, the players, Mr. General Manager and every free agent still available).
This game isn’t a game at all anymore is it? It’s a routine. It’s a social outlet, a stalker-fetish, a daily read or should I say: a secondary life…
“…Wait, what’s that? Who got the latest DUI, who has a new non-profit organization, who shot them self, who went cliff diving, who wrecked their motorcycle, who had their 6th child, who remains unsigned, who’s suing him, who retired, he did what to his mother???”
So preseason is next, followed by our fantasy football drafts and THEN we will have our main course (the regular season), only to hope for a sweet desert in the end.
—James Fedewa
Would you rather Win a Major Sports Championship or be a Hall of Famer?
Would you rather Win a Major Sports Championship or be a Hall of Famer?
Example Dan Marino or Trent Dilfer? Ted Williams or Paul O’Neil? Patrick Ewing or Ed Curry?
Financially speaking, I would choose: Hall of Fame.
If you’re elected to the Hall of Fame you get pension checks. Some OLD timers need those checks to live and some younger guys need those checks too, as we see a lot of former millionaires go bankrupt from bad investments, poor decision making or terrible lifestyle choices. Sure, championship is a GOAL and an HONOR, but most of these major sports are TEAM SPORTS, and you’re only as good as your team.
Major Championship is why: “You PLAY to WIN the Game” – a la Sherm Edwards – but players cannot control championships (hence “team” sports). Players can control the quality & commitment of their own play and aim towards the Hall of Fame. This is a BUSINESS, not bragging rights… Rings are really only bragging rights and ego strokers…
Showing your championship RING to a restaurant owner can give you free meal or drink for life, and you maybe able to sell your championship ring for $85,000 (like Lawrence Taylor’s son did).
…so I’d stick with Hall of Fame goal (and the $200,000 per year pension checks – pretty nice for a retiree for an average of 8 to 13 years).
NFL Head Coach Rankings – a personal opinion on bias media
Have you read this latest “LIST” or ranking of NFL Head Coaches on The Sporting News (link above)? The ranking is on a scale of 1 to 32 (as in 32 NFL teams) and who’s considered the TOP coach in the NFL, followed by the “who’s next”…
Like most “lists” they are 100% opinion based (which is a sports columnist or analyst job and point of view). There are considerable differences between subjective reporters, narrow-minded columnists and biased analysts, yet each are labeled in a category but all are in the sports media. Who do you believe most or whose opinion you think is more valid is your choice…
TOP 10, TOP 32 or TOP 100 lists seem to be very popular these days (like The Top 100 NFL Players of 2012). All lists are mostly done by individuals and every individual is bias is some way or another. The Top 100 NFL Players of 2012 is a little different though, as all “active players” VOTE who they “think” is the best NFL Player, but some lists can be created by one individual (like a reporter, communist or analyst – or even worse fan sites). Both of these democratic voting list or individual top lists involve people, and all people are bias (whether they like it or not).
Reporters are supposed to be objective and leave their opinions out of the news, interviews and stories, yet they still can sway, misreport or leave out information in story or interview. That “reporter” could’ve gone to Ohio State University, so they’ll avoid Tom Brady questions, stories or ratings… (as Tom Brady when to the University of Michigan, which is rival to Ohio State – See analyst Kirk Herbstreit from Ohio State, or reporter Adam Schefter from Michigan ). Same thing applies with voting active players in the NFL. Or even the NFL Network, which is owned by the NFL.
So I may as well make a list of my own top 100 Guitarists (that have been recorded), or top 100 Beers (that I’ve drank), or top 100 hottest models (that I’ve seen on TV and magazines), or top 100 Cheeses (that I prefer melted on bread, past 7pm). Sure, you’ll get MY opinion too, as most lists, but just to say, everything you read is 100% bias.
Let’s fix this top 32 NFL Coaching list, as I am very bias about the team I like (San Diego Chargers), bias towards division rivals and bias to teams that seem to regularly beat the Chargers in the playoffs. Norv Turner is the San Diego Chargers Head Coach, who is always in the HOT SEAT so there’s a list of coaches that I would NOT want in San Diego (that are listed higher than Norv Turner)?
The “NOT IN SAN DIEGO” List:
7.) John Fox, Denver: he was fired from Carolina in 2010 for failing, yet he had Jimmy Clausen at quarterback. Note, in 2011 Fox was .500 and is product of Tim Tebow. Why is he #7 @ .500 and 1 year removed from being fired in Carolina?
8.) Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles – He was good at one point in his tenure in Philly, but he needs to be removed as his ego, dream team stature and high team control are very outdated. He’s produced solid seasons, but no Super Bowl victories a decade of mediocrity and playoff failures. He’s like a KING in a democracy, and has too much control. Plus, He had a .500 season last year too, so why does he demand so much respect? He might be better than Norv Turner, but I wouldn’t want in in San Diego.
9.) Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears – He doesn’t even seem like a head coach to me. He seems very insecure and under spoken to be an NFL Head Coach. He’s like the Mayor of a tiny town that likes to focus on half the team (the defense, and that’s it). Half of a team is not a team… I can tell Chicago is focusing on the offence this year with a couple of new big wide receivers and a big armed quarterback, but that’s not on Lovie Smith. He’s too boring without a lot of wins too. He’s just a coach, and not head coach material.
10.) Jeff Fisher, St. Louis Rams – AVERAGE COACH, not a winner, not a loser, but always consistent. Key word here, NOT A LOSER, which goes a long way in the NFL. Yet, he’ll never get a ring with the teams he chooses to go to. I do like him though, but Norv is better.
11.) Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals – This guy is still riding this Super Bowl victory as the Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator 11 years ago. He’s a loyal guy and committed to Cincy, but if I were him, I’d try a different team. Although, The Bengals made it to the playoffs in 2011 and could be really good for a while. STILL, he’s a lop sided coach again (only focusing on a mediocre defense). He’s below average to me and should only be a Defensive Coordinator.
14.) Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals – Has done ZERO and still can’t find a quarterback. GROSS!
17.) Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions – Has done ZERO! (and got the Mr. Sensitive end-of-the-stick with the famous Harghbaugh “hand-shake”) – Better than Norv? You’re kidding me right? Norv vs. a bitch, Norv wins…
18.) Mike Munchak, Tennessee Titans – Better than Norv? He’s my high school gym bowling coach.
19.) Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs – He was the head coach for the final 3 games of 2011. Sure, the Chiefs beat the undefeated Packers, good job Romeo, but the Chiefs still finished 8-8 on the season, and he’s better than NORV? I’m not going to even comment on this selection because he coached THREE GAMES! The Chiefs were actually worse than what their record states.
…and Norv is number 20. What a lame list…
Be Smart
The human brain, our intellect (or lack of), with “guesstimation decision-making” can dictate a personality. Stupidity, ignorance, charisma and social normalcy can vary within that personalty making someone believable or a somewhat of a joke. I guess whichever of these things controls you most, that makes you; YOU! Yet one fluctuation of these traits can make you look like a complete idiot regardless of how smart you really are…
POINT IS: BE SMART, shut up and listen!
National Fanatic 