Week 1 Pregame Discussion Thread - Raiders At Bolts

[Velo]

I'll post this video here. Starting at 1:40 - after a brief clip of Peter King riding to work with Staley - King talks about how the Chargers have had the fewest major changes than any other team in the AFC West. They did upgrade the defense significantly and they added an upgrade on the OL. But the core of the team - Herbert, his WRs, Ekeler, the core of the OL, is the same.

The three other teams in the division have undergone significant changes to their core. The Chiefs have four new WRs and none of them are named Hill. The Broncos have a new coach and a new QB. The reason I'm posting it here, is the comments he makes about the Raiders. They have a new coach and a new scheme and their OL is a mess. The Chargers have the best opportunity among all three teams in the division to start strong, with Herbert going into his third year with all the weapons he's set records with intact.

This is why I have been posting with confidence that the Chargers *should* dominate the Week 1 game. King doesn't mention the Raiders' secondary, which is not in as bad of shape as their OL, but it's not very good, and the Chargers have the QB and WRs to totally exploit it. And, again, the Raiders are going to have a patchwork OL on the right side. If the Chargers pass rush with Bosa and Mack can't exploit that, there's something wrong.

King also emphasizes the point that the only reason the Chargers were not in playoffs and the Raiders got in was because the Chargers' run defense was a complete and total utter failure at the end of last season. If the Chargers' run defense is one iota better Week 1 than it was in Week 18, the Chargers are going to win and they will be in the playoffs.

King also explains Staley's decision to go for it on 4th & 2 from the 18 against the Raiders in January. The fact that the Chargers had the worst punting unit, in terms of yards gained, factored heavily into his decision.

Most of what Florio says makes no sense, about being predictable about going for it on 4th down.

[wu-dai clan]

I would like to add an editorial comment: wu-dai is hitting the drink early

You may be confusing me with someone else.
:shifty:

[sonorajim]

The comp for Sony Michel is
--Walter Payton.
--Emmitt Smith.

I would like to add an editorial comment...

The comp is reasonable--only Sony is better than these dudes.

I missed this comp. Had to drop back and embrace it in all it's glory.

Wud Rocks!

[wu-dai clan]

I missed this comp. Had to drop back and embrace it in all it's glory.

Wud Rocks!

Sony's play style is very well rounded, as Staley has mentioned.

Sometimes he reads holes, senses timing and barrels through,
making it look easy.

[Heatmiser]

I see Michel for what he is. But I do have to say, his vision, ability to set up his blocks, patience, feet, and instinct to make the first cut is something this team has not had for a long, long time. Watch his highlights. He knows how to run the ball, when to wait, and when to just bull ahead for the 2 yards that is available. As a pure runner, he adds a lot to this team.

Another thing about him is that he was considered a locker room leader at Georgia and every report I read about him is that he is a really good locker room guy as a pro. So even if he doesn't play much, I bet he will help Spiller grow a lot.

I wish we could have seen Spiller play more in preseason, but the little I saw was really encouraging and he really has good hands and body control as a receiver.

TG

[sonorajim]

Sony's play style is very well rounded, as Staley has mentioned.

Sometimes he reads holes, senses timing and barrels through,
making it look easy.

His highlights are impressive in that regard. One could say "well yeah but they're highlights!". True. Not everyone has them.
Reading the D and his blocking in motion, finding seams before they exist? Way cool.
I liked his blitz pickup also.

[AK47]

I wish we could have seen Spiller play more in preseason, but the little I saw was really encouraging and he really has good hands and body control as a receiver.

TG

My anonymous source within the team advised me we purposely tanked preseason to retain certain players to clear waivers. As for Spiller they had to make up an injury excuse as he was killing it in practice. Teams won't be able to game plan against him nor know what hit them. Mission accomplished.

[21&500]

My anonymous source within the team advised me we purposely tanked preseason to retain certain players to clear waivers. As for Spiller they had to make up an injury excuse as he was killing it in practice. Teams won't be able to game plan against him nor know what hit them. Mission accomplished.

Haha
I fucking wish.

[jamrock]

My anonymous source within the team advised me we purposely tanked preseason to retain certain players to clear waivers. As for Spiller they had to make up an injury excuse as he was killing it in practice. Teams won't be able to game plan against him nor know what hit them. Mission accomplished.

Lol, maybe that’s what Staley’s telling Dean

[powderblueboy]

Haha
I fucking wish.

I like anonymous sources.

The guy who stocks the vending machines at Charger's Park?
Isaiah Spillers mom?

[21&500]

I like anonymous sources.

The guy who stocks the vending machines at Charger's Park?
Isaiah Spillers mom?

"Did her."
-- Zach Wilson

[chargeroo]

my anonymous source said that all the injured players are actually expected to be healthy for the raiders game. Some of them have even doubled in size! Imagine how big Parham will be.