This post is dedicated to my best friend Ben Iverson! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Chargers dominate Cowboys in preseason opener
By Kevin Acee (San Diego Tribune) :
If the Dallas Cowboys play their second-team defense when these teams meet in Super Bowl XLIII, the Chargers will kill them.
Or, failing that, if the Chargers find themselves facing a third-string Cowboys punt returner and really old backup quarterback, maybe the Chargers will just force turnover after turnover.
Many believe the Chargers and Cowboys could meet again in Tampa in February. If so, the teams will look a little different than they did during last night's 31-17 Chargers victory in both teams' preseason opener.
“It's hard to take something from that,” Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips said. “We didn't get to play for four quarters.”
The good stuff:
Third-round draft pick Jacob Hester scored two touchdowns and ran over a few people. First-round pick Antoine Cason broke up a third-down pass to end his first series. Second-year linebacker Jyles Tucker was everywhere.
Philip Rivers was as strong as he has been all training camp, and just as he did last season, Chris Chambers had something to do with that. Rookie fullback Mike Tolbert blocked on a Hester touchdown and then scored one himself. Quentin Jammer intercepted a pass. The Chargers starters eventually tackled well.
And players said that everything went smoothly, in stark contrast to Norv Turner's first preseason. “The communication was good, the chemistry was good,” Phillips said. “That's a good start.”
There was a little to at least be concerned about at the beginning.
The Chargers' offensive line – minus injured Marcus McNeill and with Jeremy Newberry making his first start in place of Nick Hardwick at center – was ineffective against Dallas' first team defense. And with a couple cutbacks, the Cowboys ballcarriers had linebackers overpursuing and having flashbacks of Adrian Peterson.
But what the Chargers' first unit and then their subs did to the Cowboys' reserves made it easy to overlook, for a night, the game's uninspiring start.
The reality was, on Dallas' first series, with starters from both teams in, the Cowboys rammed it down the Chargers' throats.
“Defense was good,” Jammer said. “We started off slow, but we started to come along once we warmed up. This is our first preseason game, so of course it's going to be a little rusty.”
The first quarter of this preseason looked a little like that final quarter in the AFC Championship Game. With both teams playing a basic scheme, the Cowboys drove 54 yards on eight plays, 26 unspectacular yards coming on the ground, to go up 7-0.
Meanwhile, the Chargers' first two drives, sans LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates, were fitful, even backward.
Then the takeaways came, just as they did last season when the Chargers led the NFL with 48 of them. And, also just like 2007, special teams had a lot to do with the Chargers' success.
With 5½ minutes remaining in the first quarter, Danny Amendola fielded Mike Scifres' second punt at the 23 and ran seven yards before Paul Oliver jarred the ball from his grasp and Brandon Siler fell on the ball in a pile.
The league's leading takeaway team in 2007 got the ball back at the 31. Four plays later, the game was tied.
One play after he almost got in from the 3-yard line, Hester bulled through from the 1 behind a block from Tolbert.
The Cowboys, by then quarterbacked by Brad Johnson in place of starter Tony Romo, took over at their 18 and were driving until Tucker chased Johnson into a throw directly at Jammer, who intercepted the pass and returned it 11 yards to the Chargers' 45-yard line.
A 21-yard Chambers reception, a 21-yard gain by Darren Sproles off a screen, a 4-yard Hester run and a 4-yard penalty led to a 5-yard Sproles run into the end zone.
That quick, it was 14-7.
“You start out with a three-and-out and obviously you want to get it going early,” said Rivers, who left the game at that point, having completed 5-of-6 passes for 54 yards. “We bounced right back and got the ball in the end zone twice. Preseason, you want to get it going early. You want to protect the football, which we did.”
Clearly the deeper team, the Chargers were up 24-10 at halftime and 31-10 some 6½ minutes into the third quarter.
“We worked out there,” free safety Eric Weddle said. “No matter who you're going against, you have to work. They caught us early doing quick, short passes. We battled back, got out of that. We did a lot of good things.”
