Chargers @ WFT GDT and Post Game Discussion (Wk 1)

[Steve]

It's not uncommon for even good teams to struggle early in the season in the red zone. The timing and running game coordination is just not there yet. I really didn't expect we would execute that well down there, since we didn't play our starters in preseason. It comes, it just takes time.

The other thing that usually fits in to make a good red zone offense is a good running game. We have the makings of a good running game. Our OL had not played together until today. Yet, they only had a couple of plays where we got blown up, and the WFT interior DL is among the best in football.

They got us a couple of times, but really that is the best a Charger OL has done in terms of keeping us in positive down and distance in several years. The run blocking needs to get better, but the only reason we seemed to stop running the ball was because we were so effective throwing it. We kept chipping away, and never really got away from it, which is a sign that we can get the reps to make things better.

[UglyTruth]

The OL played solid for most of the night. Only one player was getting pushed back somewhat constantly that was the RG #76 Aboushi. Which is fine because if it’s only one player getting pushed back then that means Herbert has plenty of space to step up in the pocket or move around to find time.

They just need to stay healthy because the minute Tom Telesco’s favorite player Trey Pipkins has to step foot on the field, the entire OL will be ruined. He has that type of effect.

[Steve]

Definitely agree that the run defense needs to be more stout, but today Dak threw the ball 58 times, while Elliot and Pollard ran the ball a total of 14 times. Chargers' pass defense really needs to be on point next Sunday.

McCarthy is like a lot of offensive coaches in that every time they face a "problem", the solution is some sort of pass play. Teams that do too much of that tend to get away from their running game. For the Cowboys, where so much of their money is tied up in Elliott, it is a real problem.

It will also be interesting to see how the La'el Collins suspension plays out this week. If he is missing and/or Martin is still out, then they could be in real trouble on the OL. But it is always hard to get the running game going, especially for a passing coach, when the OL is banged up. Any time they feel like they fall behind in down and distance, then they tend to give up on running the ball.

[Tol]

After the season ended and we started guessing who might be the next head coach of the Chargers, we got our guy, Brandon Staley!
Kudos to Tom Telesco and the FO for nailing this! I hate to admit it, but I was in favor of Brian Dabol and Urban Meyer. Point TT.

Then after months of mock drafting, we had a solid draft coupled with a strong free agent haul!
Salute again to Tom and crew for taking Slater. I must sadly admit I doubted Slater as a prospect and favored Darrisaw. Both careers have a ways to go, but for now, point Slater and TT.

Next we observed training camp and speculated what the 53 might look like. When cut day came there were some surprises, but in TT and BS we trust!
KJ Hill, whom I have doubted, had a good game.

Now the waiting is over! We start the season 1-0 with an east coast road victory, an upgraded and improved Oline, and a healthy team!!!

A lot of questions have been answered and the future is the brightest it's been.

Cheers! :cheers::larry: :salute:

[Guest]

I liked Thornhill as a prospect more than Adderly.

And there were sites that had Thornhill ranked higher than Adderly. WF, for one example, had Thornhill ranked #2 and Adderly at #6.

https://walterfootball.com/draft2019S.php

I did too. I loved Thornhill's measurables. The players were rated closely. My bias usually favors the more gifted athlete (like Herbert over Burrow and Tagovailoa all day).

[DragonIce]

McCarthy is like a lot of offensive coaches in that every time they face a "problem", the solution is some sort of pass play. Teams that do too much of that tend to get away from their running game. For the Cowboys, where so much of their money is tied up in Elliott, it is a real problem.

It will also be interesting to see how the La'el Collins suspension plays out this week. If he is missing and/or Martin is still out, then they could be in real trouble on the OL. But it is always hard to get the running game going, especially for a passing coach, when the OL is banged up. Any time they feel like they fall behind in down and distance, then they tend to give up on running the ball.

As someone who still roots (a little) for the Cowboys and studies their team and roster...I have a little different take.

First HC McCarthy has very minimal involvement in the offensive scheme or philosophy. And he doesn't call the plays. That's all OC Moore. And as Cris Collingsworth praised Moore's thinking, so would I. Dallas wasn't going to run against the top front 7 in football, and decided to play to their strengths. Dallas had a very successful offensive day, so little to criticize, IMO.

RT Collins is out for sure w/suspension. Info on Martin is scarce, but he was fully vaxxed and should likely have a mild Covid case & be ready. (seems like 95% of all the players have mild cases, anyways) The Cowboys and Chargers o-line situations are spookily similar in terms of depth/injury.

As for my loyalties next Sunday: Crush the Little Boys in their hats and take their lunch money.

[UglyTruth]

I think there were times that Herbert looked a bit uncomfortable because of the lack of pressure lol. He was not used to actually having time in the pocket and wanted to roll out of the pocket before realizing “Oh wait I actually don’t need to do that every play like I had to last season”.

[DragonIce]

Maybe there needs to be one gameday thread for the folks that always need to be right (the folks that can't stand emotional outbursts from their fellow post'ers) and one for the folks that are more reactive. FLEET has a fun job, doesn't he...lololol

Quite a skewed summary of the two camps.

I certainly don't need to always be right. AND I am an emotional outburst ready to happen! I am dragon, and as such am FIERCELY loyal and protective. You slander my coach, one of my players, my GM, my tribe...and the ambient temperature in your immediate environment will likely rise...considerably. When I say I will "come at" someone who pushes stupid criticism...it's because I am not well-tempered or well-mannered.

We dragons have never and will never be domesticated.

True, Fleet has a difficult job and my presence most definitely makes his job harder.

[like54ninjas]

Recap from a WFT fan/webcaster. Funny, fairly accurate, and every fan base sounds the same after a loss (or a win here).

[FoutsFan]

Recap from a WFT fan/webcaster. Funny, fairly accurate, and every fan base sounds the same after a loss (or a win here).

Funny indeed. He seemed to gloss over the worst call of the entire weekend with the Herbert "fumble" incomplete pass out of the endzone. The reason we have replay is to avoid those bad calls but the idiots in NY are just surfing porn and not paying attention to the game so we got hosed big time.

[DragonIce]

Recap from a WFT fan/webcaster. Funny, fairly accurate, and every fan base sounds the same after a loss (or a win here).

So true. Garden variety idiot fan w/a garden variety YouTube channel.

[Canal Zone Bolt Fan]

I joined the Chargers as a fan when they were LAST in the division. I will protect this house, and that includes fellow fans willing to invest in the team, and risk themselves!

It's not that hard to tell the difference between thoughtful, well-deserved criticism and the fan who is just a coward or whiney bitch.

There are fans here that have been with the team over decades. Endured the ups and downs together. I love all Chargers fans and will rep this team to the end. I value the opinions and the insights posted here, some of the OG’s from the CMB board should have their own ESPN shows! I’m going to voice my opinion here, just like everyone else does, during times of elation and frustration. Today was HUGE. Opening day win on the road, on the east coast! What’s our record on the east coast? Opening drive TD followed by a 3 n out? Bolt up! Today was a great day, no need to breathe fire at some criticism or unpopular opinion/comment along the way.