NFL: San Diego Chargers Chat

2008-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

You'll read alot this week about sports heros giving out food baskets. Here's an interesting twist: giving out blood. The Chargers blood drive celebrates 30 years of giving this year. Read all about it here.

2008-10-30T10:46:00.001-07:00

Charge the election booths next Tuesday, November 4th! Vote vote vote!

2008-10-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Get in on the election hooplah by voting for QB Philip Rivers for this week's FedEx Air Player of the Week award.

Boom Boom HuckJam

2008-07-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Its just fun to say, isn't it? I was looking for San Diego event tickets and saw that this is coming up next month. I've seen this stuff on TV before, but I think I need to check it out live. Does Tony Hawk actually still compete in stuff like this? Isn't he getting a bit old for that? It'd be worth going just to see Grandpa skating. ;)

Almost Lost a Fan

2008-07-14T08:38:00.001-07:00

I guess we sort of did lose a fan, but not in the permanent or sad way. Ken Hunter choked on a piece of meat at a restaurant last week and was given the Heimlich by none other than the Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez. He now says that if the Chiefs are playing the Chargers, he's going to have to cheer for Tony, and that his "friends will understand."

Yeah, yeah, I guess we can tolerate that. Just don't cheer too loudly, okay?

Here's the story:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3477130

2008-06-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

I got some Padres baseball tickets last week, but it turned out to be a disappointing game. The Pads lost to Minnesota, 3-1. Worse than that, though, was the crowd.

Our fans actually booed our own guy, Trevor Hoffman. C'mon people. You don't have to love every player, but it's downright ugly to act like that. Besides, it just weakens the team in front of our opponents. How do you expect a guy to play better when you deject him like that publicly?

Write letters. Start a blog. But don't screw up the game for the rest of us who actually care about our city and teams.

Poor Parker

2008-06-25T05:23:00.000-07:00

It sounds like the Browns are interested in Eric Parker. How much would it suck to move from San Diego to Cleveland? Ugh. Poor Eric. Save up for parkas and snow tires!

It's a hot time tonight!

2007-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Wow - I've always felt the Chargers were on fire, but I didn't mean literally...?

Tomlinson among fire evacuees; Chargers cancel practice

Okay, okay, so not funny. Sorry.

Summer is long without football...

2007-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

August 12th, vs. the Seattle Seahawks, 8:00pm. The date's in your calendar, right? Of course it is.

Only 62 days left till Chargers pre-season starts!

Power Rangers

2007-03-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

Enter Chargers NFL 2007! I like the new suit, especially the electric blue. Rivers is going to look like a super heroe.

2007-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Bad luck for Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers! Hurt knee during the Pats game, but he powered through.

Chargers Making it Look Easy

2006-12-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Chargers won their 8th game in a row defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-9. But the story of the day was LaDainian Tomlinson....again. Tomlinson carried the ball 25 times for 199 yards with 2 touchdowns extending his records of most touchdowns in a season (31), most rushing touchdowns in a season (28), and most points in a season (186). He also set the record for most multi-touchdown games in a row with 8. This is also his 8th straight game with at least 100 yards rushing. I really can't see any other player in the league more deserving of the MVP.

San Diego Continues Amazing Run

2006-12-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

Make that 6 wins in a row! With 178 yards rushing from LaDainian Tomlinson the San Diego Chargers outlast the Buffalo Bills 24-21. Tomlinson is on a tear this year, poised to break the single season touchdown record set by Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks last season. Tomlinson only needs 2 more touchdowns in the next 4 games to tie Alexander's mark. The Chargers are in the driver's seat in the AFC West standings, and are now tied for first in the AFC thanks to the loss by the Indianapolis Colts against the Tennessee Titans.

Chargers vs. Broncos Go Prime Time

2006-11-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

Guess it was both of our come-from-behind wins that inspired it, especially ours against Cincinnati. Let's face it, the Denver Broncos only had to rally from a 13-7 deficit in the 4th against the 2-7 Oakland Raiders. The San Diego Chargers, on the other hand, down 28-7 at halftime, went berserk in Part Deux, wailing on the Bengals (who did not take it lying down!) with 42--count 'em, 42--points to win 49-41.

Like Coach Schottenheimer said, "If you couldn't enjoy this--other than Coach Lewis and his crowd--then you might not enjoy football."

collateral result: We'll be enjoying San Diego at Denver starting at 5:15 Sunday night, instead of early in the afternoon.

Chargers Should Hold Off Rams

2006-10-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Chargers have met the Rams a total of eight times, once (1975) when they were the L.A. Rams instead of the St. Louis Rams. Five of those match-ups went to the Rams. Sunday's game, I predict, won't.

A) Last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs was an aberration. B) The Chargers will likely still have Merriman in the game while he appeals the steroid suspension. C) The Chargers will be back home, where we can buy tickets and get out to Qualcomm and cheer for them.

Chargers Helping In The Fight Against Breast Cancer

2006-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Got a female in your life that’s a fan of the San Diego Chargers? Does she get upset that you have cool jerseys and such with the team logo on it? I just stopped by the website for the chargers and saw them advertising a pink hat with the Chargers symbol on it and also a pink ribbon so you can show your support for the Chargers in the fight against breast cancer. Pretty cool way to support a good cause and your favorite team! Maybe you could buy one for a woman in your life! I just ordered 2!

San Diego Chargers or Baltimore Ravens - Whose Streak Ends?

