Time to stop fooling ourselves.

[MakoShark]

If there was an emphasis on protecting Rivers, it surely didn't work out to well!

No kidding! I don't think Rhinehart got the memo.

[SDFan]

If there was an emphasis on protecting Rivers, it surely didn't work out to well!

that's why I questioned it. Normally when a team gets conservative they go max protect for their QB- but we did not- or are not capable of it? If they are not changing anything and leaving Rivers exposed like that when he can't run or step up and still the offense can't execute after 2 weeks, some serious rethinking is in order. Back to Martyball if we can get the OL to block consistently. At least we had a 120 yd rushing day and better TOP that was lost in the complaining about not crushing the Rayturds.

[richpjr]

that's why I questioned it. Normally when a team gets conservative they go max protect for their QB- but we did not- or are not capable of it? If they are not changing anything and leaving Rivers exposed like that when he can't run or step up and still the offense can't execute after 2 weeks, some serious rethinking is in order. Back to Martyball if we can get the OL to block consistently. At least we had a 120 yd rushing day and better TOP that was lost in the complaining about not crushing the Rayturds.

I can't say I focused on it, but I didn't notice a lot of max protect in the game at all. I think we tried to run our normal offense and our linemen lost a lot of one on one match ups and our WR did not do a great job getting much separation.

[Panama]

This is nothing close to being a championship team. We don't even have anything that resembles championship caliber coaching. I'd say it's time to get real.

Look around the league. Every other team has at least one major flaw as well. When we're clicking, there isn't a team in the league we can't beat; when we're not, there isn't a team in the league that can't beat us.

You guys think I'm an overly optimistic Pollyanna, and maybe I am, but the Rams upset over the Broncos bears up what I've been saying. I've been saying Denver is ripe for a few surprise losses, and lo and behold! Because they, just like us and just like every other team this year, has flaws. The key to Denver and San Diego and anyone else's game is to be able to play their game. They do that, they likely win; they don't, then they don't. So, this may not be anything close to some of the championship teams of years past, but this team is still very much in the mix.

[Panama]

Seriously people may think I'm an asshole. And if so fine, but this feels like a loss. I keep watching Bruce Ariens and wonder what may have been. That end of half performance today has to have the GM concerned if not I want a new GM too.

I guess it didn't take a 1-point win for some, Q, just a 1-score win.

[Panama]

Well, if Steve says so, then I guess I'm wrong. We need a new first read?

Will this do?

[Panama]

We have a head coach that called this an outstanding team performance... Is he for real?

Rivers was off. But the team played well, especially defense and special teams. I'm sorry you can't see that and can't enjoy the win over our hated archrivals.

[Panama]

Two weeks to prepare, but I think only the defense showed up.

I disagree. I think Rivers had a very off game, and now we know why, but the rest of the team, especially defense and special teams, definitely came to play.

[SDFan]

I disagree. I think Rivers had a very off game, and now we know why, but the rest of the team, especially defense and special teams, definitely came to play.

Rivers also a VERY off game before that against the Dolphins. I was expecting more from the offense after the extra week off to get healthier and more practice together for the OL etc.

[ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBKR]

The team isn't championship caliber, but is plagued by injuries like much of last year and still made a push and looked good down the stretch. Still possible.

But better to sulk during a tough stretch. Just like the Patriots did during the beginning of the season. You know, the team with so much more talent than us (Gray, Edelman, Vereen, LaFell, Chung).

[thelightningwill]

The team isn't championship caliber, but is plagued by injuries like much of last year and still made a push and looked good down the stretch. Still possible.

But better to sulk during a tough stretch. Just like the Patriots did during the beginning of the season. You know, the team with so much more talent than us (Gray, Edelman, Vereen, LaFell, Chung).

Dorian Gray, Ben Vereen, Chung-Li. The youthful old-man, Webster's dancing uncle (brother of Alex Karras), and the badass schoolgirl from Street Fighter.

[Panama]

Rivers also a VERY off game before that against the Dolphins. I was expecting more from the offense after the extra week off to get healthier and more practice together for the OL etc.

Yes, he's had a few off games lately. I guess a rib injury will do that. But my post wasn't about Rivers' offness but the fact the rest of the team came to play, which wasn't the case at all against Miami.