Chargers Articles

Shamrock · Nov 12, 2007

Bolts more lucky than good; game more loony than good - CBS Sportsline

Shamrock · Nov 12, 2007

Ouch. Some pretty bad quotes in this article .... some anonymous .....

Empty message - Yahoo (Michael Silver)

Shamrock · Nov 12, 2007

Sproles Speaks Up - Voice of San Diego

Shamrock · Nov 14, 2007

Hardwick working way back - Chargers.com

While it’s unlikely that the Bolts’ Pro Bowler will return to game action this week, Turner did have better news to deliver Wednesday. For the first time since injuring his foot against Oakland in Week 6, Hardwick participated in individual drills with his teammates Wednesday.

“It was encouraging to me to see Nick out there and be able to go through individual (period),” Turner said. “The way I always look at it is where is he (going to be) tomorrow? Does he take a step back with the soreness? Does he get up in the morning and feel great and able to do a little bit more? If he’s able to do a little bit more, then I think in the near future we can look to get him back.”

On Monday, Hardwick traveled to Seattle to see a foot specialist. The visit produced good news as doctors discovered no structural damage to the foot.

....

LaDainian Tomlinson enters Sunday’s game with 9,909 career rushing yards and needs just 91 against Jacksonville to become the 22nd player in NFL history to reach 10,000 yards.

....

Five Chargers defenders missed all of Wednesday’s practice and another was limited by injury. Defensive end Jacques Cesaire (toe), linebacker Shawne Merriman (ankle), safety Eric Weddle (knee), linebacker Shaun Phillips (groin) and linebacker Marques Harris (toe) all sat out of Wednesday’s practice.

Turner said that the fact that his defense was on the field for more that 36 minutes against the Colts Sunday caused a few players to need a day off.

“It said on the play-by-play 84 plays, but by the time you take penalties and all that, there were 94 graded snaps,” Turner said. “The guys that have the nicks, they were limited today or weren’t out there.”

Turner expects at least Cesaire to be back on the field Thursday.

Cornerback Quentin Jammer (hamstring) saw limited time in practice. His availability for Sunday’s game is uncertain.

“I don’t know where Quentin is in terms of if he’s going to be able to go,” Turner said. “(He needs to be able to) just let it loose and go 100 miles per hour, which you have to do, and then if he would be able to do that for 65 plays. That would be something that we would decide late in the week.”

Chargers lead NFL in interceptions - Chargers.com

Hey - at least he can "talk" a good game ..... unpredictability ....

“If you can make a quarterback think you’re playing a certain coverage and end up in a completely different place, he’s going to throw you a few,” said safety Clinton Hart, who is tied for second on the team with three interceptions. “You have to be sure you don’t stray too much and get where you’re supposed to be, but we’ve done a good job of that and it’s really helped.”

Chargers Scouting Report: Jacksonville Jaguars - NC Times

Scouting Report - UT

Chargers QB Rivers struggles with consistency, turnovers - AP Bernie Wilson

Acee web blog

C Nick Hardwick didn't participate in today's entire practice, but the fact he was on the field at all was encouraging for the Chargers. It was the first time Hardwick practiced at all since suffering a sprained foot Oct. 14 against Oakland, and while it's unlikely he would play Sunday at Jacksonville, coach Norv Turner didn't completely rule it out. Hardwick said a specialist told him the foot was sound structurally and he couldn't do any more damage to it by trying to play.

Shamrock · Nov 15, 2007

Tomlinson closes in on reaching 10,000 yards - NC Times

In Tomlinson's case, it could be the precursor for even bigger feats. If he surpasses 10,000 this Sunday, it will come in his 105th career game, making him the fourth fastest running back to reach that mark. The three quickest are Eric Dickerson (91 games), Jim Brown (98) and Barry Sanders (103).

Consistency eludes Chargers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The biggest difference is that Marty Schottenheimer is no longer running the sideline, and the most simplistic explanation for the Chargers' decline is that Norv Turner just isn't a very good coach.

But while it's true Turner had a 49-59-1 record with Washington and a 9-23 mark for Oakland, it's also true that the Redskins are on their third head coach since Turner was fired in 1999 and that no one is making a career out of coaching in the circus Al Davis has created in Oakland.

Turner had winning records in three of his last four complete seasons in D.C. and was fired at 7-6. The Redskins have had one winning season since.

