RAIDERS AT CHARGERS WEEK 11 THE AFTERMATH.NOV 17,14

RAIDERS AT CHARGERS WEEK 11, THE AFTERMATH 

Ok, Good win by the chargers after 3 weeks of losing,, its good to see them back on track. Yes,, they only scored 13 points, but a win is a win.. Now my take:
 The Charger defense. -- Are they back? Hard to tell , I mean the Raiders are clueless on offense and when they blew the first play of the game. Who would of thought one minute later that would be a game winning td?? But it was.. The defense created pressure at times but many times couldn't finish the play with a sack or turnover.  That's was disappointing , but the corners especially wright played really well, and the linebackers were fast and aggressive. When the raiders did get into the red zone, they stopped them.. unlike the other weeks against the Chiefs, Broncos and Dolphins.. Better effort , and I expect more cohesiveness next Sunday and better efforts on the pass rush. 
 The Charger offense. The first passing td was fun to see , but the offensive line was inconsistent , as Rivers was rushed to throw passes and didn't have time for long passes. The line is the issue, there's a lack of communication at times, at home you can get away with that. But on the road in loud venues like Baltimore, San Francisco and Kansas city , lack of cohesiveness could be disastrous. It was great to see a better run game , but its still a work in progress, they will need a better run game.. Especially , when you play tougher defense's that can rush the passer. The chargers are too predictable on offense ad they need the wide outs.. Allen and Royal to be more consistent. gates is great but getting the double coverage. But it seems rivers trust gates in the clunch and I don't blame him. Allen has alot the catches, but hasn't been the break out player we saw last year. The Line has to play better if the chargers really want to make a play off run..
Special teams.. Mike Scifres is a stud,, if anything he saved the game for the bolts. he pinned the raiders back and made them move the ball further in order to get into scoring range. It worked, Nick Novak was good, a missed field goal , but came back to make others to seal the deal.. Great efforts on coverage and intensity. 
 Intangibles.. Its a great win, a ego booster and great start. It was a rivalry gamme,, emotions can dictate how you play,, I feel they were pressing too much and not just playing , the images and thoughts of losing was lingering and it showed , because they were jittery at times and not relaxed. hey were a few plays away from making big plays,, football is a game of inches,. One step here, and there, and they could of put up more points.. But a win is win,, and its a start. 
 Now Whast wrong with the Chargers? Play calling, its not the same,, Coach whisenhunt had a better grasp on what players he needed to call plays and called them at the right time.. Frak reich is a first time offfensive coordinator,, but bear in mind he is or was missing Mathews, Woodhead , and their star center, its hard to call plays when you dont have the experience or skillset out there.. Branden Oliver is very good , but he is a rookie  with a lot ot learn. mathews,, is good, but a kneee injury when your nearing your 30'S along with other injuries has slowed him and made him gun shy. Sure he got 70 yards , but the power and explosion is not there and , its noticeable,, But he's a threat and if anything its what rivers needs , a solid running game so he can make those throws we all know he can make.. Coach Mccoy,, is still searching for a identity and needs to impose his style more.. As for the gates admission, I like gates, as a player,, but exposing your qb, ,, like that , I'm not sure that was in the best interest of the team.. I know he menat well. but now he made the rivers and the lines,, a target, we all know in life or sports, expose or show weaknesss people will go after you more , than try to help you,, Its life , its society,, people are looking for people to fail and make accidents.. to happen. Its human nature. Its a rat race in football.. People want to be starters , people want to be winners and in order to do that.. Many will do..whatever.. Its the sad , reality of life.. 
    Final thoughts.. There is 6 games left against the rams,ravens, Broncos,patriots , niners and chiefs.. 3 games on the road and 3 games at home.. If they win out at home.. that will be 9 wins,,, and then they need road wins.. at ravens, niners and chiefs. one out of 3 will make them 10-6 and that might be enough for a playoff spot. But ts clear.. the chargers need to win at least 4 out of 6 or better to have a chance,, and by the way they played last Sunday,,, That's hard to believe they can hold all or any of those teams,, below 13 pts.. if they can,, then the chargers can win all those games.. Because this team can score at least 14 points a game.. well we hope.. But one thing is clear,, The defense played better and they will have to play the same against those contenders coming up.. The offense need to resolve their offensive line and communication issues,, Because it will be loud in Baltimore , San Francisco and Kansas city. defeating the Broncos and Patriots at home is easier said than done, if the offense doesn't get into gear. Now the losing streak is over and now time to get back on track. The Rams have one of the better defensive lines,, and they will come after the chargers. Now the question remains,, Is this the 5-1 chargers earlier in the season,, or the 5-4 charger struggling in all phases of the game. Last Sunday we saw the special teams and defense play championship football. But now that championship offense , that was exciting to watch has bot been seen in over a month,, The last time we saw a charged up offense was weeks ago against the raiders,, because the offense that played last Sunday was horrible. too many holding calls..and dropped passes by the stars and running plays that were inches away from breaking it.. But that's why we play the games, the playoff 's this year looks like a dramatic finish, that may be decided on the last game of the year against the Chiefs,.. As for the fans,, keep the faith,, NFL = is the NO figure league,, it seems week to week, we see teams that seem like the real deal, only to see them fall the following week, Despite the chargers losing ways,,, the bolts are a mere one game behind the division leading Broncos and chiefs,,, Its a long shot , but the Chargers seems to like and strive on playing their best football in December.. but the SUPERBOWL IS PLAYED IN FEB.. And the only way the Chargers can make that run, it takes a total team effort and great coaching. The charger players need to step and make that final run,, and if they can.. Don't be surprised , because this year more than any other year,, its clear,, Any team can beat , any team if your not ready.. Get with it Chargers and their fans,, because this league seems to bring new questions and answers every week and right now,, its seems , the real contenders are beginning to win during this time.. Now the question is " Are the Chargers contenders or pretenders, ? They have shown earlier this year they can be championship quality, but they also have shown they can be beaten down.. Its put up or shut up time,,, San Diego Chargers,, and next Sunday will be another test for the team and the fans that are waiting or wondering what happened to that exciting , consistent offense that can score points. Do the chargers have true character ? Or do they have a bunch of  characters? I'm banking on the this team getting it together and making that run, and if your still watching,,, I expect a fun filled season. and a strong playoff run.. The chargers still believe in one another and that's what matters most. Because alot of the fans are bashing the chargers and jumping off the band wagon.. While the faithful,, stick it out,and when the chargers do make the playoffs and make that great run. It will be fun.. It was close to 2o years since their last SUPERBOWL RUN. and if they can get organized , they can do it again with this team.. Because this team has better talent and potential.. Its now time for them to stop talking and prove it with their play!! Its the final stretch the final quarter of this season. Finish strong San Diego chargers because you have a great leader in Rivers.. gates, weddle , freeney. that are going to give their best and lead others to victory.. " You cant achieve if you dont believe!""
THE SOURCE PRODUCTIONS @2014