Joe wrote on Nov 18, 2007 5:45 PM:Well, at least OJ Smith likes our 5-5 head coach. I wonder if he also likes his record. Run the table and go 11-5? I'm surely not holding my breath. How ironic would it be IF the Chargers squeaked into the playoffs, got hot & lucky and actually got to and even won the Super Bowl. Then OJ Smith could claim it was all part of his master plan to have an average season, "get to the tournament" and "make some noise". Anybody holding their breath on that one?

Louie wrote on Nov 18, 2007 6:07 PM:It appears that the deadbolts really are intent on backing into the playoffs atop the pathetic AFC Worst with a 9-7 record, if they can even manage THAT. All last year, they found ways to win. This year, they keep finding ways to lose. I believe Dean and AJ have actually found a way to turn lemonade into lemons.

john wrote on Nov 18, 2007 7:03 PM:Somebody please take Phillip Rivers and Norv Turner to Emergency Ward for Catscans- they must be suffering brain damage...poor fellas.

I`LL BE BACK wrote on Nov 18, 2007 7:20 PM:AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE A TRITE "SYCOPHANT" I FEEL THE OFFENSE MADE STRIDES TODAY ALTHOUGH WE STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO. I STILL THINK COTTRELL IS A CLUELESS BOOB. THE ONLY WAY WE HAVE A CHANCE IN JANUARY IS IF BRADY , MANNING & ROTHLISBERGER SUFFER SEASON ENDING INJURIES. I`M LOOKING TO THE 08 DRAFT & SOME COACHING CHANGES. I WANT TO BELIEVE BUT ITS HARD TO WHEN LT`S FACE SHOWS A TOTAL LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE COACHING STAFF. I`LL GO TO THE REMAINING HOME GAMES BUT I`M LOOKING TO NEXT YEAR

left out wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:23 PM:Merriman is right, show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser.

Ron wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:27 PM:They are what they are right now...an average team. It doesn't look good but if you're a true Charger fan you gotta hang in there with the boys...they gave you a helluva ride last year. The only chance we have is if Rivers regains his form from last year...he actually looked like a professional QB today until that last interception but I saw signs of explosiveness. Hey man this is the NFL, although it doesn't look good if they somehow right the ship, win the division, and get hot late...who knows...If the Jets can beat the Steelers...who knows...this is the NFL...whoever gets hot late usually can run the table... Looking to next year doesn't do anyone any good...hang with the boys...

Ron wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:47 PM:Also getting sick of fans making steroid jokes and jumping on one ESPN clip to bag on Merriman. So Drew knocked him on his ass...so what? This is football...it happens...he was looking in a Garrard who just play-acted so he got caught more focused in on Garrard than Drew...I've seen our beloved hall of famer Seau get knocked on his butt by backs plenty of times...it happens... Anyway, Merriman doesn't have a bunch of sacks but he's been playing well if you actually know what to look for aside from fans who depend on highlights.... He had one tackle today but if you watch they were definitely running away from him... Regarding effort...he's right...if there's one thing you can never doubt about Merriman is that no one...Not even LT..goes as hard on every play as does Merriman! Give me a whole defense of guys with Merriman like motors any old day.

JP wrote on Nov 18, 2007 9:57 PM:Wasn't it Merriman who got run over by a little guy? Wasn't it Merriman who had 1 tackle? Shoulder the blame dude.

Yo Shawne wrote on Nov 18, 2007 10:14 PM:Take it a step further and get in the faces of some of those that aren't taking losing seriously. I'd start with Clinton Hart. His comments above regarding the time change playing back East tell you everything you need to know about his desire when he stepped on the field today. Maybe if he would get his butt in bed a few hours earlier he wouldn't feel the time change. This team should crush all but one other in the League when looking at the talent level, but if there is even one player on the roster with a "ho-hum" attitude right now it may have started to spread like cancer. Get them in line Shawne and LT before this season is lost.

John wrote on Nov 18, 2007 10:19 PM:Did LT quit? Attitude reflects leadership. It was 4th and 2. The play wasn't going well. Does LT throw a jump ball in hopes of getting a PI or a catch? Does he lower his head and try to break a couple tackles for the 1st? No. He walks out of bounds. Attitude reflects leadership.

Shamrock wrote on Nov 18, 2007 11:06 PM:Typical Hart .... he and MEcree play horrible, and he blames in on the time change. We need two new safeties. BAD !!!

