CHARGERS: Defense can't be a patsy against Pats
By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | ∞
Linebacker Shawne Merriman has been missed in the Chargers' lineup this season. (Photo by Jamie Scott Lytle - Staff Photographer) SAN DIEGO ---- Ted Cottrell was on, well, the defense.
"Please don't use that story line,'' said Cottrell, the Chargers' defensive coordinator.
Cottrell was asked the difference between a Chargers defense with linebacker Shawne Merriman and one without it.
"No question that he is an All-Pro player not in your lineup and let's just leave it at that,'' said Cottrell, of Merriman being out for the season. "I don' t want to use it as an excuse, OK.''
Got it.
But Chargers fans and followers are increasingly asking what happened to the ball-hawking, run-stopping, sack-producing, hard-hitting defense? Instead, the Chargers' unit is on its heels with rankings of No. 20 or below in such critical areas as yards allowed per game and per play; passing yards per game; first downs per game.
Touchdown passes? The 10 the Chargers' rivals have is tops (bottom?) in the league.
"I don't look at the numbers,'' Cottrell said. "I just look at our execution, that's the only thing I worry about and the scoring.''
To Cottrell, the most distressing aspect of his wobbly defense is the games' first two quarters. Of the 129 points the Chargers have been hit with, 86 arrive in the opening half.
"I think we have been pretty good in the second half of our games,'' he said. "I know we got to do better in the first half.''
Good luck with that Sunday night with the versatile New England Patriots arriving at Qualcomm Stadium. Those thinking the Pats are patsies because quarterback Tom Brady is injured are wrong, Cottrell said.
"They got some players so what we are stressing we got to play well ---- that this is one of the best teams in the league, if not the best,'' Cottrell said.
"They are in the top echelon, even with Brady being out, they are still pretty damn good.
"We have to play our best against the this team. We have to play well and do what we are supposed to do.''
Which is?
"Don't give up too many big plays and tackle,'' Cottrell said. "They are a good running ball club; (Laurence) Maroney is a helluva runner and you can't arm tackle him.
"They still have Randy Moss and if you let him beat you he will get you ---- you have to know what he is doing and where he is. He was with me up in Minnesota and I've seen enough of Randy Moss do know what he can do.''
But what can the Chargers do? How can their No. 18-ranked run defense ---- allowed a season-high 167 yards last week in the Miami loss ---- get stout and force backup quarterback Matt Cassel into obvious passing situations? A healthy tackle Jamal Williams would help. And the Pro Bowler said he's feeling better after two offseason knee surgeries.
"I don't know why I keep getting that question ,'' Williams said "It feels pretty good; steady improvement.''
While Williams has been stiff early, he claims he's not far from his usual self.
"I don't know if that's really the problem,'' he said. "It's just getting back in the groove, the football thing, because you gotta remember I didn't do any of the offseason practices and then most of the training camp. So it's basically getting my reps and my recognitions out there. It's coming along.''
The Chargers have a chunk of highway facing them in trying to speed past their slow start. And what better team than the Patriots ---- who eliminated them from the past two playoffs, including last season's AFC Championship Game ---- to make a statement.
The Chargers have been all hat and no cattle in their last three games against the Patriots.
They've talked the talk, but the Chargers couldn't back it up in three losses.
"They know they are going to play a good team,'' Cottrell said. "There isn't a bunch of rah-rah speeches or bullet board material.
"All you have to say is 'New England Patriots' and that's enough said right there. They are a damn good team and have been for a while.''
Remember when that was said about the Chargers' defense?
Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
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Jimbo wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:02 PM:The only way the Chargers can win this game is to get a bunch of points up on the Pats early on and then grind out it. They will not win trading TDs with these guys. The only other way would be for the Pats to gift a win with a bunch of mistakes and turnovers.
Bolt Believer challenges Jimbo Toilet Raidermann wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:23 PM:I believe the Locked & Bolted Defense will show up on the national stage.So much so I am willing to stay off this website the following week if we lose, (mon thru sunday), if Jimbo, Toilet & Raidermann will stay off if we win. If these guys are men they will accept the challenge ???
