Team Report: Inside Slant

LT teh ghost · Sep 14, 2005

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?categoryId=67068&type=InsideSlant

The Chargers are still trying to explain themselves following Sunday's season-opening loss to the Cowboys, 28-24.

It's one thing to go down giving a team your best shot, but few would agree that's what the Chargers did in their final drive.
Already without suspended All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates, the team ignored All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson, as well.

Perched at the Dallas 7, and trailing by four points with 47 seconds to go, the Chargers threw four straight passes -- three incompletes and an interception.

No sticking the ball in Tomlinson's gut. No passes toward the only running back in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season.

Why didn't the Chargers call his number?

"I can't answer that question," Tomlinson said. "It's not for me to answer. I don't call the plays."

Coach Marty Schottenheimer said the Cowboys' defense didn't allow the offense to point the ball toward Tomlinson. He also said that the absence of Antonio Gates didn't cross his mind.

"That's my story and I'm sticking to it," Schottenheimer said.

But there's no doubt the loss is sticking to the Chargers' ribs as they start preparing for a visit to Denver.

"We let one slip away," defensive tackle Jamal Williams said. "We made the mistakes and we have to pay for it.

"Now we got a game that counts as one and a half. A divisional game and both teams are 0-1. Somebody is going to leave there 0-2."

The Chargers left many scratching their heads with their questionable play-calling on Sunday.

Team Report: Inside Slant

LT teh ghost Well-Known Member

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Team Report: Inside Slant

LT teh ghost Well-Known Member

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