Boltman wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:03 PM:Let me make sure I got this right, we just got our lunch handed to us by the Atlanta Falcons??? The Atlanta Falcons!

Wonder where this team would be right now if we had..

1. The coach that took us to a 14-2 record.

2. The quarterback that took us to a 14-2 record.

We are truly the joke of the NFL and there is no end in sight.

Johnny Chokerville wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:03 PM:I must start by saying that if anyone actually thought the Chargers were going to beat the Falcons, these people know nothing about football. Michael Turner was out for vengeance against his former team and his "understudy" L.T. rushed for 24 yards!! The chokers are at it again. Can anyone remember the last time they even won a game? I am having a hard time remembering that myself. In addition to L.T. having a break-out game against Turner and the Falcons, his "special" helmet has a secret that has recently been uncovered. Would you like to know the secret? (Drum roll please…) The black visor is installed in his helmet so that no one can see him cry. There it is... now you all know! I thought playing a game at home was supposed to be beneficial to the host; not the visitor, but San Diego has proven that theory wrong all season. Now is the right time to go on E-bay and get your Chargers gear for real cheap, because all of the bandwagon Charger fans are trying to get rid of their stuff quickly. Anyone remember the Chargers saying that "this is their year to win the Super Bowl"?? I know I do and this proves that these guys have a sense of humor, although it is unintentional. Anyways, like the Gummy Bear of California says, "Gooo Chargers!" Junior Seau has got to be proud! Michael Turner is going to have a fantastic flight back to Atlanta! Hands across America to wipe the streaming tears from the Chokers faces!

Richard wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:15 PM:well turner lost another one. im the fire turner guy and would like someone to defend him well in that case as andy reid of the eagels has said its the head coach who takes the responibilty for the losses. i have said since they hired turner that this was going to happen and i am not in the nfl coaching club. many here have defended turner well we got what you all wanted a losing team so thank you. the playoffs you thought would vindacate your praise for turner was misplaced. a.j if you cant get along with a head coach that is 14-2 then you need to be in another job. to the spano's you need to look at your gm's abilty to get along with other personel in the organization. because you will never find a winning head coach for the team. the way a.j. smith treated marty you will be lucky to find someone until aj smith is gone.this was a graet team 2 years ago see how a power hungrey Gm can destroy a team hope things will be better in future but doubt it as long as A.J. smith and Norv Turner are running this team

BoltBacker65 wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:21 PM:Someone please put the dog out of his misery...you know just shoot Ol’ Yeller! Or has that already been done? Yeah, the Falcons have the smoking gun...evidence of the horrible deed!

The Falcons came in and stole the game away from a Charger team that apparently didn’t want the win. They gave the Bolts 3 turn overs and yet, the Chargeers couldn’t seal the deal...as usual. So much blame to around....

I pity the D, they were out on that field way too long, again. The pass rush isn't there and appears it won't be this season. They tried but their just not dong the job. And that pathetic pass defense...and penalties that came in at the right time to cripple drives...thanks guys!

Rivers really should be benched...to hell with his stats! He’s not as smart a player as his stats give him. Another safety? And on the heels of boneheaded penalty! He couldn’t find the receivers when he had to and the crappy O line didn’t help his cause much either. What’s wrong with giving Volek a shot? Damn...it’s a team effort so let the rest of the team pitch in!

I noticed it seemed Tomlinson didn’t have his heart in the game and it seems his blocking was super suspect because he let Rivers get sacked a couple of times on passing downs...are there some personal issues between him and Rivers that are now coming to surface?

LT has been whining about the lack of running in the Chargers’ offense this season. But my question is why is he crying about that when his game bits big time. The team needs to do something besides go to him and his ineffective running. Also, anyone see LT put on his helmet when Rivers approach the bench he was seated at? It was like he was saying...Screw you Phillip, I don’t even want to look at you right now...

And the Chargers really need to promote Malcolm Floyd to the starting role and get more passes his way...again he made the plays when they were needed. He’s a difference maker. Both Jackson and Chambers were off their games. Floyd gets open and makes the catch and knows where the first down marker is and gets behind it.

Too bad the offense was so pathetic and couldn’t sustain drives. They have no 5 minute or 4 minute or 2 minute offense. They only have a 3 quarter offense that sputters and quits in the second quarter and fizzles in the final minutes of the 4th quarter and where the Bolts land points wise is the final outcome...kinda like musical chairs only we keep missing the seat when the music stops.

Now my prognosis is that the Chargers are done and that’s that. Even if a miracle happens (and I believe it won’t..Denver keeps coming through somehow), they don’t deserve to play in the post season. How can we expect them to advance at the higher level of play in the post season if they can’t do the job when they have to during the regular season?

I wonder if AJ is lamenting a few of his decisions and choices he has made during the past few seasons? And what happened to Dean Spanos? I thought dude really wanted a winner in SD? Because I know we sure do!

You remember a few years back when Dean and his pops went out to turn the Bolts into super bowl contenders? They brought in John Butler and Marty and started drafting and bringing in talent. And then fate and its ugly face shows up and we lose Butler (rest in peace) and then Marty and company and then the critical core of this team (on to greener and winning pastures).

