Im ashamed of the loss today. Was it looking ahead to the Pats game? I dont know. We were 2-3 this time last year so we are still in this.
They are a good team. A lot of analysts pick them to beat us, I am not shocked by this loss. We had our chances, but couldn't capitalize. Nothing to be ashamed of Spurs. It's awesome having another Charger fan here!
I am disappointed a little bit by Shaun Phillips, though. He has looked good this year, but he hasn't really stepped up to be a vocal leader. I thought he would, I thought Quentin Jammer might give it a shot, but that hasn't happened either. This team needs a heart on defense to pump them up. I think that will be Stephen Cooper once he gets some playing time under him.
"This team needs a heart on defense to pump them up." That's what Shawne Merriman brought you guys. It sucks that he's out of the year. I know you guys have a great linebacker corpse, but I honestly think his lost hurt your defense quite a bit.
For sure it did, a lot more than I thought it would. We don't have a vocal leader out there on defense to hype the guys up, pump up the crowd, talk shit, and make the big play and make sure everyone knows about it. It's hard for a DB to do that, because they usually aren't involved in every play like the D line and the LB core, so that throws out Hart and Jammer. As for the LB core, I thought Phillips would, but he hasn't exactly been vocal. Derek Smith is a joke, Matt Wilhelm is a joke, and Stephen Cooper just played his first game today. I think he'll eventually step up into that leadership role. The D line is where I was looking for someone to step up. With Williams, Olshanksy, and Castillo out there I was hoping one of them would step up and be vocal, but so far, they haven't.
Phillips is a stud. Can cover; rush the passer; stop the run. Miami is good bec. they protect the ball and run the ball well.
A real factor was the distance San Diego had to travel(3000+ miles) and the start time of the game(10:00am Pacific)....those seem like little things but they do effect teams....I enjoyed the game....I was happy with the way the Dolphins played....now I want to see San Diego run the table and win it all....
Great point. That is one of the points I pointed out in the week 5 thread. The travel and the 10 AM body clock had to be a factor for the Chargers. I'm not taking anything away from your 'Phins though. Pennington, Brown, and your D all showed up to win, and they did just that.
Rivers didn't look completely healthy to me, neither did LT from what I hear. That had to be a big factor too, but I'm not completely convinced on the Broncos so the Chargers are quite easily still in striking distance.
I'm not sold on the Donkeys, either. I question Cutler's ability to sustain this elite QB pace and I question Marshall's ability to stay healthy if Cutler keeps going to him like he has been.