The Raiders have won four games since Turner left after the 2005 campaign.

No, the Chargers' current struggles are more attributable to the inherent difficulties of bringing in new offensive and defensive coordinators and a new coach all at once, even when the new coach used to be the old offensive coordinator a few years ago.

.... check story for comparisons of the 2004 QB draft class ...

PROSPECT WATCH
Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego: That's right, another quarterback. Johnson was 5-foot-11 coming out of high school in Oakland, Calif., which helps explain how he wound up in Division I-AA. Now, he's being listed at 6-3 and 200 pounds by the San Diego Toreros, and he's being perceived by scouts as a guy who can throw it anywhere.

NFL scouts report that when they visit Stanford, head coach Jim Harbaugh makes a point of gushing about the kid he used to coach at San Diego. Johnson has a strong arm and a quick release, and he showed them off while running a pro-style offense this season to the tune of 38 touchdown passes and one interception while completing 69.1 percent of his passes.

Johnson is a finalist for the Payton Award, given annually since 1987 to the most outstanding I-AA player. That's been won recently by Brian Westbrook (Villanova, 2001) and Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois, 2002). Whether he gets it or not, Johnson might go as high as the third round (depending on his offseason performance) in a draft that's rich with wide receivers, linebackers, offensive tackles and quarterbacks.

Utterly Offensive - SD Bolt Report

San Diego Charged Up for Playoff Run - SD Bolt Report

Games to watch - Fox Sports

Chargers at Jaguars: In years past, the Jaguars caused migraines here at Rundown Central. We found them so baffling that we went a full year without making a pick in a Jaguars game. The Football Outsiders use a statistic called "variance" to measure the ups and downs of a team's overall performance from week to week, and the Jaguars were usually the variance champions. If they beat the Colts one week, they were a lock to lose to the Titans the next.

Lately, the Jaguars have been downright consistent. They rank 23rd in the NFL in variance (lower is better), and they would score better if not for Quinn Gray's early hiccups. They run the ball, play tight defense, and pass as conservatively as possible. They're a better team with David Garrard at quarterback (he's back from injury this week) than Gray, but they aren't really a different team. What you see is what you get.

The Chargers have taken their place as the variance kings; only the Cardinals and Steelers rank higher, and that's mostly because of the Freaky Friday game they played against each other. One week the Chargers get blown out by the Vikings, the next they beat the Colts. They've lost games by 35-17 and 38-14, but they've won 41-3 and 35-10. They've been riding the salt shaker all season, and it's hard to pin down the 5-4 team that lies between the two poles.

The one predictable element over the last two weeks has been the Chargers' lack of offensive production. Most of their scoring has come on long returns or turnover-assisted mini-drives. "We've got to get better," Lorenzo Neal said after Sunday night's wild win. "We have too much talent to be fooling around on offense like this." Quarterback Philip Rivers knows he is part of the problem. "I'm not happy with my play," Rivers said. "This is a game-to-game deal. We're working to get better. I'm going to keep working to get better."

The Chargers' unpredictability makes this game a tough call. The Jaguars defense and special teams won't gift wrap any points, and their offense will take care of the ball. On the other hand, the Chargers won't be out partying all night like they were before the Vikings game. Or maybe they will, because Norv Turner is the Colonel Klink of NFL disciplinarians. Vegas is giving the Chargers three points, which means the handicappers are as confused as we are.

Take the Jaguars, but please don't put the 401(k) on it.

Shamrock · Nov 15, 2007

Play time - UT Acee

“You start recognizing stuff from watching film, and then you can go out and just play football,” Cromartie said. “For me, the biggest thing was going on the practice field and having great practices every day. And this year I really learned how to watch film from Coach (Kevin) Ross and Coach (Bill) Bradley. They taught me how to watch film, how to go about it, what to look for.”

...

It appears he will get his second straight start this week at Jacksonville, as Quentin Jammer's strained hamstring continues to bother him and will likely limit him to playing in nickel and dime packages against the Jaguars.

Even after Jammer is healthy, the days of Cromartie being on the field for just 10, 20 or 30 plays a game appear finished. That could mean he works in some sort of rotation with Drayton Florence and/or Jammer or continues to start.

“We've got to get Cro on the field,” coach Norv Turner said. “When you play at the level he's playing, making the plays he's making, he's going to be on the field. So he's pushing both those guys.”