Maybe the wool has been pulled over Deans' eyes or are he and AJ pulling the wool over ours? Sorry to rant and sound negative but the Bolts are done unless the truly unexpected happens and charity pops up and Denver rolls over and dies...Where’d I put my Aladdin's lamp? Time to call on the genie!

HEY NORV..... wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:31 PM:How about you start running the ball. Thats right run the ball with the MVP. You are trying to make Phillip Rivers something that he is not, never was and never will be! RUN THE BALL NORV.

Ric in Delaware wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:59 PM:Have no intention wasting alot of time commenting on this abysmal disgrace of a coach,some may say it's not his fault,they will never convince me of that. AJ and Dean thru their unbeleivable fantasy island pipe dream that a head coach who has been nothing but a loser could take this team to the promised land deserve whatever they get from the fans, media,players , and anyone who cares to comment.As for me it's just the 45th wait till next year. To all the loyal diehard fellow charger fans its been great reading your comments and writing a few. Take heart it can't get any worse[I hope]. Signing off until next year take care and God bless.

Cranberries wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:04 PM:This turkey is done!

Joe wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:51 PM:Obviously it is what it is. Obviously no "tournament" or "making noise" this year. Obviously the Chargers are a pathetic 4 -8 now after going 14- 2 under Marty. Obviously the Chargers got just what they deserved with all their stupid trash talking, kissing bicepts, overconfidence and Superbowl talk. Obviously the Chargers have taken on the LOSING identity of their loser "coach."

Obviously the Chargers got rid of the wrong back. Obviously Michael Turner BURNED the Charger's inept defense with POWER and speed. LT, he of TWENTY FOUR YARDS FOR THE ENTIER GAME - weak, timid, uninspired, whiff on blocks, run out of bounds, ankle tackled, dropped passes at critical times - if not off of his helmet - (must be eating too much Chunky Soup) obviously did not even belong on the same field as Michael Turner. Obviously the student taught the teacher about HEART. The one thing LT is good for now is pouting with his visor on and being "honest witchu."

Obviously Antonio CRAPmartie is not going to get anywhere near 15 interceptions as most of his last year were obviously fortuitous as a result of the pass rush from Merriman.

Obviously OJ Smith let his absurdly OVERSIZED EGO rule the day by firing a 14-2 coach for a Norf. Obviously the SILENCE from OJ Smith is DEAFENING! WHERE is YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY OJ??? Norf must have bought you a bunch of Hawiian shirts. How absurd is it that it has been reported that OJ Smith does not plan to bring back Merrimonster Merriman whose absence has exposed the Chargers as lazy and uninspired pretenders.

Obviously Norf took the keys to the Ferrari and WRECKED IT, just like fans of the Redskins and Raiders said he would. Obviously NO INSIPIRATION, TERRIBLE CLOCK MISMANAGEMENT, TOTALLY PREDICTABLE OFFENSE (if Brandon Manumaluena is in it's going to be a run, no passes by LT, no reverses or fake reverses, no gadget plays etc.), NO SENSE OF URGENCY and is obviously NOT A LEADER OF MEN in battle. Obviously it was the beginning of the end when Norf did away with Marty's Oklahoma drill which taught toughness.

Message to Dean Spanos - Fire GM OJ Smith and Norf and bring in Bill Cowher already; if he will work for you after the way you treated his friend and mentor Marty. Give him total and complete control and the Chargers turn it back around. It is obviously possible by a change to a disciplinarian at the top - look at the Dolphins this year with the Tuna Parcells.

Thanks to OJ Smith and Norf, the Chargers are obviously the LAUGHING STOCK of the NFL. How much do you think former Chargers Lorenzo O'neal, Burner Turner, Brees, Justin Peelem coach Marty etc. are laughing now?

Obviously, when the Chargers finally get rid of Norf it will be nice to not have to endure him saying the word "obvioulsy" every other word when interviewed. He obviously is not head coaching material as his losing record obviously illustrates.

Thanks OJ Smith and Norf for obviously the most disasterous season in the history of the NFL. You obviously deserve each other.

Bwah ha ha wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:08 PM:What a great game! I am not a Falcons fan but it's great to see the Dolts get beat by anybody, anyday! The Raiders are only one game behind them and will probably pass them up. Maybe even the Chiefs, too! Hey Boltbacker65, what's the deal with "Falcons stealing a game?" What game were you watching? The Falcons beat your Dolts fair and square. Why are you making more excuses for your pathetic team? What a loser! So is your team!

Larry wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:08 PM:I cannot believe that anyone has any doubts on the ability of this coaching staff. Not only has the defense been pathetic all year but the offense is going south also. Norv, the 'great' offense coordinator, continually settles for FGs because he can't get it to the endzone. Bradley as the DB coach has his players completely lost. From an ALL-Pro, to a completely confused doormat, Bradley has Cromartie all screwed up. I also have to agree with Hank Bauer, that both O-Line and D-Lines are completely being worked week after week. This is a confused, dispirited and also very soft team. I really thought Norv could succeed here, but he has proved me wrong. Norv do us all a favor and resign.

Kevin wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:17 PM:Does anyone know the heimlich? Another choke.

