Monday Nigh Mayhem

There comes a time when a team has to step up to the plate and take what they want.  Unfortunately, for the Chargers they were not that team.  Kansas City rained on the Bolts debut with a shocking 21-14 victory.  San Diego struck first when QB Philip Rivers found his favorite target Antonio Gates in the end zone for a 7-0 lead.  Running back Jamaal Charles answered back on a 56 yard dash to tie the score 7-7.  Quarterback Matt Cassel found one of KC's no name tight ends in the back of the end zone on a fake hand off to make the score 14-7.  Chiefs dynamic rookie Dexter McCluster turned a regular punt into a 94-yard return to put Kansas City up for good to make it 21-7 at the half.  San Diego answered back with a 59 yard bomb from Rivers to Legedu Naanee to cut the lead to 14-21.  In the fourth quarter with seconds to go Rivers could not rally the troops to another come from behind victory.  San Diego has had bumps in the road before, but this one was hard to swallow and believe.

Chargers vs. Chiefs Preview

On Monday Sept 13th, the Chargers will kick off their 2010 season against their hated AFC rivals the Kansas City Chiefs.  KC is no stranger to losing, having dropped two straight to the Chargers in 2009.  San Diego has a revamped roster this year, including rookie running back Ryan Mathews and fellow rookie strong safety Darrell Stuckey.  Kansas City has their own rookie safety to watch for and his name is Eric Berry, who is a hard hitter and excellent defender. KC has also added free agent addition RB Thomas Jones, who had 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.  San Diego must stop the running game as KC has two formidable running backs in veteran Thomas Jones and rising star Jamaal Charles.  Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel is coming off a horrible season in '09, but can still be effective and must be accounted for in the defensive game plan. Kansas City's defense may have a hard time stopping Philip Rivers, who racked up 268 yds passing and 3 touchdowns on them last season. Running back Ryan Mathews may present KC with more problems, as this will be their first glimpse of the rookie in action.  All in all it should be a great game, and one you should be watching.  Tune in Monday night at 7:00 pm on ABC for a prime-time AFC showdown. Watch our Bolts take down the Chiefs in what should be more beatings to come. 

beginning of a new era

"And with the 12th pick in the NFL draft the Chargers select Ryan Mathews" those resounding words from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell marked a new era for the bolts.  Last time San Diego had a rookie at running back was in 2001, where a little know back named Ladanian Tomlinson was drafted.  Tomlinson spent 9 seasons breaking every single charger offensive record imaginable and carving out a hall of fame career along the way.  Tomlinson was released after the 2009-10 season after having the least productive season of his career.  In theater there is a saying the show must go on, and rookie running back Ryan Mathews is ready to take center stage.  Mathews comes from the Fresno State University and brings a great combination of speed and power.  At 6-0 218 he has the power to run over smaller defensive backs and tear through any team that has a weak front seven.  Ryan Mathews gets his first real test in a prim time Monday night match up against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Tune in this season and catch the rookie running back run over would be tacklers.  All eyes will be on Mathews as he will attempt to etch his name amongst the other chargers greats of the past.

Legends never die. Thank You L.T.

Charger running back and Icon LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to be released before his $2 million dollar roster bonus kicks in.  This is the time all Charger fans have been dreading.  Tomlinson has been the face of the Bolt's since he entered the NFL in 2001.  He has broken every Charger offensive record possible, and surely will be missed.  Some believe that Tomlinson, who will be 31 years old in June has hit the wall in terms of production.  Charger fans seem to have forgotten the value of released fullback Lorenzo Neal, who paved the way for L.T's record breaking 31 touchdown season.  Yes he may have lost a step or two, but he is still a Charger legend and should be treated with more class.  When current head coach Norv Turner was hired the philosophy of a run first offense was greatly altered.  This along with the emergence of Darren Sproles have forced the organization to make a tough decision to cut times with the future hall of famer.   Bolt fans should never forget the contributions that L.T. has made on and off the field.  He will always be a Charger for life, and a legend in San Diego.  So in conclusion I just want to say Thank You L.T. for bringing back the Chargers to respectability once again.

Chargers vs. Jets Playoff Preview

The Chargers in their first playoff game of the season, will be hosting the New York Jets.  San Diego is coming off a bye week, and everyone seems to be healthy.  Having healthy players will be critical for the Bolts, since the Jets have one of the top defense in the league.  New York has only allowed 8 passing touchdowns, which is a remarkable feat for any team.  Considering the only good team they beat was the Patriots, twice, and we all know where they are now.  Cornerback Darrelle Revis is the Jets shutdown corner, and he will be responsible for guarding 6'5" receiver Vincent Jackson.  New York Jets coach Rex Ryan earlier in the week  was upset that Revis wasn't voted defensive player of the year.  If you look at Charger DB Quentin Jammer's stats and Revis they are nearly identical.  Jammer has 58 tackles and 3 int's. Revis has 54 tackles and 6 int's.  Chargers also have a better team and an established quarterback in Phillip Rivers.  New York will be starting Rookie QB Mark Sanchez, who led the AFC with 20 interceptions.  The Jets will rely on their number one rushing offense.  New York has a one two punch with Running Back Thomas Jones and Rookie Shonn Greene.  Chargers need to key in on stopping the run of the Jets, who have an excellent offensive line.  If San Diego can contain the run game, than they have an excellent chance of pulling out the victory.  On offense the Chargers need to score quickly and often, because the Jets have a tendency to stick around if you let them.  This game will be airing at 1:40 pm on CBS.  Gather everyone around the TV, and witness the Chargers send the Jets packing early.  Prediction: Chargers 31 Jets 17