...

“You have to get the best players on the field, by any means necessary,” Jammer said. “You have three corners out there that can start for any team in the league. That's a blessing and a curse.”

...

“He might be the most athletic guy in the league,” Jammer said yesterday.

“We knew that when he first got here,” Florence said.

Hardwick limited, but back on field - UT Posner

Several Chargers defenders missed practice, but it appears all but end Luis Castillo should be able to play Sunday. Absent were end Jacques Cesaire (toe), safety Eric Weddle (knee) and linebackers Shaun Phillips (groin), Shawne Merriman (ankle) and Marques Harris (toe). Cornerback Quentin Jammer (hamstring) was limited in practice and might not start Sunday, although he should be available.

The Jaguars had just two backups miss practice, receiver John Broussard (ankle) and tight end Greg Estandia (foot).

Playoffs are the goal - Jaguars.com

Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver is pumped up for his team’s push for the postseason.

“I’m pretty excited about it right now. Hopefully, we’re coming together at the right time,” Weaver said on Wednesday.

....

Since then, his team has turned in one of the most satisfying wins in recent years – a 28-13 win in Tennessee this past Sunday – and fan spirits are high for a two-game home stint against, first, the San Diego Chargers this Sunday, and then the Buffalo Bills a week later. The Chargers lead the AFC West and the Bills are a wild-card contender currently a game behind the Jaguars.

.... let's drop their spirits some this Sunday ...

Could one milestone lead to another? - Jacksonville.com

By Tomlinson's standards, he's not having a vintage year under new coach Norv Turner, who replaced Marty Schottenheimer after last season. Tomlinson, who led the league with 1,815 yards last season, is seventh with 733 this year.

Asked if he missed playing for Schottenheimer, Tomlinson replied diplomatically: "I have always been a person who doesn't dwell in the past. I try to focus on what we do out here [right now]."

The Jaguars are well aware of Tomlinson's potential to break off a big run at any time. Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward said it's easy to forget how physical a runner Tomlinson can be.

"A lot of guys underestimate him because he has a lot of speed, and he's small and can spin and all that, but he can break out of arm tackles," Hayward said.

Shamrock · Nov 15, 2007

Chargers at Jaguars - FOX Sports

Game Trax - FOX Sports

Team Report: Strategy and Personnel - FOX Sports

There is concern that depth could be an issue at defensive end.

Starter Luis Castillo is out at least five more games with an ankle injury. His main backup, Jacques Cesaire, is being slowed by a toe injury and didn't practice Wednesday. Cesaire has played in pain in the past, but it's worth watching how well and long he holds up.
Ryon Bingham figures to get additional snaps, but he's more of an inside player who also gives Jamal Williams a blow. And Williams might need a few more breaks than usual considering how physically Jacksonville play and the fact that Williams is coming off of two knee surgeries he had just three weeks ago.

Look for Brandon McKinney to get more playing time, possibly inside, to keep Bingham fresh on the outside.

Jaguars trying to stop running so hot and cold - USA Today

Chargers Inside Slant - USA Today

This trend needs to change ...

The differences between the teams in the fourth quarter is startling. The Chargers struggle in the last quarter, getting outscored 77-34. On the other side, Jacksonville has done well, outscoring its opponents 62-42.

Jags ready for Chargers; black out lifted - First Coast News

Chargers at Jaguars - Florida Times-Union

Even the NFL's best running backs are struggling this season - Orlando Sentinel

LaDainian Tomlinson isn't the only running back this year putting up subpar numbers.

NFL Preview - San Diego (5-4) at Jacksonville (6-3) - Miami Herald

Homecoming kings - Chargers.com

Cornerback Quentin Jammer (hamstring) fully participated in Thursday’s practice after being limited Wednesday. He is expected to have a role Sunday, but coaches will determine exactly what that is in the next couple of days.

“He looks good,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “It’s just a matter of how much he’s able to play.”

...

The NFL released preliminary results of Pro Bowl voting Thursday and three Chargers are currently the leading vote getters at their position. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, tight end Antonio Gates and fullback Lorenzo Neal sit atop their positions. Pro Bowl voting will continue on NFL.com through December 11.

