The last time I wrote in this Blog was about this time last year. Its ironic but I was lamenting the loss to the Patriots at that time and lo and behold ....
One of my goals for this year is to write short blogs about timely events more frequently. I always start out with good intentions but quickly remember that I procrastinate too. I'll try the new goals and see how it works out.
The Season.
The season started on a losing note and I was quick to join the bandwagon of "The Sky is Falling." My frustration had be screaming at Dean Spanos, A.J. Smith, Norv Turner, and the San Diego City Council, among others.
I couldn't believe a 14-2 team could be starting off so poorly and my primary focus was on A.J. for letting his personal dislike for Marty cause disruption to the needed continuity of the team. I STILL believe A.J.'s number one downfall, if there ever is one, will be because he takes a personal dislike to players and staff and acts to get rid of these people regardless of the impact on the team or organization.
I just have a personal problem with individuals like that. People who use their position of power to wield their personal arrogance in spite of what's best for the team. People who don't care, and state flatly that they don't care, what the majority of others think or feel. They are "the deciders" and we are the idiots who don't know what we are talking about.
I am still talking about football and A.J. Smith, right?!?! When I reread that paragraph, it sounded like it could have applied to another arrogant leader who doesn't care what the majority feels? Anyway ....
As the season progressed, the boys began to get it together. I think Norv slowly began to establish his role and his style with the team and they began to respond. Throughout the first half of the season I still got upset when Philip Rivers insisted on throwing a couple of picks and giving up a fumble every game. But I hung in there with them and saw the wins beginning to come and dared to allow a glimmer of hope.
Towards the end of the season it was obvious the Chargers would win the AFC West because the rest of the West teams were horrible. Can you believe how far Denver has fallen? The Chiefs have always been tough but this year they really struggled. And the Raiders (ha, ha, ha) continued (ha, ha, ha) to have their (ha, ha, ha) troubles; the pathetic bunch of losers, ha!!!
And so what started out as a losing season, finished as another very good record of 11-5. I will now take this opportunity to eat crow and apologize to Mr. Smith. He was right when he said if the team gets in the playoffs every year, the fans won't even remember what happened during the season and will be singing his praises. "Tra la la la, all football praises to AJ the Smith. You da' man, tra la la la."
The Playoffs.
Our seeded rank for the season meant we had to play a wild card team, but at least it was at home. Could we -- did we dare believe -- would we -- is it possible to win a playoff game after 13 long years?
WE DID IT. WE WON.
The problem with that was we now had to travel to Indy to take on the God Child Payton of the Clan Manning. He probably didn't even get the word the Bolts were coming because he was probably making another commercial.
So in to Indy they marched and a physical battle was fought. Players ran on to the field, and hobbled or were carried off the field. Injuries were plentiful but there would be no tomorrow if the Chargers lost so they gave it their all and ...
WE DID IT. WE WON.
Chargers fans around the Globe were cheering and dancing and boasting and yelling, "Bring on the Cheaters. Revenge will be sweet."
So in to Foxsborough they limped and a gutsy battle was fought. Players hobbled on to the field and poured out their hearts, their guts, and their courage. But they were too beat up. They were too many players short. They were exhausted and they came up just a tad short ...
WE LOST.
What a great playoffs run! As Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by this much." Wait 'til next year. The mantra of Chargers fans far and wide. We automatically begin to chant this refrain right after the season closes, "Wait 'til next year."
And we will. I'm already anxious for reports out of the Senior Bowl. I'm already reading all the 2008 Draft forums. I'm already checking to see who we might lose and who the Free Agents are out there. And I'm wondering who got on AJ's personal dislike list and is sure to be cut.
Ah, I can't wait 'til next year!!!
LaDainian Tomlinson - LT
Who would have ever guessed that this Chargers icon, this Chargers hero, this Chargers all-everything could close the season under attack from the media, other NFL players, and Chargers fans?
You didn't think it could possibly happen? Why not, that is how we closed the season last year, remember?
I am not going to share my feeling about LT's injury, his decision not to play in the Championship game, or his demeanor on the sideline during the game. Each of us has our own take on what was, what should have been, and what the consequences were or will be. You are entitled to your opinion and for you, it is valid. I respect your opinion.
The only thing I will offer is that the leaders and the stars will always have a camera on them. They will always have their critics and their jealous rivals and rival fans ready to criticize.
LT is a multi-million dollar man and the face of the San Diego Chargers, not to mention the NFL. he needs to get a good PR person who stands beside him at all times and guides him. I am not speaking bad of LT but I will tell you that perception in the world is reality and perception can be a killer.
Philip Rivers could use a good PR person too.
I'll be venting my feeling more frequently this year. Maybe that way I won't feel like I am going to explode when things don't go right with my beloved Chargers.
GO CHARGERS - SUPER BOWL, BABY!!!!
Get some really kewl and original Chargers gear at either of my two shopping locations:
http://www.chargertom.com/Memorabilia.html
and/or
http://cafepress.com/ctenterprises
Submit your Chargers Fanatic picture for the new Super Fans Pics page on my web site at http://www.chargertom.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A.J. - One area great, one area poor
I have not been a fan of A.J. Smith since John Butler passed away and he took over. There are many reasons which I am sure some would agree with and many would disagree with. The way he is so cut and dry in contract negotiations, how he lets his personal dislike for players and coaches dictate how they get treated or if they even remain employed, and how he uses the absolute power and authority he has been given by Dean Spanos. All of that being said, I MUST give him credit where credit is due.
He has done a great job of drafting good players. He has done a good, although limited, job of acquiring good free agents. He has done a great job of signing our best players to long term contracts.
