What can I say? I still haven't actually seen any footage from Saturday night's game, but three fumbles is three fumbles and there isn't too much you can say about that. I can only sing the praises of Michael Turner and that other back-up guy for so long, because as much as you want to believe that Turner going to get his share of the load in the regular season, I doubt it. Schottenheimer hasn't gotten the reputation he has in this league by going away from what works most of the time, and that's our boy LTD. So, unless Turner does, in fact, return kicks, don't expect him to do much more than clean up or spell for Tomlinson.
I hate to say that I'm actually beginning to worry about Rivers a bit, but as good as the Seahawks appear to be, that is no Bears defense out there. I still think he'll be fine, but you have to wonder about the wisdom of the team letting go of A.J. Feeley today. Feeley is no great talent, but he has played and won in the league, and without him you're looking at Whitehurst as your only back up. Obviously, they have something else in mind, but who? Kerry Collins? Dear Lord. Drew Henson? Vinny Testeverde? I'm scared.
Donnie Edwards may actually practice with the team. What that means, no one knows, but if he does end up playing for us this year, how in the world does he keep his head in the game.
Lekkerkerker is our left tackle right now. Wrap your brain around that one.
Thirteen more days til our openner. Is that unlucky? Awe hell, I don't care. Bring on the season already! Go Bolts!!!
Update: I guess Kerry Collins was signed by the Titans or somebody while I wasn't paying attention, so I'm going to replace that suggestion with Quincy Carter. Unless he's in jail or still serving some sort of suspension. Is he? If so, I'm going to have to go with Billy Joe Tolliver or Erik Kramer.
Update #2: Ooh! Ooh! What's Neil O'Donnell doing these days?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
New Pic, Last One Hosed Out. Still Hot.
I used to date a girl that looked nothing like Jessica Biel and hated the Chargers. If that pattern holds true, it stands to reason that Jessica Biel loves the Chargers. And if not, she's certainly welcome to. And to date me as well. Go Bolts!!!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Frog Roll
So yes, Philip did throw a pick on Friday against the Bears. He got a look at what a good NFL defense looks like playing at full speed, and what a good (former UNM Lobo, Woof!) linebacker looks like sneaking up fast on a pass. I hope this will help him in the long run. He is going to throw some picks this season, but he shook that one off pretty well, and as he learns to adjust and read the defenses, hopefully we will see his talent rise to the top. And speaking of talent, yes, I believe he has some. Maybe a lot. And he has size. And quickness. And a feel for the game. Example:
When I saw that play from Friday's game on 3rd and long, where he broke a tackle, scrambled outside the box, and laid in a 1st down strike to Floyd, I was impressed! That was talent, and he showed his size, Speed, toughness, arm strength, etc. I think he has the tools, and if he can weather the inevitable missteps here and there, is in a GOOD position. Ok enough "up with Rivers" talk for now, but I'm hoping that was a glimpse of some amazing plays this season. And to bring him back down a little, what the heck was that little somersault that he did at the end of the play??? (about 20 secs into that video clip above) I didn't hear the announcers comment on it. Looked funny- Little sideways roll. Is that his complete pass on 3rd and long celebration dance? If so, LT with his "Teapot" and Merriman with the "Lightswitch" can feel a little better... cause "The Frogroll" would make theirs look like they were choreographed by Usher.
Ok all for now... any word on the ticket status for Saturday yet? I'm assuming blackout until further notice... those punters! But here's hoping.
When I saw that play from Friday's game on 3rd and long, where he broke a tackle, scrambled outside the box, and laid in a 1st down strike to Floyd, I was impressed! That was talent, and he showed his size, Speed, toughness, arm strength, etc. I think he has the tools, and if he can weather the inevitable missteps here and there, is in a GOOD position. Ok enough "up with Rivers" talk for now, but I'm hoping that was a glimpse of some amazing plays this season. And to bring him back down a little, what the heck was that little somersault that he did at the end of the play??? (about 20 secs into that video clip above) I didn't hear the announcers comment on it. Looked funny- Little sideways roll. Is that his complete pass on 3rd and long celebration dance? If so, LT with his "Teapot" and Merriman with the "Lightswitch" can feel a little better... cause "The Frogroll" would make theirs look like they were choreographed by Usher.
Ok all for now... any word on the ticket status for Saturday yet? I'm assuming blackout until further notice... those punters! But here's hoping.
It's A Family Affair.
I don't know why I find the following piece interesting. Maybe you can figure it out.
Here's the whole article, if you care to check it out.
I'm not going to go any lower than that. Go Bolts!!!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Hah! They Had Both Of Their Vaunted Running Backs In The Game.
After a weekend of “Too bad you guys got rid of Brees” e-mails, I was rather relieved to see Ole Drew shut everybody up against the Cowboys last night. Not that he was God awful or anything, but he certainly didn’t do much to keep the haters flaming. At least not flaming in the e-sense of the word. Of course, the New Orleans game plan was actually very similar to what Marty put out there the other night, with remarkably similar results. Don’t let the QB throw very far, etcetera and so forth. With Brees you’d be concerned that maybe his arm isn’t quite as 100% as they’d have you believe. With Rivers, I’m concerned that they were afraid to let that O-line guard him for more than a nanosecond or some overzealous Bears’ defenders may try to take random QB limbs as souvenirs. The fact is, though, who knows what the Chargers offense is going to look like under Rivers until Our Boy Spectacular is on the field. And it doesn’t look like we’re going to see that until it counts in Oakland.
I worry a bit more about that damn secondary again. The Bears have a good defense, so their play on that side of the ball is to be expected. Their offense on the other hand, despite some off-season improvements, should leave more to be desired. Sadly, they really picked on our DBs Friday night. Especially Griese, and while I could care less what the Bears do, I’ve been saying that’s the guy they should be going with. Grossman is still developing and that team needs to take a shot while that defense is still stellar. God, did I really just have that much to say about Da Bears?
All in all, Friday’s game was a pretty sad performance, with a mere handful of bright spots. Michael Turner continues to be brilliant, and that guy Perkins had a couple of nifty little runs as well. There was a field goal. Probably kicked by Kaeding. So that’s good. If you’re into that sort of thing.
So, we beat up on a bad team in the first game against Green Bay. We got beat up by a good team in the second game. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Until, of course, we plug in that one Running Back guy that’s pretty good. Then I think we’ll be pretty all right. Pretty damn all right, indeed. Go Bolts!!!
I worry a bit more about that damn secondary again. The Bears have a good defense, so their play on that side of the ball is to be expected. Their offense on the other hand, despite some off-season improvements, should leave more to be desired. Sadly, they really picked on our DBs Friday night. Especially Griese, and while I could care less what the Bears do, I’ve been saying that’s the guy they should be going with. Grossman is still developing and that team needs to take a shot while that defense is still stellar. God, did I really just have that much to say about Da Bears?
All in all, Friday’s game was a pretty sad performance, with a mere handful of bright spots. Michael Turner continues to be brilliant, and that guy Perkins had a couple of nifty little runs as well. There was a field goal. Probably kicked by Kaeding. So that’s good. If you’re into that sort of thing.
So, we beat up on a bad team in the first game against Green Bay. We got beat up by a good team in the second game. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Until, of course, we plug in that one Running Back guy that’s pretty good. Then I think we’ll be pretty all right. Pretty damn all right, indeed. Go Bolts!!!
Why Yes, Thank You, I Am Ready...
Ready indeed... for some... Well, you can read the title of the previous post if it weren't obvious by now! Yes, I think the energy is everywhere. You can feel it- people are ready. Heck, I even like the song. I know it may not be popular around here, but I like the Hank Williams one, and I even like the Mr. Faith Hill highlight piece. Maybe it's just because I'm so exited for the season. Maybe I just like montages of recent games set to country music, with an overlay of computer enhanced audio of the hits. Maybe I just like country music. I think I should quit before I dig deeper. Anyway, the point is, sports viewing is about to get a WHOLE lot better again.
[Side note about good sports viewing: Don't forget about the U.S. Open -- yes, that is probably the first time Tennis has been mentioned in this blog, and I'm proud to be the one to bring it! Don't pile on me, Tennis rules. If you're afraid to admit it, maybe you have your own issues to deal with, pansy -- starting at the end of this month. Andre Agassi's farewell tourney, going out in style at in Flushing Meadows. Watch it! It will be good.]
Ok, sorry, back to football... The first efforts of our talented team preparing for their campaign have been well covered here. I'm very fired up at the thought that the next effort may be watched together by the authors here! At a hopefully really kick ass party! Yeah! Ok, actually seeing the game on TV (I think there will be 5 or 6 available) will rely on that dreaded blackout situation again (we know how I feel about that), but hey if it does sell out... I think that getting together with lots of friends on a weekend and watching football together and toasting good plays will kick this fever up another notch. Cheers, and GO CHARGERS!
[Side note about good sports viewing: Don't forget about the U.S. Open -- yes, that is probably the first time Tennis has been mentioned in this blog, and I'm proud to be the one to bring it! Don't pile on me, Tennis rules. If you're afraid to admit it, maybe you have your own issues to deal with, pansy -- starting at the end of this month. Andre Agassi's farewell tourney, going out in style at in Flushing Meadows. Watch it! It will be good.]
Ok, sorry, back to football... The first efforts of our talented team preparing for their campaign have been well covered here. I'm very fired up at the thought that the next effort may be watched together by the authors here! At a hopefully really kick ass party! Yeah! Ok, actually seeing the game on TV (I think there will be 5 or 6 available) will rely on that dreaded blackout situation again (we know how I feel about that), but hey if it does sell out... I think that getting together with lots of friends on a weekend and watching football together and toasting good plays will kick this fever up another notch. Cheers, and GO CHARGERS!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Footballfootballfootballfootballfootballfootballfootballfootballfootballfootball....
Well, well, well. It seems that we may be happening on what is affectionately known as football season. Not to get too hyped up for the upcoming mother fu…football season, but well, it’s time to be happy about it. I’d like to send out a big time thanks to the irreplaceable Max Colossus for making this place neat and tidy in my absence, and for bashing Tim Sullivan so the rest of us can focus our attention on Nick Canepa. Don’t worry Nick, I don’t have any complaints tonight, you’re safe for another week.
Friday night, begot football. My first fix of the upcoming year, as my offseason has been obscenely marred by wedding festivities in the USC area with alumni galore, complete with marching band. Tommy Trojan and that freakin’ horse were last seen vomiting in the corner of the west wing of the estate after I slipped mickeys into their tequila. I managed to suppress my inevitable disdain, and even restrain myself from making any unnecessary jabs at the cultural abnormality that is USC.
I opted to skip the Green Bay shenanigans for local music night for a couple of reasons. First and foremost the previously mentioned ownership debacle of blacking out preseason games, and second, the outrageousness of a full priced ticket for half price entertainment, but with the boys out in Chicago to battle the newest version of the Monsters of the Midway, the televisions were dialed in, and I wanted to get my first look at #17.
Comfortably settled into a familiar chair, I was able to witness in full high def detail my first view of #17 completing a pass. It was well thrown, right on the money, problem was he hit one Paris Urlacher in the numbers and the score was quickly not in our favor. My first view of 17 did not start out as initially planned. After jamming a fork into the neck of the first person that felt obligated to make a Mr. Brees reference as Paris skipped into the end zone, I relaxed and settled in for Bolts light. It was football, but it was restrained football as Martyball was in full effect, with the offense being LTD free and very luke warm. No doubt that things will be different with the touchdown maker in uniform. Worries be gone…
Monday brought my first experience with the Reggie Bush experiment that is New Orleans. The One Armed Bandit, handed the ball off well in his first series hushing all naysayers that his surgically repaired limb is fine and dandy. His second series brought a couple of passes, one of which was intended for a Cowgirl defender and if it weren’t for a case of masonry fingers, he would have been doing his Urlacher impression all the way to the locker room. Drew did complete some passes, short, careful routes and didn’t show anyone whether or not he can throw it down the field, but hey, it’s preseason and who knows what will happen from here on out. Perhaps he’s fine and we made a tremendous mistake by releasing our rights to him as our squadleader, or perhaps not. We won’t know for some time, and I for one will not be hitting the panic button during the preseason. Who knows how he will survive against the likes of Atlanta, Tampa and Carolina’s defenses twice this year. I hope New Orleans took some lessons from the events of 2005 and got themselves some insurance…
So we swing into Week three of cocktease football, and we’re back online over here. Max Colossus has done a remarkable job of entertaining us in the interim and we’ve added a couple of new elements over here. New voices are in the mix and we’re set for Football 2006. It makes me think of that God awful Hank Williams song that plays relentlessly on Monday nights, and it brings a little emotion along with it. It’s football time. It’s really almost here and damned skippy I’m ready for some…
Friday night, begot football. My first fix of the upcoming year, as my offseason has been obscenely marred by wedding festivities in the USC area with alumni galore, complete with marching band. Tommy Trojan and that freakin’ horse were last seen vomiting in the corner of the west wing of the estate after I slipped mickeys into their tequila. I managed to suppress my inevitable disdain, and even restrain myself from making any unnecessary jabs at the cultural abnormality that is USC.
I opted to skip the Green Bay shenanigans for local music night for a couple of reasons. First and foremost the previously mentioned ownership debacle of blacking out preseason games, and second, the outrageousness of a full priced ticket for half price entertainment, but with the boys out in Chicago to battle the newest version of the Monsters of the Midway, the televisions were dialed in, and I wanted to get my first look at #17.
Comfortably settled into a familiar chair, I was able to witness in full high def detail my first view of #17 completing a pass. It was well thrown, right on the money, problem was he hit one Paris Urlacher in the numbers and the score was quickly not in our favor. My first view of 17 did not start out as initially planned. After jamming a fork into the neck of the first person that felt obligated to make a Mr. Brees reference as Paris skipped into the end zone, I relaxed and settled in for Bolts light. It was football, but it was restrained football as Martyball was in full effect, with the offense being LTD free and very luke warm. No doubt that things will be different with the touchdown maker in uniform. Worries be gone…
Monday brought my first experience with the Reggie Bush experiment that is New Orleans. The One Armed Bandit, handed the ball off well in his first series hushing all naysayers that his surgically repaired limb is fine and dandy. His second series brought a couple of passes, one of which was intended for a Cowgirl defender and if it weren’t for a case of masonry fingers, he would have been doing his Urlacher impression all the way to the locker room. Drew did complete some passes, short, careful routes and didn’t show anyone whether or not he can throw it down the field, but hey, it’s preseason and who knows what will happen from here on out. Perhaps he’s fine and we made a tremendous mistake by releasing our rights to him as our squadleader, or perhaps not. We won’t know for some time, and I for one will not be hitting the panic button during the preseason. Who knows how he will survive against the likes of Atlanta, Tampa and Carolina’s defenses twice this year. I hope New Orleans took some lessons from the events of 2005 and got themselves some insurance…
So we swing into Week three of cocktease football, and we’re back online over here. Max Colossus has done a remarkable job of entertaining us in the interim and we’ve added a couple of new elements over here. New voices are in the mix and we’re set for Football 2006. It makes me think of that God awful Hank Williams song that plays relentlessly on Monday nights, and it brings a little emotion along with it. It’s football time. It’s really almost here and damned skippy I’m ready for some…
Friday, August 18, 2006
These San Diego Writers Are Killing Me...Again.
Sure seems like like San Diego Union Tribune sportswriter Tim Sullivan is getting a kick out of stirring the pot lately. First there was the article that hazily accused players in the Padres clubhouse of believing that management was being set up by upper management. His exact statement was as follows:
"Some of them have pondered the possibility that General Manager Kevin Towers and field manager Bruce Bochy are being set up to fail in order to justify an offseason housecleaning."
Now, in a situation where you team has gone from Shinola to shit in record time, you can expect some of the players to be less than happy with the direction of the club, and Sullivan has some anonymous quotes to prove that this is indeed happening. The preceeding statement, however, backed not by a single quote, seems awfully shady to me. I can imagine Sullivan the Instigator secretly interviewing anonymous player:
TS: Do you think that Sandy Aldersen didn't do anything to make the team better at the trade deadline because he wants an excuse to run Towers and Bocky out of town after the season?
AP: No, I think John Moore's is a cheap bastard.
TS: So you don't think my scenario is possible?
AP: Well, anything's possible.
See, that player totally pondered that possibility.
Now Sullivan has charged us with the following question. Did Junior Seau know when he gave his empassioned farewell speech, that he was not actually retiring at all? Was he already, in fact, negotiating with Bill Belichek to become a Patriot? Did he dupe the trusting fans of San Diego?
There's no actual reason to believe that is the case, but who cares? It's controversial! Let's call into question the honor of one of this city's greatest athletes. A man who stood as a leader in the community as well as on the field during his tenure here. To call Seau's integrity into question is classless. But should I expect more? Should any of us expect more from the paid writers in this town?
The truth is, even if this turned out to be true(I don't believe it myself) , so what? If he was in negotiation, there was no way he knew it was a sure thing. And if Seau wants to sign on as a hired gun for five more years to try and get his ring, more power to him. He deserves that shot, just as all great players do. Should he suffer for the mistakes of Bobby Beathard and the NFL in general that kept him from achieving the ultimate prize? He chose loyalty over glory for all those years and I say he has the right to chase the latter now. Go Junior. We're still gonna steamroll ya in the playoffs, though. Sorry. Go Bolts!!!
