Chargers vs Eagles Preview

On Sunday November 15th the Chargers (5-3) square off against the Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) in what promises to be a Sunday afternoon shootout.  Both these teams have explosive offenses and can put up points in bunches.  Philadelphia’s running back Brian Westbrook is returning to the lineup after missing two games with a concussion.  He is a key cog in the Eagles offensive schemes and is a dangerous runner with deceptive speed. Philly QB Donovan McNabb has a knack for always finding an open receiver and torching the defense with his accuracy.  Chargers should be ready for any aerial assault that the Eagles might throw their way.  San Diego’s cornerback tandem of Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer are not allowing receivers to make big plays this year.  This will be a fun game to watch, since Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has never faced the Eagles.  These two teams last met in 2003 in Philly with the birds beating the bolts by three.  Fast forward to 2009 this will be a different ball game with the Chargers having home field advantage.  Phillip Rivers is hot right now, and I expect him to light up the Eagles defense like a Christmas tree.  Ladanian Tomlinson and Sproles have to get this run game going against a solid defensive team.  I expect the run game to help create a balanced pass attack.  Defensively our Chargers have been playing good football and making crucial stops. I believe this trend will continue and the D will be stout against anything the Eagles throw at them.  This game is going to be shown on Fox and friends at 1:15 pm.  Tune in to see our Chargers clip the wings of the Eagles and put another W in the win column.        

Chargers' Fantasy Corner

Last week was a mixed bag with my picks. Mike Sims-Walker, Knowshon Moreno, and Nate Washington all met or exceeded expectations, while Ryan Grant, Matt Hasselbeck, and Tony Romo didn’t really follow through with their expectations. However, at least I can say I didn’t really bust on any of my picks (except Nate Kaeding). This week is the first week of Thursday Night Football, so let’s take an early look at what might happen in week 10, which starts tomorrow.

DREAM MATCHUPS

Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. Cleveland
Cleveland isn’t that bad against the pass, but only because they are so bad against the run. I expect the Browns to continue not tackling opponents so that means 5 yard passes can go for 50 yards and a touchdown. Expected Stat Line: 315 yards, 3 TDs

Mike Bell (NO) vs. St. Louis
If you enjoy seeing cute little seals being clubbed then you’ll enjoy watching this game. I expect this game to be over at half and that means Pierre Thomas hits the bench and Mike Bell runs up his fantasy points in the second half. Expected Stat Line: 3 receptions, 25 yards, 125 rushing yards, 2 TDs

Sidney Rice (MIN) vs. Detroit
As stated on this site last week, the Detroit Lions are not very good. Rice has developed into a really good receiver and should be in your lineup almost every week. Against a bad secondary that gave up over 300 yards to Hasselbeck, expect more of the same this week for Rice and company. Expected Stat Line: 7 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs

NIGHTMARE MATCHUPS

David Garrard (Jax) vs. New York Jets
The Jets are #2 against the pass and Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio has already told Garrard that he is not allowed to audible out of runs, so expect the opportunities to be limited. I don’t see Garrard being set up for success in this matchup and nor should you. Expected Stat Line: 175 yards, 0 TDs

Matt Forte (Chi) vs. San Francisco
Forte’s season has been nothing short of a bust. This week he plays a 49ers team that gives up less than 100 yards a game and is starting to find balance in their offense. Like last week, the Bears will fall behind early and be forced to throw and will have to abandon the run game. Expected Stat Line: 60 yards, 3 receptions, 30 yards

Santana Moss (Wsh) vs. Denver
Denver is allowing less than 200 yards receiving per game and they are clearly superior to Washington. I know that the Redskins will be forced to throw, but I think that Denver will win the time of possession battle and hold the ball most of the game. That gives the ‘Skins a minimum amount of opportunities to get you points. Expected Stat Line: 2 receptions, 29 yards

Chargers vs. Eagles

DREAM MATCHUPS

Philip Rivers (SD)- The Eagles did something that nobody in the NFL has done all year, make Cowboys receiver Roy Williams relevant. Now here comes Rivers and Co.

Antonio Gates (SD)- The Eagles have been burned by the TE this year, expect more of the same with Gates running the middle.

Vincent Jackson (SD)- After a great game last week there is no doubt Jackson is an elite wide receiver. He’ll keep the pace up this week against a solid secondary.

Brent Celek (Phi)- The Chargers still can’t stop the tight end and last time I checked, he’s a tight end.

