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No give, just take from Chargers

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer
Penchant for forcing turnovers keys surge toward postseason | Friday, December 21, 2007 11:19 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers secondary has a battle cry that's working extremely well -- "two we're in, four we win."

The slogan has to do with the number of takeaways per game. Instituted by secondary coach Bill Bradley, the saying relates to the theory that a team should be in any game in which it forces two turnovers and will usually win any game in which it has four.

The motto has been backed up nicely on game days as the Chargers are accumulating interceptions and takeaways at a better clip than any other NFL team.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Chargers lead in interceptions (27) and takeaways (41), and are tied for first with New England for the NFL's best turnover margin (plus 19).

"It's a feather in your cap, but the main thing we can't lose sight of is we're trying to win football games," Bradley said Friday. "Leading the league in takeaways and interceptions gives us a chance to win more football games."

No other team comes close to the Chargers' proficiency in forcing turnovers. The 27 interceptions are seven more than second-place Seattle and Tennessee. And the 41 takeaways are eight better than second-place Detroit.

Victories have come as the takeaways increased. The Chargers had a minus-2 takeaway ratio when they were 1-3 after four games of the season. They have since been plus-21 while winning eight of 10 games.

"We take pride in trying to (create) turnovers and giving our offense the short side of the field," cornerback Antonio Cromartie said. "If not, our defense will try to score the ball also.

"Leading the NFL in turnover ratio, we just take pride in it, and that's our biggest thing."

Cromartie's NFL-best 10 interceptions are among the biggest reasons for the mark. Strong safety Clinton Hart has chipped in with a career-high four interceptions.

The 27 total interceptions this season are more than the combined total (26) of the last two seasons. Hart said Bradley and assistant secondary coach Kevin Ross have placed a bigger emphasis this season on intercepting passes.

Perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise since both coaches were former Pro Bowl players. Bradley led the NFL in interceptions twice with Philadelphia, picking off 11 passes in 1971 and nine in 1972. Ross had 38 interceptions during a 14-year career spent mostly with Kansas City.

"It's a mentality that the coaches have to instill in the players, and that's what Bill Bradley does," Hart said. "He's done a great job of emphasizing that if the ball is in the air, it's ours. We've got to get our hands on those balls, and he talks to us about that every day.

"And Kevin Ross has done a great job with the corners, telling them how to play leverage and how to study. What we have now are two guys who played the game well and understand the game. Having that type of experience around you definitely helps out."

The Chargers have forced four or more turnovers in a game five times this season. Twice they have forced six -- last Sunday against Detroit and in the nationally televised victory over Indianapolis on Nov. 11.

The takeaways against the Colts were all interceptions of star quarterback Peyton Manning.

"(Leading in takeaways is) very important because it displays how well the secondary has been playing," outside linebacker Shawne Merriman said. "Also, with how we're playing up front because the quarterbacks don't have a lot of time to throw the ball. Regardless of whether we get sacks or not, they don't have a lot of time to throw the ball. I can't even count how many hurries we had on Peyton Manning with him throwing the six interceptions."

Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell couldn't suppress his patented hearty laugh when the subject was presented to him earlier this week. After all, Cottrell was on the receiving end of some criticism early in the season when the defense struggled as players adjusted to his style of coaching.

Now Cottrell's unit has the chance to be the first in Chargers' history to lead the NFL in interceptions or takeaways.

"It would be one accomplishment where the players would be proud of it, and I would be too," Cottrell said. "Our execution has to come to a point where we're leading the league in two categories like that, which goes to show we've been playing pretty darn good defense."

Players and coaches say the success is a team deal. The secondary didn't miss a beat as Cromartie supplanted Drayton Florence in the starting lineup and rookie Eric Weddle began cutting into starting free safety Marlon McCree's playing time.

All season long, members of the secondary never lost sight of the fact that interceptions and fumble recoveries often lead to victories.

"We're talking about getting as many takeaways as possible, giving our offense as many chances as possible to score," cornerback Quentin Jammer said. "That's our mentality, and that's what it will continue to be.

"But to us, it's really about winning football games. We're trying to go to the Super Bowl.

"All the interceptions and takeaways is all a bonus."

Et cetera
The Chargers have listed DE Luis Castillo (ankle), OLB Shawne Merriman (knee) and RB Michael Turner (shoulder) as questionable for Monday's game with Denver. QB Philip Rivers (knee) is probable. ... Coach Norv Turner is most concerned about the availability of Castillo, who last played Nov. 4 against Minnesota. "It would be great for him to get some work, but I want to see how he makes it through (the next two practices)," Turner said. ... DT Jamal Williams (ankle) is a full go for Monday night. ... RB Darren Sproles, who carried the ball 25 times against Detroit last Sunday because of the unavailability of usual No. 2 back Michael Turner, will receive some carries Monday, according to Norv Turner. How many carries is the unanswered question. "Probably depends on how the game goes," said Sproles, who had 122 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions.