P.S. Don't quote Cheap Trick, Sullivan. They're much to cool for you.
"Some of them have pondered the possibility that General Manager Kevin Towers and field manager Bruce Bochy are being set up to fail in order to justify an offseason housecleaning."
Now, in a situation where you team has gone from Shinola to shit in record time, you can expect some of the players to be less than happy with the direction of the club, and Sullivan has some anonymous quotes to prove that this is indeed happening. The preceeding statement, however, backed not by a single quote, seems awfully shady to me. I can imagine Sullivan the Instigator secretly interviewing anonymous player:
TS: Do you think that Sandy Aldersen didn't do anything to make the team better at the trade deadline because he wants an excuse to run Towers and Bocky out of town after the season?
AP: No, I think John Moore's is a cheap bastard.
TS: So you don't think my scenario is possible?
AP: Well, anything's possible.
See, that player totally pondered that possibility.
Now Sullivan has charged us with the following question. Did Junior Seau know when he gave his empassioned farewell speech, that he was not actually retiring at all? Was he already, in fact, negotiating with Bill Belichek to become a Patriot? Did he dupe the trusting fans of San Diego?
There's no actual reason to believe that is the case, but who cares? It's controversial! Let's call into question the honor of one of this city's greatest athletes. A man who stood as a leader in the community as well as on the field during his tenure here. To call Seau's integrity into question is classless. But should I expect more? Should any of us expect more from the paid writers in this town?
The truth is, even if this turned out to be true(I don't believe it myself) , so what? If he was in negotiation, there was no way he knew it was a sure thing. And if Seau wants to sign on as a hired gun for five more years to try and get his ring, more power to him. He deserves that shot, just as all great players do. Should he suffer for the mistakes of Bobby Beathard and the NFL in general that kept him from achieving the ultimate prize? He chose loyalty over glory for all those years and I say he has the right to chase the latter now. Go Junior. We're still gonna steamroll ya in the playoffs, though. Sorry. Go Bolts!!!
P.S. Don't quote Cheap Trick, Sullivan. They're much to cool for you.
Time To Drop Some Friday Knowledge!
Who knew the chick from Buffy the Vampire Slayer* spent a year as a Charger cheerleader? I did! I did! And now you know. And knowing is half the battle**.
We are so winning the Superbowl this year. Go Bolts!!!
*I totally just nerded out for your entertainment.
**I totally just did it again. Happy Friday!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
I gotta Admit, I Didn't See That Coming.
Just heard on the local squawk box that it seems Junior Seau has had a hard time dealing with retirement and is on his way to New England to sign with the Patriots. Okay. Hey Junior, can I have some of your crack? I really bought the whole retirement thing after your Southern Baptist Minister farewell speech. I was truly moved. Well...um...Welcome back.
All kidding aside, I like Junior. Even met him once for a sec, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I'll never forget what he meant to this team, especially our one and only Superbowl team, so good luck Junior. See ya in the playoffs. Sorry we'll have to steamroll ya. Go Bolts!!!
Update! Here's a link.
All kidding aside, I like Junior. Even met him once for a sec, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I'll never forget what he meant to this team, especially our one and only Superbowl team, so good luck Junior. See ya in the playoffs. Sorry we'll have to steamroll ya. Go Bolts!!!
Update! Here's a link.
Anything But The Lung!
So, it turns out that preseason bright spot Vincent Jackson has a scratched lung and will likely miss most, if not all, of the rest of preseason. I know you're all thinking, "Great, he's not going to miss any real time at all. Good thing there are four preseason games(I'm lookin' at you, Bro Sweets)!" Well, I'm thinking pretty much the same thing. But deep in the back of my twisted brain lurks another, more sinister thought. Tim Dwight. Now, I don't remember dates and times, and I'm far too lazy at this time of day to look them up, but I do know this. Years back, as a Charger, Tim Dwight suffered a collapsed lung from a vicious hit he took over the middle. He spent some time in the hospital and eventually returned to the team. The thing is, Tim Dwight never really seemed the same to me. The agression and fearlessness that were the Tim Dwight hallmarks always seemed dialed down a notch or two from that point on. His crazy up-the-middle kickoff returns suddenly seemed hesitant and he never really sold out in the middle of the field again. I know that there is a huge difference between a collapsed lung and a scratched one, but- Wait! No I don't. How the hell do you scratch your lung anyway? I mean, cornea? Sure, I've heard of that. Uvula? Unlikely, but at least it's not totally contained deep within your body. Scratched lung sounds like a porn star affliction or a prison yard euphemism. Let's just hope that when the big guy gets back on the field, we've heard the last of this injury. And Vinny, watch out for that pancreas!
In other injury news, most of you know by now that Darren Sproles, or Mighty Mite as I like to call him, was placed on the injured reserve list yesterday. While I think this is something that the team can over come, I know I'll miss watching him zip around the field like a Lightning bug. Also, I hate to expose Michael Turner, Back-up Extraordinaire, to kick off returns.
Lastly, it looks as though Donnie is about ready to come back to practice after a couple weeks of back problems. There has been a fair amount of speculation that Donnie has been playing up his injury and not practicing due to his disdain towards A.J. Smith. Well, I certainly hope so. Go Bolts!!!
In other injury news, most of you know by now that Darren Sproles, or Mighty Mite as I like to call him, was placed on the injured reserve list yesterday. While I think this is something that the team can over come, I know I'll miss watching him zip around the field like a Lightning bug. Also, I hate to expose Michael Turner, Back-up Extraordinaire, to kick off returns.
Lastly, it looks as though Donnie is about ready to come back to practice after a couple weeks of back problems. There has been a fair amount of speculation that Donnie has been playing up his injury and not practicing due to his disdain towards A.J. Smith. Well, I certainly hope so. Go Bolts!!!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
I've Still Got Tour de France Fever!
Sorry to take so long to get something in. Being the raging sportsaholic that I am, I decided to cycle my ass up to the burrito place on Sunday. During my impromptu training run I was nearly mowed down by an anonymous person in a pick-up truck (Most likely French, I presume). My only recourse was to slam on the brakes and perform a sweet Endo into Wrist plant. Snap! No really, snap. Spent the rest of the day on ice and yesterday on pain killers, so this is my first chance to post on what I saw Saturday at Jack Q. Murphy Stadium.
I'm sure you all know by now, that my boys looked awfully impressive against an admittedly oft-dominated Green Bay Packers team. The "Magnificent Seven" (Not too sure I care for that moniker) seemed to live up to the hype, providing plenty of pressure right out of the gate. Dare I predict an even more ludicrous sack total than last year? Oh, what the hell, I dare indeed.
Cromartie had a sweet, sweet takeaway late in the game, which is heartening to say the least. What?! Okay, so by that time I'm not even sure I was still in the stadium, but I read about it, and it sounded pretty outstanding. Nobody pays me to write this stuff, people. Cut me some slack.
I liked seeing a whole lot of Philip Rivers. He did not disappoint. I was a big fan of going right back to Big Vinny Jackson and getting it right the second time around. Six points, and a possible sign of a fun tandem to watch in the coming years, perhaps? Whose to say? Me, that's who. They will break all Quarterback to Wide Receiver records in existence. Pumped yet?
Let's talk more about Rivers. Good poise and a great stat line. The O-line had some shaky moments, but mistakes were pretty much non-existent for our new handler. I hear Jay Posner wrote a column where he pulled out the old, "Ryan Leaf was good in preseason too." Well, Jay, I'm pretty much over trying to explain all the differences between Ryan Leaf and Philip Rivers at this point in their respective careers, so I'll leave you with this: You are a Nazi.
This friday we've got Chicago, and this one's on TV, so I get to watch from the comfort of my favorite barstool. Don't get me wrong, I love making my way out to the JQM for some live Charger action, but seeing that it's preseason and all, I'd just as soon go ahead and save a couple hundred bucks. Go Bolts!!!
I'm sure you all know by now, that my boys looked awfully impressive against an admittedly oft-dominated Green Bay Packers team. The "Magnificent Seven" (Not too sure I care for that moniker) seemed to live up to the hype, providing plenty of pressure right out of the gate. Dare I predict an even more ludicrous sack total than last year? Oh, what the hell, I dare indeed.
Cromartie had a sweet, sweet takeaway late in the game, which is heartening to say the least. What?! Okay, so by that time I'm not even sure I was still in the stadium, but I read about it, and it sounded pretty outstanding. Nobody pays me to write this stuff, people. Cut me some slack.
I liked seeing a whole lot of Philip Rivers. He did not disappoint. I was a big fan of going right back to Big Vinny Jackson and getting it right the second time around. Six points, and a possible sign of a fun tandem to watch in the coming years, perhaps? Whose to say? Me, that's who. They will break all Quarterback to Wide Receiver records in existence. Pumped yet?
Let's talk more about Rivers. Good poise and a great stat line. The O-line had some shaky moments, but mistakes were pretty much non-existent for our new handler. I hear Jay Posner wrote a column where he pulled out the old, "Ryan Leaf was good in preseason too." Well, Jay, I'm pretty much over trying to explain all the differences between Ryan Leaf and Philip Rivers at this point in their respective careers, so I'll leave you with this: You are a Nazi.
This friday we've got Chicago, and this one's on TV, so I get to watch from the comfort of my favorite barstool. Don't get me wrong, I love making my way out to the JQM for some live Charger action, but seeing that it's preseason and all, I'd just as soon go ahead and save a couple hundred bucks. Go Bolts!!!
Friday, August 11, 2006
You're Damn Right I Can Hold A Grudge
First off, I want to thank Deadspin for the attention. It's always flattering when people notice the hard work we're doing over here. You know, using someone else's photoshop as content for our site. Hey, it ain't going to go and post itself and come up with a half-assed snappy headline to boot.
The sentiment is there, though. We here in San Diego can hold a grudge. Not so much that we'll sell out a Sunday night game against ShEli and the Giants, but a grudge just the same. About anything, really. Hell, I may even be petty enough to boycott a bar that kicked me out for making fun of cripple, so don't be surprised to find me pissing on ShEli's grave if I live that long. And not just him, the whole damn family. Anybody catch The Living Choke light it up for a series last night in a meaningless preseason game versus the hapless Rams defense? I especially like the part where Peyton (which is a girl's name, I'd like to point out) kept on throwing the ball inside the ten yard line until he got his touchdown. Wouldn't want to see how the new running game works in the red zone, would we? It's not like I'm surprised. Anybody else think that Ole Edgerrin is looking forward to actually getting a shot at the TD record with a quarterback who doesn't worry so much about padding his stats in the red zone. But I say keep it up Ms. Manning, cause I never get tired of watching those end zone turnovers in the big games.
And what is the deal with Archie Manning? How did we all come to the universally accepted notion that Archie was a great QB on a bad team? The stats don't back it up. I've never seen any astounding game film of Saints receivers dropping perfect pass after perfect pass, or Saints defenders pick up fumbles and running them the wrong way down the field into their own end zone. I did find an old clip where they had a monkey riding a unicycle as a safety, but I'm pretty sure that was faked.
So, suck it, Mannings. You can sit up there in your mansions with your fancy schmancy wine and foie gras, whatever that is, but know in your hearts that Maximum Colossus is displeased with you exploits. Go Bolts!!!
The sentiment is there, though. We here in San Diego can hold a grudge. Not so much that we'll sell out a Sunday night game against ShEli and the Giants, but a grudge just the same. About anything, really. Hell, I may even be petty enough to boycott a bar that kicked me out for making fun of cripple, so don't be surprised to find me pissing on ShEli's grave if I live that long. And not just him, the whole damn family. Anybody catch The Living Choke light it up for a series last night in a meaningless preseason game versus the hapless Rams defense? I especially like the part where Peyton (which is a girl's name, I'd like to point out) kept on throwing the ball inside the ten yard line until he got his touchdown. Wouldn't want to see how the new running game works in the red zone, would we? It's not like I'm surprised. Anybody else think that Ole Edgerrin is looking forward to actually getting a shot at the TD record with a quarterback who doesn't worry so much about padding his stats in the red zone. But I say keep it up Ms. Manning, cause I never get tired of watching those end zone turnovers in the big games.
And what is the deal with Archie Manning? How did we all come to the universally accepted notion that Archie was a great QB on a bad team? The stats don't back it up. I've never seen any astounding game film of Saints receivers dropping perfect pass after perfect pass, or Saints defenders pick up fumbles and running them the wrong way down the field into their own end zone. I did find an old clip where they had a monkey riding a unicycle as a safety, but I'm pretty sure that was faked.
So, suck it, Mannings. You can sit up there in your mansions with your fancy schmancy wine and foie gras, whatever that is, but know in your hearts that Maximum Colossus is displeased with you exploits. Go Bolts!!!
You can't watch your own scrubbies
This football team wants to play here, they want to be good, and they want the fans to see them. Also, the fans WANT to see them, they want them to play here, and the want them to be good (duh).
There is a ton of money to be made by linking up those two sides, so why is that so hard???
In the next installment of blunderings by some strange force that wants to deter the countless people from Tijuana to LA who want to watch a Chargers team play well that wants to play well in San Diego... the first pre-season game is... blacked out? Blacking out a preseason game, you say? Huh? Is that normal? Well, hm, what do other markets who black out their games do during preseason? Oh that's right, other market's don't black out their games! They don't throw a wet blanket over brewing fan excitement and support, not to mention gobs of TV advertising dollars. Blacking out games in the home market is such an inane concept, and blacking out a preseaon game just looks ridiculous.
Did I want to watch Philip not underthrow passes? Yep. Did I want to watch Cromartie pick off Mr. Favre? You bet. Did I want to watch LT stiff arm some fools? (ok- no, not that last one. We know you're a badass, 21, you relax and wait til the 11th). But it's preseason, so I'll just have a few more beers and wait til the 10:30 replay... punters! I hope for the sake of this blog, that I don't have to respond to any regular season F*%ing blackouts.
Go CHARGERS!
There is a ton of money to be made by linking up those two sides, so why is that so hard???
In the next installment of blunderings by some strange force that wants to deter the countless people from Tijuana to LA who want to watch a Chargers team play well that wants to play well in San Diego... the first pre-season game is... blacked out? Blacking out a preseason game, you say? Huh? Is that normal? Well, hm, what do other markets who black out their games do during preseason? Oh that's right, other market's don't black out their games! They don't throw a wet blanket over brewing fan excitement and support, not to mention gobs of TV advertising dollars. Blacking out games in the home market is such an inane concept, and blacking out a preseaon game just looks ridiculous.
Did I want to watch Philip not underthrow passes? Yep. Did I want to watch Cromartie pick off Mr. Favre? You bet. Did I want to watch LT stiff arm some fools? (ok- no, not that last one. We know you're a badass, 21, you relax and wait til the 11th). But it's preseason, so I'll just have a few more beers and wait til the 10:30 replay... punters! I hope for the sake of this blog, that I don't have to respond to any regular season F*%ing blackouts.
Go CHARGERS!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Killing Me.
This is going to be a short one because I'm sick of talking about and if you don't know how I feel by now, you are obviously not paying attention. I came by this little nugget in Jeffri Chadiha's Chargers' training camp postcard:
Donnie Edwards isn't shy about discussing his bitterness towards Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. After failing to get the Chargers to give him a contract extension this offseason, the linebacker has been searching for a trade over the last few months. He says his agent, Tom Condon, has found some willing suitors but Smith's high asking price -- a second-round pick, according to Edwards -- is killing interest. "I would've liked for things to be different here but they aren't," says Edwards, an 11-year veteran who has led San Diego in tackles in each of the last four years. "We had permission to seek a trade, we found some offers and now I'm ready to put this to rest. It's time for a change. [Smith] has made this a very difficult environment to work in and I'm ready to just go some place where I'm appreciated."
Do you get the feeling that A.J. Smith does this sort of garbage to prove a point? "Hey Donnie, if you're so great, why can't I get a second round pick for you? Now shut up and go do your job." What a complete a-hole. Not that I want him to go, but I hope Donnie ultimately winds up in a place where he can be happy. I hope it's outside of the west, though, because I get the feeling if he's ever given the chance he's going to make A.J. eat this crap. Go Bolts!!!
Donnie Edwards isn't shy about discussing his bitterness towards Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. After failing to get the Chargers to give him a contract extension this offseason, the linebacker has been searching for a trade over the last few months. He says his agent, Tom Condon, has found some willing suitors but Smith's high asking price -- a second-round pick, according to Edwards -- is killing interest. "I would've liked for things to be different here but they aren't," says Edwards, an 11-year veteran who has led San Diego in tackles in each of the last four years. "We had permission to seek a trade, we found some offers and now I'm ready to put this to rest. It's time for a change. [Smith] has made this a very difficult environment to work in and I'm ready to just go some place where I'm appreciated."
Do you get the feeling that A.J. Smith does this sort of garbage to prove a point? "Hey Donnie, if you're so great, why can't I get a second round pick for you? Now shut up and go do your job." What a complete a-hole. Not that I want him to go, but I hope Donnie ultimately winds up in a place where he can be happy. I hope it's outside of the west, though, because I get the feeling if he's ever given the chance he's going to make A.J. eat this crap. Go Bolts!!!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Random Reporter May Be Right.