2006-10-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's good to be back after an unfortunately distracting summer. Also good to know the San Diego Chargers have been doing great without my added touch here! Nice to see them at the top of the AFC West where they belong, of course. Even as I get back in the blogging saddle, they are 2 and 0, and leading in the 4th quarter over the 3 and 0 Baltimore Ravens.

Oh no! Under 2 minutes to go and I'm jinxing things! Better sign off and concentrate on game!
More about this tomorrow!

Chargers Putting Faith in Philip Rivers

2006-06-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

We shall see whether or not San Diego should have hung onto Drew Brees. But last year's Super Bowl was proof that you don't need a seasoned quarterback to go somewhere. Specifically to the NFL playoffs.
One thing our new QB has going for him seems to be durability--when he played NCAA football at North Carolina State, Philip Rivers had a record 51 starts. And he wasn't just showing up. Rivers was named MVP in five bowl games.

Chargers working hard this summer.

2006-05-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting story on the team’s official web site about the San Diego Chargers receiving core and running perfect routes. It appears they spend the off season practicing running their routes to make things easier on the Quarter back come game time and the regular season. Practice make perfect. Keenan McCardell and Eric Parker are two players who could use some skills training if they are going to produce well this coming season.

It is nice to see that we have 11 starters returning on our defensive that was top rated last year. Are we looking to beef up with a few of those rookie free agents that are so hopeful to land a spot on the Chargers roster?

Spending some time in the classroom…

2006-05-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of players, Antonio Davis is taking this off-season to learn more about how to play and predict defense. Every player can benefit from learning about the ways that other players are going to cover them and about the different ways to cover their own opponents. Hopefully his studious behavior will spread to other members of the team as well.

So Long Sammy Davis

2006-04-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Cornerback Sammy Davis is no longer a San Diego Charger. He has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers for wide receiver Rashaun Woods. I am not sure I am totally behind that move because we have not seen a lot of Woods since early 2005. He has been injured so long I am not sure we should be taking a chance on him.

Can I get a lead blocker over here, please?

2006-03-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Chargers have picked up their second free agent of 2006. Aaron Shea, formerly of the Cleveland Browns, will be joining the Chargers in 2006 and fans are really excited about this move. Shea has been signed to a three-year deal and he was selected in hopes of beefing up our passing game. I am glad to see San Diego choosing someone with experience and a talent for blocking.

Pro Bowl is more for the players than the fans.

2006-02-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Chargers sent six players to the Pro Bowl and they had a great time. For the players, the whole week beforehand was more exciting because they got to interact and practice with a lot of their fellow athletes. They got to compete for titles of every kind, show off their skills and relax with their families in beautiful Hawaii.

Brees Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

2006-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

It is nice to hear that San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees is doing better. He had surgery to repair his throwing shoulder recently and is reportedly healing faster than expected. Maybe that arm will be able to take the Chargers to the playoffs this year.

Chargers Challenging Chiefs

2005-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

On paper, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to walk all over the Chargers on Sunday, but that does not look to be the case. Of the 4 losses this year, the Chargers lose by only an average of 3 points. The Chiefs have the better offense, and the Chargers’ defense does leave something to be desired, but for the Chargers always find a way to stay in the game till the closing seconds. With the Chiefs having one of the worst defenses in the NFL allowing 359 yards per game, this game might really prove to be a high scoring affair.

Making Move for the Future

2005-10-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

With the trade deadline already upon us the Chargers decided to make some moves for the future. The Chargers traded away third string quarterback Cleo Lemon for A.J. Feeley and an undisclosed draft pick from the Miami Dolphins. And since the Chargers have two potential starting quarterbacks on their roster with Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, they are reportedly going to trade one of them in the offseason. The Chargers also traded guard Toniu Fonoti to the Minnesota Vikings for a conditional draft pick in the 2006 draft. A.J. Feeley was a big bust in Miami, hopefully he will be a suitable back up for either Brees or Rivers.

Turning the Season Around

2005-10-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. After going 0-2, and being discounted by most sports people that know such things, the Chargers are coming back in a big way. After handing a decisive defeat to the New York Giants last Sunday, the Chargers had a repeat performance against the Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots. Gillette Stadium is the place the Patriots call home, and they have won 21 straight games there. But that all came to an end on Sunday. LaDainian Thomlinson tore up the Patriots defense with over 130 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Next week is the Pittsburgh Steelers, unfortunately no time to relax and celebrate.

Done and Out Already?

2005-09-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Starting off 0-2 was not the idea the Chargers had in mind. Their two losses have both come at the hand of 4^th quarter collapses against the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Many think that the Chargers could already be on the brink of being out of playoff contention.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports says, “San Diego's remaining slate could realistically feature 11 games against teams in playoff contention. And it's dotted with the Rolls Royce franchises from both the AFC and NFC: Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Colts, Jets, Broncos, Chiefs (twice).”

So it looks like it’s going to be a difficult season ahead for the Chargers. Their next game on Sunday against the New York Giants could mark either the beginning of the end or the beginning of rebuilding. The Chargers need to forget about the last two weeks and focus on starting the season over again. It’s not over yet.

Chargers Start With a Limp

2005-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Not the way we saw this season starting out, at 28-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Last year’s surprising season for the Chargers has really gotten people ready for this new season, to see the improvements made to get them past the first round in the playoffs. The silver lining in this cloud is the 4 sacks handed to Drew Bledsoe. The defense is going to need to stay active like that against the Denver Broncos next Sunday, if they want to even their season out to 1-1.