Dr. Mr. Spanos wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:21 PM:Will the real owner of this team STEP UP! Mr. Spanos SR. Every one wants their young buck to do well, but yours hasn't at the cost of the best city in the US. Your son has allowed AJ Smith to ruin a good thing. AJ SMITH has hurt this team. WE SUCK if you haven't noticed. NOT to mention we miss a few key players due to management handleing. STEP UP! PLEASE

Umm.. wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:48 PM:Go Chargers, Go! - All the way to Chula Vista! ... I bet Chula Vista doesn't even wan't 'em now. Thats some Norv they have..

Make it a Norv Turnover, it's done. Stick a fork in it.

John Dogg wrote on Nov 30, 2008 7:56 PM:How sad. The once proud Chargers have quit! I'v been in coaching all of my life and I know when a team has thrown in the towel.
I don't know if it's Norv Turner? These guys are supposed to be professionals. The fans expect an effort and it's not there.
People to blame: Rivers; Tomlinson; Jammer; Gates; AJ Smith (letting Turner get away); O-line; receivers.
The only good team in California - USC (and I hate USC).

dudeguy wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:02 PM:The only reason this game was closer than it should've been: the refs. Two of those "fumbles" were gifts to the weakling Chargers by Referee Mike Carey, who was obviously still smarting after Ryan steamrolled him. The only true mistake in the whole game was Harry Douglas' muffed punt.

ES wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:10 PM:Remember what "Dandy Don" Meredith used to say...or sing on Monday Night Football??? "Turn out the lights, the parties over...."
What an absolute disgrace this football organization is!!! A complete joke!!! Here's what needs to be done: Fire General Manager A.J.(stands for"A.Joke"?)Smith, terminate that creepy, pocked-faced,loser Head Coach Turner, hire as their replacements Marty Shottenheimer as GM and Bill Cowher as Head Coach.
The Spanos Family needs to take care of business now... blow out A.J. and Norv now, don't wait til the end of the season! Oh wait, the season IS over!!!!! End of comment!

LT is overrated wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:18 PM:Personally, I believe that the Charger's problems stem from their ownership and the administrative personnel they hire. But with that said, I have to tell you that LT is highly overrated.

Now I understand that LT won the MVP, but my question is who really earned that for him. To be more clear, LT has been ineffective this year so Chargers' fans assign the blame of an ineffective running game to bad blocking. However, when the blocking was great and Lorenzo Neal did all the dirty work to create the holes for LT, who got the credit? It just seems to me that San Diego fans want to crown LT as the greatest who every played and forget that he was the beneficiary of superb blocking.

More importantly, I see LT as a cancer on this team. When the team loses he refuses to accept any responsibility and instead whines to the media about not getting enough touches or criticizing Hall of Fame coaches like Bill Belichek instead of graciously accepting that they lost and moving on to the next season.

I know many Charger fans will find this post insulting and point to the 4-12 seasons as evidence of his loyalty to the Chargers. Yet I cannot help but feel that his immaturity and unwillingness to sit with his quarterback when they struggle stems from a resentment at no longer being the Chargers sole big name player. Although the Chargers' apologists won't agree, I have to tell you that he seems increasingly more like Terrell Owens than Barry Sanders.

Joe wrote on Nov 30, 2008 8:44 PM:So much for "continuity." The only thing continuous is Norf CONTINUING LOSING as he always has with other teams.

The perfect solution:

Marty as GM and Bill Cowher as Head Coach = Superbowl VICTORY. DEMOTE OJ Smith to talent evaluator or let him walk and replace him. We can all survive without his EGO around here (remember when he hardballed Gates a couple of years ago forcing him to hold out and miss the Cowboys game which the Chargers lost which very likely kept them out of the playoffs that year - nice job drafting Sammy "Toast" Davis too). He is not the best anymore after the last 2 drafts. Other teams such as the NY Giants do a much better job of building a team.

Cowher will not come here without Marty but if, and it's a big if, the Spanos's are smart enough to realize the error of their ways and swallow their pride (don't hold your breath but I guess we can dream) and fire Smith and hire Marty and Bill Cowher as a TEAM the Chargers will once again become winners.

I will bet the farm that if Cowher was coaching the Chargers we would no longer see LAZY and undisciplined play and STUPID mistakes over and over and over and over and over.

If Spanos was smart he would be on the phone right NOW to get it
done. If you wait to find a coach like they did after firing Marty you end up with the bottom feeder losers like Norf.

Oh, that's right, they aleady gave Norf a vote of confidence and he will be back again next year - UGH - despite having the dubious distinction of RUINING a team which was 14-2 just 2 years ago with most of the same core players in the most disatrous meltdown in the history of the NFL.

BoltBacker65 wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:04 PM:Ok Bwah ha ha, or is it Duh dah doy? I watched the same game as you and yes, the Chargers folded up and let your team take the win.

I said the Bolts didn't want this game and it showed. If the Chargers had really wanted to win and played as they are capable, your Falcons would've been shut down. But reality being what it is, your boys won.

Listen my friend you need to grow up and watch your pie hole and not personallly attack the bloggers in here by calling them 'losers'.

I gave no excuses for my team just stating what I saw during the game and what's been happening to the Bolts...So grow up and state your opinion and not resort to name calling or else head back to your crib or high chair, sonny boy! PS take the pacifier out when you talk...I can only hear slobbery sounds.

