Chargers Keep on Rolling, Chargers Beat Browns
For the San Diego Chargers, it’s now about playoff positioning. But, standing in their way on Sunday was the Cleveland Browns. And, standing in LaDainian Tomlinson way of 8th place in the NFL rushing list was Hall of Fame running back and Cleveland Browns’ own, the great Jim Brown. The Chargers were able to accomplished both of their goals. First, L.T. was able to pass Jim Brown and most importantly, the San Diego Chargers beat the Cleveland Browns 30-23.
But, this was a tough game for the Chargers in the beginning. The Chargers were without Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo and Eric Weddle on defense, so the other players on defense needed to step up. However, the Browns were able to score a touchdown on their opening drive. Even though the Chargers took the lead 10-7, the Browns lost their momentum in the 2nd quarter when the Chargers defense stopped the Browns at the Chargers 3-yard line.
Shaun Phillips sacked Browns quarterback, Brady Quinn, and caused him to fumbled the ball. The ball was recovered by Chargers defensive end, Jacques Cesaire. The Chargers were then able get on a roll after that. The Chargers scored 27 unanswered points before the Browns scored again. Even though the Broncos were able score 16 points in the fourth quarter, it was not enough as the Chargers were able to close out the Cleveland Browns and win their seven straight game.
For San Diego Chargers running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, this was a special moment. L.T. passed Jim Brown in the NFL rushing list and the moment was made even more special as Jim Brown was in the stadium to see L.T. pass his record. After the game, Jim Brown would then congratulate LaDainian Tomlinson.
This was another tough loss for the Cleveland Browns. But, it’s just one of those season for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns cannot keep any momentum going and have now lost 11 games this season. The Cleveland Browns just need to regroup and get ready for the next game.
As for the San Diego Chargers, they needed this win to keep up with Cincinnati for second place in the AFC playoff race. Plus, the Chargers victory kept them one game above the Broncos in the AFC West division. Now, the Chargers have to get ready to play against Dallas next week and then Cincinnati after that. Lets see how the Chargers play against potential playoff teams, so stay tuned.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
What does Wilson’s new contract mean for Gates?
On Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Kellen Wilson to a six-year $36.1 million dollars contract. By signing with the Buccaneers, Wilson became the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. However, there are many that believe that San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates is the best tight end in NFL history. The numbers don’t lie. In the past five-years, Gates has more touchdowns, more receptions and more yards than Wilson.
When Antonio Gates contact ends, he should be able to demand higher paid contract than Wilson. But, we shall see if the Chargers feel the same way. As for Kellen Wilson, when he was a member of the Cleveland Browns, there were many issues between the Browns and Wilson. But, now that Wilson is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hopefully he is ready for a fresh start. Stay tuned.
Sources: (ESPN, San Diego Union-Tribune)
4 Head Coaches Out After Season Ends
After the 2008 NFL season ended, four teams deiced that it was time to move forward and look towards the future. The New York Jets, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns had very disappointing season and moving in a new direction was probably the best thing to do. But, the shocking was the firing of coach Mike Shanahan of the Denver Broncos.
Mike Shanahan coached the Denver Broncos for 14 seasons and won 2 Super Bowls. However, following the collapse of this season, in which the Broncos missed the playoffs after losing to the San Diego Chargers last Sunday, the Broncos probably thought it was time for a change. Was this the right move for the Broncos?
For the Detroit Lions, after losing every game, something had to change. Coach Rod Marinelli did his best he could with the players he had, but a fresh start for the Lions will hopefully work out in the end for them. We shall see. As for the Cleveland Browns, coach Romeo Crennel’s teams had so many high expectations, but for one reason or another, it was just not meant to be.
The New York Jets were looking good this season at 8-3. Plus, the Jets had the great Bret Farve on their team and seemed to be in contention to make the playoffs and a possible Super Bowl birth. But, the Jets went 1-4 in their last 5 games and missed the playoffs. This was probably not expectable for Jets management.
As we move onto the 2009 season, well see if these moves will make a differences. Changing head coaches can be a good thing, considering the success of teams like Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins this year. But, hiring the right head coach will be the biggest decision these teams make, as their dreams of being Super Bowl champion continues.
Kellen Winslow Suspended by Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns tight end Kellow Wilsow was suspended by the team for comments he made, in regards to the teams handling of the situation with his staph infection. The Browns were also going to suspend Wilson without pay. Wilson decided to appeal the decision to NFL Players Association.
The Cleveland Browns have to face the Jacksonville Jaguars this week and the last thing the Browns need is a distraction going into this game. This situation with Winslow, no matter what is the outcome, should have been handled in house. Pointing fingers against each other won’t help the Browns in preparing for the Jaguars. Can the Browns pull together as a team and can this situation be resolved between everyone involved? It will depends on how things are handled from here. Hopefully for the Cleveland Browns, this situation will movatate the team to get a victory against the Jaguars or will it be too late for the Browns?
(Sources: ESPN)