About 90%

2005-06-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Chargers number two receiver, Reche Caldwell, is well on his way for a full recovery from a torn ACL he acquired in game 6 against the Falcons last season. Caldwell has reportedly said that he feels about 90 percent and his work ethic and performance this off-season have shown the team he is ready to play again. Caldwell had a promising start last season; he had 30 plus receptions with 300 plus yards and 3 touchdowns in 5 games. His comeback this season will bolster the receiver position.

Not a Team Player

2005-06-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

What is the make up of a professional athlete?

Dedication, team work, a good work ethic, and self discipline; these are just few thing that come to mind when thinking of the make-up of a professional athlete. Those intangibles are something drafted rookie Shawne Merriman will have to learn. While he is out of mini-camps to avoid getting hurt, his teammates are breaking their back to improve themselves for their team.

Ben Leber is the linebacker expected to be replace by Merriman. Even though Leber is hurt he still attends practice everyday. Even though Leber will loose his spot, he will still attend practice every day. Merriman could learn something from him.

Pay Day

2005-05-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. People just tend to forget to look up from time to time. Such is the case for defensive tackle Jamal Williams. Williams was plagued with injuries in his first two seasons in the league but emerged within the past to years as the anchor for the Chargers defensive line. Now he signed a five year contract worth $27.5 million dollars and $11.5 million dollars of that is guaranteed.

Jammer

2005-05-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Word around camp is that corner back Quentin Jammer is finally coming around to be a shut down corner like he was on the college level. Jammer believes that this will be his break out season, and according to his performances in camp he looks outstanding and is aggressively snagging the ball while closing in on receivers.

A Little Help

2005-05-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

When the Chargers selected there first pick Shawne Merriman it brought smiles to the faces in the San Diego front office. It put a sigh of relief on the defensive line coach, but most importantly the happiest group of people on the team would have to be the secondary, two in particular; cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence.

Jammer was the No. 5 pick in 2002, and has been some what of a let down for the San Diego Chargers. Jammer was expected to become a shutdown corner just like he was in deep in the heart of Texas.

With addition of Merriman and Luis Castillo the Chargers have attempted to upgrade there pass rush; in doing so, Jammer and Davis don't have to cover receivers for 6 seconds. Maybe we can see some more INT’s this year.

Does Rivers deserve to be where he is at?

2005-05-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, Rivers was a reach when picked 4th in the draft. Every analyst had Eli and Ben as the top two QB's. Rivers was projected to go in the second round, and then his stock began to go up before the draft.

However, his stock never got any higher than the middle of the first round. So, first of all SD should have asked the Colts to pick Ben for the negotiated trade.

He was fortunate that SD fell in love with him, because otherwise he would have been picked much later. Turns out the analysts were right about Ben too, I think most would agree.

A Look at Mini-camp

2005-05-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

The big news, of course, was who was not there. Veterans were perplexed by Merriman's absence. The final four practice sessions were for rookies only, and the Chargers at least got to see who is in the fold. Luis Castillo, taken 28th overall, was impressive in his ability to move despite having calves as thick as light poles. He worked primarily at left end. T

he coaches took note of what second-round pick Vincent Jackson lacked as much as they praised his size and speed. Two of the new offensive linemen, fifth-round pick Wes Britt and seventh-rounder Scott Mruczkowski, showed they definitely have the size and probably possess the moves to stick in what is suddenly a deep unit. The buzz was all about running back Darren Sproles, who immediately displayed the elusiveness and side-to-side speed the Chargers hope make him a successful kick returner.

Grading the draft...B+

2005-04-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

The team used its two first-round picks to upgrade the defense, specifically the pass rush. Only two teams had fewer sacks than the Chargers' 29 in 2004. OLB Shawne Merriman is an aggressive, nasty defender who piled up sacks in college. DT Luis Castillo is an explosive athlete who eventually should be a handful inside. Initially, he will work behind DT Jamal Williams, and Castillo also might work some at end. . . .

The team hopes RB Darren Sproles can provide a consistent spark returning kickoffs. He also might get a look returning punts, or the team could stick with WR Eric Parker in that role. The team looked toward the future by taking offensive linemen with its final three picks. The entire line returns from last season, but changes could be coming in the near future.

Chargers primed for tough schedule

2005-04-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com

The television schedule says the AFC West champion Chargers are back among the NFL’s prime-time teams with one Monday night game and two Sunday night dates.

“As I’ve said before, I think we’ve arrived as an organization,” Smith said. “We’re very proud of that. I think the schedule means that a lot of people are thinking about us and want to showcase us and see what we’re about in 2005.”

On the whole, the Chargers’ 16-game schedule that was released Wednesday says the Bolts are back among the NFL’s elite clubs. In the NFL, the teams with the highest division finishes are paired up in the subsequent season. That means the Chargers are facing a tougher schedule as a 12-4 team than they did a year ago when they finished 4-12.

The season opens at home against Dallas on Sept. 11. A week later begins the second toughest road schedule in the NFL with a trip to AFC West rival Denver on Sept. 18. In all, the Chargers have seven games against playoff teams. They face the other three AFC division champions, all five other AFC playoff participants, including two against wild-card entry Denver, and one NFC division champion.

“If you want me to say it looks tough on paper, absolutely,” said Smith. “There are some good teams(on the schedule). Going on the road is hard anyway.”

Any Chargers schedule will be tough with the built in home-and-home games against AFC West rivals Denver, Kansas City and Oakland. The schedule also has the Bolts facing three of the four AFC and NFC conference finalists in four-week stretch October.

The Chargers play at Super Bowl XXXIX champion New England (14-2) on Oct. 2, play Pittsburgh (15-1) at home on Monday, Oct. 10 and travel to Philadelphia (13-3) on Oct. 23. The three teams have a combined record of 42-6.