So, in case you haven’t figured it out, CJ and I didn’t quite make it to training camp over the weekend. We called each others bluffs, got thoroughly hammered Friday night and an early morning rainy day Charger workout just wasn’t in the cards. Be that as it may, don’t be worried that we haven’t had our ears to the ground on this stuff. I, myself have gone so far as to gather up all the hearsay and speculation I can handle.
Let’s start with Roman Oben. His health has been a big concern this off-season. As he goes, so seems to go our O-line production. Well, too bad. His foot is hurt. How’s that for in depth coverage? His foot is hurt and they don’t know for sure how long it will hurt. The kind of in depth coverage you’ve come to expect from this web log. The team has been pumping up Oben’s back-up last year, Leander Jordan, but that’s to be expected. The good news is that second round pick Marcus McNeil has apparently been quite impressive. Of course, his back has been hurt in the past. It doesn’t seem to hurt now, but it could hurt later. It’s science, people. More on all that crap as it develops.
How about that Rashaun Woods pick up we made a month or so back? You remember, when we swapped disappointing former first rounder Sammy Davis, for San Fran’s disappointing first rounder, Woods? Well, I don’t know how 'likely future pro bowler' Davis is doing over there in Frisco, but Woods is gone. That’s right, gone. Within four days of the start of training camp, it seems Woods was unable to set himself apart from the likes of Malcolm Floyd and Greg Camarillo. If you don’t know who those guys are just pop your head in to the closet of any true Charger fan and perhaps the sight of an authentic No.4 or No.13 jersey will refresh your memory.
Coming on the heels of the clear-cutting of the Woods (BAM!) story is convenient news that Vincent Jackson, third round last year if I’m not mistaken, is a total stud at receiver. Don’t believe me? Well, check it out, Schottenheimer had this to say: “He’s a very gifted player.” In your face, TO!
And for the news I know you’ve been waiting for…What’s the deal with Phillip Rivers? The answer…No idea. I haven’t heard squat. But I did send this little tidbit to myself just now.
Random reporter from made up news rag says:
“Watching Phillip Rivers take control of the offense brings to mind names like Montana, Elway, Unitas and Graham. Unflappable as Favre and with a release that rivals Marino, the Chargers appear to be in the most capable of hands. Their run at Super Bowl glory has not stalled with this driver behind the wheel. In fact, if anything, more horses have been thrown under the hood of this Lightning fast Bolt machine.”
Wow, random reporter! Relax. I’m sure young Phillip appreciates the praise, but a man of such great humility as Mr. Rivers craves not haughty accolades as these, no matter how well deserved. Go Bolts!!!
Let’s start with Roman Oben. His health has been a big concern this off-season. As he goes, so seems to go our O-line production. Well, too bad. His foot is hurt. How’s that for in depth coverage? His foot is hurt and they don’t know for sure how long it will hurt. The kind of in depth coverage you’ve come to expect from this web log. The team has been pumping up Oben’s back-up last year, Leander Jordan, but that’s to be expected. The good news is that second round pick Marcus McNeil has apparently been quite impressive. Of course, his back has been hurt in the past. It doesn’t seem to hurt now, but it could hurt later. It’s science, people. More on all that crap as it develops.
How about that Rashaun Woods pick up we made a month or so back? You remember, when we swapped disappointing former first rounder Sammy Davis, for San Fran’s disappointing first rounder, Woods? Well, I don’t know how 'likely future pro bowler' Davis is doing over there in Frisco, but Woods is gone. That’s right, gone. Within four days of the start of training camp, it seems Woods was unable to set himself apart from the likes of Malcolm Floyd and Greg Camarillo. If you don’t know who those guys are just pop your head in to the closet of any true Charger fan and perhaps the sight of an authentic No.4 or No.13 jersey will refresh your memory.
Coming on the heels of the clear-cutting of the Woods (BAM!) story is convenient news that Vincent Jackson, third round last year if I’m not mistaken, is a total stud at receiver. Don’t believe me? Well, check it out, Schottenheimer had this to say: “He’s a very gifted player.” In your face, TO!
And for the news I know you’ve been waiting for…What’s the deal with Phillip Rivers? The answer…No idea. I haven’t heard squat. But I did send this little tidbit to myself just now.
Random reporter from made up news rag says:
“Watching Phillip Rivers take control of the offense brings to mind names like Montana, Elway, Unitas and Graham. Unflappable as Favre and with a release that rivals Marino, the Chargers appear to be in the most capable of hands. Their run at Super Bowl glory has not stalled with this driver behind the wheel. In fact, if anything, more horses have been thrown under the hood of this Lightning fast Bolt machine.”
Wow, random reporter! Relax. I’m sure young Phillip appreciates the praise, but a man of such great humility as Mr. Rivers craves not haughty accolades as these, no matter how well deserved. Go Bolts!!!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Let's Get This Mother Started.
I wasn't quite ready to begin this stuff again just yet. I mean, we're about to enter the teaser portion of the season and the days just seem to get longer and the wait begins to make my head hurt. Then Canepa goes and writes another Donnie Edwards article. Go ahead, check it out here. But if you're busy, let me hook you up with the jist of this jism.
First off, I have to give some rare credit to Canepa for refusing the urge to jam his head far up A.J.s hiney, and instead question the lack of resolution in the Donnie Edwards situation. He doesn't exactly drop the hammer on the old bastard, but he does slyly include such ridiculous banter from Smith as:
“Just shut up and don't work the back door with your media friends.” (Note: Canepa, who I believe is in the media, receives so many Smith quotes regarding contract issues with players, the mere thought of this statement escaping from his giant head makes my relatively tiny head spin all over the place)
“He's not going to be cut, obviously,” Smith says. “He's on the market. What's happening, I have no idea. It only goes down when I say it goes down. I'm driving the boat here.
“Teams have shown little or no interest at this time. On Oct. 17, it all stops, and he's a member of the Chargers. He's on our football team. I like Donnie, and I like his contract. Donnie has a problem with his contract and has had a problem with his contract for three consecutive years. I'm tired of this. We're trying to accommodate him.”
"I'm driving the boat here."?! You've got to be kidding me Smitty! What kind of a hard ass do you imagine yourself to be. I wish Donnie would corner you in an alley. Hell, even Schotty. I don't hang with a lot of big time corporate CEO types or anything, but I hate to imagine they all run around with the hubris of a seventh grade bully letting their overinflated bank accounts superinflate their gargantuan egos. Ask around, this town likes Donnie Edwards. We want him here. And when Bif Tannen over there takes a shot at Donnie, it's a shot at us. You've made some good moves, but we remember some of the mistakes too.
And how exactly has this Jack Ass tried to accomodate Edwards over the last three years? By telling him to:
“Just shut up and play; that's your job,”
This kind of thing does not create a happy clubhouse. I already blame you, Mr. Smith for the team's slow start last year that snowballed into a catastrophe. If you make it happen again this year, I might consider driving up to L.A., when you get your new office there, and showing you how I really feel. I'm sure I can catch a ride with somebody. Congratulations on finally getting your first round pick into camp on time, though. I'll give you credit for that, you douche. Go Bolts!!!
First off, I have to give some rare credit to Canepa for refusing the urge to jam his head far up A.J.s hiney, and instead question the lack of resolution in the Donnie Edwards situation. He doesn't exactly drop the hammer on the old bastard, but he does slyly include such ridiculous banter from Smith as:
“Just shut up and don't work the back door with your media friends.” (Note: Canepa, who I believe is in the media, receives so many Smith quotes regarding contract issues with players, the mere thought of this statement escaping from his giant head makes my relatively tiny head spin all over the place)
“He's not going to be cut, obviously,” Smith says. “He's on the market. What's happening, I have no idea. It only goes down when I say it goes down. I'm driving the boat here.
“Teams have shown little or no interest at this time. On Oct. 17, it all stops, and he's a member of the Chargers. He's on our football team. I like Donnie, and I like his contract. Donnie has a problem with his contract and has had a problem with his contract for three consecutive years. I'm tired of this. We're trying to accommodate him.”
"I'm driving the boat here."?! You've got to be kidding me Smitty! What kind of a hard ass do you imagine yourself to be. I wish Donnie would corner you in an alley. Hell, even Schotty. I don't hang with a lot of big time corporate CEO types or anything, but I hate to imagine they all run around with the hubris of a seventh grade bully letting their overinflated bank accounts superinflate their gargantuan egos. Ask around, this town likes Donnie Edwards. We want him here. And when Bif Tannen over there takes a shot at Donnie, it's a shot at us. You've made some good moves, but we remember some of the mistakes too.
And how exactly has this Jack Ass tried to accomodate Edwards over the last three years? By telling him to:
“Just shut up and play; that's your job,”
This kind of thing does not create a happy clubhouse. I already blame you, Mr. Smith for the team's slow start last year that snowballed into a catastrophe. If you make it happen again this year, I might consider driving up to L.A., when you get your new office there, and showing you how I really feel. I'm sure I can catch a ride with somebody. Congratulations on finally getting your first round pick into camp on time, though. I'll give you credit for that, you douche. Go Bolts!!!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Don't Knock The Governator.
I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that my beloved Chargers are going to end up in Los Angeles. I'm not prepared per se, but I believe I know what the future holds for the team. What that means regarding my fandom is still up in the air.
Some of you out there will say, "Wait! Maximum Colossus, the battle is not over. What about Chula Vista? Oceanside?" Oh, would't that be nice? And while it isn't inconceivable, I find it hard to swallow. The fact is, the money is just too good for everybody involved in the business end of having a team in L.A., and the NFL these days is, first and foremost, a business. The owners have been uncharacteristically forthright in admitting that more expansion is unlikely. They don't want to add another hungry mouth to feed to the teat of television revenue. It's only billions of dollars people; not nearly enough to go around.
"So, why does that team have to be the Chargers, Colossus?" Well, technically it doesn't. But let's face it, the Spanos family has not done much to garner public faith. They crippled us with the ticket guarantee that was supposed to keep the team here until 2020, knowing full well we couldn't ultimately live up to our end of the bargain. More importantly, though, they haven't furnished us with a true winner in over a decade. Sure, 12 - 4 and one and done in the play-offs is a rare treat for San Diego, but it's hardly enough to whet the appetites of those who would vote to dig into the pocket of the collective and build a new home for the Bolts. This team wants to go to L.A. The owners have put together a core of solid players that can easily contend in the league with the addition of just a couple of more key pieces. Rest assured, when it's time to attract a new home crowd, those pieces will be put in place. Even the fickle fans of LaLa Land love a winner, and they'll fill the seats for the L.A. Chargers. They'll even justify it in their own feeble minds by telling themselves it's okay because the Chargers were an L.A. team for a whole year at their initial conception. They'll enjoy the fruits of our fandom just like they did with Oakland back in the day. The difference is, Oakland got their team back. San Diego will never know professional football again. The NFL will make an example of this town. They will say that we are not like Cleveland or Houston. Our team did not sneak out of town in the middle of the night. The owner "tried" to negotiate a future here in "good faith." But alas, stubborn San Diego was unwilling to give an inch to a franchise that has done its best to bend this town over at every turn.
I can here you now. "What of the rumors, MC? I heard DeBartolo and Policy are trying to pry the Raiders away from the cold, dying hands of the world's most unapologetic a-hole? They want to bring the team back to L.A. Surely that will shut the door on a Charger move?" Now, imagine me patting you on the head like good little boys and girls and telling you not to get too excited or you might get a belly ache. Let's say, for fun, that this unlikely scenario comes to pass. The inglorious bastards return to the Coliseum. Oh the fanfare! Oh the gunfire! Hurray, let's loot the city with joy! Well, so what. A couple of weeks ago, our Governor, Arnold Shortsa- Shwarzu- Kindergarten Cop, said that he could foresee a Los Angeles with two NFL franchises! You know, like in the glory days of L.A. football. At the time, everybody kind of shrugged it off as some guy from Austria, who doesn't know much about such things, just shooting his mouth off to gather more support in California's largest metropolis. Even Tagliabue, our not-soon-enough-for-me-ex NFL commisioner more or less laughed at the notion. But what's so funny? There have been two sites trying to put together a package for the NFL for years now. Is it so far fetched that we could see, in our time, the Los Angeles Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers of Anaheim. Do you think Spanos would mind being the red-headed stepchild in that media market? Not if he were the richer-than-he-is-now red-headed stepchild, that's for sure.
Most intriguingly though, is that while he was laughing off the idea of two teams in L.A. just a short time ago, Tags recently posited the idea of two teams sharing a stadium in L.A., just like the Giants and the Jets. Yes! The Chargers and the Raiders in the same stadium! That is gold! Dogs and cats living together! Total pandemonium! Maybe after Tagliabue retires as commisioner he can fly over to the Middle East and sort that whole thing out. Come on, people! There's plenty of Holy Land for everyone!
The bottom line is, the Chargers are going to go to L.A. Unless they can dupe some city within the county of San Diego to give up the farm on a completely lopsided deal that benefits the team to the point where it can continue it's dog meets tick relationship with its home and its fans, then the team is gone. Mark it. I hope I'm wrong. But I'm not.
Some of you out there will say, "Wait! Maximum Colossus, the battle is not over. What about Chula Vista? Oceanside?" Oh, would't that be nice? And while it isn't inconceivable, I find it hard to swallow. The fact is, the money is just too good for everybody involved in the business end of having a team in L.A., and the NFL these days is, first and foremost, a business. The owners have been uncharacteristically forthright in admitting that more expansion is unlikely. They don't want to add another hungry mouth to feed to the teat of television revenue. It's only billions of dollars people; not nearly enough to go around.
"So, why does that team have to be the Chargers, Colossus?" Well, technically it doesn't. But let's face it, the Spanos family has not done much to garner public faith. They crippled us with the ticket guarantee that was supposed to keep the team here until 2020, knowing full well we couldn't ultimately live up to our end of the bargain. More importantly, though, they haven't furnished us with a true winner in over a decade. Sure, 12 - 4 and one and done in the play-offs is a rare treat for San Diego, but it's hardly enough to whet the appetites of those who would vote to dig into the pocket of the collective and build a new home for the Bolts. This team wants to go to L.A. The owners have put together a core of solid players that can easily contend in the league with the addition of just a couple of more key pieces. Rest assured, when it's time to attract a new home crowd, those pieces will be put in place. Even the fickle fans of LaLa Land love a winner, and they'll fill the seats for the L.A. Chargers. They'll even justify it in their own feeble minds by telling themselves it's okay because the Chargers were an L.A. team for a whole year at their initial conception. They'll enjoy the fruits of our fandom just like they did with Oakland back in the day. The difference is, Oakland got their team back. San Diego will never know professional football again. The NFL will make an example of this town. They will say that we are not like Cleveland or Houston. Our team did not sneak out of town in the middle of the night. The owner "tried" to negotiate a future here in "good faith." But alas, stubborn San Diego was unwilling to give an inch to a franchise that has done its best to bend this town over at every turn.
I can here you now. "What of the rumors, MC? I heard DeBartolo and Policy are trying to pry the Raiders away from the cold, dying hands of the world's most unapologetic a-hole? They want to bring the team back to L.A. Surely that will shut the door on a Charger move?" Now, imagine me patting you on the head like good little boys and girls and telling you not to get too excited or you might get a belly ache. Let's say, for fun, that this unlikely scenario comes to pass. The inglorious bastards return to the Coliseum. Oh the fanfare! Oh the gunfire! Hurray, let's loot the city with joy! Well, so what. A couple of weeks ago, our Governor, Arnold Shortsa- Shwarzu- Kindergarten Cop, said that he could foresee a Los Angeles with two NFL franchises! You know, like in the glory days of L.A. football. At the time, everybody kind of shrugged it off as some guy from Austria, who doesn't know much about such things, just shooting his mouth off to gather more support in California's largest metropolis. Even Tagliabue, our not-soon-enough-for-me-ex NFL commisioner more or less laughed at the notion. But what's so funny? There have been two sites trying to put together a package for the NFL for years now. Is it so far fetched that we could see, in our time, the Los Angeles Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers of Anaheim. Do you think Spanos would mind being the red-headed stepchild in that media market? Not if he were the richer-than-he-is-now red-headed stepchild, that's for sure.
Most intriguingly though, is that while he was laughing off the idea of two teams in L.A. just a short time ago, Tags recently posited the idea of two teams sharing a stadium in L.A., just like the Giants and the Jets. Yes! The Chargers and the Raiders in the same stadium! That is gold! Dogs and cats living together! Total pandemonium! Maybe after Tagliabue retires as commisioner he can fly over to the Middle East and sort that whole thing out. Come on, people! There's plenty of Holy Land for everyone!
The bottom line is, the Chargers are going to go to L.A. Unless they can dupe some city within the county of San Diego to give up the farm on a completely lopsided deal that benefits the team to the point where it can continue it's dog meets tick relationship with its home and its fans, then the team is gone. Mark it. I hope I'm wrong. But I'm not.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Los Madres...
Since the blackout period has not been observed this year and nothing is up for discussion short of Drew’s golf game and the fact that he is throwing passes now, albeit to no one in particular, we can focus on something important and that is the debacle that was last night’s baseball game.
Jake Peavy pitched a gem. A 7 inning 16 strikeout beauty of a gem. A gem that would make chicks throw their engagement rings into the toilet and immediately request an upgrade. Had you been watching the performance and listening to the ever popular announcing team, short one drunk Sutcliffe this night, you’d have thought that the Madres were winning by about 348 runs. Truth be told, we weren’t.