Chargers vs. Redskins

On Sunday January 3rd, the San Diego Chargers(12-3) will be playing their final regular season game, against the Washington Redskins (4-11).  This should be an interesting matchup considering Chargers' coach Norv Turner will not be playing his starters the whole game.  This gives the fans an opportunity to see players they may not be familiar with, like #84 Wide Receiver Buster Davis.  Although Davis has been with the Bolts for two years he has been plagued with injuries, that have keep him buried on the depth chart.   He will see significant playing time tomorrow, and hopefully be able to showcase his talents.  San Diego may have their hands full against a Redskins team that will be playing for pride.  Teams like Washington, that haven't had a successful season will be looking to steal a victory at the Q.  The Redskins can be a dangerous team when they have their passing game working for them.  QB Jason Campbell will be looking for his favorite target, tight end Fred Davis.  Running Back Quinton Ganther is a 5'9 215 pound bruiser, that's not afraid to run anyone over.  This game will be meaningful for both teams, San Diego does not want to lose at home, and Washington does not want to be the butt of anymore jokes.  Catch all the action on Fox at 1:15 pm.  Thanks to all the fans for their support, and preventing this game from being blacked out.  Final Score prediction: Chargers 27 Redskins 20

Fantasy Awards

After a hard fought fantasy year, it is time to reflect on who got us to The Fantasy Super Bowl and who left us and slammed the fantasy football door in our face.  Position by position we will look at our fantasy MVPs and our Busts for the last year.  Then we will take a look at the most valuable Chargers’ player.  So let’s begin…

Quarterbacks:

MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

Rodgers has been the top scorer over the last two years and as the fourth quarterback coming off the board he was a better deal than Manning, Brees, and Brady.  This year Rodgers has thrown or ran in a touchdown in every game, but one.  For all these reasons and more, he is the MVP.

Bust: Jay Cutler, Chicago

Jay Cutler has been a complete disappointment and killed many good teams who failed to cut him early.  A top ten quarterback selection, he finished as the 18^th rated quarterback in standard fantasy leagues on Yahoo.  I’m not a business major but that is what I call a bad return on one’s investment.

Running Backs:

MVP: Chris Johnson, Tennessee

He is above and beyond the highest scoring running back this year.  Although, I almost didn’t put him up here as he stunk it up with the rest of the Titans the first six games of the year.  He was “that guy that led many fantasy teams to the finals” this year.  Each year there is a guy who gets hot and single handedly leads a team to the playoffs, and this year it was CJ.  Add 12 touchdowns to his yardage total and he is 50 points above the #2 back.

Bust: Matt Forte, Chicago

The Chicago bust train continues.  Forte wasn’t the worst player in terms of points but my other options were hurt and you could at least have benched those guys.  Bad matchup or good, he scored 4 touchdowns all season.  Yeah 4!!!  This all from a guy who played the Rams, Lions, Browns, and Seahawks.  Oh, did I mention that against the Atlanta Falcons on 15 carries he was outrushed by Jay Cutler.  This year the luckiest Forte owners were bald, because they didn’t have any hair to pull out.

Wide Receivers:

MVP: Andre Johnson, Houston

This year the debate has been settled, AJ is the best receiver in the NFL.  The man is a beast and is the top scoring receiver in the NFL.  He leads the NFL in receiving yards and will reach the 100 catch plateau with 10 catches in the next two games.  Based on his season, I would not be surprised if it only takes him one.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that he did this without a complimentary receiver for half the year.

Bust: Calvin Johnson, Detroit

One of the top 5 talents at the wide receiver position Megatron had an injury plagued year that hurt many fantasy owners.  Next year appears to be more promising as QB Matt Stafford and Johnson have a great rapport and if he can stay healthy he will ascend to great heights.

Tight Ends:

MVP: Antonio Gates, San Diego

1100+ yards and seven touchdowns have brought Mr. Gates back to the top of the tight end position.  It was a close battle between Clark and Gates but the yardage was what really separates the two plus he is still the most difficult mismatch in the league.

Bust: John Carlson, Seattle

He came into the year as a sleeper after a promising rookie season, but he was a total disappointment.  Carlson had 8 games with 3 catches or less and that made him too difficult to trust.  Thanks for nothing, John!

Chargers MVP: Philip Rivers, QB

Drew Brees who?  Rivers has grown into the leader of this team and had a fantastic year by throwing 27 touchdowns in contrast to only 9 interceptions.  A bigger steal than most quarterbacks that were taken ahead of him, Rivers has been the most consistent Bolt all year.