Live Blog: Chargers/Bengals

Because I got a wild hair...it's time for a Live Blog!

Today's Matchup...San Diego Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here's how this is going to go today...I'm going to type and save, and then "Publish" sporadically...probably about every half hour or so.

So, if you want to follow along... You can just read here, and then click refresh every half hour or so.

It's not very efficient...but then again, we are talking about a Chargers game here.

Fair Warning:  Any and All Bengal fans.... I will be a HUGE Chargers homer.  I won't lie, or even pretend to be fair or balanced, or anything of that nature...I'm a Chargers fan.  I will blog as one.

Today's Game features the 7-4 Bengals, who are leading the AFC North and the 5-6 Chargers...who are in 3rd in the AFC West..and their only hope to make the playoffs is with a wildcard birth.

The Bengals have a good shot either way...Win the Division, or a Wildcard.

If the Chargers lose today...they are pretty much out of the playoff race.

Historically, the Chargers haven't fared well against the Bengals (using no scientific data whatsoever to back this up...it just feels like, in the past several times they have faced...the Bengals usually win).

Most of the World/Nation will be tuned into the Broncos/Chiefs game this afternoon...so this Blog has a chance to be the only documented record that this game actually occured.
(I'm picking the Broncos in the other game...and I don't think it will be close.  I could be wrong, but I don't trust that Chiefs team.)

The Game is Scheduled to start in about 5 minutes.  Hold on tight.  Feel free to text or tweet me during the game...I may include you in the blog.

Let's Go Bolts!

We've got Ian Eagle and Charger Hall of Famer Dan Fouts calling the game for CBS today.  Also known as the combination of "The Bird and The Beard".  I like Fouts as the color guy...but he is a Charger Hall of Fame player...and probably had the best NFL Beard of all time.

Fouts beard fears no man.

Cincinnati burns a timeout on the first drive of the first half...that was werid.  Don't see defenses calling time outs that early in the game.

Chargers gaining some decent yardage, early on so far.  Although on all 3 first down plays...they have run the ball...this is kind of a pattern for the Chargers...they like to run on first down.  And they do it alot out of the Shotgun.

The Chargers decide to mix it up, and throw on first down, and run on 2nd and now they are in a 3rd and 10.  What do I know?  Rivers completes a pass to Gates for the first down, and he fumbles.  The Bengals recover, and CBS goes to commercial.

I think Gates could have been down...but I didn't see the fumble very well, because I was typing the blog.

BTW, Twitter is abuzz about the Vikings Bears game...could be a tie?  I refuse to turn the channel on the basis that I'm blogging this game.  I think Gates was down...but then again, I'm an unabashed homer.

The ruling on the field of a fumble, recovered by the Bengals will stand as called.  Not enough evidence to overturn it.  Darn.  The Bolts had a nice drive going there.

The "Red Rifle" takes the field.  Andy Dalton has been struggling this year, but I am a firm believer that the Chargers woeful pass defense will be just what he needs to get off the schnide.  Surprisingly, the Chargers hold the Bengals to a 3 and out on the first drive.

Ryan Mathews is running hard again today.  He's been pretty good this year.  He's not great, he's no superstar, and he's not going to put up big numbers week in and week out, but he's played well this year, and if he could stay healthy...he could end up making a lot of money in his next contract (probably NOT with the Chargers, however).

Bengals hold the Chargers...and we'll see Mike Scifres.  I love Scifres.  He's my favorite punter of all time.  Honest, if I were to ever buy a jersey of a punter....it would be Mike Scifres # 5.

Do I look like a punter, Punk?

Plus, he actually looks like a football player (unlike most kickers)...and he kicked collegiately at Western Illinois...who is in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the home conference of my SDSU Jackrabbits (Who incidentally dominated Northern Arizona yesterday in the first round of the FCS playoffs).

The Bengals are now moving the ball.  That lost fumble by Gates may be one of the most important things to happen in the game...because the Chargers defense, just can't stop anybody.

Just saw that Manning and Alex Smith each started their games off with an interception.  So, the best Quarterback to play in Kansas City the past two weeks, is Philip Rivers?  Right?  I mean, he didn't throw any interceptions.

The First Quarter concludes, and it is 0-0.  However, the Bengals are threatening...and will probably get a Field Goal at least...and that's if the Chargers can figure out a way to stop them...which they haven't on this drive.

The Law Firm punches the ball into the end zone on the first play of the second half, and the Bengals lead 7-0.  Remember back in the first quarter, when the Chargers weren't behind?  I liked that better.

Impressive Drive by the Bengals there.  Although... to be honest, the Chargers defense isn't very good.  They can't rush the passer, they don't cover well, and they are pretty much a poor tackling team.  Other than that, they are great.

Phil Rivers and his new favorite target, Keenan Allen...just made a beatiful hookup to continue a drive on a 3rd and 10.  Keenan Allen is special...I'm just gonna go out on a limb here.  Play following that...Rivers hits LaDarius Green Down the seam for a TD... Novak kicks the XP, and we're all tied at 7.

They just showed Bengals DC Mike Zimmer on the sideline, I was actually a fan of him being hired as the Chargers head coach last season, when it was clear Norv Turner wouldn't be retained.  I'm actually glad he wasn't interviewed, because I really like Coach Mike McCoy.  But I do have an appreciated for Coach Zimmer...his defenses usually play pretty well.

Chargers actually hold the Bengals to another 3 and out.  A Manti Teo sighting on the first play, breaking up a pass(he's quietly been playing better), and an actual QB sack on 2nd down.  Chargers get the ball back, but their decent field position is ruined by not 1 but 2 penalties, on the punt return.

Keenan Allen.  I just can't help myself.  He Good.  Can not believe he wasn't drafted until the 3rd round.  New General Manager Tom Telesco found a gem in that pick.  Anyway, he just made another beautiful catch.  But the drive stalls out...forcing Scifres to punt again...and it's downed inside the 5 yard line.

BTW, Ian Eagle just mentioned that Scifres has the highest % of kicks downed inside the 20 yard line of any punter in NFL History.  Don't you see why I want his jersey?  The Mike Scifres Jersey!  There should be a Kickstarter campaign for this...yes, buy me a Scifres jersey.

Unrelated Note:  Mrs. Coach...who doesn't like "Dumb Comedies" just burst out laughing at the Anchorman 2 Commerical that was just on.

The Red Rifle just threw the ball about 50 yards downfield...right to San Diego Free Safety Eric Weddle.  I'm not a Bengal fan but, What are you thinking, Andy?  That was not a good decision.  Thankfully, I am a Chargers fan...so.... good job.  Weddle returned it to the 45 yard line...good field position for the Chargers.

Meanwhile, Peyton Manning has thrown 2 interceptions in Kansas City, and Philip Rivers has yet to throw any there.  (also, as he played there last week...he's unlikely to throw any there this season)

2 minute warning, and the Chargers have a first down, on the Bengals side of the 50 yard line.

The Bengals defense rises up and shuts down the Charger offense though, and they are forced to punt.  Bengals get the ball back inside the 20 yard line (thanks Scifres) with just under a minute to play in the half.
-The Bengals play it conservative, so the Chargers burn a couple timeouts to get the ball back.
-When they do get it back (after a great punt), they run a draw play for Danny Woodhead, and that's the half?  Why burn the timeouts then?  Hoping for a good punt return, I guess.

All tied up at 7 at half time.  Pretty good game.  Honestly, I think the Chargers have been playing better, moved the ball better anyway... but the score is tied, because of that Gates fumble.

I think we need a picture to "spruce up" the blog here.  I just changed my facebook "cover" photo to this:

Go Big. Go Blue. Go Jacks!

In other unrelated news:  I'm playing some "Old Man Basketball" tonight at the gym.  I hope I don't get injured.  Just started my marathon training plan this morning.  This leads to an interesting Question:  What will there be more of... Points scored by the Chargers or Points scored by me tonight?  If I was a betting man...I'd go with the Chargers at this point, even with only 7 points at half.  It's been a long time since I've shot a men's size basketball.

