Week Ten Summary - Deja Vu

The scene yesterday at Qualcomm Stadium was far too familiar for Chargers fans, who watched in horror as their team was once again on the verge of losing a game in the final minutes. Thankfully though, the nightmare would not repeat itself and San Diego stopped the Chiefs two point conversion attempt in the final seconds to preserve their 20-19 lead.

I suppose it all depends how you want to look at the current situation in San Diego, because there are reasons to be both cynical and optimistic about this team. For starters, you could ask yourself why Kansas City was even in a position to win this game in the final seconds? How were the Chargers playoff hopes almost extinguished by a team that had lost 16 out of their last 17 games? That being said, you also have to admire the tenacity of this Chargers team. It’s obvious that San Diego didn’t play their best football game of the season yesterday, but they still found a way to make the big plays on both sides of the ball when it was necessary. I don’t think that anyone will look back on this game with fond memories, but it’s still a victory….and that’s something that has been in short supply for San Diego this season.

Thoughts + Notes

-Can someone please explain to me when the San Diego secondary forgot how to play football? The Chargers continued to struggle with their pass coverage, allowing Tyler Thigpen to throw for 266 yards and three touchdowns. I know Thigpen has been playing well recently, but come on…..you have to be kidding me?

- I suppose we can be optimistic that the Chargers were much better along the ground, only allowing Kansas City to rush for 76 yards yesterday. That being said, it’s going to take more than just a new defensive coordinator to fix this San Diego defence.

-Despite a couple of key mistakes, it was another big game from Philip Rivers. He’s easily been the MVP for San Diego this season, I’m scared to think about where the Chargers would be right now without his strong play.

- Decent game from LaDainian…….but didn’t you expect a little better performance against the Chiefs awful run D?

- I thought Malcom Floyd looked very good yesterday, and he is making a case to remain a part of the passing game even when Chris Chambers returns. Since week 6, Floyd has caught twelve passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns.

-It’s hard to believe that despite all of the struggles this season, San Diego remains only one game back from first place in the AFC West. Can you imagine if Ed Hochuli didn’t blow that call in Week 2?, the Chargers would be in sole possession of first place in the division right now.

- The Chargers haven’t made an interception in the last 3 games…..quite the change from all those turnovers the defence forced last season. Why the difference? Just look at how much more time opposing quarterbacks have in the pocket this season.

- Although it’s hard to complain with the victory….I don’t think you will find too many confident Chargers fans entering next weeks match up against a physical Steelers team. The combination of Pittsburgh’s running game and physical defence should create nightmares for the Chargers, in a game San Diego desperately needs to win. That being said, this San Diego team has been full of surprises all season long…..but I’m not exactly holding my breathe.

I’ll be back during the middle of the week with my preview of the upcoming match up between the Chargers and Steelers. In the mean time, if you want to contact me or have any questions I can be reached at brandoncampbell@sportstalkbuzz.com

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