ChaRgeRsUcK wrote on Nov 18, 2007 11:43 PM:CHARGERS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO BE A RUN FIRST PASS SECOND TEAM AGAIN LET LT RUN THE BALL 25 PLUS AND LET RIVERS THROW AROUND THE 25 TO THE 30 RANGE. I LIVE IN NEW ENGLAND BUT IM A TRUE CHARGERS FAN SO BE ASURE I GET A LOT OF SMACK TALK OF WHAT TEAMS GOOD AND WHAT TEAMS NOT, WITH ALL THE LOSING AND BAD PLAY CALLS LATEY IM RUNNING OUT OF GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THE CHARGERS. THE RIVERS DRY THE GATES CLOSE AND THE CHAMBERS CRUMBLE.... =/

Joe wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:08 AM:Merriman is now the official LEADER of this team. Rivers is not playing well enough to lead and LT simply does not have the personality to lead and Norval, while saying the word OBVIOUSLY over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again has zero leadership or motivational skills. These are the times the Chargers NEED the motivational speeches and leadership of Marty but no, OJ Smith could not get along. I hope he can get along with a 5-5 record and have a ton of egg on his face. Good break out game by Chambers and nice to see him make the tough catch and take the big hit over the middle. He would have had 100 yards receiving if not for the bogus penalty on one of his nice catches. Time to get ready to BEAT Baltimore and get above the mediocrity which they are now at .500 Go Chargers!

Ron wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:09 AM:John, ridiculous post...go back and watch the tape...Gates didn't get a release...LT tried to make a play...he tried to hit the corner but was forced out...You're another one of those ridiculous fans who has no idea what you're talking about!

Fan Maybe wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:35 AM:"Jags blast doltish bolts" Great headline on S.I.com this morning, just what we all wanted to hear about our team this year, RIGHT? Definition of dolt: "dull, stupid person; blockhead." doltish is the adjective and re-enforces the dull, stupid, blockhead part! I think that certainly fits this occasion, this coaching staff and the performance of this team!

Jimbo wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:59 AM:Same problems, different game. Once again, we put the game in Rivers' hands instead of LT. Norv, please bench Rivers and just feed the ball to LT. Rivers has shown that he can't win games alone after 4 years in the NFL.

Fan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 5:40 AM:It's got to be hard to keep up the intensity when you go out week after week with games plans you know won't work. It's hard to keep up the intensity when you go out week after week with a coaching staff that is a loser BUT has all the support it needs from the front office. It's hard to go out week after week with guys like Hart who can't even think clearly enough to come up with an excuse that won't make him and the rest of the team look like a bunch of goof balls. It's hard to watch a coach like good old Norv get tough on a rookie that MAY have messed up a pattern and not get tough on Rivers for throwning crappy passes and making crappy decisions. It's hard to watch a "Pro Bowler" like lights out get ONE tackle and know that the defensive coordinator is still in the good graces of the front office. It's flat out hard to convince me of anything concerning this team right now!

yup. wrote on Nov 19, 2007 6:15 AM:John- I agree with you. LT is the most overrated MVP in the history of the league. He runs out of bounds on 4th and 2 and then questions player's commitment to winning on tv . . . classy guy. This is the guy who has cried on tv, refuses to be a leader and play in the preseason . . . runs out of bounds CONSISTENTLY to avoid a hit. But he still puts his big earrings on after the game and talks it up . . .

Tommy wrote on Nov 19, 2007 6:20 AM:Whats wrong with Merriman? ROID RAGE!!!!!!!!

stephen wrote on Nov 19, 2007 7:03 AM:Ever see Derrick Thomas, Lawrence Taylor get knocked on their hinny. Never. The new supplements arent working...

pete wrote on Nov 19, 2007 7:53 AM:john, quit watching remember the titans, and posting those quotes. The play calling by turner was horrible. Rivers is a below average quarterback. Letting him throw that many times in a game is useless. I'd rather lose by giving LT the ball 25-30 times a game.

to Ron wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:09 AM:so if Gates didn't get a release why didn't LT take the option and run for a first down? How can you say he was "forced" out when he runs toward the sideline almost everytime? You wrote "go back and watch the tape" . . . you should go back and watch every game this year; he is scared of taking a hit.

why wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:10 AM:does everyone defend LT even when he does things that hurt his team?