In fact, despite the 16 K’s, Jake got a loss. Why? Well, in the inning numbering 2, he gave up a two run bomb to a guy that had a tremendous home run total of 2 entering last night. He made a mistake, gave up some yardwork, and lost. Didn’t really matter after that point if he struck out everyone in the stands that night. He lost. It was his fault. I wish people would quit trying to pretend that it wasn’t his fault. Sorry you made one bad pitch and it cost you Jake. I like you. Everyone coming to your defense saying it wasn’t your fault must be nice, but I bet you were pretty pissed last night with your overall performance despite the inflated strikeout total. We were facing John Smoltz by the way, who we don’t ever hit. Ever. So, even though Jake only gave up the two runs on the one mistake, it wasn’t enough. He could have struck out the next 22 guys, still wouldn’t have and didn’t matter. When does the football game start?
Oh yeah. September…
Jake Peavy pitched a gem. A 7 inning 16 strikeout beauty of a gem. A gem that would make chicks throw their engagement rings into the toilet and immediately request an upgrade. Had you been watching the performance and listening to the ever popular announcing team, short one drunk Sutcliffe this night, you’d have thought that the Madres were winning by about 348 runs. Truth be told, we weren’t.
In fact, despite the 16 K’s, Jake got a loss. Why? Well, in the inning numbering 2, he gave up a two run bomb to a guy that had a tremendous home run total of 2 entering last night. He made a mistake, gave up some yardwork, and lost. Didn’t really matter after that point if he struck out everyone in the stands that night. He lost. It was his fault. I wish people would quit trying to pretend that it wasn’t his fault. Sorry you made one bad pitch and it cost you Jake. I like you. Everyone coming to your defense saying it wasn’t your fault must be nice, but I bet you were pretty pissed last night with your overall performance despite the inflated strikeout total. We were facing John Smoltz by the way, who we don’t ever hit. Ever. So, even though Jake only gave up the two runs on the one mistake, it wasn’t enough. He could have struck out the next 22 guys, still wouldn’t have and didn’t matter. When does the football game start?
Oh yeah. September…
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Draft Day Donuts...
In just a few words due to my inability to be articulate about what I am seeing on television at this moment, enjoy some bullet points:
-Houston has renewed my faith that I could be a professional General Manager. Success at that position is not a requirement to hold the job.
-The New Orleans Saints have just become the 2004 Chargers, IF, (and the caps lock button isn’t putting the emphasis on the IF that I would like) IF, IF, IF IF, Drew Brees comes back from injury.
-Tennessee just got the cheap version of Michael Vick. Congratulations.
-Ahhhhhh, the Jets. Always going to be the Jets. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!!!! Happy times….
-Houston has renewed my faith that I could be a professional General Manager. Success at that position is not a requirement to hold the job.
-The New Orleans Saints have just become the 2004 Chargers, IF, (and the caps lock button isn’t putting the emphasis on the IF that I would like) IF, IF, IF IF, Drew Brees comes back from injury.
-Tennessee just got the cheap version of Michael Vick. Congratulations.
-Ahhhhhh, the Jets. Always going to be the Jets. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!!!! Happy times….
Friday, April 28, 2006
Big Fat Charger Draft Preview.
In short, who do I want? Santonio Holmes. I want a star receiver, damn it! I want a flashy guy, and I think I deserve it. I've been so good this year. 4 months and nary a restraining order to be seen.
Who do I think the coaches want? Winston Justice. But I don't see A.J. as the trading up kind of guy.
Who does A.J. want? Well, if indeed the transformation to Bobby Beathard levels of genius is truly under way, this could be the year he trades way back and drafts the entire Mesa College senior class. Honestly, though, A.J. has drafted pretty well to this point, so I can't be too hard on him there. I could see him taking a LB at 19. Maybe Ernie Simms, if by some crazy miracle he falls that far. He won't. Vince Young? Ha Ha.
Who do I think we'll actually get? Jimmy Williams.
How do I feel about that? Not so hot. In the last 4 years we've drafted a DB twice with our 1st rounder, and they haven't exactly burst onto the scene in a blazing fury. Hell, one of them is gone, traded for an excuse not to take a receiver #1.
Oh well, whatever happens, I'm excited, because it's the draft, and the NFL makes it so pretty that it's almost like watching actual football. Mostly just cause I'm drunk by noon, though, really. Go Bolts!!! Draft your asses off!
Who do I think the coaches want? Winston Justice. But I don't see A.J. as the trading up kind of guy.
Who does A.J. want? Well, if indeed the transformation to Bobby Beathard levels of genius is truly under way, this could be the year he trades way back and drafts the entire Mesa College senior class. Honestly, though, A.J. has drafted pretty well to this point, so I can't be too hard on him there. I could see him taking a LB at 19. Maybe Ernie Simms, if by some crazy miracle he falls that far. He won't. Vince Young? Ha Ha.
Who do I think we'll actually get? Jimmy Williams.
How do I feel about that? Not so hot. In the last 4 years we've drafted a DB twice with our 1st rounder, and they haven't exactly burst onto the scene in a blazing fury. Hell, one of them is gone, traded for an excuse not to take a receiver #1.
Oh well, whatever happens, I'm excited, because it's the draft, and the NFL makes it so pretty that it's almost like watching actual football. Mostly just cause I'm drunk by noon, though, really. Go Bolts!!! Draft your asses off!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Open Letter #2...
Mr. A.J. Smith,
I am going to make this quick. I tried to make this point in a very round about way in my last post. But it didn’t work, so here goes attempt #2 at explaining this without sounding hypocritical.
If Donnie Edwards leaves town, it will be the third time (Brees doesn’t count he was hurt) that we let one of the beloved members of the team depart because management didn’t want to pay or show any loyalty to them. Sometimes I have supported this and sometimes I haven’t. But I have been wrong as well. But the bottom line is this:
Sometimes you have to keep the guys the fans like even if it might cost you a bit of money. The fan base wants to win, but we also want to win with the guys we like. That is very important. A TEAM. We want to follow A TEAM. Not a bunch of strangers that are cheaper than the other guys we like that get ARRESTED!!!
Sometimes it’s good to listen to the fans. It’s up to you start believing that.
Maybe someone ought to remind you how you got your job.
With all sincerity,
CJ
I am going to make this quick. I tried to make this point in a very round about way in my last post. But it didn’t work, so here goes attempt #2 at explaining this without sounding hypocritical.
If Donnie Edwards leaves town, it will be the third time (Brees doesn’t count he was hurt) that we let one of the beloved members of the team depart because management didn’t want to pay or show any loyalty to them. Sometimes I have supported this and sometimes I haven’t. But I have been wrong as well. But the bottom line is this:
Sometimes you have to keep the guys the fans like even if it might cost you a bit of money. The fan base wants to win, but we also want to win with the guys we like. That is very important. A TEAM. We want to follow A TEAM. Not a bunch of strangers that are cheaper than the other guys we like that get ARRESTED!!!
Sometimes it’s good to listen to the fans. It’s up to you start believing that.
Maybe someone ought to remind you how you got your job.
With all sincerity,
CJ
Look Out! Here Comes The Man Again!
This is getting out of hand! When will the SDPD give up their obvious grudge against the San Diego Charger Linebacking corp. These guys are out, minding their own business, and trying to enjoy some well-deserved downtime in the offseason. Then, from out of the blue, San Diego's finest comes along and makes a big deal out of some minor parking violation, some expired out-of-state registration (Really, shouldn't that be the Arkansas PD's responsibility?), the stench of booze, and the alledged attempt to flee the scene. Ridiculous. Let's face it, it's a different linebacker every time, so the common denominator is apparent. It's hard to field a winning team when the city is working so hard to incarcerate all your players. Still, three cops? You've gotta admire the heart. Get on with your bad self, Steve Foley!
P.S. Nice picture, UT, but couldn't you find one where he's brandishing some sort of weapon. Freakin' media vampires!
P.S. Nice picture, UT, but couldn't you find one where he's brandishing some sort of weapon. Freakin' media vampires!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
An Open Letter...
Dear Mr. Canepa, Mr. Smith, Mr. Spanos and our Fan Base,
Well, not much can be said on top of what has already been said here today about the state of our football team. Will we be good? My thought is yes. Will we make the playoffs? Maybe. Will we go all the way to the Super Session and get the first prized brass ring that we seek so desperately in this town? Uhhh, no. No we won’t. As we have seen in the past, it’s time to jettison the guys that have gotten us here and replace them with cheaper, less talented talent so that we remain competitive enough to sell out the seats and lift your television blackout weekly. Just enough that the NFL recognizes that this would be a good fit for the L.A. market and allow that town to chase another franchise from their ranks.
This Donnie E. thing has me up in arms. Believe me, Donnie is one of the most underrated backers of the line that has played in this town. He is by all measures a superstar. He has been and he will continue to be, of that I have no doubt. Needless to say that guy gave his all for this squad and is a staple now to this team. Do we have guys that can fill his shoes when he is gone? Perhaps, as we do have a lot of very talented guys playing those positions right now. Is this the right move? Yes, and no. Donnie wants what is amounting to back pay, he has been the best around this town for years now. Is he getting old? Yes, it’s what people and professional athletes do. I have yet to meet anyone save Gary Coleman who have been able to retard the aging process. But, to just be able to cut ties and move on as we have done two times already is just a bit much for me to handle. I’d be surprised if by gametime (read: September) if he was still out there guarding the middle of the field leading the defense. Donnie, if you have suited up for your last game here in San Diego, you will be missed. Come kickoff in month number nine, I will be looking for you out there on the field. I hope that you will be in Oakland wreaking havoc on those mother fu… jerks out there, dominating as you have.
I won’t go as far as you Mr. Canepa and verbally stimulate Mr. Smith. But I can almost see your angle, Mr. GM. But that is the main problem. You always has an angle, and I think that it is perfectly clear thanks to MC here that the angle is Los Angeles. And I think it blows rhinoceros testes that it is so transparent yet again. It’s about time to start thinking about becoming faithful to another squad as the inevitable move develops with more and more pieces falling into place for the moving trucks to be backing into the Murph in ’08.
So, Mr. Canepa, call a spade a spade when you see one. I am eager to read one more of your columns and only one more. The one that contains your explanation for being a Smith apologist when the opening day kickoff happens for the Los Angeles “Whatevers”. I want to see how you cover your tracks when the team is gone and you have spent your time defending all the personnel decisions that are in the team’s best interest. I am sure though this won’t be remembered when you collect your check and continue writing about the stability of our team. No, our GM isn’t an idiot, he is a calculating, manipulating bastard that is looking to break this town’s will yet again. You call him John Wayne? I call him a prick who doesn’t give a shit about the fan base here whatsoever. Not that it apparently matters to you, him or the Spanos Klan. Line your pockets boys, you have the town sportswriter in your pocket, feel free to have your way with the town. You all can bite me collectively.
Sincerely,
CJ
Well, not much can be said on top of what has already been said here today about the state of our football team. Will we be good? My thought is yes. Will we make the playoffs? Maybe. Will we go all the way to the Super Session and get the first prized brass ring that we seek so desperately in this town? Uhhh, no. No we won’t. As we have seen in the past, it’s time to jettison the guys that have gotten us here and replace them with cheaper, less talented talent so that we remain competitive enough to sell out the seats and lift your television blackout weekly. Just enough that the NFL recognizes that this would be a good fit for the L.A. market and allow that town to chase another franchise from their ranks.
This Donnie E. thing has me up in arms. Believe me, Donnie is one of the most underrated backers of the line that has played in this town. He is by all measures a superstar. He has been and he will continue to be, of that I have no doubt. Needless to say that guy gave his all for this squad and is a staple now to this team. Do we have guys that can fill his shoes when he is gone? Perhaps, as we do have a lot of very talented guys playing those positions right now. Is this the right move? Yes, and no. Donnie wants what is amounting to back pay, he has been the best around this town for years now. Is he getting old? Yes, it’s what people and professional athletes do. I have yet to meet anyone save Gary Coleman who have been able to retard the aging process. But, to just be able to cut ties and move on as we have done two times already is just a bit much for me to handle. I’d be surprised if by gametime (read: September) if he was still out there guarding the middle of the field leading the defense. Donnie, if you have suited up for your last game here in San Diego, you will be missed. Come kickoff in month number nine, I will be looking for you out there on the field. I hope that you will be in Oakland wreaking havoc on those mother fu… jerks out there, dominating as you have.
I won’t go as far as you Mr. Canepa and verbally stimulate Mr. Smith. But I can almost see your angle, Mr. GM. But that is the main problem. You always has an angle, and I think that it is perfectly clear thanks to MC here that the angle is Los Angeles. And I think it blows rhinoceros testes that it is so transparent yet again. It’s about time to start thinking about becoming faithful to another squad as the inevitable move develops with more and more pieces falling into place for the moving trucks to be backing into the Murph in ’08.
So, Mr. Canepa, call a spade a spade when you see one. I am eager to read one more of your columns and only one more. The one that contains your explanation for being a Smith apologist when the opening day kickoff happens for the Los Angeles “Whatevers”. I want to see how you cover your tracks when the team is gone and you have spent your time defending all the personnel decisions that are in the team’s best interest. I am sure though this won’t be remembered when you collect your check and continue writing about the stability of our team. No, our GM isn’t an idiot, he is a calculating, manipulating bastard that is looking to break this town’s will yet again. You call him John Wayne? I call him a prick who doesn’t give a shit about the fan base here whatsoever. Not that it apparently matters to you, him or the Spanos Klan. Line your pockets boys, you have the town sportswriter in your pocket, feel free to have your way with the town. You all can bite me collectively.
Sincerely,
CJ
Here We Go Again.
I have a theory as to why Nick Canepa performs this sort of literary fellatio on A. J. Smith. Let's call it the Almost Famous or Cameron Crowe effect. Smith talks to Canepa. He tells him things that make him feel special. He defends himself with Achilles-like charisma and Canepa eats it up by the spoonful like so much Trojan widow.
The problem is, anyone with half a mind knows that A. J. Smith isn't an idiot. While I'll admit I don't see the wisdom in letting a player like Edwards leave at this crucial point, I do see the point. I see the forest, the trees, hell I can even see the little Smurf houses tucked away within. The best part is, A. J. himself gives away his master plan again and again. He's building a team for the future. The future, people.
Let me explain. This team may make the playoffs with a first time starting QB this year. It may go far in the playoffs with a terrible secondary this year. Both of those things MIGHT happen. But let's be realistic. Probably not. And it's especially unlikely if half your team-the half that has to keep the other high scoring AFC West competitors out of the end zone-doesn't have it's most productive performer over the last several years. And if this team doesn't somehow overcome and accomplish those lofty goals, this town will, for the most part, turn their backs. San Diego loves a winner, and on those rare occasions that our franchises supply one, we are voracious in our support. But this town abhors a loser, and when those good times are so far and few between, forgive us when we exit the bandwagon, even prematurely. A stadium vote after another "underachieving" year will be a joke.
So I say to you all, the future team that A. J. Smith is building is not the San Diego Chargers. It is the Los Angeles "Whatevers." And I don't care what this douche bag tries to sell you, Marty ain't going to be there and A. J. IS trying to run him out. It isn't easy getting rid of a coach like Marty when you are doing your best to pull the wool over the eyes of the fans in order to sell the last couple of season ticket packages. We remember the last time a GM in this town ran out a winning coach. And we sure as hell remember the decade that followed. So screw you A. J. Smith. And screw you Nick Canepa for believing and spreading this tripe. And screw you Los Angeles "Whatevers," but for now, go Bolts!!!
The problem is, anyone with half a mind knows that A. J. Smith isn't an idiot. While I'll admit I don't see the wisdom in letting a player like Edwards leave at this crucial point, I do see the point. I see the forest, the trees, hell I can even see the little Smurf houses tucked away within. The best part is, A. J. himself gives away his master plan again and again. He's building a team for the future. The future, people.
Let me explain. This team may make the playoffs with a first time starting QB this year. It may go far in the playoffs with a terrible secondary this year. Both of those things MIGHT happen. But let's be realistic. Probably not. And it's especially unlikely if half your team-the half that has to keep the other high scoring AFC West competitors out of the end zone-doesn't have it's most productive performer over the last several years. And if this team doesn't somehow overcome and accomplish those lofty goals, this town will, for the most part, turn their backs. San Diego loves a winner, and on those rare occasions that our franchises supply one, we are voracious in our support. But this town abhors a loser, and when those good times are so far and few between, forgive us when we exit the bandwagon, even prematurely. A stadium vote after another "underachieving" year will be a joke.
So I say to you all, the future team that A. J. Smith is building is not the San Diego Chargers. It is the Los Angeles "Whatevers." And I don't care what this douche bag tries to sell you, Marty ain't going to be there and A. J. IS trying to run him out. It isn't easy getting rid of a coach like Marty when you are doing your best to pull the wool over the eyes of the fans in order to sell the last couple of season ticket packages. We remember the last time a GM in this town ran out a winning coach. And we sure as hell remember the decade that followed. So screw you A. J. Smith. And screw you Nick Canepa for believing and spreading this tripe. And screw you Los Angeles "Whatevers," but for now, go Bolts!!!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Part II
Good Lord today is a fine day. I wake up to find that the rain continues raining out baseball games across the land. Basketball goes on to the playoffs without people with sore backs, a favorite linebacker whom I have had occasion to meet a couple of times may be leaving town, and one of the potentially better pass rushers on our squad is doing his best to prevent seizures. Geez, it’s a good morning. Thanks to MC for keeping this place warm as well. We missed you buddy.