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:47 PM:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORVACAIN:
Pronunciation: NOR-VA-CAIN
Norvacain is a fast working drug. Norvacain is injected into the heart of a football team in an attempt to replace a Motivational Coach with an Offensive Coordinator with the intensity of a librarian. Though it may be worth trying, this injection alone is enough to make Fans nervous about any football game where player intensity may be required. The risk is that usually one season of Norvacain could potentially be dangerous to the health of the team by numbing the team for the duration of any football Championship window.
Along with its known effects, Norvacain may cause some unwanted effects, such as ,passive, unmotivated play, lack of focus and intensity, fatigue, playing under players potential, demise of leadership, breakdown of the team unit, loss of team character, emotionless and unprepared gameplanning, becoming injury prone.
Team Captains will attempt to call team meetings in an effort to bolster the troops in an effort to ward off this invasion, however, continued exposure to the Norvacain soon proves fatal to the Team chemistry and players frustration soon begin to fester.
Early warning signs are when the Defensive Captain states:
It took me a while,” Merriman conceded Monday. “I kind of get rowdy, get up for a game by yelling and screaming and everything else, and Norv wasn’t like that.” He added, “I’m waiting to hear him tell me to get up and run through that wall over there, and it never happened.”
Fans being exposed to literally watching their team transition from being a perennial Championship team to a team best remembered for playing at a waterpark, soon experience any of the following side affects,
loss of Appetite,high blood Pressure, Bluish lips and fingernails; breathing problems; chest pain; convulsions (seizures); dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; fever; headache; irregular heartbeat; itching; nausea and/or vomiting; pale skin; raised red swellings on the skin lips tongue or in the throat; rapid heart rate; restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness; Back pain; constipation; difficulty in opening the mouth; inability to hold bowel movement and/or urine; loss of sexual function; paralysis of legs; persistent numbness; prolonged numbness or tingling of lips and mouth; shivering; skin rash; tingling or pins and needles sensation.
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:48 PM:Why should I take the bet?
Whats in it for me?
What makes me less of a man if I dont?
I see no upside.
re toilet duck wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:20 PM:Apparently you are not so sure of your own convictions
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:07 PM:First props to the story provided the "NORVACAIN". That' s frek'en brilliant!!!! Dolt believer < if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the blog. All bets are off... You will lose anyway 31-17
James wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:10 PM:Toilet Duck is a little caitiff.
Dude, you have way to much time on your hands. No time to read that lengthy drivel up there have a nice night Lars!
Ric in Delaware wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:59 AM:Teddy has got the old kool aid bottle out and is taking copious amounts of that good old brew concocted by AJ,Norv,Dean, and Teddy. He thinks they have played pretty good in the second half. WHAT UNADULTERATED B.S.well if you compare them to the way they played the first half ,I guess you could call it pretty good, BUT, they gave up game winning drives in the first 2 games, in the second half TEDDY. and MIami ran out the clock on this once proud defense that is a shell of what it was last year. I am going to stand on what I said last year and leave at that .THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS WILL NEVER NEVER WIN A SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH NORV TURNER AS A HEAD COACH AND TED COTRELL AS A DC. The window of opportunnity will start to close on this group in the next 2 years or so I'ts a shame to see all this talent be wasted by a control freak GM who would rather have yes men as coaches rather than real men who know how to LEAD MEN. Also props to NORVACAIN brilliant stuff.
BoltBacker65 wrote on Oct 10, 2008 8:59 AM:I understand clearly when Norv Turner said that he isn't the motivational type of coach. His philosophy is that the players are professionals and it is up to them to be ready to play. This is crow turd, in my opinion.
Will someone rattle Norv's jug head a bit and tell him that, yes, the NFL's is a business, but only insofar as it makes the owners $$$$. It's still a sport and and players need to motivated. There are young fresh out of college players who do need to inspiration and that's part of a coach's job.
Maybe Norv's mentality is that of a CEO and as such, he just looks at the commodity and strategies for success without trully undertsanding the product on hand. Maybe he dictates more to his deputies TC in paticular without a greater understanding the chemistry for success.
So much for my 2 cents on corportate football and motivational speaking....Go Bolts!
