CHARGERS: Mood swing: Week after Miami mess, Chargers pummel nemesis Patriots
By MIKE SULLIVAN - North County Times | ∞
Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson jumps into the arms of teammate Malcom Floyd after Floyd's first-quarter touchdown against the Patriots. Photo by Don Boomer - Staff photographer. SAN DIEGO ---- One Sunday night earlier, the Chargers returned to San Diego on a cross-country flight from South Florida, licking their wounds in nearly complete silence. Very few words were uttered on the airplane, as players and coaches reflected on an embarrassing performance against Miami.
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Exactly one week later, the mood was completely different. The Chargers put on a scintillating all-around performance that was easily their best showing of an up-and-down season and delivered a crushing 30-10 victory over the Tom Brady-less New England Patriots before 68,704 at Qualcomm Stadium.
It was a remarkable seven-day turnaround, fueled by Philip Rivers' three touchdown passes and Vincent Jackson's career-best receiving day, as the Chargers routed the Patriots ---- the team that ousted them from each of the last two postseasons.
"You never can explain it," said Rivers, who passed for 306 yards. "You're not going to play perfect every week. I haven't seen a team do that yet. But we just came out and executed and played well.
"That's the tough thing about it ---- now you look back and say, 'Why couldn't we have done some better things last week?' That's the way it goes. Each week is a new week."
The Chargers (3-3) looked like an elite team Sunday in dismantling New England (3-2), which had won 12 consecutive road games, the second-longest streak in NFL history.
"They did a better job than we did," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I would say that about the players, the coaches, the whole works.
"The San Diego Chargers were better than the New England Patriots tonight. That' s across the board."
Shortly before game time, the Chargers learned that Denver (4-2) had lost to Jacksonville. Aware that a victory on the Sunday night stage would move them within a game of first place in the AFC West, they came out smoking hot, with Rivers completing a 48-yard throw to Jackson on the game's first play.
"It seems like we play our best when we need a win and our backs are against the wall," running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. "I wish we would approach every game like that."
The catch by Jackson (five receptions, 134 yards) set the tone, even though the opening drive stalled and the Chargers settled for Nate Kaeding's 24-yard field goal. What the initial play established was that the offense, which had sputtered early in games, wasn't going to be timid on this night.
That was reinforced on the Chargers' second possession when Rivers hit Malcom Floyd on the deep post pattern for a 49-yard touchdown to make it 10-0 just 11 minutes, two seconds into the game.
New England's Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 47-yard field goal midway through the second quarter to put the Patriots on the board, but the Chargers tacked on seven more points later in the period when Rivers threw a 3-yard scoring pass to Jackson to make it 17-3.
The Chargers also benefited from the inexperience of New England quarterback Matt Cassel, who hadn't started a game since high school (1999) before being thrust into the starting lineup due to Brady's season-ending knee injury.
On the opening drive of the third quarter, with the Patriots badly needing a score to cut into the Chargers' two-touchdown lead, Cassel made two key mistakes that prevented New England from pulling within seven points.
First, Cassel failed to hit Randy Moss on what would've been a 32-yard touchdown pass if his thrown had been in the vicinity of Moss, who had badly beaten Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
The Patriots recovered from the missed opportunity to reach the Chargers' 1-yard line, but then failed to score on the ensuing four plays. On the final play, Cassel froze and attempted to run, failing to spot tight end Benjamin Watson, who was running free in the end zone. Cassel was tackled at the 2.
"It was huge," said free safety Eric Weddle, who had 10 tackles. "The whole momentum went our way."
Indeed it did. The Chargers took over and marched 98 yards to take a 24-3 lead.
Rivers and Jackson teamed up for a 59-yard pass to the New England 35. Two plays later, Jackson had a step on Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs and was interfered with by Hobbs, the 32-yard infraction moving the ball to the 1.
Rivers hit Antonio Gates for a touchdown on the next play and the Patriots never again seriously threatened.
"Unbelievable goal-line stand, unbelievable," Rivers said. "The swing of events there ---- they have a chance to cut it to seven to you're up 21, just like that."