Doug wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:26 PM:After all these negative posts, I would really like to say something positive about the Chargers:

"They looked really nice in their uniforms today, and tried their hardest."

I have lots of practice. That's what I tell my son when his team stinks up the place. Mind you, he's 11 years old...

RAIDERMANN wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:44 PM:OH HERE WE GO!
And so the Charger bashing's begin!


The San Diego Chargers..... 2008 Season Summed Up.


Q. What do you call 53 people sitting around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A. The San Diego Chargers.

Q. How do you keep a Charger out of your yard?
A. Put up goal posts.

Q. Where do you go in San Diego in case of a tornado?
A. Qualcom Stadium they never have a touchdown there.

Q. What do you call a Charger with a Super Bowl ring?
A. A thief.

Q. Why doesn't Chula Vista have a professional football team?
A. Because then San Diego would want one.

Q. What's the difference between the San Diego Chargers and a dollar bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. What do the San Diego Chargers and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!

Q. How many Chargers does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out.

And my personnel favorite -

Q. What do the Chargers and Billy Graham have in common?
A. They both can make 70,000 people stand up and yell "Jesus Christ!"

Take a Pill of this AGAIN wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:48 PM:NORVACAIN:
Pronunciation: NOR-VA-CAIN

Norvacain is a fast working drug. Norvacain is injected into the heart of a football team in an attempt to replace a Motivational Coach with an Offensive Coordinator with the intensity of a librarian. Though it may be worth trying, this injection alone is enough to make Fans nervous about any football game where player intensity may be required. The risk is that usually one season of Norvacain could potentially be dangerous to the health of the team by numbing the team for the duration of any football Championship window.

Along with its known effects, Norvacain may cause some unwanted effects, such as ,passive, unmotivated play, lack of focus and intensity, fatigue, playing under players potential, demise of leadership, breakdown of the team unit, loss of team character, emotionless and unprepared gameplanning, becoming injury prone.

Team Captains will attempt to call team meetings in an effort to bolster the troops in an effort to ward off this invasion, however, continued exposure to the Norvacain soon proves fatal to the Team chemistry and players frustration soon begin to fester.

Early warning signs are when the Defensive Captain states:

It took me a while,” Merriman conceded Monday. “I kind of get rowdy, get up for a game by yelling and screaming and everything else, and Norv wasn’t like that.” He added, “I’m waiting to hear him tell me to get up and run through that wall over there, and it never happened.”


Fans being exposed to literally watching their team transition from being a perennial Championship team to a team best remembered for playing at a waterpark, soon experience any of the following side affects,

loss of Appetite,high blood Pressure, Bluish lips and fingernails; breathing problems; chest pain; convulsions (seizures); dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; fever; headache; irregular heartbeat; itching; nausea and/or vomiting; pale skin; raised red swellings on the skin lips tongue or in the throat; rapid heart rate; restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness; Back pain; constipation; difficulty in opening the mouth; inability to hold bowel movement and/or urine; loss of sexual function; paralysis of legs; persistent numbness; prolonged numbness or tingling of lips and mouth; shivering; skin rash; tingling or pins and needles sensation.

JD wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:17 PM:A few quick points about this season's edition of the Chargers (didn't get the game where I live):

1) Norv has lost the team. There were anonymous rumblings saying as much early last year when they were struggling. Something pulled them together, but more and more I believe it was players who took a leadership role and willed the team to success. Norv may be a great football mind. *May* be. But he's always come across as milquetoast to me -- something great leaders aren't. Maybe he's a fireball in the locker room, but out of it he's Ned Flanders.

2) Tomlinson. To me he doesn't run with the same purpose he once did... whether that's injury or whatever. But I remember in the early days, when the O-line sucked, you'd often see him get sucked up in a bunch of defenders and stretch out a gain (or sometimes miraculously break out a big gain) from seemingly nothing. You won't see that this year. Or last. There's also the attitude question. I don't doubt his commitment to winning. However, he's a guy who has talked about leadership but I'm not convinced he's a great leader. He's also getting to that point of no return for backs. It could be mostly downside ahead. Right now it's just mediocrity and inconsistency, I think.

3) Rivers. Rivers is underrated, but he'll only ever be above average unless he gets reined in a little. You see flashes of exceptional play in the Chargers' air attack... and then you see the rest of it. There's something there and I don't know how to make the most of it.

4) Don't know what to make of the D. I need to see more games. But I'd be happier if they gambled more and got burnt instead of being picked apart... because in the games I've seen, pressure has been an issue.

losers wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:14 AM:Can't wait until pitchers and catchers report, oh no the padres suck too.

bill wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:22 AM:Chargers fan are a bunch of crybabies and whiners, just admit that this team isn't very good. bad is bad

Fourteen wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:55 AM:Thats the number of carries by a former MVP and last years rushing yards leader. Fourteen carries for any premier running back is not going to win anything. Michael turner gets 32 carries and the W. Thanks Norv

Jimbo wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:15 AM:GREAT game! Now this is true, traditional Charger football! The boys got off track for a couple of years there, but now they're back to tried and true San Diego form! For a while there, I thought we'd have to bring back Ryan Leaf! But now our team is doing just fine!

