Justice IS Coming–December 28,2008
This is not a week for talking, it’s time to finish the job. Before you think that I’ve gone completely insane here in The Panic Room, FAITHFUL READER, please allow me to explain the picture to your left. My buddy DJ bought me a Hanukkah present on the streets of the big city. It is an exact (but coincidental) likeness of Franklin Delano Bluth of Arrested Development fame. It is also also purely circumstantial that it happens to be dressed in Charger colors. Here he is sandwiched between my complimentary poster from Opening Day, 1998 (Stan Humphries Day and Ryan Leaf’s first game) and the print Stephen Monaco generously sent me last week. Since my theme this week is that talk is cheap, let me allow Franklin to speak for me. Jay Cutler needs a beatdown.
However, the best way to insure that happening is to win and allow him to spend the offseason wondering why he was unable to lead his team to the playoffs. It’s funny that when people discuss the “tension” between us and Denver, they are unable to provide any examples of Rivers’ alleged antics from this season. Norv Turner admittedly asked PR to tone it down a bit after the win at Indy and I agree with him. Rivers, like any other player, should inspire his own play and those around him. He just doesn’t need to make it any harder on himself. I was happy to read that he was singing “Here Comes The Sun” this week, although I can’t imagine that his rendition was any good.
I’ve also given up worrying about his relationship, or lack thereof, with LT. LT has gotten more reps lately than his play this season has warranted. However, he does get better as the game goes on and the same has gone for end of seasons. Of course, we can’t run the ball in the 4th quarter if we’re trailing as we have been so often this season. Since LT’s comments before the London game, we have gone back to running more. He was absolutely right that we could not win the way were playing. More balance has really helped. I know Acee said that LT was “extremely disgruntled” in his Dec. 21 mailbag entry. He was also quoted this week as saying that he “hopes to finish his career” in San Diego. However, those comments are never printed in their full context and I am sure that both him and The Organization are preparing for a time where he is not the player he has been. However, I don’t think that either believes that now is that time.
It was also bittersweet to read about how well Shawne Merriman was moving around at practice. Imagine how good he’d look if he had gotten his surgery when he was supposed to? OK, that’s enough negativity. Otherwise, there’s not a hell of a lot to be upset with right now. Acee (this is also the last time I am mentioning him) said a few weeks back that a playoff berth with an 8-8 record would still represent a disappointment to both players and fans. I completely disagree. Sunday’s Hanukkah miracle will only be important if the Bolts follow the lighting of the 8th candle with a win. If that happens, however, I guarantee you that no one will remember the disappointment of Sept-Nov. I know I won’t. All we would be thinking about is the playoffs. If we are playing in January after this season, I can’t imagine why we’d be anything but elated.
But the Bolts can’t expect it to be handed to them. Whether Denver will be motivated by fear, hatred or determination is irrelevant. The Chargers have never won when they didn’t come out fighting. If they act like they did in the season opener, THEY will be the ones remembered for choking. They lost three consecutive home playoff games because they expected the opposition to give them the victory. That’s not me being negative, that’s me be honest. They played their most complete game of the season last week. They need to put the Bunkos in the ground.
Last week, two of my biggest targets for ire, Luis Castillo and Nate Kaeding both came up huge. I hope both guys can do that in the fourth quarter. I found it curious that Norv wouldn’t allow Tweety to kick a shorter field goal later on. Will he be able to make a pressure kick as he did in Oakland, or will he falter as he did in Pittsburgh? Castillo also played a huge role in the win with his forced fumble. I still think he’s overpaid immensely and that AJ Smith can’t look at replacing Merriman or Chambers without considering that Jacques “The Rock” Cesaire is twice as tough and a hell of a lot cheaper. Plus, he insulted both Jay Cutler’s haircut (with a Ringo Starr reference, no less) and his oversized blazer.
I don’t have a problem with Cesaire’s comments, by the way. He’s clearly got that Marcellus Wiley sense of humor but can actually produce on the field. Again, it doesn’t matter if you talk, party or celebrate as long as you can back it up. Matt Wilhelm can remind everyone that Jay Cutler grabbed his crotch on Christmas as long as he doesn’t play like he did at the beginning of the season. I also liked the references to putting cyanide in Denver’s water and Siler’s comments “waking up the sleeping monster.”
The key tomorrow night will be the two things that AJ Smith mentioned in the NY Times pieced I linked a few weeks back. We need to run the ball and tighten up on defense. I can’t stand watching another delirious crowd be silenced by a long play by the opposition. There were some big gaffes in Tampa, as there were in the playoffs in Indy. But Rivera did a nice job of mixing it up and Coop really came through. I still don’t think Cooper will ever be Merriman, but we can discuss that in the offseason which I hope won’t come for a while.