PS some of you guys on the blog are hilarious...trying to be serious about what's what with the Bolts. Good entertainment.
gweed333 wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:45 AM:Nice, even when teddy is talking about the defenseive game plan for NE he is talking about not giving up too many big plays. Try talking about how you are going to play strong defense and go out there and stop the quarterback and go get the ball. Playing on your heels does not work in the NFL
wow wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:42 AM:Its pretty incredible that everyone has something to say but never have played professional football. Its amazing to think that you are more knowledgeable and clever that people who have been and played in the league for years. Toilet Duck, do you see Norv explaining to you how to be a better Plumber? Or Raidermann, is Ted Cottrell offering you advice on how to be a better gangbanger? No, because they are concerned with their own job. Aj smith has the authority to make those decisions, as of right now you two only have the authority to write irrelevant banter, good for you, i hope you show your parents you still live with what you accomplished today and print it out and put it on the fridge.
FinsFan13 wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:51 AM:Just found out what's slowing down LTs production this year...too much Campbell's CHUNKY Soup! He's all over the commercial with Norv! LOL
Chargers forgot to show-up for the Dolphins game last week, dare I say, it was a sandwich game (probably looking forward at the Pats)?Time to focus Chargers, time to show up!
Let GO BOLTS! Beat the cheatin' Pats!
Thanks,
FinsFan
San Diego wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:58 AM:WE'RE GONNA KILL THEM PATS! GO CHARGERS!!!!! ... RAIDERS SUCK!!!
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:35 PM:James
Actually, I copied and pasted that from some Charger fan on the U-T Charger forum.
Did you actually think I spent time writing that?
Please?
But why should I leave the room when the surge of mediocrity will continue even if you win this game? Winning this game means nothing to your Super Bowl chances as your still an average team and in the middle of the pack win or lose.
Ill tell you what....
If youre playoff hopes arent KO'd by your bye week, Ill disappear for 3 weeks.
Hows that?
Ill bet youre no better than 3-5 by your bye week.
If your any better than that, Im gone for 3 weeks. However, if your 3-5 or worse, you leave for 3 weeks.
You will have been gone anyway but thats cool.
Ill be here talking about how the path is cleared for the new Raider empire thats about to go on another SB run over the next 2-3 years.
Im sure youll enjoy reading that too.
Jimbo wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:40 PM:Bolt Believer...dream on. Your wager doesn't prove anything. The Chargers defense will have it's hands full this week trying to stop Maroney and Moss. They are not playing Miami or the Raiders(two teams they should have thumped). Rivers will have deliver big this weekend to win. But he hasn't shown that ability. The schedule after the bye is easier...maybe still make the wildcard.
James wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:20 PM:Toilet Duck...again...way too much time on your hands...another boring e-mail. Raider Empire?...OXYMORON...The only reason you're here is because THE RAIDERS SUCK and the Chargers are relevant...enjoy the night LARS!
Jaque wrote on Oct 10, 2008 5:02 PM:Chargers will win, but without Brady at the helm of the Pats, I'd hardly call it redemption.
Chargers 28-24
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:27 PM:James, Wheather you like it or not you live in the RAIDER NATION. There are onlt 5 colors! RED-WHITE& BLUE-SILVER&BLACK.Hey Duck tell how it is! the only nation the CHOKERS have is punks with red or blue bandanas hanging out of thier left side pocket. That's a loser nation in S.D. I feel that Boltbacker is the only true fan of the S.D. The rest are fair-wheather fans. Pats 31-17 CHOKERS......
James wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:23 PM:Raidergirl...."Wheather"? Seriously, I'm really concerned with your functional illiteracy...I'm not surprised, you being a Raider Fan and all...I'm just baffled that an adult can be so ignorant! Anyway, enjoy playing your 15 hours of XBOX tonight...
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:17 PM:How are the Chargers relevant?
Thats a laugher.
Im here to talk smack as your SB dreams are crumbling.
Oxymoron?
Not with 5 SB trips and 3 Lombardi Trophies.
You wouldnt know anything about that kind of stuff since your team has been the worst team in the NFL over the past 4 decades.
