Thoughts on AFC Title Game, Chargers team

[RhodyDave]

Now that the game is over and a night has passed giving me time to relax and get perspective I can comment on some of the things in the game.

Phillip Rivers is a warrior. I gained a ton of respect for him watching him play on a bad leg. The same goes for Gates - playing with a dislocated big toe is gutsy and he should get all the credit in the world for being on the field and putting his team ahead of himself. You can see where this is going...

LT. What to say about him that hasn't already been said? Charger fans should be angry and embarrassed about his lack of heart. LT likes to promote himself on his website as the "NFL's best player". Well, LaDonna Tempertantrumson, the NFL's best player wouldn't hide behind a shielded helmet and sulk all game long while his injured teammates gut out an inspired performance.

The NFL's best player would never whine after losing a game and calling the opponent classless, and that it starts with their head coach.

The NFL's best player wouldn't go around telling everyone how great his team is and that out of 10 games they'd beat another team 9 times. And then LOSE the next two games to that very team. One of those, in which you sat and hid rather than risk your body for the team, as some of your more severely injured teammates did.

I think LT's hyper-extended knee wasn't nearly as much of a problem as his lack of heart and courage. Charger fans, you must be disappointed by LT's big mouth and small heart.

On to the coaching now. Norv Turner was channeling Marty Schottenheimer in that game. How else to explain the baffling, mind-numbingly stupid decisions? Was it Norv's decision to not play LT? If so, he should be fired. If LT couldn't go, he should have been on the sidelines supporting his team, not sulking and hiding on the bench. I think they both carry the burden of blame on that.

Why did Norv elect to punt in the 4th quarter down by 9 points? There were 8-9 minutes left in the game at that point and they needed 2 scores. Punting only guarantees that you get the ball back with even less time and still needing those 2 scores. Serious Martyball moment.

The Chargers had everything they could have asked for in that game; they got 3 turnovers from Brady, who played his worst game ever in the playoffs. They were right there in the 4th quarter, playing well and giving the Patriots everything they had. Yet despite the turnovers, despite making Randy Moss irrelevant, despite Brady playing poorly, they still couldn't win. Thanks to Norv Turner for playing not to lose rather than to win.

For the Patriots, I can't believe how clutch Kevin Faulk has been. I think it's safe to say that he was MVP of that game last night, followed very closely by Laurence Maroney and then Wes Welker.

Maroney is a beast! He runs like Earl Campbell only in a smaller, faster package. It will be fun watching he and Brandon Jacobs destroy tacklers in 2 weeks.

Welker is the biggest offseason pickup this year. Yeah, I know about Moss, but seriously, everyone knew what to expect with Moss. No one knew that Welker was going to be so clutch and so valuable play after play after play.

Faulk does everything well, from kick and punt returns to running and receiving. This guy should be in the Patriots HOF when he is done.

Huge kudos the defense! No touchdowns allowed in a championship game is an incredible accomplishment. Seau is a freak of nature - 18 years in the league and he still produces at a high level. It was good to see Harrison play a smart game. The only thing that I am concerned about is the disappearance of Seymour and Thomas. Wilfork is the man!

Congrats to the Patriots for an historic season to this point. 1 more win and the job is done. Beat the Giants!!

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

Now that the game is over and a night has passed giving me time to relax and get perspective I can comment on some of the things in the game.

Phillip Rivers is a warrior. I gained a ton of respect for him watching him play on a bad leg. The same goes for Gates - playing with a dislocated big toe is gutsy and he should get all the credit in the world for being on the field and putting his team ahead of himself. You can see where this is going...

LT. What to say about him that hasn't already been said? Charger fans should be angry and embarrassed about his lack of heart. LT likes to promote himself on his website as the "NFL's best player". Well, LaDonna Tempertantrumson, the NFL's best player wouldn't hide behind a shielded helmet and sulk all game long while his injured teammates gut out an inspired performance.

The NFL's best player would never whine after losing a game and calling the opponent classless, and that it starts with their head coach.

The NFL's best player wouldn't go around telling everyone how great his team is and that out of 10 games they'd beat another team 9 times. And then LOSE the next two games to that very team. One of those, in which you sat and hid rather than risk your body for the team, as some of your more severely injured teammates did.

I think LT's hyper-extended knee wasn't nearly as much of a problem as his lack of heart and courage. Charger fans, you must be disappointed by LT's big mouth and small heart.