RICHARD wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:35 AM:WHAT ARE HALF OF YOU TAKING ABOUT THE PLAY CALLING WAS TERRIBLE AGAIN. TURNER SEEMS TO HAVE NO CLUE IN CALLING THE RIGHT PLAY FOR THE DEFEANSE THAT IS USED AGAINST US. THE 4TH AND TWO ON THE 39 YARD LINE WAS THE KEY TURN AROUND IN THIS GAME. WE HAD THEM ON THEIR HEELS BUT NO WE PUNT GIVE THEM ALONG DRIVE AND THEY SCORE.THE FAMOUS BEND DONT BKAKE DE THAT CATRELL LOVES AND IS OUTDATED WITH TODAYS OFF SCEAMS. TO ALL TURNER SUPPORTERS WATCH THE PLAYS CALLED YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING YOU DONT LIKE. TURNER MAY HAVE SET UP THIS OFF. IT NEVER PLAYED WELL WHILE TURNER WAS HERE ONLY WHEN HE LEFT THE TEAM DID CAM MADE IT WORK.IVE BEEN A FAN SINCE 1969 SO I'VE SEEN THE UPS AND DOWNS THE CHARGERS HAVE BEEN THRU DURING THE YEARS. AS FOR COACHING YOU HIRE A LOSER YOU PLAY AS A LOSER. LOOK AT PAST COACHING OF THIS TEAM AND YOU WILL SEE THAT I'M RIGHT. GET RID OF NORV TUNER AND TED CATRELL

SHAWN wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:37 AM:YOU WANTED NORV... WELL YOU GOT HIM. LIVE WITH IT. CLINTON HART WOULD BE OUT OF MY LOCKER ROOM RIGHT AWAY. BLAMING IT ON "TIME ZONES". I GUESS YOU ARE THE FIRST TEAM TO HAVE TO TRAVEL FROM CALIF. TO THE EAST COAST. THAT IS JUST PLAIN "LAME". IF YOU HAD MADE IT TO THE SUPER BOWL LAST YEAR... I GUESS YOU WOULD HAVE LOST. HEY, IT WAS PLAYED IN MIAMI. GET A GRIP.

Jaque wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:41 AM:I say make a trade that includes Rivers and LT for that Manning kid that went to NY.

#1BOLT4EVR wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:42 AM:WOW!! ITS EASY TO SUPPOT A WINNER.....LAST YEAR LT WAS THE SECOND COMING! NOW HE IS A NON-LEADING WHINER???? LT KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND HOPE THEY PUT THE BALL IN YOUR HANDS,THIS FAN TRUSTS YOU...WHY CANT NORV & CO????????????? CALM RIVERS DOWN AND GIVE THE BALL TO LT-TURNER,LT-TURNER ETC..........

Charger Tattoo wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:52 AM:John is totally right about LT. Take a look at his sideline runs. all season stepping out instead of engaging put your head and shoulder down, spin back to the inside, get low, hit the Mofo,QUIT BEING SUCH A LITTLE PRETTY BOY. I don't blame it all on LT there is so much wrong on this team right now. If you look at it from the big picture the problems are Play calling, QB readiness, mis-tackles, mis-blocking, penalties, and on and on and on. Basically it boils down to a coordination issue. Our coaches are not leading this team, they don't have them ready to play on sunday. This team needs a leader who can crack the whip, a guy with some balls, a "MY WAY OR THE HI WAY" attitude. This guy where ever he is would not have a hard job as long as he knows what he is doing, this team has a lot of talent, tons of talent, it just needs to be utilized. The talent is there it just needs to be ready to play for 60 mins on Sundays. Rivers had an awesome second half. Defense finally looked as good as it has all season, still a long ways from what we are capable of. Defense sucked all day. Did you hear the "lights on" wise crack when merriman got knocked on his butt. Totaly justified we had ZERO SACKS all day. We need that 12th man to crack the whip on this team and its not Norv Turner.

BoltDan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:54 AM:First off, get off LT and Rivers you hacks... they play great and for the team... Rivers can't throw when he is getting laid on his back from no LINE PLAY.. no one is blocking up there. LT saw a herd of guys coming and three yards that he couldn't get. The big problem is: 1) NORV... 3rd and 1 and we go back to the old quick hand off to Neil, doesn't work anymore STOP IT! 2) Corners suck... Cro is learning the job and will be good but Flo and Jammer STINK... Jammer should replace the sleepy Hart at safety and Cro should be at CB... Oh yeah good thing we got rid of Donnie Edwards we sure don't need that tackling up the middle thing do we?

wakin up wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:57 AM:For the first time this season,later in the second half,I saw a light go on in Rivers that he would do what it takes to win. It could be a turning point. I do think Turner probably didn't do enough to get the team in shape this year. Nobody on this team is as dominating as last year. Turner, a losing coach, is the main guy who they are talking about in this story. The guy who accepts losing.