Or, failing that, if the Chargers find themselves facing a third-string Cowboys punt returner and really old backup quarterback, maybe the Chargers will just force turnover after turnover.
Many believe the Chargers and Cowboys could meet again in Tampa in February. If so, the teams will look a little different than they did during last night's 31-17 Chargers victory in both teams' preseason opener.
“It's hard to take something from that,” Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips said. “We didn't get to play for four quarters.”
The good stuff:
Third-round draft pick Jacob Hester scored two touchdowns and ran over a few people. First-round pick Antoine Cason broke up a third-down pass to end his first series. Second-year linebacker Jyles Tucker was everywhere.
Philip Rivers was as strong as he has been all training camp, and just as he did last season, Chris Chambers had something to do with that. Rookie fullback Mike Tolbert blocked on a Hester touchdown and then scored one himself. Quentin Jammer intercepted a pass. The Chargers starters eventually tackled well.
And players said that everything went smoothly, in stark contrast to Norv Turner's first preseason. “The communication was good, the chemistry was good,” Phillips said. “That's a good start.”
There was a little to at least be concerned about at the beginning.
The Chargers' offensive line – minus injured Marcus McNeill and with Jeremy Newberry making his first start in place of Nick Hardwick at center – was ineffective against Dallas' first team defense. And with a couple cutbacks, the Cowboys ballcarriers had linebackers overpursuing and having flashbacks of Adrian Peterson.
But what the Chargers' first unit and then their subs did to the Cowboys' reserves made it easy to overlook, for a night, the game's uninspiring start.
The reality was, on Dallas' first series, with starters from both teams in, the Cowboys rammed it down the Chargers' throats.
“Defense was good,” Jammer said. “We started off slow, but we started to come along once we warmed up. This is our first preseason game, so of course it's going to be a little rusty.”
The first quarter of this preseason looked a little like that final quarter in the AFC Championship Game. With both teams playing a basic scheme, the Cowboys drove 54 yards on eight plays, 26 unspectacular yards coming on the ground, to go up 7-0.
Meanwhile, the Chargers' first two drives, sans LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates, were fitful, even backward.
Then the takeaways came, just as they did last season when the Chargers led the NFL with 48 of them. And, also just like 2007, special teams had a lot to do with the Chargers' success.
With 5½ minutes remaining in the first quarter, Danny Amendola fielded Mike Scifres' second punt at the 23 and ran seven yards before Paul Oliver jarred the ball from his grasp and Brandon Siler fell on the ball in a pile.
The league's leading takeaway team in 2007 got the ball back at the 31. Four plays later, the game was tied.
One play after he almost got in from the 3-yard line, Hester bulled through from the 1 behind a block from Tolbert.
The Cowboys, by then quarterbacked by Brad Johnson in place of starter Tony Romo, took over at their 18 and were driving until Tucker chased Johnson into a throw directly at Jammer, who intercepted the pass and returned it 11 yards to the Chargers' 45-yard line.
A 21-yard Chambers reception, a 21-yard gain by Darren Sproles off a screen, a 4-yard Hester run and a 4-yard penalty led to a 5-yard Sproles run into the end zone.
That quick, it was 14-7.
“You start out with a three-and-out and obviously you want to get it going early,” said Rivers, who left the game at that point, having completed 5-of-6 passes for 54 yards. “We bounced right back and got the ball in the end zone twice. Preseason, you want to get it going early. You want to protect the football, which we did.”
Clearly the deeper team, the Chargers were up 24-10 at halftime and 31-10 some 6½ minutes into the third quarter.
“We worked out there,” free safety Eric Weddle said. “No matter who you're going against, you have to work. They caught us early doing quick, short passes. We battled back, got out of that. We did a lot of good things.”
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chargers unveil code of conduct for fans
SAN DIEGO – A stricter code of conduct for Chargers fans was unveiled Wednesday in an effort to prevent obnoxious behavior and alcohol-fueled fights at Qualcomm Stadium this season.
The rules, which go into effect at Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, will extend to all events that are held at the stadium year-round.“There's a very small percentage of folks who come to events and create problems for those who want to enjoy the game,” said stadium manager Mike McSweeney during a news conference Wednesday.