“To me, they’re all tough,” Smith said. “You’re asking me to dissect a schedule on paper. It’s based on what the records were a year ago. I look at it as a new year. It’s a new year for us and a new year for the New England Patriots, the world champions three out of four years. And I’m sure they’ll tell you that, too, when you talk about the past.”

All three of the Chargers’ prime-time TV slots are an added treat for Chargers fans as home games at Qualcomm Stadium. The AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers (15-1) will enliven Mission Valley on Monday, Oct. 10. The two Sunday night dates at Qualcomm are against the New York Giants (6-10) on Sept. 25 and the Oakland Raiders (6-10) on Dec. 4.

“The best thing is everybody recognizes that with the 12-4 record, the Chargers are one of premier teams in the National Football League,” said Jim Steeg, the executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The best thing is for our fans to go out and buy season tickets. I think they’ll find we’ve got a really enjoyable season.”

In addition to AFC East champion New England and AFC North champion Pittsburgh, the Chargers third showdown with an AFC division champion is Dec. 18 at the AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts (12-4).

The other two AFC playoff participants the Chargers face are the wild-card entries – the New York Jets (10-6) and the Denver Broncos (10-6). The Chargers will be seeking revenge against the Jets on Nov. 6 for the playoff loss that ended their season.

The first Broncos game is at Denver on Sept. 18 and the Broncos visit San Diego in the regular-season finale on Saturday, Dec. 31. The second game also is a featured nationally televised game as one of two NFL Saturday contests.

The final division champion on the Chargers’ schedule is Philadelphia. The Eagles won the NFC East and NFC titles before losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The Chargers’ first Sunday night national game against the Giants will no doubt be promoted by television around quarterback Eli Manning facing the Chargers.

On Draft Day last year, the Chargers ignored Manning’s statement that he didn’t want to be drafted by the Bolts. Smith then worked a deal that sent Manning to the Giants in a package that netted the Chargers the Giants’ first-round pick, quarterback Philip Rivers; the Giants’ third-round pick, which the Chargers used to take kicker Nate Kaeding; and the Giants’ first- and fifth-round picks 2005.

“Whatever took place was last year, and we’ve all moved on,” Smith said. “That’s a question for Eli. He’s the one who made the statements he didn’t want to come to the Chargers. That’s fine. Now he’s got to come and face the fans. I’m sure they’ll be juiced up for that. That’s what pro football and the NFL are about – a little extra excitement on that one, that’s for sure.”

In addition to Denver, the Chargers other home-and-home dates are with AFC West rivals Kansas City and Oakland. The Chargers travel to Oakland on Oct. 16 before their Sunday night date on Dec. 4.

The two games with Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) are Oct. 30 at Qualcomm and Dec. 24 at Kansas City. The trip to Missouri will be the Chargers’ only cold-weather date in December since the road game at Indianapolis will be played indoors.

The AFC West’s cross-conference games are against the NFC East. Besides the home game with the Giants and the road game with the Eagles, the other two NFC East opponents include the season opener at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11 and a road game with the Washington Redskins (6-10) on Nov. 27.

The Chargers face two other AFC East teams in addition to New England and the New York Jets, both at home. The Buffalo Bills (9-7) visit Qualcomm on Nov. 20 and Miami Dolphins are here on Dec. 11.

In addition to the three prime-time games, Steeg likes the excitement generated by the first three home games that are nationally televised against Dallas, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh.

“Three times we’ll have 70,000 people in Qualcomm cheering and yelling,” Steeg said. “A.J. and Marty (Schottenheimer) will tell you that’s worth points to us.”

More Updates....

2005-04-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

The Chargers have yet to decide how S Clinton Hart fits in the mix. Hart never got in a comfortable rhythm last season after being acquired off waivers from Philadelphia. He saw time in dime and nickel packages, but was unable to fully display his athleticism because he was thinking instead of reacting while learning a new defense. Hart has the ability to play free or strong safety, and likely will open camp as the backup to SS Terrence Kiel. His value could be greatest on special teams. He tied for the team lead with 13 tackles last season despite missing the first few weeks. . . .

DE Adrian Dingle took a pay cut to remain with the team. Dingle lost his starting job last season while struggling to recover from offseason knee surgery. He contributed the second half of the season as a reserve, and will be used in that role again this year. Dingle has lost some of his quickness, but still is strong against the run and can generate occasional pressure on the quarterback. He has the ability to be a part-time starter, but the Chargers will seek to monitor his snaps in hopes that he can give them a full season.

For Your Information

2005-03-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Despite two rookies and a third-year pro among their five starters on the offensive line last season, the Chargers already are thinking down the line, and it could influence what they do in the draft. The club was thrilled with the development of rookie C Nick Hardwick, who started all but two games and they believe he will be a fixture at the position for years to come. But there are questions with right tackle Shane Olivea and left guard Toniu Fonoti. Some believe Olivea is better suited to play guard because of his compact build and occasional problems in space. It's possible he could be the heir apparent to veteran RG Mike Goff. Fonoti showed great promise last year after missing all of 2003 because of an injury, but the organization wants to see him have another strong season before committing to him long-term. Such a move is a gamble because Fonoti is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next season. If he has another strong season, he surely will receive a long-term, big-money offer from another club. That means the Chargers might have to franchise him to keep him off the open market. . . .