I will not rehash the old arguments but I still think he did a TERRIBLE job in dumping Drew Brees who I still believe will lead his team to the Super Bowl before the Chargers reach the Super Bowl; we'll see. . . .!?!?
So there, I gave him credit as the genius General Manager -- on his handling of ONE side of his job, the players, but what about the other side of his job, the coaches?
In my opinion he has done a HORRIBLE job of dealing with the coaching staff.
The coaching staff is what makes all those good players mesh into a well oiled machine with the same plan of action, the same focus, the same level of motivation, and the same buy in to what is being asked of them. The coaches create a "family" where you know what Dad's expectations of you are and you know how your brothers are going to back you. The coaches are the ones who take players from various playing backgrounds and experiences, and mold them in to a single way of doing things to win. The coaches create continuity in the chaotic world of NFL football and are able to get the most out of their players by being a mentor they can look up to and that they can and do trust. The players jobs depend a lot on the coaches!!!
A.J. Smith does not like Marty and wants him out and that is a known fact. He is however, for the moment, stuck with Marty because Dean Spanos wants desperately to win a Super Bowl NOW to help him get a new Stadium and doesn't want any more disruption to the team.
Unfortunately, this very situation caused by A.J. IS CAUSING DISRUPTION TO THE TEAM.
A.J. has focused on the players and ignored the coaching staff. He has a backup plan for every players position, he has depth at every players position, he has extended contracts of his players to ensure continuity, and he has a plan for free agent acquisitions and who he wants in the Draft.
As evidenced by what has and is occurring with the coaching staff, he does NOT have a plan or even a clue.
He was forced to retain Marty for this next year and then only offered him a one year extension knowing full well if Marty did not take the team to the Super Bowl in '07 he would fire him anyway.
So Marty is back for one last year -- a lame duck head coach. Now that's good for a team.
A lame duck head coach is not who you want to work for as an assistant coach because that means you only have one more year of putting food on the table for your family. So you start looking to bail out now. Why now? Because you helped guide this team to a 14-2 record and the other NFL General Managers know you have the potential to bring the same level of success to their team and they are willing to pay for that now.
So what we have is the loss of our Offensive Coordinator, our Defensive Coordinator, our Linebackers coach, our Running Backs coach has to be replaced because the current coach was promoted to fill the Offensive Coordinator position, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach left too, and I am betting more coaches will leave before this is all over.
So the very architects of your 14-2 team are gone or leaving and your Head Coach only has one more year before he returns to the Broadcast booth and where is A.J.? I think he is fiddling while Rome burns.
I think he abandoned Marty and the entire Chargers coaching staff because he doesn't like Marty and wants to see him fail. In A.J.'s world, it doesn't matter who else has to be disregarded to prove his point, there is only room for one genius. He wants FULL credit for any Chargers success and Marty has given him enough ammunition to allow him to hire his own coach of choice and then when/if the team wins the Super Bowl it will be totally because of A.J. and his genius.
I believe if the Chargers are somehow able to survive this coaching staff debacle and go deep in to the playoffs in '07 it will be because of Marty and in spite of A.J.
Regardless, A.J. gets his way. Marty's contract will have expired and A.J. will threaten Spanos with his own departure if Marty is offered a long term contract so Marty is gone. A.J. will hire HIS new coach (believe me, it WON'T be Bill Cower because A.J. won't pay what he is worth), and thus the Chargers players will start all over under a new coaching staff. Can you say "set back"?
How did we get to this point? Remember that Dean Spanos took over the team operations from his Dad (the real owner) Alex Spanos. This was done because Dad Alex was too involved in the team's day to day operations and there were many years of losing seasons to show how well that had worked out.
So Dean took over the team and hired Bobby Beathard as his General Manager. Remember him? He was THE genius General Manager. Dean gave him full power and authority to run the team. We went to the Super Bowl and then Beathard blew up the team and fired the Head Coach. Can you say "set back"?
Guess what? Dean did not learn his lesson. He has hired another "genius" and given him full power and authority to run the team. Hello Dean, does this not look familiar? You're team is ready to go to the Super Bowl and your GM is OK with blowing up your coaching staff?
I'm still hurting from the playoff loss to the Patriots and I am getting sicker by the day watching the coaching staff walk away and I am even sicker for having to say "wait 'til next year" AGAIN, and knowing full well that next year could be a "set back". Ah the painful life of a Chargers fan.
GO CHARGERS -- love ya' Bolts.
He has done a great job of drafting good players. He has done a good, although limited, job of acquiring good free agents. He has done a great job of signing our best players to long term contracts.
I will not rehash the old arguments but I still think he did a TERRIBLE job in dumping Drew Brees who I still believe will lead his team to the Super Bowl before the Chargers reach the Super Bowl; we'll see. . . .!?!?
So there, I gave him credit as the genius General Manager -- on his handling of ONE side of his job, the players, but what about the other side of his job, the coaches?
In my opinion he has done a HORRIBLE job of dealing with the coaching staff.
The coaching staff is what makes all those good players mesh into a well oiled machine with the same plan of action, the same focus, the same level of motivation, and the same buy in to what is being asked of them. The coaches create a "family" where you know what Dad's expectations of you are and you know how your brothers are going to back you. The coaches are the ones who take players from various playing backgrounds and experiences, and mold them in to a single way of doing things to win. The coaches create continuity in the chaotic world of NFL football and are able to get the most out of their players by being a mentor they can look up to and that they can and do trust. The players jobs depend a lot on the coaches!!!
A.J. Smith does not like Marty and wants him out and that is a known fact. He is however, for the moment, stuck with Marty because Dean Spanos wants desperately to win a Super Bowl NOW to help him get a new Stadium and doesn't want any more disruption to the team.
Unfortunately, this very situation caused by A.J. IS CAUSING DISRUPTION TO THE TEAM.
