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Hello Charger fans! It's time for another L.A. Chargers Safe Haven blog series post, sponsored by our friends here at The Powder Blues! Please visit www.LAChargersSafeHaven.com to view additional articles, and content.
I didn't. get to watch the game live last week. Not by choice, but because my career dictated my time last weekend. Truthfully, it was probably a blessing. I only had to hear, read, and watch how the team came out flat, instead of witnessing it first hand.
But, the Chargers had already reached my expectations for the season before heading to Arrowhead. 7-9 or 8-8 was where I predicted the team would finish out. They have reached the 7 win mark, and might even finish 8-8 or 9-7. Playoffs or not, it's all gravy for me now.
I had high hopes for the game in KC, but knew it would be a big challenge to pull off the win. Especially, against a team that most predicted would easily take the division, before the season ever started. It wasn't a close game, but when I got a chance to finally look at the results... I wasn't mad. I pretty much expected to see what I saw. The highlights weren't even as bad as I expected (from what was being said). The injuries were the hardest part to watch, for me.
The Chargers, somehow, managed to pull off 7 out of 9 wins before last weekend... losing only to the Patriots and the Jaguars by thin margins. Both are playoff teams. That, in itself, shows growth that was unimaginable to most people in week 5
To think they started the season 0-4, huh?
Sure, they beat up on a some bad teams along the way... I get it. But, that's football. Every team catches breaks from week to week. The Chargers caught their breaks, just like every other team.
There is still a lot to be hopeful about, as the Chargers look like they are having fun! So do the fans (Finally), in my opinion. That's light years away from the last 2 seasons.
They have 4 players on their way to the pro bowl, and could probably have had 6, to be fair. If you look at the way Melvin Ingram and Trevor Williams have played, you can make the argument that they are, at least, on the immediate fringe. That's pretty cool.
We finally have an elite pass rush, and secondary. Something we have not seen in YEARS! We also have a true #1 wide receiver, a #2 waiting in the wings, and a very decent #3. A future HOF TE, and another that is a HOF lock. If the Chargers manage to win out, and back into the postseason.. watch out. If they don't, it was a fun ride, anyway. I don't care what people say. Ill take this over the last two years, or the Norv days. I really like Lynn and Bradley way better, personally.
I don't mean for this article to sound like a concession speech. Far from it, actually. I believe they can still win out.
It's just that I only wanted to see improvement this year. I grew up in SD, was devastated when they left, and am just as big of a fan, now that they are in L.A. I am a proud Charger fan. Have been for almost 37 years. That ain't changing anytime soon.
But, with the move, the roster changes, the new coaching staff, the new defensive scheme, the new stadium... And whatever else you want to pile on top of that.. I am amazed that they are still in the hunt, and improving upon last year! Good times.
These next two weeks might be the most enjoyable two weeks of football for me, this season... win or lose. Simply because I am already content with what I have seen.
Not saying that this team is fine as it is. Or, that there aren't big holes to be filled in the off-season. Or, that mistakes weren't made...because, there were a LOT of mistakes made. This team is probably not a Superbowl contender today.
But, the fact that they actually might have a slim chance at the playoffs.. And could potentially make ANY kind of noise if they reach that goal... keeps me saying "probably".
For every piece of skepticism in my bones, there is also a piece of me that knows the Chargers are only a missed "chip shot" kick away from the playoffs, like in 2013. The spirit of Jr. Seau may shine his light on us before the season is over. It already has, if you ask me.
Let me finish with some thoughts... Or, should I say... wishes.
1) I really want to see Antonio Gates have a great two-game stretch to finish out the season.
2) I want to see Melvin Gordon dominate the rest of the year.
3) I want to see that the linebackers got better from watching Perryman's aggressiveness, and leadership.
4) I want to see Keenan, Benjamin, Tyrell, and M. Williams pull together as a receiving juggernaut.
5) I want to see whatever backups that are coming into the game play with fresh legs, and embrace the opportunity of the snaps they are given.
6) I want to see a team without quit in them, no matter what the chances are.
7) I want to see Rivers continue where he left off, before the Arrowhead game.
8) I want to see the defense come together, and continue to be a fearsome unit... Holding teams to less than 20 points, per usual.
9) I want 9 wins.... And, for the coaching staff to draw the potential out of these young players, and veterans, to reach that goal... No matter what happens.
Keep Bolting Toward Excellence... And have a very Merry Christmas. Let's kick some Jets ASS this week!
