My San Diego friends have experienced a whirlwind of emotions the past year. It began with the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Patriots last season. After that demoralizing game, fans called for coach Marty Schottenheimer’s head. Soon, thereafter, ownership disposed of Schottenheimer. Then, earlier this season, the Chargers proceeded to loose a few games, and fans sarcastically chanted Marty! Marty! Marty! at Qualcomm Stadium. Today they’re saying, Marty who?
While most NFL experts were anticipating the next Pats-Colts round, the Chargers put a damper on things. And while I can hear the cheering in southern California and see the smiles throughout New England, is a Patriots–Chargers game really what America wanted to see? I’m sure it’s not what CBS wanted – nor the millions of Patriots’ haters. Hell, I’ve already heard a friend of mine saying, “The Patriots just got a ‘free ride’ to another Super Bowl.”
Since they blew-out the Chargers, 38-14, earlier this season, I don’t expect the Patriots to falter this week on the road to perfection. However, I do expect a good game … for a half. Then it’s on to Glendale, Arizona for a chance to become the NFL’s greatest team ever.
By the way, there is another side of the playoff bracket. The Giants will have an uphill battle facing media-favorite Brett Favre and his Packers. New York’s win against Dallas wasn’t a big surprise for me, as I picked that one. But, I also picked the Seahawks, so Vegas isn’t calling me to help set any odds this week. However, no matter who wins in the “junior bracket” does anyone really think the NFC has a shot at a championship? Maybe – but, San Diego will have to come up with an even bigger upset this week for NFC fans to have hope.
So, to all my Chargers friends – congratulations and enjoy this week’s build-up to a game that could resemble the AFL Championship game played January 5, 1964 at San Diego’s Balboa Stadium, which was won by the Chargers in a blow-out against the (then) Boston Patriots 51-10. However, the victor will also be playing home this time – at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium. And after the loss – please, no whining like last year. Also, don’t be calling for Norv Turner’s head. The Patriots are simply the better team.
The Chargers have no shot! And what happened to L.T. and Rivers in the Colts game? Watching them on the sideline in the biggest game of their careers was surprising. Rivers said he could have gone into the game …. and L.T. was riding the sideline bike. Very curious….
Comment by Manny — January 14, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Personally, I would have liked to see a Brady-Manning rematch. This game won’t be close. You’re friend is right … the Patriots just got a free ticket to Arizona.
Comment by GZG — January 14, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
personally you should shut up cos, no one cares you colts loving gimp, just respect that the chargers would too good!!!
Billy Volek beat u…..how sad!
Comment by gzg, manny — January 14, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
man, if the jags had a chance…then the chargers have more of one cos they’re much better.
Better QB
Better RB
Better WR
Better Te
Better D#
Chargers on their way to Arizona……..with free tickets
Comment by gzg, manny — January 14, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
oops …. your friend was right….
Comment by GZG — January 14, 2008 @ 2:14 pm
Hey gzg,manny … what are you a surfer on drugs? Can’t you even come up with your own name? You’re as smart as you’re creative. God help you….
Comment by GZG — January 15, 2008 @ 8:30 am
Hey Chargers fan… or is it Chargers “dude”? Stick to surfing because you know little about football. Rivers is not better than Garrard…and your running back is a whining “Mr. Me”, who cares more about his personal stats than team wins. If surf’s up Sunday, will you even watch the game?
Comment by Manny — January 15, 2008 @ 3:34 pm