So, when we last left this spot we were busy trying to explain why the new quarterback situation is not the dire plot that the mass voice would lead you to believe. Fear not folks, the squad is in shape, the schedule is set and there is no one in their right mind that should be complaining about ‘how tough it is, waahhahahahahahhhaaaaa!!’ like we had last year. The tears can no longer drip between the keys on the board and the new quarterback is going to be fine. Why you say? Let’s see if this helps…
Much as everyone that is armed with a keyboard and an audience of more than three would like you to believe, Team Phillip (I’m experimenting with a nickname, I’m gonna try a few, feel free to tell me which ones suck) is not a rookie. Yes, I know that he will be taking his first snaps as a starter, and that his experience is limited primarily to kneeling on the ball for Marty. But let’s get to business here. Drew is gone, we got that, and I don’t want to come off like I didn’t like him, I did. But he’s gone, it was the right decision and I wish him all the best, you will never convince me we made a mistake. So in comes New Guy #17. Seventeen had a college career that is nothing to be ashamed of. I am not always a huge numbers guy, in my opinion, numbers can be put together to even make old #16 look good. I actually typed his name there, threw up on the keyboard and erased it. Bottom line is, The Kid put up numbers in college and that’s a good start.
Seventeen has been sitting back and babysitting clipboards in this system for two years now. He learned a successful system that is loaded with tools. He has prepared himself well and knows how the offense works. Now, I don’t know who keeps forgetting that Seventeen has #21 lining up behind him on every snap. Last time we checked in with 21, he was at the top of his game and near the top of the league as an offensive player. Ask Ty Law, or Adam Archuletta if 21 can carry the load for this team. It’s a tremendous ease on a young quarterback if you have a solid running game. Check, yep, we got one of those.
Seventeen also has at his disposal, that other guy. What’s his name? I think he wears 85. Hmmm, Eric Seivers… wait no that’s not it… Oh yeah, that’s that Antonio guy. He’s pretty good. And the last time I checked, no one can really cover him and he is a quarterback’s best friend. Seventeen to Eighty Five is going to be a popular call this year. Wow, this doesn’t look that bad does it?
We are also staffed with a receiving corps that benefits from the presence of 85 and 21. Keenan still gets it done, E. Parker is one of the more underrated route runners in the league, and the potential emergence of Vinnie Jack is going to only contribute further. The difference this year is that Seven can get the ball to those guys on the deep route better than Nine did. He can. You can’t dispute that. Go back and watch some film and see how many times guys were under thrown or flat out missed on the deep route. Do it. You will be surprised.
With these viable options the game is simplified for Seventeen. The pieces are in place. You couldn’t ask for a better situation as a first year starter. Seventeen has to be thinking, “You mean, I get to go in there with Tomlinson, Gates, and the Crew? Cool.” This isn’t some second string scout offense he will be running. He is lining up with pro bowlers every week. You can’t get any more dialed in than that. If success is not achieved, we may have to reevaluate the talent level of this guy. Loosely translated, that means, if you can’t have success in this offense, you just might not be any good. You in fact, just might suck. So, we will know very soon how good this guy is. It’s time to play and find out. Ask Brady or Reuengrueter if they would have liked to have those guys around them when they got their first starts. Oh yeah, those guys have about 4 diamond studded paper weights between them, and they succeeded with less than Seventeen has the benefit of. I’m not scared, why are the rest of you?
Finally and this is not fun for me, but check out how many game winning comebacks that Nine had. I can’t really remember too many. I remember a game tying one in the playoffs, but alas, that one fell a little short. Drew got it done to a certain extent, but we were either blowing teams out or losing. There weren’t too many close ones that fell on Nine’s shoulders to win. Is that important? Yeah, I think so. Drew will have success as he always has, but I don’t think he will ever lead a team to the promised land. At least I haven’t seen any evidence yet that he would. Sorry to ruin the party.
It’s Seventeen’s time now. We won’t be disappointed.
So, when we last left this spot we were busy trying to explain why the new quarterback situation is not the dire plot that the mass voice would lead you to believe. Fear not folks, the squad is in shape, the schedule is set and there is no one in their right mind that should be complaining about ‘how tough it is, waahhahahahahahhhaaaaa!!’ like we had last year. The tears can no longer drip between the keys on the board and the new quarterback is going to be fine. Why you say? Let’s see if this helps…
Much as everyone that is armed with a keyboard and an audience of more than three would like you to believe, Team Phillip (I’m experimenting with a nickname, I’m gonna try a few, feel free to tell me which ones suck) is not a rookie. Yes, I know that he will be taking his first snaps as a starter, and that his experience is limited primarily to kneeling on the ball for Marty. But let’s get to business here. Drew is gone, we got that, and I don’t want to come off like I didn’t like him, I did. But he’s gone, it was the right decision and I wish him all the best, you will never convince me we made a mistake. So in comes New Guy #17. Seventeen had a college career that is nothing to be ashamed of. I am not always a huge numbers guy, in my opinion, numbers can be put together to even make old #16 look good. I actually typed his name there, threw up on the keyboard and erased it. Bottom line is, The Kid put up numbers in college and that’s a good start.
Seventeen has been sitting back and babysitting clipboards in this system for two years now. He learned a successful system that is loaded with tools. He has prepared himself well and knows how the offense works. Now, I don’t know who keeps forgetting that Seventeen has #21 lining up behind him on every snap. Last time we checked in with 21, he was at the top of his game and near the top of the league as an offensive player. Ask Ty Law, or Adam Archuletta if 21 can carry the load for this team. It’s a tremendous ease on a young quarterback if you have a solid running game. Check, yep, we got one of those.
Seventeen also has at his disposal, that other guy. What’s his name? I think he wears 85. Hmmm, Eric Seivers… wait no that’s not it… Oh yeah, that’s that Antonio guy. He’s pretty good. And the last time I checked, no one can really cover him and he is a quarterback’s best friend. Seventeen to Eighty Five is going to be a popular call this year. Wow, this doesn’t look that bad does it?
We are also staffed with a receiving corps that benefits from the presence of 85 and 21. Keenan still gets it done, E. Parker is one of the more underrated route runners in the league, and the potential emergence of Vinnie Jack is going to only contribute further. The difference this year is that Seven can get the ball to those guys on the deep route better than Nine did. He can. You can’t dispute that. Go back and watch some film and see how many times guys were under thrown or flat out missed on the deep route. Do it. You will be surprised.
With these viable options the game is simplified for Seventeen. The pieces are in place. You couldn’t ask for a better situation as a first year starter. Seventeen has to be thinking, “You mean, I get to go in there with Tomlinson, Gates, and the Crew? Cool.” This isn’t some second string scout offense he will be running. He is lining up with pro bowlers every week. You can’t get any more dialed in than that. If success is not achieved, we may have to reevaluate the talent level of this guy. Loosely translated, that means, if you can’t have success in this offense, you just might not be any good. You in fact, just might suck. So, we will know very soon how good this guy is. It’s time to play and find out. Ask Brady or Reuengrueter if they would have liked to have those guys around them when they got their first starts. Oh yeah, those guys have about 4 diamond studded paper weights between them, and they succeeded with less than Seventeen has the benefit of. I’m not scared, why are the rest of you?
Finally and this is not fun for me, but check out how many game winning comebacks that Nine had. I can’t really remember too many. I remember a game tying one in the playoffs, but alas, that one fell a little short. Drew got it done to a certain extent, but we were either blowing teams out or losing. There weren’t too many close ones that fell on Nine’s shoulders to win. Is that important? Yeah, I think so. Drew will have success as he always has, but I don’t think he will ever lead a team to the promised land. At least I haven’t seen any evidence yet that he would. Sorry to ruin the party.
It’s Seventeen’s time now. We won’t be disappointed.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Maybe She Was Having a Seizure. Do Headlocks Stop Seizures?
Any chance this will have an effect on the decision to move Donnie Edwards? In Shaun Phillips' defense, sometimes the ladies just be asking for the headlock treatment. And the San Diego Police Department has a long history of attacking professional athletes.
History Repeating.
So now A.J. Smith wants to trade Donnie Edwards? Unbelievable. A proven team leader who has said that he would like to play in San Diego for three or four more years and retire. Wait, this sounds familiar. Who am I thinking of? Ooh, it's on the tip of my tongue. Whatever. I'm sure it'll come to me.
So, you've got a team poised to do great things (first time starting QB permitting), and you get rid of the indisputable heart of your emerging defensive unit? The guy who's seen it all and can offer some guidance to the neverending stream of rookie defenders you rely on to make your defensive scheme run? Who do you expect to step up? Quentin Jammer? Not likely. Shawne Merriman? Sure, the guy has proven himself to be a superb talent, gifted speaker and all around great personality, but that's still a lot to put on a guy who's going into his second year. Whoever it is, I hope they do a better job than Marcellus Wiley.
And for those of you who want to see Marty out the door, I hope you're happy. Because that is what this is really all about. A. J. loves his guys, and Donnie Edwards is a Marty guy. We'll have a new coach next year, and I'm sure that makes a lot of people happy. Before you go and start putting up San Diego Chargers Superbowl Champion banners, though, let me throw a few names at you. Kevin Gilbride. Mike Riley. June Jones, for Christ's sake! Be careful what you wish for. Suck it, A. J.
So, you've got a team poised to do great things (first time starting QB permitting), and you get rid of the indisputable heart of your emerging defensive unit? The guy who's seen it all and can offer some guidance to the neverending stream of rookie defenders you rely on to make your defensive scheme run? Who do you expect to step up? Quentin Jammer? Not likely. Shawne Merriman? Sure, the guy has proven himself to be a superb talent, gifted speaker and all around great personality, but that's still a lot to put on a guy who's going into his second year. Whoever it is, I hope they do a better job than Marcellus Wiley.
And for those of you who want to see Marty out the door, I hope you're happy. Because that is what this is really all about. A. J. loves his guys, and Donnie Edwards is a Marty guy. We'll have a new coach next year, and I'm sure that makes a lot of people happy. Before you go and start putting up San Diego Chargers Superbowl Champion banners, though, let me throw a few names at you. Kevin Gilbride. Mike Riley. June Jones, for Christ's sake! Be careful what you wish for. Suck it, A. J.
Friday, March 31, 2006
I Feel The Need To Explain.
Let me go ahead and expound upon my disdain for Mr. Smith. Many people seem to forget, this entire mess might never have reared it’s ugly head, and A.J. would have gotten his way long ago, if he hadn’t tried to play hide the dollar with Philip Rivers in the first place. Now, you can say that it was Rivers and his agent, but let’s be realistic. Smith pulled this garbage with Gates and, in my opinion threw away our opening game against Dallas and whatever momentum we might have garnered from a victory there. Then he pulled it with Shawn Merriman who only ended up starting, what, 9 or 10 games last season as Defensive Rookie of the Year. I doubt he could have been much of a factor in those first two losses.
The common denominator here is Smith. Not the Poston Bros. Not Rosenhaus or Condon. Smith. Or more accurately, the Charger organization. Butler did it. Beathard did it. The Chargers have a rich history of pissing off veterans and not getting 1st rounders into camp. I can only imagine the Spanos’ GM evaluation worksheet:
Would you describe yourself as a(n)___?
A) Spendy little bitch
B) Sound financial investor
C) Tight-fisted shrewish bastard
You answered C. Welcome aboard, here’s your corner office.
Let me be clear, I really liked Brees, but the truth is, I’m excited to see the Philip Rivers era begin. I have high hopes. But if this team falls apart and fails because of this, I will be more than happy to throw Smith under the bus. And then get in the bus. And drive it. Okay, I don’t really know how to drive a bus, but you get the idea. Screw it, go Bolts!!!
The common denominator here is Smith. Not the Poston Bros. Not Rosenhaus or Condon. Smith. Or more accurately, the Charger organization. Butler did it. Beathard did it. The Chargers have a rich history of pissing off veterans and not getting 1st rounders into camp. I can only imagine the Spanos’ GM evaluation worksheet:
Would you describe yourself as a(n)___?
A) Spendy little bitch
B) Sound financial investor
C) Tight-fisted shrewish bastard
You answered C. Welcome aboard, here’s your corner office.
Let me be clear, I really liked Brees, but the truth is, I’m excited to see the Philip Rivers era begin. I have high hopes. But if this team falls apart and fails because of this, I will be more than happy to throw Smith under the bus. And then get in the bus. And drive it. Okay, I don’t really know how to drive a bus, but you get the idea. Screw it, go Bolts!!!
A.J. Smith Is A Big Fat Winner
Let me preface this by saying that I think Canepa is a douche bag 98% of the time, and this falls into that percentile.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/canepa/20060330-9999-1s30canepa.html
A few things I don't like here:
1)The subtle dig at Brees early on, "If we think you're worth enough, you're going to get paid.”
2)He didn't sign LeCharles Bentley, and presumably any other big free agents, because he knew he would get a 3rd or 4th round pick next year if he didn't? I think the disparity between LeCharles Bentley and a 3rd or 4th is enough to make this one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.
3)The not so subtle dig at Brees at the end, “I don't care who holds the trophy over his head.”
See, this is my big problem with this guy. The ego. He is completely unlikeable, and not only does he know it, he embraces it. He feels like Brees and his agent slighted him in the public eye, and he may be right, but there was certainly grounds for it. Brees did all he could in a high pressure situation to compete at the highest possible level with the promise of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and in the end, the team's management basically turned their back on him. Do I think the team was wrong? No. But to not acknowledge the fact that Brees' hurt feelings had some amount of justification, and instead make digs like the preceeding, shows an almost Leafian level of "neener neener neener" childishness in a grown man. I don't know if I'll ever actually like this guy, even if all his moves turn out to be the right ones.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/canepa/20060330-9999-1s30canepa.html
A few things I don't like here:
1)The subtle dig at Brees early on, "If we think you're worth enough, you're going to get paid.”
2)He didn't sign LeCharles Bentley, and presumably any other big free agents, because he knew he would get a 3rd or 4th round pick next year if he didn't? I think the disparity between LeCharles Bentley and a 3rd or 4th is enough to make this one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.
3)The not so subtle dig at Brees at the end, “I don't care who holds the trophy over his head.”
See, this is my big problem with this guy. The ego. He is completely unlikeable, and not only does he know it, he embraces it. He feels like Brees and his agent slighted him in the public eye, and he may be right, but there was certainly grounds for it. Brees did all he could in a high pressure situation to compete at the highest possible level with the promise of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and in the end, the team's management basically turned their back on him. Do I think the team was wrong? No. But to not acknowledge the fact that Brees' hurt feelings had some amount of justification, and instead make digs like the preceeding, shows an almost Leafian level of "neener neener neener" childishness in a grown man. I don't know if I'll ever actually like this guy, even if all his moves turn out to be the right ones.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Explanation. Part I...
So it has been but a few weeks since we found out that the team that resides for the time being here in San Diego would not be retaining the services of one Drew Brees. Feedback around town has been divided like a province in the Middle East, well, no that would suggest that there is a bit of unity here in town. There isn’t. Not even a bit. So it’s my duty to try to unite the city, one city, under sunshine, with belief in our new squad leader, Phillip Rivers but that comes later…
On the surface and to those not in the know, it might appear that we made a mistake by not resigning our designated leader. But, as we have covered here and need not rehash ad nauseam, but our quarterback was injured. Seriously. He was. A torn labrum is not something that is easy to recover from. Add to that a torn rotator cuff, which I know a little bit about, you are talking about a climb uphill somewhere between Mt. Whitney and Everest. Not that it can’t be done mind you, but it’s a bit more than a difficult task. Can Drew recover from it? If anyone can he will. Will he be the same? No one really knows. But there are problems with the situation that he found himself in and blame can only be placed on the people that allowed him to play in week 17. That’s it. Unfortuately, the worst thing that could have happened short of a mysterious spot on your tingly parts after a trip to T.J., happened to Drew that week…
I’d number the problems and rank them in order of importance, but they are so numerous, and almost really equally important, so in no particular order:
A quarterback with a sub par, I mean below avera…, I mean ‘good arm’, hurt his good arm. Now, I’m not an expert, but if you are making a paycheck and you significantly injure the part that makes you a paid professional athlete, sorry, but you’re out of luck. Sorry. It’s just the way it is. Sorry. Get over it. When your arm strength isn’t your strength, and you hurt your arm, there’s the door. Sorry.
Now, I can understand if you are under contract, say five or six years on your deal, millions of dollars still to pay on that deal, and you hurt your gunslingin’ arm, well you might get another shot. You might even compete for the starting job, you might even be the favorite for that slot, but when you hurt your moneymaker and you have no contract, sorry. There’s the door. Happy trails. Don’t look back…
Ohh, and when the guy that is backing you up is the number one draft pick for the guy that seems to specialize in drafts, and oh by the by, has a long term deal. The kind of long term deal that has most of the guaranteed money already in the kid’s bank account, job security is not your friend. In fact, when you’re hurt, demand top dollar, have no deal, and the number one draft pick behind you does, not only do you not have job security, you don’t have a job. Sorry, there’s the door. Sorry.
Yes. There was a mistake made in our organization. The last day of 2005 marks that day. Drew shouldn’t have been playing. That’s the mistake. It’s unfortunate, tragic, demoralizing and awful that it happened, but it did. Get over it. He’s gone. There are no more mistakes. There was one, and that’s done and it’s over.