Excelling at thievery

The Chargers have been taking the ball away from opponents in impressive fashion. With two games left in the regular season, they lead the NFL in interceptions (27) and takeaways (41) and are tied for first with New England in best turnover margin (+19).

Here�s a look at their performance in this area.

Date Opponent W/L Ints Fumbles Takeaways Notable
Sept.9 Chicago W 1 3 4 Season-high fumble recovery total
Sept. 16 at New England L 1 1 2 Clinton Hart intercepts Tom Brady
Sept. 23 at Green Bay L 0 0 0 One of two times Chargers have failed to force a turnover
Sept. 30 Kansas City L 2 0 2 Chiefs score 20 points off four Chargers� turnovers
Oct. 7 at Denver W 1 2 3 Fumble on special teams returned for TD by Brandon Siler
Oct. 14 Oakland W 2 1 3 Antonio Cromartie records first career interception
Oct. 28 Houston W 4 1 5 Cromartie scores TDs on interception and recovery of punt snap
Nov. 4 at Minnesota L 0 2 2 Marlon McCree and Drayton Florence recover fumbles
Nov. 11 Indianapolis W6 0 6 Peyton Manning intercepted six times; three by Cromartie
Nov. 18 at Jacksonville L 0 0 0 No forced turnovers for second time this season
Nov. 25 Baltimore W 0 2 2 Shawne Merriman and Igor Olshansky force fumbles
Dec. 2 at Kansas City W 3 1 4 Cromartie intercepts two passes; his third multi-interception game
Dec. 9 at Tennessee W 2 0 2Cromartie and Matt Wilhelm intercept passes
Dec. 16 Detroit W 5 1 6 Cromartie gets 10th pick and Shaun Phillips returns interception for TD

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Randy R wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:35 AM:Charger's in the playoffs! Merry Christmas! Your playoff run will fall short when you have to play a real football team. Charger fans...enjoy the moment. It will be short lived!

RandyStomper wrote on Dec 22, 2007 7:50 AM:Randy R, you write "wait 'til the Chargers have to play a real football team". Oh, you mean like Indianapolis? Or Tennessee? Randy R, you have to learn to discriminate between how teams begin their season and how they end them. In the playoffs. The Chargers would rather end the season 15 and 5 than 18 and 1, like the Patriots are going to. Now go pull that big lump of coal out of your.... stocking.

Bobby wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:26 AM:Those interceptions are nothing short of amazing! Especially when Jammer has ZERO. How special could this defense be with two great corners? Going to be some great one's comming this next FA, A.J. Smith?

hater wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:39 AM:like they havent played real teams in the regular season. chargers are the realest team in the league.

Keith wrote on Dec 22, 2007 9:13 AM:Hey Randy, I don't know about you, but my Chargers are getting ready for a nice playoff run. Unlike last year they appear to be peaking at just the right time. Like my man RS said, it's better to be 15 and 5 and battle tested, then 18 and 1 while sitting at home watching the biggest game of the year. CHARGERS!!!

SAM wrote on Dec 22, 2007 11:26 AM:lIKE I SAID...YOU GUYS DON'T SEE GAME FILM AND IF MARTY, STEWART, BRADLEY,ROSS, PHILLIPS, COTRELL AND AJ (WHO EXTENDED HIS CONTRACT)THINK HE'S THE MAN FOR THE STRONG SIDE CORNER...I'M CERTAINLY GOING TO TAKE THERE WORD OVER A BUNCH OF FANS WATCHING THE GAME ON TV...BOLTDAN IS TRYING TO BETTER THE TEAM...FRIGGIN' HILARIOUS...WE'RE SUPPOSED TO TAKE YOUR WORD OVER A SLEW OF COACHES AND THE TOP EVALUATOR IN THE GAME TODAY...RIDICULOUS...THE WAY YOU CAN BETTER THE TEAM IS GRAB A BEER AND SCREAM YOUR HEAD OFF AND LEAVE TALENT EVALUATION TO THOSE WHO ARE ACTUALLY QUAILIFIED! AND BOBBY, YOUR IGNORANCE IS NOTING SHORT OF AMAZING AND NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE

Tx-Bolt wrote on Dec 22, 2007 2:16 PM:I agree Sam; I do not understand why Charger fans continue to rip on Jammer when for at least the last two years he have been very very solid. He usually is matched up against the best WR on the other team and he competes his ass off. Not to mention the fact that his run support and tackling for a corner is very very good. SO what the hell..I don't get it.

