Chargers at Chiefs - Halloween edition

My husband and I were watching Scream last night and I had a scary realization.  The victims in scary movies act like the Chargers have been playing.  They hit the bad guy, then bad guy falls down and they run away screaming. This is a bad idea for surviving in a scary movie and on the football field.  Time to break down how to get away from a homicidal maniac and win a football game.

Use your tools - In the scary movie the bad guy always has a weapon.  Get your own weapon and use it.  We have a whole shelf of weapons available:  Gates - very painful when used correctly, Jackson - having him makes the opponent think twice, Mathews - use often and swiftly, Rivers - can be used from far away, go long!


Watch the clock -  Clocks are notoriously bad omens in horror movies and in Charger games.  I wonder if someone on the team recently got a clock?  Perhaps it was built by a 15th century French necromancer and it's evil?  Okay, out of Amityville and back to Arrowhead, the Chargers need to manage the clock for the entire game.  No relaxing for 60 football minutes, period.

Be smart - Obviously, the killer is typically not the sharpest stick in the pile.  Outsmart them and you win.  Same with football.  If Rivers can go four quarters without handing over the ball we are pretty much golden.  It's not as if our play calling is what's going to outsmart the Chiefs.  The Chargers probably have the easiest team to design a defensive strategy around thanks to Turners predictive play calling.  So, turnovers are not an option.
Know your assailant - Rivers had zero touchdowns and two interceptions in the 20-17 win over Kansas City.  While not pretty, that win started the Chargers on a three-game run.  The Chiefs have issues when they play the Chargers, they are looking for revenge since their loss to the Chargers was their Chiefs third straigh.  Not how they wanted to start their spree, I mean season.  They also know that no team has started 0-3 and won its next four games since Pittsburgh in 2000.

Finish it - This is probably the most important.  When you hit the bad guy, or, let's say, get a lead in points you keep hitting.  Don't let them get up - ever.  The Chiefs have killed three in a row, it's not time to be their fourth victim.  Persistence, momentum and wits, that's how we get out alive!


Can't wait for Monday! 

ChargerGirl Cindi

Rivers - Trick or Treat

With this Monday's game at Kansas City landing on Halloween I have to wonder are Rivers and the Chargers going to show up?  For the Chargers, the trick is going to be not letting up when we get the lead and the treat will be when they dominate with the win.


Rivers passer rating is the worst it has been at 82.3.  If you look at his history, Rivers passer ratings after six games in his other four seasons: 100.7 last season, 96.1 in 2009, 109.4 in ’08 and 96.3 in ‘06 makes the 82.3 scary.  Rivers career passer rating as a starter coming into the 2011 season: 97.5, better than anyone ever through the first 80 starts of a career. His passer rating from 2008 through ’10: 103.8, was the best in the NFL.  The key to the win on Monday is Rivers coming out strong and staying that way for a full 60 football minutes.


There have been speculations as to fatigue, injury or just plain old apathy.  Rivers just yesterday said “Am I playing my best ball right now? Absolutely not,”  “What I’m saying is I feel weird (talking about it). We’re 4-2. We’re just battling through it. All I’m saying is, I could be playing like this and we could be 1-5. It’d be ugly. So that’s the positive — we haven’t really put it all together, and hey look, we look up and we’re 4-2.”

I disagree Philip, it is ugly.  Going into Monday adjustments need to be made on both sides of the ball and that Rivers and the Chargers are not just "battling through it".   Dominate and give Chargers fans the treat we deserve.

ChargerGirl Cindi

Week 7 - Chargers WTH?

I am beginning to sound like a broken record.  I think I use the words "discipline" "time management" and "conservative" in a negative manner every week after the Chargers play.  This week is not an exception.  I am so tired of the anemic play calling, lack of understanding of the boundaries of the play clock and the complete absence of leadership coming from the sideline.  What in the heck is happening with the Chargers?  Well, that seems like it would have been a better headline. 

Rivers - I do not know what is going on with him, but he is under performing in every possible way.  Is he hurt?  Tired of getting hit?  Or just so pissed off at the coaches that he has given up?  179 yards, really?  That's typically a halfs worth.  More interceptions than TD's?  WTF?   Rivers has me way beyond concern and on the verge of panic.  I had a couple Ryan Leaf flashbacks on Sunday.  Being afraid when the Chargers QB throws the ball is not an option.