A.J. has focused on the players and ignored the coaching staff. He has a backup plan for every players position, he has depth at every players position, he has extended contracts of his players to ensure continuity, and he has a plan for free agent acquisitions and who he wants in the Draft.
As evidenced by what has and is occurring with the coaching staff, he does NOT have a plan or even a clue.
He was forced to retain Marty for this next year and then only offered him a one year extension knowing full well if Marty did not take the team to the Super Bowl in '07 he would fire him anyway.
So Marty is back for one last year -- a lame duck head coach. Now that's good for a team.
A lame duck head coach is not who you want to work for as an assistant coach because that means you only have one more year of putting food on the table for your family. So you start looking to bail out now. Why now? Because you helped guide this team to a 14-2 record and the other NFL General Managers know you have the potential to bring the same level of success to their team and they are willing to pay for that now.
So what we have is the loss of our Offensive Coordinator, our Defensive Coordinator, our Linebackers coach, our Running Backs coach has to be replaced because the current coach was promoted to fill the Offensive Coordinator position, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach left too, and I am betting more coaches will leave before this is all over.
So the very architects of your 14-2 team are gone or leaving and your Head Coach only has one more year before he returns to the Broadcast booth and where is A.J.? I think he is fiddling while Rome burns.
I think he abandoned Marty and the entire Chargers coaching staff because he doesn't like Marty and wants to see him fail. In A.J.'s world, it doesn't matter who else has to be disregarded to prove his point, there is only room for one genius. He wants FULL credit for any Chargers success and Marty has given him enough ammunition to allow him to hire his own coach of choice and then when/if the team wins the Super Bowl it will be totally because of A.J. and his genius.
I believe if the Chargers are somehow able to survive this coaching staff debacle and go deep in to the playoffs in '07 it will be because of Marty and in spite of A.J.
Regardless, A.J. gets his way. Marty's contract will have expired and A.J. will threaten Spanos with his own departure if Marty is offered a long term contract so Marty is gone. A.J. will hire HIS new coach (believe me, it WON'T be Bill Cower because A.J. won't pay what he is worth), and thus the Chargers players will start all over under a new coaching staff. Can you say "set back"?
How did we get to this point? Remember that Dean Spanos took over the team operations from his Dad (the real owner) Alex Spanos. This was done because Dad Alex was too involved in the team's day to day operations and there were many years of losing seasons to show how well that had worked out.
So Dean took over the team and hired Bobby Beathard as his General Manager. Remember him? He was THE genius General Manager. Dean gave him full power and authority to run the team. We went to the Super Bowl and then Beathard blew up the team and fired the Head Coach. Can you say "set back"?
Guess what? Dean did not learn his lesson. He has hired another "genius" and given him full power and authority to run the team. Hello Dean, does this not look familiar? You're team is ready to go to the Super Bowl and your GM is OK with blowing up your coaching staff?
I'm still hurting from the playoff loss to the Patriots and I am getting sicker by the day watching the coaching staff walk away and I am even sicker for having to say "wait 'til next year" AGAIN, and knowing full well that next year could be a "set back". Ah the painful life of a Chargers fan.
GO CHARGERS -- love ya' Bolts.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Black Monday Catharsis - The Football God's
I haven't written in this Blog for quite some time. I was way too busy; the Chargers were on an incredible roll and I was swept up in the elation and busy promoting them on the web site and communicating with fellow fans on the web.
It was glorious. This was the year we finally not only got to the Super Bowl, but actually won the whole enchilada.
We drove the RV to San Diego and attended the Chargers vs. KC game with my daughter and her family. The city was excited and the fair-weather "fans" were all fighting to get on the band wagon. It was great.
Today is Black Monday, January 15, 2007. I have a headache. My stomach is in knots. I am exhausted and my entire body aches. Remember that feeling when your true love broke up with you or your spouse asked for a divorce or you got fired from work? Remember how you couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't concentrate on anything else, didn't want to talk with others? Didn't want to be around other people, didn't want to be alone? How your mind kept replaying images of all the good times? How your mind kept replaying images of the horror of the ending? Sure you do -- because you are a Chargers fan too and yesterday you saw the same game that I did. It was a nightmare come true.
I have felt these feelings so many times since 1961. I won't recount them all now but if you have been a fellow Chargers fan for even the last ten to fifteen years, you have experienced it too.
It hurts. Remember what Coach George Allen of the Washington Redskins said?; "Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." How can this keep happening? I know the answer . . . .the football God's are cruel.
Our Chargers went 14-2 this year. They won all eight games before the home crowd. LT set every record known to man in the NFL. Rivers had a solid season for a rookie quarterback. Even Marty learned a lesson and relinquished his "Martyball" grip on the team. Nine - NINE - players made the Pro Bowl. They won the AFC West decidedly and then won home field advantage throughout the playoffs. And then . . . . as Coach Jim Morra would say, "Playoffs? Playoffs? Are you kiddin' me? Playoffs?"
The reality of my 45 year love affair and blind allegiance to the San Diego Chargers came crashing down AGAIN yesterday in the first game of the playoffs.
Let's see now. . . .
1st Qtr: NE 3rd and 8 on its own 12. Brady's pass is tipped to Clinton Hart but he doesn't catch it for the interception. The Patriots punt and get out of their own territory.
1st Qtr: Chargers 4th and 11 at NE 30-yard line. 47-yard Field Goal for Kaeding. Marty, instead, goes for first down and Rivers is sacked - no points. Pats take over at their 35-yard line.
3rd Qtr: Eric Parker muffs the punt and instead of falling on the ball, tries to pick it up and is tackled with Pats recovering the muff.