And just like that, the Chargers' season has a new feel. A loss to New England would've left the Chargers with a 2-4 record and close to being placed on life support.
"We looked at it as a must-win," said cornerback Quentin Jammer, who had an interception while playing a solid all-around game. "You really don't want to start the season 2-4 and have to dog your way out of it. We had a hard time last year, so being 3-3 is huge."
Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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A Happy Bolt Believer wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:26 PM:One more Bolt win in the next two games & Toilet Duck is gone for 3 weeks & I expect NCT to abide by the bet
Cant belive it wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:33 PM:The Pats played thier worst game, against a team that should have lost. If only Brady was there! We'll i have to say Chokers still suck! My Saints will tear them apart in London.
Umm.. wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:18 PM:Don't worry. The Chargers will be back (to loosing) next week.
Go Chargers! Go! All the way to Chula Vista!
Get help wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:43 PM:My Saints ? Are you a Raiders fan A Broncos fan or a Saints fan ???? Make up your mind schitzofrenic. Toilet ? Raidermann ?
James wrote on Oct 12, 2008 10:46 PM:Hey Toilet D?ck,
34-3? Really? Is that what you call up and coming? The HEARTLESS RAIDERS can't even rally for their new coach...WORST TEAM IN THE NFL...Up and coming? YOUR DELUSIONAL...Davis ain't dying until he's 90...12 more years of losing seasons...HAVE FUN.
Chargers open a big can of whoop !@# on the PATS...period!
The Donkey's lose...karma's a b#$%%.
Hey James wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:07 AM:looks like you got a serious problem with the Bronco's. Why bring them into this? It is your win!! The bronco's have/had nothing to do with it. Are you tht worried about it?
By the way.....BRONCO'S ARE STILL AHEAD OF YOU..hahahaha
Cutlers worse than Elway wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:55 AM:Chargers win, Broncs lose, back to a game out of first, should be in first if not for Hochuli. Cutler and his dirt haircut need to bit a little bit more humble before claiming they are the next messiah. As for Raiders, its not even funny, just sad, they are like midgets trying to play basketball, they can try but just never gonna be successful.
Saints wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:12 AM:Wow! you guys win a game and off to the races. Come on the Pats played thier worst game in history, And the Chokers think they still have a chance to make the platoffs. Wake up, west coast is out this year!It's all about the NFC this year. So keep on floating on Rivers, he will be back doing things wrong again!. Who's the best running back in the NFL, Who's the #1 QB in the NFL nobody from the S.D. team. So stay on your ... blue HIGH horse, because it will run into the barn. See you losers in London if you cheap people can afford to go!
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:20 AM:I agree with Saints guy, You beat a team that didd'nt show up, don't take to much out this game. It should have been the other way. But, now the drama starts with all the traveling!!! Chokers always fail when they travel too much. My Raiders we'll thats a very DEEP subject. But they will finish better then they look. The CHokers & Obamama still suck!!!! 64 CHoker fans arested last night
Stan wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:20 AM:The answer is simple - the stars were aligned and the chargers were the better team on the field last night and they knew it early on. Momentum, momentum, momentum is the secert from here on. Early to bed and early to rise, onto the practice field. The team in the best physical condition wins - sometimes.
Sean C. wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:08 PM:Chargers got a much needed confidence boost Next up the Bills, Chargers should be favored. I`m thinking the Raiders will go with 350 lb guard Duke Robinson with that top 5 pick (again) in the 2009 NFL draft I actually would love to see the Chargers move up (from the 32nd pick) if we could get him at say the 7th or 8th pick LT would jump for joy
RE Raidermann wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:18 PM:So in other words you agree with yourself. Will you & your fat wallet be attending the Chargers game in London ?
James wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:36 PM:I'm amazed at the functional illiteracy, but not surprised, from all the anti-Charger fans...
ONCE AND FOR ALL: "LOSING" IS NOT SPELLED "LOOSING"...SERIOUSLY, READ A BOOK OR SOMETHING.