The fan code of conduct was first started in 2006 and has expanded with stricter policies on alcohol and tailgating.
Some new policies for the upcoming season are:
Fans will be limited to two drinks per purchase until the start of the third quarter. After that, a one-drink limit per transaction goes into effect. No alcohol will be sold in the fourth quarter.
Alcohol sales during the Dec. 4 Oakland Raiders game will cease after the first half.
Fans without pre-paid parking permits will be allowed into the parking lot four hours before kickoff. Those with permits will still have access five hours before the start of the game.
Fans will be able to use cell phones to text security officers for assistance during the game if they encounter problems. Details of the text system will be released when it becomes available.
Alcohol management teams will monitor fans inside the stadium and kick people out who they deem are drunk.
San Diego police Lt. Dan Christman said fans can also expect a greater police presence in the parking lot before games and at stadium gates.
More DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are planned in the area on game days.
Last year, an average of 15 people were arrested per home game, Christman said, and another 45 were asked to leave the stadium by police for breaking the rules.
Officials warned that those who misbehave also risk losing their season tickets.
Over the last two years, the Chargers revoked the season tickets of about 700 fans for violating the code of conduct. Those offenders also lost privileges to buy future season tickets, said Jim Steeg, the team's chief operating officer.
“The fans asked us to take action against the small portion who continue to be inconsiderate to others,” Steeg said.
Officials plan to educate the public about the new behavior policies through JumboTron messages, fliers and on stadium signs. The new rules have also been outlined in letters mailed to about 62,000 season ticket holders this week.
The rules, which go into effect at Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, will extend to all events that are held at the stadium year-round.“There's a very small percentage of folks who come to events and create problems for those who want to enjoy the game,” said stadium manager Mike McSweeney during a news conference Wednesday.
The fan code of conduct was first started in 2006 and has expanded with stricter policies on alcohol and tailgating.
Some new policies for the upcoming season are:
Fans will be limited to two drinks per purchase until the start of the third quarter. After that, a one-drink limit per transaction goes into effect. No alcohol will be sold in the fourth quarter.
Alcohol sales during the Dec. 4 Oakland Raiders game will cease after the first half.
Fans without pre-paid parking permits will be allowed into the parking lot four hours before kickoff. Those with permits will still have access five hours before the start of the game.
Fans will be able to use cell phones to text security officers for assistance during the game if they encounter problems. Details of the text system will be released when it becomes available.
Alcohol management teams will monitor fans inside the stadium and kick people out who they deem are drunk.
San Diego police Lt. Dan Christman said fans can also expect a greater police presence in the parking lot before games and at stadium gates.
More DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are planned in the area on game days.
Last year, an average of 15 people were arrested per home game, Christman said, and another 45 were asked to leave the stadium by police for breaking the rules.
Officials warned that those who misbehave also risk losing their season tickets.
Over the last two years, the Chargers revoked the season tickets of about 700 fans for violating the code of conduct. Those offenders also lost privileges to buy future season tickets, said Jim Steeg, the team's chief operating officer.
“The fans asked us to take action against the small portion who continue to be inconsiderate to others,” Steeg said.
Officials plan to educate the public about the new behavior policies through JumboTron messages, fliers and on stadium signs. The new rules have also been outlined in letters mailed to about 62,000 season ticket holders this week.
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Charger Update
• With camp entering its second week, there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel—an exhibition game against the Cowboys. “The end of the week, you get that anticipation for a game,” coach Norv Turner said. “We’ve got to zero in. We don’t particularly game plan for Dallas but we have to prepare for them so we know how to block them and the plays they like and how to defend them.”
• Inside linebacker Derek Smith gets to enjoy one of his hobbies by playing for the Chargers—surfing. “I’m not that good, but it’s fun just to get out there,” he said.
• Quarterback Philip Rivers took off his first practice on Friday, as the team takes it easy with his surgically repaired knee. “That was the plan all along,” Turner said.