First Half Stats that matter:  I drank 3/4ths of a pot of coffee in the first half by myself.  I'm going to lay off the caffeine in the 2nd half, probably need to drink water in the 2nd half because I'm playing basketball tonight.  Stupid Exercise.

Bengals get the ball to start the 2nd half.  They made it out to midfield, and there the Chargers decide to actually play some defense.  Andy Dalton gets called for Intentional Grounding on the incomplete 3rd down pass...which saves the Chargers about 10 yards....Keenan Allen fair catches at the 17 yard line, so that could have been the 7... that penalty may be something.  Anyway...Chargers ball, and I need to go get a glass of water.

Through first series of second half, Andy Dalton is 8-for-13 for 62 yards, OT, 1 int. (41.2 rating).
— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) December 1, 2013

Chargers are mounting a nice drive here, but let's see if they actually get points out of it.
-And right after I type that...Rivers hits Gates over the middle, and Dre Kirkpatrick rips the ball out of Gates hands on their way to the ground.  Turnover.  Bengals Ball.  Gates has now lost the ball TWICE in Cinci territory, at least in Field Goal range.  I know he's a future Hall of Famer and all, but Gatesy needs to pick it up.

And, let me say this...if that goes down as an interception...that's a crime.  because all Rivers did was throw a good, completed pass.  His Target is the one who gave up the ball.  Replay Review confirms...Bengals ball on the 25 yard line.  Egads.  It's hard being a fan of this team sometimes.

The Chargers D just blew up a flea flicker near midfield.  BGE looked to pitch back to Dalton, but held on, because a defender was back there.  Gotta say, I love the flea flicker, and that was the perfect time to call it.  2nd and short...near midfield.  Bengals convert on 3rd and short anyway.  Now they are really rolling, and the Bengals are into FG range at the very least.

And a TD pass from Dalton to AJ Green.  The XP by Mike Nugent is good, and the Bengals lead 14-7.  Green was so open on that play, even Andy Dalton could hit him.
FB Message from my favorite Mailman:  The most open AJ Green has been all year.

Let me make this proclamation right now...14-7, with 1:35 to go in the 3rd.  I fully expect the Chargers to tie this game, and then turn around and lose in the most heartwrenching manner imaginable.  It is the way of the Bolt.

On 3rd and 5, the Bengals Blitz, and Rivers calmly steps up and hits Keenan Allen.  Who wisely decided to NOT give the ball to the Bengals for no apparent reason.  A Danny Woodhead draw play, and we are at the end of the 3rd quarter comes to a close.

On an unrelated note:  My lovely daughter is making us homemade pizza for us, from the kitchen.  She's a peach.

Another unrelated note:  Just scrolled my twitter feed and someone had retweeted a quote from Coach K on there...this is common, I follow alot of coaches and people who follow his "twitter quote" account.  Although I have to wonder...why don't they ever quote him the way he talks to his team in the huddle or the sideline?  If the outside world knew how much he cursed at them, would he be as universally beloved?  I doubt it.

3rd and 10 at the Cinci 39 yard line...and throws incomplete for LaDarius Green...who was tackled by the Cinci defender while the ball was in the air.  Which is legal today for Bengals, I guess.  Here's the thing with Pass Interference...I know you can't call it on every play.  However, if you see a guy falling down and he runs into the open receiver's legs...and then he falls down, and still almost makes a one handed catch...that's probably pass interference.  I'm just saying.

Anyway, Scifres punts...fair caught on the 9 yard line (Thanks Scifres!), and it's Cinci's ball.

Bengals running back is tackled for a loss of 1 on the first play.  Bengals called for holding, and the Chargers take the penalty?  WTH?  Instead of 2nd and 11, it's now 1st and 14.  I don't like that decision.

Ona 3rd and 3... Dalton hits his WR Hawkins in stride, and he takes it 50 yards downfield.  Good Grief.  My prediction of tieing the game isn't looking very good right now.  C'mon Chargers...your season is on the line!  3rd and 6 from inside the SD 30, and Dalton calls a TO.  Good.  I need to pee.

Mikw Nugent on to kick the 46 yard field goal, and it's "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" for Nugent.  17-7 Bengals lead...and privately my prediction of tieing the game before blowing it, is looking bleak.

The Broncos now lead the Chiefs 35 to 21.  (They trailed earlier 21-7...and one of those TD's was a Kick Return by the Chiefs)  The Chiefs just aren't that good.  I'm serious.  I think they make the playoffs and lose in the first round.  And, I think the Chargers will beat them in the 2nd matchup this season too.

And then...as Keenan Allen breaks a long 3rd down gain...he fumbles the ball on his way to the ground.  This is going to be reversed (he was called down on the field)...and the Bengals will get the ball.  This is the curse of the blogger, because I wrote earlier that he didn't do that....now he does it.  That's 3, count em, 3 turnovers by the Chargers on completed passes for decent gains in this game.  And each and every one of them have been recovered by the Bengals.  ARRGH!  Frustrating!  But what am I gonna do?  (although my chance to outscore the Chargers tonight at old man basketball are getting better and better)

The Mike Zimmer defense has done a great job against the Chargers today.  Held them to 7 points.  This after putting up 41 in Kansas City last week.

And The Law Firm fumbles...and Eric Weddle recovers and returns it to the 43 yard line.  Andy Dalton had to make the tackle.  The Chargers aren't done yet!  But they HAVE to score here.  Marching now.
-Woodhead, then Allen, then Woodhead, and they are near the 30 yard line.  Or as I shall, rename it :  The Fumble Zone.  The Red Zone is the 20 and in...the Fumble Zone is the 35 yard line and in. (This designation will be for the Chargers only).

Nick Novak drills a 48 yard field goal, and it's 17-10 Bengals.  Chargers will kick it away and rely (gulp) on their defense to get a stop, and get the ball back in the last 4 minutes.

In other news:

Keenan Allen has fifth 100-yard game of season, his second straight. Eight catches, 106 yards.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) December 2, 2013

I love Keenan Allen.  I didn't love that fumble he just had a bit ago.

Oh my Lord... Penalty on the Chargers Johnnie Troutman for a late hit, after the FG, and so the Chargers are kicking off from their own 20 yard line.  Bengals are going to get great Field Position.  They return it to the 34 yard line...that kickoff was Boomed too...it would have been a touchback.  Let's see if the Field Position plays a factor in this.

First play was a deep pass to AJ Green.  Bengals approaching FG range already.  That was really pathetic coverage by Shareece Wright of the Chargers.  Bengals pick up another first down, and there's 3:02 to play, and they are in Field Goal Range...inside the 30 yard line.

The Bengals are Riding the Law Firm down to inside the 10 yard line.  And we've hit the 2 minute warning.  The Chargers really needed 7 points, and not 3 on that previous drive.  Those 3 turnovers by the Chargers, especially the two by Gates in Cinci territory, are HUGE right now.  You have to think they cost SD at least 6 points (2 FG's)... which means this would be a very different game from a playcalling and strategy perspective.

First and goal inside the 5 yard line, under 2 minutes to go, and the Chargers are out of timeouts.  That will be your ball game.  Andy Dalton takes a knee, and he will need to do so, only one more time.

So long to the Chargers playoff hopes.

I am going to sign off.  Gotta eat some pizza and then get ready to play some old man Basketball.

I Know Nothing

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

Socrates

That's totally us, dude!

I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about professional football. (The National Football League, not the Premier League, I don't know much about soccer).

What I mean is, although I'm no super fan (I don't download video from the league, I don't 're-watch' games to break down film, and I'm not 100% certain who is on my team's practice squad.

However, I'm pretty well versed in all the schemes and trends of the league.  I know the difference between a "pistol" set and a "shotgun" set.  I know the difference between the 3-4 and the 4-3.  I know the preferred personnel to run either scheme.  

I understand the difference between a shovel pass and a screen pass.  I can name pretty much every player on my favorite team's roster (the chargers, and don't laugh at me, it's not polite).  In addition, I can probably name the 3 deep depth chart at just about every position on the team (although that's difficult with the injuries they have had).

When I watch the games I concentrate on what's happening as it unfolds, not just the result of the play.  I notice the play-action fake... I notice the crucial block that gets a guy through a crease for a gain instead of a loss...I notice the qb staring down a wr before an interception, and I notice alot of near misses:...near tackles, near sacks, near catches, near fumbles.