3rd Qtr: Three plays later, Brady is sacked, fumbles and Pats recover. After the play, Drayton Florence head-butts Pats Daniel Graham for 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Instead of 4th and 21 from the 37, Pats now 1st and 10 at the 18. Pats kick a 34-yard Field Goal to cut Chargers lead to 14-13.
4th Qtr: Pats are behind 21-13 with 4th and 5. Brady goes for it with pass that is intercepted by Marlon McCree. McCree tries to run with it instead of falling down after the catch. Troy Brown strips McCree and Reche Caldwell (remember this name, OK?) recovers at Chargers 32. Five plays later, Brady hits Caldwell for TD and they make 2 point conversion to tie the score at 21.
You're right. It is a Team game but these individuals put themselves above the team or disregarded years of teaching and coaching and as a result, the team lost.
Want to hear about other members of the team's contribution to the loss? How about this:
Eric Parker dropped two passes. One should have been ruled a catch and then a fumble. He slipped down running a reverse for a 7 yard loss.
Vincent Jackson dropped a pass and forced a Chargers punt. He came down out of bounds on a TD pass in the end zone because he didn't know where the sideline was.
Drayton Florence intercepted a pass but a holding penalty against Mike Goff and a subsequent sack forced a Chargers punt. Shane Olivia had a personal foul penalty.
Philip Rivers threw an interception to Pats Rosevelt Colvin and lost a fumble.
Quentin Jammer was beaten bad when on 3rd and 10 Brady threw a 49-yard pass to Reche Caldwell.
Nate Kaeding had made 24 straight Field Goals since missing wide right in the Playoffs against the Jets two years ago. Yesterday he was wide right on the final play for the Chargers from 54 yards.
Patriots Reche Caldwell (remember I said 'remember this name?') (ex-Charger) caught 4 yard pass in back of the end zone with 4:36 left in game that led to 2 point conversion. The McCree interception that he subsequently fumbled was recovered by Reche Caldwell. It was Caldwell who burned Jammer for a 49-yard catch to the Chargers 17-yard line. Caldwell had seven receptions for 80 yards. Given ample opportunity, he expressed no sense of vengeance or bitterness toward the Chargers, who didn't value him enough to bring him back after four seasons in San Diego. Now add Rodney Harrison maybe getting his second Super Bowl ring with NE; and "Heaven forbid", Junior Seau maybe getting a ring with NE. Drew Brees is great and still playing with a good shot at the Big Show. And don't forget that Donnie Edwards is going to be cast off. Odds say Marty is going to be fired and probably Cam Cameron will be allowed to take another job somewhere. So who are the final two individuals who place themselves above the team? How about Dean Spanos and most of all, A.J. (The Genius) Smith?!?!
Enough blame to go around? I would say so.
I have had to endure over 100 ranting, taunting, vilifying emails from Raider fans so far. I love it because then I know for sure I am driving them nuts and it doesn't bother me a lick because they are 2-14 and remain the scum of the earth "fans." I know the Chargers will continue to kick the Raiders ass year after year, and that is a good feeling.
And you know what? This Blog post has been cathartic. I feel a little better since I got some of it out. I'll take a few more days to move through the grieving process and over time I will be able to "let it go" and get ready for NEXT YEAR.
Next year will be our year. Next year we will go undefeated. Next year we will win the Super Bowl. Next year I will continue to promote my Chargers and pull the chain on the Raider fans and watch them bounce off the wall. Next year will be the best year in my 45 years of being a Chargers fan . . . . unless the football God's decide to be cruel AGAIN.
"Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose, you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." If my team can endure it, I can endure it.
GO CHARGERS.
It was glorious. This was the year we finally not only got to the Super Bowl, but actually won the whole enchilada.
We drove the RV to San Diego and attended the Chargers vs. KC game with my daughter and her family. The city was excited and the fair-weather "fans" were all fighting to get on the band wagon. It was great.
Today is Black Monday, January 15, 2007. I have a headache. My stomach is in knots. I am exhausted and my entire body aches. Remember that feeling when your true love broke up with you or your spouse asked for a divorce or you got fired from work? Remember how you couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't concentrate on anything else, didn't want to talk with others? Didn't want to be around other people, didn't want to be alone? How your mind kept replaying images of all the good times? How your mind kept replaying images of the horror of the ending? Sure you do -- because you are a Chargers fan too and yesterday you saw the same game that I did. It was a nightmare come true.
I have felt these feelings so many times since 1961. I won't recount them all now but if you have been a fellow Chargers fan for even the last ten to fifteen years, you have experienced it too.
It hurts. Remember what Coach George Allen of the Washington Redskins said?; "Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." How can this keep happening? I know the answer . . . .the football God's are cruel.
Our Chargers went 14-2 this year. They won all eight games before the home crowd. LT set every record known to man in the NFL. Rivers had a solid season for a rookie quarterback. Even Marty learned a lesson and relinquished his "Martyball" grip on the team. Nine - NINE - players made the Pro Bowl. They won the AFC West decidedly and then won home field advantage throughout the playoffs. And then . . . . as Coach Jim Morra would say, "Playoffs? Playoffs? Are you kiddin' me? Playoffs?"
The reality of my 45 year love affair and blind allegiance to the San Diego Chargers came crashing down AGAIN yesterday in the first game of the playoffs.
Let's see now. . . .
1st Qtr: NE 3rd and 8 on its own 12. Brady's pass is tipped to Clinton Hart but he doesn't catch it for the interception. The Patriots punt and get out of their own territory.
1st Qtr: Chargers 4th and 11 at NE 30-yard line. 47-yard Field Goal for Kaeding. Marty, instead, goes for first down and Rivers is sacked - no points. Pats take over at their 35-yard line.