This year wont see you get that elusive SB win to rub in Raider fans faces.
The window is closed!
Bandwagon wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:55 AM:Chargers all the way bro!! Raiderman and toilet breath love the Bolits. That's why they can't stay off the S.D. stories. Mad as heck cuz of our continued dominance over them. No SB? No problem. Still on the bandwagon!!!!
I fly my colors year round punksand especially if I see a Chokeland girl!! Do my victory dance around them. Maybe I should be a steeler fan, they have 5 SB trophies. NOT!!! S.D. FOR LIFE GEEKS!!!!
Toilets bet accepted wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:04 PM:It`s on, if the Chargers are 4-4 at the break Toilet takes a 3 week hiatus if their record is worse than 4-4 I`ll take 3 off. Bolt Believer
James wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:07 PM:So Toilet D?ck...I've heard you claim to be a Donkey fan too..which is it you little waffler... Relevant pertains to recent history...AND THE RAIDERS SUCK...Go on with your Al Bundy Glory Days living...YOU'RE PATHETIC AND SAD...I hope you had fun with Raidergirl playing your 15 hours of XBOX where the Raiders get their !@#$$ whooped as well!
T wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:52 PM:Never have I said to be a Bronco fan.
But beating us head to head during our down years after we went to a SB just 6 years ago is all you have?
Thats fine.
We play for SBs and we will go back once again like we do every decade.
You, on the other hand, are satisfied just beating the Raiders in between their SB trips. I have been a Raider fan for every SB trip except 1968 so I didnt become a Raider fan after they won.
Your Steeler analogy is lame as I have never switched teams.
Raider fan since 1970.
The bet is on and it is me that upped the ante after being told I didnt have the courage of my convictions.
Heres one.....
If you fail to go to the SB this year, you take all of 2009 off.
How about that one?
Charger fans remind me of some players who act as if they have never scored a TD before. Charger fans sure act as if they never have won before.
Thats because you havent and nothing changes this year either.
The Chargers are the worst team over the past 40 years.
No wonder you want to talk about the past 5 years so bad.
Toi wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:59 PM:Once again, all you can talk about is someone elses problems rebuilding after a SB trip.
Thats not your own success.
Beating the Raiders in between their SB trips is nothing absent your own success to rub in our faces.
So what?
When you win a SB, thats when I will really be bothered.
Until then, losing meaningless games in down years doesnt bother me when I know another SB trip is coming.
Youre just happy to beat the Raiders.
Thats success for you guys given that youve been the worst team in the NFL over the past 40 seasons.
Congratulations....
Love wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:12 PM:Who cares about your SSSSBBBBB's TOI. Yes I'm just happy (elated) to beat those muts, and anyone else we happen to whoop on. Worst team ever? SOO What! Still love the BOLTS!!!! NO PRESSURE! I'm especially happy not to be consumed with hating the raiders that bad. Get a Life haters!!
Toilet wrote on Oct 11, 2008 4:22 PM:Sure youre not.
Wheres the dynasty we were promised?
Bolt Believer wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:20 PM:Yes Toilet you did say you are a Bronco fan The archives only go back to sept 10th but you did say it. Inturies have mounted so I don`t think we are a lock to go to the SB but you never know. Would you like to take another 3 weeks off after the Chargers embarrass Al for the 11h time in a row
Boltboysgirls wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:57 PM:DON'T BE A HATER BE A "RAIDER" !!!!
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 12, 2008 12:12 AM:Are you sure youre not confused from when I was rooting for Denver to beat the Chargers?
I think youy assumed that I was a Donkey fan and im not.
Nope, born and raised in Monterey California and Ive been a Raider fan for 39 years.
BTW, I dont hate the Bolts as my old HS buddy is their LB coach.
Toi wrote on Oct 12, 2008 4:05 AM:How does a Super Bowl contender embarrass a team thats rebuilding?
Oh thats right, youre not a SB contender anymore.
What was embarrassing was seeing a rebuilding team thouroghly dominate a SB contender for most of the game.Since youre a SB contender, or at least claim you are, and we are rebuilding, I will need 14 points to take that bet.
Deal?
14 points and youre on.....
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