It was also nice to see Antonio Gates be featured in the game plan after Norv called that pass on the opening play in KC. That one-handed catch was a thing of beauty and the touchdown was reminiscent of last year’s in Nashville. The screen pass has been coming up more frequently and I really like Hester’s contributions. Along with Cason’s play, you really can’t fault AJ’s picks. The flea-flicker was a nice touch, even if it didn’t result in a long gain. I was happy not to see Rivers try to force anything. Maybe the reverse to Chambers or Jackson will find its way into this week’s game plan.
I also loved Norv’s call to pass with 10 seconds to go in the first half. It showed that we would not get passive, but it wasn’t a stupid throw. I think Philip Rivers would trade a Pro Bowl berth in a heartbeat with Cutler for a win tomorrow night. While we can’t expect Denver to fold, we also need to keep our composure. We know going in that they have some hotheads. If we keep our poise, bad things will happen for them. I know that the U-T pointed out that they have had more injuries and less talent than us and that it is an accomplishment in itself. I am sure that Denver would have been happy to know when the year began that they would have a one-game playoff for the division.
But the fact is that a lot has happened since September and both teams have been affected by it. How will decide this division. All that I ask is that the Chargers fight until the very end. If they don’t beat themselves, I like their chances. I always have. It’s time to finally close this division down. That’s the only way to keep Ed Hochuli’s name from coming up again.
JIC,
RLW
December 28th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Time to put Pony boys ass on the little steel stool and drive him home Stuntman Mike style! A hit even Jammer would be proud of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmBnQ6xmSYw&feature=related
December 28th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Another equine will be slaughtered at the Q’. The first earlier in the week Noise St. and today the second. You see the only horse’s we allow on our field are Blue N’ Yellow. The butchering shall continue next week with a Blue & White Colt.
If these poor Owners were smart they would keep their equines in the pin, rather than risk this painful ending. Ugliness yes, over-confidence yes. Is the Gun loaded “why-yes”.
December 28th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
This just in. LT is back!
Look out Colts.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Going out for a tequila and cigar with my dad. Bring on Indy.
December 29th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I told ya’ll Cutler ruled and Gates and LT were washed up. I believe I was also the one who said Dielman can’t block and Norv should be fired. I knew it. I’m also the one who said, “Just grab em in the biscuits.” That game was totally about me and my negative mojo. It’s either that or it’s because Ross is in the panic room or somebody else is kissing the lightning bolt at the bottom of his pool.
Keep it rolling, Chargers. Manning is going to destroy us.
December 29th, 2008 at 2:37 am
This was an old-school beating from LT’s first of 3 TDs to Hester’s rub shit in Shanny’s face TD and I loved every minute of it!!
Where has this OL been hiding??? 289 yards rushing, a new single game team record — what? Rivers breaks Fouts’ single season TD record — what? LT passes Marcus Allen for 2nd on the career TD list — what? Denver is the first team since 1967 to choke up a 3-game division lead — what?
Well, none of that shit really would matter if we missed the playoffs would it?
Unlike Marty’s 14-2 team, this team looks prepared to do what it takes to win.
All you Marty lovers need to be slapping yourselves silly right now. Is there such thing as Norvyball?
Hey Whit, thanks for the Death Proof videos — that’s exactly what the Donkeys felt like….especially Cutler. Him and Favre will probably pull out of the Pro Bowl due to embarrassment. Is there a gayer football game than the Pro Bowl??
December 29th, 2008 at 2:40 am
I know most of you guys know that I meant to say about Marty was that his 14-2 team was not ready to do what it took to win — in the playoffs. It’s a pretty big distinction that I thought required clarification. There’s a reason that the guy is still unemployed folks.
December 29th, 2008 at 3:05 am
By the way, this officially nullifies my terrible high school memories of our 1987 season collapse. From starting 8-1 and being a playoff lock to finishing 8-7 and missing the playoffs. Yes, I realize it was a weird strike year and we won most of our games because our scabs were better than other team’s scabs, but it hurt none-the-less. I feel a playoff run with this team. If we get by Indy, I think it’s just a matter of staying healthy to survive the gauntlet….something even Clint couldn’t do…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWXg0uPbZpc&feature=related
December 29th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I wrote an article for my high school newspaper called “Uncle Al’s Band” when they were 8-1. There was an Elvis Patterson photo to boot
December 29th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
We are in baby! That’s all that matters.