3rd Qtr: Eric Parker muffs the punt and instead of falling on the ball, tries to pick it up and is tackled with Pats recovering the muff.
3rd Qtr: Three plays later, Brady is sacked, fumbles and Pats recover. After the play, Drayton Florence head-butts Pats Daniel Graham for 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Instead of 4th and 21 from the 37, Pats now 1st and 10 at the 18. Pats kick a 34-yard Field Goal to cut Chargers lead to 14-13.
4th Qtr: Pats are behind 21-13 with 4th and 5. Brady goes for it with pass that is intercepted by Marlon McCree. McCree tries to run with it instead of falling down after the catch. Troy Brown strips McCree and Reche Caldwell (remember this name, OK?) recovers at Chargers 32. Five plays later, Brady hits Caldwell for TD and they make 2 point conversion to tie the score at 21.
You're right. It is a Team game but these individuals put themselves above the team or disregarded years of teaching and coaching and as a result, the team lost.
Want to hear about other members of the team's contribution to the loss? How about this:
Eric Parker dropped two passes. One should have been ruled a catch and then a fumble. He slipped down running a reverse for a 7 yard loss.
Vincent Jackson dropped a pass and forced a Chargers punt. He came down out of bounds on a TD pass in the end zone because he didn't know where the sideline was.
Drayton Florence intercepted a pass but a holding penalty against Mike Goff and a subsequent sack forced a Chargers punt. Shane Olivia had a personal foul penalty.
Philip Rivers threw an interception to Pats Rosevelt Colvin and lost a fumble.
Quentin Jammer was beaten bad when on 3rd and 10 Brady threw a 49-yard pass to Reche Caldwell.
Nate Kaeding had made 24 straight Field Goals since missing wide right in the Playoffs against the Jets two years ago. Yesterday he was wide right on the final play for the Chargers from 54 yards.
Patriots Reche Caldwell (remember I said 'remember this name?') (ex-Charger) caught 4 yard pass in back of the end zone with 4:36 left in game that led to 2 point conversion. The McCree interception that he subsequently fumbled was recovered by Reche Caldwell. It was Caldwell who burned Jammer for a 49-yard catch to the Chargers 17-yard line. Caldwell had seven receptions for 80 yards. Given ample opportunity, he expressed no sense of vengeance or bitterness toward the Chargers, who didn't value him enough to bring him back after four seasons in San Diego. Now add Rodney Harrison maybe getting his second Super Bowl ring with NE; and "Heaven forbid", Junior Seau maybe getting a ring with NE. Drew Brees is great and still playing with a good shot at the Big Show. And don't forget that Donnie Edwards is going to be cast off. Odds say Marty is going to be fired and probably Cam Cameron will be allowed to take another job somewhere. So who are the final two individuals who place themselves above the team? How about Dean Spanos and most of all, A.J. (The Genius) Smith?!?!
Enough blame to go around? I would say so.
I have had to endure over 100 ranting, taunting, vilifying emails from Raider fans so far. I love it because then I know for sure I am driving them nuts and it doesn't bother me a lick because they are 2-14 and remain the scum of the earth "fans." I know the Chargers will continue to kick the Raiders ass year after year, and that is a good feeling.
And you know what? This Blog post has been cathartic. I feel a little better since I got some of it out. I'll take a few more days to move through the grieving process and over time I will be able to "let it go" and get ready for NEXT YEAR.
Next year will be our year. Next year we will go undefeated. Next year we will win the Super Bowl. Next year I will continue to promote my Chargers and pull the chain on the Raider fans and watch them bounce off the wall. Next year will be the best year in my 45 years of being a Chargers fan . . . . unless the football God's decide to be cruel AGAIN.
"Football is a rough game and often a cruel one. Every time you lose, you die a little bit. You die inside; a portion of you. Not all of your organs, maybe just your liver. Pain is inevitable." If my team can endure it, I can endure it.
GO CHARGERS.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Marty Ball rubs off on Cam
Watching today's (Sunday, Oct. 1st), loss to the Ravens was like watching four games from last year -- ahead in the Fourth Quarter and coming up with a loss.
I can't even count the times since Marty has been in San Diego that I have been screaming at my beloved Chargers for "sitting on a lead." Its wide open offense to get the lead but no matter how slim the lead, if its a lead, Marty shifts in to the mode of "just don't lose."
For some stupid reason, I thought this year would be different. It seemed Marty has truly turned the play calling over to Cam Cameron and Cam had shown some flashes of wanting to use all of the weapons at the Chargers disposal and open up the attack.
BUT ...... Either Marty is still approving or disapproving of the plays, or Cam has spent so much time listening to Marty's old school mantras that it has rubbed off on him.
To paraphrase the great Keshawn Johnson, "Just throw the damn ball."
People can say what they want about the players having to make the plays, but the Coaches have to call (or at least allow) plays to be called that allow you to be the attacking Offense. Ahead by 4 points is no time to shut down what has been working all day.
Look at the penalties. Look at the missed assignments. THOSE ARE COACHING PROBLEMS!!!
Marty continues to live off of his "winningest active coach" stats and takes a team that has the potential to be really, really good and makes them mediocre. The San Diego Chargers will never be feared by any team in the NFL, nor get any respect from the national media until they become a team that continues to attack on offense and wins the close games. Right now the media treats any San Diego Chargers game reporting as, "oh, by the way ...."
I must admit Rivers looks like he could develop into a good QB but everyone who loves him and has anointed him as the next Dan Foutz better understand he is a rookie. As a rookie he is going to make mistakes but COACHING has to teach him not to make the mistakes at critical times.
"Throw the damn ball. Receivers - catch the damn ball."