Poor team wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:09 AM:These guys are just not that good,Rivers is way over rated.

MC wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:11 AM:Yeah lob the ball up in desperation and have it intercepted and returned for a touchdown...and try to plow through three defenders coming straight at you with nowhere to go but out of bounds...watch the tape people ...

hey wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:15 AM:"LT saw a herd of guys coming and three yards that he couldn't get." It is especially hard to get the three yards when you are scared to take a hit and don't try . . .so you run out of bounds. The "MVP" didn't even try. Classless.

ana wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:33 AM:it makes me sad to see what’s happening to this team. as a fan i can only hope for them to "get back in the game" but like another reader said i', not holding my breath as long as Norv is the coach. so please Mr. Spanos do something there is still time

GFN wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:40 AM:Hey...LT is a super-star now; he's already in the HOF. He doesn't need to play in pre-season games to "get ready"...he's much too good for that. His attitude changed, ever so slightly, and so has that of this team. They were 14-2 last year and "expect" other teams to recognize this, and accept defeat. But, this is the NFL and you only win if you play better, harder, and more effectively than the other team, on any GIVEN SUNDAY!! There is still time...

J M of Chula Vista wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:49 AM:Maurice Drew- Jones laid a big hit on Shawn Merriman. I can't wait to see the reply on ESPN!!!!!!!!

I hate to say it . . . wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:53 AM:but some people here are right. LT's fourth and two "play" was the low point of his career. He is not at all the leader I thoguh he would be. Maybe he doesn't need the preseason to get ready (although his perfromance early in the season may not prove that) but he should still play to set an example for the team; all the other team's stars play, why not him? Yesterday I cringed when he said all of the people not trying should be off the team. He wasn't trying when they needed him most. Sad. In the past 11 months I have seen him cry, underperform, say some things that should never be said by a pro on tv and then not lead his team. 12 months ago I thought he was the best player in the league . . .now I see him differently.

scotte wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:55 AM:Merriman needs to sync his play with his foul mouth. The Charger offense did a better job than defense, with the exception of LT now preferring to run out of bounds when challenged. LT needs to take a running-back lesson from Adrian Peterson.

lefty wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:57 AM:Marty Schotenheimer must be holding his sides to not split a gut.

Shaky Jake wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:01 AM:Some run blocking would be nice. LT is getting wrapped up at the line in every game. And yes there are many instances of poor play calling from the sidelines. You simply can't make a 4th and 2 with no offensive line to open up even a small hole. I realize Hardwick is out but there are five guys out there. And Harts time change excuse is pathetic. I've been an athlete and once you get your game attitude going, it doesn't matter if it's 2 in the morning.

RCH wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:23 AM:Maybe before "Lights Out" speaks, he should try keeping his own lights on. When he gets de-cleated by a guy much smaller than he, maybe he should be pointing the finger at himself. I guess "Martyball" doesn't look so bad now. We need to get rid of A.J. Smith and Turner along with O and D coordinators.

LT is MVP wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:38 AM:You people make me sick. "LT is overrated" what are you kidding me. Whoever said that shows they know nothing about football. Next game LT is going to have 10,000 yards in less than seven years in the league. Oh, he's way overrated. He would have got to 10,000 yards sooner if it was'nt for Norv Turner and the suddenly inept offensive line. "LT is scared" give me a break. Half you people dont know football. Just keep watching your ESPN highlights and mixing up names like Maurice Drew-jones. It's Maurice Jones-Drew you idiot. Trade LT, what a bunch of morons.

Larry wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:52 AM:I hope that the players DO READ the papers and what is being written about them. SI's Peter King calls them "FRAUDS", others 'the Dolts', 'Over rated', etc. Before the season began, when everyone had the Chargers rated No. 3, Boomer Esiason said he thought the Chargers would be 8-8 because of Turner and Cotterell. He mentioned what Cotterell did to the NY Jets defense. I guess he was spot on. A lot of hype and not much substance.

jaque wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:55 AM:LT and the rest of the Chargers are soft, always have been. AJ Smego made the correct move in hiring Turner, its just that the team is too meloncollie about winning or loosing. I bet if the team was moved to say Portland, or Boise, the real season of football might take hold on these chumps and the spirit might be rekindled.