On to the coaching now. Norv Turner was channeling Marty Schottenheimer in that game. How else to explain the baffling, mind-numbingly stupid decisions? Was it Norv's decision to not play LT? If so, he should be fired. If LT couldn't go, he should have been on the sidelines supporting his team, not sulking and hiding on the bench. I think they both carry the burden of blame on that.

Why did Norv elect to punt in the 4th quarter down by 9 points? There were 8-9 minutes left in the game at that point and they needed 2 scores. Punting only guarantees that you get the ball back with even less time and still needing those 2 scores. Serious Martyball moment.

The Chargers had everything they could have asked for in that game; they got 3 turnovers from Brady, who played his worst game ever in the playoffs. They were right there in the 4th quarter, playing well and giving the Patriots everything they had. Yet despite the turnovers, despite making Randy Moss irrelevant, despite Brady playing poorly, they still couldn't win. Thanks to Norv Turner for playing not to lose rather than to win.

For the Patriots, I can't believe how clutch Kevin Faulk has been. I think it's safe to say that he was MVP of that game last night, followed very closely by Laurence Maroney and then Wes Welker.

Maroney is a beast! He runs like Earl Campbell only in a smaller, faster package. It will be fun watching he and Brandon Jacobs destroy tacklers in 2 weeks.

Welker is the biggest offseason pickup this year. Yeah, I know about Moss, but seriously, everyone knew what to expect with Moss. No one knew that Welker was going to be so clutch and so valuable play after play after play.

Faulk does everything well, from kick and punt returns to running and receiving. This guy should be in the Patriots HOF when he is done.

Huge kudos the defense! No touchdowns allowed in a championship game is an incredible accomplishment. Seau is a freak of nature - 18 years in the league and he still produces at a high level. It was good to see Harrison play a smart game. The only thing that I am concerned about his the disappearance of Seymour and Thomas. Wilfork is the man!

Congrats to the Patriots for an historic season to this point. 1 more win and the job is done. Beat the Giants!!

Exactly, I have said this all along, even started a post with this.

Welker has been our most valuable off season pick-up. People will argue Moss, but if they cover him we STILL need a slot receiver or a dependable alternative for Brady. Stallworth is not that guy.

Awesome game LoMo, Welker and FAULK....they picked up their play when their team needed them.

 

[ChargerFan~since'68]

As Charger fan I'll admit I was letdown. Of course, that he didn't play and help our team but also in his behavior. I'm not a doctor and can't comment on the extent of his injuries and while I understand his regret in not performing on the field he could have at least been more supportive on the sidelines. Either cheer your team [on crutches if needed] or go to the locker room and get treatment but just to sit there doing nothing wasn't helping his team's moral.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

As Charger fan I'll admit I was letdown. Of course, that he didn't play and help our team but also in his behavior. I'm not a doctor and can't comment on the extent of his injuries and while I understand his regret in not performing on the field he could have at least been more supportive on the sidelines. Either cheer your team [on cutches if needed] or go to the locker room and get treatment but just to sit there doing nothing wasn't helping his team's moral.

Good game Chargerfan. My view

1. Rivers
2. Gates
3. Jammer
Earned a ton of respect ! I still don;t like the trash crap from Rivers, but be that as it may, they played their hearts out

1. Igor
2. Hardwick
They are your new whiners and trash talkers. Another couple of idiots your team need to tell to shut up and play

1.LdT
Dropped 9 notches on a scale of 10 in terms of attitude and being a warrior to play thru pain. Sitting on a warm chair with Parka and helmet on the entire game......what a leader. This guy may have all the stats, but he is no class compared to a Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton

 

[Ootball]

Way too many fans on this site seem to also moonlight on the medical staff of the Chargers.

I heard this morning that LdT reinjured his knee on the very 1st play. It's one thing to "play through pain," and another to be so stubborn about playing that you're a liability to your team. The coaches knew it after the 1st series, and they made a decision about it.

If you want to jump on a player for not rah-rahing on the sideline, have at it, but enough w/ the "he's gutless for not playing through pain..."

 

[amazinPats]

Way too many fans on this site seem to also moonlight on the medical staff of the Chargers.

I heard this morning that LdT reinjured his knee on the very 1st play. It's one thing to "play through pain," and another to be so stubborn about playing that you're a liability to your team. The coaches knew it after the 1st series, and they made a decision about it.

If you want to jump on a player for not rah-rahing on the sideline, have at it, but enough w/ the "he's gutless for not playing through pain..."

Yeah, I feel the same way. He can be accused of selfishness for not cheering the team, but why go with an injured LT when you have two other good running backs with Turner and Sproiles? LT was injured. If he didn't think so much about his own skin, he could have tried to cheer on the sidelines. Don't knock him, however, for not entering the game.

