Chargers Questions

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 29, 2008 12:00 PM EST

Hi all, Dave has been good enough to answer questions over at Bolts from the Blue. If you had any questions on the Chargers, I would be happy to answer them. This has been a frustrating season for Chargers fans thus far and this Sunday's game could be the end of our post season hopes.

LTs numbers have been down, both due to injuries, but also the offensive line has not created the holes for him. While his best statistical seasons may be behind him, he still looks like the same LT to me. There is no question that Turner is greatly missed in the running game; but it's nice to see him get the shot as the premier back with the Falcons. I've enjoyed seeing how the Falcons have rebounded after the whole Vick and coach debacle too.

As for the Bolts defense, the loss of Merriman and the pressure he brought on quarterbacks, plus the failure to adapt the defense, led opposing teams to pick our secondary apart. It has also exposed some players like ILB Matt Wilhelm and Safety Clinton Hart who have not been playing well. Our other OLB Shaun Phillips' production is also way down without Merriman being a focal point for the offensive schemes. In any event if you have questions, I'd be happy to answer.

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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Hey!

I like the Chargers, play with them in madden online a few times. I seems odd to me of where you guys are because watching your first game V. the Panthers and a few others it seems that you lose but only by small margins. In my view you guys could easily be in a situation of 6-5. My question is, is your defense really THAT bad and is your offense THAT out of sync. I mean I look at your roster and you guys look good.

My second question is, Do you expect LT to just break out at one point of the year? Despite it maybe being to late. Because I believe that he could come along against the Falcons and have a nice day/

by Grayson on Nov 26, 2008 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Time of Possession

The Bolts really get killed on TOP because of the defense; but the defense really has looked sharper the last two weeks. You are right that we have lost five games by less than a touchdown. The passing game has been terrific; but Rivers has had some key red zone turnovers. The receivers are all talented and with Gates, Floyd and Vincent Jackson all run about 6’ 5" which usually leads to some nice height mismatches. Part of the problem has been that in the early season the offense was terrific, but the defense was porous. The defense has looked better the last three games, but the offense has been sputtering; so they have not both firing at the same time. One of the things I have liked the last two games is they stayed right with two playoff caliber teams and were just a play or two away from a victory. While I think they are better than their record, the reality is that they just haven’t been getting it done in crunch time.

I have been expecting LT to break out for a few games now; but it hasn’t happened. He looks quick to me; and he did rip off a nice run in the third quarter of the Colts game. Part of the trouble is that we have been playing from behind so often this season that we are usually throwing the ball to move downfield as quickly as possible. The offensive line has also been much less effective at opening holes; and our rookie fullback, Mike Tolbert, has not been as adept at blocking as Lorenzo Neal was. If the Chargers establish a lead and the line comes out strong it’s possible; but I have said that a lot this year.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 26, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

Tough year for LT

It’s hard to get going as a RB in this league when your team is always coming from behind. You can try to get him involved in the passing game, but when trailing, especially with a guy like Rivers, you need to take shots downfield to move the chains. LT’s numbers aren’t there this year, but neither, seemingly, is his team. Hopefully the Birds can jump out in front as they’ve done so successfully this year and take LT out of the equation.

And thanks for taking the time to answer questions here, DaBolt.

by Tron5000 on Nov 26, 2008 7:02 PM EST reply actions

Jumping Out on Top

Should provide a big boost for the Falcons. If they can do that and take the crowd out of the game that would be huge. I think you are exactly right here.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 29, 2008 3:00 PM EST up reply actions

Burner

How have Chargers fans reacted to his success? There are some Falcoholics (who shall go unnamed) who think he might be bitter towards your front office. I realize LT is GOD at his best … but, what do you think?

"He's getting better, but he's not there yet ..."

by FrankyWren on Nov 29, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions

I Loved Watching Turner Play

He did his time as LT’s backup; I think it’s great that he is getting his time in the spotlight and making the most of it. I don’t think that anybody in the Chargers organization has ill will for him. I suppose anybody who has ever been let go from an organization wants to show them they made a mistake; I can see how he would like to have a huge day on Sunday. Heh, there are a few fans that think it might have been better to keep Turner; but I keep thinking that even Turner needs bigger holes than the Charger offensive line has been able to deliver so far.

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 29, 2008 2:57 PM EST up reply actions