Shamrock · Nov 16, 2007

Crosby's crew is special for Bolts - NC Times

Steve Crosby looked like a prophet last Sunday night. All because the Chargers' punt return unit executed what the team's special teams coach had preached just 24 hours earlier.

The night before the Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts, Crosby told his troops to be ready to seize the opportunity should the Colts be forced to punt from deep in their own end. He encouraged them to realize that the situation might occur just once, but it would represent a huge chance to dramatically change field position or score points.

.......

"I really coach hard in that area," Crosby said earlier this week. "If they recognize it and understand it and if it happens, it's just going to snowball."

....

It stems from the coaches," Polk said. "When the coaches emphasize special teams, players are going to take more value in it. We just feel like we're a big part of the game.

"Some guys feel like, 'Damn, I have to play special teams.' Well, other guys are excited about doing special teams and excited about contributing any way they can."

.....

Then there's punter Mike Scifres, who has been unbelievable of late. Scifres has a net average of 40.4 yards ---- fourth best in the NFL ---- and 17 of his last 22 punts have been downed inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

"That's a phenomenal number, and what's even more phenomenal is the fact that, a year ago, the field position thing was something we were doing a lot," Crosby said. "This year, the field position has been longer and he's still doing it. That's even more impressive."

Added up, it makes for one happy special teams' coach, though Crosby emphasizes that he expects the units to be even better over the final seven games.

"I'm just really proud of our guys, the effort that they put forth and the preparation that they put in," Crosby said. "I keep preaching that and say, 'If you keep doing it, you're going to have success and people are going to notice you.' That's starting to happen, big time."

.....

CB Quentin Jammer (hamstring) was a full practice participant on Thursday and will see at least limited action against Jacksonville on Sunday. Jammer started 72 consecutive games before missing last Sunday's win over Indianapolis. Coach Norv Turner said he will wait until after today's practice to name a starter, but all indications are that Antonio Cromartie (NFL-leading six interceptions) will start. "He's going to be able to play," Turner said of Jammer. "It's just a matter of how much he's able to play and what we feel is the best way to handle that." .

.. Players who missed practice include DE Jacques Cesaire (toe), OLB Marques Harris (toe), OLB Shawne Merriman (ankle) and S Eric Weddle (knee). C Nick Hardwick (foot), WR Vincent Jackson (abdomen) and OLB Shaun Phillips (groin) were limited participants.

... Three Chargers lead their respective positions in Pro Bowl balloting: Merriman, TE Antonio Gates and FB Lorenzo Neal. RB LaDainian Tomlinson is second behind Indianapolis' Joseph Addai.

Special success - NC Times

Shamrock · Nov 16, 2007

Chargers' Rivers is off target, undeterred - UT

Where Rivers rates - UT

Merriman quietly forcing action - UT

Just thought this was funny for Acee to say ..... ... Acee's Mailbag

Question

Can you give us any inside scoop to stop the rumors that some players are upset about Norv's public address after the Colts game. .....

Ted E. / Ocean City, Maryland

Answer

No one has ever said Norv's speeches are great. His postgame speeches are particularly dull. But that has become an issue because one writer with a ***** for Norv got his info from two sources (one player and one not a player).

easy for guys from the outside to fly in and take shots based on one or two sources telling them something. the writer had some valid points but made it out to be worse than it is.

as for who missed curfew. there were a couple big names. it was a half-dozen guys. it was two nights before the game. they missed by a half-hour. one of those players had a very good game.

Kevin Acee - Thursday, November 15, 2007

Same link ... I didn't know this ...

Question

Are you really the president of the Quentin Jammer fan club? If so, how do I join?

Knute / South Bend

Answer

No. I am honorary chairman. I don't get paid.

I bet if you bought that suite he sells on e-bay every week for charity you'd get a membership.

Kevin Acee - Thursday, November 15, 2007

Don’t take ’em lightly - Ten things to beat Chargers - Jaguars.com

Here are 10 things the Jaguars have to do to beat the Chargers.

1. Stop Tomlinson—He’s not having a good year, but he’s still their number one threat on offense.

2. Pressure Rivers—He’s feeling the heat and it’s causing him to throw wildly.

3. Pound it—Adrian Peterson torched the Chargers for 296 yards rushing. The Jaguars need for Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to have big days.

4. Ease him back—This will be David Garrard’s first action in nearly a month. It would be to his advantage if he’s allowed to play a secondary role.

