I said last week that I tend to write more when the C/-/ARGERS lose. I guess that's why I have more to say this week. The game in Pittsburgh started fantastically. The defense looked sharp for the third straight week. Guys were bring ballcarriers down almost instantly and there didn't seem to be any panic, especially on third downs. You know better than anyone, FAITHFUL READER, those are indicators that these aren't the some old Bolts.
I didn't have such a problem with Harbaugh being passive at the end of the half. In retrospect, people will suggest that we should have been more aggressive with a three point lead. "We have Justin Herbert," they say. We gave Fields momentum even though they didn't score, others said. If we are going to trust the New Regime, then we've gottta trust them completely. I think it's clear right now that Herbert was really iffy all week and maybe, just maybe, that was why they didn't unleash him on the final drive of the half. Without Palmer, who it's hard to count on at all, it's not as if he had all his weapons.
Of course, they had a chance for a Hail Mary at the end of the half. I guess there is a reason that Fehoko is yet to catch on with a team long term. I can't get too down on a guy who barely made the roster for not catching that pass. It sucks because it was a perfect throw and Herbert couldn't really throw with his feet fully behind the pass.
We all know what happened in the second half. As of this writing, it appears Herbert will play with Sam Mustipher replacing Alt and Sayler for Rashawn. Do I think he should play? No. But I do trust this staff. The blocking once Slater went out was awful. It hasn't been great all year. We can wonder why they don't roll Hebert out, but I am sure the foot injuries make his mobility difficult. Bosa was hurt on the first play and Alt on the last one. I guess I should just be happy neither of them have gone on IR or had surgery. The worst part of the half was the succession of awful plays. The penalty on Derwin seemed legit, but not worth a suspension. The fact they had the Steeler he hit on the appeal call with Runyon and Brooks is even more suspect. You can argue Derwin was blocked into hitting the head, but probably not gonna convince anyone. The penalty on Mack was definitely some bullshit, as the kids say. He was blocked into the QB. But everything fell apart in Pittsburgh any we would have lost by 17 if the Steelers hadn't kneeled on the goal line.
Even if Herbert sits, I do think we can win tomorrow. I actually believe we are going to win. I know how good KC has been but I think we all know this game means so much more to the Chargers. The bye awaits, and I do think Harbaugh will take that into account when deciding who sits and who plays. I don't think he can push Herbert to play and I don't believe Herbert can force his way onto the field. I think the situation can be summed up best by former Charger beat writer Eric Williams' two pieces this week. First he wrote that Herbert cannot play under any circumstances and then that this is the game Harbaugh needs to allow him to lead us to a much needed win against a team who has tormented us for years.
Again, there is no rational reason to say we will win. KC will still have tons of fans and I am sure many people who would have shown up tomorrow sold their tickets after last week. This is the game we need to get those "casuals" back. We are all worried about Herbert's health and of course I worry about the protection. But I do believe in this coaching staff and I don't think they will be reckless. Remember when we were terrified about Pipkins replacing Slater and he held up? We still lost that game because we couldn't hold a late lead again and didn't guard Kelce. I don't need to remind you of that and I don't want to think about it. It's Saturday Night and I'm going to have a drink and hope the Mets don't implode again.
Once again, it's time to Bolt The Fuck Up.
JIC,
RLW
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