I enjoy the strategy of the game, always have.  When I was a teen and you coach play the "coach mode" or "strategy mode" (I can't remember what it's called now)  of tecmo bowl, where you just call the plays and watch...I was the only guy I knew who liked that.  I played like 4 full seasons of the doomed EA Sports NFL Head Coach Video game.  And that game sucked...but it was what I wanted.  (I actually bought the second version of the game, too).

In the 1990 season (when I was 20 years old and in college), when the pre-season booklets came out with the NFL Schedules...I filled out the Division winners, and the AFC and NFC Champion, and the Super Bowl champion.  (I missed one Division winner, but I can't remember who it was).  I predicted the Giants against the Bills in the Super Bowl back in August, and I was right.

But I don't understand the NFL today.

There is literally nothing you can count on.  

Week in and week out, there are things happening that don't make sense.

For example:  This past weekend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (one of the worst teams in the league) played in Seattle against the Seahawks (one of the best teams in the league).  The Seahawks also boast one of the league's best home field advantages, a great defense, and insane atmosphere to play football in...so easy win for Seattle, right?

Wrong.  They did win.  But it wasn't easy.  They had to battle back from behind (2 touchdowns behind), in the 2nd half to put the game into overtime.

This isn't uncommon.  It's the norm.

The NFL does NOT make sense.  

Let's take the Indianapolis Colts season so far.
Week one:  they beat the Raiders (OK, the Raiders aren't great, but they won)
Week two:  they lose to the Dolphins (wait a sec... maybe the Colts aren't so good)
Week three:  they beat the 49ers 27-7 (the niners were regarded as one of the league's top teams)
Week four:  they beat the Jags (OK, so the Colts are pretty good)
Week five:  they beat the Seahwaks (wait a second...the Seahawks are also very good)
Week six:  they lose to the Chargers, only scoring 9 points (The Chargers are a .500 team, right)
Week seven:  they beat the previously unbeaten Broncos (Wait...the Chargers just beat them right)
Week eight:  they play the struggling Texans, and barely win... coming back from a 21-3 deficit at the half.

Does this team make any sense at all?  

The Chiefs are 9-0.
(They went 2-14 last year)  But they are 9-0.  (Of course they play against back up quarterbacks nearly every week...and they haven't won impressively, except maybe against the Jags and the Raiders, but they are 9-0).

2 Weeks ago, Nick Foles, the Quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, posted a QB rating of 46 and only completed 37% of his passes....against a Dallas Cowboys defense that had already given up 400 yards passing 4 different times this season.  (So he must stink then, right?)

So last week, against the Raiders...he goes out and throws 7 Touchdown passes, completing 78% of his passes, and posts a QB rating of 158.3. (Which is basically a perfect score in QB Rating)

What I'm saying is... I don't know anything.

The game is too complex.  There are too many moving parts.  There are too many "almost" plays...in each and every game, for it to be predictable in any way, shape, or form.

So next time you hear someone complaining about their coach's play calling...just shake your head and agree.  Because someone who spends a few hours on Sunday afternoon must certainly know more who lives and breathes the game his entire life, right?

It's just not a simple game.  You can't predict what will happen.  

Bolts/Bears Breakdown

This isn't really a live blog...not like I normally do.

I just watched the game on my DVR, with a pen and notebook, and jotted down some comments, some of which are snarky, along the way.

I'm a terrible Chargers homer, and most of my comments are based as such.  I don't even pretend to be "journalistic".  Just a doofus with a keyboard.

Dennis Leary does the intro welcoming us to Monday Night Football on Thursday night.  Which I loved.

Wonder if Dennis ever thought he'd be doing stuff like this back when he was doing this for a living:
(warning:  inappropriate language...and alot of it)

Chris "Boomer" Berman is announcing this game, with Trent Dilfer as the color guy.  Boomer is sporting some sort of strange plaid suit jacket...although the plaid stripes are Charger Blue.

and the Camera goes to NEW San Diego Chargers Head Coach Mike "Dammit Jim, I'm a Coach, not a Doctor!" McCoy.  He's looking sporty in a Chargers Visor.  Graphic Says:  2nd youngest Head Coach in the NFL.  I'm actually excited for the McCoy era, as a fan.

Next up, NEW Chicago Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman...Trestman looks kinda like a computer nerd (and yes, the irony of someone who works as a Technology Director calling someone a computer nerd is not lost on me....I'm just saying).

Soldier Field playing Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" before opening Kickoff.  Nice Touch.

Devin Hester with a great return to the 37 yard line, and we are underway.

Jay Cutler has his "douche face" in Midseason form as he takes the field.  Never really like Cutler, but I used to really despise the guy.  Now that he's on the Bears, I really don't care so much.  I think the thing that bugs me the most is just the way the guy looks.

Ladies and Gentlemen... it's Jay Cutler!

Cutler just has the look of the guy who got a brand new Trans Am from his parents when he passed his drivers exam.  I have no qualms about his abilities as a quarterback, the guy can sling it, and he's played behind some terrible o-lines.  Honestly, I don't even think his reputation would be so bad if he didn't look so.... douchey.

Jay Cutler doesn't care what you think.

He's just got one of those faces, ya know?  Like one of the cool kids, who thinks it's fun to pick on the underprivileged.
Note:  I'm not saying he is this way at all, I don't know the guy, or even know anyone who knows him, or ... you get the point.  He just LOOKS that way.  He's got a douche face.  So tonight, I will call him that.

Douche Face drops back to pass and is sacked and fumbles.  Bears recover.
Second pass, and the Douchemeister is sacked again...it's 4th and 24 for the Bears, and the Chargers D Line looks good, Corey Leguit is a beast-like person out there.

Chargers go no huddle right away.

Graphic Alert:  Philip Rivers has the 7th most wins of active quarterbacks.  That's a bit surprising.

The Bears hold at midfield, but the protection for Rivers was pretty good.

Douche Face retakes the field.  And Matt Forte breaks a long, long, run down the lest sideline.  Douche Face then throws a TD pass to Brandon Marshall and it's 7-0 Bears.  (Take that, dude who keeps calling me douche face!)

That was an impressive long drive by the Bears.

And now, it's Rivers turn to get sacked.  Rookie Right Tackle DJ Fluker was abused on that play.
GREAT story on Fluker in the San Diego Union Tribune.  Really rooting for him, very uplifting story.

Then Rivers is intercepted...on a play where the Chargers WR (Keenan Allen) is tripped and taken down by the Chicago defensive back...pretty obvious PI call there, in my opinion (and my opinion is biased).
-The Play is under review...the ball may have hit the ground.  Oh it did.  Replay confirms.  The Ref in the booth with Boomer and Dilfer also says this will be overturned...and the play is upheld.  Of Course.  So it's a Pass Interference No Call followed by a non-interception that is ruled an interception... I see how it is.

Douchey McDoucherton takes the field and immediately throws and INT to Donald Butler.  To be honest, I was expecting some sort of reveral on that, as no Charger touched intended WR Brandon Marshall, and Butler didnt' come close to touching the ground with the ball.

A classic sideline Douche Face on return from commercial.

Bolts come out in no huddle, and run the ball 4 straight times with Ryan Mathews...who is running hard, and wasn't injured on any of the 4 plays.

Max Starks gives up a sack and Rivers fumbles, the Bears recover.  Of course they do...because if we sack their QB and he fumbles, they pick it up and advance the ball a few yards... however, if they sack our qb our Charger players are perfectly happy to let the other team jump on the ball.  The Bears are just mean.

Forte scores and it's 14-0 to nothing and Cutler sends me a text that says "Who's the douche now?"  (This MAY NOT have actually happened).
-and the Chargers defense looked BAD on that drive.
-and the O-Line looked bad on that last drive too.
Bears...after a bit of a rocky start, look pretty good.

