Weddle’s Interception Seals Chargers Victory
After a disappointing loss last week, the San Diego Chargers were looking to rebound against the Miami Dolphins. This was a very important game for the Chargers as they were looking to be play better than they did last week and snap the Dolphins 7-game winning streak against the Chargers. However, after losing the first two games of the season, the Dolphins were also looking for a victory. But, it was not meant to be for the Dolphins, as the Chargers won 23-13.
Both teams moved ball up and down the field, but no one could score a touchdown in the first half. The Dolphins had their chance to score a touchdown, but the Dolphins fumble the ball in the end zone and the Chargers took over at the 20-yard line. The Dolphins’ “Wild Cat” offense had success against the Chargers defense. The Dolphins were able to rush for 149-yards. However, their passing offense was not as effective, especially, once Dolphins quarterback, Chad Pennington, went out of the game due to a should injury. Chad Pennington would not return.
In the 3rd quarter, after the Dolphins kicked a field goal, the Dolphins were winning 6-3. However, the Chargers did response. The Chargers offense was able to score a touchdown when Philip Rivers ran up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown run. The Chargers took the lead, 13-6. The Chargers seemed to take the momentum away from the Miami Dolphins after that. The Chargers would scored two more field goals and were winning 16-6. Soon after, the Miami Dolphins got the ball back.
Dolphins backup QB, Chad Henne, tried to throw a ball to his outside wide-receiver, Davone Bess, but Chargers safety, Eric Weddle, step in his way and intercepted the ball. Eric Weddle ran it in for a Chargers touchdown. The Chargers took the lead 23-6. The Dolphins scored a late touchdown, but it was a little too late as the Chargers got the win.
This was a good victory for the Chargers. The needed to get some momentum going into next week game against Pittsburgh. One thing the Chargers need to do is score touchdowns rather than kicking field goal inside the red zone. The Miami Dolphins offense was a good test for the Chargers, but Pittsburgh defense will be a bigger test for the Chargers. We shall see how the Chargers response. Stay tuned.
(Sources: Chargers.com, ESPN)
From Super Bowl Hero to Prison
Last year at Super Bowl XLII, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. And, the winning touchdown was caught by Giants wide-receiver, Plaxico Burress. Probably one of best moments that any football player can dream of. However, on Tuesday, the dream of playing football ended for now. Plaxico Burress was sentenced to two years in prison for violating New York gun laws by accidentally shooting himself in a New York Nightclub last November. Burrers can be released from prison in about 20 months for good behavior.
Too bad for the New York Giants. Plaxico Burress was a good player for the Giants and an important one during their Super Bowl run. It’s unbelievable to think to think that one can go from being a Super Bowl hero to going to prison. However, when you don’t act responsible, bad things can happen. But, for the New York Giants, they had to move forward. The Giants released Burress in April.
For Plaxico Burress, it was a sad day, especially, saying goodbye to his wife, son and family. Hopefully for Plaxico Burress, he’ll get another chance to play in the NFL when he gets out of prison. Only time will tell what will be the next chapter in Plaxico Burress’ life.
(Sources: ESPN)
Bad Plays, Bad Decisions and Ray Lewis equals Ravens Victory
After Monday night’s victory, the San Diego Chargers were looking to get a fast start against the Baltimore Ravens. But, with Ray Lewis and the powerful Ravens defense, it was going to be tough challenge. The Chargers had their chances to score touchdowns inside Baltimore’s 30-yard line several times, but could not take advantage due to some questionable play calling and the Ravens defense. The Chargers had to settle for field goals. Yet, towards the end of the game, the Chargers were only down by 5 points and placed themselves into scoring range.
However, it was not meant to be, as the Chargers were stopped on a fourth and two on Baltimore’s 15-yard line with 33 seconds left. The Chargers needed a first down and tried to run the ball, but Darren Sproles was stopped by Baltimore Ravens, All-Pro linebacker, Ray Lewis. Ravens beat the Chargers 31-26.
Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, played a great game throwing for 436-yards and 2 touchdowns. But, in the 3rd quarter, Rivers threw a costly interception, which would lead to a Ravens touchdown. Darren Sproles also played a great game. Sproles gain 278 all purpose yards. And, wide-receiver Vincent Jackson, had a good game as well catching 6 passes for 141-yards. But, it was not enough because the Chargers were unable to score touchdowns.
For the Baltimore Ravens, they were to able to take advantage of Chargers miscues and penalties. The Ravens had no trouble scoring touchdowns. Raven QB, Joe Flacco threw for 190-yards and 2 touchdowns. One player the Chargers had problems with all day was Ray Lewis. And, when the Baltimore Ravens needed someone to make a play to stop the Chargers, it was Ray Lewis.
Even though Chargers had several players out due to injures, the Chargers were still in position to win. Some of the Chargers play calling were suspect. Towards the end of the first half, the Chargers had a third down with 10 seconds left on the clock, but coach Norv Turner decided to kick a field goal instead of trying to score a touchdown. And, with the game on the line, when the Chargers were trying to get a first down, they decided to run the ball. The Chargers had problems running the ball all game long. The decision of trying to get a first down on a running play was a bad call, especially when the Chargers had so much success passing the ball.
Tough lost for the Chargers. It was also a disappointing lost when you know you had a chance to win it, but didn‘t. Now, the San Diego Chargers have to go back and regroup and get ready to play Miami. The San Diego Chargers need to learn to take advantage when an opportunity present itself.
(Sources: ESPN)
Ugly Win, But Chargers will Take It
Monday night’s second game of a double header featured the San Diego Chargers vs. the Oakland Raiders. This was an ugly game for the Chargers, but a good victory against a division rival. The Chargers struggled to find a rhythm and the Raiders were in control for most of the game. However, Philip Rivers was not going to be denied. Philip Rivers lead the Chargers to the victory and the Chargers won 24-20.
For the Oakland Raiders, this was a devastating lost. The Raiders controlled the game on both sides of the ball. The Raiders offense were running all over the Chargers defense. And the Raiders defense was preventing the Chargers from getting into any kind of rhythm throughout the game.
However, it was not meant to be for the Raiders. The Raiders also had a touchdown play overturned. On a controversial call, the referees ruled that Raiders wide-receiver, Louis Murphy, did not have full control of the football because the ball hit the ground and came loose when he landed on the floor. But, for the Oakland Raiders, it starts and ends with the quarterback, JaMarcus Russell. JaMarcus Russell played okay, but did not play a great game to get a win for the Raiders.
Philip Rivers, on the other the hand, when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, he was able to take the Chargers down the field twice. The Chargers scored two touchdowns. Once when Vincent Jackson caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Rivers and the second touchdown came on a 5-yard touchdown run by Darren Sproles with 21 seconds left on the clock.
Even though the Chargers won the game, it was not a great performance. The Chargers defensive and offensive lines struggled against the Raiders. Also, LaDainian Tomlinson was unable get anything going as well. Later, L.T. would leave the game when he suffered a sprained ankle.
The Chargers also suffered injures to center Nick Hardwick and rookie right guard Louis Vasquez and they would not return to the game. Hardwick sprained his left ankle and Vasquez sprained his knee. However, if the San Diego Chargers are going to be successful this year, both defensive and offensive lines need to step it up. They will need to play much better, if they are going to beat Baltimore next week, we shall see.
(Sources: San Diego Union-Tribune, ESPN)
Brady is Back, Not Good for Bills
Monday night’s opening game featured the return of Tom Brady to the New England Patriots. But, just when you thought the Buffalo Bills were finally going to beat the New England Patriots, Tom Brady figured out a way to the lead the Patriots to a victory. With 50 left in the game, the Patriots scored a touchdown to win 25-24. Tom Brady was out for a year after being injured with torn knee ligaments, but made his comeback to football in a big way.
This game also featured Buffalo Bills new wide-receiver Terrell Owens. However, Owens was held to only 46-yards on 2 catches. For the Buffalo Bills, they played a good game, but it was not enough. In the end, the Bills did not make the plays they needed to do to win the game. You never want to give Tom Brady and Patriots some time on the clock because if you do, they will beat you. And that’s what happens last night, when Tom Brady found Benjamin Watson for a 16-yard touchdown pass to get the victory.