Theboltfan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:59 AM:Wonder why we didn't have these problems under Shotenheimer? The Bolts problems start at the top and work down. When the coaching staff can get the players working together and make the right play calls on any down we will suceed. Half of winning is the attitude of the players. If you are ok with losing you will never be a team like the Pats. For those of you who cant help but put the blame on one player, you need to learn a little about football. If one player was the reason a TEAM loses no one would ever win! Mike

sicko wrote on Nov 19, 2007 10:59 AM:alot of you people make me sick. many of you dont know $h!+ about football. LT needs a lesson from peterson? you must be joking, peterson is out for the year due to his running style. LT has missed one game in his whole career. I think he knows what he is doing. The only reasonable comments I have seen here are the ones that say stop giving the ball to Neal, and the ones who admit its OK for LT to run out of bounds on that 4th and 2 play. I think we all knew that was going to fail. Would have been better to fake a kick there.

Fred wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:21 AM:It's time to rade Norv for Cam or there won.t be any playoffs this year

Jordan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:23 AM:Jones-Drew levelled Merriman, so that's good to see him finally show anger. Rivers is looking like one of those that doesn't hate to lose, along with most of the secondary and the coaches. Someone teach Rivers to pass on the move. I know you guys in San Diego might have just found out about guys like David Gerrard. Lol, yeah go look at his interception record this year compared to Rivers. Stupid A.J. getting rid of Brees out of pride, so so stupid.

Fred wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:23 AM:It's time to trade Norv for Cam or there won't be any playoffs this year

Northernmost Bolthead wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:56 AM:I read from all the experts, above, that the season is over. Okay, then, donate your remaining Charger tickets to charities to re-sell. I'll buy a few. Cowboy up, softies. It's Texas Hold-em time: all in or fold. I'm all in. Boo-yah!

to morons wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:07 PM:How many time has LT been hurt? I can only remember once. The point is he knows how to take care of himself specially out in the field. The option pass was dead, no where to run but out. Yes, he could have gotten a yard more, but for what? He needed more than that to get the 1st down. There were several defenders around, he could have gotten hurt.

daugs wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:10 PM:LT's Idol growing up was Emmitt Smith Smith told LT after his second season If you are only going to get a extra yard or two by taking on someone run out of bounds instead."You take enough of a beating through out the year,and maybe you can increase your career by a few years".LT said this a few years ago during an interview.I think it was bad advice.

jaque must be wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:24 PM:you must be a raider fan or work under aj smith. spanos needs to get rid of t smith in order to bring a superbowl ring to san dieago. l.t. soft please! best running back in the league ! norv turner still hasnt figured that out yet.

RCH wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:31 PM:Jordan, you are right, Rivers does not appear to hate losing, I would not be smiling if I had just played the way he did, I would be so angry at myself no one would want to be around me. I'm not a Tom Brady fan but you can tell in his interviews that he hates to lose. Drew Brees as well, he hates to lose. Those two fight and claw to win.At least Rivers got his paycheck.

Theboltfan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:33 PM:Wonder why we didn't have these problems under Shotenheimer? The Bolts problems start at the top and work down. When the coaching staff can get the players working together and make the right play calls on any down we will suceed. Half of winning is the attitude of the players. If you are ok with losing you will never be a team like the Pats. For those of you who cant help but put the blame on one player, you need to learn a little about football. If one player was the reason a TEAM loses no one would ever win! Mike

wc wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:37 PM:the chargers should come out of that locker room on sunday, angry and more than ready to "eat" baltimore. just as the pats did on game #2 and on. i mean merriman got knocked on his butt!!!! that just shows how the defense has been crippled. plus the offense is not doing anything. the games they've won have been becuase of one play touchdowns or sudden turnovers. but they h ave not dominated the games. just look at the time of possession. i really hope that change of attitude from merriman is reflected on the field.

Theboltfan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 12:37 PM:Yea that makes alot of sense! Let trade 5-5 Norve or 0-9 Cam.......We need Bill Cowher or Wade Phillips!