Then, Richard Goodman muffs the kickoff, and spins around looking for it, he can't find it...and finally takes a knee about .374 or a second before a Bear takes his head off... you can't make this stuff up.  Goodman better pick it up, he hasn't looked good this pre-season.

and the first Quarter mercifully ends.
-The Chargers start the 2nd quarter with some more no huddle, after the 1st down.
-When Rivers has time to throw, he's so good.  Staying no huddle for now.

It takes a full quarter for Boomer to mention that both starting WR's for the Chargers are out.  Donario Alexander tore his ACL, and Malcom Floyd hurt his knee this week..
-and then Jeromy Clary gives up a sack.... that's 3 different Offensive Linemen already.  Bill S. Preston, Esquire would proclaim "Most Non-Triumphant".

A Manti Te'o sighting... on the sideline, in a book.  Sprained foot.  The Chargers seem to always be among the most injured teams in the NFL.  It's something I pretty much count on.  Year in and Year out.

Backups in for both teams at the skill positions now.

The Bears Special Teams look phenomenal.
-the Chargers, not so much.

First a terrible return, then catch a break on a penalty that forces a re-kick.
And then, Keenan Allen (Rookie WR who looks promising) fumbles the return...and of course, the Bears recover.  Like I said before, the Bears are mean.

The Bolts get the ball back, and Clipboard Jesus (Charlie Whitehurst) has taken the field!  Perhaps he shall lead us to salvation.  Probably Not.  But "Clipboard Jesus" has to be the greatest nickname in the history of the NFL... or at least top 3.  It's up there with "Night Train" Lane, and "Slingin" Sammy Baugh.

"No...Guys... Seriously...Why do they call me Clipboard Jesus?"

And Jesus does not save on this occasion.  Whitehurst fumbles his first snap after entering the game, and of course the Bears recover, because...you know the rule... the Bears are mean.

So, as a Chargers fan...we've had 4 Turnovers already and there's 5 mins to play in the first half.
To sum it up in one word, that one word would be "Atrocious".
-another FG by Robbie Gould and it's 20-0 Bears.

Douche Face and Computer Nerd are really kinda rubbing it in, don't ya think?

And the Savior is resurrected!  Whithurst leads the Bolts down the field ( kind of impressively) and Fozzy Whitaker runs it in for a TD.  20-7 Bears.  Clipboard Jesus not only led the Chargers down the field for a Touchdown on that drive... he didn't spike himself.

Now watch the Bears return this Kickoff for a TD.
-OK, he only got to the 24, and there's a penalty for being offsides, on the Chargers of course...so they take over on the 29.  The Bears have owned Field Position in this game.  Hell, they've owned pretty much everything.  They take a knee, and it's halftime.

Yikes, that was depressing.  Not even gonna lie, I know it's preseason, and the games don't matter, and teams don't gameplan (much), but that was depressing.

The 2nd Half is ready to go...a bunch of FNG's and people just trying to make the roster.
-Pre-season football...it's Fabulous!

Clipboard Jesus back out with the backup Offensive line who were terrible last week.

MLB Jon Bostic of the Bears just DESTROYED Mike Willie of the Chargers.  Just crushed it.
-that hit was clean and brutal.  Willies ears gotta be ringing after that one.

The Bears fumble a punt return, and the Chargers recover.  That's just not something I'm accustomed to seeing.  And the fun of backups playing continues... 2 fumbled punts by backup returners already, and we're just into the 3rd quarter folks.

You know I'm not holding a clipboard in any of these pictures, right?

Clipboard Jesus finds salvation in the End Zone with a strike to LaDarius Green for a TD.  Green had a TD last week too, and he's one Charger who has actually looked good this preseason (and in camp too, from reports).

And the Bears almost return the Kickoff for a Touchdown.  I was one too early on my prediction...Nice hustle by someone on the Bolts to catch him, I'm too lazy to look it up.    Michael Bush runs the ball in for the Bears, and it's 27 to 14.
-and the Chargers return their kickoff, comparatively, to the 13 yard line.

After a Charger punt, a random Boomer quote, "#1 punting to #11".  OK.  Thanks for that Boom.

2 straight plays with Bears penalties.  Backup Football Rules!  4th and 32 for the Bears.

CBJ (Clipboard Jesus, I'm getting tired of typing that out...it's really not any shorter than Charlie Whitehurst), throws another Touchdown pass.  He's playing much better tonight than last week, and it's 21-27.
-I hope next possession, Rookie QB Brad Sorensen gets in.

Another Kick Return for the Bears out past the 30 yard line.  I am not joking.  It's like the teams are playing 2 different games on Special Teams.

DJ Smith has looked pretty solid at ILB for the Bolts.  Something to keep an eye on, especially with Te'o's injury.

You gotta love the Bears fans, it's 3rd quarter, in the pre-season...and they are cheering on their backups, doing the wave...Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego would be half empty by now.  Soldier Field is Rocking.

And another Manti Te'o segment, because we haven't heard anything about this kid, and his personal life.  And we certainly need a 2nd segment on a player not playing tonight because of precautionary measures.

And Sorensen takes the Field!  Yes!  I like this kid from Southern Utah.  I watched him almost lead his Thunderbirds to a miraculous comeback against my SDSU Jackrabbits a few years back.  He looked good last week.

And the Bears, block a punt.  You can't make this stuff up.  Don't forget our recurring theme tonight...The Bears are mean.

Man, the Bears hit hard!  Both on Defense, and Special Teams.  Just some big shots going on out there.

Sorensen and Ed "Rock" Baker lead the Chargers on a nice drive, and Sorensen throws a TD pass to Mike Willie and it's 28-30.  I have to say, the Bolts Backups look much better tonight than last week, when Seattle just took it to them.

But the Special Teams have been atrocious, in about every conceivable way, both games this PS.  Hold your breathe, there is a Kickoff coming.

The Bears win.  Final score 33-28.

NFL: The Doofus Rankings

Since we're nearly a quarter of the season done (for the great majority of teams, anyway), I know what everyone has been clamoring for... the Sports Doofus NFL Rankings.

0-4

Cleveland Browns - not surprising.  They don't have a very good team, and a pretty poor 28 year old rookie qb running the show.  Although one bright spot for the Browns, RB Trent Richardson looks like a stud.  He won't put up great numbers, because face it, the team stinks...but he has the look of a future all pro.

New Orleans Saints - pretty surprising.  I knew losing Sean Payton for the season would be tough on the team, but woah.  The Saints have shown a bit of fight the past few weeks, losing in Overtime, and taking the Packers to the wire, and their offense still looks pretty potent.  Would not be surprising to see them start playing better, and winning games now.

1-3 and looking it.

Detroit Lions - What has happened to the Lions?  They look, well generally, pretty bad.  Matt Stafford has regressed, their defense looks bad, and I'm not sure anyone is scared of their "physicality" any more.  Still think they could make a run, but pretty poor effort so far.

Carolina Panthers - Saw this one coming.  How many times do we have a young team play genuinely frisky one year (against a last place schedule) and then fall back to reality the next season (See the Chiefs from 2 years ago).

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) - Again, not that surprising.  I think people who bought into the Andrew Luck Kool-Aid forgot how bad this team was last season.  Luck is a fine player, but he needs alot of help

Jacksonville Jaguars - This could be the worst team in the League.  QB Blaine Gabbert has not shown much in the way of growth, and the team seems to be lacking an identity.  Not sure how they won a game, but they did.  Fun Fact:  For the life of me, without looking it up, I can't name their head coach.  This is the only team in the League I can say that about.

Tennessee Titans - They are  better than Jacksonville, but barely.  Chris Johnson's struggles have been documented by pretty much everyone.  Jake Locker is turning into a decent, not great QB, though.  I like the way he handles himself out there.

Oakland Raiders - Much like the Jaguars...how did the Raiders beat the Steelers?  It really makes little sense.  They got destroyed by the Dolphins, beat the Steelers, and then get rocked by the Broncos.  Their defense does not look good, and they haven't been able to run the ball well, except the one game.  They had alot of buzz after that Steeler win as a team that could be interesting, and then fell on their face.

Kansas City Chiefs - Not a very good team.  Watched their game with the Chargers last week and I gotta say, aside from Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles, there isn't much there.  And Romeo Crennel is doing his impersonation of the former head coach of the Browns...what was that guy's name?  Oh yeah, Romeo Crennel.

