San Diego Chargers

1. Let’s start with a couple of firsts: NT Vince Wilfork came away with his first career interception near the end of the first half. He returned the pick 36 yards and the offense converted the turnover into three points. Safety Sergio Brown got his first career pick as he stepped in front of San Diego TE Antonio Gates in the third quarter. According to Brown it is his first interception since high school. And according to ProFootballReference.com, it is the first time Gates was held without a reception.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 2"

We saw the linemen fall on center Dan Koppen’s leg. We watched as he was loaded onto the cart and was driven to the locker room. When Koppen was back on the sidelines with crutches and his lower leg in a boot, cameras captured it.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 2"

Are the Patriots the best team in the league? 

Depends on who you ask. Some shout out yes from the highest mountaintop. Others say no, it’s the Atlanta Falcons. Power rankings might suggest. Bottom line is these opinions and polls are subjective. 

Continue reading "Best In the League?"

Maybe it started as an inside joke. A title to mock San Diego Chargers GM A.J. Smith that takes the name of a successful trilogy and puts an insulting twist on it. Maybe it was said among the owners and GMs and it was overheard by a player. But like many inside jokes, they don’t stay inside for long. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 7"

If the game ended at halftime, the Patriots would had lost to Miami. And fans would blame one person for that: Cameron Wake. 

The OLB was terrorizing Brady in the first half. He consistently beat his blocker, using speed, brute strength, some spin moves, and a non-stop motor. He got pressure a handful of times and even got a sack. The former two-time Canadian Football League Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008 was nearly unstoppable. 

Continue reading "Which is Better for the Patriots?"

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal. 

Continue reading "No Audience for Mankins' Moans"

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much. 

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

Patriot fans know there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Bill Belichick will trade down during the draft. 

It’s not just a pattern; it’s as reliable as the seasons, the sun rising, and celebrity controversies. 

Continue reading "Fear of Falling"

My obsession with Pro Football Focus continues...

Cromartie only had 2 good games in 2009, with a total season ranking of -5.5. But that still wasn't bad enough to beat Tomlinson who had only 1 good game in 2009 and came in with a total season ranking of -10.8. Although Cromartie did play a little worse in the Chargers playoff loss, maybe that's why they signed him first? Wait, what?

Continue reading "Which New Jet / Former Charger Was ..."

After the Patriots’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the first thing I did when I started my car was turn off the radio. I almost didn’t turn on my t.v. When I did, I absolutely didn’t tune in to ESPN or NFL Network. This lasted through the next day until the Monday night football game. I didn’t read the newspapers for almost two days. 

Continue reading "Looking Ahead"

Pro Bowl balloting is open to the public. Choose wisely. 

This year New England fans will have a tough time rationalizing Patriot players worthy of being selected. The offense’s big three of QB Tom Brady and WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker will get their share of votes. Beyond them…good luck. 

Continue reading "Pro Bowl Ben?"

How long should it take for QB Tom Brady to return to form? How much longer before he’s excelling on a consistent basis? When does Brady regain the confidence in his reconstructed knee to the point he doesn’t think about it anymore? 

Continue reading "Seven Weeks"

As OTA's and minicamps progress while training camp begin to roll over the horizon, America's favorite sport nears its regular season.  While nobody knows how well teams will do in a season with the randomness of injuries and several other factors, it's always interesting to look ahead at the schedule and prognosticate.  Unlike most people, I'm not going to give just a win or loss for each game, rather I'm going to predict how many times the Steelers would win if they played a team 10 times.  For instance if the Steelers were playing a very crappy team, I would say 9/10 or 10/10.  At the end i will add up the wins and divide by 10, giving us how many wins they will have this season.

Continue reading "Steelers Game By Game Preview of ..."

In the world of journalism, it's the greatest compliment when an article you wrote inspires others to express their own opinion on the same subject.

Back in February, I wrote an article asking the question should teams draft tight ends in the first round. It was a relevant question because Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew could be the only TE selected within the first 32 picks.

