So it’s past 2:30 am and I’m up in Seattle (if you think about it, that could mean different things). Anyway, I figured I could pass the time by jotting down some thoughts in the Brain. Initially, I thought I could get started on my resolutions for ‘09, but I didn’t want to do that with a half working brain. Hmm… there goes any chance of having a deep theological entry as well. Sports it is!
In my opinion, it is a great year to be a Chargers fan. Honestly, this season has not been the Chargers’ best. There have been too many last minute losses in games that we should have won. The defense has let us down on more than one occasion. Norv’s coaching has been suspect at times. The referees seem to have this thing against us. But still, it is a good year. Here are some reasons why:
1. We’re riding under the radar. Even going into the playoffs, almost every sports writer and analyst already has counted us out. They are so confident that “MVP-to-be” Peyton Manning will tear us apart that they don’t give the Chargers a chance. Of course we are playing Indy when they are at their best, but that will make winning that much sweeter. I like being the underdog. It’s a good place for this team.
2. No All-Pros or MVP candidates. The Chargers are playing team football at its best. Even with all the struggles on the field, it seemed like the media needed to make up stories about problems in the locker room. Every Charger fan should be happy that we are not Dallas. We don’t have whiny players who get unhinged after a bad loss. Our guys stick together and back their coach. I like the fact that Rivers can play as the top rated QB in the league through the playoffs and not be in all the buzz about MVP.
3. Robbed by Pro Bowl voting. How Brett Favre gets into the Pro Bowl before Philip Rivers is beyond me, but there were others on the Chargers who I think got snubbed. Scifres totally should have made it. And Sproles was a good candidate for a special teams position. Jamal Williams is crazy at nose tackle as well.
4. Everything isn’t riding on how LT plays. I don’t think LT is done. His injuries obviously slowed him down early in the season and got this team to rely on a passing offense. But what I do like is that even when he has an off day, others shine in spite of it. Rivers is having a terrific year. Sproles is playing so well, he could be a legitimate starter. Floyd and Jackson seem to catch everything. And Gates is getting back in the mix. Perhaps his groin injury won’t be that hurtful to the team afterall.
5. The defense is playing better. I didn’t say well. We’re still giving up a ton of points. But still, at this point, if we score 30 points, we’re probably going to win. They seemed to improve more and more dramatically with each successive later game in the season. I’m sure this will carry on into the playoffs.
6. Kaeding is the man. This hasn’t been his best season, but his 57 yarder against the Bucs was the man.
Some of these might seem like negatives, but honestly, I like the fact that this hasn’t been an all out spectacular season. I really hope the Chargers go all the way and win the whole thing. It would set a good example for the NFL about how a team should play, overcome hardship, and stick together in low times. The Chargers have been all about beating the odds this season (sorry Denver). Let’s hope they continue the trend.
OK, in order to avoid posts like this in the future, I need to stop taking afternoon naps. =)
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