Pluto wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:02 AM:It's wrong to focus entirely on Norv Turner. Management fired a coach who was 14-2 and got rid of Michael Turner and Lorenzo Neal. We need a better offensive line and new management.

Dave wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:05 AM:Hate to say it but the weekly site of LT sitting on the bench by himself pouting like a spoiled little brat is getting real old. I never had to see Sweetness pull such selfish garbage.

Friends, agents or the Soup company should tell LT to get with his teammates on the sideline and be a team player, not a pouty little prima donna. One more thing, lose those absurd earings, they look like bad costume jewelry.

Gringo wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:16 AM:Almost all of the Charger's games were lost by less than a touchdown. up until two weeks ago Rivers was the #1 rated passing quarter back in the entire league. You so called Charger Fans attitudes suck. Go cheer some other team when the Charger's star winning again next season.

Not a Fan wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:29 AM:Where, oh where is Lorenzo Neal when Tomlinson needs him. Would have a better team letting Tomlinson go and keeping Neal to open holes for any running back. But football fans don't understand that simple reality.

And just to let all the fans know, Rivers is an overrated cry baby. Was he the only person in the world who thought he did not intentionally ground the ball? A player would have smiled at the ref and thought "you caught me", but Rivers whined like the little spoiled brat he looks like and is.

One more thing. The coach is not the problem, the players are.

Jaque wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:50 AM:Cowher isn't coming anywhere near Chargerland with AJ Smith as the boss. Cowher isn't a puppet, and AJ wants a puppet.
AJ is good at scouting players and should stick to that.

The fat lady has sung on this season. Worse yet, we could be tied with the Faiders by the time this is all over with!

to not a fan wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:09 AM:read the second post carfully it is the coach

John wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:22 AM:My apathy toward the Chargers isn't helped when the Charger players laugh and hug the opposition after they lose games. You see it on TV and it happens every week when the game ends. I thought you were supposed to be upset at getting beat.

esteban wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:24 AM:AJ Smith is a genius.

Where is Keepthefaith and Textbook wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:57 AM:All I want for Christmas, for the San Diego Cha's Cha's to keep losing LOL...My stomach aches, from laughing so much. Hey Raiderman...I like your blog :-) and I bleed green.. Go Oceanside Pirates

Gene wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:00 AM:Go Cowboys

Karl wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:11 AM:The upside is that we'll get a good low draft pick next year, a softer schedule and a new head coach.

Peace

boltslacker65 wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:27 AM:Oh, touch a NORV did we? Bwah ha ha! What a LOSER! It's only a game! Sheesh! Got your panties in a bunch over some loser football team. If you had a clue, which you don't, this is not a blog. You must not have a life to make comments like you know what's good for your Dolts. Don't like the comments? Then stop having them read to you.

BoltsFaninPA wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:32 AM:I've written it elsewhere: when Norv got hired a longtime 'Skins fan told me: "Just watch, you'll lose lots of close games. Norv is chicken -- he's afraid to finish third, so he accepts second gladly. He's afraid to hang it all out to get a win." Sound familiar? Uncreative offense. Few go-for-broke blitzes ("but he's not the defensive coordinator"" -- um, yes, but he's the HEAD COACH, aka, where the buck stops, the decider, etc.). Lot of losses in close games. Simple question: Would Belichick be losing with this team? Would Cowher? Would Marty? Would Bobby Ross? Would Coryell? Would Gruden? Would Dungy? Would Parcells? I doubt it. We'll never know. But hey, at least AJ has a coach he's confident in. I wonder if the players do ...

Joke wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:35 AM:This team has become a team of Prima Donnas including AJ and Spanos. No new stadium no negotiations no nothing. Let them move on and bring someone here who wants to build. Chargers have been losers for to many years. To many players think they don't have to play pre season thus all the timing is off. A coach that doesn't know win from loser and a GM with the owner who can only think of how to screw the city over, make money and spend the least possible. Pee Wee football has better managers and coaches then the Chargers.

No Incentive wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:36 AM:The Chargers management has absolutely NO INCENTIVE to put a decent team on the field: witness the fact that Fox had to buy only 2,000 tickets to ensure a sellout. Why in the wide, wide world of sports anyone would spend hard-earned cash to watch the mediocrity that is the San Diego Chargers in person is beyond my puny little reasoning skills. This team is, always has been, and always will be bush league unless and until there is a change of ownership. Get used to it, San Diego.

Jaque to John wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:52 AM:""My apathy toward the Chargers isn't helped when the Charger players laugh and hug the opposition after they lose games...""

You bring up a good point. The millionaires you see on the field (aka players) are smiling and hugging because they are talking about thier new cars, houses, hoes etc...

I can see the head coaches coming to center field for a quick shake, but not the teams. Can't imagine the Steelers of the 70's gladhandling the opposition like that after the games...