Continue reading "Great Minds Think Alike"

As football fans across the globe cast their longing eyes in the direction of the April draft, I decided that now might be a good time to reflect on draft classes of the last 10 years. Too often in this business, we rush ahead to the next big event without taking pause to evaluate the past and learn from it. In a way, this study will still be a celebration of the coming 2009 draft as I believe it will shed some light on certain overlooked trends that no one ever stops to consider. I will begin with a class by class showdown of sorts at the quarterback position over the last 10 drafts.  This is part III in the series:

Continue reading "NFL Quarterback Draft Class Showdown: 2004 vs 2003"

  

           Each week I will answer questions submitted by my loyal readers.  I personally read every single email I receive.  I will pick out the best five or so to use for the weekly post, as I won’t be able to answer all of them.  I will also answer one or two questions on my daily posts as well.  Now it’s time to open the mail!  

Continue reading "Reality Mail Bag - 01/08/09"

When I was a sophomore in high school playing on the JV basketball team, we went into our Christmas break undefeated and feeling pretty good about ourselves. Over the break we were scheduled to play one game against a team from the division below us. We practiced a few times, nothing too serious, and went into the game feeling good. But the week and a half layoff killed us and we lost by four, our only loss of the season.

Continue reading "Picks for the NFL weekend"

Prediction: Ravens 24, Titans 19

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: As much as I want to root for the underdog Chargers in this game, I think the Steelers will take care of business quite handily.  The Bolts are hurting (Tomlinson, Gates) on offense against a defense that can shut down teams at their peak.  Prediction: Steelers 31, Chargers 17

Continue reading "Quick Picks For The NFL Divisional Playoffs"

 

The crystal ball had a mediocre performance this past week, going a mere 2-2.  This is playoff time, so that is unacceptable!  The crystal ball took its lumps on the Colts game, but it’s okay with it since Norv’s our buddy!  Anyway, that puts the crystal ball at 2-2 for the post-season, and 35-28-1 overall.  That’s seven games over .500 (.555 to be exact).  Hopefully the crystal ball will perform better this coming week, as the pressure mounts in post-season play!  Let’s take a look back, and review what happened last week.    

Continue reading "Wildcard Weekend Review"

 

           Wildcard weekend had an interesting lineup of games this year.  All four road teams (wildcard teams) were favored to win over the home teams (division winners).  That’s unusual, but this year it actually makes a lot of sense.  Many of the wildcard teams had better records than the division winners.  In the end, the underdogs won two of the four games (both 6th seeds defeated the 3rd seeded teams).

Continue reading "Where Are All The Nay Sayers Now?"

likely completely wrong!) predictions for the other three wild card games:

Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers: Although Indy has been the hottest team in either league of late and the Bolts won their division with a very mediocre 8-8 record, I think that the Chargers will prevail on their home turf.  Talent-wise, both teams match up very equally, but the Chargers' defense is finally coming around and their offense (when they put their mind to it, which SHOULD happen in the playoffs) can be very dangerous.  If the Colts are going to succeed, it will have to be on the shoulders of Peyton Manning, as I really don't see Joseph Addai or Dominic Rhodes taking over the game.  Prediction: SD 34, IND 24

Continue reading "NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview"

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, this was a successful season. I really want a birth in the playoffs, but if the chips don't fall in New England's favor and they are on the outside looking in, then that's just how it is. It wasn't meant to be.

Continue reading "Hats Off"

The facts are daunting.

The Patriots defense allowed points scored, either touchdowns or field goals, the last 41 times the opponents entered the red zone. Arizona is the second highest scoring team in the league that features receivers 6-0 Steve Breaston, 6-1 Anquan Boldin, and 6-3 Larry Fitzgerald. New England's cornerbacks measure 5-9 Ellis Hobbs, 5-11 Jonathan Wilhite, and 5-11 Deltha O'Neal.

Continue reading "Goal to Grow"

I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for putting the boots to the Arizona Cardinals, with their back-up quarterback, to the tune of 35-14. As if the Cards didn't have reason enough to win this Sunday. They're still jockeying for playoff positioning. Now they are hungry to bounce back from Sunday's butt-kicking.

Continue reading "Another Inspired Patriots Opponent"

     What I am about to say here may sounds strange, or maybe not, but think about this solution to our BCS predicament.  This could clarify and validate the BCS selections, the National Title Game, provide some great excitement, set a precedent for that kind of excitement, and get the ball rolling toward a college football playoff.    

Continue reading "BCS- The Perfect Way To Fix it and ..."

Seasons Greetings!!!!

     I am giving you a gift in this holiday season. Over the next few weeks most of us will spend our time meeting and greeting, traveling and shopping, and stuffing and laughing - so I thought that I would share one of my favorite pastimes, ogling and drooling.