• Norv Turner said the team doesn’t have an interest in safety John Lynch, the Torrey Pines (Del Mar) High product who was granted his release from the Broncos. “We like our group of guys and we are going to (go) with what we’ve got,” he said.
• Cornerback Quentin Jammer is doing his best to survive camp’s dog days. He had fun placing fake nameplates over his teammates’ lockers: LaDainian Tomlinson’s is Jim Frown; Antonio Gates’ is Phony Gonzalez and Antonio Cromartie’s is Chump Bailey. Jammer made one for himself: Pacman Jones.
• The Chargers are fortunate they open the season against the Panthers. Their defense won’t have to contend with Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith after the Panthers suspended him for the first two games for a training-camp fight.
• Inside linebacker Anthony Waters could return Monday after his recent knee surgery. The team was hoping Waters could compete for some significant playing time.
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has shaved his head and is donning a beard. He also has been practicing with a headband, paying tribute to his idol, Walter Payton.
Quote To Note: “I know he is making progress and he is on schedule. Every day he’s doing a little bit more, getting better. Our plan is to have him ready for the opening game and right now he is on schedule. Unless there is a setback, that would be my expectations.”—Coach Norv Turner, on Antonio Gates returning from his toe injury.
Strategy And Personnel
• DT Jamal Williams, entering his 11th season, has returned to team drills after sitting out the first week of camp to rest his knees.
• QB Philip Rivers, and the coaches, seem to think he has more arm strength this camp.
• ILB Stephen Cooper is getting most of the first-team snaps, although he will miss the first four games. As the team gets closer to the season opener and game-planning specifically for the Panthers, Derek Smith will see more action.
• K Nate Kaeding was on his game when the Chargers practiced at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday. He converted all six of his field-goal attempts, including a long of 55 yards.
• WR Vincent Jackson looks like he is building on last year’s fast finish, catching nearly every ball thrown his way.
Battle Of The Week: Cory Withrow vs. Jeremy Newberry for the expected starting C job—Starter Nick Hardwick remains out after offseason foot surgery and could miss the season’s first month. The team is looking at Withrow and Newberry to carry the load the first month. Withrow took over for Hardwick for four games last year, and was OK. Newberry was brought in as a free agent and seems to have the upper hand in this competition. Unless Newberry falters, he should win the job.
Other Battle Fronts: Darren Sproles vs. Antonio Cromartie vs. Mark Jones as the PR—Sproles is holding off Cromartie and Jones in his bid to keep his return job. Cromartie would probably be looked at more intently, but the team is hesitant to overwork their Pro Bowl cornerback. Jones is decent, but seems to be more of a fallback plan for the Chargers. … Malcom Floyd vs. Craig Davis for No. 3 WR spot—Floyd’s time with the Chargers has reached a critical point, where he needs to stay healthy and productive. The Chargers are hoping Davis, a first-round pick last year, can show more consistency. To date Floyd has the edge, but he had to miss time late last week with a minor leg injury. It’s imperative Floyd prove that he can stay on the field.
Player Of The Week: RB Darren Sproles—After being on the roster bubble last camp, the slightly built Sproles continues to impress with the quickness that he is hitting the hole, then shifting into another gear in space. His best play of the week was in Saturday’s practice at Qualcomm Stadium when the 5-foot-6 Sproles raced some 90 yards on a punt return for a touchdown. “Darren proved to me in the last seven or eight games (last season) that he can be a guy that can have an impact on the game and can have an impact on every game,” Turner said. “That’s our job as coaches to do that. You give him the opportunity and it’s not going to happen every week but he certainly is a guy that can change games.”
Injury Report:
• TE Antonio Gates (toe) is running with the trainer in drills, but still appears to be weeks away from practicing.
• C Nick Hardwick (foot) could miss the season’s first month.
• RB Andrew Pinnock (knee) has yet to practice and it’s a mystery when he might play in an exhibition game.
• LB Anthony Waters (knee) might be back as soon as Monday.
• Inside linebacker Derek Smith gets to enjoy one of his hobbies by playing for the Chargers—surfing. “I’m not that good, but it’s fun just to get out there,” he said.