Keith wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:42 AM:First of all I don't want to hear any more talk about our "high-powered offense" and all the so-called weapons we have. They can't get first downs when we need them and can't get into the end-zone with any consistency. Though he's had his moments Philip Rivers hasn't been the guy we thought he was. When it's crunch time it's choke time. This whole season has been like a bad dream. It looks like our O-line wants to have tea with the other teams lines and our Defense has been just as bad. Let this nightmare of a season end and let's hope these guys come back next year more committed. Oh and don't blame Norv for all of this, sometime the players have to step up and actually play.

to RAIDERMANN wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:05 AM:Hey, those were funny! Are they old ones I've never heard? Anyhow, best post of the day.

LDSDFan wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:37 AM:No doubt that this season can be chaulked up to bad coaching,Cotrell and Turner should never have been given the job, but to blame Rivers,BoltBacker65,makes you an idiot. He is not the problem. When given time he is as good as anybody. I guess you haven't noticed the amount of pressure he has been getting. It is up to the players to suck it up and play out the rest of the year with some pride.

NorCal Charger wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:47 AM:to RAIDERMANN
We still will beat you on Thurs. the joke is on you and the past 8 years...

Brandon Jacobs will be a free agent next year, can we get a running back again in SD?

LT has given up, I guess his payday from "chunky soup" was his superbowl, what a waste of talent.

I guess we will end up 6-10, man how times have changed.

It appears we will be in Raider territory, blackout on TV.

So we must all look forward to next years April draft and hopefully we FIRE Norvie Norv soon and not wait until late off season like we did with this Bum Norvie.

If AJ holds onto Norvie next year, we are back to the days of the late 90's..Doormat City Baby!

Can we vote Turner out? Go Bolts!

Gina wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:38 AM:To Norcal Charger:

Bottom line is YOUR "team" HAS NEVER, REPEAT NEVER, won a Superbowl and from the looks of it, NEVER WILL!!!!! And as far as beating the Raiders on Thursday, so what?? Your record is almost as bad as theirs, so you have no room to talk...and no ring to polish either :-D

LASTLY, as I said RIGHT HERE at the beginning of football season, this is the year of the GENE UPSHAW CURSE! Turns out I was right all along ;-D

TO RAIDERMANN ~ Best post EVERRRR ~ Hope you don't mind if I torture all my Choker friends with 'em...you rock!

RENDIZZLE wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:39 PM:RAIDERS WILL LOSE AGAIN!
ITS BETTER THAN WINNING THE SUPER BOWL EVERYTIME WE BEAT THEM.
RAIDERS ARE WIKITY WIKITY WAK!

to gina wrote on Dec 1, 2008 12:44 PM:(without looking at google)
Since your a die hard fan,what years and how many super bowls have you guys won? i thought so.Go Chargers!

Kentera wrote on Dec 1, 2008 1:03 PM:Where's James? Let's here what you have to say or are you out buying yourself a new raider hat for the game. Bring back Marty!

Fan Maybe wrote on Dec 1, 2008 1:31 PM:Something to consider:
1. The deal for a new stadium in Chula Vista is falling through.
2. More money to be made else where!
3. Lossing season, less fans, less money.
4. Vote of confidence for everyones favorite coach last that said he would be here in 09.

All this equals conspiracy by Spanos to complete the move of the chargers to a different city with more money!

IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY!

Merry Christmas Chargers Fans!!!

Johnny B Goode wrote on Dec 1, 2008 1:48 PM:CHARGERS

Johnny B Goode of La Costa wrote

The No. County Times got the sports page headline right,
Turn(er) for worse. Too bad they did not have a second headline for AJ SMITH. DEAN: BOTH TURNER & SMITH MUST GO.
Great job by coach Ron RIVERA & the defence.
We bought a new SONY 52" HDTV on Saturday but I did not watch the Charger game on it. I choose to go watch the Annual La Costa 35 Athletic Club Turkey Day pick-up Softball games and Turkey roast. We listened to the stumbling Chargers on the radio, until we turned it off. Our Charger fandom is in the CRAPPER. I am so glad the front office forced us to give up our season tickets by raising our VIP parking from $30 to $70 per game and raising our club seats by 50%.
I am going to the PSU vs So.Cal Rose Bowl Game, just to get over this lousy, NORVEOUS Charger season.
The Mrs.(Diane) did watch the last quarter, just to learn how to use the new remote. PLEASE DEAN MAKE IT HAPPEN....Marty's available for GM.
And now I just heard on XX radio, that the Chargers have been granted an extension for Thursday's ticket sales. I would not go if they payed me. I will go see Jerome Dawson play jazz at La Costa Resort & Spa.

JohnnyBGoode & Diane
(27 year Charger season ticket holders)

James wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:10 PM:I guess Raidermann forgot his team lost to the Chiefs at HOME...SO ENOUGH WITH RAIDERgirl and his functional illiteracy! Dude worry about how you're going to live with Al for the next 10 years and how you can become literate!

They are what they are...Not Good...what else can be said...they are on life support and shouldn't be...show some heart and win out...in the unlikely scenario that the Donkeys lose the next two of three and the Chargers win out...how ridiculous would that be with the AFC west championship being played in SD on the final weekend...the winner going 8-8...stranger things have happened...not probable but at least finish strong...

meangene wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:42 PM:to the writer of "to gina"...... after reading all the posts, is that all you got? What years? answer: 1968,1977,1981,1984 &2003. Won? answer:3
My question is: what years and how many super bowls have the SAN DIEGO SUPER DOLTS WON? I THOUGHT SO...SEE YOU ON THURS NITE....oh yeah you will be at home hiding...don't worry about not selling out and being blacked out cuz the RAIDER FANS will pack the second black hole to root on the silver and black to victory over the DOLTS! GO RAIDERS!!!!