Continue reading "Giving Thanks!-Houston Texans Cheerleaders Video"

This was bound to happen.

For the second week in a row, QB Matt Cassel threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns. This from a guy that looked so bad against San Diego that practically all fans were calling for his head. Now Cassel is at the head of the class as every Pats fans' favorite player. It's at the point that now people think New England should re-sign Cassel and trade Tom Brady.

Continue reading "The Cassel-Brady Debate"

       Watch this weeks Fantasy Football injury report by Fantasy Sportsgirl.  After that, you can vote for your favorite Fantasy Sportsgirl of the season to this point by placing their name in our comment section. (Remember to look in the archives for past Fantasy Sportsgirls). Then, watch the end of the UAB vs. University of Arizona basketball game from the other night. This might have been the most jaw-dropping ending to a sporting event that I have ever seen. Tell us what you think.

Continue reading "Injury Report"

Week 11 was one of the more interesting weeks in the NFL this season. A game ended in a 11-10 score for the first time in NFL history, a game ended in a tie and we also saw 'America's Team' get back on track with their star quarterback at the helm. I'll get to that and more as this week's Fallout report kicks off.......riiiiight now!

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Fallout"

ainst Division opponents Tennessee.

Winners - Jacksonville Jaguars

3) San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Did you know the San Diego Chargers

Continue reading "NFL Week 11 Predictions"

It was just one month ago fans wanted to replace Cassel after a 30-10 defeat at the hands of the San Diego Chargers. They wanted the Patriots to sign Daunte Culpepper from out of retirement to reunite him with WR Randy Moss. Some even said give rookie Kevin O'Connell a chance because they believed anyone could play better than wack Matt from USC.

Continue reading "Looks Like We Got a Quarterback"

A week filled with late game nervousness and dominant performances. The Texans were the ones doing the prowling as they tore apart the Bengals. 'America's Team' didn't look so sharp, but they found a way to win. The NFL brought a real shootout to London (hopefully no one was hurt!) and Brett Favre didn't look good for the second consecutive week, but thankfully for the Jets, they played the Chiefs. I'll cover those games in this week's Fallout report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Fallout"

A friend of mine who attended the Patriots game against San Diego told me that the Pats are still introduced as a team. I could understand that, as for the first five games the defensive line didn't deserve mention.

Continue reading "See More Seymour"

6-6
Last Week's Record: 3-1

*Classic NFL Films music hits*

1) San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints

Saints are slated to be the home team in this one as the NFL heads overseas to play at London's Wembley Stadium for a second consecutive season. Giants and the Dolphins played last season in a soggy-rainy affair at 'legendary' Wembley. I remember going into that game a lot of people were like wow "Giants-Dolphins" is what we brought overseas?! Turns out...we brought the Superbowl Champions over there. Just shows any team can take the prize at the end of the tunnel. Especially this season with the NFL being more unpredictable and 'topsy curvy'. This game features two disappointments so far this season. Things however are looking worse for the Saints as lead running back Reggie Bush suffered cartilage damage in his knee against the Panthers last week. The Saints have also lost all 3 away from the Superdome. For some reason...my gut is thinking the Saints, but I'm going to pick safe here and go with the healthier team and pick San Diego.

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Predictions"

Find a teammate from his nine years with the San Diego Chargers and they completely appreciate Rodney's play to the whistle intensity, often-times beyond. They recognized the difference he made as an enforcer in the secondary. He was respected for giving it his all every play.

Continue reading "End of the Road for Rodney?"

It took CB Deltha O'Neal a day to talk to the media after the nightmare game against San Diego. He needed to sleep off the memory of getting beaten downfield a few times by the Chargers receivers.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 7"

             Here is this week's NFL game picks by Fantasy Sportsgirl. Will the Colts beat the Packers? What about Cleveland and the Redskins? What will happen to the Cowboys? You can read the experts picks, but I get my in formation in prettier packages. I love ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sportsline, Sports Illustrated, and all the others, but when all is said and done-more is said than done. As for the Fantasy Sportsgirls - when all is seen and heard, more is seen than heard. Take a look at Sportsgirls picks for this week.  After watching, feel free to post comments and other suggestions.

Continue reading "Picks for this week by Fantasy Sportsgirl"

Quick question: Would you like a durable running back?

