I've followed the Chargers for a long time, used to be a fan when I lived in S.D., more of a watcher now … would probably still be a fan except I haven't liked upper management/coaching.
Writing this analysis and opening this thread to talk about the Chargers and N.O., in what could be an unbetable game though I am leaning towards N.O. -3 but don't like the odds on that side and have been flip-flopping from day to day, which tells me I shouldn't bet this.
Short term setup S.D. - After getting thrashed at home by Atlanta, the Chargers coming off of a nice road victory against K.C., historically not an easy game for them. 6 K.C. turnovers probably helped a bit but the Chargers D forced some of those - Chargers were out gained in the game and Norv Turner did his 3 and out predicto thing on offense after building the 27-3 lead, and briefly almost let K.C. back in the game. The Chargers broke out of their red zone running game mode and passed for some scores after the turnovers and that is a good sign for them (Norv.) The Chargers have most of their offensive key players (relatively) healthy now, including well paid LT Jared "I have back spasms and I'll be back when I'm 100%" Gaither, who is probably a better option than the undrafted rookie they had to start over there. RB Ryan Mathews paid penance for his key fumble in the Atlanta game (his first start after his pre-season broken clavicle injury) by not starting against K.C. but gained some nice yardage when he played. He came on last year and now looks like, fumble-itis and injuries aside, one of the better backs in the league. The dilemma the Chargers(Norv) have is potentially using him too much, detracting from the passing game and exposing him to injury. He is reportedly not a great blocker in pass protection, don't know if that has changed. No new major injuries except for Kaeding the kicker with a groin injury. He is replaced by Novak who worked for the Chargers last year and is only slightly less accurate on the FG's but has a stronger leg for the KO's.
Short term setup N.O. - I have burned myself 3 times this year with teasers involving N.O., all games that I am glad I did not watch so …. I have not seen a lot of them. Their defense is reportedly not very good though they didn't look horrendous at G.B. against Rodgers and Co.. I can see that Brees is still Brees, cat quick and with the experience to get rid of the ball very quickly. I was impressed with the job that N.O. did at G.B. though a loss is a loss and it was a desperation game for them (and G.B. too.)
This weeks game - this is a road game that in the last few years, S.D. would typically lose. They don't play on artificial turf very often and the Dome is a loud and foreign place for the opposition. It's not a 'must win' divisional game and the Chargers are already 3-1 though Denver has been playing well enough in that division. In reality, it would be a big confidence boost for S.D. to win this game but I don't have a lot of faith in Norv to Marshall the troops and come up with the right offensive/defensive game plans to beat the Saints at home. I can't figure if the Saints are demoralized or embarrassed enough at home, to be motivated to win this game.
It's pretty unusual to see an 0-4 team favored to beat a 3-1 team but it's also easy to see why. I lean to N.O. -3 but that's largely on my perception of the Norv factor, the foreign environment to the Chargers and N.O. wanting to end their embarrassment this year plus, Brees loves to beat S.D. I think the Chargers could win this game if they go with more quick passes than usual, along with the running game, playing a ball control offense. They need to minimize the deep QB drop plays that take too long to develop that result in pressures or picks. Rivers does not scramble well and also does not manufacture many plays out of the pocket, so a smart defense can use that against him. It'll be interesting to see if the Chargers try and get Meachem (who has done nada) involved against his old teammates but that seems too obvious. The Chargers defense should take some chances against Brees early in the game, at the risk of a big play or two; a better option IMO, than getting nicked apart via 15 play 80 yard drives.
Writing this analysis and opening this thread to talk about the Chargers and N.O., in what could be an unbetable game though I am leaning towards N.O. -3 but don't like the odds on that side and have been flip-flopping from day to day, which tells me I shouldn't bet this.
Short term setup S.D. - After getting thrashed at home by Atlanta, the Chargers coming off of a nice road victory against K.C., historically not an easy game for them. 6 K.C. turnovers probably helped a bit but the Chargers D forced some of those - Chargers were out gained in the game and Norv Turner did his 3 and out predicto thing on offense after building the 27-3 lead, and briefly almost let K.C. back in the game. The Chargers broke out of their red zone running game mode and passed for some scores after the turnovers and that is a good sign for them (Norv.) The Chargers have most of their offensive key players (relatively) healthy now, including well paid LT Jared "I have back spasms and I'll be back when I'm 100%" Gaither, who is probably a better option than the undrafted rookie they had to start over there. RB Ryan Mathews paid penance for his key fumble in the Atlanta game (his first start after his pre-season broken clavicle injury) by not starting against K.C. but gained some nice yardage when he played. He came on last year and now looks like, fumble-itis and injuries aside, one of the better backs in the league. The dilemma the Chargers(Norv) have is potentially using him too much, detracting from the passing game and exposing him to injury. He is reportedly not a great blocker in pass protection, don't know if that has changed. No new major injuries except for Kaeding the kicker with a groin injury. He is replaced by Novak who worked for the Chargers last year and is only slightly less accurate on the FG's but has a stronger leg for the KO's.
Short term setup N.O. - I have burned myself 3 times this year with teasers involving N.O., all games that I am glad I did not watch so …. I have not seen a lot of them. Their defense is reportedly not very good though they didn't look horrendous at G.B. against Rodgers and Co.. I can see that Brees is still Brees, cat quick and with the experience to get rid of the ball very quickly. I was impressed with the job that N.O. did at G.B. though a loss is a loss and it was a desperation game for them (and G.B. too.)
This weeks game - this is a road game that in the last few years, S.D. would typically lose. They don't play on artificial turf very often and the Dome is a loud and foreign place for the opposition. It's not a 'must win' divisional game and the Chargers are already 3-1 though Denver has been playing well enough in that division. In reality, it would be a big confidence boost for S.D. to win this game but I don't have a lot of faith in Norv to Marshall the troops and come up with the right offensive/defensive game plans to beat the Saints at home. I can't figure if the Saints are demoralized or embarrassed enough at home, to be motivated to win this game.
It's pretty unusual to see an 0-4 team favored to beat a 3-1 team but it's also easy to see why. I lean to N.O. -3 but that's largely on my perception of the Norv factor, the foreign environment to the Chargers and N.O. wanting to end their embarrassment this year plus, Brees loves to beat S.D. I think the Chargers could win this game if they go with more quick passes than usual, along with the running game, playing a ball control offense. They need to minimize the deep QB drop plays that take too long to develop that result in pressures or picks. Rivers does not scramble well and also does not manufacture many plays out of the pocket, so a smart defense can use that against him. It'll be interesting to see if the Chargers try and get Meachem (who has done nada) involved against his old teammates but that seems too obvious. The Chargers defense should take some chances against Brees early in the game, at the risk of a big play or two; a better option IMO, than getting nicked apart via 15 play 80 yard drives.