CHARGERS: Bolts have been down this road before
Team fell into 2-3 hole last year, but knows repeat won't be easy
By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | ∞
Dolphins cornerback Andre Goodman stops LaDamien Tomlinson to bring up fourth down in the first quarter on Sunday. (Photo by Joe Rimkus Jr. - Miami Herald) SAN DIEGO ---- Georgette Rogers, the bubbly Chargers Park receptionist, was squinting Monday morning. That's good.
It proves that the sun indeed did come up after the Chargers' disheartening loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson's eyes were also a tad off-kilter. That's bad.
"I didn't get much sleep (Sunday) night,'' Tomlinson said. "That is typical about this point of the season, especially after a loss like that.''
And it wasn't his Poway neighbor's barking dog robbing him of shut-eye.
"Just obviously frustration and searching for answers,'' Tomlinson said. "It can be mentally draining, but that is all about this job ---- you accept that and try to look for answers to turn it around.''
Did Tomlinson figure out how to fix the bumbling, stumbling 2-3 Chargers?
"No, not yet,'' he said. "But the good thing is there is another week. And we have a heck a challenge this week; we can't afford to go 2-4.''
They aren't there yet, and they have been 2-3 as recently as last season. Despite that shaky start in 2007, the Chargers advanced to the AFC Championship Game against Sunday's guest, the New England Patriots.
So while Chargers fans are chomping fingernails, sending derisive e-mails and clogging sports radio phone lines, there's no need to worry, right L.T.?
"I'm confident because we have been in this situation before,'' he said. "I guess that is the only confidence you can have.
"But as far as knowing it is going to turn around? You don't really know for sure. Each game is different, each year is different.''
The Chargers know that their status is a like those investment disclaimers: past results are no indicator of future performances. The Chargers know they reached the playoffs last season, but it's no lock that history will repeat itself.
"(It's kind of) a double-edged sword where you say, 'We did it last year, we can do it again,' '' Tomlinson said. "Yeah, that's true. But at the same time, it is not guaranteed. It gives you confidence that you can do it, but you know it's obviously different.''
In 2007, the 2-3 Chargers' next three games were against the Raiders, Texans and Vikings, with the first two at home.
"At this time last year, there wasn't New England, Buffalo and the Saints on the schedule the next few weeks. It's a different year, and we have to find a way to put it together,'' Tomlinson said.
Is it possible to have a must-win before mid-October?
"It's very critical, crucial, whatever you want to call it,'' Tomlinson said of beating the Patriots, the team that eliminated the Chargers from their last two playoff appearances. "To me, it's definitely a must-win for us.''
Quarterback Philip Rivers wouldn't go that far, but knows Sunday's stakes are high. The Chargers are two games behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West.
"I think it allows us to know what it is going to take ---- we have been through it now,'' Rivers said. "Last year we were at 2-3 and had the hope and the belief we could bounce out of it, (but we) weren't real sure how to do it. And now that we did it, at least we know what is ahead of us.
"But at the same time, it can be a trap. To think, 'Ah, we were here last year and we will come out of again' ---- that's not the case.''
The '07 team's reversal was as stunning as it was difficult, Rivers added.
"It wasn't easy last year,'' Rivers said. "Just because we did it doesn't mean it was a piece of cake. We fought like crazy to get to 5-5, then won the last six. It was a tough road and it will be as tough this go around.''
Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
More Stories
South Beach Bartender wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:34 PM:• Here is the REAL reason they lost (and it's a true story):
My buddy is a bartender in South Beach. He texted me Saturday night at 6:17 pm EST to say "Dude, like half the Chargers team is in my bar!" At 8:22 he texted me, "You guys are gonna get crushed! Your team is getting hammered! Ha Ha! Go Fins!"
I have these texts in my phone.
So the REAL REASON the Chargers couldn't play was because they were hung-over. This brings back memories of Chuck Muncie doing blow off the bar at Monk's. I thought teams had curfews? What the hell is going on with this? I want this investigated! Is this a common occurrence? Is this how this Bolts team rolls? Who is the ringleader? Release him/them. These are playboys who think they're so good they can get hammered 12 hours before game time and beat lesser competition. This needs addressing. WHO do they think they are? ...
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:55 AM:Dream on Jay!
There is NO WAY lightning strikes twice.
This team looks old and slow and is falling fast.
8-8 would be considered a goood year as the window is slammed shut on the SB dream.
LT is slowing down and your draft picks have bheen busts lately.
AJ had you guys fooled.
Hes no genius.