5. Kick it out of bounds—Or kick it real high because Darren Sproles can make you pay.

6. Stay away from Cromartie—The young cornerback is on an interceptions roll. Try somebody else.

7. Understand the circumstances—This is an AFC game against a playoff contender. This one counts extra.

8. Enjoy the surroundings—The Jaguars are back home for the first time since Oct. 22, and that should provide a major energy boost.

9. Involve the wide receivers—Have they been on vacation? Jaguars wide receivers have caught 65 passes combined, which would rank them in third place among AFC individual leaders in receptions. Come on, guys.

10. Be physical—That almost always wins.

Residents seem supportive, but want further study of plan - UT

CHULA VISTA – Curious residents went to school last night to learn more about a proposed $1 billion Chargers stadium development for their city.
Judging from their questions at a town hall meeting at Corky McMillin Elementary, many believe the idea deserves more study. ....

Turner is no stranger to criticism - Florida Times-Union

WR Matt Jones might be active Sunday - Florida Times-Union

Shamrock · Nov 17, 2007

Cromartie - AFC Defensive Player of the Week - NFL.com video

All the ESPN guys pick Jacksonville to win this Sunday.

Turner prepared to emerge from Tomlinson’s shadow in ’08 - PFW.com

The open market will be there, waiting with open arms and open checkbooks, ready for Michael Turner. The focus until then for the Chargers’ running back will be helping his team to the playoffs by spelling LaDainian Tomlinson, returning kickoffs, doing whatever is asked.

But soon, very soon, he will have a meatier role on another team and a bank account beyond his wildest dreams. He’ll be a household name. He’ll be …

“An automatic No. 1 running back,” said one NFL personnel director.

.....

And if it’s any indication of what kind of attention he’ll draw in March, when he’s unrestricted, consider that Buffalo, Dallas, Tennessee and the Jets, among others, depending on whom you ask, showed anywhere from mild to significant interest last spring despite the hefty price tag that included draft choices. Things will be different when the market opens in 2008. Turner, who Smith said “is even better than we anticipated,” can go where he pleases, no strings attached.

The Jets, Packers, Bears, Texans, Panthers and Seahawks may be among the interested parties this time around. Even Denver, depending on the legal status of Travis Henry, who faces a possible one-year suspension, could join the fray.

“When I look at him, I think that it’s the power, the explosiveness that really stands out to me,” said an AFC scout. “He’s one of those guys that will wear you down, with three, four yards a pop, but then he’s going to have the capability to break it. He’s a bigger back, and people really underestimate his speed. He’s done the home-run thing many times.”

......

Off the field, Turner has left people impressed as well.

“He has the whole package,” Smith said. “He has been the consummate pro and is a great kid with an infectious laugh. A year-round worker who is very serious about the game and always there when called upon.”

Taking into account the more than $14 million in guarantees Frank Gore got from San Francisco last offseason, the $12 million in guaranteed cash the Broncos promised Travis Henry and the $40.12 million contract Willis McGahee signed after being traded to Baltimore, Turner is destined for a monster payday next spring. He owns many of the same skills as the aforementioned trio, only he comes without the lengthy injury history those three carry.

League sources suggest Turner would be best in a zone-blocking scheme, like the ones operated in Denver, Green Bay and Houston, where he can use his cutting ability, burst and instincts to run downhill and punish defenders.

“Gosh, I’d hate to see him in Denver,” admitted one league scout. “He’d be perfect there. If he gets a full-time gig, he’s an easy 1,000-yard rusher. Easy.”

Chargers have mixed injury situation heading into Jacksonville - AP

Gates said he was fine and no ailment was listed on the injury report. Instead, the reason for him sitting out a handful of snaps was listed as a team decision.

Gates said he was just letting some other tight ends take additional reps.

Jacksonville Jaguars' defense pumped up to deny Tomlinson's 10,000 - Florida Today

Talented Gates will test safeties - Floride Times-Union

Don't take 'em lightly - Jaguars.com

Shamrock · Nov 17, 2007

Bolts' wounds starting to heal - NC Times

Shamrock · Nov 17, 2007

Fantasy becomes reality for Jaguars' Jones-Drew - UT Magee

Chargers DE Cesaire: 'I'm playing' - UT Posner

Spotlight on Tomlinson - Jaguars.com

Simplistic lines like this are what fuels the "AJ's ego is ruining my team" rants from many fans and posters. That's not how it went down.