I can't even count the times since Marty has been in San Diego that I have been screaming at my beloved Chargers for "sitting on a lead." Its wide open offense to get the lead but no matter how slim the lead, if its a lead, Marty shifts in to the mode of "just don't lose."
For some stupid reason, I thought this year would be different. It seemed Marty has truly turned the play calling over to Cam Cameron and Cam had shown some flashes of wanting to use all of the weapons at the Chargers disposal and open up the attack.
BUT ...... Either Marty is still approving or disapproving of the plays, or Cam has spent so much time listening to Marty's old school mantras that it has rubbed off on him.
To paraphrase the great Keshawn Johnson, "Just throw the damn ball."
People can say what they want about the players having to make the plays, but the Coaches have to call (or at least allow) plays to be called that allow you to be the attacking Offense. Ahead by 4 points is no time to shut down what has been working all day.
Look at the penalties. Look at the missed assignments. THOSE ARE COACHING PROBLEMS!!!
Marty continues to live off of his "winningest active coach" stats and takes a team that has the potential to be really, really good and makes them mediocre. The San Diego Chargers will never be feared by any team in the NFL, nor get any respect from the national media until they become a team that continues to attack on offense and wins the close games. Right now the media treats any San Diego Chargers game reporting as, "oh, by the way ...."
I must admit Rivers looks like he could develop into a good QB but everyone who loves him and has anointed him as the next Dan Foutz better understand he is a rookie. As a rookie he is going to make mistakes but COACHING has to teach him not to make the mistakes at critical times.
"Throw the damn ball. Receivers - catch the damn ball."
Monday, August 28, 2006
Double standards for Rivers?
When Drew Brees went down in the final game of the season last year, Philip Rivers came in and turned the ball over TWICE. In last Saturday's pre-season game, he turned the ball over THREE TIMES.
Does anyone remember Marty yanking Brees out of games for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty benching Drew for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty in Drew's face after turn-overs? Does anyone remember Marty stating "You can't play for me if you turn the ball over."?
Hell yes you remember it!!!
Then why is Philip Rivers being given a pass? Is his ego so fragile that his Daddy, A.J. has told Marty not to yell at him? Since Marty fell in love with Rivers while coaching his College All Star game, is Rivers untouchable?
It appears so.
There is already the built-in excuse that Philip is a rookie and will make rookie mistakes.
What will all of this cost the San Diego Chargers football team? I think it forecasts another season of typical Chargers football organization "settling" for mediocrity yet another year. (Agree or disagree? Vote your position on the ChargerTom.com Poll.)
I'm not moaning about releasing Drew Brees -- I'm just talking about a double-standard being applied to Philip Rivers and whether it is good for Rivers and/or good for the San Diego Chargers; I think NOT!!!
Having retired in the Dallas, Texas area, I am bombarded with Cowboys stories day and night. I find it pretty funny that the local and national media is screaming that Bill Parcells has lost his power and control by letting Scumbag Owens get away with not practicing. And supposedly the owner, Jerry Jones, backs Owens. Now the talk is that Parcells will lose control of his team too.
Gee, that sounds just like the same scenario in San Diego!?!? Marty (for whatever reason), is letting Rivers get away with unacceptable "habits" and the Manager (A.J.) is backing his boy, Rivers.
This can't be good.
I am NOT anti-Rivers but I am also not so in love with him that I refuse to see the truth. He looks like a deer in the headlights to me. Anybody can make a few "great" pass completions, and I mean anybody. From what I have seen in the pre-season, he makes mistakes that he should not be making and his passing accuracy and game management is shaky at best.
You know what? I hope I am wrong. I hope I am wrong for the long run, because right now I am not wrong and we are two weeks from the real games.
Are we headed for ANOTHER year in the middle to bottom of the pack? A lot of that depends on Philip Rivers. What do you see?
Does anyone remember Marty yanking Brees out of games for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty benching Drew for turning the ball over? Does anyone remember Marty in Drew's face after turn-overs? Does anyone remember Marty stating "You can't play for me if you turn the ball over."?
Hell yes you remember it!!!
Then why is Philip Rivers being given a pass? Is his ego so fragile that his Daddy, A.J. has told Marty not to yell at him? Since Marty fell in love with Rivers while coaching his College All Star game, is Rivers untouchable?
It appears so.
There is already the built-in excuse that Philip is a rookie and will make rookie mistakes.
What will all of this cost the San Diego Chargers football team? I think it forecasts another season of typical Chargers football organization "settling" for mediocrity yet another year. (Agree or disagree? Vote your position on the ChargerTom.com Poll.)
I'm not moaning about releasing Drew Brees -- I'm just talking about a double-standard being applied to Philip Rivers and whether it is good for Rivers and/or good for the San Diego Chargers; I think NOT!!!
Having retired in the Dallas, Texas area, I am bombarded with Cowboys stories day and night. I find it pretty funny that the local and national media is screaming that Bill Parcells has lost his power and control by letting Scumbag Owens get away with not practicing. And supposedly the owner, Jerry Jones, backs Owens. Now the talk is that Parcells will lose control of his team too.
Gee, that sounds just like the same scenario in San Diego!?!? Marty (for whatever reason), is letting Rivers get away with unacceptable "habits" and the Manager (A.J.) is backing his boy, Rivers.
This can't be good.
I am NOT anti-Rivers but I am also not so in love with him that I refuse to see the truth. He looks like a deer in the headlights to me. Anybody can make a few "great" pass completions, and I mean anybody. From what I have seen in the pre-season, he makes mistakes that he should not be making and his passing accuracy and game management is shaky at best.
You know what? I hope I am wrong. I hope I am wrong for the long run, because right now I am not wrong and we are two weeks from the real games.