SDboltsfan wrote on Dec 22, 2007 3:48 PM:What team are you for Randy maybe a bitter raider fan. Who cares. 27 int I think the secondary is just fine. Jammer, cro, hart and Mccree with great back up help for dime and nickel. Keep the faith fans we are going to make a run. Watch and be proud. Go bolts 2007.

Screaming for vengeance wrote on Dec 22, 2007 6:44 PM:This is a better Defense than the one that whipped the Patriots in Foxborro a couple seasons ago & its time for some revenge. Our Secondary is no longer a weak link. & our offense is starting to roll with the best back, tightend, & with the SAVVY addition of wr Chambers ( I don`t recall him dropping a pass yet). I might sound like a homer but top to bottem I think this is the best team right now in the league

RandyR wrote on Dec 22, 2007 7:15 PM:LMAO Charger fans...the owner of your team fired one of the best coaches and replaced him with a known loser. Your QB...well, he sucks. You folks picked up an old timer wide receiver...and though I think LT is fantastic...a RB can not carry a team. Your defense...is that what you call it?? lol You speak of old teams...remember, that was the past. You're stuck with this team and the future. And the future (as for 07' and 08' will be short lived.) No, I'm not a Raider fan...lived in Escondido for 26 years...never once was I fond of Dan Fouts or the rest of the wanna be's. Love the Pad's!!!! Patriot fan...and you can only wish you had a coach like Belichek. But you're stuck with Turner! lol You would most likely love to have Brady as a QB...dream on! As always, as a football fan and Calif. native...I chuckle knowing that once again, Charger fans are left to wonder. Your wonderment will and always has, brought a smile to my face! Go Golder Eagles! Class of 81.

Jammer shuts WRs down wrote on Dec 22, 2007 7:24 PM:"I mean I`ve had nothing but top corners in most of my coaching career & he`s right there with Albert Lewis,Kevin Ross,James Hasty,Dale Carter,Hanford Dixon & frank Minnifield" This is a direct quote from Schottenheimer with regards to an excellent corner named Q. The Jam Man Jammer

ChargersSB wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:11 PM:RandyR, I think you are still smarting from our QB in the Pro-bowl last year vs Brady. As for our team having old timers...Harrison, Seau, Troy Brown? the Pats defense is ready for the AARP. Old timer WR in Chambers? He's younger than Moss, and a 1000yd WR despite having PR the crappy QB throw to him. As for being stuck with this team ...fine, 5 out of 8 probowlers have less than 3years in the league. Lastly, I don't recall Brady having steller sophmore year as a starter either, he missed the playoffs altogether and whined about Marty talking about his team after LT smacked them for over 200yards in New England.

SDboltsfan wrote on Dec 22, 2007 8:45 PM:HaHa another so call patsie fan. Been seeing some around town as of late. With their new jersey and colors. Way to jump on the band wagon like most wannabe fan. Same guy who will be wearing charger color when we win this year and changing his name to Charger Randy. Were you a patsie fan when they were lossing years ago, NOT. Last word on cheating Belichek "I guess if your not cheating yur not tring" LT. He still has tape of all teams trust me. Go Bolts!!!!!

tx-bolt wrote on Dec 23, 2007 5:20 AM:Much as I hate to admit it the Pats have braggring rights----especially over us Charger fans..The cleaned our clocks in the post season last year and the repeated it again in the second game of the year....This being said I hope that we are good enough and fortunate enough to play them again in the post season this year...I love how we are begining to play in all 3 phases--defense, offense and special teams.....2 more games left to krrp improving an getting helathy for the post season...Go Chargers

Jammer got Game wrote on Dec 25, 2007 1:46 AM:Jammer is a shutdown corner. I know early in his career he wasn't a good corner and at many times I though the team wasted a draft...but I got over that perception and so should other who have that old image of Jammer. He now is recognized by the league to be one of elite cornerbacks. He and Cromartie is the main reason why team have average less than 200 yard passing the last five games. Receivers are having trouble getting open, causing QB to hurried or get sack, which forced them to throw picks. If you watch him closely with an open mind, you will realized how far Jammer has come along. If you watch the Denver game, receivers were frustrated and had to work extremely hard to get open. The players and coaches in the league recognized Jammmer as a good player for a clear reason-receiver that he matched up with gets shut down.

Pats will fall wrote on Dec 25, 2007 2:02 AM:Pats will lose to the Chargers in the playoff. Yeah, they got destroy in the second game, but that was a charger team that would have trouble against Miami. The team is playing better football than last year when they were 14-2. Tom Brady will have touble will the chargers secondary-rank first in interception. The defense for the charger is the reason they will win it all.

Ron wrote on Dec 27, 2007 9:26 AM:RandyStomper....Chargers had a hard time with Colts secondary. Payton Manning did not have all his starters and the Charger got lucky on that game. You know it and I know it.

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