Pete
Hello Charger fans! It's time for another L.A. Chargers Safe Haven blog series post, sponsored by our friends here at The Powder Blues! Please visit www.LAChargersSafeHaven.com to view additional articles, and content.
I didn't. get to watch the game live last week. Not by choice, but because my career dictated my time last weekend. Truthfully, it was probably a blessing. I only had to hear, read, and watch how the team came out flat, instead of witnessing it first hand.
But, the Chargers had already reached my expectations for the season before heading to Arrowhead. 7-9 or 8-8 was where I predicted the team would finish out. They have reached the 7 win mark, and might even finish 8-8 or 9-7. Playoffs or not, it's all gravy for me now.
I had high hopes for the game in KC, but knew it would be a big challenge to pull off the win. Especially, against a team that most predicted would easily take the division, before the season ever started. It wasn't a close game, but when I got a chance to finally look at the results... I wasn't mad. I pretty much expected to see what I saw. The highlights weren't even as bad as I expected (from what was being said). The injuries were the hardest part to watch, for me.
The Chargers, somehow, managed to pull off 7 out of 9 wins before last weekend... losing only to the Patriots and the Jaguars by thin margins. Both are playoff teams. That, in itself, shows growth that was unimaginable to most people in week 5
To think they started the season 0-4, huh?
Sure, they beat up on a some bad teams along the way... I get it. But, that's football. Every team catches breaks from week to week. The Chargers caught their breaks, just like every other team.
There is still a lot to be hopeful about, as the Chargers look like they are having fun! So do the fans (Finally), in my opinion. That's light years away from the last 2 seasons.
They have 4 players on their way to the pro bowl, and could probably have had 6, to be fair. If you look at the way Melvin Ingram and Trevor Williams have played, you can make the argument that they are, at least, on the immediate fringe. That's pretty cool.
We finally have an elite pass rush, and secondary. Something we have not seen in YEARS! We also have a true #1 wide receiver, a #2 waiting in the wings, and a very decent #3. A future HOF TE, and another that is a HOF lock. If the Chargers manage to win out, and back into the postseason.. watch out. If they don't, it was a fun ride, anyway. I don't care what people say. Ill take this over the last two years, or the Norv days. I really like Lynn and Bradley way better, personally.
I don't mean for this article to sound like a concession speech. Far from it, actually. I believe they can still win out.
It's just that I only wanted to see improvement this year. I grew up in SD, was devastated when they left, and am just as big of a fan, now that they are in L.A. I am a proud Charger fan. Have been for almost 37 years. That ain't changing anytime soon.
But, with the move, the roster changes, the new coaching staff, the new defensive scheme, the new stadium... And whatever else you want to pile on top of that.. I am amazed that they are still in the hunt, and improving upon last year! Good times.
These next two weeks might be the most enjoyable two weeks of football for me, this season... win or lose. Simply because I am already content with what I have seen.
Not saying that this team is fine as it is. Or, that there aren't big holes to be filled in the off-season. Or, that mistakes weren't made...because, there were a LOT of mistakes made. This team is probably not a Superbowl contender today.
But, the fact that they actually might have a slim chance at the playoffs.. And could potentially make ANY kind of noise if they reach that goal... keeps me saying "probably".
For every piece of skepticism in my bones, there is also a piece of me that knows the Chargers are only a missed "chip shot" kick away from the playoffs, like in 2013. The spirit of Jr. Seau may shine his light on us before the season is over. It already has, if you ask me.
Let me finish with some thoughts... Or, should I say... wishes.
1) I really want to see Antonio Gates have a great two-game stretch to finish out the season.
2) I want to see Melvin Gordon dominate the rest of the year.
3) I want to see that the linebackers got better from watching Perryman's aggressiveness, and leadership.
4) I want to see Keenan, Benjamin, Tyrell, and M. Williams pull together as a receiving juggernaut.
5) I want to see whatever backups that are coming into the game play with fresh legs, and embrace the opportunity of the snaps they are given.
6) I want to see a team without quit in them, no matter what the chances are.
7) I want to see Rivers continue where he left off, before the Arrowhead game.
8) I want to see the defense come together, and continue to be a fearsome unit... Holding teams to less than 20 points, per usual.
9) I want 9 wins.... And, for the coaching staff to draw the potential out of these young players, and veterans, to reach that goal... No matter what happens.
Keep Bolting Toward Excellence... And have a very Merry Christmas. Let's kick some Jets ASS this week!
Pete
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