42-17 Christmas Blow Out for the Chargers
Friday’s Christmas Day game for the San Diego Chargers and the Tennessee Titans was a big game for both teams. The Chargers wanted to get a first-round bye in the playoffs and the second seed in the AFC. But, standing in their way was the Tennessee Titans, who were trying to get into the playoffs themselves. Unfortunately for the Titans, Philip Rivers was on fire and lead the Chargers to victory. The Chargers beat the Titans 42-17.
Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, threw for 264-yards and two touchdown passes. Rivers lead the Chargers up and down the field against a tough Tennessee Titans defense. Rivers leadership also lead to six touchdowns for the Chargers. Two of those touchdowns were scored by LaDainian Tomlinson and other three were scored by Darren Sproles. Of course, three turnovers by Titans quarterback, Vince Young, did not help the Titans at all.
If the Tennessee Titans are going to be in the playoffs next year, Vince Young needs to play better than he did in this game. He cannot turn the ball over because it can be very costly and it was for the Titans in this game. The key for the Titans when they play against a high scoring offense, like the Chargers, is that they need to keep that offense off the field. And, by using running back, Chris Johnson, they can do it. But, even though Chris Johnson had 142-yards rushing, the Titans did not control the clock. They left too much time for Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense to do what they do best, scoring touchdowns.
For the San Diego Chargers, the earned the second seed in the AFC and more important, a first-round bye. The Chargers are on fire right now. They have now won 10 straight game and are looking for more against Washington next week and in the playoffs. But, not everything is great for the San Diego Chargers. On defense, the Chargers pass rush needs to be better. They don’t have to sack the opposing quarterback all the time, but they do need to put pressure on the QB to make him turn the over, like they did to Vince Young on Friday. Lets see if the Chargers can keep the winning streak going.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Big Win for Chargers in Dallas
All last week in Dallas, there was a lot of talk about the struggles of the Dallas Cowboys to win in December. And, once again, the Dallas Cowboys could not get it done, as the Chargers beat the Cowboys 20-17 on Sunday. But, for the San Diego Chargers, they have no trouble winning in December. The San Diego Chargers are now 16-0 in December under Philip Rivers.
Philip Rivers played a good game for the Chargers. Rivers threw for 272-yards and had one touchdown. Also, wide-receiver, Vincent Jackson, was another player who had a good game for the Chargers. Vincent Jackson had seven catches for 120-yards. But, for the San Diego Chargers, it was their defense that stepped up in this game. The biggest plays on defense were made by Chargers linebacker, Brandon Siler.
First, Brandon Siler sacked Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo, in the first quarter. Later in the game, the Dallas Cowboys were driving down the field, however, they could not score a touchdown near the goal line. The Chargers defense stopped the Cowboys on four straight rushing plays and Brandon Siler was there to make sure that the Cowboys did not score. Towards the end of the game, the Dallas Cowboys failed to stop Chargers offense from marching down the field. The Chargers were able to take over seven minutes off the clock in the fourth quarter. The Chargers would eventually kick a field goal to ice the game for the Chargers.
For Tony Romo, coach Wade Phillips and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys, this was a costly loss. If the Cowboys won this game, they would have been on top of the NFC East division. However, it was not meant to be for the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys losing, it leaves the door open for the Eagles or Giants to gain control of the NFC East. We shall see if the Cowboys can rebound or will it be too late for Dallas Cowboys as they try to make a push for the playoffs.
As for the San Diego Chargers, this was great victory. The Chargers are now on a eight game winning streak. But, more important than the winning streak is that the Chargers are two games up on the Broncos in the AFC West division. With two more wins, the Chargers can clinch their division. Also, since the Bengals lost earlier in the day, the Chargers are the second seed in the playoff race for now. If the San Diego Chargers can get a victory over the Bengals next week, it will place them in great position to make a great run in the playoffs. Only time will tell, so stay tuned.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Chargers Beat Eagles 31-23 and Win their Fourth Straight Game
After winning their third straight game, the San Diego Chargers were looking to get a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles to keep up with Denver in the AFC West division. The Chargers got off to a big 28-9 lead, at the end of the 3rd quarter. However, the Eagles were able to comeback, but it was a little too late as the Chargers beat the Eagles, 31-23.
