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 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)
Enough Talking, It’s Now Time for Chargers to Start Playing
Last week, San Diego Chargers General Manager, A.J. Smith, made comments about how bad the Chargers were playing. A.J. Smith was quoted in the San Diego Union-Tribune saying,
“I’ve seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered.”
In response, Chargers linebacker, Shawne Merriman, was not happy about those comments. Shawne Merriman said,
“The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room. Anything else, it doesn’t matter.”
But, talking about what’s wrong and doing something about it are two completely different things.
The San Diego Chargers are 2-2. Of course, everyone wants the Chargers to be 4-0, but it is what it is. Yes, the Chargers are struggling to run the ball and yes, they are struggling to stop the run. The players on the field need to step it up and make plays on both sides of the ball. Management is responsible for bringing in the right players to make those plays. However, everyone needs to work together. But, the bottom-line is that it’s time for everyone, from management to the players to stop talking and do the talking on the field.
(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.
Chargers Win, But Protecting Rivers is More Important
On Saturday, the San Diego Chargers beat the defending NFC Champions, Arizona Cardinals, 17-6 in a preseason game in Arizona. LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman look and played better compared to their last preseason game. But, for the San Diego Chargers, Legedu Naanee played a great game in replace of the injured Vincent Jackson. Naanee had two catches for 54-yards and one touchdown. For Legedu Naanee, the most impressive play was a 49-yard catch on the Chargers first offensive’s play. The Chargers defensive also made some great plays by preventing the Arizona Cardinals from scoring a couple of touchdowns inside the red-zone.
However, for the San Diego Chargers, the problem was protecting Philip Rivers. A couple of times when the Chargers were driving down the field, the Arizona Cardinals were able to stop the Chargers by sacking Rivers. The Chargers need to do a better job of pass protection. Good thing that this was just a preseason game and the Chargers will be able to work on their pass protection. This is an important thing to do because protecting Philip Rivers is the key to the Chargers success.
Tomlinson and Merriman makes their comeback in Preseason Opener
The biggest question for the San Diego Chargers was LaDainian Tomlinson going to play in the preseason. After two seasons of not playing in the preseason, LT did make his 2009 season debut. Although Tomlinson only had 10-yards on four carries, LT did look good. Tomlinson also had one catch for eight yards.
But, the most important thing was that LT did not get injured. Another player that made his debut was Shawne Merriman. Last year, Merriman had his season end early due to having knee surgery.
Even though the San Diego Chargers lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 20-14, it was nice to see both LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman back on the field. As the preseason goes on, we shall see if LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman continue to play as they get ready for the regular season.
Class is in Session, Chargers Signed Up for English
On Friday, the San Diego Chargers announced that they signed their number one draft pick, Larry English. This was a great move by the San Diego Chargers. By signing Larry English and getting him into training-camp early, English will be able to learn and get great experience from Chargers players and coaches alike. Larry English signed a five-year contract with the Chargers.
Larry English had his first practice on Saturday. With Chargers players like Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips on his side, Larry English will be able learn from the best. Together with English, Merriman and Phillips, the San Diego Chargers are going to bring the heat this season. We shall see, if the rest of the NFL will be ready.
(Sources: San Diego Union-Tribune, ESPN)