Bolts can't rein in disappointment

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Sunday, January 9, 2005 8:33 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Despite the Chargers' heartbreaking first-round playoff loss, the sun came out on Sunday. Oops, not even that happened.

The region's persistent rain was a perfect backdrop to an imperfect Saturday night. Instead of Chargers fans tracking the outcome of the Colts-Broncos game to determine the Bolts' opponent next Saturday,ÝSunday offered nothing but long faces and chins on chests.

"We didn't think we'd be in this position right now," linebacker Ben Leber said. "To be honest, everyone is pretty upset and I think everyone is just as shocked as I am."

The jolt the Bolts delivered wasn't the desired voltage. Instead of San Diego County's buzz building with the squad'sÝfirst playoff victory since the 1994 AFC title game, a black cloud ---- figuratively and literally ---- wouldn't dissipate.

Not after a 20-17 overtime defeat to the underdog Jets. Not after the chance for a victory was on the leather siding of Nate Kaeding's right cleat. Not after the Chargers' valiant fourth-quarter rally only delayed an outcome that was as wet as the weather.

There's no spring in the Chargers' step, just springs primed for a testing.

"I'm going to sit on the couch, watch the playoff games and say, 'Dang it, we should be there,' " Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees said. "Then when I watch the Super Bowl and say, 'Dang it, we should be there.' "

The reasons the Chargers are couch potatoes and not playoff participants are many:

> The Chargers' running game was dismal on early downs.

> The secondary allowed Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, who's coach admitted wasn't 100 percent with a sore rotator cuff, to throw for two touchdowns and 279 yards with no interceptions.

> The Chargers' defense ---- and not the Jets' defense, which played on artificial turf the week before and traveled three time zones ---- wore out at the end. We know all about Kaeding's killer missed field goal, but he had nothing to do with the Jets casually marching 60 yards to set up the Doug Brien's game-winning kick.

> The coaching staff ---- Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron ---- put too much faith in a rookie kicker toÝconnect from 40 yards on a slippery turf and through the rain. The Chargers reached the Jets' 22-yard-line with a first down, then had three give-up running plays into the middle of the line. It appeared the Jets' defensive tank had hit empty, but the Chargers didn't attack. Instead, they put the onus on Kaeding.

"I was out there with the chance to win it,'' Kaeding said. "No one else was out there with one chance to win it.''

Still, the goat horns should not reside entirely on Kaeding's helmet. In all three phases, the Chargers came out short at various times, which prevented Chargers backers from the time of their lives.

Instead of the rallying cry of "on to Pittsburgh,'' or "on to New England,'' it's "on to the offseason.'' It's one that can't erase the AFC West champion's stunning turnaround from worst to first. But it also can't whiteout a flat-out blown chance to sprinkle more pixie dust on the magical season.

"We will use the frustration and the disappointment of this outcome as we move forward,'' said Schottenheimer, whose postseason mark dropped to 5-12 after he lost his fifth straight playoff game. "I am proud as hell of this group.''

Can't hide the pride. Just like you can't disguise the chagrin that floods the region.

Although, some squint and see a silver lining.

"I think in a positive way we can learn from this experience,'' left tackle Roman Oben said. "There won't be any surprises next year.''

Ah, next year. That's a familiar refrain to Chargers fans. Especially those with faded Charger Power hats, red eyes and raspy throats, as they point to the 2005 season as the one that will be Super.

"It's like it didn't happen,'' Leber said of the Chargers'Ýderailed Hollywood ending. "We didn't think it would be this way.''

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.