OK, that was a rhetorical question. With alternating LaMont Jordan missing every other game and Laurence "issues" Maroney available for only three of five games this year, it would be nice to have someone the team can count on to help carry the load with Sammy Morris. While the Patriots did rush for more than 100 yards against San Diego, 29 of those yards came from QB Matt Cassel on seven carries.

Continue reading "A Young Stallion"

I just got through watching 90 minutes of Presidential debate analysis so excuse me for combining campaign slogans. But maybe the ideals promoted by Democrats and Republicans should be applied to the Patriots.

Continue reading "Change We Need Is Coming"

Have the mighty fallen? It's too early to say. Maybe they tripped and skinned their knees.

The three best teams in the AFC last year are struggling. The Indianapolis Colts are just .500 as injuries to key players has Indy stumbling thus far. The two other powers face off tonight in primetime, though both teams are looking up at division leaders instead of their typical spot on top.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 6"

NFC East

Week 6

Hello East Fans,

Well after a week of Hiatus to curse the football gods for my team’s embarrassing losses. I felt a preview of the Best division in Football was the only way to quench the thirst. Every team in the division except for Washington is on the road, let’s start with the leaders of the pack.

Continue reading "The East!"

be an opportunity for the Patriots to tie the Bills for the division lead if the Pats can beat the San Diego Chargers. But can the Patriots win if Cassel is knocked out of a game? Don't put th

Continue reading "Get Well...Whenever"

THE YEAR OF THE RUNNING BACK

    In every NFL draft there is at least one position that is laden with talent. More often than not, this fresh crop of virtuosos wastes very little time in announcing its presence to the rest of the NFL. The hype swells over the course of training camp and preseason, but it all counts for nothing until the promise actually manifests itself on the playing field during the regular season. We’ve seen years (like the class of 2006) that were so diverse they defied designation. We’ve also had years (like the class of 2005) that were a little more singular in positional depth. This year, I believe, we can officially label as “The Year of the Running Back.”

Continue reading "The Year of the Running Back"

       Sean Salisbury offers his fantasy football preview for week 6 of the NFL. Check this out every week at my blog.

Continue reading "Sean Salisbury's Fantasy Preview for Week 6"

d a touchdown from another Direct Snap and Miami played tough D all game long to upset the visiting San Diego Chargers. Brown on the day rushed 24 times for 125 yards and a score. Chad Pennington threw for 228 yards and a touchdown. On the Chargers side, LT was held to 35 yards and Philip Rivers passed for 159 yards and one TD strike coming from ex-Dolphins WR Chris Chambers who stared down the crowd after catching it in the 3rd. However it was the Dolphins who were the ones staring at a W at the end of the game. (Hopefully that wasn't too lame of a line)The train moves on!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

The Patriots are already on the Left Coast, waiting for a 4:15 kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers. A week later, they have a prime time game under the lights at San Diego. So with two games in a row across the country, the Patriots will change their routine and stay in California for a little over a week.

Continue reading "Business Trip"

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

The Crying Game

The Terrell Owens story

Hello NFL fans,

Well here we are, week four of the third year with his last team. This will be his last team, I truly believe that. If I were an owner I would rather get a letter full of anthrax and then imprisoned IN Cuba to spend the rest of my days. The continuous onslaught of reporters and fans condemning my name and wanting my head on a stick would be too much for me to bare.

Continue reading ""

For all those Patriots fans acting like the sky is falling, I have a message for you.

For all those who feel the team deserved all the boos rained down upon them during that sorry performance against the Miami Dolphins. For all those guys saying the season is over after one loss without the team's best player. For anyone who shed a tear after the loss. For those who will switch their attention to MLB Playoffs or to the upcoming NHL season. And if there are any Patriots fans that will watch Desparate Housewives instead of a prime time Patriots game against San Diego, I want to reassure you.

Continue reading "Back to School"

              The economic “crisis" is not that complicated. The stock market always wants positive press to continue its trading

Continue reading "Economic Crisis"

Before the Patriots became the league's model franchise, how did you define what a Patriot was? An over-achiever. Played all-out and with heart. Never gives up. A clutch player in big games. Willing to do anything to help the team win.

Continue reading "Troy Brown Comes Home"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  I missed a few during Hurricane Ike and could use your help. Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes"

Your favorite method of getting your football returns this week . The popular video series can be found at my blog.