• Quarterback Philip Rivers took off his first practice on Friday, as the team takes it easy with his surgically repaired knee. “That was the plan all along,” Turner said.
• Norv Turner said the team doesn’t have an interest in safety John Lynch, the Torrey Pines (Del Mar) High product who was granted his release from the Broncos. “We like our group of guys and we are going to (go) with what we’ve got,” he said.
• Cornerback Quentin Jammer is doing his best to survive camp’s dog days. He had fun placing fake nameplates over his teammates’ lockers: LaDainian Tomlinson’s is Jim Frown; Antonio Gates’ is Phony Gonzalez and Antonio Cromartie’s is Chump Bailey. Jammer made one for himself: Pacman Jones.
• The Chargers are fortunate they open the season against the Panthers. Their defense won’t have to contend with Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith after the Panthers suspended him for the first two games for a training-camp fight.
• Inside linebacker Anthony Waters could return Monday after his recent knee surgery. The team was hoping Waters could compete for some significant playing time.
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has shaved his head and is donning a beard. He also has been practicing with a headband, paying tribute to his idol, Walter Payton.
Quote To Note: “I know he is making progress and he is on schedule. Every day he’s doing a little bit more, getting better. Our plan is to have him ready for the opening game and right now he is on schedule. Unless there is a setback, that would be my expectations.”—Coach Norv Turner, on Antonio Gates returning from his toe injury.
Strategy And Personnel
• DT Jamal Williams, entering his 11th season, has returned to team drills after sitting out the first week of camp to rest his knees.
• QB Philip Rivers, and the coaches, seem to think he has more arm strength this camp.
• ILB Stephen Cooper is getting most of the first-team snaps, although he will miss the first four games. As the team gets closer to the season opener and game-planning specifically for the Panthers, Derek Smith will see more action.
• K Nate Kaeding was on his game when the Chargers practiced at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday. He converted all six of his field-goal attempts, including a long of 55 yards.
• WR Vincent Jackson looks like he is building on last year’s fast finish, catching nearly every ball thrown his way.
Battle Of The Week: Cory Withrow vs. Jeremy Newberry for the expected starting C job—Starter Nick Hardwick remains out after offseason foot surgery and could miss the season’s first month. The team is looking at Withrow and Newberry to carry the load the first month. Withrow took over for Hardwick for four games last year, and was OK. Newberry was brought in as a free agent and seems to have the upper hand in this competition. Unless Newberry falters, he should win the job.
Other Battle Fronts: Darren Sproles vs. Antonio Cromartie vs. Mark Jones as the PR—Sproles is holding off Cromartie and Jones in his bid to keep his return job. Cromartie would probably be looked at more intently, but the team is hesitant to overwork their Pro Bowl cornerback. Jones is decent, but seems to be more of a fallback plan for the Chargers. … Malcom Floyd vs. Craig Davis for No. 3 WR spot—Floyd’s time with the Chargers has reached a critical point, where he needs to stay healthy and productive. The Chargers are hoping Davis, a first-round pick last year, can show more consistency. To date Floyd has the edge, but he had to miss time late last week with a minor leg injury. It’s imperative Floyd prove that he can stay on the field.
Player Of The Week: RB Darren Sproles—After being on the roster bubble last camp, the slightly built Sproles continues to impress with the quickness that he is hitting the hole, then shifting into another gear in space. His best play of the week was in Saturday’s practice at Qualcomm Stadium when the 5-foot-6 Sproles raced some 90 yards on a punt return for a touchdown. “Darren proved to me in the last seven or eight games (last season) that he can be a guy that can have an impact on the game and can have an impact on every game,” Turner said. “That’s our job as coaches to do that. You give him the opportunity and it’s not going to happen every week but he certainly is a guy that can change games.”
Injury Report:
• TE Antonio Gates (toe) is running with the trainer in drills, but still appears to be weeks away from practicing.
• C Nick Hardwick (foot) could miss the season’s first month.
• RB Andrew Pinnock (knee) has yet to practice and it’s a mystery when he might play in an exhibition game.
• LB Anthony Waters (knee) might be back as soon as Monday.
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