1-3 Losing, but Frisky

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - You may be surprised to see them here, as this isn't a very good team.  But, But, But... this team isn't all that horrible/terrible.  They beat Carolina, and lost to the Giants (in a close one), to the Cowboys (in a close one), and the Redskins...who needed a late drive engineered by RGIII to sneak out the win.  Next 3 games:  Kansas City, New Orleans, and Minnesota.  Don't be surprised if the Bucs turn some things around

Miami Dolphins - Lost to undefeated Houston, pounded the Raiders, lost to the Jets because their kicker missed a potential game winning field goal, and lost to the undefeated Cardinals.  This has the be the most surprising "Frisky" team.  The Cardinals defense has been stopping everyone, Tom Brady included...and Ryan Tannenhill nearly broke the rookie passing record yesterday.  I like what they are building there.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) - Not sure what to think of this Steelers team.  They lost to the Broncos, pounded the crap out of the Jets, and then got beat by the Raiders.  Too up and down to get a good idea of this team, but any team with Big Ben has a chance.

2-2 Pretenders

Washington Redskins - RGIII looks to be the real deal, which is a good thing for Mike Shanahan, because this really isn't a great team.  They'll win some, and they'll lose some, but they aren't going anywhere.

St. Louis Rams - the return of Jeff Fisher and his team of cheap shot artists.  What a surprise to see Courtland Finnegan on this team.  I'll be honest, does it surprise anyone that Gregg Williams and Jim Schwartz coach "dirty" defensive play?  Who were they DC's for again?  So I can't cheer for the Rams.  But I like Sam Bradford.

Seattle Seahawks - Russell Wilson this, Russell Wilson that... blah, blah, blah.  Pete Carroll is still the head coach of this team, and they are a travesty of officiating away from being 1-3.  How do you beat the Packers like that...with everyone saying it was a crime, and a farce, and then go out and lose like that to the Rams?

New York Jets - Tebocolypse alert!  I love every minute of this.  I love seeing big and brash Rex getting his arse handed to him.  And they are a missed FG from the Dolphins away from being 1-3 and on a 3 game losing streak.  With Revis out for the season, their best corner is now Antonio Cromartie.... enjoy your season Jets fans.

Buffalo Bills - Not sure what to make of the Bills.  They aren't terrible.  But you don't get rocked by the Jets like that on opening weekend, and then once you gain some momentum, get shellacked by the Patriots once people think you are contenders.

Dallas Cowboys - if they had won tonight, it would be a different story.  But Bad Romo showed up again, throwing 5 interceptions, and they looked pretty poor.  I'm not counting the Cowboys out, yet.  But I'm close.  Too up and down.  Similar to the Bills.  They aren't terrible, but they need to be more consistent to believe in their chances.

2-2 Contenders

New York Giants - lost a close game to Dallas on opening night, and a very close game to the Eagles last night.  They are fine.  In fact, if you look at their last two Super Bowl wins... the Giants are right where they want to be.

Green Bay Packers - certainly the loss to the 49ers was a surprise.  They then, in turn looked Great against the Bears, pretty bad against the Seahawks (even though they got jobbed), and barely hung on to win yesterday against the rudderless Saints.  Still think this team could go all the way.

New England Patriots - I don't like their defense, and I don't like how they have been playing.  But still here they sit at the top of their division after a poor start.  The Patriots are like Jason Voorhies, they just don't die.

Denver Broncos - not sure what to think of the Broncos.  I don't think their defense is all that great, it's OK, but nothing special.  Their running game is nothing to write home about, and Peyton Manning isn't all the way back (will he ever be?), but nonetheless, they are 2-2 and pounded the Raiders pretty well, and beat the Steelers.  But both of those teams have losing records?  They fell behind by 20 in both games against good teams.  I could see them win the division, or go 8-8.  It wouldn't surprise me.

3-1 Winning, but something smells wrong

Philadelphia Eagles - They barely won two games in which they had 8 turnovers, got pounded by the Cardinals, and then turned in a pretty solid performance last night.  The Eagles have some talented players, but I'm not sure Michael Vick is going to survive the pounding he has taken so far this season.

Minnesota Vikings - Possibly the most surprising team of the year.  Many pundits predicted them to be one of the bottom 5 teams of the year?  Well, let's look at the Vikings shall we?  

They beat the possibly worst team in the league, Jacksonville in Overtime.  Then, they turn around and lose to the Colts (the only game they've won).  So, they were actually pretty poor.  

But then, they shock the San Francisco 49ers, just pounded them... who saw that coming?  And they beat the struggling Lions last week.  But only by 7, and had a kick return and a punt return to win the game.  (The Titans scored 44 points on this Lions team the week before... the Vikings scored 20, and 14 of them were on special teams returns.

Basically, I'm not sure what to make of this team...they played great against a very good team, and pretty poorly to be honest, against 3 not very good teams.  (Don't buy into the "they played a solid game" against the Lions ploy.... special teams TD's do count, but you can't count on them every week).

Christian Ponder does seem to be a great fit for their West Coast offense though, and I gotta admit I enjoy Leslie Frazier as a coach.  He's like Lovie Smith 2.0.  The Vikings are playing well, my suggestion is that Vikings fans should enjoy it... it probably won't last that long.  But they are making strides, and seem to be on the right track...I just don't see them keeping this pace and going 12-4 for the season.

3-1 Winning under the Radar

San Diego Chargers - Quick Question!  What team played a division rival on the road, won by 3 scores, and were up by 20 at halftime?  Let's check the headlines from the NFL page at espn.com and NFL.com shall we... that should shed some light on the subject.

espn's NFL headlines

NFL. com Headlines

Hmmmm.... no mention of the San Diego Chargers?  Do you think if another team won a division game, on the road, in dominating fashion, they might get some attention?

Homer alert:  Yes, I'm a chargers fan.  And yes, I know they've beaten Oakland, Tennessee, and Kansas City.  And yes, the Falcons absolutely schooled them.  I just find it interesting that no one is talking about this team at all.

I'm not saying they are a great team, but they could turn into one...they are certainly better than most people think.

3-1 and Under, Under the Radar (shhhhhhh.)

Cincinatti Bengals - so far under the radar, I left them out of the first version of this post!

I kind of like this Bengals team.  I like the Red Rifle, I love AJ Green, and count me a huge fan of DC Mike Zimmer.

Seriously, every year when the chargers make their annual swoon, I start looking at HC candidates from other teams, and Mike Zimmer always looks good to me.

This is a pretty good team, and they are going to be in the race.

3-1 Winning, and could make a habit of it.

Baltimore Ravens - This is a pretty darn good team.  But, despite what Joe Flacco says and thinks about himself, he has to continue to prove it week after week.  No more laying eggs like you did against the Eagles, and no more barely holding on to beat a win less Cleveland team at home.  I think they will win a lot of games, but I'm not sure if that will translate to post season success.

Chicago Bears - My favorite part of the Chicago Bears?  Lovie Smith.  Dude is unflappable.  Jay Cutler goes out and has a horrible game against Green Bay?  Who cares.  The next week, beat the Rams convincingly with Cutler still not playing good.  The Bears reflect the mentality of their coach, not their temperamental but talented QB.  The reason the Bears can survive with personality like Cutler at QB is because of Lovie Smith.  Seriously, does he get any credit?  Most underrated coach in the League in my opinion. 

San Francisco 49ers - Would probably be the top team in the league if not for their hiccup against the Vikings.  But that hiccup exists.  If you can take the lead on the 49ers, and force them away from the run the ball, control the clock, offense... you can beat them.  Absolutely loved the pounding they put down on the Jets yesterday.  Very good team.

4-0 What could be wrong?

Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons have a really good team, especially since they added Mike Nolan as their Defensive Coordinator.  Seriously, if they make a late post season push, or possibly a Super Bowl appearance, I don't want to hear about Matt Ryan growth and Maturity.  He's a good QB, but their defense is the BIG difference between this year's team and previous versions.  I watched the entire game when they dismantled the Chargers, and yes...Ryan and the offense looked good, but their defense was surreal.  They just execute.