Henning wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:26 PM:Wade already has a job. Cowher will never work for Spanos because Marty is an old, close friend and a mentor. Let's start some Pete Carroll rumors!

so . . . wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:29 PM:Why does LT keep running out of bounds instead of trying to break tackles like he used to? You said "he could try to get more yards but what for?". What for? Because it's 4th and two and your team is losing and you have the ball. That's why. Nobody is arguing with his career stat- we are saying that this year he looks soft and is not getting the job done. Instead of just calling people morons, why don't you explain it then?

Joe wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:30 PM:The consensus for our lack of a good running game and pass protection is that our O line is playing soft. I have a possible explanation...drum roll please....NO OKLAHOMA DRILLS (only one or 2 but nothing substantial like Marty) therefore not establishing from the 1st day of training camp, like Marty did, how to play FOOTBALL and kick the living tar out of the guy on the other line of scrimmage on EVERY play and DOMINATE the line of scrimmmage. Both the offensive and defensive linemen must learn how to play mean and nasty. In high school (#4 team in the state of Florida at the highest level of competition) we did a different but similar drill that was affectionately called the "HAMBURGER DRILL". Norval, like his passive personality which the players have emulated (the reason we lost was the travel and time diffential from Clinton Hart), has SOFT practices which have allowed soft play to be acceptable. You don't win in Pop Warner, High School, College or especially the pros with soft line play. This teams needs veteran LEADERSHIP of which there is a serious dearth. Thanks OJ Smith for letting our leaders like Godfrey, Donnie Edwards, McCardell (who is playing well now for the Redskins), and other good players like Rodney Harrison and Wes Welker go. Wilhelm and Cooper are getting TOASTED in coverage for touchdowns and big plays when we could have kept home town boy Donnie Edwards but oh, I forgot, he is not worth keeping because he MAKES TACKLES (at least he MAKES them) 6 yards downfield. Guess what...that is where linebackers play which is behind the line several yards downfield. Let's not forget that he has the most INTERCEPTIONS of almost any linebacker ever. I guess our defense is so good -NOT- that we don't need such a great linebacker. Why? Because once again OJ Smith's EGO is too huge. Demote Smith to Director of Player Personell/talent scout (at which he is good) but pay him very good because he is at least very good at that-generally. Bring in a kick butt head coach like Cowher and let him select his GM and bring in his coaches. Promote Rivera to Defensive Coordinator and keep Crosby as special teams coach. This team simply DOES NOT RESPOND to an apathetic, low key coach. It is young, lazy (quit running out of bounds already LT) and immature and NEEDS a kick butt coach. I just heard Norval on 1090 radio and nothing but more and more EXUSES. While the play calling is by and large horrific on offense and defense it is the JOB of the players to EXECUTE WHATEVER call is made and be a pro and quit worrying about getting your pay check and PLAY FOOTBALL. The silence from OJ Smith is DEAFENING. It must be too much egg on his face to talk. At least he gets along with his sycophant head "coach". Part of the JOB of the head coach is to MOTIVATE the players, make ADJUSTMENTS (in game and at halftime), and prepare a GOOD game plan in addition to getting in the face of players (like Bill Cowner) who make terrible plays (line up wrong, stupid and very costly penalties, run wrong route, lack of effort, out of position etc.) none of which is Norval competent. Also Norval has YET to take ANY RESPONSIBILITY for turning a 14-2 into at best mediocrity. That is one of the reasons the player have no confidence in him. Players out past curfew and getting fines is an example of immaturity and lack of discipline. It should be embarassing for a pro team mid season to say publicly that they need to "go back and learn how to tackle" (Olkahoma drill where were you in training camp). They do have the talent to win the AFC Worst, uh I mean AFC West, so I still have hope but at this point, without a total makeover and change of attitude and improved coaching I can only hope for the best for our beloved Chargers. Let's start turning it around with a very strong, dominating WIN against the Ravens.

huh? wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:31 PM:YOu said it was ok for him to run out of bounds . . . because you all knew it was going to fail? So you're saying he shouldn't even attempt to get a first down for his team? Is this your first year watching football?

Gilbride wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:40 PM:There's a rumor on the web that the Chargers may be interested in Jason Garrett, along with the Bengals and Ravens

Riley wrote on Nov 19, 2007 1:44 PM:Hey, why not? It's becoming increasingly clear that this current group of underachievers is quitting on Norv and Teddy C.