NIGHTMARE MATCHUPS

LeSean McCoy (Phi)- Westbrook might play and the defensive line for the Chargers is playing a lot better. Limited opportunities will lead to a dismal fantasy day.

David Akers (PHI)- His range isn’t what it used to be and when the Chargers defense gets after McNabb then drives will stall.

Jeremy Maclin (Phi)- A big threat guy who doesn’t like physical corners. It’s time to meet Quentin Jammer, Mr. Maclin.

Malcolm Floyd (SD)- He has been a starter for two games and still hasn’t gotten into the rhythm of the offense. I’d wait to see him bust out before I go inserting him into my starting lineup.

Restaurant Review

I love football! I wake up Tuesday morning and can’t wait until Sunday morning.  Every week it’s the same routine.  When Sunday comes around I head to a San Diego sports bar and prepare myself to take in every game.  In San Diego, there are tons of places that qualify as sports bars.  Some are better than others and it’s important not to waste a Sunday at a lame place.  So every week I’m going to give you the scoop on the best (and worst) places to watch all the NFL action, especially our Chargers’ games.  Each week we’ll look at four aspects of each place including: TV set up and game selection, food and prices, service, and environment (all scores out of five).

     This week’s place that I am going to review is a place that has been mentioned on this site before, Pacific Beach Bar & Grill.  PB Bar & Grill is located at 860 Garnett Ave in Pacific Beach.

TV set up & game selection: PB Bar & Grill has a great television set up throughout its establishment.  The restaurant boasts more than 125 flat screen TVs that offer a variety of different games on each screen.  It has two indoor sections with 360° views of every game that you need to see.  It also has one outdoor area where you can focus on a couple games.  PB Bar & Grill is really good about showing every game and if you do not see your game then the waitresses will be quick to change the channel for you to a nearby TV.  The TV set up is optimal and no matter where you sit you will see the game you came to see.  

Food & Prices: PB Bar & Grill offers a selection of American and Mexican food on their menu.  There food is reasonably priced with plates ranging from $7.95 to $13.95.  But the main attraction on Sunday mornings is the buffet.  The price of the buffet is $14.95 but serves a selection of brunch foods.  Also available are handmade crepes, waffles, and omelets made to order the way you like it.  Overall, the food is good and the buffet is a great deal for the price.

Service: As in any establishment the service is a crapshoot and every given week can be different.  However, I have noticed that big groups don’t always get the best service.  Also,on busy days, such as Chargers’ game days, it may be difficult to flag down a waitress.  The one place that you can always expect the best service is at the waffle/omelet station.  With the same staff manning the fire, you get solid, consistent service each and every week. 

Environment: If you have ever been to PB Bar & Grill at any time you know that it is a casual environment.  The same goes for the environment on football Sundays.  You see people supporting a variety of teams and no one gets too out of hand.  Everyone seems to be there to enjoy the food and the games.  What could be better than that?

     Overall I would say that PB Bar & Grill sets the standard for all sports bars.  For less than twenty dollars you can catch every game, stuff yourself, and enjoy some good football.  PB Bar & Grill is definitely one of the first places to go if you want to catch the games in San Diego.

Giant Victory

On November 8th 2009 the Chargers went to Giants stadium and stole a victory from Eli Manning and friends. QB Phillip Rivers completed a beautiful pass to Charger wide out Vincent Jackson for the game-winning touchdown with 21 seconds in the fourth quarter. In a primetime afternoon game the Chargers answered the call on offense and defense. Still though the team from San Diego got no respect from the media. Two of the media’s sports giants ESPN and Fox never gave the Chargers a chance to win this one. They were saying how this win was just what the Giants needed before their bye week. Wake up guys the Chargers are for real and hate it or love it we are no longer a blip on the media radar. Never underestimate the heart of a future champion. San Diego saved their best performance for the second half. Defensively the Chargers stepped it up with two minutes to play, and managed to hold the Giants to a messily field goal. This gave Rivers a minute and forty-six seconds to orchestrate an 80-yard drive that resulted in the 21-20 win. In a draft class that will forever link Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers these two players did not disappoint. Rivers had 209 passing yards, two interceptions and 3 touchdowns. Manning had 215 yards passing and two touchdowns. San Diego got the only thing that matters the hard fought victory and are now 5-3. New York is now 5-4 and headed to a bye week. Next up a tough home game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have an identical record at 5-3.