Manusky -  I have no words to express how pissed off I am at your defense.  13 penalties for 95 yards?  I was actually hopeful after the Denver game that we were reeling these guys in, what happened?  I agree that the officiating was not stellar, but letting your players spout off about it is a leadership deficiency on your part.  


It's time for a clear team leader to step up and get this team together.  Come on Chargers, you got this!


ChargerGirl Cindi

Top 5 reasons Chargers will beat Jets.

I'm looking at the numbers and the only one I do not like is our matchup record.  The Jets lead 4-2.  That said, here is why after Sunday's game they will only lead by one.

5.  Mark Sanchez.  Ranked at number 20 with a 82.3 passer rating he will be intimidated by Rivers and his general awesomeness.  I am feeling our first pic/six of the season.

4.  Third down conversions.  Well, no point in sugar coating it.  The Jets are ranked 32nd.  Chargers offense is going to be getting tired running up and down the field scoring.

3.  Rest.  Chargers are coming off a bye week and are well rested.  The Jets played in MNF and had a short week.

2.  Rexy vs. Norv - They are both pissed off, but Norv is the one being attacked.  Norv is upset and I suspect he is going to throw in some less conservative plays just to shut Rex up.

1.  LT vs Mathews - I love LT, but he is not a Charger anymore.  Mathews is our guy.   Their ball handling numbers are pretty close, except one.  TD's.  Mathews has 3, LT 0.

Let's go Bolts!
ChargerGirl Cindi
ps.  I did not list Gates return as a reason because I don't want to jinx it.  :)

Gates in for Sunday?

Antonio Gates was able to practice with the team Monday with the hope of being ready for Sunday's game at the Jets.  When asked about his injury after practice he said the scar tissue that surrounds the plantar fasciitis could "pop" at any time.  Knowing that, he said "you hope that you don't tear the scar tissue".  He says in a controlled environment like practice, he feels good.  Listening to him talk about it, he is 100% committed to getting healed physically.  Coming to practice is giving him the mental confidence he needs to perform on the field.  He will be back on the field for practice on Wednesday.


So, he is going to practice this week and he said it will be a game day decision.  I am putting him in for FF right now.


ChargerGirl Cindi

Bye Week Options, Raiders or Redskins?

Not only do the Chargers have a bye week, but so do the Broncos and Chiefs.  While three quarters of our division is resting, we still have the Raider game.  Unfortunately for us, the Raiders are playing the Browns.  To make matters worse, they are playing in Oakland.  So, the odds of the 2-2 Browns pulling off a win here are pretty slim.  The only thing that will make this game interesting is the fact that the Browns have yet to meet an opponent as ruthless as the Raiders so there should be some interesting unsportsmanlike penalties and maybe a few ejections from the game.

If you are not feeling up to this game I think an exciting match up today will be the Eagles at Redskins.  The number one Redskins and the last place Eagles have very similar numbers on offense, so this should turn out to be a nail biter.  Or, the Redskins will just cook the Eagles for dinner.

Common week 7!

ChargerGirl Cindi

Coaches Guide for week 7 - Chargers at Jets

I think I have recovered enough from week five and my mini heart attack to have a little chat with the coaches on what they need to work on during the bye.  I feel it's my obligation since it's obvious Norv isn't doing it.  On that note, let's start with him.

Norv - I would like to suggest you get a dictionary.  Look up words like "dominate", "pressure" and "conservative".  You need to start doing the first two, dominate the game as though there were two hours left on the clock and stop getting conservative with a 'game over' attitude until the clock actually does say 0:0:0.  Your inability to understand any sort of time management is our biggest issue going forward.  GET A WATCH!  So, "dominate" good, "conservative" bad.

Hal - Your guys are doing better on the line, but the penalties are stacking up.  I would love to see a week without someone jumping off early.  Maybe you could try some good old fashioned threatening.  You jump offside, you do not get lunch.  That should get their attention.  It just seems like they should know the snap count going in, right?  Have you had all of their hearing checked?

Rich - I realize the ball is being kicked into the end zone more often, but that doesn't mean you can't run it back for a TD.  I remember when we lead the league in kick returns for yardage and TD's.  Wouldn't it be nice to do that again?  Oh, and tell the guys to stop running the fuck backwards!  I'm not sure if they know the backwards yards do not count.  I know you are new, but a dominant special teams performance is what gets you into the playoffs.