(Sources: ESPN)
NFL Week 1: Great Debuts and Some Things Never Change
Brett Favre is back. Minnesota Vikings new leader, Brett Favre, had an great debut for the Vikings. With the help of Adrian Peterson, who had 180-yards rushing and scored 3-touchdowns, the Vikings beat the Cleveland Browns 34-20. Favre threw for 110-yards and one touchdown. Also, New York Jets new rookie QB, Mark Sanchez, was another player who had a impressive debut as well. Mark Sanchez through for 272-yards and had one touchdown to lead the Jets to a victory over the Houston Texans, 24-7.
One player that did not have a great debut was Chicago Bears QB, Jay Cutler. Even though the Bears had a chance to win the game, Jay Cutler’s 4-interceptions, including his last interception with 58-seconds left, would doomed the Bears and helped the Green Bay Packers get the victory, 21-15. And for the Detroit Lions, it was not a good day as well.
The Detroit Lions continued their regular-season losing streak to 18 games. The Lions lost to the New Orleans Saints, 45-27. Drew Brees looked awesome, throwing for 358-yards and 6 TDs. And for the Cincinnati Bengals, lady luck was not on their side. With 11 seconds left in the game, Denver Broncos wide-receiver, Brandon Stokley, caught a deflected pass and scored a 87-yard touchdown to help the Broncos beat the Bengals, 12-7 on an amazing and unbelievable play.
With great debuts from Brett Favre and Mark Sanchez, it was another great weekend of NFL football. But, for teams like the Lions, hopefully they can end their losing streak. But, only time will tell.
The Kickoff to the 2009 NFL Season Has Begun
For NFL football fans, this is the most exciting time of the year, the start of the 2009 NFL Season. Thursday nights game featured the defending Super Bowl Champions, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Tennessee Titans. This game was a defensive struggle and would eventually go into overtime. The Pittsburgh Steelers would win 13-10.
Even though the Steelers got the victory, they lost Troy Polamalu due to a sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on a blocked field goal. He will be out 3 to 6 weeks according to coach Mike Tomlin. In the end, the Titans were unable to stop Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for 363-yards and would lead the Steelers down the field for the game winning filed goal in overtime.
The rest of the NFL starts play on Sunday. It’s awesome to see football again. Lets get it on!
(Sources: NFL.com, ESPN)
Distraction for Chargers, Merriman gets Arrested
Early Sunday morning, Tila Nguyen, better known as Tila Tequila, a MTV star from the show “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,” signed a citizen’s arrest warrant against San Diego Chargers linebacker, Shawne Merriman, for battery and false imprisonment. Shawne Merriman was arrested later that morning. Merriman was then released a few hours later. Shawne Merriman denies the accusations.
In a statement released on Monday, Shawne Merriman said:
“On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriffs Department responded to a citizens complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). I was taken into custody based upon that complaint. At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided. We would all do our best to help a friend if we considered their actions to be detrimental to their personal safety. I in no way caused any harm to Ms Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California. There have been no charges filed against me. I want to thank the San Diego Sheriffs Department for their professionalism. I will continue to cooperate fully with the Department and I look forward to clearing my name regarding these false allegations. I want to put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers.”
This distraction was the last thing the San Diego Chargers needed. The Chargers are getting ready to play their season opener against the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night football. Instead on focusing on the Raiders game, a lot of the Chargers attention will be focus towards these accusations.
Chargers General Manager, A.J. Smith released a statement:
“It’s disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”
Shawne Merriman is in a final year of his contract. Merriman was injured last season and in 2006, he tested positive for steroids. Now, Merriman is being accused of battery and false imprisonment. This innocent reflects bad on the Chargers and maybe the final reason why the Chargers won’t resign Merriman. Only time will tell.
For the San Diego Chargers and Shawne Merriman, we shall see what happens from where. Something like this should not be happening, but it is. So, now the Chargers and Shawne Merriman are going to have to deal with this. Stay tuned.
(Sources: Chargers.com, San Diego Union-Tribune, ESPN)