WHY BRING THE BRONCOS INTO THIS?...BECAUSE YOU LOSERS ALWAYS COME ON THIS SITE...THAT'S WHY...GO ENJOY YOUR 15 HOURS OF X-BOX WITH RAIDERGIRL.
"A very deep subject?" Raidergirl...Hilarious...well enjoy 15 more years of deep sh?t until Al Dies!
MRFilthy wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:50 PM:Dont care for a superbowl. Just as long as the Chargers beat the Gayders twice a year, im fine.
MRFilthy wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:55 PM:Dont care for a superbowl. Just as long as the Chargers beat the G@yders twice a year, im fine.
BoltBacker65 wrote on Oct 13, 2008 2:33 PM:It's pathetic to see all the Charger haters dogging them for winning. You guys talk about how the Chargers make excuses. So now who's making the excuses. Damn, dudes you're no better.
You say because Brady's out and the Pats didn't show up. Get a life and see that no team is spared the injury bug and on any given Sunday any team can beat any other team. Ask the Fish vs Texans and the 'Skins vs Rams.
Man up and admit that the Chargers were the better team last night. Sure, if Brady were playing things might have been different, but remember when the Bolts thumped New England at home by a huge margin a couple of years ago? And Brady was playing? The Bolts shut him down and dominated the game. And coach Bellichek said the same thing he said last night. The Pats were beaten in all aspects of the game.
On to Buffalo and let's see if the Chargers can sustain the momentum. One game at a time. You Saints fans (aka Raiders, Broncos or ??? fans) will have to wait a couple weeks and we'll find out soon enough. Meantime, focus on who you'll be playing Sunday, ok?
Go Bolts!
3TimePatsFan wrote on Oct 13, 2008 3:02 PM:I can't belive my Pats have now bee beat'en by the 2 worst teams in the NFL, the fish & Dolts. What has come of the 3 Time Champs. The Dolt's will fail. Last night was a fluke. The Dolts are not that good, but have some good things. Hows that other QB doing "Breeze".
RaiderHater wrote on Oct 13, 2008 3:18 PM:the Raiders will continue to SUCK. The Chargers are a better TEAM and are palying better football. It is pretty simple. We got a bad call in Denver and Lost. we were a better TEAM last night and we won. Who cares if the Pats showed up, they were there to play and they were there to win however they LOST plain and simple. GO BOLTS!!!!!
DA BOLTS wrote on Oct 13, 2008 5:14 PM:Kicked butt yesterday. These haters can't even be men enough to give Jackson some credit. No respect for that. I'ts cool to see al the crying and whinning from the losers. GO CHARGERS!!!
Cambell Soup wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:39 PM:I know im not the only that saw lt's new soup ad. But I have to say, The last time I saw a mouth that BIG it had a hook in it!!!!!!!!! GO BILLS
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:37 PM:First, this win for SD is no big deal since I expected it.
Thats why I didnt frame that bet that way. You were at home where you play an elevated game. You had the revenge factor, you were desperate for a win and the Pats are a major MASH unit. There were 3 plays that Brady would have made that stood out and show the Bolts benefitted by playing a QB that couldnt make proper decisions.
Thats why I framed the bet that way.
However, now you go on the road where you dont play nearly as well.
Ill be happy to vacate for 3 weeks if you win and go to the minimum 4-4 record for me to comply.
But do you really think 4-4 will be a position to make a playoff run with your second half schedule?
I dont.
I win if youre 4-4 by virtue of the fact that you wont make the playoffs.
Ill take that bet too when the time comes.
As for the Raiders?
Did anyone notice how the team played to its weaknesses by throwing the ball?
I did.
Thats because Al wants to get the young QB up to snuff in the passing game and Kiffin wasnt doing that. He was playing to our strengths and that isnt going to make J Russ any better. We could have handed it to McFadden 35 times and made the game closer by playing to our strengths instead of our weaknesses but we still would have lost the game and our QB wouldnt have benefitted.
Personally, I would rather see us lose every game this year and have our QBOTF gain valauble experience in the passing game that can make our offense better in the future.
Whether we win 3 games or 6 wont matter.
Remember when Drew Brees stunk like that?
