Or is it? Technically they can still make a playoff spot. Last week was really the final, final nail in the coffin for my optimism. The Raiders game FUCKING SUCKED. Look, it's not as if the Chargers didn't know all week long that Linsley and Pipkins would be out. Sadly, they've been out A LOT this year. While it's amazing that Pipkins has gone from the St. Cloud project we were all terrified to see go up against KC last year to the player we couldn't live without. Now Storm Norton is that guy. What's really sad is how Salyer just got abused last week. He's been so good all year, but as Daniel Popper has been quick to point out, he was a sixth rounder for a reason. He's big but can't really move. That's why he didn't play Tackle at Georgia. Clearly Chandler Jones made him look awful, though he's not that good any more.
Where I am now am fully on board with the Joe Lombardi train is the fact that the Bolts knew all week that this was the offensive line they'd be putting out there for a game that they absolutely needed to have. Yet Herbert kept dropping back and getting hit. Kelley looked to be finally getting back in the mix and then the defense gave up two quick and embarrassing touchdowns and then it was hard to call a running play at all.
On defense, besides the painful touchdown given up by Samuel, we weren't getting any pass rush whatsover. Mack has been great for us, both without Bosa who do other teams need to block alongside him? Rumph does nothing. Of course, Sunday brought Jerry Tillery into focus. Part of being a Charger fan is assuming that every single ex Charger comes back to haunt us. I watched Marion Butts in person play his only good game against us in Foxboro in 1994. Of course, a bullshit penalty on Seau tipped the scales that day. Whether it be the late Reche Caldwell on 1-14-07, Josh Lambo kicking against us, Junior stopping Michael Turner in the AFC Championship, it's always something.
The reality is what we do (or don't) with the guys we have. You think Saleh or Daboll would make us good? We only had the chance to interview one of them, by the way. Sadly, I think the guy we got would be struggling and the other two would be thriving. Why is this? I don't think we are cursed. Do I think the "head stinks from the top" and since Spanos is a douche we can't win? All sports owners are jerks. That's kinda their thing.
Oh Ian Eagle giving me the side eye. I don't have the answers for the Chargers right now. Sadly, I never have. I don't think they do either, which is far more important. This season is a failure thus far and it's not just due to the injuries. They still don't get enough out of what they still have. That, of course, begins with Justin Herbert. The most Charger thing would be to win tomorrow night and then lose one of their "winnable" games. The only thing I think could propel the Bolts to a win, especially with Derwin most likely out is an inspired performance from the offense due to all the negative attention Herbert is getting this week. Look, I don't care about Tua/Herbert. We would have drafted Tua if we had the chance. Telesco has said as much. Honestly, Tom should be out of a job at this point. It's been almost 10 fucking years. I know good tackles don't fall from trees but how is it that we can't assemble decent backups? With our injury history we know the subs will be starters soon.
Then there is the coaching. Tillery was given every chance to succeed and apparently wasn't used right? Yes I know he committed a big penalty at SoFi Thursday. Not sad about that. I'm pretty bitter.
Staley talked all about his great scheme against the Niners. However, his idea that linebackers don't matter is obviously stupid. We can't rush the passer or stop the run. White and Chenna are doing just fine in their new homes. Tua was pressured last week against the Niners, but we can't rush anyone. Chris Rumph does nothing and it seems like our safeties are the only ones who can get to quarterbacks. Without Derwin probably, how's that gonna happen? Tranquill can only blitz so often.
The game is now flexed to PrimeTime here so I'll be up late with you watching. A loss would officially start the speculation as to who is getting fired for this shit show of a season. The injuries aren't an excuse. They were healthy last year but games like New England, Minnesota (not to mention this year's Seattle and Jacksonville affairs) are what makes me believe changes will need to be. I don't see Staley getting fired this year but everyone else is up for discussion I believe. If Staley gets canned on Black Monday, I wouldn't be opposed to it.
As always, Bolt Up Or Shut Up.
JIC,
RLW
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