And you radio guys that insist on the fact that the organization made a mistake by not resigning Drew, you’re wrong. And spending time in the morning trying to prove that the organization made a mistake by telling us that Drew is rehabbing great and can now throw a football to a five yard target, that’s great. I’m pretty sure Phil can do that, I’m pretty sure I can do that, and my six year old niece is getting pretty close, she can hit about one in three from that distance. It doesn’t mean you’re healthy, it doesn’t mean your arm is fine, and it doesn’t mean that you get 60 MILLION BUCKS!!!! It doesn’t . When will you realize that? When will you realize you’re wrong? Sorry. Get over it. Sorry. He’s gone. Sorry. He isn’t coming back. And the guy coming in isn’t half bad....
On the surface and to those not in the know, it might appear that we made a mistake by not resigning our designated leader. But, as we have covered here and need not rehash ad nauseam, but our quarterback was injured. Seriously. He was. A torn labrum is not something that is easy to recover from. Add to that a torn rotator cuff, which I know a little bit about, you are talking about a climb uphill somewhere between Mt. Whitney and Everest. Not that it can’t be done mind you, but it’s a bit more than a difficult task. Can Drew recover from it? If anyone can he will. Will he be the same? No one really knows. But there are problems with the situation that he found himself in and blame can only be placed on the people that allowed him to play in week 17. That’s it. Unfortuately, the worst thing that could have happened short of a mysterious spot on your tingly parts after a trip to T.J., happened to Drew that week…
I’d number the problems and rank them in order of importance, but they are so numerous, and almost really equally important, so in no particular order:
A quarterback with a sub par, I mean below avera…, I mean ‘good arm’, hurt his good arm. Now, I’m not an expert, but if you are making a paycheck and you significantly injure the part that makes you a paid professional athlete, sorry, but you’re out of luck. Sorry. It’s just the way it is. Sorry. Get over it. When your arm strength isn’t your strength, and you hurt your arm, there’s the door. Sorry.
Now, I can understand if you are under contract, say five or six years on your deal, millions of dollars still to pay on that deal, and you hurt your gunslingin’ arm, well you might get another shot. You might even compete for the starting job, you might even be the favorite for that slot, but when you hurt your moneymaker and you have no contract, sorry. There’s the door. Happy trails. Don’t look back…
Ohh, and when the guy that is backing you up is the number one draft pick for the guy that seems to specialize in drafts, and oh by the by, has a long term deal. The kind of long term deal that has most of the guaranteed money already in the kid’s bank account, job security is not your friend. In fact, when you’re hurt, demand top dollar, have no deal, and the number one draft pick behind you does, not only do you not have job security, you don’t have a job. Sorry, there’s the door. Sorry.
Yes. There was a mistake made in our organization. The last day of 2005 marks that day. Drew shouldn’t have been playing. That’s the mistake. It’s unfortunate, tragic, demoralizing and awful that it happened, but it did. Get over it. He’s gone. There are no more mistakes. There was one, and that’s done and it’s over.
And you radio guys that insist on the fact that the organization made a mistake by not resigning Drew, you’re wrong. And spending time in the morning trying to prove that the organization made a mistake by telling us that Drew is rehabbing great and can now throw a football to a five yard target, that’s great. I’m pretty sure Phil can do that, I’m pretty sure I can do that, and my six year old niece is getting pretty close, she can hit about one in three from that distance. It doesn’t mean you’re healthy, it doesn’t mean your arm is fine, and it doesn’t mean that you get 60 MILLION BUCKS!!!! It doesn’t . When will you realize that? When will you realize you’re wrong? Sorry. Get over it. Sorry. He’s gone. Sorry. He isn’t coming back. And the guy coming in isn’t half bad....
Monday, March 20, 2006
Goodbye and Good Luck...
It’s officially final and finally official. Mr. Drew Brees is now a member of the one and only New Orleans Saints. A team that cost me $50 last year in their season opener by playing with all kinds of unwarranted emotion have once again left me disappointed. Oh, wait, no they didn’t. They just proved to me to be at the front of the pack in terms of ‘Sports Owners that I Know More Than” group. In what amounts to me as a questionable decision, the Saints have offered and it has been accepted, a 6 year 60 million dollar deal with a 10 million dollar signing bonus. Now as I sit here and read this over and over again, I am struck a bit puzzled as to why you would do this as a the owner of a professional sports franchise. It is difficult for me to see justifying this deal on any level, which brings me great disappointment. There have not been too many quarterbacks for our franchise in my lifetime that I have been able to grow accustomed to. Once again this holds true, as the hard to love Drew Brees leaves town for good. And in all honesty, if that is truly the money it was going to take to keep the guy with injury, I’ll help him pack his stuff and send him on his way with a smile and a pat on the back. Seeing as how I can’t really articulate what thoughts are assaulting the inside of my skull right now, I am switching to bullet format. Enjoy...
-This deal: 6 years/ $60 million, $10million dollar signing bonus, is universally out of this world ludicrous. I would have been disappointed had the Chargers even approached this mark for a one armed man. I wonder if I can get the Benson’s on the phone and tell them I have some property in the 9th Ward with minor water damage for sale???
-Timeline:
2002-2003- Drew Brees is our Quarterback. Drew Brees is not my favorite quarterback...
2004 - Drew Brees plays himself onto the favorite quarterback list...
2005 - Coaching staff does their part to deflect interest from Drew Brees’ regressing numbers to their own ineptness on the field...
12.31.2005- Drew Brees injures shoulder in meaningless game. Severity of injury downplayed. Coaching staff escapes ‘Barry Bonds Level’ scrutiny for their decision to start him...
03.14.2006- Drew Brees becomes a New Orleans Saint. I laugh uncontrollably at the terms of the contract. Unfortunately eating girl scout cookies at the time terms were announced. Same cookies are now growing in my lungs.
Drew Brees was a decent quarterback and an easy to like kind of guy when he was playing well. I don’t think that the Chargers, or more importantly, I would have ponied up the scratch for a 6 year/60 million dollar deal, even if the injury never occurred. Drew is a solid quarterback that had one great year, one decent year, and one and a half awful ones. Sorry, a $10 million per year quarterback he is not, even with two arms...
-Miami reportedly put Drew through a series of tests Monday to measure the progress of the rehabilitation. Obviously, they did not like what they saw enough that they went and traded a second round draft pick for Daunte Culpepper. The same Daunte Culpepper that has a $100 million dollar contract and had an interception to touchdown ratio last season prior to his injury of about 126:1. Or roughly the same ratio in Mammoth last weekend of guys to boobs.
-New Orleans in true New Orleans form, chose to ignore the fact that a torn labrum, combined with a torn rotator cuff is a serious career threatening type injury. Opting to focus on the derma band exercises that Drew has perfected post surgery. He is showing professional form raising and lowering his arm, stretching the resistance bands well, and is striving to be able to raise a donut, and turn multiple pages of a newspaper in the next month. But think, he is six weeks ahead in his rehab, no one thought he'd be turning pages of newsprint this quickly. Throwing the ball you say? Not important, as he will not be able to test that ability or lack there of until June or so. Logically that leads us to the conclusion that the Saints ownership just gave $10 million guaranteed to a guy who at the moment, cannot throw the ball. Good thing throwing a ball is not in the job description for a quarterback.
-Finally, as it would be I am saddened to see Drew go. He seemed like a good guy, liked the town and obviously worked very hard to become a good quarterback after what would be generous to describe as an inauspicious start. Things were pretty bleak there for a while. But, he did his best and with the mentality of a team we improved and got much better as the sum of our parts. Had the coaching staff not reverted back to their ultra conservative ways at times we may have achieved a higher degree of success. But, sad as it is to see him go, it’s time. An injury has wrecked his future here. No matter how much personal admiration and good feeling we hold for him, he is damaged goods now. Investing in him financially would be like buying a car with Louisiana Plates and a watermark on the dash. You may get a good deal, but you don’t know what you are getting. The funny part is the Saints didn’t really even get a good deal. They paid top dollar. And, it is being reported that Drew and his wife took out a full page ad to thank New Orleans for their new opportunity. The kind folks in the Big Easy decided to thank Drew by taking up a collection to pay for the ad so that Drew doesn't put a strain on his $60 million dollar savings... A new era begins in San Diego.
-This deal: 6 years/ $60 million, $10million dollar signing bonus, is universally out of this world ludicrous. I would have been disappointed had the Chargers even approached this mark for a one armed man. I wonder if I can get the Benson’s on the phone and tell them I have some property in the 9th Ward with minor water damage for sale???
-Timeline:
2002-2003- Drew Brees is our Quarterback. Drew Brees is not my favorite quarterback...
2004 - Drew Brees plays himself onto the favorite quarterback list...
2005 - Coaching staff does their part to deflect interest from Drew Brees’ regressing numbers to their own ineptness on the field...
12.31.2005- Drew Brees injures shoulder in meaningless game. Severity of injury downplayed. Coaching staff escapes ‘Barry Bonds Level’ scrutiny for their decision to start him...
03.14.2006- Drew Brees becomes a New Orleans Saint. I laugh uncontrollably at the terms of the contract. Unfortunately eating girl scout cookies at the time terms were announced. Same cookies are now growing in my lungs.
Drew Brees was a decent quarterback and an easy to like kind of guy when he was playing well. I don’t think that the Chargers, or more importantly, I would have ponied up the scratch for a 6 year/60 million dollar deal, even if the injury never occurred. Drew is a solid quarterback that had one great year, one decent year, and one and a half awful ones. Sorry, a $10 million per year quarterback he is not, even with two arms...
-Miami reportedly put Drew through a series of tests Monday to measure the progress of the rehabilitation. Obviously, they did not like what they saw enough that they went and traded a second round draft pick for Daunte Culpepper. The same Daunte Culpepper that has a $100 million dollar contract and had an interception to touchdown ratio last season prior to his injury of about 126:1. Or roughly the same ratio in Mammoth last weekend of guys to boobs.
-New Orleans in true New Orleans form, chose to ignore the fact that a torn labrum, combined with a torn rotator cuff is a serious career threatening type injury. Opting to focus on the derma band exercises that Drew has perfected post surgery. He is showing professional form raising and lowering his arm, stretching the resistance bands well, and is striving to be able to raise a donut, and turn multiple pages of a newspaper in the next month. But think, he is six weeks ahead in his rehab, no one thought he'd be turning pages of newsprint this quickly. Throwing the ball you say? Not important, as he will not be able to test that ability or lack there of until June or so. Logically that leads us to the conclusion that the Saints ownership just gave $10 million guaranteed to a guy who at the moment, cannot throw the ball. Good thing throwing a ball is not in the job description for a quarterback.
-Finally, as it would be I am saddened to see Drew go. He seemed like a good guy, liked the town and obviously worked very hard to become a good quarterback after what would be generous to describe as an inauspicious start. Things were pretty bleak there for a while. But, he did his best and with the mentality of a team we improved and got much better as the sum of our parts. Had the coaching staff not reverted back to their ultra conservative ways at times we may have achieved a higher degree of success. But, sad as it is to see him go, it’s time. An injury has wrecked his future here. No matter how much personal admiration and good feeling we hold for him, he is damaged goods now. Investing in him financially would be like buying a car with Louisiana Plates and a watermark on the dash. You may get a good deal, but you don’t know what you are getting. The funny part is the Saints didn’t really even get a good deal. They paid top dollar. And, it is being reported that Drew and his wife took out a full page ad to thank New Orleans for their new opportunity. The kind folks in the Big Easy decided to thank Drew by taking up a collection to pay for the ad so that Drew doesn't put a strain on his $60 million dollar savings... A new era begins in San Diego.
Monday, February 27, 2006
The Free Agent...
Since we last visited what has become a travesty and debacle here in the S.D. our quarterback was longing to regain his form on the golf course. Of course, he can’t lift or move his arm in any manner that would resemble a golf swing, throwing motion, or well, any move that would be designated useful at this time. This of course has management slightly more than concerned, enough so that there will be no franchise or transition tag assigned to Mr. QB. As of this Friday, our quarterback will be a free agent and will be free to sign with any team that will have him. This does not seem to concern our GM in the slightest.
So, it turns out that we can speculate as to who Mr. Brees will sign with this Friday. Now, who is in a position to take a chance on a one armed quarterback? Well, here is my take, you can decide if I am full of more BS than normal.
First, Miami. Of course with the powerhouse Sage Rosenfels and Gus Frerotte, they may be in the market for a quarterback. Any quarterback will do. There is a strong chance that they will give Mr. Brees a look…perhaps a contract.
Second, Dallas. I know they have the ever mobile and nimble Drew Bledsoe, but Drew is a local Texas guy, and that may go a long way down there. You know, those Texas folks can be pretty loyal to their cattle and their quarterbacks…
Third, Baltimore. Kyle Boller is still 24, and obviously having some trouble running the offensive show in murderland. This could very easily be Drew’s destination…
And finally, Houston. Same local Texas rules apply, and well, they draft one Reggie Bush, and well you have a Texans team that resembles the Charger team that Drew was in control of when Tomlinson had 100 receptions and 1000 yards on the ground. Reggie Bush reminds me a bit of that guy when he came into the league… just another thought as I try to convince myself that we will still have Drew running our team next year…
As far as the injury goes, it is a tough one. I know someone who has torn this particular type of cartilage in his shoulder, and it is not an injury that anyone wants. The procedure takes you out of the game for at least 6 months. That means no throwing, no lifting and basically no functional movement for the duration of that period. The shoulder really never regains total stability, and the problem is that it can continue to drop out of joint. It is a day by day injury, some days better than others. It will be a tough task to come back from this and regain your form in less than one year. Can it be done? Possibly. But obviously A.J. wants no part of a long term investment in this type of scenario.
The question now is can Phillip be the guy here. My position officially is yes. But, he needs stability. Stability he has now. He could not be in a better situation. He knows the system and he knows the guys he has around him are potent weapons. He needs to continue with the current system, that he has spent the last two years studying. If A.J. has his way, he gets his guy running the offense and ousts his coach. Before the injury, I would have supported this wholeheartedly. But now, Phillip does not need to have to commit another offensive system to memory. And, I would guess that Cam2, gets a coaching job next year, Marty goes the way of Mike Riley and June Jones, and we start all over again. Fun times here in San Diego, in what is possibly our last two years here in our town. Fun times…
So, it turns out that we can speculate as to who Mr. Brees will sign with this Friday. Now, who is in a position to take a chance on a one armed quarterback? Well, here is my take, you can decide if I am full of more BS than normal.
First, Miami. Of course with the powerhouse Sage Rosenfels and Gus Frerotte, they may be in the market for a quarterback. Any quarterback will do. There is a strong chance that they will give Mr. Brees a look…perhaps a contract.
Second, Dallas. I know they have the ever mobile and nimble Drew Bledsoe, but Drew is a local Texas guy, and that may go a long way down there. You know, those Texas folks can be pretty loyal to their cattle and their quarterbacks…
Third, Baltimore. Kyle Boller is still 24, and obviously having some trouble running the offensive show in murderland. This could very easily be Drew’s destination…
And finally, Houston. Same local Texas rules apply, and well, they draft one Reggie Bush, and well you have a Texans team that resembles the Charger team that Drew was in control of when Tomlinson had 100 receptions and 1000 yards on the ground. Reggie Bush reminds me a bit of that guy when he came into the league… just another thought as I try to convince myself that we will still have Drew running our team next year…
As far as the injury goes, it is a tough one. I know someone who has torn this particular type of cartilage in his shoulder, and it is not an injury that anyone wants. The procedure takes you out of the game for at least 6 months. That means no throwing, no lifting and basically no functional movement for the duration of that period. The shoulder really never regains total stability, and the problem is that it can continue to drop out of joint. It is a day by day injury, some days better than others. It will be a tough task to come back from this and regain your form in less than one year. Can it be done? Possibly. But obviously A.J. wants no part of a long term investment in this type of scenario.
The question now is can Phillip be the guy here. My position officially is yes. But, he needs stability. Stability he has now. He could not be in a better situation. He knows the system and he knows the guys he has around him are potent weapons. He needs to continue with the current system, that he has spent the last two years studying. If A.J. has his way, he gets his guy running the offense and ousts his coach. Before the injury, I would have supported this wholeheartedly. But now, Phillip does not need to have to commit another offensive system to memory. And, I would guess that Cam2, gets a coaching job next year, Marty goes the way of Mike Riley and June Jones, and we start all over again. Fun times here in San Diego, in what is possibly our last two years here in our town. Fun times…
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Pro Bowling...
Well, the word on the street is that the footballing season is now officially over. It ended the way it should with a Manning throwing all kinds of errant balls. You know those guys love their errant balls.
