Chargers present a festive night at Qualcomm
By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- Didn't make it to the Chargers-Broncos game Monday night -- what, you think it was Christmas Eve or something? Here's a glimpse at what you missed in the Chargers' 23-3 victory -- and we're not talking about the action between the sidelines. ...
The sign in the parking lot said it: "This is what it's all about."
That sums it up, especially with the first-place Chargers playing their last regular-season home game.
It's doubtful the dressed-up Qualcomm Stadium ever looked more festive. There were lights and wreaths strung along the back side of the end zones, a huge picture of a jolly, waving Santa hanging out near a pylon and good cheer wherever one looked.
Mistletoe? No fresh supply, but plenty remained from the previous holiday that was earmarked for general manager A.J. Smith and then-coach Marty Schottenheimer. ...
'Twas the night before Christmas and some of us were working -- but it was far from a blue Christmas. Not with the Charger Girls breaking out their snappy blue velvet holiday uniforms. Is it possible to be naughty and nice? ...
The loudest pregame holler went, of course, to the Charger Girls. But No. 2 was the cheer for Oceanside High football coach John Carroll, who was named the Chargers high school coach of the year. ...
Catch that "Monday Night Football" introduction with Montana? Funny me, I thought we would see the great Joe Montana. It broke my achy, breaky heart when I realized it was Billy Ray Cyrus' daughter, Hannah Montana. ...
The Main Attraction choir from Chula Vista High gave a fine version of the national anthem. Why the loud boos when it hit the last note? It coincided with the Broncos exiting the locker room. ...
Ron Bender attended the game from Solvang, which is billed as the Danish capital of California. But Bender was speaking Greek to me wearing a Broncos Ed McCaffrey jersey and antlers on his noggin' while he shouted "Go Chargers!!" ...
The energetic crowd looked cool waving their souvenir white towels. No, no, no -- that wasn't the Chargers saying we surrender in finding a new stadium site. ...
How good are things rolling in Charger Land? Coach Norv Turner was introduced after the defense and not a disparaging jeer was heard. That's eons from Sept. 30 when the chants of "Marrr-ty, Marrr-ty" rocked the Q. ...
LaDainian Tomlinson might be the only guy more popular in San Diego than Santa. It was appropriate he was the first Charger to wish fans Merry Christmas on the video screen. Tomlinson looked natty in his white and blue stocking cap -- but something wasn't right. That's it, he wasn't wearing his dark visor. ...
What's the big deal about Broncos safety John Lynch flinging Tomlinson's helmet after a tackle? Lynch, a top-notch pitcher at Torrey Pines High, was just showing off his arm. Not sure, but I think it was a cut fastball. Please note -- after heaving the high hard one, Lynch slapped hands with Tomlinson. ...
How do you think you'll fare in today's gift exchange? Among the Chargers, backup cornerback Steve Gregory had his name drawn by Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Let's just say Cromartie's travel party to Honolulu just grew by one. ...
WR Chris Chambers is quickly becoming a popular Charger. Not only did he score on a 14-yard reception, but he flung the ball into the crowd as well. Of course, the lucky recipient was wearing Tomlinson's No. 21, not Chambers' No. 89. ...
What's neat about going to a Chargers game is viewing the banners along their ring of honor. All the great names and jersey numbers hug the club level, telling the story of Chargers history. But why is Jacques Cesaire wearing Ron Mix's No. 74 and Malcom Floyd donning Kellen Winslow's No. 80? I know Mix and Winslow had differences with the organization, but time to let it go fellas. For a team with but five Pro Football Hall of Fame players, all those stars should have their numbers retired ---- not just Lance Alworth (No. 19) and Dan Fouts (No. 14). Charlie Joiner's No. 18 is available, but I can't remember a player wearing it.
And for legendary coach Sid Gillman? No bow ties allowed in the stadium! ...
Merry Christmas, and here's hoping your Chargers aren't headed for two black holes: the one in Oakland and the one that keeps swallowing them in the playoffs.
Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
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