I see Cutler will need to continued to be beat down in the future. After the game, he said that we are not for real and that Indy should easily handle us. What a clown. Rivers, on the other hand, sought him out to shake his hand after the game, and said everything between him and Cutler was fine. I don’t have a clue as to why Cutler gets a free pass whenever he opens his mouth, which he has continued to do while Rivers has taken the higher road this past year. Oh well, I guess we don’t have to worry about any Donkey trash talking until next year. We have bigger fish to fry.
December 29th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I just heard that Gates has an “ankle”, and obviously LT’s groin pull’s severity isn’t known yet. Still, neither of their injuries seem to be nearly as bad as during last year’s playoff run. I think D will be the key in this next game, and I think the Bolts win by 7.
December 29th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
In the last scab game, the Elvis Patterson game, I believe we had all scabs and the Raiders had a lot of regulars in that game. And we still won. That was a very nice day.
December 29th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I believe Toast ran parallel to the goal line in LA to taunt the Traitors as well.
December 30th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Toast taunted anyone who would listen. 1987 was the year I saw my first Charger game in person — at Arrowhead Stadium in KC for opening day with my Dad. We left Tulsa at 6am, and during that 5 hour drive I had visions of Fouts going deep to Chandler or Winslow in my head and perhaps Lee Williams and Chip Banks dancing on Bill Kenney’s head. Instead Fouts looked old and rusty — 3 picks. I really hated to see my hero, a gun-slinging QB, reduced to being a dump off passer. Ultimately Paul Palmer of the Queefs broke my heart by breaking off a kickoff return for a game-winning TD with very little time remaining (under a minute if I recall) and we lost 20-13. It broke my dad’s heart to find out later that we could have just stayed home and watched the game on TV. You see, my Dad never was much of a football fan. He still doesn’t understand why I spend time agonizing over this team. After that game we won 8 straight, and then as soon as I opened my mouth and told him jokingly that we saw their only loss that year we lose the last 6 — fucking nightmarish roller coaster ride of a season.
Alright, I’m officially over 1987….let’s get on with this playoff game already!!
One thing I want to see this week — something we haven’t seen all year. An LT option pass — as long as it’s not to Rivers, should get us an easy score. Hell, Rivers could probably score if we ran it well enough inside the 15. Nobody would cover him! Anyway, I thought it was worth mentioning that LT hasn’t attempted a pass for the first time in 6 seasons, so it’s probably time to dust that play off since he’s 8-11 with 7 passing TDs in the past 5 years prior to this season.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am
OK, to the business at hand. First and foremost, it is obvious that game 16 was our best. Now normally I would be on top of the world because of that but when LT said his groin is fucked up enough to need an MRI I cringed. The last thing we need is an injured LT trying to get it done in the playoffs. He couldn’t get it done in the regular season when he was injured so nothing makes me think he can get it done in the playoffs when every team turns up the intensity to full.
That 52 point spine removal by our bolts to the pussy ponies shows everyone that when LT is healthy and with our passing attack we rule. By the way it is at this point that I want to remind everyone that Gates got dinged in the game also. A fucking ankle sprain!!! So here we go again. Our 2 best weapons not 100 percent. If I sound pessimistic, no shit, I’m a fucking Chargers fan. Watching my team play like the next Super Bowl Champs only to see 2 of it’s best players have to shut it down early has me not expecting much. I don’t give a shit how negative I sound either. Fuck AJ for calling Michael Turner our insurance policy for LT only to let him go. Watching LT play injured is like the pain of pulled teeth.
Don’t worry you won’t hear from me again till after the game.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Whit, the only thing I can say about LT is that I do think a lot of this is a smokescreen for Indy. Look at the smile on his face after the game. We know he’s not that good of an actor. I think if playing was in doubt he would look pissed since he just had his best game since Dec of last year. I think he’s past the “of course I am playing, they’d need to drag me out.” As for Gates, that sucks but I think he will be OK. Not having him out there fucks things up possibly more than LT. Lastly, if Tom Brady can restructure his contract to get Randy “The Creeper” Moss, why can’t Castillo and Phillips give some dough back to sign Merriman and Sproles? Seriously, don’t think Denver won’t offer Sproles a ton of dough. LT loves him because he makes him that much better.
As for now, just think of Hester pulling that pile, LaDainian smiling and Cuntler saying “what the hell?”
Off the NYC for the Gov’t Mule show. Talk to you tomorrow.