The Chargers aren't saying so publicly, but there is concern about their long-term situation at noseguard. Jamal Williams was a monster last season, earning first-alternate status to the Pro Bowl. But his contract expires at the end of the 2005 season and there is no proven replacement on the roster. The team will look to groom Ryon Bingham, a seventh-round draft choice in 2004 who missed all of last season because of injury, but there are no guarantees. . . .

The Chargers likely will seek to add to their linebacker corps in the draft. Two of their starters are entering their 10th season and another is entering his eighth. Because one of the keys to a successful 3-4 defense is athletic linebackers, the team wants to be prepared in case one of the veterans shows slippage or sustains an injury. Currently, the organization is high on only two young reserves: Stephen Cooper (inside) and Shaun Phillips (outside).

QB Decision

2005-03-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

We all know that Drew Brees was tagged as the franchise player. We all know the mess the Chargers went through Eli Manning, and now they have Phillip Rivers. Rivers was supposed to be the golden boy to come in and save the Chargers QB position.

Yet after the year Drew Brees had, why willed any one let him go, after all Brees did go to the pro bowl. Brees did take his Chargers to the playoffs as well.

The idea was to tag Brees as a franchise player then trade him to make room for the young Phillip Rivers. Now it seems the management wants a competition to take place. It was said by Charger officials that the QB position will be an open this next season.

Some one should make up there mind

Action Plan

2005-02-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

from Froxsports.com

The priority is to find a pass rusher and a free safety with range. The Chargers are likely to look to fill their pass-rushing need through the draft, in part because proven pass rushers cost a lot more money than rangey free safeties. Under G.M. A.J. Smith, the Chargers believe in prudence when it comes to free-agent spending. Last season, no free-agent signee received a signing bonus in excess of $3.5 million. Smith's philosophy is to pay his own players, not those from other teams. . . .

The absence of a consistent pass-rushing end in the base defense was a major reason the Chargers tied for the third-fewest sacks in the league with 29. The ends combined for just four sacks, with reserve DeQuincy Scott pacing the group with 1.5. Someone has to be found to complement WOLB Steve Foley, who led the team with 10 sacks. The free safety is asked to play a lot of center field in San Diego's scheme, and the organization wants someone with greater range than Jerry Wilson, a nine-year veteran who had just three interceptions in 2004. An

improved pass rush would have helped Wilson, of course, as would have more experience on the corners. Still, in San Diego's defense the free safety has to create more turnovers. . . .

The Chargers also would like to add depth at wideout. They have capable starters in Keenan McCardell and Reche Caldwell, but a down-the-road No. 1 is needed. The reasons: Caldwell not only missed the final 10 games because of knee surgery, but also is entering the final year of his four-year contract. McCardell, a 13-year veteran, also is entering the final year of his contract. Eric Parker is a solid No. 3 and part-time starter, but the team has to look down the road for a legitimate No. 1 in case Caldwell is slow to recover or leaves as an unrestricted free agent after 2005.

Secondary Needs

2005-02-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

In 2003 the San Diego Chargers took CB Sammy Davis, a Texas native from Texas A & M, in the first round.

Although in the 2004 season Davis last his spot to Drayton Florence. Now that the off-season is upon the Chargers one would think that more attention will paid to Davis, since the second year pro didn’t produce to promise. He seems to lack movement to the ball, even though coaches feel he has good instincts.

Back in Saddle

2005-01-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Schottenheimer not being able to win from the "sports writers" I guess they didn't see that two year contract extension coming. Kudos to Schottenheimer, now watch him prove all you non-coaches who call your self sports analyst.

Good job Marty!

So Close

2005-01-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

What a heart breaker. You got to feel for head coach Marty Schottenheimer, he takes a 4-12 team and turns them into 12-4. In my book that is a great feat. Although it is tough dropping the first round of the playoffs to a wild card team in overtime (20-17), Schottenheimer is now 5-12 in the post season and that has to be rough enough for the guy.

I'm not going to sit here and bash the guy for not winning, like other sport writers have. I will tell you that Schottenheimer has been around the league for 19 season. He knows the game, he knows his players, and he knows how to coach.

You can also say he has trouble in the post-season, or you can say it was his team that had trouble in the post-season. Last time I checked, it was the players who played and the coaches who coach, but of course the team always reflects the coach. Yeah, if you Bill Parcells. Seriously though, the 14-2 season does reflect the type of coach Schottenheimer is, and the this loss to the Jets shows lack of post-season experience for his young players. T

Now it is time to sit and wait for next year.

Colts pass by Chargers

2004-12-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

By Nick Schenck, Chargers.com

While there were different opinions on who would win Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and Chargers, most people expected a high-scoring affair considering two of the NFL's top-four scoring offenses were facing off.

The predictions proved true, as the teams combined for 65 points, four more than their combined season averages. Unfortunately, the Chargers lost a late second-half lead, falling 34-31 in overtime in front of 57,330 fans at the RCA Dome. The Colts gained their eighth-straight win and the third seed in the AFC playoffs, while snapping the Bolts' eight-game win streak.

Both tight end Antonio Gates and quarterback Peyton Manning broke long-standing NFL records. Gates’ four-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was his 13th of the season, giving him the NFL record for single-season touchdown catches by a tight end.

Manning, on the other hand, passed Dan Marino for the most single-season touchdown passes in NFL history. Manning's three-yard scoring pass to running back James Mungro in the third quarter tied Marino’s record, while wide receiver Brandon Stokley's 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter gave Manning 49 touchdown passes this year.

As well as Manning played, especially late in the game, Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer thought the contest came down to special teams play. The Chargers allowed running back Dominic Rhodes to return six kickoffs for 236 yards (39.3), including an 88-yarder for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that cut into the Bolts’ 15-point lead and swung the momentum in the Colts’ favor.