LaDainian Tomlinson had a great game for the Chargers. L.T. ran for 96-yards and had two touchdowns. Philip Rivers also had a great game too. Rivers threw for 231-yards and two touchdowns. The Chargers offense were able to get into a good rhythm despite the tough Eagles defense and giving up two sacks.
But, what won the game for the San Diego Chargers, was the play of the Chargers defense. Even though the Chargers defense gave up 450-yards and two late touchdowns to Eagles quarterback, Donovan McNabb, it was the Chargers defense holding the Eagles to three early field goals instead of letting the them score touchdowns that was the deciding factor.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, kicking field goals instead of scoring touchdowns, will not win you games. When you get close to the goal line, you got to score touchdowns. One other problem for the Eagles is the inability to run the ball. If the Eagles were able to run the ball maybe they could have run the ball in for a touchdown rather than trying to throw the ball for a touchdown all the time. The Eagles are going to need to overcome this issue if they expect to go deep into the playoffs.
As for the San Diego Chargers, they need to put more pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. You cannot have a quarterback throw all over your defense. The Chargers defense played good enough to beat the Eagles, but they need to play better if they are going to beat the Broncos next week. The good news for the Chargers is that they find themselves in a first place tie with the Denver Broncos. Credit to the Chargers for coming back from being 2-3 to 6-3. Now, the Chargers have a big game next Sunday. Lets see who will take control of the AFC West division next week when the Chargers go to Denver.
Rivers Out Duels Manning as the Chargers beat the Giants
Coming into Sunday game both the New York Giants and the San Diego Chargers were looking to get a victory to keep up with their division leaders. In this game, it was just a matter of who would have the ball last. And luckily for the San Diego Chargers, Philip Rivers threw a touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds left on the clock as the Chargers beat the Giants, 21-20.
This game mark the first time that Philip Rivers played against Eli Manning since the 2004 draft. In that draft, Eli Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and then was traded to Giants. The Chargers would then draft Philip Rivers. It was a win, win for both teams. But, in this game, there could be only one winner and that would be the San Diego Chargers.
Eli Manning play great in this game, throwing for 215-yards and two touchdowns. And at times, the Giants defense kept the Chargers offense off balanced. However, it was not enough, as Rivers was able to get into a rhythm on the last drive that would eventually win the game for the Chargers. Also, when the Chargers defense needed to make a stop, Shawne Merriman proved that he was back. Merriman sacked Eli Manning twice, including on the last play of the game to preserve the victory for the Chargers.
For the New York Giants, this was a terrible loss going into their bye week. With the Cowboys taking control of their division, the Giants find themselves two games behind the Cowboys. The New York Giants have now lost their last four games. The Giants need to comeback from their bye and get on a roll because if not, the Giants are going to find themselves out of the playoffs.
As for the San Diego Chargers, this was great victory to keep us with Denver. But, the Chargers do have some issues. There was several plays where Chargers receivers drop the ball in curial situations. The Chargers need to catch ball to keep drives alive. Now, the Chargers have to get ready to play against the Eagles, another NFC East team. Let see if the Chargers can keep the momentum going as the Chargers look for their fourth straight victory.
(Sources: ESPN)
Chargers get a Needed Victory over the Chiefs
After a disappointing loss last week, the San Diego Chargers were able to comeback and go on the road to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 37-7. Philip Rivers looked sharp in this game. Rivers threw for 268-yards and three touchdowns. Vincent Jackson also had a great game for the Chargers. Jackson set a Chargers first half record with 142-yards receiving. The Kansas City Chiefs had no answers for the Chargers passing attack. The Chiefs did scored a touchdown in the 3rd quarter to keep the game close at 20-7. However, it was not enough, as the Chargers defense were able to keep the Chiefs offense off balanced and they also did not let the Chiefs offense get into any sort of rhythm.