Arizona Cardinals - Raise your hand if you had the Falcons at 4-0 when the season started?  What no one?  Me either.  I don't think their run can last, but their defense is also really, really good.  Patrick Peterson and Calais Campbell are both top 10 defensive players in this league.  Don't count this team out as a flash in the pan.  If they can continue to play Defense like this...they play in the NFC West... Seattle, St. Louis, San Francisco... not offensive juggernauts there.  They are a definite threat to make the playoffs.

Houston Texans - So far, Hands Down, bar none, the Best Team in the NFL.  They can run the ball, their backup running back can run the ball, they have a dominant WR, they have a couple nice 2nd and 3rd option receivers... Their QB plays smart, and can throw the deep ball.  Their defense is tough against the run, and can get after the other team's passer.  Now, what does this mean?  Does being the best team in September mean you are going to be the best team in December?  Recent seasons say no... the Packers two years ago, and the Giants last year, BARELY made the playoffs, but got on a roll, and won the Championship. 

However, with that said, the Texans are the class of the League.  So far.

Thanks for reading.

NFL Live Blog: Giants/Cowboys season opener.

Coming to you LIVE (well as I write this, it's live, by the time you read it it will be later, but you get the drift) from a farmhouse located somewhere near Elkton, SD....

It's the NFL Season Kickoff Live Blog



(too much?  yeah, I guess so)

Tonight's match up features last year's Super Bowl Champions, The Giants of New York (New York Giants!  Madagascar, witness?) against the Dallas Cowboys.

On hand tonight, we have my brother Chuck, his wife Cheryl, and our children.  Could make for some fun conversation.  Also... I've got my g-mail account open, and I'm waiting for comments from the peanut gallery (that means you...the 3 or 4 people who read this blog).

NY Giant Superbowl greats are bringing out the Lombardi trophies the team has won to the delight of the fans.

Let's break this game down a bit, shall we?

We've got the Tom Coughlin led Giants, against Jason Garrett's Cowboys.  Coughlin looks like your neighbor's Grandpa, he's still spry, and you don't dare go on his lawn.  Jason Garret reminds me of Ron Howard.  I know it's a cliche to compare him to another redhead, but I can't help it.  Opie Cunningham faces off with the old dude from down the street who may have killed someone in the
 war.

The QB battle tonight is another contrast in styles.  You have Tony Romo of the Cowboys, who seems to put up good numbers every year, but never really goes anywhere, and has a reputation for choking under pressure...and being a bit injury prone.  On the other side, we've got Eli Manning, who is most famous for being Peyton's kid brother.  Eli rarely wows you with amazing plays, but he's usually pretty smart and comes up big in the clutch, and he's won 2 Super Bowls, and he's NEVER hurt. 

To be honest, I wouldn't want either of them qb-ing my fantasy team, but that's me.

Queen Latifah did a pretty solid job singing the National Anthem.  Remember when she was a rapper? 

Giants start off with the ball, and try a deep play action pass on the first play.

 

Giants go 3 and out, and will have to punt.  My wife just called and I'm attempting to blog and talk at the same time... this is hard.

 

Dallas also goes 3 and out...and we start the season with a couple of punts.  Commercial break.

 

My nephew came in the room, and played Switchfoot's "Meant to Live" for a minute there.  That was a wild minute...stereo, football game, wife on the phone, blog on the laptop...

 

Eli just hit Victor Cruz on a beautiful pass down the left sideline.  Nice gain there. 

 

Seriously, how old is Al Michaels?  He did the Miracle on Ice game, back in 1980!  It's 2012, and he's still going strong.  Chris Collinsworth is my favorite color guy for NFL games. 

 

Eli's slowly moving the G-men down the field here.  The Giants fumble on a sweep play...rookie RB Wilson dropped it when he was hit and the Cowboys recover.  My brother Chuck likes Tom Coughlin.  I agree, Coughlin is a good coach. 

 

Let's see what Romo can do here.  Big time false start on #77 of the Cowboys...Smith.  I don't blame him though, that Giants D-Line is nasty. 

 

On 3rd and 4 Romo completes a pass to someone, but my other nephew was in front of the screen and I couldn't see who it was.  This is a real professional operation we've got going here.  I love it.

 

A brief interruption in the action here, as we lost power to the television and cable box.  Honestly, like 2 seconds after I typed what a professional operation is going on here.  Not sure what happened, but the Giants fans were cheering, and they went to commercial.

 

Giants have the ball now, and Eli immediately hits Hakeem Nicks on a quick play action play.  I really like Nicks, very good wideout.  After a couple runs by Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants face a 3rd and 2 and Manning completes a short pass to Victor Cruz.  Manning did a nice job recovering a terrible snap there.  End of the first quarter... 0-0.

 

My 2nd son is pumped, because we just checked our fantasy football league and he's leading everyone in scoring with 11 points.  It's his first year. 

 

As I type that, Eli gets sacked by the Cowboys.  Nice pressure by DeMarcus Ware.  On 3rd and long, Eli is pressured, and has to throw it away...another punt.  Nearly a great special teams play there, but the ball crosses the goal line.

 

Just caught sight of Kevin Gilbride on the Giants sideline.  Not a fan.  That man ruined my Chargers for years.  He's done a nice job as the OC of the Giants, though. 

 

In the meantime, Dallas is moving the ball down the field.  A nice pass to Dez Bryant, and a scramble by Romo.

 

Giants intercept the ball and nearly return it for a TD. Causing son #2 to beg me repeatedly to check the fantasy scoreboard (He has the Giants defense).  A couple of runs by Bradshaw, one outside, and one inside, go nowhere and it's 3rd and goal.  Eli in shotgun:  throws over the middle, incomplete.  Victor Cruz wanted pass interference on that play, and it looked like he a legit beef.  Tynes kicks the FG to start the scoring.

 

Giants 3  Cowboys 0

 

Text from "Timmah":  On the bright side, I have only heard "replacement refs" once.

Very true.

 

The Cowboys get called for another false start... it's their 3rd or 4th one.  They then run a draw play and Jason Pierre Paul just swallowed it up.  That guy is a beast.  I remember when he was coming out in the draft...they kept saying what a freak athlete he was, and he's shown it in the NFL.  On 3rd and long the 'Boys come up short on a pass completion...nice tackling by the Giants secondary.

 

I just realized, that I've written a ton of stuff, and we're in a 3-0 game.  Eli takes the field again.  Nice to see that Al and Chris are wearing matching outfits tonight.  That's important.  For what, I'm not certain... I guess it shows they're a team.  Because if they aren't dressed alike... you know they could be... competing or... showing each other up, or ... I don't know...why do they need to dress alike?  Answer me that?

 

Here's how boring this game has become, my brother and I have been discussing movies that we've watched and fell asleep during.  My claim to fame is "Die Hard with Avengance" and Chuck's was "Mission Impossible".  The Giants have to punt again. 

 

Eli and Deion Sanders are in the commercial for direct tv's season ticket package.  Where do they come up with these pairings?  A current qb... who's won two Superbowl's, and an old cornerback who hasn't played in years...yeah, let's put them in a commercial together...

 

2 minute warning, and it's still 3-0. 

 

Dallas is threatening to score, and of course we have another timeout.  And I get to hear that IE9 Song...Again.  Who loves their Internet browser?  And who loves Internet Explorer? 

 

Touchdown Cowboys on a pass from Romo to WR Kevin Ogletree.  PAT is good, and it's 7-3 Cowboys.  1:01 to go in the first half.

 

 See if Eli can do anything in the last minute.  Cruz drops an easy pass on the first play.  On 2nd down, De Marcus Ware brings down Eli...He is really good.  leading to a 3rd and 16.  The Giants run a draw as the clock runs out on the first half. 

Halftime:  Cowboys 7 Giants 3

Commercial for the Voice:  which leads to the question... Real?  or not so Real?  Anyone who has seen the Voice knows of what I speak. 

Snack Break!

Dallas starts with the ball in the 2nd half, with a nice little swing pass to Demarco Murray for 9 yards.  And Romo hits Ogletree on a deep ball for a Touchdown!  Nice pass...nice play.  This Ogletree looks like a player, don't remember him from before this season.