“The sad part about it is that we lost the battle of field position because we didn’t cover kickoffs worth a damn,” Schottenheimer said after the game. “That is what ultimately enabled the Colts to beat us today. That’s one of the things that makes (the loss) so disappointing.”

The Chargers silenced the Colts’ crowd early in the game. Indianapolis marched to the Bolts’ six-yard line on the 11th play of their opening possession. With the crowd anticipating Manning’s record-tying touchdown pass, linebacker Donnie Edwards made his fifth interception of the season on the four-yard line.

With 4:59 left in the first quarter, quarterback Drew Brees passed to running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who outran the Colts’ defense for a 74-yard touchdown. Nate Kaeding’s extra point gave the Chargers a 7-0 lead.

Mike Vanderjagt put the Colts on the scoreboard with a 36-yard field goal five minutes later to make the score 7-3.

After wide receiver Tim Dwight’s 19-yard kickoff return, Brees passed to wide receiver Kassim Osgood for a 30-yard gain into Colts’ territory. Three plays later, Kaeding kicked a 50-yard field goal that put the Chargers up by seven points.

On the Bolts’ following series, Brees found Parker three times for 40 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown completion with 7:09 left in the first half. The extra point stretched the Chargers’ lead to 17-3.

The Colts rebounded with a 60-yard kickoff return by Rhodes. Manning’s 17-yard pass to Hartsock gave Indianapolis a first down on the San Diego 14. Yet, the Colts couldn't convert in the red zone. Manning's incomplete pass set up Vanderjagt’s 26-yard field goal with 4:33 remaining before halftime.

Less than two minutes later, Manning passed four times for 61 yards to give Indianapolis a first down on the San Diego 14. James rushed twice for nine yards before fumbling on third-and-1 from the five-yard line. Center Jeff Saturday recovered the ball for no gain, and Vanderjagt attempted his third field goal, which he made from 23 yards to cut the Colts’ deficit to 17-9 near halftime.

“We did a great job in the red zone,” Schottenheimer said after the game. “They were one-for-five in there. I talked at the meeting last night that it was going to come down to which team played better at or inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Unfortunately, I did not factor in our inability to cover kickoffs.”

Gates scored his record-breaking touchdown on the Chargers’ first drive of the second half. Lined up as a fullback, Gates caught a four-yard shovel pass from Brees and rumbled into the end zone to give the Chargers a 24-9 lead. After the game, Gates was modest when asked about his touchdown record.

“Obviously, it was an individual accomplishment, and I’ve always been a team player,” Gates said. “I think it would’ve been better if we got the win today.”

Coaches often call the NFL a copycat league, and the Colts did nothing to dispel that notion on their ensuing drive when Manning threw a shovel pass to Mungro for a three-yard touchdown with 6:14 left in the third quarter.

Holding onto a 24-18 lead, the Chargers put together an 11-play, 71-yard scoring drive. Gates caught three passes for 15 yards, while Tomlinson rushed six times for 45 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown run. Kaeding’s extra point gave the Bolts a 31-16 advantage, but it didn’t last for long.

Rhodes returned Kaeding’s kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to bring the crowd to its feet 18 seconds into the final period of play.

Martin Gramatica’s kickoff bounced out of bounds, and the Chargers started their ninth series from their 40-yard line. Brees moved the offense into Indianapolis territory on three completions for 27 yards, but defensive end Dwight Freeney forced Brees to fumble on third down from the 25-yard line. Offensive tackle Shane Olivea recovered it for a nine-yard loss, leading to a punt.

On the potential game-tying drive with 9:25 remaining in the game, Manning connected on four passes for 55 yards. Linebacker Steve Foley stopped the drive, though, when he sacked Manning for an eight-yard loss on third down. Vanderjagt tried to shorten the Chargers’ 31-23 lead, but his 47-yard field goal missed wide left.

After the Bolts punted on their second consecutive drive, the Colts were in a difficult position with a fourth-and-4 from their 26-yard line with 2:15 left in the game. The punt team walked on the field, but Manning waved them off. The decision paid off when wide receiver Reggie Wayne hauled in a 19-yard catch down the Bolts’ sideline. Three completions later, Manning broke Marino’s record on his pass to Stokley. James ran in for the two-point conversion to tie the score 31-31 with 56 seconds on the clock.

Although Manning etched his name into NFL history with his touchdown pass, Chargers players spoke more about the fourth-down play after the game.

“That was all No. 18,” Edwards said, referring to Manning leading the game-tying drive. “It seemed like he’s the one that told the coach, ‘No, we’re going for it.’ I saw him do that, and I was like, ‘Oh, wow. Talk about some (guts).’ Give him credit. It was a great throw, a great catch.”

On first down from the San Diego 27, Parker made an acrobatic 22-yard catch to midfield, but landed in bounds with less than 50 seconds on the clock. Brees almost used the Bolts’ last timeout, but opted to spike the ball, forcing him to wait for Parker to get back to the line of scrimmage. The Chargers spent a timeout anyways because Parker was injured.

“It was like a double whammy,” said Brees, who stopped the clock with 20 seconds remaining. “You look back on it and say, ‘Well, I wish we could’ve just called a timeout right away, or spiked it right away and run off the field.’ Everything that could’ve gone wrong in that situation did.”

After the timeout, Brees’ pass to Gates was intercepted by linebacker Rob Morris. An illegal block penalty on the interception return gave the Colts a first down on their 34-yard line, where Manning knelt down to bring the game into overtime.

