Due to the holiday season, and the depression that comes with watching one's favorite team bite the proverbial big one, I don't have a whole lot of time to complete this week's post. So I'm going to do a quick recap of my Bolts followed by my Week 17 picks. Thanks for reading all season.
As for my Bolts, I believe that it is time that some changes happen. It is time to face the harsh reality that the rest of the division has spent the past few years building their teams to be Charger beaters, and it has begun to work.
While it is true that if the Chargers play their best they can play with anyone, it is also true that their are too many reasons that they do not play their best on any given Sunday. The weather plays a part, playing to the level (or supposed level) of their opponent, injuries, a feeling of entitlement, contract problems, and getting punched in the mouth by stronger, more physical linemen all play a part in the Chargers struggles.
Some issues could rest on the shoulders of coach Norv Turner. He does seem struggle to get his team ready to play at the beginning of the season and for teams who are supposed to be inferior. Well, it was announced this week that Turner is staying.
Some of the blame can be laid on GM A.J. Smith. After all, he drafted these guys and has had a great deal of trouble keeping star players happy, and believing that he should sign some star players who have a lifestyle off the field that he does not agree with, even if it costs the team wins in the long run. Well, it was announced this week that Smith is coming back.
On the bright side, Turner did work wonders with a team that was riddled with many key injuries and it's share of off the field drama.
Smith has had an uncanny knack of being able to find players off the street to fill in for injured star and do quite well.
Since both Smith and Turner will be back, what needs to be done is a complete analysis of the off season and preseason preparation and figure out how to get this team ready to play in Week One, not Week Eight.
Also, Smith needs to take a look at teams like the Raiders and Chiefs, who have built teams with rough and tough linemen on both sides of the ball who will be able to compete against anyone and will not be bothered by the weather. Running the ball works in all kinds of weather and does not normally have an off day.
If the Chargers can improve their run game, Rivers will be even more effective as defenses will not be able to pin their ears back and pressure him on every down. They will have to respect the run game. Play action passes would open up and Rivers could be a bigger star than he is today (which is pretty big).
On the defensive side, let's look at strong, mean linemen and linebackers. Too much finesse in the Bolts' D right now. Guys like Eric Weddle like to try and knock guys out with the big hit, only to see them bounce off and gain yards. They need real hitters and guys who are feared by running backs and quarterback alike.
Where does one find these players? I don't know. Where do the Steelers find them? Where do the Ravens find them? How about the Raiders and Chiefs? Where did they find these guys? I hate to tell you fellow Chargers fans, but if the Bolts don't figure out how to stop the run, they are going to be out of the playoffs more years than not.
I know what you are thinking—the Chargers were great on defense this year! They were first ranked! True, they were great statistically. In reality, the Raiders ran over the Chargers ... twice.
The Bengals even had a nice day on the ground last week. When the Chargers played a big, physical team, they gave up the rushing yards. Only Garay stood out as a guy tough enough to hold his ground against the big boys.
Well, that's enough ranting for now. Time to move on to another tough week of picks. This is the time of year where it is impossible to figure out which teams will show up and which teams will phone it in.
Last week 7 - 9
Season Total: 146 - 94
Enjoy the games!
Steelers 24, Browns 17
Raiders 20, Chiefs 27
Bucs 14, Saints 27
Bengals 13, Ravens 24
Cardinals 27, Niners 20
Chargers 24, Broncos 23
Chargers better show up for this one or the Broncos will get the upset. The Broncos are playing to win and the Chargers may be pouting. Turner said earlier in the week that some of the players have called this a meaningless game. If they keep that attitude, they will get smoked and the Broncos will go into next season believing they can win. That would mean something.
Thanks for the read everyone and enjoy the games!
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