I do and its why AJ drafted Rivers.
Because Brees was stinking up the joint but people forget that.
Therefore, I have no problem with us losing like that.
Its sort of like a baseball player that cant hit a curveball yet only practices hitting fastballs. He needs to practice the part of his game thats weak and not his strengths. The same goes for us so anyone who thinks we will see the progress in the first week of things is an idiot and doesnt know the game.Im patient and I will enjoy watching the young QB develop through every boneheded throw and mistake. .
Thats because Kiffin was babying him.
When I heard that we were going to throw more, I expected to see what we saw.
Therefore, it doesnt bother me because this was to be expected.
If hes till stinking it up in 2 years, then talk to me but I never said we would win this year.
Im patient so youre not getting to me.
Your team, or any other division rival getting a SB win would be what would bother me.
Weve already got our SBs.
Theres a reason I dont clown on Bronco fans as they have been to 6 SBs and won 2 of them.
I respect their franchise for it too.
Maybe that confused some to think I was a Bronco fan but Im not.
I respect teams that have won SBs and if you guys ever do that, I will respect your team too.
But not when you talk like you have.
You have to earn it like Denver did.
Thats not happening this year though so were both going to be losers in the end.
The Raiders were expected to struggle but whats your excuse?
The window is closing fast regardless of this win over NE.
Thats the story!
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:41 PM:Show me the SB appearences.....
Nothing else matters.
James wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:37 AM:Toilet D?ck,
You should be a politician because your B.S. is amazing. Never before have I seen a fan that is so delusional it almost makes me feel sorry for you...
Your take on the Raiders is long, boring and ludicrous. You don't get it do you? AL DAVIS IS THE PROBLEM! DUDE'S NOT DYING UNTIL HE'S 90. ENJOY FIGHTING IT OUT WITH THE LIONS FOR WORST SPORTS FRANCHISE OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
Da Plumber wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:46 AM:Been working on plumbing and drainage systems for over 12 years and have run into a variety of problems that affect flow...roots, hair, cat litter, etc.
There's only one problem that baffles me. Every time you try to flush down a Toilet Duck it pops right back up. I guess the yellow rubbery skin and hot air helps it float in there among the turds...???
Anyway, keep up the good work Toilet Duck. Your future has two outcomes...upward and outward or a watery, downward spiral into the depths of obliviion or the Pacific with stops at Encina?
Nah really, it's all good...lol
Charger girl wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:03 AM:I think it's funny how you raider fans come on here and try to justify your comments about how terrible the chargers are. Are you people serious? You have no credibility because of the team you choose to root for. Go to your raider message boards and post your comments there with your fellow raider fans that are in denial too. Go chargers!!!
Jimbo wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:35 PM:Big win, but beating a Brady-less Pats is not so great. The Chargers play better when they are considered underdogs and wear the baby blues. Rivers got lucky on a few early heaves that could have gone the other way, but it put the Chargers up quick. Next up is a strong Bills team and then the Chargers will have to face Mr. Brees in London.
James wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:06 PM:Jimbo, lucky on a few heaves? HE'S THE TOP RATED QB IN THE LEAGUE YOU SIMPLETON.
SERIOUSLY, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MAN CRUSH ON BREES ANYMORE....!@#$
Toi wrote on Oct 17, 2008 2:10 AM:James
Then explain to me why Gruden is 8 games under .500 since that SB win over us.
Wasnt he supposed to flourish without Als meddling?
He hasnt.
He has no excuses since he inherited a SB caliber defense but its gone downhill since then and now hes on the hotseat. If Al was the problem, then why have Grudens teams been ULTRA MEDIOCRE the past 5 years?
Hes not even a .500 coach since that SB win.
Im not imagining that and it doesnt support your argument that Al is the problem when Gruden hasnt done so well without him since that SB win. He inherited Dungys team and wasnt able to keep it together where in Oakland, he inherited a 4-12 team and built it to a SB contender.
But that was with Al Davis.
Care to explain that to me?
Why cant Gruden win 50% of his games with a SB caliber team when he was set free of all Als meddling?
Explain that to me....
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