New coach Norv Turner is getting the blame for this fall. He replaced Marty Schottenheimer when Schottenheimer lost a power struggle with Chargers GM A.J. Smith.

Chargers putting added pressure on themselves to motivate, execute - PFW.com

There have been rumors, basically stemming back to training camp, about how well players would respond to new head coach Norv Turner compared to the deposed Marty Schottenheimer, who, in terms of motivational tactics and personality, was nearly the opposite of the far more passive Turner. But as the inconsistent Chargers move forward as the favorite in what has turned out to be a watered-down AFC West, players are said to be beginning to put more pressure on themselves for motivation and shying away from complaints about play-calling and different coaching schemes and excuses about not finishing games. With Turner’s subdued, monotone approach to most things, the team’s veterans have found themselves in situations where it’s necessary to be a commanding voice in the locker room, whereas last season that wasn’t the case. “It ain't the play-calling,” TE Antonio Gates said. “It's the players deciding this is what we’re doing and we’re going to buy into it. I don't see it being 100 percent right now. It might be 80-20 sometimes. It might be 70-30 sometimes. Anyone can say they buy in, but it only shows up on the field. Players have to say, 'What can I do better? Am I the problem?’ ”

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH - Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie - USA Today

Concudan · Nov 17, 2007

Thanks for the links Shammy.

Shamrock · Nov 17, 2007

Merriman and Wilson get fined for "horse collar" tackles

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was fined $7,500 for his "horse collar" tackle on Colts running back Joseph Addai in Sunday night's game.

The Colt player who "horsecollared" LT wasn't fined. Bogus.

Concudan · Nov 17, 2007

Shamrock said:

Merriman and Wilson get fined for "horse collar" tackles

The Colt player who "horsecollared" LT wasn't fined. Bogus.

That is BS.:icon_evil:

They need to call this evenly.

bigcarson50 · Nov 17, 2007

A horsecollar has to grabbed inside the pads. LT was only grabbed by the neck of the jersey.

Shamrock · Nov 17, 2007

bigcarson50 said:

A horsecollar has to grabbed inside the pads. LT was only grabbed by the neck of the jersey.

New NFL rules for 2006:

• All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside collar of the back of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling down the runner. This does not apply to a runner who is in the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket. Previously, the “horse-collar” tackle rule did not include the back of the shoulder pads or jersey. This increases the scope of the rule. Penalty: Loss of 15 yards.

Both should have been flagged and fined.

Shamrock · Nov 18, 2007

Chargers vs. Jaguars - Press Enterprise

Throwing up a roadblock - Press Enterprise (AP)

Colts-Chargers illustrated arguments on expanded rosters - ESPN Clayton

Shamrock · Nov 18, 2007

Chargers on road to playoffs or perdition? - UT Acee

Five things to watch: Chargers (5-4) at Jaguars (6-3) - UT Posner

Today's rosters, statistics - UT

Chargers face Jags and jet lag - UT Magee

Bolts want to eat turkey ... not crow - UT Canepa

For Chargers fans, good isn't quite good enough - UT

Chargers in need of a jolt - Boston Globe

Shamrock · Nov 18, 2007

Boiling point: Merriman questions Chargers' commitment - NC Times

Rivers sees improvement despite result - NC Times

Lack of takeaways hurts Chargers - NC Times

Rookie cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the NFL's leader with six interceptions, did not register a single defensive statistic in his second career start.

Chargers Postgame -- Chambers steps up in loss - NC Times

OLB Carlos Polk injured his left shoulder in the third quarter after delivering a crushing hit on Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew on a kickoff return. Polk's injury was the only one reported by the team following the game.

Chargers Report Card - NC Times

Offensive line - D

Turner bemoaned that execution short-circuited some possible huge running gains and also said the pass protection could have been better even though Rivers wasn't sacked. LG Kris Dielman saw a reporter approach and said, "Nothing. Sorry." A cynic might say that was the only time a Chargers lineman halted someone all day. C Cory Withrow's costly fourth-quarter holding penalty erased a 19-yard reception by Chambers.

Linebackers - C

Shawne Merriman roared more after the game than during it ---- he had one tackle and one pass deflection. Shaun Phillips had 10 tackles, some of them because the Jaguars were trying to avoid Merriman. Matt Wilhelm nearly had an interception and had seven tackles.