Our guys made quite a showing in the big all star spectacular out there in the middle of the ocean. Merriman proved why he was there and why he would be a big part of the NFL for years to come. I am going to have to work on that dance of his…
Normally this is the time of year that the mandatory football blackout begins and all football talk is ceased until the preseason is 90% complete. But, in the interest of the offseason that is shaping up to be an exciting one, the posts will be fewer and supplemented with Padre talk a bit, so I have something to complain about (for example the battery that is shaping up of Klesko, Giles, Piazza, and Castillo, wow). And we will have the one armed, contractless quarterback updates as the super glue sets and the duct tape gets a bit frayed at the edges…
Our guys made quite a showing in the big all star spectacular out there in the middle of the ocean. Merriman proved why he was there and why he would be a big part of the NFL for years to come. I am going to have to work on that dance of his…
Normally this is the time of year that the mandatory football blackout begins and all football talk is ceased until the preseason is 90% complete. But, in the interest of the offseason that is shaping up to be an exciting one, the posts will be fewer and supplemented with Padre talk a bit, so I have something to complain about (for example the battery that is shaping up of Klesko, Giles, Piazza, and Castillo, wow). And we will have the one armed, contractless quarterback updates as the super glue sets and the duct tape gets a bit frayed at the edges…
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Extra Large?? Extra Bore...
Well the Forty is gone and the trophy has been awarded. One fat guy said goodbye to the game and hopefully not his treadmill along the way. A young quarterback did his best not to screw up the game and succeeded in that. And what was deemed a ‘sloppy’ game (some of us would use harsher language than that) ended mercifully sooner rather than later. The game really had no entertainment value at least for me, a couple of big plays that were the difference kept me from attempting to find something more interesting on the big box.
As far as I was concerned, once this game died, I needed no excuses to keep talking about it. Mediocre performances that will be forgotten on both sides of the field shortly after the trophy was awarded, were marred by some folks complaining and attempting to rationalize a loss, suffered primarily at the hands of the zebras. Not to dwell on this more than everyone else has already kicked the dead equine, but, before the fatal shots are fired at the zebras, the entire thing should be rehashed.
Four plays stood out to me when laundry hit the tire bits and fake grass. Obviously the first, the pass interference on Darrell ‘First Quarter MVP” Jackson. No other way to say this, but I think I saw one of the refs use his yellow hanky to pick up the pile of poop that fell out of his pocket when he pitched the flag. Seattle has a gripe here.
Second one, the holding call, the first one. Looked like a hold to me. In fact, when the play was developing I commented that they held. They got flagged for it. Penalty deserved.
Third, the low block penalty on the hairless Quarterback. More poop on the play, but rather inconsequential all things considered. The pick was damaging and the end result wasn’t due to the penalty on that play.
Fourth, the last holding call on Locklear. Sorry, but once again as this one developed I didn’t see the flag. I commented that they got away with a hold. To my surprise they didn’t actually get away with it. After replay, it was questionable, but at full speed it looked like a tackle to me. I’d have been pissed more than livid if that was Merriman that fell taking the corner on that play. No gripes here either Seattle. Sorry.
Now. Let’s focus on the real problem here. First, the Darrell Jackson touchdown that wasn’t. One foot in one foot off the orange touchdown thing. Touchdown. Nope. Incomplete. This was a head scratcher to me. If Kojak the Quarterback keeps the ball in bounds, well you know the rest. Twice at least I saw the Hasselhoff throw the ball out of bounds to open receivers. “We want the ball and we’re gonna score!!!”
Oh, and I almost forgot. The most crucial point of this concoction here. Not the clock mismanagement at both the end of the first and second halves. Nope, although that was pretty miserable stuff. Nope, it wasn’t the kicker doing his Jay Feely, twice. Nope. It was in fact the three passes that Jerramy Stevens continued to drop that would have resulted in first downs for the Seahawks, two of which were inside the Pittsburgh Red Zone. Those plays would have changed this game. Of that I am convinced.
Bottom line for me is that the officiating was the typical debacle that the game is accustomed to. It did not cost the Seahawks the game. If the Seahawks would look at their performance and the reasons why they lost, and then still come to the conclusion that they got jobbed, be my guest. They’d still be wrong and they’d be ignoring the real reasons why they choked on the biggest stage in the team’s history. No one wants to talk about that though. This was a very winnable game, in fact Pittsburgh did their best to piss it away. You choked and failed Seattle. Yes. You choked and failed. You should have been nicer to us when we visited in June. That’s it for me. Sorry if you don’t see it that way.
Football blackout begins with the final gun in the Professional Bowl game. Hopefully no more of our guys get career threatening injuries during the last four quarters of the year. September can’t get here soon enough…
As far as I was concerned, once this game died, I needed no excuses to keep talking about it. Mediocre performances that will be forgotten on both sides of the field shortly after the trophy was awarded, were marred by some folks complaining and attempting to rationalize a loss, suffered primarily at the hands of the zebras. Not to dwell on this more than everyone else has already kicked the dead equine, but, before the fatal shots are fired at the zebras, the entire thing should be rehashed.
Four plays stood out to me when laundry hit the tire bits and fake grass. Obviously the first, the pass interference on Darrell ‘First Quarter MVP” Jackson. No other way to say this, but I think I saw one of the refs use his yellow hanky to pick up the pile of poop that fell out of his pocket when he pitched the flag. Seattle has a gripe here.
Second one, the holding call, the first one. Looked like a hold to me. In fact, when the play was developing I commented that they held. They got flagged for it. Penalty deserved.
Third, the low block penalty on the hairless Quarterback. More poop on the play, but rather inconsequential all things considered. The pick was damaging and the end result wasn’t due to the penalty on that play.
Fourth, the last holding call on Locklear. Sorry, but once again as this one developed I didn’t see the flag. I commented that they got away with a hold. To my surprise they didn’t actually get away with it. After replay, it was questionable, but at full speed it looked like a tackle to me. I’d have been pissed more than livid if that was Merriman that fell taking the corner on that play. No gripes here either Seattle. Sorry.
Now. Let’s focus on the real problem here. First, the Darrell Jackson touchdown that wasn’t. One foot in one foot off the orange touchdown thing. Touchdown. Nope. Incomplete. This was a head scratcher to me. If Kojak the Quarterback keeps the ball in bounds, well you know the rest. Twice at least I saw the Hasselhoff throw the ball out of bounds to open receivers. “We want the ball and we’re gonna score!!!”
Oh, and I almost forgot. The most crucial point of this concoction here. Not the clock mismanagement at both the end of the first and second halves. Nope, although that was pretty miserable stuff. Nope, it wasn’t the kicker doing his Jay Feely, twice. Nope. It was in fact the three passes that Jerramy Stevens continued to drop that would have resulted in first downs for the Seahawks, two of which were inside the Pittsburgh Red Zone. Those plays would have changed this game. Of that I am convinced.
Bottom line for me is that the officiating was the typical debacle that the game is accustomed to. It did not cost the Seahawks the game. If the Seahawks would look at their performance and the reasons why they lost, and then still come to the conclusion that they got jobbed, be my guest. They’d still be wrong and they’d be ignoring the real reasons why they choked on the biggest stage in the team’s history. No one wants to talk about that though. This was a very winnable game, in fact Pittsburgh did their best to piss it away. You choked and failed Seattle. Yes. You choked and failed. You should have been nicer to us when we visited in June. That’s it for me. Sorry if you don’t see it that way.
Football blackout begins with the final gun in the Professional Bowl game. Hopefully no more of our guys get career threatening injuries during the last four quarters of the year. September can’t get here soon enough…
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Your Lack of Convictions are Astounding...
I don’t understand this whole Skip Bayless thing. His last two columns were about how Pittsburgh didn’t belong in the Bowling for Forties, while neither did the ‘Sea Frauds as he put it. Unfortunately for me, he cited all the reasons for the Seahawks mediocrity that I did a couple of days ago. So my big question is, if Pitt doesn’t belong, and Seattle doesn’t belong, who does?
Obviously, Skip’s pick was the Panthers who, yes were all banged up and couldn’t put forth their best effort against the Rainy Day Crowd Favorites. But, hey Skip, Carolina isn’t there, so you are going to, if you are a true professional, like someone in this game beyond a final score. You cannot continue to deride both squads about their downfalls without truly taking a stand or a position. Grow a pair Skip and stand on a conviction for once. If you think Pittsburgh is the team to beat in the big game, then realize that they deserve to be there by pounding the teams that were supposedly better than them en route to the Forty Bowl. Pittsburgh is a good team, it’s time to recognize that. They beat Cincy, they pounded Indy (with our game plan of course) and they pounded Denver. They proved they were the best in the AFC. Believe it you hack. And if you continue this charade of yours, you won’t be able to write anymore, because you will continue to prove yourself to be lacking talent and writing skill continuously in a public forum.
ESPN.com page 2 is where you can read more of his manure, columns, I mean columns. I refuse to link to him anymore. He does not need to add to his army of dislike. He is dangerously close to getting more than hate mail from a lot of people in this country. I feel incredibly sorry for him.
Obviously, Skip’s pick was the Panthers who, yes were all banged up and couldn’t put forth their best effort against the Rainy Day Crowd Favorites. But, hey Skip, Carolina isn’t there, so you are going to, if you are a true professional, like someone in this game beyond a final score. You cannot continue to deride both squads about their downfalls without truly taking a stand or a position. Grow a pair Skip and stand on a conviction for once. If you think Pittsburgh is the team to beat in the big game, then realize that they deserve to be there by pounding the teams that were supposedly better than them en route to the Forty Bowl. Pittsburgh is a good team, it’s time to recognize that. They beat Cincy, they pounded Indy (with our game plan of course) and they pounded Denver. They proved they were the best in the AFC. Believe it you hack. And if you continue this charade of yours, you won’t be able to write anymore, because you will continue to prove yourself to be lacking talent and writing skill continuously in a public forum.
ESPN.com page 2 is where you can read more of his manure, columns, I mean columns. I refuse to link to him anymore. He does not need to add to his army of dislike. He is dangerously close to getting more than hate mail from a lot of people in this country. I feel incredibly sorry for him.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Skip Fiction...
I promised myself some time ago that I would get off Skip Bayless’ case when it comes to the negativity that floods his weekly columns. I decided that this week I would suspend that notion due to the fact that Mr. Bayless has once again lost his mind.
In his latest desperate plea for attention, Skip highlights his concerns about the ultimate bore that the annual Big Game will turn out to be. He discounts everything that the Steelers have accomplished this season. I am still waiting for the day that Skip decides he likes something enough to use his public forum to promote. In reading his column today, for many reasons I am refusing to link to, he pinpoints exactly all the places where Pittsburgh’s season could have, and should have gone wrong. First in the Cincy game, where Mr. Palmer suffered a potential rule changing injury at the hands of Kimo Von Olhauffenslausenvanderlaufen. If Carson isn’t hurt on the first offensive play of the game, Pitt loses. Fair enough, I can make that leap, it was early in the game, it was obvious Cincy was in complete control …(???)
Then, if Nick Harper doesn’t allow Ben Ruengrueter to make the tackle on his Bettis fumble recovery, Indy defeats the mighty Steel Curtain as well. Sure, makes sense to me. Further, if Champ Bailey, who doesn’t even have the desire to run the entire length of the field against the defending champs, picks off one of Ben’s early passes and returns it for a touchdown, the Donks win that one as well. And let’s go one step further, if the Donks don’t defeat the defending champs, Pitt dumps to them as well. So, after all of that, you can see that Pitt doesn’t deserve to be in the Big Game, let alone favorites as a 6 seed. Conveniently, in the NFC, the one seed plays in the worst division out there, nearly dumps to a niner team that won enough games to be in the Bush Bowl, dumps to the Giants who’s kicker mentally made the three field goals that he actually missed, and slipped past the Cowboys thanks to the ever clutch Drew Bledsoe. I can see how they should be favored in the Battle For the Forty Ounce Trophy.
I don’t think I will ever get tired of making fun of Skip. But I am still amazed that he cashes a check for this drivel every two weeks. I make stuff up for free, while he gets paid. Nice work Skip. Nice work.
Oh, and check out Deadspin to see my third favorite player in all his glory. Big Ben doing what young football millionaires should be doing...it's worth it, I swear on Skip's career.
In his latest desperate plea for attention, Skip highlights his concerns about the ultimate bore that the annual Big Game will turn out to be. He discounts everything that the Steelers have accomplished this season. I am still waiting for the day that Skip decides he likes something enough to use his public forum to promote. In reading his column today, for many reasons I am refusing to link to, he pinpoints exactly all the places where Pittsburgh’s season could have, and should have gone wrong. First in the Cincy game, where Mr. Palmer suffered a potential rule changing injury at the hands of Kimo Von Olhauffenslausenvanderlaufen. If Carson isn’t hurt on the first offensive play of the game, Pitt loses. Fair enough, I can make that leap, it was early in the game, it was obvious Cincy was in complete control …(???)
Then, if Nick Harper doesn’t allow Ben Ruengrueter to make the tackle on his Bettis fumble recovery, Indy defeats the mighty Steel Curtain as well. Sure, makes sense to me. Further, if Champ Bailey, who doesn’t even have the desire to run the entire length of the field against the defending champs, picks off one of Ben’s early passes and returns it for a touchdown, the Donks win that one as well. And let’s go one step further, if the Donks don’t defeat the defending champs, Pitt dumps to them as well. So, after all of that, you can see that Pitt doesn’t deserve to be in the Big Game, let alone favorites as a 6 seed. Conveniently, in the NFC, the one seed plays in the worst division out there, nearly dumps to a niner team that won enough games to be in the Bush Bowl, dumps to the Giants who’s kicker mentally made the three field goals that he actually missed, and slipped past the Cowboys thanks to the ever clutch Drew Bledsoe. I can see how they should be favored in the Battle For the Forty Ounce Trophy.
I don’t think I will ever get tired of making fun of Skip. But I am still amazed that he cashes a check for this drivel every two weeks. I make stuff up for free, while he gets paid. Nice work Skip. Nice work.
Oh, and check out Deadspin to see my third favorite player in all his glory. Big Ben doing what young football millionaires should be doing...it's worth it, I swear on Skip's career.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Report From Camp Brees...
It appears that in the most recent update available to me that our quarterback is in fact very optimistic about his recovery from his torn labrum procedure. It appears that he is ever anxious to get back to throwing a football and is “3 weeks” ahead of schedule. This is enough info to try to leverage the team back to the bargaining table for that ‘long term’ deal that Drew is seeking. Drew also mentioned that he is anxious to get back out onto the golf course. I’d say that in the legal community, their may be many who would be willing to take his civil case against Marty Schottenheimer for potentially ending his career.
Citing things like wanting to be a Charger for life and accomplishing the goals that he and Tomlinson have set for the team from day one dominated his little talk. Apparently they came to some sort of blood brother pact early on in their careers and neither will be satisfied until the Lombardi Iron is hoisted above a bolt helmet. I for one would like to see this more than most, preferably before I am hooked to a machine that feeds me and or keeps me from soiling myself in the public eye.
According to the report, Drew is only in a sling at night, or when he is having difficulty moving his shoulder in any way, shape or form that may resemble a football move. I hope that the optimism coming from Camp Brees is in fact contagious and well, true. I can only hope. I just hope that they used the extra strength super glue and duct tape when they repaired his shoulder so that he can withstand a hit from someone Phil Mickelson’s size on the football field. Who am I kidding? Phil could give Warren Sapp a run for his money in a scale breaking contest right now. Break out the truck scales and let’s get to the bottom of this. There may not be too many NFL’ers with Phil Nippleson’s girth right now. Sorry to harp on Phil in such a way, but man, the guy is even uh, ‘larger’ in person right now then on t.v., and they say that the cameras add some poundage. They must be filming him with about 12 lenses right now.
Expect more of the same from Camp Brees until the deal is signed. I am not holding my breath in the meantime.
Oh, and the big game this week? Frankly, I still can’t see Seattle winning this game. I expect most of them to take a detour out to four corners to sell the only remaining sunny day in Seattle and their souls to the devil himself for the Forty Ounce Championship. Steelers -4 looks good to me…
Citing things like wanting to be a Charger for life and accomplishing the goals that he and Tomlinson have set for the team from day one dominated his little talk. Apparently they came to some sort of blood brother pact early on in their careers and neither will be satisfied until the Lombardi Iron is hoisted above a bolt helmet. I for one would like to see this more than most, preferably before I am hooked to a machine that feeds me and or keeps me from soiling myself in the public eye.
According to the report, Drew is only in a sling at night, or when he is having difficulty moving his shoulder in any way, shape or form that may resemble a football move. I hope that the optimism coming from Camp Brees is in fact contagious and well, true. I can only hope. I just hope that they used the extra strength super glue and duct tape when they repaired his shoulder so that he can withstand a hit from someone Phil Mickelson’s size on the football field. Who am I kidding? Phil could give Warren Sapp a run for his money in a scale breaking contest right now. Break out the truck scales and let’s get to the bottom of this. There may not be too many NFL’ers with Phil Nippleson’s girth right now. Sorry to harp on Phil in such a way, but man, the guy is even uh, ‘larger’ in person right now then on t.v., and they say that the cameras add some poundage. They must be filming him with about 12 lenses right now.
Expect more of the same from Camp Brees until the deal is signed. I am not holding my breath in the meantime.
Oh, and the big game this week? Frankly, I still can’t see Seattle winning this game. I expect most of them to take a detour out to four corners to sell the only remaining sunny day in Seattle and their souls to the devil himself for the Forty Ounce Championship. Steelers -4 looks good to me…
Monday, January 23, 2006
Oh the Progress...
Not too much happening on the home front in terms of the footballing team. It's no secret that Drew is still in recovery from his dislocated appendage, and the long term deal that was on the table, has yet to be mentioned again. A gesture of good faith? Still not sure, but it would seem to me to be a bit um, 'aggressive' to be talking about long term deals without proof of a professional skill set. I mean, you are going to have to at least audition and prove that you can make the ball go forward, preferably in the air for some distance. Hopefully something that resembles a spiral, not a wounded mallard.