John P.  - Dude, your guys need to be intercepting the ball.  Practice the pic/six.  I would love to see the defense looking like it did when we had Cromartie.  If they can't catch it, practice the crush and fumble.  See film of Seau and Harrison for tips on this technique if you haven't already.  The defense is doing ok, but it just looks like they are out there trying not to get into trouble.  Dominate, don't dilly dally.

Recap - Time management and points by offense, defense and special teams.  Let's go!

ChargerGirl Cindi

Boo Boo Blog

Thank goodness for the bye week.  Our guys are nursing some pretty bad injuries.

Gates - I really do not know.  He is supposed to be resting his toe, but common.  Get a shot and let's do this!  UT says he will be in for week 7, keep resting that toe!


Mathews - He already had a calf strain and then left Sundays game with a wrist injury.  He was so banged up that he did not finish the game and left on crutches, not a good sign.  No new news on if his injuries will keep him out of week 7, let's hope not.


Tolbert - Well, looks like that hit he took after his helmet popped off really rang his bell.  He has a concussion.  Both UT and NCT claim he will be in for week 7.


After the bye, we will visit the Jets where their defense will not be ready for Gates, then the Chiefs where Tolbert and Mathews will get 250 yards collectively, then we will return home to play the Packers.  :)  Yep, start these boys in your fantasy leagues!

ChargerGirl Cindi

Football Hangover Cure

Are you suffering from one or more of these symptoms?  Sore throat, upset stomach, dehydration, random eye twitches or sore muscles?  If you answered yes to any of these then you are probably experiencing a football hangover.  This is the feeling you are left with after a full day of drinking too much, eating too much and yelling a lot.  I also do a lot of jumping off the couch and might bust out a few dance moves, but we will not go there. 


Monday's are tough, you are definitely in the middle of your hangover and here comes Monday Night Football.  That little slice of heaven or "hair of the dog" that makes your hangover a little more bearable.  You know you are going to watch it, so make a little more guacamole, open a cold beverage and indulge.  

Tonight will be the 2-2 Bears and 4-0 Lions.  Nope, that is not a type-o.  The Lions are going into this game undefeated and a quick look at the numbers suggests it will be a good game.   Neither teams is that dynamic on the ground or in the air, but they appear pretty evenly matched.   A nice calm game is just what your hangover needs. 


ChargerGirl Cindi

Prepare to beat the Broncos

As the leader in the AFC West, the Chargers need to march into Mile High stadium and show the Bronco’s that the Chargers are not lucky, they are good.
Preparations for that game are happening right now.  While the Broncos are not lucky or good, they still pose a threat.  Here is where we need to pay attention.

Rivers – The struggles of Philip Rivers have been well documented through the early part of the season.  Rivers has already thrown six interceptions and only managed to throw for five touchdowns.   Clearly something is off with him, and it could easily continue into this weekend’s game as well.   Our line needs to be ready to protect Rivers.  Especially from Broncos rookie OLB Von Miller.  He is starting to prove that he is worth the hype and already has 16 tackles, four sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles in just four games of play so far.

Laziness – Yes, the Chargers are 3-1, but that doesn’t mean that they have played great to this point. In Week 1, they beat the winless Vikings by seven at home. In Week 3, they barely defeated the 1-3 Chiefs at home.  Then we have last week, when the Chargers only got by the Dolphins (who are also winless and are arguably the worst team in the league) by just 10 points. This is something that has plagued the Chargers in the past, and if they are lazy this Sunday at the Broncos, it could end with a loss.

Mile High – The Broncos have the best home record in the NFL since 1974, which stands at 208-82.  They also have one of the loudest stadiums in all of the league, which is never a good thing for an opposing team.  We need to be prepared or be sent home with a 1-1 record in the AFC West.

ChargerGirl Cindi

Leading the West, can we relax?

The Chargers are at the top of our division in week five.  On one hand I am very happy about this, what rabid Chargers fan is not happy?  On the other hand, I am so used to disappointment, that I just want to get it over with.  Norv just has a way of ruining my day.  Here are my thoughts/concerns.
Since the Chargers are in first place in the AFC West with a 3-1 record, I suppose this means we have broken the "slow start" curse.  These slow starts have cursed the team since Norv Turner came along in 2007.   Maybe it just took him four years to adjust to the West Coast way of doing things?  We can only hope.  