The San Diego Chargers took control of this game when Philip Rivers threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles. Even though it was a tough loss for the Chiefs, the Chiefs defense did come to play, especially towards the end zone. The Chiefs were successful on stopping LaDainian Tomlinson from scoring a rushing touchdown near the goal line on several occasions.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, this is a rebuilding year. The Chiefs will be successful someday, but not on this day. As for the San Diego Chargers, their offense needs to score touchdowns when they are close to the goal line. The Chargers should not settle for field goals. This is something that they need to work on, if the Chargers are to be successful this season.
There is a New Shift in the AFC West
On Monday night, the San Diego Chargers had a chance to send a message to the Denver Broncos and the rest of the league that the Chargers were still one of the elite teams in the NFL. But, that was not the case. The undefeated, 6-0 Denver Broncos are the team to beat in the AFC. The Denver Broncos beat the Chargers 34-23 on Monday night to prove to the rest of the league that the Broncos are for real.
The Broncos were coming into this game looking to make a statement and they made their point. Now, the Broncos go into the bye week, undefeated, and are ready to make their move to become the best team in the NFL. For the San Diego Chargers, again, Philip Rivers cannot do it by himself. Chargers defense needed to step up and could not do it for 4-quarters. Chargers special teams also did not come to play. Denver Broncos wide-receiver, Eddie Royal, scored two touchdowns on special teams. Eddie Royal, scored on a 93-yard kickoff return and a 71-yard punt return.
Now, the San Diego Chargers have to regroup. The Chargers have to asked themselves, is the season over? At this point, it looks like they are not going to catch the Broncos. And, if that is the case, then the Chargers need to look at the Wild Card, but that is not looking good either. One way or another, the San Diego Chargers need to do something or this is going to be a long season.
(Sources: ESPN)
No Pressure, No Problem for the Steelers
If the Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to get back to playing Steelers football, the San Diego Chargers were to perfect team to play against. The Chargers defense had no answers for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense. The Steelers were unstoppable in the 1st-half as they dominated the Chargers taking a 28-0 lead into halftime. The Steelers were able to run the ball at will, rushing for 177 total yards and Ben Roethlisberger had a great day throwing for 333-yards and two touchdowns.
But, it’s obvious that the Chargers rush defense is missing All-Pro nose tackle, Jamal Williams. Without a run stopper or someone to plug up the middle, the Steelers offensive-line were able to dominate the Chargers defensive-line. With no way to stop the run, the Steelers were able to set up the pass to keep the Chargers defense off balanced.
The Chargers also had no pass rush, which allowed the Chargers secondary to be tortured by Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers receivers. Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie committed some bad penalties that help maintained Steelers drives. However, it’s not all his fault. You cannot cover someone for so long without any help from your defensive-line. However, playmakers make plays when it counts.
One player for the San Diego Chargers that is a playmaker is quarterback, Philip Rivers. Despite being down 28-0, Philip Rivers was able to rally back his team. With some help on a couple great special teams plays to keep the Chargers offense on the field, Philip Rivers was able to make the most of his opportunities, especially in the 4th quarter. The Chargers scored 21 points in the 4th quarter. But, one player cannot do it all. The Chargers needed a stop on defense to give the Chargers a chance to tie the game, however, it was not meant to be. The Steelers were able to kick a field goal and would eventually win the game, 38-28.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they got back to what they do best, run the ball and beat you on defense. It worked for the Steelers on Sunday. For the San Diego Chargers, they have a lot of problems going into their bye-week. First, the Chargers need to get healthy. Too many injures on this team, so the bye-week couldn’t come at a better time. Next, the Chargers need to find a way to play better on defense. The Chargers not going to be successful this year playing this kind of defense. The defense needs to step it up in two weeks when the Chargers play Denver on Monday Night. We shall see how the Chargers defense response.
(Sources: Chargers.com, ESPN)
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)