 

[aluminum seats]

Who knows about injuries, but sitting there with the Darth Vader/Silence of the Lambs mask was absolutely pathetic.

I suspect that guy will have a horrendous year next year.

 

[ChargerFan~since'68]

As an athlete I can empathise with how another athlete reacts to injury. While it's speculation as to what injury LT occurred it's my understanding that this is his 1st serious leg injury [at least as a pro, maybe ever]. He's been very durable in the past and over came minor aggravations and performed. From the expression on his face in the Colts game he looked confused, like he's never dealt with this or this type of pain / injury before. If that's the case that good fortune may be actually hurt him on Sunday.

Regarding post-game comments. The best tactic is to be humble, in victory or defeat. Congratulate your opponent and move on. Anything else you say in the heat of the moment following a game is usually based on emotion and tends to come off badly.

 

[PrairiePat]

A running back with a bad leg is a whole different thing than a QB with a bad leg. If LT couldn't cut on that knee, he was better off on the bench.

As to his lack of cheerleading, who knows really. All we saw were a few shots during the game of him sitting on the bench. We don't know if he was talking to other players much or not. He certainly could have just gone into the locker room, so he at least gets credit for staying on the sidelines.

I'm not much of an LdT fan after last year's post-game diatribe, but it seems a bit unfair to pile on the guy when he was obviously injured and not able to go.

 

[Fanfrom1960]

Now that the game is over and a night has passed giving me time to relax and get perspective I can comment on some of the things in the game.

Phillip Rivers is a warrior. I gained a ton of respect for him watching him play on a bad leg. The same goes for Gates - playing with a dislocated big toe is gutsy and he should get all the credit in the world for being on the field and putting his team ahead of himself. You can see where this is going...

LT. What to say about him that hasn't already been said? Charger fans should be angry and embarrassed about his lack of heart. LT likes to promote himself on his website as the "NFL's best player". Well, LaDonna Tempertantrumson, the NFL's best player wouldn't hide behind a shielded helmet and sulk all game long while his injured teammates gut out an inspired performance.

The NFL's best player would never whine after losing a game and calling the opponent classless, and that it starts with their head coach.

The NFL's best player wouldn't go around telling everyone how great his team is and that out of 10 games they'd beat another team 9 times. And then LOSE the next two games to that very team. One of those, in which you sat and hid rather than risk your body for the team, as some of your more severely injured teammates did.

I think LT's hyper-extended knee wasn't nearly as much of a problem as his lack of heart and courage. Charger fans, you must be disappointed by LT's big mouth and small heart.

Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me. Have to go over to the San Diego Super Chargers forum to see what they're saying about Little Tantrum.

http://forums.chargers.com/showthread.php?t=53180

 

[Fanfrom1960]

I'm not much of an LdT fan after last year's post-game diatribe, but it seems a bit unfair to pile on the guy when he was obviously injured and not able to go.

Maybe, but it's stuff like last year's "diatribe", and his claiming all last week he'd play, but then sulks on the sideline without even becoming a vocal team supporter that will detract from his "legend". I was annoyed last year with the media elevating him to all time status with Barry Sanders and Walter Payton so soon. Now we shouldn't hear any such junk any more.

 

[Ootball]

Maybe, but it's stuff like last year's "diatribe", and his claiming all last week he'd play, but then sulks on the sideline without even becoming a vocal team supporter that will detract from his "legend". I was annoyed last year with the media elevating him to all time status with Barry Sanders and Walter Payton so soon. Now we shouldn't hear any such junk any more.

Say what you want, but LdT is their red zone guy. A healthy LdT yesterday, and they probably convert at least 1 & maybe 2 of those FG's to TD's.

Not saying they win, but it would have been a much more nerve-wracking experience for the Pats faithful.

 

[The Boston Patriot]

Now that the game is over and a night has passed giving me time to relax and get perspective I can comment on some of the things in the game.

Phillip Rivers is a warrior. I gained a ton of respect for him watching him play on a bad leg. The same goes for Gates - playing with a dislocated big toe is gutsy and he should get all the credit in the world for being on the field and putting his team ahead of himself. You can see where this is going...

LT. What to say about him that hasn't already been said? Charger fans should be angry and embarrassed about his lack of heart. LT likes to promote himself on his website as the "NFL's best player". Well, LaDonna Tempertantrumson, the NFL's best player wouldn't hide behind a shielded helmet and sulk all game long while his injured teammates gut out an inspired performance.