The teams that the Chargers have beaten (all at home) -- Minnesota, Kansas City and Miami -- have a combined record of 1-11.  Still, each team has hung in there with the Chargers. Of course, all that matters is winning, but it would be nice to see the explosive offense that makes me stand up and yell.   Is that offense headed to Denver?  I hope so.

Philip Rivers played like Philip Rivers against the Dolphins. He tossed for 307 yards and he did not throw an interception (finally!). Rivers threw six interceptions in the first three games. His highest interception total in a season is 15. It seems like Rivers is settling down (or that unknown injury is better), this will be huge if all our TE's and WR's can get up off the bench.  Although, I truly enjoyed "air Tolbert" who knew?

Heading out to the just pummeled Broncos, the Chargers chances of being  4-1 at the bye are relatively high.  I hope we get a turn at seven TD's too!   The Chargers play at Denver next week and Mile High has caused us issues before.  I think as long as Ed Hochuli is not referring the game this will be our time to stop taking it easy. 

ChargerGirl Cindi

79 Touchdowns... and counting!

With yesterdays blackout I got to experience the game in a new way.  I followed on twitter and watched NFL RedZone.  Two very fast paced and data filled ways to not miss a minute of the action.  I was actually surprised and impressed by how many tweets were coming live from the game.  I followed the twitter action and watched other games while waiting for the Chargers game to be in the 20's. 
Twitter - I'm a little new to twitter, but now I'm addicted.  First place I go for news of any sort.  At first, I thought some people might be tweeting from the game, then I found multiple people were tweeting every single play.  I knew about VJ's big plays and his visit to the locker room long before Chargers tweeted or NFL network mentioned it.  That is talent and dedication if you ask me, and I am grateful for it.
NFL RedZone - Awesome.  Last season, I wasn't sure if I liked it.  The super fast pace takes some getting used to and with no commercials there is not a lot of time to refill your plate with snacks.  This season, we solved that problem by putting a TV in every room and two in the garage.  You can go from living room, to kitchen and out to the beer fridge without missing a TD.  

As the touchdowns added up I was amazed, over a span of a day you don't realize what kind  of magic you are seeing.  Fifteen games were played yesterday, with 79 touchdowns to go around, that's over 5 TD's per game.  If course, Green Bay got SEVEN while beating the Broncos... he he, so my math is creative.  With MNF tonite the count will go over 80. 

Awesome, impressive and I can't wait to watch it happen again next weekend.   Of course, I am guaranteed the rest of the month will not have blackouts due to away games and the bye week, but I am no longer bothered by it, I've got my tweets and RedZone.  Take that NFL fat cats! 
ChargerGirl Cindi

AEG - Go away!

Now that California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a new law essentially offering the state's approval of the proposed Farmers Field NFL stadium project, developer AEG now just needs a team.
AEG is talking with five teams:  San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars.  If you believe what it being posted on the news sites or listen to folks who want to upset me, it's sounding like it's either the Chargers or the Raiders.  Both of those teams were previously in LA.  LA didn't support them before, why now?  Of course, as a Chargers fan for the last, well forty-something years, I refuse to believe any of the hype.  The Spanos family would not do that to us, right?

Philip Anschutz (the billionaire owner of AEG) is apparently bargaining hard with the Chargers and the deal may be close to happening. I read on Yahoo this morning that it's down to the percentage of the team the Spanos family is willing sell and of course for how much. AEG apparently wants to buy a 49 percent share of the team, while the family wants to retain more than the 51 percent that would leave them.  I'm not sure what the deal is with the Raiders, but is has to be less.  Oakland can't support the team (Again).

Currently, The Chargers play in the aging Qualcomm Stadium, aka "The Murph".  I understand that NFL teams make less revenue in older stadiums, and other teams make huge revenue from luxury boxes, premium seats, non-game fun zones and other things old facilities lack.  But a San Diego upgrade or new location is in the mix due to the same law.  The Spanos family needs to explore all options here first before even talking to AEG, it's just rude to consider any LA options.

 The Chargers' current lease allows them to leave by paying a termination fee, they must make their announcement between Feb. 1 and May 1 or else wait until next year.

This whole thing is making me nauseous.  Chargers in LA?  NO WAY!

ChargerGirl Cindi