Indianapolis received the kickoff, and moved into San Diego territory on second down when Manning found Stokley for a 23-yard gain. Wayne caught a 35-yard pass on the next play. After James rushed for no gain, Vanderjagt kicked the 30-yard game-winner.

The Matchup

2004-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

from NFL.com

The Chargers are urging fans to make Qualcomm Stadium one of the toughest place for NFL opponents to play. Fans should arrive at the game early and cheer loud before, during and after the game.

The San Diego Chargers (9-3), leaders of the AFC’s Western Division and winners of six in a row, host the NFC South’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) on Sunday, Dec. 12 at Qualcomm Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:15 p.m. PST.

The Chargers have become one of the hottest stories of the National Football League’s 2004 season. The team’s six-game win streak is the second-longest active streak in the league behind Pittsburgh, which has won 10 in a row. The Bolts just finished a stretch which few would have predicted, winning three straight AFC West games, including road wins at Oakland and Kansas City, and last Sunday’s home win over Denver.

The Chargers are winning games with a balanced offense and an aggressive, attacking defense. San Diego is the only team in the NFL with a quarterback who has thrown 20 touchdown passes (Drew Brees, 21), a receiver with 10 touchdown catches (Antonio Gates, 11) and a running back with 10 rushing scores (LaDainian Tomlinson, 13).
San Diego’s defense is ranked second in the league against the run and has forced its opponents to try to beat them through the air. The defensive scheme worked as planned last Sunday against Denver as the Bolts intercepted a season-high four passes in their 20-17 win.

The Chargers own a two-game lead over Denver in the AFC West and are aiming to reach the postseason for the first time since 1995. San Diego’s final four games include Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay, followed by road games at Cleveland (3-9) and Indianapolis (9-3), and the season-ender at home against Kansas City (4-8). One thing assured for the Bolts is a winning record, the team’s first since 1995.

The power surge in San Diego has been engineered by quarterback Drew Brees, who has become a leading candidate for NFL Most Valuable Player and Pro Bowl honors. To say that Brees has been phenomenal this season would be an understatement. He’s the NFL’s fifth-highest rated passer, having thrown for 2,564 yards and a career-high 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

Halloween Treat

2004-11-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

By Nick Schenck, Chargers.com

Halloween has never been so sweet.

And Drew Brees, with his career-high five touchdown passes, has never looked so good.

The fourth-year quarterback put the Chargers on the board early and often against the rival Oakland Raiders Sunday afternoon, leading the Bolts to a 42-14 romp in front of 66,210 dressed up fans at Qualcomm Stadium.

Brees broke team records in completion percentage (88) and passer rating (153.1) and threw touchdowns to four different receivers. On two different occasions, he completed at least seven passes in a row.

The only time Brees looked stumped on Sunday was after the game when someone asked him if he’d ever played a better game. And even then he didn’t have to think for too long.

“Yeah, I have in college one time,” Brees answered. “It was against Minnesota during my sophomore year. I was 31 of 36 for 522 (yards) with six TDs. But from a numbers standpoint, (today) looks pretty decent.”

In all, the Chargers’ offense was scary. They registered 33 first downs, gained 175 rushing yards and didn’t have to punt until the fourth quarter when they already held a 42-14 lead.

The offensive performance overshadowed another stellar defensive showing. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ unit forced three turnovers and allowed only 22 rushing yards.

“We knew going into this game we had to stop the run with Tyrone Wheatley back there,” linebacker Randall Godfrey said. “They kept playing, but we were doing a good job of stopping the run. We went out there and played a game where all three units played well.”

After the Raiders punted on the first series of the game, the Bolts began from their 34-yard line after wide receiver Eric Parker’s 24-yard punt return.

On first down, tight end Antonio Gates lined up wide left and caught a 16-yard slant route to midfield. Two plays later, Brees made his second completion to wide receiver Keenan McCardell for 24 yards. On the following play, Brees found tight end Justin Peelle for a 17-yard touchdown that helped give the Chargers a 7-0 lead with 11:22 to go in the first period.

San Diego’s offense came back on the field less than two minutes later, marching 66 yards on nine plays to the Raiders’ 15-yard line. But Peelle fumbled after catching a short out route and safety Marques Anderson recovered it on the nine-yard line.

With 3:45 remaining in the opening period, Parker cut back down the Chargers’ sideline for a 32-yard punt return to the Raiders’ 29-yard line. Brees’ eighth-consecutive completion to start the game went to fullback Lorenzo Neal for 12 yards. An illegal contact penalty on cornerback Nnmadi Asomugha put the Chargers on Oakland’s nine-yard line. With the crowd chanting “LT,” running back LaDainian Tomlinson dove in from one yard to cap the seven-play, 24-yard scoring drive.

Down 14-0 at the opening of the second quarter, the Raiders moved into the Chargers’ red zone on three catches for 50 yards by wide receiver Doug Gabriel. Running back Tyrone Wheatley scored from five yards out to cut the Raiders’ deficit in half.

Brees and Tomlinson continued their strong play when the Chargers’ offense started their fourth drive. Tomlinson rushed four times for 21 yards, while Brees passed for 32 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to McCardell. Nate Kaeding’s extra point made the score 21-7 with 4:56 remaining in the first half.

“Keenan is one of those guys that’s a good matchup for us,” Brees said. “He’s a playmaker and we want to get him the ball. You try to take him away, how are you going to cover Gates? If you try to take Gates away, how are you going to cover (Eric) Parker? If we bring Tim (Dwight) in the game, Kassim (Osgood), LT and the list goes on.”