Shamrock · Nov 18, 2007

Jags send Chargers down memory lane - Yahoo (Jason Cole)

Shamrock · Nov 19, 2007

Dead flat average - UT

Who cares why they're not winning? - UT

Being better isn't good enough - UT

No secret: Jaguars can run when it counts - UT

Tim Sullivan's Report Card - UT

LT continues to be more like LU (Little Used) - UT

Yesterday's game will be rebroadcast in a 90-minute format at 4 p.m. today on NFL Network.

Record of 2-2 in past four is small miracle - UT

Chargers statistics - UT

NFL's all-time touchdown leaders
1. Emmitt Smith , Cowboys ..........164
2. Marcus Allen, Raiders/Chiefs.. ..123
3. Walter Payton, Bears............... 110
4. LaDainian Tomlinson,Chargers...109

Shamrock · Nov 19, 2007

Merriman post game interview - Chargers.com video

Rivers post game interview - Chargers.com video

Wilhelm post game interview - Chargers.com video

Lo Neal post game interview - Chargers.com video

Tomlinson post game interview - Chargers.com video

Chambers post game interview - Chargers.com video

Cromartie post game interview - Chargers.com video

Shamrock · Nov 20, 2007

Merriman backs off critical remarks - NC Times

LB Carlos Polk, a special teams standout, suffered a serious shoulder injury in Sunday's game. He underwent additional tests Monday and won't play this weekend against Baltimore.

CB Quentin Jammer didn't aggravate his hamstring injury in spot play in Jacksonville and could start Sunday.

C Nick Hardwick (foot) did some work Monday and could begin practicing Wednesday. He's probably still a week or two away from playing.

On the Chargers' previous road trip to Minnesota, players were caught breaking curfew and director of security Mike Cash was fired. Coach Norv Turner said no one broke curfew in Jacksonville.

Next one off the bandwagon, find a driver - UT Canepa

Are players pressing? - UT Acee

There is concern linebacker Carlos Polk separated his shoulder making a tackle on a kickoff return Sunday, and it is unlikely he will play this week.

There is a chance center Nick Hardwick, out the past four-plus games (sprained foot), could play. He will resume team drills this week after doing mostly individual work last week.

Defensive back Eric Weddle, inactive at Jacksonville with a sprained knee, worked out yesterday and should play Sunday.

Defensive end Jacques Cesaire said his toe actually felt better than it had all last week after he played about 30 plays Sunday. And cornerback Quentin Jammer, who worked fewer than a half-dozen plays Sunday, said his hamstring felt fine.

The Chargers are 1-4 on the road. Save for the debacle in Minnesota, the losses have been to teams that appear headed for the playoffs (New England, Green Bay and Jacksonville).

“We're not doing enough to beat better teams, especially on the road,” Tomlinson said. “ . . . It's obvious we're not a good road team, playing against good teams.”

After review, Merriman less (ticked) off - UT Acee

.....

As has increasingly been the case this season but perhaps more than ever Sunday, Merriman had only a handful of plays run his way. While he believes he is having his best season in terms of all-around play and coaches are praising his relentlessness, he has not had a sack in four games.

“I'm frustrated,” he said. “It's the first time in my life someone has been able to say, 'Shawne is not making plays.' No matter what has happened in my life, I have always been able to say, 'I'm going to take it out on football. I'm going to find a way to make plays.' ”

He perhaps found some more motivation yesterday in a play that has already become an Internet favorite and has been played again and again on television highlight shows.

On the Jaguars' final touchdown in the third quarter, on a throw away from his side, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Merriman was knocked on his rear by 5-7, 208-pound running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

“The fullback bluffs and makes it look like he's going for a pass,” Merriman said, explaining the play as he smiled. “The fullback runs past me. I'm stopped to see what is going on. And here comes (Jones-Drew), and he caught me leaning, going back into pass coverage. It was a good play. I probably should send him a thank-you card for (ticking) me off the rest of the season.” .......

“We have to have the ability to make changes, especially on defense,” he said. “I had two runs to me the whole game. I was a bit upset. I would like to be more involved. It is not my character to stay away from the football.

“We need to make adjustments. I don't know the right or wrong way to put that, but that's just my personal feeling. We need to make adjustments, whether it's before the game or during the game. We have to realize these offensive coordinators and these offenses are getting smart out here.”