December 30th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Whit, can you just sign in as me and write down negative stuff? I don’t know how much longer I can keep up my anti-Charger negative mojo schpeel.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Whit, no one is going to pay someone 35 million dollars to be a backup in this league. Let it go.
Fuck AJ? We haven’t won the big one yet, but 3 AFC West championships in a row, and 4 out of the last 5, is pretty damn good. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I remember 1-15 and Craig Whelihan like it was yesterday.
We are in the playoffs. I’ll go negative if we get booted this week, but now it’s time to get pumped up and enjoy being here, instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let’s go kick Indy’s ass.
December 31st, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Whit - Hasn’t Sproles softened your lose of MT? While there is no replacing that bowling ball, if the little guy can stay healthy, he is a wicked change of pace from LT and also more versatile than MT - his durability I do worry about. If these new injuries are factors, we may have the needed replacement parts in him and #s 11, 22, 86, and hopefully 80. Did you notice all the wild formations we tried Sunday nite with some of these guys - maybe no one will bogart the ball!
January 1st, 2009 at 10:35 am
CCrab, I think Sproles will have a longer career than Michael Turner. Turner gets hit hard on just about every play. I think Sproles will eventually figure out how not to get smashed.
January 1st, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Colby - I hope you are right because he just keeps getting better and better - somehow AJ has to re-sign him too. He is quickly becoming our Ronnie Harmon-equivalent…
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 am
Colby, how exactly do you “not get smashed” playing football…..esp as a RB/kick returner?
Paying Sproles $3-$4 mill per year isn’t good business as he’s only proven that he can rush for 100 yards twice in his career by racking up garbage yards against tired defenses late in blowouts. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy as a returner and secret weapon (Colt fans know him well), but he’s no every down back like the Burner. CCrab, when I think Sproles I think Lionel “Train” James much more than Ronnie Harmon. Even Harmon was more of a complementary/specialist type player than a featured back. Hester is starting to turn some heads and looks ready to take on a bigger role. It’s also worth noting that we signed Michael Bennett as insurance to LT and Hester through 2010 for $4 million total. So as much as we love DS, I don’t think we need to throw big money at him as much as we need to shore up the DL.
Whit, do you remember how we disposed of the Colts last year — backups. Manu isn’t Gates, but he’s solid. This year Rivers and LT are healthier than last year — not to mention we are at home with an axe to grind for fucking up the last time we played them. Not to mention we are rolling. Ross is exactly right that LT can’t be coy with his emotions. He’s going to be ready.
Just an observation — did anyone notice that Norv didn’t run a single screen pass to LT in the Denver game? Again, I’d love to see LT roll right on 1st down from about the 15 yd line and lob one in to Gates or Manu for a score.
Malcolm Floyd had a good quote when asked about returning this week. “I just hope I don’t get out there and ruin the mojo.” Pleeeeeease don’t do that Malcolm!
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Tom T:
Good point. But I can see Sproles turning his body so he doesn’t take direct hits. And, once he gets a long-term contract, I’m guessing he’ll start running out of bounds more often like LT does.
Michael Turner takes on all comers and takes direct shots from 2 or more defenders every time he gets the ball. Even if it’s the defenders who absorb most of the pain, it still has to take its toll on Turner. Aside from Bettis, I can’t think of any recent back with that style that lasted very long. The guy in Dallas is already started to become injury prone. Same with the guy with the Giants.
But, then again, there haven’t been many really small guys like Sproles who have lasted a long time either. Maybe Little Train is a good example. The little guy who used to play for Tampa Bay (why can’t I think of anybody’s name?) is still playing. He probably hasn’t been that good for a while though.
Can’t wait for tomorrow. I dont’ know if it’s better to blitz a lot or to sit back. If we blitz a lot, Manning will probably figure it out and burn us deep or let the running back do what Tatum Bell did to us last week. If we sit back, I know Manning will control the clock and pick us apart between the 20s. He seems to turn into a medicore quarterback in the playoffs though. So, maybe, if we give him enough plays, he’ll find a way to get the ball to Jammer or Cromartie. But, then again, that’s just giving them the time-of-possession battle. Our D would get tired.
On offense, whatever the Hell we did last week, let’s do that again.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
What is the name of the RAP song #2, under the first paragraph from the Dec. 28th Post? And who is it? That song is TIGHT! BTW- I love reading your posts! Keep them coming.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
http://www.neckexersize.com/Roundtablefolder/SDChargersEP.html
Roundtable MCs
“San Diego Chargers”