The NFL's best player would never whine after losing a game and calling the opponent classless, and that it starts with their head coach.

The NFL's best player wouldn't go around telling everyone how great his team is and that out of 10 games they'd beat another team 9 times. And then LOSE the next two games to that very team. One of those, in which you sat and hid rather than risk your body for the team, as some of your more severely injured teammates did.

I think LT's hyper-extended knee wasn't nearly as much of a problem as his lack of heart and courage. Charger fans, you must be disappointed by LT's big mouth and small heart.

On to the coaching now. Norv Turner was channeling Marty Schottenheimer in that game. How else to explain the baffling, mind-numbingly stupid decisions? Was it Norv's decision to not play LT? If so, he should be fired. If LT couldn't go, he should have been on the sidelines supporting his team, not sulking and hiding on the bench. I think they both carry the burden of blame on that.

Why did Norv elect to punt in the 4th quarter down by 9 points? There were 8-9 minutes left in the game at that point and they needed 2 scores. Punting only guarantees that you get the ball back with even less time and still needing those 2 scores. Serious Martyball moment.

The Chargers had everything they could have asked for in that game; they got 3 turnovers from Brady, who played his worst game ever in the playoffs. They were right there in the 4th quarter, playing well and giving the Patriots everything they had. Yet despite the turnovers, despite making Randy Moss irrelevant, despite Brady playing poorly, they still couldn't win. Thanks to Norv Turner for playing not to lose rather than to win.

For the Patriots, I can't believe how clutch Kevin Faulk has been. I think it's safe to say that he was MVP of that game last night, followed very closely by Laurence Maroney and then Wes Welker.

Maroney is a beast! He runs like Earl Campbell only in a smaller, faster package. It will be fun watching he and Brandon Jacobs destroy tacklers in 2 weeks.

Welker is the biggest offseason pickup this year. Yeah, I know about Moss, but seriously, everyone knew what to expect with Moss. No one knew that Welker was going to be so clutch and so valuable play after play after play.

Faulk does everything well, from kick and punt returns to running and receiving. This guy should be in the Patriots HOF when he is done.

Huge kudos the defense! No touchdowns allowed in a championship game is an incredible accomplishment. Seau is a freak of nature - 18 years in the league and he still produces at a high level. It was good to see Harrison play a smart game. The only thing that I am concerned about is the disappearance of Seymour and Thomas. Wilfork is the man!

Congrats to the Patriots for an historic season to this point. 1 more win and the job is done. Beat the Giants!!

You're kidding! Seymour and Thomas played great yesterday. SD's O-line
was getting killed from the pressure.

 

[RhodyDave]

Way too many fans on this site seem to also moonlight on the medical staff of the Chargers.

I heard this morning that LdT reinjured his knee on the very 1st play. It's one thing to "play through pain," and another to be so stubborn about playing that you're a liability to your team. The coaches knew it after the 1st series, and they made a decision about it.

If you want to jump on a player for not rah-rahing on the sideline, have at it, but enough w/ the "he's gutless for not playing through pain..."

He is gutless. Jack Youngblood played the entire 1979-1980 playoffs, including Super Bowl XIV, with a fractured left fibula. A BROKEN LEG.

Phillip Rivers played yesterday with a partially torn ACL in his right knee and an injured left knee. Gates played with a dislocated toe. Drew Bledsoe played a regular season game with a friggin' metal pin sticking out of his forefinger on his throwing hand.

LaDonna is gutless. IF he really was that injured that he couldn't play, he should have been in the locker room, or on the sidelines with his friggin' helmet off supporting his teammates. No matter what, it was a gutless display.

 

[PatsFaninAZ]

I thought the Chargers were the toughest team we played all year.

There are a lot of different definitions of "tough" that float around the NFL, but I mean mentally and physically.

They held us to our lowest scoring output of the year, except for the Jets game which was essentially meaningless and played in more significant weather.

Their defense was difficult and disruptive all game long. They disguised the blitz and rush packages extremely effectively. I think the way you know a team is playing good at the defensive line is when you see quarterbacks rushing throws even when they have time. That was Brady.

I've seen a lot of posts here blaming Stallworth for the picks, etc. From what I saw, the picks were just good team defense, funnelling Brady to throw to places where receivers were covered and a tipped ball had a good chance of being picked. There were also times when our receivers made something out of average to bad passes, and all the credit goes to the Chargers. They played great.

The problem for them was that our defense stiffened when it mattered and our offense is a professional, grind-it-out type.