When told it sounded as if he was calling out the coaches, Merriman said, “It is questioning the ability to make changes in the game.” ........

“I'm mad we lost again,” he said. “I'm mad the season is not going the way we wanted it to. But now you have to look at we have six games left. What do we want to do with those six games? I'm pretty sure most of those guys in that locker room are committed to making the best of these six games. That's all you can ask for.”

Merriman backpedals from comments, lauds Jones-Drew's hit - AP Bernie Wilson

Here's Merriman's explanation:

“The fullback bluffs me and they make it look like they're going out for a pass, so the fullback runs right past you and I stopped to check to see what's going on because whenever somebody doesn't block me coming in, you stop to find out what's going on, and here comes that little 5-7, 220-pound guy right behind him and caught me late going into a pass coverage.

“It was definitely a good play. I should probably send him a thank you card for (angering) me the rest of the season.”

Passionless Chargers remain in funk - ESPN Pastabelly

Struggles for Chargers, Rivers continue in loss to Jacksonville - Pro Football Weekly

Bill Center chat transcript - UT

McCree post game interview - Chargers.com video

Tomlinson Monday presser - Chargers.com video

The Norv - Monday press conference - Chargers.com video

Third-down plays hurt Chargers - Chargers.com

Rivers thankful for chance to compete - Chargers.com

Shamrock · Nov 20, 2007

Norv's QB quandary - SI.com

Shamrock · Nov 21, 2007

Bears to sign Roach pending physical - Chicago Sun Times

The Sun-Times has confirmed an earlier report that Nick Roach will become a Bear after he passes a physical. The team is expected to make an announcement later today or Wednesday.

The former Northwestern product was flying here from San Diego this afternoon after agreeing to sign a multi-year contract.

.......

Bears about to sign Roach - Chicago Tribune

Chargers Scouting Report: Baltimore Ravens - NC Times

The Chargers might be able to exploit the Ravens' coverage teams, which were abused Sunday by Cleveland's Josh Cribbs.

Linebacker Polk goes on IR - NC Times

San Diego Chargers: are they oversold or underachievers? - Canadian Press

Showmeyourbolt · Nov 21, 2007

With Polk on IR we bring up Tucker. Hopefully this means that Siler will get more playing time.

Shamrock · Nov 21, 2007

Scouting Report: Ravens are carbon copy of Chargers - UT

Chargers day of giving - UT

FAN PROFILE: Toby, also known as BoltFaninSanAntone - CFX UT

Baltimore Sun - Ravens page

Shamrock · Nov 21, 2007

Bears sign linebacker Roach to 53-man roster - Chicago Bears.com

Shamrock · Dec 6, 2007

Tomlinson has run over Titans two times - Tennessean.com

Volek: No hard feelings on Titans - Tennessean.com

Haynesworth held out of practice - Tennessean.com

Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth missed his second straight practice today as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Haynesworth played last Sunday after missing three games with the injury, but was sore and experienced some swelling afterward.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Haynesworth has a chance to practice on Friday, and the team is hopeful he’ll be able to play Sunday against the Chargers at LP Field.

TITANS VS. CHARGERS - Tennessean.com

Merriman leads, and Chargers follow - NC Times

Young ready to show LT how much Titans have improved- AP

Chargers’ defense should start to worry foes - MSNBC

Much of the focus in San Diego has been about how the offense has not lived up to the expectations set by its previous performance and the addition of head coach Norv Turner.

What has been lost is the Chargers’ defense in some ways has been better than the highly respected Chargers defense of a year ago. And if the Chargers are going to finish the season strong and make a postseason run, it will because of what their defense can accomplish.

The Chargers have allowed four fewer points this year than they did through 12 games last year, even though they have given up more yards. This year's version of the Chargers ranks 20th in yards allowed; last year at the same point the Chargers ranked eighth. And San Diego has gone from allowing 3.9 yards per run a year ago to 4.2 this year.

What has offset the yards have been takeaways. The Charges lead the NFL in takeaways with 33 and interceptions with 20. A year ago, they had 22 and 13. .........

Lights on again for sackmaster 'Lights Out' Merriman - AP - Bernie Wilson

Titans prepping to stop, or at least slow down, Tomlinson - AP

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