Are we headed for ANOTHER year in the middle to bottom of the pack? A lot of that depends on Philip Rivers. What do you see?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Summertime Blues
A horrendous 9-7 season has ended. The stunner of Drew Brees departure is easing. The Draft is over. Rookie Mini-Camp is over with a Veterans Mini-Camp coming up next month.
The City of San Diego decided they are willing to let one of only 32 NFL teams in the Nation leave town; after 45 years!!! Oceanside or Chula Vista/National City think they can compete with Las Vegas, LA, and San Antonio to get the Chargers. The County will try to come up with a proposal.
A.J. Smith still carries the title of Genius and Marty remains as stubborn as always.
Ryan Leaf's a Coach? And Doug Flutie retired.
Living on a Lake in Texas with the temperature hovering around 95 degrees and no real news or excitement coming out of the NFL right now, it's time for a break from the Chargers.
I have some of my children and their families coming to visit for awhile. One of our Grandsons will spend a month with us. Additionally we will be off to my High School Reunion and when the Summer begins to wind down (and Texas REALLY gets HOT), we will take a trip to Yellowstone National Park.
We will be home and "ready for some football" come September first. Season tickets for TCU football and NFL Sunday Ticket for the Chargers will bring us back to "normal."
I appreciate all of the Raider fans reacting to my last Blog about why I hate them. They continue to show their stupidity by thinking I would allow their ignorant rants to be published on the Blog!?!? A couple were actually from civil, intelligent, mature, and courteous Raider fans and their comments are posted.
In light of all of the above, I am giving myself permission to only update the ChargerTom.com web site as significant Chargers stories develop.
I will continue to monitor for transactions involving Chargers players and ex-Chargers, including Coaches, but unless something really important or really interesting comes up, the site will not be updated until Training Camp in August. This will be the first time in over 14 years of publication that I will be taking a couple of months absence from the web site. SEE EVERYONE IN AUGUST. GO CHARGERS!
The City of San Diego decided they are willing to let one of only 32 NFL teams in the Nation leave town; after 45 years!!! Oceanside or Chula Vista/National City think they can compete with Las Vegas, LA, and San Antonio to get the Chargers. The County will try to come up with a proposal.
A.J. Smith still carries the title of Genius and Marty remains as stubborn as always.
Ryan Leaf's a Coach? And Doug Flutie retired.
Living on a Lake in Texas with the temperature hovering around 95 degrees and no real news or excitement coming out of the NFL right now, it's time for a break from the Chargers.
I have some of my children and their families coming to visit for awhile. One of our Grandsons will spend a month with us. Additionally we will be off to my High School Reunion and when the Summer begins to wind down (and Texas REALLY gets HOT), we will take a trip to Yellowstone National Park.
We will be home and "ready for some football" come September first. Season tickets for TCU football and NFL Sunday Ticket for the Chargers will bring us back to "normal."
I appreciate all of the Raider fans reacting to my last Blog about why I hate them. They continue to show their stupidity by thinking I would allow their ignorant rants to be published on the Blog!?!? A couple were actually from civil, intelligent, mature, and courteous Raider fans and their comments are posted.
In light of all of the above, I am giving myself permission to only update the ChargerTom.com web site as significant Chargers stories develop.
I will continue to monitor for transactions involving Chargers players and ex-Chargers, including Coaches, but unless something really important or really interesting comes up, the site will not be updated until Training Camp in August. This will be the first time in over 14 years of publication that I will be taking a couple of months absence from the web site. SEE EVERYONE IN AUGUST. GO CHARGERS!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Why am I such a Raider Hater?!?!
I think one of the most amusing things I have ever done was create the "Official Raider Haters Universe" page on my web site.
It drives Raider fans and web site snobs absolutely crazy.
Unbelievably the majority of the "web site" snob critics are Chargers fans with their own web sites or who spend their days writing on Chargers forums and their criticism is that the "format and style" is not as "professional and attractive" as their sites. ITS SUPPOSED TO BE CRUDE TO MATCH THE THEME DUMMY!!!
It also accomplishes its primary mission of giving a few smiles and chuckles to fellow Raider Haters and stirs up the passion in Chargers fans and fellow Raider Haters world wide.
Who could ask for more?!?!
In spite of the fact that I state on the web page that Raider Fans should not bother to send me emails with rants about how many Super Bowls they have won IN THE PAST, or what their overall record against the Chargers is -- THEY DO IT ANYWAY. That ought to tell you something about their ability to read and comprehend!
They don't seem to realize that their emails simply confirm all of the jokes on the Raider Hater page have them as real life examples. Number one -- they can't SPELL. Number two -- most are Homophobic because accusing me of being gay is a running theme? Number three - they almost always threaten to kick my ass. Number four -- they are so mad that you can tell their rage is going faster than they can type and most of what they say in incoherent, and Number five -- they defend their pathetic football team and organization in spite of the current facts.
Yes, it is easy to see that I do, in fact, hate the Raiders. But the REAL truth of the fact is that I hate the Raider FANS.
Until my retirement a few years ago, I was a Chargers Season Ticket Holder for many years and attended lots of games before buying my first Season Tickets. As a matter of fact, I watched the Chargers play at Balboa Stadium when I first joined the Navy in 1961. Even though I retired in Texas, I still have the DirecTV Sunday NFL package and fly my Chargers flag in the front yard every game Sunday. And thousand of people know about the ChargerTom.com web site and its devotion to MY Chargers.
As far back as I can remember, the Chargers-Raiders games have been just like going inside an out-of-control insane asylum.