Cowboys 14 Giants 3

Very surprised to see Dallas come out and score on the opening drive of the 2nd half.  Nice job of play calling by Opie Cunningham.  The Giants defense looked off balance that entire drive.

Comment from Kelly: 
Baby Khloe is sleeping through this game...and how you may ask?  Has her Daddy not done a good job in bringing her up as a Giants fan?  No...it is because her Daddy is 20 miles away watching the game at Cubby's and she can't hear him yelling at the G-men.

Eli Manning hits a beautiful deep pass to Hixon for 39 yards.  Bradshaw takes the ball around the left side for a touchdown.  PAT is good.

Cowboys 14 Giants 10

This game is actually turning out to be pretty exciting now.  Chuck says the first half was a "malaise".  I agree.  Good word.

Demarco Murray makes a beautiful move in the backfield, make a couple tacklers miss, and turns up a 48 yard gain.  A nice scramble by Romo makes it first and goal for the Cowboys.  On 2nd down Romo gets sacked... Pierre-Paul had the initial pressure, as I said before...that guy is a Beast.  On 3rd down Romo tries the Ogletree plan again...and it's broken up, Dallas settles for a FG.

Cowboys 17 Giants 10 (all of a sudden the offenses are in control)

Roughing the passer is called on the Cowboys.  It wasn't egregious, but he did go to the head with his hands.  Refs had to call it.  I've got to say, these replacement officials are doing a pretty good job.  A few mistakes here and there, but nothing too bad.

Anthony Spencer gets a sack on 3rd down, and the Giants make the first punt of the 2nd half.  Dallas will take over on their 17 yard line.

Chuck and Son #1 are having a riveting discussion on video games...  Miles Austin made a gorgeous catch on a dangerous throw by Romo for a first down.  And I just tried to sign Ogletree to my fantasy football team, and another player had grabbed him...exactly one minute before I made my request.

Dallas is moving into scoring range.  Murray makes a nice run down to the 13 yard line.  Tackled by Dez Bryant, his own teammate (basically).  Dallas gets called for an illegal hands to the face penalty, ouch.  That will push them back 10 yards.  Now at the 23 yard line.  Romo is pressured out of the pocket, and Dallas gets called for holding.  Now another 10 yards back.

On first and 30.... Romo completes a 34 yard TD pass to Miles Austin.  What the heck were the Giants doing?  Dallas extends the lead.

Cowboys 24 Giants 10  5:51 to go in the game.

Ahmad Bradshaw takes a simple draw play for a big gain into Dallas territory, I got a feeling Eli isn't done yet.  Doesn't mean they'll come back and win, but he's got some moxie. 

4th and 2, a Cowboy stop will pretty much assure a victory.  Dallas calls a timeout.  What do you run here if you are Kevin Gilbride?  If it was the old Giants with Brandon Jacobs... you'd just power it up there.  I'm thinking they will probably throw it...but Eli isn't mobile.  Like if you have Romo or someone who can scramble  you could call a pass on some sort of a roll out...

Giants come out in shotgun, and Eli completes a pass to Victor Cruz, but Dallas had jumped offside, anyway.  First down.  Eli JUST misses Hixon on a pass down the seam...that was a TD.  Just led him a bit too much.

3rd and 6 from the Dallas 18 yard line.  Eli hits Cruz at the 13.  4th and 1, and Bradshaw gains the first down in the no huddle.  1st and goal.  Touchdown pass to Marcellus Bennett.  Flag on the play.  Pass Interference on the Defense.  I told you Eli wasn't done!

Cowboys 24  Giants 17  2:36  to go

The Giants kick away, and Dallas returns to the 26 yard line.  So, if you're Jason Garrett, do you run it?  Do you pass it?  I think you run on first down.  And they do, for a short gain.  2:26 to go.  2nd and long.  Timeout Giants. 

Demarco Murray makes a nice gain, and the Giants call another timeout, their last.  It's 3rd and short with 2:17 to go.  Murray makes a run outside to the left for a first down, but there is a penalty flag on the play, and the Giants are claiming holding.  It is holding, on Jason Witten.  It's now 3rd and 12.

Romo in Shotgun... and hits Ogletree for a first down.  2:00 warning.  Dallas has a first down, and the Giants are out of time outs.  The Cowboys go into "Victory" formation, and will kneel down a couple times, and that will be it.

Pretty exciting second half, and a nice game to start the season with.

I'm getting excited for Monday night, and the Chargers/Raiders showdown.

Hey Carson Palmer... you know who's coming for you?  Antwan Barnes.

 



NFL Kickoff Blog starts at 7:30 pm Central

I'll be doing a live blog of tonight's Giants/Cowboys game tonight.

Here is the plan... I'll have my gmail account account open:  coacharming@gmail.com

And if you have a comment, snide remark, or snarky opinion....send it to me...preferrably in the chat option or whatever.... and then I'll include it in the live blog.

I will publish and post the blog at the conclusion of the game.

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot... Carson Palmer?  Shaun Phillips is coming for you, on Monday night.

Hey Carson, you looking forward to this?

Live Blog tomorrow night

Tomorrow night, I plan on writing a live blog for the Giants/Cowboys game, as we kick off the NFL season.

Really looking forward to this season, hopefully my Chargers are better than last season, but the pre-season results don't look promising.  Although what does preseason mean?

The Packers and the Patriots are the favorites, but I'm hearing alot of buzz for the Ravens and the Broncos for whatever reason.  I know Peyton Manning is good and all, but that was the worst playoff team I've ever seen last year. 

Other NFL things to look forward to: 

the Rookie QB's.  Andrew Luck, Robert Griffen III, Brandon Weedon, Russel Wilson, and Ryan Tannehill.

the Bears "new look" offense - Jay Cutler now has a big time receiver in Brandon Marshall.  Be interesting to see if the Bears open up the playbook.

the 49ers - was last year a one year wonder, or does Coach Harbaugh still have the magic touch.

the Seahawks - predicted to do nothing, but were kicking every one's tail in the pre-season.  But what does the preseason actually mean?  Usually nothing.


Look forward to seeing Melvin Ingram hunt down Carson Palmer next Monday night.

He's coming for you Carson, and he's not happy...

Pre-season Game Diary: Chargers/Packers

Since tonight kicks off the NFL preseason games, and the fact that I am currently staying with my parents during the week for work (long story), I thought tonight would be a good opportunity to break out another game diary.

My Dad is a life-long Packer fan, so I thought it would be fun to jot down what went on during the game.

Not in attendance tonight is my brother Chuck, who is also a Packers fanatic.  He is also a certified member of the "Mike McCarthy Haters Club".  I think McCarthy is a pretty solid coach, but then again my team is coached by Norv Turner, so I'm used to FB teams underachieving.  I'm expecting some texts from Chuck during the game... maybe I'll share a few.

The pregame show just confirmed that Keyshawn Johnson is the worst studio analyst on the network.  He mentioned that the Chargers let Mike Tolbert go (the didn't, he was a free agent who signed for less money in Carolina), and that Rivers likes to throw to tall WR's, and how are Robert Meachum and Eddie Royal going to fill the shoes of Vincent Jackson?  When everyone knows Antonio Gates is the primary target for San Diego's offense, and I'm pretty sure Rivers completed a few passes to Darren Sproles over the years, who isn't exactly very tall.

Breaking News:  espn reporting a Lakers trade for Dwight Howard is considered "imminent".  Very exciting news.

Also, the first female referee will work an NFL game tonight.

On a personal note, I'm looking forward for South Dakota State Jackrabbit Dale Moss to see his first NFL action tonight.  An undrafted free agent, Moss played 4 years of BB for SDSU before playing one year of FB.  I'll be pulling hard for him.

Also excited to see the Chargers first round draft pick Melvin Ingram.  Supposedly he's been playing great in camp.  Along with fellow rookie defensive player Kendall Reyes.  I'll be watching for those guys.

7:00 Welcome to Qualcomm stadium.

Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden are calling the game.  I like Gruden, but man, does that guy like him some quarterbacks.  He gushes about pretty much every one.  Wonder how much qb love he'll throw around tonight?

