pseudolefty Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Heard LT talking on local radio on the drive to work this morning. The radio guys were asking about the Chargers troubles running the ball. LT said it's been frustrating, particularly the weekly questions about his age and injury. LT cited that there are other guys in the league his age doing well, and in particular, Clinton Portis. Age is not an issue. He indicated that he's at full health, so injury is not an issue either. The radio guys pressed further and asked about the importance of Lorenzo Neal to the running game in previous years. LT said there's no denying that Lorenzo Neal was an important part of their running game, not only for his blocking skills and tenacity, but his experience and doing all the extra little things to make a play successful. For example, Neal would sometimes do more than just his assigned block on a play. He would often help out an O-Lineman by chipping on a defender before getting to his primary block. Mike Tolbert, the Chargers current fullback, has all of 9 games of experience and is coming along well, but he's still learning on the job. LT mentioned that the Chargers offensive scheme has also shifted away from the running game and they've become more of a passing team. It was clear from his tone of voice that he wasn't particularly happy about that, but he's accepted his role and the most important thing is to "win games". Whatever the scheme of the offense is (or the overall team for that matter), they have to play with passion and learn how to win games. As a long-time Chargers fan, who's seen every game LT's played through the years, I can say that he's looked pretty healthy the last 2 games and was making cuts that he normally makes. The productivity was there in the Saints game because he actually had a few holes and glimpses of daylight. However, he really didn't have much help in the Chiefs game. He made the most of what he had which wasn't much. The O-line just wasn't opening up holes. It's going to be real tough this weekend trying to get a running game going against the Steelers. I suspect the Chargers will be trying to attack through the air. Still, the Chargers need to keep working on that running game. They'll have a better chance of getting it going in subsequent weeks against other AFC West foes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring Back Pat!!! Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Heard LT talking on local radio on the drive to work this morning. The radio guys were asking about the Chargers troubles running the ball. LT said it's been frustrating, particularly the weekly questions about his age and injury. LT cited that there are other guys in the league his age doing well, and in particular, Clinton Portis. Age is not an issue. He indicated that he's at full health, so injury is not an issue either. The radio guys pressed further and asked about the importance of Lorenzo Neal to the running game in previous years. LT said there's no denying that Lorenzo Neal was an important part of their running game, not only for his blocking skills and tenacity, but his experience and doing all the extra little things to make a play successful. For example, Neal would sometimes do more than just his assigned block on a play. He would often help out an O-Lineman by chipping on a defender before getting to his primary block. Mike Tolbert, the Chargers current fullback, has all of 9 games of experience and is coming along well, but he's still learning on the job. LT mentioned that the Chargers offensive scheme has also shifted away from the running game and they've become more of a passing team. It was clear from his tone of voice that he wasn't particularly happy about that, but he's accepted his role and the most important thing is to "win games". Whatever the scheme of the offense is (or the overall team for that matter), they have to play with passion and learn how to win games. As a long-time Chargers fan, who's seen every game LT's played through the years, I can say that he's looked pretty healthy the last 2 games and was making cuts that he normally makes. The productivity was there in the Saints game because he actually had a few holes and glimpses of daylight. However, he really didn't have much help in the Chiefs game. He made the most of what he had which wasn't much. The O-line just wasn't opening up holes. It's going to be real tough this weekend trying to get a running game going against the Steelers. I suspect the Chargers will be trying to attack through the air. Still, the Chargers need to keep working on that running game. They'll have a better chance of getting it going in subsequent weeks against other AFC West foes. They're 4-5, maybe Norv should re-think things a bit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring Back Pat!!! Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I think they're doing just fine as it is. Wow. Expectations are that low all ready that 4-5 is just fine? Guess that window is closed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rileyrott Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I think they're doing just fine as it is. I completely agree! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jrick35 Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 LT cited that there are other guys in the league his age doing well, and in particular, Clinton Portis. Age is not an issue. LT is 29 Portis is 27 that is at least 14 years difference in RB years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pseudolefty Posted November 13, 2008 Author Share Posted November 13, 2008 Wow. Expectations are that low all ready that 4-5 is just fine? Guess that window is closed. Lord Opie is a Bronco fan, so that's why 4-5 is fine by him. But believe me, for any Charger fan, 4-5 is a huge disappointment. This team is/was expected to do sooo much more. I still hold out hope that we can get this thing turned around, but am realistic enough to know that the team can't keep floundering and performing at their current low level, particularly on defense, to have any hopes of a) making it to the playoffs; and making an impact in the playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayLow Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I hope they miss the playoffs so my FIRE NORV chant can continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I think they're doing just fine as it is. We'll be seeing the Donkies soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Lord Opie is a Bronco fan, so that's why 4-5 is fine by him. But believe me, for any Charger fan, 4-5 is a huge disappointment. This team is/was expected to do sooo much more. I still hold out hope that we can get this thing turned around, but am realistic enough to know that the team can't keep floundering and performing at their current low level, particularly on defense, to have any hopes of a) making it to the playoffs; and making an impact in the playoffs. When we get to the second round of divisional play, we will seperate and win the division easily. But yes, advancing after that is a major, major concern. If only CC would get healthy we would have a very nice group to throw the ball to and open up the running game. Floyd is a nice story, but he's no Chambers...yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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