Reminds me wrote on Dec 1, 2008 2:53 PM:Listening to you loser Charger fans duke it out with you loser Raider fans, I'm reminded that you should all be drooling over the Monday night game later today: Jacksonville vs Houston, both teams 4-7, your kinda big game.

charger fan wrote on Dec 1, 2008 4:09 PM:All the fans have spoken. Mr. Spanos please do us all a favor and fire AJ Smith and Norv Turner. first of all AJ Smith is the Al Davis of the chargers. Please do it for the benefit of all. We need Bill Cowher as our coach. also it is time for John Moores to divorce himself completely from the padres.

Not a Fan wrote on Dec 1, 2008 5:08 PM:The coach always says it's his responsibility, that's his job. The players know better.

Jimbo wrote on Dec 1, 2008 5:11 PM:These are not your Martyball Chargers. These guys stoop to new lows to find ways to lose. Norv, AJ, and Rivers have all got to go. Ever since AJ forced Rivers on this team and forced Marty out, it's been all downhill. The buddy system doesn't work in the NFL because you actually have to have talent and play hard. Imagine that! Where are all the NC State homeboys now? Still watching Rivers' college highlights?

To Doug wrote on Dec 1, 2008 5:47 PM:If you want your kid's Pop Warner team to build some self esteem, just have them play the Chargers.

Sorry Norv you gotta go wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:10 PM:Norv has lost control Its time to move in a new direction but we`ll have to wait til the end of the season if the potential replacements are coordinators from playoff teams

Scott-Bonsall wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:18 PM:The offensive line rarely gets headline news, either when playing great or bad. With this team, it's the latter and they need to be held accountable. The defensive secondary also is over-rated after a good last year. Fix these areas and a healthy Merriman and the Chargers are back in the playoffs next year, assuming LT has enough miles left on his body.

James wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:39 PM:Hey Jimbo,

Again you forget that Marty followed up a 12-4 playoff season with missing the playoffs entirely the next year...Oh yes, and your boy Bress threw another three interceptions and pretty much secured a second straight non-playoff season....ENOUGH WITH YOUR LOVE AFFAIR FOR MARTY AND BREES ...!

Watcher wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:08 PM:Don't put all the blame on Norv Turner. AJ Smith traded the heart of this team away when he got rid of Drew Breeze, Michael Turner and Lorenzo Neal. Drew is having a career year with the Saints, Turner kicked the Chargers butts on Sunday and Neal is still going great for his new team. Think of how Tomlinson would be doing if he were getting the ball from Breeze, with Neal blocking for him and Turner waiting on the sidelines to take over if Tomlinson were dogging it. Without them this team is just an empty shell of its old self. AJ Smith's boners gutted the team, and he has to be fired as soon as possible, even before Turner goes.

KDOG wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:14 PM:As a lifelong Charger fan, I'm really getting tired of hearing from lame posters who say fans are jumping off the bandwagon just because were critical of an obvious choke job season.

I'll watch every game and hope we win whether we're 0-16 or 16-0, so it doesn't matter how bad we are I'll always be a Charger fan. Venting about a lost season does not mean I'm a Raider fan all of a sudden.

There's blame to go around everywhere but I've been an anti-Norv person since day 1 (anyone who actually thought he was a good head coach is kidding themselves - of course I never wanted Marty to leave, but out of the people interviewed we should have went with Rex Ryan). I wonder where all the "AJ is a genius" posters are now?

I don't blame Norv for having the job, any good GM would not have hired him after 2 losing stints. A good GM would also not have forced another losing DC in Cottrell on the puppet head coach. So my #1 culprit is AJ Smith and Dean Spanos for not making it work with Marty, despite their differences. Unfortunately, this is going to continue as AJ's ego is the size of Alaska and Dean's brain is the size of a pea.

Maybe the one post about this being a conspiracy to move out of SD is true - it's sure shaping up that way with multiple bonehead decisions.

#2 culprit - offensive line - it has been horrible all year. Sure, they've had some injuries but they are not getting the job done this year, both in pass protection and run-blocking. It's amazing how many people love to rag on LT and blame him for everything, how is he supposed to cut and make plays if he gets the ball and has defenders in his face before he even has a chance to make a move? Have you forgot about the large holes the OL used to create for him? And those weren't created by Lorenzo Neal so losing him is not reason for the lack of a running game. Lorenzo opened up the final hole which created the 10+ yard runs but this OL is not even giving LT a chance for 8 yard runs. It's the head coach's philosophy that determines what style you play and it's obvious that Norv's focus is not running the ball. He's too busy devising schemes to make our opponents look like all-pro defenders. I'll give Norv credit for 1 thing, he's found a way to make LT, Gates & Rivers look mediocre when they are actually 3 of the best in the league.