BoltDan wrote on Nov 19, 2007 3:34 PM:Man you guys are either cruel or Pat's fans raiding the Bolts pages... LT can make the judgement to run out of bounds anytime he wants... he is a HOF (hall of famer for those not in the know) He knows when he will get the yards and when he won't... if it was the superbowl he probably would have gone with the concussion to get the first down... so lets review stop picking on us poor Chargers fans you idiots from other teams and Charger fans unite at the game this sunday and call for Norv and AJ to be fired..I will be there with my sign and at least then the voice of the fan will be heard. AJ MUST GO!!!! Oh yeah AJ stated earlier in the season that we fans are fickle... that if he was winning we wouldn't be calling him out... well maybe you are right but you are not winning nor will you with Norv. PERIOD

Ron wrote on Nov 19, 2007 3:47 PM:To John and all you other ignorant people. Watch the tape again you no-nothings...LT was looking to throw, Gates didn't get a release, he was stringing it out as long as he could until finally he tried to get the corner and he couldn't turn it. To those of you who talk about him not playing the pre-season...Did you say anything about that last year or the three years before when it was MARTY who decided he should sit the preseason? I DIDN'T THINK SO! In regards to him running out of bounds, he's learned from some greats, Emmit, Franco, Dickerson, that you don't always have to finish runs when you already have the first down and your on the sideline. You're no good to the team if you run reckless...see Adrian Peterson...I'm sure you ignorant people were probably saying A.P. was the best of all-time a couple of weeks ago...but like I predicted, he runs high and he runs reckless...where is he now...INJURED...If you've never played football you should just keep your mouth shut...you have no idea the pounding a back takes...A.P. maybe, has 3-5 good years until the injuries just take their toll...While LT has a 12-15 year career, adding one more MVP before he's done...IF YOU THINK HE QUIT ON THAT OPTION PLAY YOU'RE A "NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL" DOLT...and that's all you're ever going to be!

Roid Rage wrote on Nov 19, 2007 3:58 PM:I didn't read all of the non sense written in the blogs above but do you really think Mr.Lights Out when into roid rage after getting knocked on his butt by the midget yesterday? It was pretty funny to watch! One tackle for the entire game, yeap I guess he has a right to be upset! I wonder who he is maddest at, the coaches or the league for outlawing his juice? What do you all say?

Jimnrg wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:14 PM:Ladies and Gentlemen It's easy as fans to get frustrated and point fingers at individual team members but remember, Norv is the offensive coordinator and calls the plays. He tells Rivers and LT what to do. The fact is that you cannot judge the players when The entire coaching staff headed by Turner and Cattrell are unimaginative and incompetent. A team needs solid leadership and thanks to AJ Smith it does not have the discipline needed to hang together.

ornry wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:24 PM:I think Joe is right that Norv doesn't push 'em. No Oklahoma drills. For contrast, see what Randy Moss said about Bill Bellicheks practices last week.

Bolter wrote on Nov 19, 2007 4:35 PM:As I've stated since day one - we are in for an 8-8 season. The only saving grace is that the other AFC West teams continue to falter.

I know LT . . . . wrote on Nov 19, 2007 5:12 PM:. . . was looking to throw. It's called a half-back option. The other "option" is to run for two yards to give your team a chance to win. I think that coaching staff is terrible, but can't believe that you won't call out the players when they make a bad play. It doesn't seem like Rivers is immune from your criticism. Is LT the sacred cow (cry baby) that can do no wrong? Even when the ball is bouncing off of the back of his helmet on a blits play peopel still defend him. Man, no wonder the chargers will never win the big game; the fans call fro one coach's head, then chant his name the following year to bring him back. Trophy-less fools!

G-man wrote on Nov 19, 2007 5:49 PM:Listening to coach and player wanna-beez jumping on Rivers first a few weeks back, now LT and even Merriman is sad. Some fans have nothing better to do than watch the game intoxicated, not back their team, and realize that a whole lot more goes on with this game than a fan could ever know.

Denver Broncos wrote on Nov 19, 2007 5:50 PM:I cannot help but love the Chargers because it is such a feeble organization. There will never be a Super Bowl trophy in a Charger office unless of course the organization does the inevitable and leaves your fourth rate sports village. The Chargers will choke away the playoff spot to Denver in the same way the Padres choked away a playoff spot to the Rox. If you take away the coaches, the players, and the fans in San Diego, the Chargers could be thought of as not a bad football team. All we hope for in Denver is that the San Diego Chargers are not on national television anymore as they are the most boring assembly of players and coaches to watch in the NFL. You folks stink.