My experience has been that Raider "fans" are, for the most part, not "fans" of the Raiders in the football sense, but are "fans of the gang mentality" that has been created. Most of their fans didn't grow up watching the Raiders play football and learning to admire their team and wanting to support them. Instead, most grow up watching the local gang bangers, drug dealers, and other intimidating thugs dress up in their Raider gear. So naturally when they began to grow up and these types of people were their role models, the Raider gear and being a "Raider fan" was just part of the overall persona they took on.
I have been to Chargers games at home, opposing EVERY team in the NFL over the years. I have been to Chargers games in the stadiums of other NFL teams during away games. I have never seen the fans of any other team have a mission to "take over" the stadium -- except the Raider fans. That's because its not about their team, its about maintaing THEIR image as gangsters.
As bad as the reputation of fans in "Philly" is, and as fanatic as the fans of "America's Team" the Dallas Cowboys are, none of them set out to attend a game for the PURPOSE of causing hate, discontent, disruption, and mayhem. The Raider fans do!
See how many fights there are in the parking lot and stands during a Raiders game. See how many innocent families are injured by their fighting. Listen to the language used in the stands in front of women and children. Watch them sneak down to sit in expensive seats when they only paid for nose-bleed. Smell the pot and see the booze being consummed in the stands. Watch that they ALWAYS run in packs. And notice that win or lose, the parking lot will contain broken beer bottles, overturned trash cans, and damaged cars -- all compliments of the Raider "fans."
I have lived all of this, and much much more, for forty plus years and I KNOW what I am talking about and its getting worse.
Now for the punch line ....
I do NOT maintain the "Official Raider Haters Universe" web page because I hate the Raiders -- I do it because I think it is funny and I hope to give others a laugh or too also. ITS FUNNY - thats why!!!
There are pages and complete web sites devoted to poking fun at the President, the Republicans, Celebrities, gas prices, ugly people, beautiful people, and everything in between. I'm just poking fun at the Chokeland Faiders and their band of thug fans.
Lighten up people -- its HUMOR!!!
It drives Raider fans and web site snobs absolutely crazy.
Unbelievably the majority of the "web site" snob critics are Chargers fans with their own web sites or who spend their days writing on Chargers forums and their criticism is that the "format and style" is not as "professional and attractive" as their sites. ITS SUPPOSED TO BE CRUDE TO MATCH THE THEME DUMMY!!!
It also accomplishes its primary mission of giving a few smiles and chuckles to fellow Raider Haters and stirs up the passion in Chargers fans and fellow Raider Haters world wide.
Who could ask for more?!?!
In spite of the fact that I state on the web page that Raider Fans should not bother to send me emails with rants about how many Super Bowls they have won IN THE PAST, or what their overall record against the Chargers is -- THEY DO IT ANYWAY. That ought to tell you something about their ability to read and comprehend!
They don't seem to realize that their emails simply confirm all of the jokes on the Raider Hater page have them as real life examples. Number one -- they can't SPELL. Number two -- most are Homophobic because accusing me of being gay is a running theme? Number three - they almost always threaten to kick my ass. Number four -- they are so mad that you can tell their rage is going faster than they can type and most of what they say in incoherent, and Number five -- they defend their pathetic football team and organization in spite of the current facts.
Yes, it is easy to see that I do, in fact, hate the Raiders. But the REAL truth of the fact is that I hate the Raider FANS.
Until my retirement a few years ago, I was a Chargers Season Ticket Holder for many years and attended lots of games before buying my first Season Tickets. As a matter of fact, I watched the Chargers play at Balboa Stadium when I first joined the Navy in 1961. Even though I retired in Texas, I still have the DirecTV Sunday NFL package and fly my Chargers flag in the front yard every game Sunday. And thousand of people know about the ChargerTom.com web site and its devotion to MY Chargers.
As far back as I can remember, the Chargers-Raiders games have been just like going inside an out-of-control insane asylum.
My experience has been that Raider "fans" are, for the most part, not "fans" of the Raiders in the football sense, but are "fans of the gang mentality" that has been created. Most of their fans didn't grow up watching the Raiders play football and learning to admire their team and wanting to support them. Instead, most grow up watching the local gang bangers, drug dealers, and other intimidating thugs dress up in their Raider gear. So naturally when they began to grow up and these types of people were their role models, the Raider gear and being a "Raider fan" was just part of the overall persona they took on.
I have been to Chargers games at home, opposing EVERY team in the NFL over the years. I have been to Chargers games in the stadiums of other NFL teams during away games. I have never seen the fans of any other team have a mission to "take over" the stadium -- except the Raider fans. That's because its not about their team, its about maintaing THEIR image as gangsters.
As bad as the reputation of fans in "Philly" is, and as fanatic as the fans of "America's Team" the Dallas Cowboys are, none of them set out to attend a game for the PURPOSE of causing hate, discontent, disruption, and mayhem. The Raider fans do!
See how many fights there are in the parking lot and stands during a Raiders game. See how many innocent families are injured by their fighting. Listen to the language used in the stands in front of women and children. Watch them sneak down to sit in expensive seats when they only paid for nose-bleed. Smell the pot and see the booze being consummed in the stands. Watch that they ALWAYS run in packs. And notice that win or lose, the parking lot will contain broken beer bottles, overturned trash cans, and damaged cars -- all compliments of the Raider "fans."
I have lived all of this, and much much more, for forty plus years and I KNOW what I am talking about and its getting worse.
Now for the punch line ....
I do NOT maintain the "Official Raider Haters Universe" web page because I hate the Raiders -- I do it because I think it is funny and I hope to give others a laugh or too also. ITS FUNNY - thats why!!!
There are pages and complete web sites devoted to poking fun at the President, the Republicans, Celebrities, gas prices, ugly people, beautiful people, and everything in between. I'm just poking fun at the Chokeland Faiders and their band of thug fans.
Lighten up people -- its HUMOR!!!
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