The Bolts made the first takeaway of the game minutes later when safety Clinton Hart stepped in front of quarterback Kerry Collins’ pass intended for wide receiver Jerry Porter. Hart sprinted 13 yards to the Chargers’ 47-yard line.

Buoyed by the turnover, San Diego’s offense made quick work of the Raiders. Brees found wide receiver Eric Parker open in the middle of the field for a 22-yard gain, and on the next snap wide receiver Tim Dwight hauled in a 23-yard touchdown pass to put the Bolts up 28-7 with 36 seconds left in the half.

The Chargers opened up the second half from midfield after Dwight’s 50-yard kickoff return. Brees took over from there, completing all three of his pass attempts for 47 yards, including a five-yard scoring pass to Gates that pushed San Diego’s lead to 35-7.

After the Raiders’ fourth punt of the game, the Bolts’ offense continued their onslaught. They gained 31 yards rushing on six carries and Brees passed for 37 yards on three completions.

On fourth down from the one-yard line, Brees lofted a pass to Gates in the back right side of the end zone for his fifth touchdown pass of the game. It made the score 42-7 with 3:12 to go in the third quarter.

Kaeding’s ensuing kickoff sailed out of bounds giving the Raiders the ball at their 40-yard line. Collins then completed six of seven passes for 70 yards, finding tight end Doug Jolley for a 13-yard touchdown reception to cut San Diego’s lead to 28 points at the end of the third quarter.

The Chargers punted for the first time of the game on their next drive, but the offense returned to the field less than a minute later after defensive end DeQuincy Scott’s third-down sack of Collins.

With the game well out of reach, Oakland came close to shortening San Diego’s lead in the final 15 minutes, but cornerback Sammy Davis intercepted Collins’ pass for Gabriel in the end zone with 2:25 left in the game.

It was Davis’ first interception of the season.

“Once I got that interception, I couldn’t get up fast enough to try and get to the other end zone,” Davis said. “I was trying to get in the record books on that one, but it just didn’t happen that way.”

On Oakland’s final drive, linebacker Donnie Edwards forced running back Amos Zereoue to fumble. Rookie linebacker Shaun Phillips recovered to preserve the 42-14 win.

Pick it up!

2004-09-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

We have really been lagging this year. Our offense is especially bad and we really need to rethink our whole quarterback situation aswell as our whole offense. We aren't getting much done with the ball, and it reflects in one of the worst offenses in the NFL for the time being. Lets get those Titans early and get us a win! Lets get our Offense act together!

1-1 start

2004-09-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

This season has started off like most other teams in the NFL...1-1.. Which at this point means just about nothing. In order to build up our reputation we are going to have to start winning against teams like the Falcons. With several key players(Carlos Polk , having injury, the secondaries will have to step up and play it out. Im hoping that we can pull a good season off this year. Go Chargers!

Defying the odds

2004-09-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Despite all the odds, we managed to pull off a 27-20 victory. It was a shock to both NFL watchers and players. It seemed as if it would be impossible to win, but with the head of steel, our Chargers went out there and laid down the law in the Reliant Stadium in Houston. It felt good to open up the season on a good note but we have to stay in our destroy mode because we have to play the Jets, Broncos, and Titans in the next couple of games.
From sports.yahoo.com:

``We've got a long way to go, so let's not get excited by one win,'' coach Marty Schottenheimer said.

So lets keep up the good work guys and continue to defy the odds!

Cuts

2004-09-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

The following guys were cut to the final size limit of 53:
Phil Bogle, Robb Butler, Jonathan Cox,Brock Edwards, Jerton Evans, Kevin Dyson, Malcom Floyd, Howard Hodges, Reese Hicks, Carlos Joseph, Kwamie Lassiter, Otis Leverette, Jerrell Pippens, Justin Riley, Chad Ward.
On a better note, we finished off the preseason with a win.. but like most other teams we are 2-2.. So I guess just time will tell how we do.

Another dud season?

2004-08-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

With having a 1-2 record, others can only make assumptions on what will happen in the actual season. Although, our losses have been close ones, a loss is a loss, and we cant say every time we loose ,"It was close." We need to start winning, or else we are going to be the same place we were last season when the time comes around for the post-season to start and we aren't there. I love the Chargers but I surely don't want another season like last. Lets pick it up Chargers!

Lets show em up!

2004-08-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Even though we didn't get the win last weekend, we learned alot about what changes and other such things need to be made to improve the Chargers. Maybe they will take these things into account when they play the Cardinals today. Now lets just see how they fend today and go from there. Go Chargers!

2004 Chargers Schedule

2004-07-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the San Diego Chargers' 2004 schedule from NFL.com:

2004 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug. 14 Indianapolis 10:00 p.m.
Aug. 21 at Arizona 10:00 p.m.
Aug. 27 Seattle 10:00 p.m.
Sept. 2 at San Francisco 11:00 p.m.

2004 Schedule
Date Opponent Result
Sept. 12 at Houston 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 19 New York Jets 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Denver 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 3 Tennessee 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 10 Jacksonville 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Atlanta 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Carolina 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 31 Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 7 New Orleans 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 14 Open Date
Nov. 21 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 28 at Kansas City 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 5 Denver 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 12 Tampa Bay 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Cleveland 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 26 at Indianapolis 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 Kansas City 4:15 p.m.

All times are Eastern

new chargers blog

2004-07-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

hey folks, just a quick hello to let you know i'll be getting this thing off the ground soon. sit tight for info and opinions on the San Diego Chargers and NFL football in 2004.