They mention the "replacement officials" due to the NFL officials lockout, and also mention the first female official, Shannon Eastin.  She is hoping she doesn't get noticed during the game.  That's probably the right mindset.

7:07 Mason Crosby kicks off, and preseason is underway!  Touchback.

Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense take the field. 
First play is a quick 6 yard pass to Antonio Gates.
The second play is a sack of Rivers by Packers Rookie Nick Perry.
Perry is flagged for "Unsportsmanlike Conduct" after the play.  On the replay, it didn't look like much, causing Gruden to say, "I'm not sure why the called that".  My Dad laughs at this.

Scifres punts, and the ball is downed inside the 5 yard line.
Dad:  "I can't See!"  (My Mom had walked into the room in front of him.)

7:16 MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Packers start on there own 3 yard line.
First play is a pass, Rodgers was flushed out of the pocket, and then James Starks drops an easy pass.
Gruden loves how Aaron Rodgers manipulates the snapcount.

3rd and long, and of course Green Bay converts.  The Chargers were the worst team in NFL history on 3rd down defense last season.  Ok, well not in history, but in 60 years.  It was bad.  Something they need to improve.

3rd and 5, and another conversion.

7:20 Starks fumbles the ball.  Looks like he didn't take the handoff cleanly.
Former Packer, and new Charger Atari Bigby recovers the fumble.
Dad:  He was an old Packer.  I don't remember much about him, but I remember he was a Packer.

7:23 Chargers take over on the GB 26 yard line

7:26 Rivers hits Antonio Gates down the seem for a pretty 23 yard Touchdown pass.  Kaeding kicks the extra point.

Chargers 7 Green Bay 0

7:30 Kaeding kicks off, and the Packers return man, Diondre Borel fumbles the return.  Chargers recover.

7:32 Philip Rivers throws a pass intended for Robert Meachum and is picked by Tremond Williams.  Terrible pass by Rivers.

This is ugly.  3 Turnovers with the starters playing.  6:31 to go in the first quarter.

The Head Referee in this game looks scared.

7:37 Packers go 3 and out, and have to punt.

7:39 Chargers rookie RB Michael Hayes loses a fumble, and the Packers AJ Hawk recovers.

4 Turnovers already.

Green Bay takes over at the San Diego 42 yard line.

On 3rd and 2, Rodgers just misses James Jones.
On 4th and 2, Rookie Linebacker Melvin Ingram gets pressure on Rodgers, forcing a bad pass that is intercepted by Antoine Cason.  Nice play by Ingram there.

5th Turnover.  We're still in the first quarter.

7:46  Jarrett Lee from LSU enters the game as the Chargers QB.  We'll see no Charlie Whitehurst tonight.  "Clipboard Jesus" has a slight knee injury and won't play.

Chargers have to punt and Packers punt returner, Shaky Smithson muffs the punt.  The Packers recover.  He lived up to his name on that play.  Shaky.

7:49 Graham Harrell enters the game as the QB for GB.
He promptly misses his first 2 throws.  3 and out, and the Packers punt.

7:53 1st Quarter ends.  7-0 Chargers up.

No texts from Chuck yet, but I gotta feeling they are coming.

This is when pre-season gets confusing, you don't know half the players.

The Chargers go 3 and out, and have to punt.

Dad:  Typical first game, it's a comedy of errors.

Packers go 3 and out, and have to punt.

This is pretty boring.

8:05 Jarrett Lee returns to lead the offense.
He makes a couple of first downs on passes.
Lee actually looks pretty good, better than Harrell anyway.

8:09 Time out called by Norv.

Drive stalls out on the 17 yard line.
Nick Novak promptly boinks the field goal of the left upright of the goalpost.  Somewhere, message boards are blowing up with the epic Kaeding/Novak debate.

Graham Harrell returns to the field and throws a couple inaccurate passes.  Then finally completes one, but for no gain.  He doesn't look very good to me.

Packers punt.

Curtis Brinkly gets a couple of runs for a first down.  He has a great story, I'm pulling for the him.

Lee throws a nice pass to WR Vincent Brown for a 36 yard gain, and then hits Brown for a 27 yard Touchdown.  Vincent Brown looks like a player.  Novak Makes the Extra Point! 

Chargers 14 Packers 0

Novak kicks off, and it's returned to the 30 yard line.

Graham Harrell actually completes a pass!  Of course it was on a 3rd down play.

2:00 warning

1st and goal, and Harrell is Sacked by Larry English.  Flag on the play however, as Melvin Ingram gets called for "Hands to the Face".  1st down again.

8:36  On second down Harrell completes a TD pass to Randall Cobb from 3 yards out.  Crosby kicks the extra point.

Chargers 14 Packers 7

8:39  Lee takes a knee, and its Halftime.  14-7 Chargers.

Text from Chuck:  Packers D still trying to prove who needs to know how to tackle?  We have a gimmick defense and a huge waste of talent.
(He hates the coaches)

Text from Chuck:  They were the worst defense in the league.  They had huge talent.  The gimmick wore out and that's all Capers had.  The Packers are in Trouble.
(He really hates the coaches)

Text from Chuck:  The pack has proven they can have success in spite of, not because of their $h!tty coaching staff.
(He really, really, hates the coaches)

Honestly, I think the Packers coaches are alright, but admittedly I don't watch all their games.  I just know they win alot.  And my team has Norval calling the shots.  And I will admit, Aaron Rodgers would make most Head Coaches look good.  He's phenomenal.

8:52 Tirico and Gruden return for a game of "Who's in that jersey?"

8:54 Harrell starts the 2nd half like he started the first, missing an open WR.
The Packers go 3 and out, and punt.

Jarrett Lee returns for the Chargers, he looks pretty good for a rookie in his first game action.

9:02 As I write that down, he fumbles a snap.
9:02 And then throws an interception.

9:06  Highlight reel on Melvin Ingram.  Showed college highlights, and clips from he first half.  I'm really excited about this kid. 
-fellow rookie Kendall Reyes gets a good pass rush, and forces another Packers punt.

9:14  Dale Moss is in the game!  Just went in motion.
Harrell misses Moss badly on 3rd down, and the Packers have to punt again.

9:19  Chargers take over.  Lee still at QB.  Thought that we might see Kevin O'Connell this drive.
On 3rd down and 10, Lee completes a short pass to Curtis Brinkley.

And the Puntfest continues...

9:22 Find myself hoping that Moss gets a reception.
9:24  And he does.
9:25 Harrell completes a 3rd down pass, and Gruden raves about him.  Guess he hasn't noticed all his other throws.
Thow the ball to Moss!

9:27 end of the 3rd quarter.  Chargers 14 Packers 7

9:31  Moss with a 7 yard catch

9:34 Moss with another catch, and gets some love from Tirico.

9:38 Green Bay running back Marc Tyler drives the ball in for a touchdown.
Green Bay goes for 2, and the pass attempt fails.  Should have thrown it to Moss.

9:53  Nothing of interest has happened on the field in the past 15 minutes.
-But, It sounds as if the Dwight Howard to the LA Lakers deal is official.  The Lakers will keep Pau Gasol.
-Nash, Kobe, Metta, Gasol, Howard = Wow!  This coming NBA season is going to be fun.

9:56 Lee completes a nice deep ball down the left sideline.  He doesn't look too bad.  He'll probably get plucked by another team if the Chargers try to sign him to the practice squad.

10:03 Curtis Brinkly jumps over the pile for a TD.  He's shown better than Hayes in this first pre-season game.  Still a longshot to make the roster though.
Chargers 21  Packers 13

10:07 QB change for the Packers, rookie BJ Coleman from UT Chattanooga.

10:13 Game Over

Thoughts?  Well, hard to tell.  Such a mixture of players and such, and with all the subbing, not a lot you can take away from a pre-season game.  Melvin Ingram does look promising though, and Jarrett Lee looked better than I thought he would.

For Green Bay, they better hope nothing happens to Aaron Rodgers.  Harrell wasn't getting it done tonight.  But again, it's just one game, and a preseason game at that, and the first one. 

These will definitely be two teams, I'l be keeping my eye on this season.