Another Embarrassing Loss

Source: AP

For a team that was expected to start the season 6-0, is now 2-4. Form losses on the road, when they had the best road record on the road last season going 7-1.

It’s both embarrassing and disturbing. Especially when it is the softest part of the schedule. It doesn't get any easier from now on with the Patriots coming up and Titans after.

Sure the season is still early, there are still plenty of games left and the other teams in the division isn't runnining away from anyone, but the point of fact is that it's almost half-time. And the Bolts have been spanked by some bad teams.

Until Sunday, most of the Chargers’ problems had been confined to crummy special teams play. Though their turnover differential has been troubling, the Bolts ranked No. 1 in offense and No. 2 in defense in the NFL.

Last Sunday's loss doesn't fall entirely on the Special teams play, not this time. Sure Nate Kaeding missed a crucial field goal, but the game was loss by the whole team collectively. Quarterback Philip Rivers, the player most capable of carrying this team beyond mediocrity, was sacked a career-high seven times while operating behind an offensive line supposedly bolstered by the return of Marcus McNeill.

But even as Rivers’ blocking got better, his receivers got fewer. Tight end Antonio Gates left the game with a sprained ankle. Wideout Malcom Floyd took his leave with a tender hamstring. This essentially reduced Rivers’ downfield targets to the productive Patrick Crayton and Buster Davis, who had multiple drops.

And for the defensive side, Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason was getting picked on by Sam Bradford, the Rams’ rookie quarterback. Here followed a moment that may go a long way toward defining these Chargers: 2:24 to play, third down and six yards to go, and Steven Jackson plowing ahead nine yards behind left guard when anyone on the premises could have predicted the play.

Sure this team has shown resiliency in the past. They capable of catching their rhythm and go, but they are running out of time, it is almost half-time. Let's get the team in the locker room and make adjustment Norv....