Jimbo wrote on Nov 19, 2007 6:17 PM:LT is a future HOFer. We are extremely fortunate to see someone like him play, let alone play for the Chargers. But LT is smart, why should he kill himself for 2 yards when it's not worth the risk of injury? He is frustrated because the coach is not doing his job. He is frustrated because the single season TD record holder is not getting the ball. He is frustrated because he and Brees and Marty would have taken the team to the SB in 2006, but now he is forced to play with a weak-armed, inaccurate Rivers. He is frustrated that he may have to wait yet another year to win a SB...and another year older.

Buddy wrote on Nov 19, 2007 6:57 PM:Hey sam, where are your pom poms now

Rivera is waiting wrote on Nov 19, 2007 8:57 PM: Rivera..... This team needs a fire lit under it. Norv couldn`t light a camfire with a blow torch

Joe wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:02 PM:Thanks for the props Ornry. Teams tend to take on the personality, or serious lack thereof in this case, which is one of a wheel barrow full of problems this team has right now. Too many big, long term contracts which took away their hunger, way too many commercials and endorsements and reading their press clippings from the last FLUKE year. They have the talent but are very poorly "coached", if you dare to call it that, UNinspired, UNmotivated, UNdisciplined and...did I mention...5-5 and play as individuals and not as a team (there is no "i" in the word team). They do have 6 games left to try to get going but to quote the old song "It's NOW or NEVER".

San Diego Chargers wrote on Nov 19, 2007 9:12 PM:Dear "Denver Broncos": I have been to your city many times and it is a filthy place, only slightly cleaner than Tiajuana, and spanws such famous people as Ward Churchill and infamous events like the Columbine school massacare. By the way, didn't the "boring assembly of players" from San Diego slaughter your team 41-3 in their own home earlier this season after sweeping them last season? I'll be in the stands when they do it again on national television on Christmas Eve. Just consider it a lump of coal from my beautiful town to your landlocked slum.

tampa bolt fan wrote on Nov 20, 2007 4:27 AM:the average life of an nfl runningback is 3 years why lt ran out of bounds only lt knows but hard running petterson is out for the year missing more games in 1 year than lt missed in 7 running out of bounds doesnt make him soft it makes him last earl campbell

Jose wrote on Nov 20, 2007 6:53 AM:one more week suffering one more time Thanks AJ to built a great team and then put it in a deep hole. The frustration for the Chargers is that they have championship talent in a roster loaded with great athletes and impact players. at the beginnig of the season LT now Merriman frustared, who's next. solution fire AJ anmd bring Bill cowher it is a good idea

Luevano wrote on Nov 20, 2007 10:18 AM:ok here it go's i think maybe 75% of the team is unhappy with norm. its a young team. they have to learn to deal with the coaching changes. there is no longer any heart out on the field. and as far as there being guys who dont care if they lose " one bad apple spoils the bunch". there were alot of bad moves mad in the off season. i thought i would give a.j. a chance but i think now all his moves to a big bite out of his rearend. also if norv is happy with the loses he needs to become a motivator.

Tesla of Oceanside wrote on Nov 20, 2007 2:00 PM:Band Wagoners, please be careful jumping off and on because you might just hurt yourselves. STOP! thinking negatively you might hurt something you rarely use.Let me get you pillow to cry on and a bandaid for that broken heart. Look here you ... . My San Diego Chargers are on top of the division and will win their division and i will see you at the playoffs!I will be the one helping you back on.oooOOOO-RAH!

BoltDan wrote on Nov 20, 2007 3:46 PM:Tesla, ... ... just because we challenge the coach and the GM doesn't mean we are bandwagoneers. We love this team and hate to see such waste as AJ has put on it. Not to mention what LT must be going through... We had the best team in the NFL last year and now???? what has changed??? these are the questions that have to be asked. Even if we win the division do we stand a chance against a united team like the Pat's??? who went out in the off season and picked up all the WR's?? They are good for a reason and I hate them for it.... especially Bellacheat.... So love the Bolts but want some accountability... I want to see them win a superbowl someday...thats all.

NYBOLTZ wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:53 AM:One more thing about Donnie Edwards. This team misses his pass defense. It seems that when the opposing Qb needs a 3rd and long pass play, he goes straight to the middle of the field. Where a good Lb should be defending. That rarely happened when Edwards was there. I like Cooper he is a tackling machine, but Wilhelm is way to slow and cant cover anybody.