Bolt Believer wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:18 AM:Our MASH unit is favored by 6. Jaque, I`ll be at the stadium hopefully the boys aren`t hungover. Go Chargers, get r done. Scream for me San Diego !
usanaman wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:41 AM:I have been and will contiune to be a Charger fan for the past 35 years, I have seen the good teams and the bad ones and the terrible ones ane the ones that should have gone to the super bowel. But this team is very strange. To be the team from the AFC to make it to the super bowel, is not going to happen until things change. it just doesn't have the fire or passion from play to play or game to game. this team is so flat every game it make you wonder if they are taking sleeping pills before the games. I think a lot has to do with turner and cottrell and there lack of fire and passion. The team is a reflection of the coaches and this team is asleep at the wheel. turner ideal play is to run LT into the middle of the line on first and second down and then throw to gates on third down. get a clue, it hasn't worked for the last two seasons. I don't want to say that the Chargers are predictable but they are. cottrell should have stayed reitred, he just can't understand that the defense has to ATTACK the offense, make them adjust to what your doing. this bend and don't break defense is a crock of crap. this team was build on attacking on offense and defense, not on three yards and a cloud of dust or we will let you go down the field and maybe we will stop you before you score. There is no leadership and they play like there is no game plan. This team will be soft until aj smith changes the coaching staff and get people who want to be aggressive, mean and nasty and just kick there butt attitude. Until we get that this team will be inconsistent. The other problem is aj smith with his ego and not wanting to keep good players or hire coaches that will speak up like they have a pair. He (aj) may be a great talent evaluator but for coaches he sucks. has been or never been or over the hill just doesn't get it. Where could this team be with the right attitude and coaches that know how to get people ready and motivated to go out and win? How long will we have to wait for this team to produce a super bowel champion? My suggestion is Fire turner and cottrell and get some one in with that winning attitude, before it is another loss season.
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:36 PM:Hey Usanamann, I have to say the usana vits. are the best on the market. Maybe you can get your team on them. sorry it already is a lost season for the CHOKERS!!!
Jaque wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:53 PM:I'm over what Tomlinson has to say. He is the one who looks slow and uninspired. BoltBeliever, how about the 4th and goal call? Talk about unimaginative!!!!
Anyway, I am going to miss the next home game, be straight, and watch the game at home.
Faidermann, you disappoint. Where were you after the Raiders lost to the bolts? No real posts, less the coach giving away the game to the Chargers. WEAK! I thought you had more than that. Like I said we do allow you play in our sandbox, so come up with some good material.
Right now, I grade the Chargers offense a C+/B- Defense D
Elliott wrote on Oct 7, 2008 5:20 PM:LT,if you physically cannot contribute like you want ON the field, howabout taking off your sunscreened helmet and start walking the sidelines kickin' some butt and inspiring your teammates during the game!? DEMAND a winning attitude from those guys!Be the leader!
Doing your soft spoken Norv Turner voice at the podium while pondering the reason you guys lost again just won't get it done!! We need your VOICE and LEADERSHIP!!
Jimbo wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:15 PM:Why did we trade Turner? In this league you need a big back to get the tough yards and Sproles ain't it.
The problem with going down this road before is because we keep going down this same road. Deja Vu all over again. Hopefully, we get some easy wins in the 2nd half of the season to get a wildcard spot....before we lose again. Thanks Norv....
James wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:26 PM:Blah blah blah Toilet Duck...
Same dude who said this garbage last year...
Blah blah blah.
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:31 PM:Its all about SB rings.
When you lose in a SB, you are considered the first loser. When you fail to make it, you are nothing just like all the other teams that failed to make it. I learned that lesson after losing a SB game.
I learned it from Charger fans too.
Last year, we all bought the coaching transition excuse.
Whats this years excuse?
We warned you about Norv but you went on and on about how much talent the roster had and how it didnt matter.
It matters.
What is happening is that your young players arent getting the same development from Norv as they did Marty. Marty plugged rookies in and they immediately contributed.That was a big part of your success but thats not happening anymore and you are slipping bad as a result. Your 2nd team players stink too. Your D line is getting no penetrtation and provides no pass rush so your defensive backfield is exposed for what they are.
The Chargers have huge problems right now and there are no quick fixes in sight.
S.D. TIME CLOCK wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:02 PM:we don't take out our day. Were at work for the city of S.D. and are on S.D.'s time clock. So, getting paid to lay wood on CHOKER fans & the CHOKERS them self seems like the right thing to do!!! Any time out of my day talking crap about SAN DIEGO SUPER CHOKERS is no time wasted
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:40 PM:Same ole' Chargers.....
They can only bat Oakland when Oakland is struggling in down years after SB trips.
There is a clear pattern here.
Oakland and Denver go to SBs and the Bolts dont.
First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.
Advertisement