Week 1 Pregame Discussion Thread - Raiders At Bolts

[UtahBolt]

Keep in mind none of our starters played in the pre-season and could see a slow start from the offense. First games can be sorta clunky, much like the opener last year in Wash. Because of that, I see this being a lower scoring game, somewhere in the 20-16 range. We win of course...

[CivilBolt]

Keep in mind none of our starters played in the pre-season and could see a slow start from the offense. First games can be sorta clunky, much like the opener last year in Wash. Because of that, I see this being a lower scoring game, somewhere in the 20-16 range. We win of course...

Unless our ST unit plays the same way they played in the preseason.

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

Keep in mind none of our starters played in the pre-season and could see a slow start from the offense. First games can be sorta clunky, much like the opener last year in Wash. Because of that, I see this being a lower scoring game, somewhere in the 20-16 range. We win of course...

IMO, depends a lot on how special teams units do. If the Bolts are going to beat the good teams and be competitive in the postseason, they'll have to fix what has ailed their coverage units. Likewise, imperative to fix the Blocked Punts that have been a plague.

We *know* the run defense has been addressed. We just won't know how effectively until the games start.

On offense we'll be looking to see (1) how Trey Pipkins holds up, and (2) if the RB2 candidates are effective enough to help preserve Austin Ekeler.

Gerald Everett is another 'unknown', in that we haven't seen him take even one meaningful snap in a Charger uniform. But I've seen his tape, and believe he has something significant to offer the offense.

This Bolt team is poised to be significantly better than it was last year. In Herb we trust.

[sonorajim]

Keep in mind none of our starters played in the pre-season and could see a slow start from the offense. First games can be sorta clunky, much like the opener last year in Wash. Because of that, I see this being a lower scoring game, somewhere in the 20-16 range. We win of course...

Unlike last year, most of our starters have played in this offense together. The D has more new starters but most new guys have played in this system for coach Staley, and what a group they are!
The main similarity is that it is game 1, for both teams - one of which has a new HC & staff. That would be our opponents this year.
I believe that we'll dominate TOP and the scoreboard.
--- But I'll take a W in any form.

[Riverwalk]

Our ST in preseason was mostly made up of the guys that got cut. ST could be an even bigger shitshow against Raiders.

[Riverwalk]

agree.... that is the problem with never tackling or hitting in practice and NOT playing a down in pre season games...... even those HOF loaded Air Coryell teams played a series of more in pre season, coach required it. If the players wanted to rest they had to show the coach a professional, mistake free scoring drive....after that they could go rest..... so they usually did that..... and were VERY ready for week one....

years ago, when Chargers used to do two a days, and hit and tackle in practice, as well as play at least one disciplined series in pre season, the Chargers never had any major starters get hurt during pre season games and they started the season ready to rock and roll.....

Then we started doing the opposite, no hitting or tackling in practice and no starters playing in pre season games, and we start every season flat and struggle for at least 2-4 games ....even against bad teams..... team became soft....

in last several years, most of our serious injuries are non-contact ones in practice..... you have to be in football shape to help avoid injuries... you have to learn how to hit, tackle, and learn to be hit and be tackled....

Staley said they are not specifically game planning for raiders?????.... he just said Chargers would just work on preparing ourselves....

I guarantee Reid has people preparing for weeks for their week one opponent(and they always start out strong), and also has people dissecting film of Chargers game which will be 4 days after..... I sure hope Staley was lying...... and doing the same....

Spiller got injured in a preseason game. Could have been Ekeler if you were HC. Thank God that’s not the case.

[Velo]

Here's my case for the Chargers winning by multiple touchdowns.

Herbert in this third season, second season in this offense, familiarity with KA, MW, JP, JG, AE, Josh Palmer, upgraded OL with Slater going into his second season with Feiler and Linsley, one of the best OL units in the league, Raiders' secondary not very good. I just see Herbert easily picking it a part, right from the first drive.

The Raiders OL is a shambles. They don't know for sure who who is going to start where yet. No familiarity or continuity (compare that to the Chargers' OL), the Chargers have the weapons to exploit this glaring weakness. The Chargers' secondary is much better than the Raiders. We don't know how much better the run defense will be, but can be sure it's going to be better than it was last season.

[Riverwalk]

Here's my case for the Chargers winning by multiple touchdowns.

Herbert in this third season, second season in this offense, familiarity with KA, MW, JP, JG, AE, Josh Palmer, upgraded OL with Slater going into his second season with Feiler and Linsley, one of the best OL units in the league, Raiders' secondary not very good. I just see Herbert easily picking it a part, right from the first drive.

The Raiders OL is a shambles. They don't know for sure who who is going to start where yet. No familiarity or continuity (compare that to the Chargers' OL), the Chargers have the weapons to exploit this glaring weakness. The Chargers' secondary is much better than the Raiders. We don't know how much better the run defense will be, but can be sure it's going to be better than it was last season.

Brady was the master of the quick release dink and dunk. Surely Hoody Jr. knows how to scheme against an aggressive pass rush. Raiders have an impressive RB group. It will be an important test for the Chargers.

[Formula 21]

Here's my case for the Chargers winning by multiple touchdowns.

Herbert in this third season, second season in this offense, familiarity with KA, MW, JP, JG, AE, Josh Palmer, upgraded OL with Slater going into his second season with Feiler and Linsley, one of the best OL units in the league, Raiders' secondary not very good. I just see Herbert easily picking it a part, right from the first drive.

The Raiders OL is a shambles. They don't know for sure who who is going to start where yet. No familiarity or continuity (compare that to the Chargers' OL), the Chargers have the weapons to exploit this glaring weakness. The Chargers' secondary is much better than the Raiders. We don't know how much better the run defense will be, but can be sure it's going to be better than it was last season.

Its all common knowledge. And still the Bolts are only favored by about 3. That's home field advantage. The betting community does not view the Bolts as being any better than the Raiders. ie., we are not as good as we think we are.

[sonorajim]

Our ST in preseason was mostly made up of the guys that got cut. ST could be an even bigger shitshow against Raiders.

Long snapper, kicker, punter were starters in PS. OL, DL, returner no problem. Gunners, P cover guys may be some issues but we will play vets there also. The guys who were cut were trying to find a path through STs. We still have vet ST players and won't be dicking around with P / K placement to see what the kids can do.

[sonorajim]

Its all common knowledge. And still the Bolts are only favored by about 3. That's home field advantage. The betting community does not view the Bolts as being any better than the Raiders. ie., we are not as good as we think we are.

The betting community is fully aware that there is no "home field advantage" when the 'Turds play the Chargers in LA.
They are "show me" regards #30 scoring defense improvement, R side OL improvement.
We're favored because we have a superior QB and offense.

[Riverwalk]

Unfortunately, Home field advantage will be Raiders. Guarantee they will outnumber Charger fans.