Sad Day for Chargers Fans, Chargers release L.T.
After nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, the Chargers released the best running in Chargers history, LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was going to get a $2 million roster bonus in March. However, due to Tomlinson injuries and age, it was time for the San Diego Chargers to move on. Too bad for Chargers fans who did not get to see L.T. win a Super Bowl championship with the Chargers.
Under the LaDainian Tomlinson era, the San Diego Chargers had their chances to get the Super Bowl with playoff runs in 2004 and 2006-09. But, it was not meant to be. And now, for L.T., he will never get that chance as a San Diego Chargers.
However, as Chargers fans look back at
greatness as a San Diego Chargers, his best moment was probably when he broke the NFL touchdown record against the Denver Broncos in 2006. L.T. scored 28 touchdowns that year. Another milestone for L.T., was on December 2, 2007. Tomlinson passed Walter Payton on the all time rushing touchdown list, with his 111th career rushing touchdown, against the Kansas City Chiefs. But, of course for Chargers fans, the best moments of Tomlinson career is the Chargers 13th straight victories over their rivals, the Oakland Raiders.
It will be sad to see L.T. in another uniform next year, but that is the business of the NFL. Hopefully, for LaDainian Tomlinson and the San Diego Chargers it will all work out in the end. We shall see L.T. in the NFL Hall of Fame someday, but not yet.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Chargers Winning Streak Continues Against the Raiders
The San Diego Chargers got their 13 straight victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, but it wasn’t easy. The Chargers got off to a fast start leading the 21-7 at one point, but struggled all game long to put the Raiders away. Turnovers kept the Raiders in the game and the Raiders were able to capitalize. However, in the end, the Raiders were stopped on their last drive and the Chargers beat the Raiders, 24-16.
One reason for the Chargers success was the return of “Lights Out,” Shawne Merriman, who seemed to be back to his old form. Merriman sacked Raiders quarterback, JaMarcus Russell. This was Shawne Merriman’s first sack since 2007. The Chargers pass rush was effective throughout the game. However, the Chargers defense struggled against the Raiders running game. This is something the Chargers need to work on. Without Jamal Williams, the Chargers best run stopper, the Chargers defense will need to find a way to stop the run or this will become a bigger problem down the road.
Another Chargers player who seemed to be back to his own ways was LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson played well against the Raiders and finally scored not one, but two rushing touchdowns near the goal line, unlike the Chargers game against Kansas City. L.T. scored the first touchdown on a “Wild Cat” play, early in the game and later scored on a 10-yard touchdown run.
For the Oakland Raiders, their problem is still the play of quarterback. The Raiders have a good defense, but they cannot do it all themselves. If the Raiders are going to be a factor in the NFL, they need to be efficient on both sides of the ball. As for the San Diego Chargers, this was a good victory against another division opponent. Now, the Chargers are only two games behind the AFC West division leader, Denver Broncos. Only time will tell how the rest of the season plays out, so stay tuned.
(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)
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)
Chargers Beat 49ers and Are ready for the Season
On Friday, the San Diego Chargers beat the San Francisco 49ers 26-7. This was the last time for Chargers players to impress the coaches before the team decides on who will make the roster. One player that looked impressive was Shawne Merriman. Merriman put pressure on the 49ers quarterback and almost had a sack. But, making teams game plan against Shawne Merriman is a huge advantage for the Chargers defense.
Overall, the Chargers defense played great in this game. It is always good going into the season on a winning note, even if it’s only preseason. But, now the real season begins. It time to focus on the 2009 season and get ready for the Monday Night opener against the Oakland Raiders. The main thing is that the San Diego Chargers are going into the season healthy compared to last season. This should be a big advantage for the Chargers, but we shall wait and see.
Raiders Should Have Learned from the Jets When it comes to the 2009 Draft
With the retirement of Brett Favre, the New York Jets needed a quarterback. Enter, USC’s quarterback, Mark Sanchez. The Jets filled a void at QB by drafting Sanchez and now, the Jets are looking at a bright future. But, for the Oakland Raiders, they should have drafted the best offensive lineman available to help protect their quarterbacks and help them run the ball. The Raiders did not do this.
Mark Sanchez comes from a long line of successful USC quarterbacks. Now, he is looking to bring that success to the New York Jets organization. For the Oakland Raiders, they need to draft players that will help them on both sides of the ball. The Raiders defense is good, but its their offense that needs help, mainly on the offensive-line.
Last year, the Oakland Raiders 1st draft pick was a running back, which they needed. But this year, the Raiders 1st draft pick was a wide-receiver, which they didn’t. It will take a couple of years to see which team got it right, but as it stand now, it seems the big winner is the New York Jets.
What’s Wrong with the AFC West and How can it Approve in the Draft?
Well, when the AFC West division’s champion is 8-8, there’s something wrong. The San Diego Chargers did win the division, but struggled on defense without Shawne Merriman. The Chargers should look to draft a defensive player to help put pressure on the quarterback. For the Oakland Raiders, they do have a good defense, but need help on offense. The Raiders should draft an offensive-line player to help protect the quarterback. Even though the Raiders picked up QB Jeff Garcia, if there is no one to there to protect him or JaMarcus Russell, the Raiders offense will continue to struggle.
As for the Kansas City Chiefs, when you are 2-14, there are many needs. However, the Chiefs should help to build on their defense. The Chiefs brought in a new coaching staff and will need players to help them move towards the future. The Chiefs added a talented QB in Matt Cassel, but the Chiefs need to get the defense off the field and keep their offense on the field. And by adding a very good defensive player, the Chiefs could be on their way.
The Denver Broncos have had a crazy off-season. First, they fired coach Mike Shanahan and then they trade to their starting QB, Jay Cutler. Despite these losses, the Broncos are capable of putting up big numbers on offense. However, the Broncos need help on defense. Even with all the points the Broncos scored, the defense could not stop the opposition from scoring as well. For a football team to be a dominate team in the NFL, they need to stop the run and run the ball. Every team in the AFC West struggled to do this constantly last season. But, with the right draft picks the AFC West could be back to be one of the toughest division in football. We shall see.
Will the Chargers Get Off to a Fast Start or Struggle from the Beginning?
The start of the 2009 season will be tough for the San Diego Chargers. During last two seasons, the Chargers have struggled to get off to a fast start. And, this year, it does not get any easier. The Chargers will begin their season at the Oakland Raiders and then come home to play the Baltimore Ravens and their tough defense.
In week 3, the Chargers will play against the Miami Dolphins. The Chargers lost to the Dolphins last season, so this will be a very hard test for the Chargers. And finally, before the bye week, the Chargers will go on the road to play against the Super Bowl defending champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers eliminated the Chargers from the playoffs last year. This could be an opportunity for the Chargers to get their revenge against the Pittsburgh Steelers or will the Steelers get another victory, we shall see.
But, for the San Diego Chargers, they need to get off to a good start. Even though, the Chargers were able to get into the playoffs last season, you do not want to rely on another team to struggle to make the playoffs. Hopefully for the Chargers, they will not struggle from the beginning, but stay tuned to find out.