For the people who criticize LT for not being a leader and other nonsense. What is he supposed to do? Be happy that whenever he gets the ball he's mobbed at the line of scrimmage. You play RB for 8 years and watch your Super Bowl window get slammed shut and see how happy you are. LT is a cancer and overrated, are you serious? You sound like another disgruntled NE fan. Let me see - 136 career TD's - 5th all-time, only 5th player ever with 10,000 rushing yds & 500 receptions, the list goes on and that's despite playing on some crappy Charger teams. LT can't do anything w/o Neal - how about 1,683 rushing yds and 79 receptions w/o Neal in 2002? If anyone is overrated, it's Lorenzo Neal who couldn't catch a ball to save his life. Sure, he's a good blocker and he helped LT but Lorenzo is nobody without a good RB behind him. Here is a comment from Neal himself, “He’s going to keep playing hard, but he’s frustrated,” Neal said. “Trust me, this guy’s got a lot left, and if you put him in the right situation he can still thrive. But when you take the power out of one guy’s hands and yet people say that he’s on the decline, it’s wrong.”

#3 culprit - defensive line - other than Jamal Williams, this group sucks without Merriman's help as LB. And to think AJ is possibly considering not re-signing Merriman because he actually uses his brain to make his own decisions. AJ hates when people do that - you MUST obey him at all times. If he lets him go we are in for mediocrity for years to come.

I don't believe the secondary is that bad (with the possible exception being Clinton Hart who can't tackle or cover - why is he the starting safety? That's right - we let McCree leave). If the DL could put any pressure on the QB, we'd be fine (or how about calling the right blitz package?). If you gave us Dick LeBeau, Jim Johnson or Rex Ryan the defense would be excellent because we'd actually learn to put pressure on the QB with our LB's. Cottrell was Mr. Conservative and we got shredded every game and the defense never left the field. I'll give Ron Rivera a pass as the defense is looking better with him as the DC.

Solution to fix the Chargers - fire AJ Smith & Norv Turner at the end of the year.

Of course this will not happen so be prepared for more losing seasons Charger fans.

NEWS flash wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:37 AM:It's not JUST about "Turner" LT- EARN your money. IF he can't run DO his job. Let him go,costs too much for HIS kind of playing.ALL players NEED TO play,that is what they get PAID the BIG bucks for... DUH!!! REAL sad!!! Discusting game..
ALSO WHO is paying these"Refs" because someone is paying someone off. IT was VERY clear!!! You get those "kind of" calls against you,you just GET real frustrated PERIOD!!

BoltDan wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:17 AM:I said last year get rid of Norval and AJ. I was booed from the pages by loyal Charger fans. I am as loyal as anyone here but a loser is a loser. AJ hasn't drafted but one top notch O-line guy (problem #1). Aj got rid of the hearts and minds of the team (#2). Now we lose and everyone wonders why? AJ must go along with his lackey Norval. Until then the team will continue to diminish. Might as well lose the rest too, we need the higher pick. Oh but AJ will let Merrieman, Igor, Sproles, and whoever else go this year in free agency so we are doomed.

LMAO wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:44 AM:Anyone know where Marty is???..Carma got the best of this Charger team....MARTY MARTY MARTY!!!! where are you?????

whiners wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:16 AM:u charger fans make me sick!yeah your having a bad season but think about it!how many games have u lost in the last minute?injuries have plagued your team and im sorry to say but L.T. is not the same.you dont call for your coaches head after just two seasons!last year at this time you fans thought norv walked on water and now you want him gone. wake up charger fans!with the chargers having such a great year last year they got a much harder schedule this year!at least give him one more year then if things start going bad then you start talking about a change!i swear you charger fans jump on and off the bandwagon so quick!

Marty my a wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:39 AM:GoofBalls Marty wasn`t the guy & Norv ain`t the guy either. If Norv doesn`t get the ax we won`t be renewing & I`m sure thats ditto for thousands of other ticket holders. Now lets go kick some Raider Butt for the 11th time in a row!

Karl wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:09 PM:whiners @ 11:16 AM:

I've been on the band wagon since 1961 and still have the hat to prove it. I didn't like the hiring of Norv and still don't. The reason the Chargers ended up with Norv is because they waited too long to fire Marty and Norv was all that was left.

grj wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:58 PM:The best thing @ the chargers is...
the charger girls
LT got all those millions in endorsements, the diamond earrings like a rapper, losing team losing coach
winning charger girls!!!!

Bring back Ryan Leaf wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:01 PM:If we had just kept Leaf, he would be AWESOME by now! Or, if we had picked Michael Vick instead of Tomlinson. OR, if we had taken that other Manning brother... whatever happened to that guy?

Jimbo wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:24 PM:James,
Brees is an upgrade over Rivers, period. You need to escape from fantasyland and comprehend what everyone is saying....AJ foolishly traded away all the talent. Both Brees and Turner came back to haunt the Chargers with 2 of their losses this year. Both had big days against the Chargers. Both the Saints and Falcons have better records than the Chargers...except maybe in your fantasy world. EOD

chargers are done wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:09 PM:Charger fans are all fair weather...I am still a fan till the end. GO BOLTZ!

Disgusted Charger Fan wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:11 PM:The Chargers are done until they find a true mentor and leader. I predicted that Norv would ruin the team just like he has done over the years. Thats his job, fail and destroy. Just another puppet of AJ.