PUNK CHARGERS PUNK INDY
At long last, the San Diego Chargers have something to crow about. Finally, there's something of substance lying behind their preening, jaw-jacking and showboating.
Up until now, all their trash talking and posturing had amounted to squat. These were empty words from a team that really hadn't accomplished anything of consequence.
But how things have changed.
No matter how repugnant and oft-putting their demeanor, you've got to give the Bolts their due. Regardless of how you feel about the punk-like antics of players such as linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, quarterback Philip Rivers and cornerback Drayton Florence among others, the objective observer must salute the Chargers for going into a hostile environment like Indianapolis and slapping down the Colts. They took care of business and then some.
There were many, including this writer, who didn't give the Chargers a ghost of a chance of upending Peyton Manning, Bob Sanders and company. It just didn't seem feasible that a suspect Charger team could spring the big upset and send the defending champions packing.
Yet, that's exactly what the Bolts did. What's even more remarkable, San Diego accomplished the unexpected while being severely handicapped. LaDainian Tomlinson was basically a non-factor in the contest, having been removed early by a gimpy knee. The woofing Rivers, who's constant mouthing off is growing tiresome, was lamed in the third period and didn't return. Moreover, tight end supreme Antonio Gates was severely limited by a troublesome toe that nearly kept him out of the fray altogether.
No matter. With super sub Michael Turner filling in superbly for Tomlinson, with mighty mite Darren Sproles scoring on a nifty 56-yard screen and with backup Billy Volek masterfully orchestrating a lengthy drive that proved decisive, San Diego shocked both the world and me.
Now, it's onto Foxborough where I'm convinced the Bolts' magic will evaporate and they'll be put in their place. But after what transpired in Indy, I'm forced to reassess my opinion concerning the Chargers. I must confess my doubts about S.D. have been greatly reduced although hardly erased. I still believe the Bolts will be exposed but after their gritty effort last Sunday, writing them off would be downright foolhardy.
The Chargers' unlikely and improbable win was an abject lesson on many fronts.
To begin with, the notion that Norv Turner can't coach up a team has been dispelled. In his previous incarnations as an NFL head man, Turner had been a bust. His stint in Washington was mediocre at best while in Oakland, Turner was a abject failure. To be candid, he's lucky he got a third kick at the can.
But after a shaky start in S.D. ( 5 and 5 ), Turner hung tough, stayed true to his approach and moved his team forward to the tune of an eight-game winning streak. A playoff win against a depleted and offensively challenged Tennessee team didn't do much to enhance his suspect rep but the Indy result has greatly built-up Turner's cache.
Moreover, the once reserved Turner has taken to showing some fire. According to those close to the scene, Turner gave an impassioned speech the night before the Colt tilt and the players responded positively to his rhetoric. In addition, Turner must be praised for keeping his reserves primed, ready and able to perform so capably when called upon in the most testing of circumstances.
Look, no one is saying that Turner is anywhere near an elite coach. He's still far removed from that level. But should the Chargers continue on in these playoffs or should they advanced deep into the postseason come next January, Turner will have to be viewed differently. His legacy would then take on a much brighter hue.
Another thing that was learned about the Chargers is that they have a lot more going for them than just L.T. While it would be problematical for the Bolts to succeed over an extended period minus their star runner, S.D. showed they can survive and even excel in the short term without him. The gifted Turner stepped into the breach and the offense hardly missed a beat. In fact, and this may sound like heresy to some, but Tomlinson was barely missed. It's hard to imagine the offense could have perform much better even if L.T. had been available.
Next, we come to Rivers, part jerk, part buffoon but definitely an emerging quarterback. Those that had dissed his spotty play must acknowledge the giant steps he's taken in the playoffs. He was a revelation versus the Titans and nothing short of spectacular in the RCA Dome. In the most unnerving of environments, the North Carolina State grad was money time after time. He stood tall and delivered. Despite his quirky mechanics, Rivers threw with great effect with a trio of his passes winding up in the end zone. And though he wasn't there at the end, thereby leaving the heroics to Volek, it was Rivers who almost single-handedly put the Chargers in a position from which to win.
Too bad, his conduct doesn't match his play. For some strange reason perhaps known only to his subconscious, Rivers feels compelled to act the part of a fool. Incessantly yakking to anyone within earshot, be it foe, fan or even teammate, Rivers has become synonymous with having a big and sassy mouth. A blowhard if ever there was one.
Now look, there's nothing wrong with being animated about your play or being enthused and fired-up. Hell, that kind of spontaneous reaction should be welcomed. Football is, after all, the ultimate game of emotion. Being demonstrative, if done within reason, is more than acceptable.
But when your talk turns to taunts, when it devolves into nothing but crap, then you've crossed the line. At that point, you're disgracing not only yourself but more importantly, particularly for a quarterback, you're disgracing your team.
While engaging in these stupid outbursts and rants, Rivers comes across as a petulant little kid. It's time he grows up so that his maturity quotient rivals the level of his ascending skills.
Truthfully, it's hard to admire the Chargers. They've fostered a rep that's none too flattering. Without question, they're one of the most despised teams in the NFL. They've engendered true animus among many of their opponents. And the reason is clear.
To begin with, they engage in theatrics and histrionics that inflame and are over the top. Secondly, they run their mouths and talk more trash than you'd find in a land fill.
The latest offenders are Merriman, no surprise there, and defensive end Igor Olshansky. For whatever reason, these two felt the urge to mock and disparage the Patriots. The same team, incidentally, that destroyed the Chargers in Week 2 by a decisive 38-14 count.
So here's hoping the Pats put the Bolts' annoying bravado to rest. If not, the Chargers might become one of the most insufferable teams in the annals of pro sports. And heaven help us all if that happens.