The 'Transition' designation is of course a possibility. More than likely a reality. In the most basic sense, it is a form of a franchise tag that doesn't have any financial guarantee attached to it. For more explanation, find google and learn to use it.
In other football news, things went relatively according to plan. Pittsburgh made the Donkeys rue the day they put the old number 16 on the same old Jake. Two picks and two fumbles made for a household full of sad donkey fans. To say that the Charger fans in attendance were enjoying themselves is an understatement, as chants of 'IN-COM-PLETE' were echoing through the room, albeit when the Donks were dropping Jake's ducks. Text messages were being sent from five feet across the room to further drive the point home. At one point, when the game was in full embarrassment mode, I started to get angry at the Donks, they were beginning to embarrass the entire division, not just themselves. Someone inquired as to why I was cheering against the AFC West, since that is where we reside as well. Apparently if we can't be in, I should root for the teams in our division that are. Well, that's a bunch of Donkey turd and never, ever will I cheer for anyone in our division. Unless they get food poisoning, or stuck in prison for eternity.
The Hawks handled the crippled version of the Panthers that took the field on Sunday. After the motorcade of ambulances dropped off the team at Quest Field, it only got worse. The third string running back forgot who he was and the game was effectively over. The Panthers are tough and deep, but they couldn't even overcome this.
Super Bowl Fourty Ounce is in two weeks. The Steelers are favorites and rightly so. I have heard talk that a six seed shouldn't ever be a favorite, but I think the discrepancy between the two leagues is fairly evident by now. Pitt should handle the mandatory three point spread. The Hawks just still haven't done it for me, I haven't seen the championship form from them yet, and at this point I doubt I will. My ducats will be rolling on Ben and the gang. So it has been told...
The 'Transition' designation is of course a possibility. More than likely a reality. In the most basic sense, it is a form of a franchise tag that doesn't have any financial guarantee attached to it. For more explanation, find google and learn to use it.
In other football news, things went relatively according to plan. Pittsburgh made the Donkeys rue the day they put the old number 16 on the same old Jake. Two picks and two fumbles made for a household full of sad donkey fans. To say that the Charger fans in attendance were enjoying themselves is an understatement, as chants of 'IN-COM-PLETE' were echoing through the room, albeit when the Donks were dropping Jake's ducks. Text messages were being sent from five feet across the room to further drive the point home. At one point, when the game was in full embarrassment mode, I started to get angry at the Donks, they were beginning to embarrass the entire division, not just themselves. Someone inquired as to why I was cheering against the AFC West, since that is where we reside as well. Apparently if we can't be in, I should root for the teams in our division that are. Well, that's a bunch of Donkey turd and never, ever will I cheer for anyone in our division. Unless they get food poisoning, or stuck in prison for eternity.
The Hawks handled the crippled version of the Panthers that took the field on Sunday. After the motorcade of ambulances dropped off the team at Quest Field, it only got worse. The third string running back forgot who he was and the game was effectively over. The Panthers are tough and deep, but they couldn't even overcome this.
Super Bowl Fourty Ounce is in two weeks. The Steelers are favorites and rightly so. I have heard talk that a six seed shouldn't ever be a favorite, but I think the discrepancy between the two leagues is fairly evident by now. Pitt should handle the mandatory three point spread. The Hawks just still haven't done it for me, I haven't seen the championship form from them yet, and at this point I doubt I will. My ducats will be rolling on Ben and the gang. So it has been told...
Monday, January 16, 2006
Stupid is as Stupid Does...
As you have heard, the Chargers have withdrawn their desire to have a vote to have public funds allocated for a new stadium. I can’t really blame them since Bruce Henderson and Michael Aguirre are still on watch down here to snuff all of the fun out of the town. Even if the vote were to pass by a surprisingly staggering majority, Mr. Henderson would soil his diaper in a public forum and then whine and cry about it until he convinced a few people to get on his no fun wagon. Then we’d have some ridiculous construction delay causing us to lose a year or two of our new facility, thereby increasing the construction costs due to delays, and about $100 million of upgrades would have to come out of our new baseball park…. I mean football stadium. Football Stadium.
It now seems as if it won’t really make a difference, as the Chargers are seeking private investment dollars instead of public funds. Since the city’s lease with the team expires in 2007, we have less than two years to come up with oh, say, $450 million to keep our team, who is severely lacking in coaching leadership and now has a one armed quarterback, and a very capable backup that throws like a girl, I mean Dan Marino, he throws like Dan Marino.
So, in 2008, our team is going to move to Los Angeles to give that great market for football their third chance at a professional franchise. And the Los Angelesians will have a team to go not watch, again. PETA will have another spot to launch their wonderfully effective propaganda, I mean, protests about using the bacon flavored remains of a pig to play the game that nobody will go watch, again.
Any suggestions are welcome as to who I am going to be rooting for in 2008…as of now the Argonauts are the leading vote getters…
It now seems as if it won’t really make a difference, as the Chargers are seeking private investment dollars instead of public funds. Since the city’s lease with the team expires in 2007, we have less than two years to come up with oh, say, $450 million to keep our team, who is severely lacking in coaching leadership and now has a one armed quarterback, and a very capable backup that throws like a girl, I mean Dan Marino, he throws like Dan Marino.
So, in 2008, our team is going to move to Los Angeles to give that great market for football their third chance at a professional franchise. And the Los Angelesians will have a team to go not watch, again. PETA will have another spot to launch their wonderfully effective propaganda, I mean, protests about using the bacon flavored remains of a pig to play the game that nobody will go watch, again.
Any suggestions are welcome as to who I am going to be rooting for in 2008…as of now the Argonauts are the leading vote getters…
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
In for the Long Haul???
Well, tonight it is reported that the Chargers and Drew Brees are talking a 'long' term contract. Not that Mr. Brees could lift the pen right now to sign on the 'x' if A.J. and the boys put a contract out there on the table. Maybe that's their game, put out the long term deal worth bazillions of dollars and have a good laugh when he can't pic up the scribbling utensil. Cold guys. Just cold.
I have to say I was a bit shocked to hear this. I didn't think that the Chargers would pony up a barrel full of ducats for a one armed quarterback at the moment. I figured a franchise tag and an invitation to camp to see that he didn' t do his best Dave Dravecky imitation. So I guess the next natural thing is a long term deal. Is this a gesture of good faith? Or is it the real deal? I have no idea at this point. I guess we just wait and see.
And negative points go to the Union Tribune, and the signonsandiego.com website for not reporting that Drew's doc is in the hospital. You'd think that this would be important enough to talk about. This paper does more and more each day to improve their credibility. I love that paper. I wish I could pay for a subscription.
I have to say I was a bit shocked to hear this. I didn't think that the Chargers would pony up a barrel full of ducats for a one armed quarterback at the moment. I figured a franchise tag and an invitation to camp to see that he didn' t do his best Dave Dravecky imitation. So I guess the next natural thing is a long term deal. Is this a gesture of good faith? Or is it the real deal? I have no idea at this point. I guess we just wait and see.
And negative points go to the Union Tribune, and the signonsandiego.com website for not reporting that Drew's doc is in the hospital. You'd think that this would be important enough to talk about. This paper does more and more each day to improve their credibility. I love that paper. I wish I could pay for a subscription.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
It Keeps Getting Better...
Thanks to the Deadspin guys for having the report of one Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama, suffering a heart attack. He is reportedly in intensive care doing well. If you haven't checked out their site yet, hit the link on the right you unadventurous sack.
Why is this important? He is the one who did the cut and paste on our quarterback's shoulder. He is also the man who has attempted to repair the damage to one Jeff Bagwell as well. We can now have the official, who will recover better from their surgery obligatory round of betting. Although, I am not sure what procedure Bagwell had done to his joint. And quite frankly I don't care. I just want to gamble on this, and this might be my only opportunity.
Why is this important? He is the one who did the cut and paste on our quarterback's shoulder. He is also the man who has attempted to repair the damage to one Jeff Bagwell as well. We can now have the official, who will recover better from their surgery obligatory round of betting. Although, I am not sure what procedure Bagwell had done to his joint. And quite frankly I don't care. I just want to gamble on this, and this might be my only opportunity.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Festering Thoughts...
I have had a bit of time to reflect on the developments of Saturday a bit more thoroughly and I have for the time being, managed to push the nightmare that is the labrum procedure to the back of the line in what is becoming a laundry list of problems with that game. I sat thinking about this while reading Simmons’ a few minutes ago. He had a mailbag day, and the participants were giving out various fantasy awards for the players that most often ruined their game of Dungeon’s and Dragons, for adults of course. Yep, people complaining about their various fantasy football teams because someone that is actually in the NFL, didn’t have an exemplary day or year or worse suffered an injury, usually the season ending kind. These ‘GM’s’ actually whined and cried to Bill Simmons about it. Sorry, but I can rip these guys for about two days, I’ll move on. One guy wanted to give Tomlinson an award, the “Thurman Thomas Super Bowl Killer Award”. Which by definition is the award that goes to, “The player to whom without there would be no way your fantasy team would get to the Super Bowl, only to watch him kill you once you’re there.” Needless to say that the guy that wrote this is an absolute hose that needs to get out from in front of his computer a bit more than one weekend a month. He went on to mention that Tomlinson killed not one but two of his fantasy teams at the end of this season. Yep, this is a disease that most twelve year olds outgrew when their parents kicked them in the ass and sent them outside, not these guys, not one but two fantasy teams. Both with Tomlinson. Sorry I’m doing it again. Here is my question, as I know you are wondering if this is going anywhere. Why was Tomlinson so bad in the last quarter of the season, was it the injury that occurred in the Raider game? Was he hurt? What was going on?
How hurt was Tomlinson? He was ineffective the last four games of the season. Didn’t get over a hundred yards, didn’t score a touchdown until Saturday. We sure were throwing the ball a lot. 53 times against the Dolphins, 33 against the Colts, a week that found the Burner in the game with it on the line, not #21. 33 against the Chiefers in the rain. He didn’t get a lot of carries, he wasn’t scoring, he was relatively ineffective. How hurt was he? Was this more serious than we thought?
So we move to Saturday, against the Donkeys. Tomlinson and Brees are in the starting lineup. The boys want to get Marty his tenth win so he can hang his golf hat on that in January. So the starters start. A meaningless game. Truly meaningless to everyone but the Steelers, and if you think they were counting on us then you probably think our coach is good. If Tomlinson was showing any effects of a rib injury that had him sitting out one of the biggest games of the year with it on the line late in the fourth quarter, what the hell was he doing in the game against the Broncos? If he was hurt, he had no business being there. If he was 100% healthy, which you are going to have a very difficult time convincing me of, what the hell was he doing in there? Instead of #21 being the victim, it wound up being our Quarterback, who management has forced into a very expendable position due to some lingering performance issues. None of them should have been in the game. Now we have a dilemma. Not one that would make even the Jets envious. That’s good coaching. Ten wins. Ten wins. I can’t believe this has happened.
Best case scenario, we lose one year. This labrum stuff is a very big deal. It is a very big deal. Worst case scenario, we franchise our injured Quarterback, pay him $10MM for next year, and shuffle between him and the new guy while his injury is sorted out. If it winds up being the new guy, we lose three years. This is fun. I love football.
How hurt was Tomlinson? He was ineffective the last four games of the season. Didn’t get over a hundred yards, didn’t score a touchdown until Saturday. We sure were throwing the ball a lot. 53 times against the Dolphins, 33 against the Colts, a week that found the Burner in the game with it on the line, not #21. 33 against the Chiefers in the rain. He didn’t get a lot of carries, he wasn’t scoring, he was relatively ineffective. How hurt was he? Was this more serious than we thought?
So we move to Saturday, against the Donkeys. Tomlinson and Brees are in the starting lineup. The boys want to get Marty his tenth win so he can hang his golf hat on that in January. So the starters start. A meaningless game. Truly meaningless to everyone but the Steelers, and if you think they were counting on us then you probably think our coach is good. If Tomlinson was showing any effects of a rib injury that had him sitting out one of the biggest games of the year with it on the line late in the fourth quarter, what the hell was he doing in the game against the Broncos? If he was hurt, he had no business being there. If he was 100% healthy, which you are going to have a very difficult time convincing me of, what the hell was he doing in there? Instead of #21 being the victim, it wound up being our Quarterback, who management has forced into a very expendable position due to some lingering performance issues. None of them should have been in the game. Now we have a dilemma. Not one that would make even the Jets envious. That’s good coaching. Ten wins. Ten wins. I can’t believe this has happened.
Best case scenario, we lose one year. This labrum stuff is a very big deal. It is a very big deal. Worst case scenario, we franchise our injured Quarterback, pay him $10MM for next year, and shuffle between him and the new guy while his injury is sorted out. If it winds up being the new guy, we lose three years. This is fun. I love football.
Monday, January 02, 2006
How a Season Goes Bad...
What was supposed to be an uneventful final week against the Donkeys has turned into something that is quite significant and not at all completely devastating. We are missing the playoffs, we are colossally inconsistent as a football team, and now we are staring at an enormous problem at the quarterback position. I don’t think people understand what happened on Saturday.
It has been revealed that Drew Brees has torn his labrum. The labrum is a very different type of cartilage in the joints. It was torn from the bone when Drew attempted to recover a fumble that was created when he was sacked from behind by John Lynch. This isn’t the time to talk about how poorly that side of the offensive line has been playing in the absence of Roman Oben. When Drew was landed on by 43 different Donkeys, his shoulder dislocated from the joint and the cartilage was torn from the bone. The problem that now presents itself is that this is not like a normal dislocation of the shoulder. The labrum deepens the socket and stabilizes the bone when it is in it’s normal position in the joint. For whatever reason, the procedure for repair of this type of cartilage does not fully repair the injury. In throwing sports, i.e. pitchers and quarterbacks, the surgery/rehab does not fully correct the problem. In fact, this can be career threatening. As far as I know, there have not been many success stories for people who have had this procedure who in fact have one of those jobs where throwing a ball is their main priority. In the past few years, there have have been two quarterbacks that I know of that have had this procedure, both are now out of professional football. Troy Glaus and Todd Greene have had this procedure and have recovered, although, neither are required to throw 100 pitches, or 40 passes per game.
Management’s assessment will now be more interesting. We do have a young top draft pick who is being paid significant amounts of money to hold a clipboard. We now have a quarterback who a) has no contract, b) has a very significant injury, and c) slightly regressed from his pro bowl 2004. I could already see some signs that management was not fully supporting Brees after we secured our January tee times. Now that his arm is in question, I cannot imagine seeing him in a Charger uniform next year. I am not sure I have completely registered this to date.
I don’t know if this could have been avoided. I did mention before the kickoff that I was a bit disappointed that the North Carolina State standout was not getting the start. I was hoping to see a lot of Phillip Rivers handing off to Michael Turner, and not a whole lot of #9 and #21. I didn’t think that anything like this would happen, but I would be lying if I said that I was happy to see Drew and Ladainian playing in this game. Ten wins be damned, look what happened. I have been making light of the coaching problems that we have. I did not expect this. I will have more to say when this really settles in.
Labrum info found here:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/orthopedicsurgery/labrumtear.html
It has been revealed that Drew Brees has torn his labrum. The labrum is a very different type of cartilage in the joints. It was torn from the bone when Drew attempted to recover a fumble that was created when he was sacked from behind by John Lynch. This isn’t the time to talk about how poorly that side of the offensive line has been playing in the absence of Roman Oben. When Drew was landed on by 43 different Donkeys, his shoulder dislocated from the joint and the cartilage was torn from the bone. The problem that now presents itself is that this is not like a normal dislocation of the shoulder. The labrum deepens the socket and stabilizes the bone when it is in it’s normal position in the joint. For whatever reason, the procedure for repair of this type of cartilage does not fully repair the injury. In throwing sports, i.e. pitchers and quarterbacks, the surgery/rehab does not fully correct the problem. In fact, this can be career threatening. As far as I know, there have not been many success stories for people who have had this procedure who in fact have one of those jobs where throwing a ball is their main priority. In the past few years, there have have been two quarterbacks that I know of that have had this procedure, both are now out of professional football. Troy Glaus and Todd Greene have had this procedure and have recovered, although, neither are required to throw 100 pitches, or 40 passes per game.
Management’s assessment will now be more interesting. We do have a young top draft pick who is being paid significant amounts of money to hold a clipboard. We now have a quarterback who a) has no contract, b) has a very significant injury, and c) slightly regressed from his pro bowl 2004. I could already see some signs that management was not fully supporting Brees after we secured our January tee times. Now that his arm is in question, I cannot imagine seeing him in a Charger uniform next year. I am not sure I have completely registered this to date.
I don’t know if this could have been avoided. I did mention before the kickoff that I was a bit disappointed that the North Carolina State standout was not getting the start. I was hoping to see a lot of Phillip Rivers handing off to Michael Turner, and not a whole lot of #9 and #21. I didn’t think that anything like this would happen, but I would be lying if I said that I was happy to see Drew and Ladainian playing in this game. Ten wins be damned, look what happened. I have been making light of the coaching problems that we have. I did not expect this. I will have more to say when this really settles in.
Labrum info found here:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/orthopedicsurgery/labrumtear.html
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