Continue reading "Fantasy girl returns"

   I just wanted to let you know that I may be unable to post for a few days. I live south of Houston, near Galveston, Texas. As hurricane Ike approaches there may be power outages and loss of internet access. If that is the case, I will be unable to write my column. Remember though, there are things much more important than sports. If you need Ike information, you can go to:

Continue reading "Hurricane information"

   Alex Smith - Out for Season (shoulder)

  

      San Diego Chargers        Shawne Merriman - Out for Season (knee)

Continue reading "Injury Update"

Here is the great Jack Buck's poem that was given on September 17, 2001."Since this nation was founded ... under God
More than 200 years ago
We have been the bastion of freedom
The light that keeps the free world aglow

Continue reading "Jack Buck's Poem remembering 9-11"

Believe. Believe. It’s the one word in sports that says so much but says so little. You’ve seen signs in every NFL stadium at some point with this simple word. ”Believe.” When MLB baseball approaches the postseason every year, the word reappears. “Believe.” But believe in what I ask you? Do the Chicago Cubs “believe” that they will win a World Championship? Or do they “believe” that some strange twist of fate will ruin another promising season. What does your team “believe” in?

Continue reading "Believe!"

NFL Week 1 Results
NY Giants 16 Wahington 7
Pittsburgh 38 Houston 17
Atlanta 34 Detroit 21
Tennessee 17 Jacksonville 10
Baltimore 17 Cincinnati 10
Philadelphia 38 St. Louis 3

Continue reading "NFL SCOREBOARD"

You can get your fantasy football updates here as well as columns, funny sports quotes, injury updates and anything else sports related. If your not already seeing this video just hit the sportspoet link and you will get everything that you need to keep up with your favorite sports teams. Thank you for visiting this site.

Continue reading "Fantasy Football Video by Sportsgirl"

Check here for your NFL injury updates.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is now reporting that San Diego All-Pro Shawne Merriman is out for the season.

Continue reading "Shawne Merriman out for season"

This is an ongoing record of the funniest sports' quotes from the major and local sports talk shows like ATH, PTI, Jim Rome, etc.  Feel free to contribute some of you own from TV and radio or comment on the ones you see here. Your new quotes will be integrated daily as part of the ongoing record.  To post a quote or make a comment just follow the comment link at the bottom.

Continue reading "Funny Sports Quotes-September 10"

I generally write a column, and well, their columns-opinions insight, etc. But this Merriman news explains a lot. According to NBC sports, it was just reported a few minutes ago that, when the Chargers had their physicals for each player at the end of last season, Shawn Merriman was told THEN by the teams medical staff that he needed surgery on the knee. He instead, as we know now, chose to rehab it. What  is your view? Does that change your opinion of A. J. Smith?Merriman?

Continue reading "Merriman news"

         What better way to start my life as a sports blogger than this. It is my opening post, yet more importantly to the sports fan it is Pro Football Eve!!! That's right.  Football is back and the 5 month holiday is "The Most wonderful Time of the Year", but only some of us will get presents. Santa Coughlin may be in the giving mood again. It is more likely however,  that Giselle will lead the Patriot fans in a Marilyn Monroe inspired "Santa Bra-dy", asking for that "one thing, a ring".

Continue reading "Welcome! Pro Football Eve"

I don't think I mentioned it earlier, but I do like the Deltha O'Neal pick-up. He's not too old and had a few great seasons. Joining this team is incentive enough for O'Neal to regain his focus and approach his Pro Bowl level of play. Put O'Neal in a veteran locker room with coaches Bill Belichick and Dom Capers, two of the best at coaching the secondary, and you'd have to like the chances of O'Neal bouncing back.

Continue reading "Is O'Neal for real?"

It's a full Patriot Panic regarding Tom Brady's sore foot. In a online poll hosted by Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight, 88 percent are concerned about the quarterback situation.

The worry is because of the poor play of the reserve QBs. If any performed well in either preseason game, anxiety levels wouldn't be so high that fans are window shopping free agent quarterbacks as a possible saftey net.

Continue reading "Ring the Alarm"

99 wins. That's the total number of wins in 2007 of the Patriots' opponents for the upcoming season. It is the easiest schedule for any team in the NFL and it already has ESPN analyst Chris Carter saying the Patriots can go undefeated in '08.

Continue reading "Schedule redux"

I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.

Continue reading "Super Bowl XLII Prediction"