BOLT ANALYSIS-WEEK 11: A MONDAY NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR

“Chargers play a Complete Game”. What? That is one of those rare headlines that we don’t see too often. Akin to “Rare New Mammal Found in Vietnam Rainforest” or “Sarah Palin Makes Sense”…you need to read it a few times before you get it. Last night’s primetime beatdown of Denver was something all of us needed…affirmation that this team can play a complete game and re-affirmation that we can be a good team.
In the days (and hours) leading up to the game, it became clear once again that injuries were going to be a big factor. Gates, Mathews, and Legedu all still inactive after two full weeks off. Wow. Then, come to find out Kris Wilson was hurt too and we pulled a new Tight End off the street (Kory Sperry) and a new wide receiver off the practice squad (Kelley Washington). All of this information led to one big conclusion….our defense needs to play well. The Broncos had just hung an easy 49 points on the Chiefs and came in as confident as a 3-6 team can be. The first drive had me slamming my head against the wall. Have you ever seen an easier drive? Every play good for big yards…no tackles…no spirit…no heart. Is this what two weeks off gets you? But, a funny thing happened after that drive. The Chargers D played their best game of the season. They pressured the QB, threw a ton of looks at the Broncos O line, forced penalties, picked off a pass, played great coverage football. For three quarters the Denver offense (keep in mind Orton is second only to Rivers in yards) was completely stifled. Shaun Phillips was a wrecking crew. Just all over the field. Cooper, Cason, and Burnett made memorable plays. Denver had no answers. The tandem of Antwan Barnes and Larry English at outside ‘backer made some inroads. They played great as a unit.
And then we get to the offense. The gushing and outpouring of love from the ESPN crew bordered on inappropriate. I think Gruden passed out the ecstasy tablets before the game. By the fourth quarter, the camera was just trained on Philip’s face and they just did not stop praising him. It was well-deserved, and it is funny how the public opinion is modeled. He has never been able to live down that yelling match he had in primetime with Jay Cutler a few years ago. Somehow he was labeled as the “brat” and the “punk” in that exchange. I think last night the corner was turned for Philip. Even though Charger fans have long known the guy was special…last night’s love affair solidified that he has finally made that fickle list of “Elite QBs”. They are talking MVP…they are talking “Great”. He has made the hallowed halls. If you are like me (and I think like Philip) you don’t care. The only thing that buys you lasting respect is winning games. Look at Mike Vick. He has been anointed as a reborn hero, just because he has won a few games. Winning removes even the mantle of shame from someone who has tortured and murdered dogs for fun. It is a funny sports society isn’t it?
Anyway, the offense was great too. Despite the injuries, they played as if they were fully stacked. Loved that the first pass was to Kory Sperry. Just like saying…does not matter who has the uniform on…we are better than you. Philip finishes with 4 TD passes to 4 different guys. Sproles has his best game of the season, Floyd looked rusty and slow but he made some good catches, the offensive line held up great all night, and the play selection was outstanding and varied. Massive props must go to Mike Tolbert. How valuable has this guy been? Amazing. With the spotty and injury and turnover filled season of Mathews, Tolbert has been a rock. Power, speed, punishing guys who try and tackle him. He was a joy to watch and is of huge value to the team. And Crayton? What the hell? Two splendid catch and runs including the big TD. How about the stiff arm punch on the first one? Beautiful. The only flaw is that he did not protect himself going into the end zone and hurt his wrist. I read he will be out at least 2 weeks. That is huge because he is looking more and more dangerous as he gets comfortable with the offense.
But to make it a complete game, you must have Special Teams and our Special Teams played a good game last night. Was it great?…well, we gave up one long runback and missed a field goal. But the Scifres to Tolbert fake punt was a thing of beauty. We made good hits on coverage and looked in control. Keep playing that way and we will be OK.
So, what is next? Another primetime showdown. Next Sunday night at Indianapolis we can make another statement. What we said last night was that we are going to be a factor in the AFC West and we are not dead yet. What we can say next week if we can get past the Colts is that we are going to be a factor in the AFC…period. That is a big difference. It is a short week and we will still be without some guys. Who knows on Gates and Mathews, Legedu has been out for 4 weeks with a “hamstring strain”? Floyd reinjured himself (not sure how bad),  Crayton is now out. McMichael and Wilson are both hobbling at Tight End. One good thing is that Vincent Jackson will be active. Remember him? Who knows how much he will be worked into the offense….but it will be good to have 83 back on the field.  Despite all the injuries and new uniform numbers, the Chargers have a confidence right now. Sure it is only a 3 game winning streak this team is 5-5 right now. But they are a game out of first place and are looking at 3 at home in a row after this one.
They will be facing one pissed off Manning next week after his late interception cost the Colts the game against the Patriots. This will be a tough one…but the Chargers will be playing with two things next week: 1) confidence, and 2) the knowledge that they can play a complete game.
That is a big deal.
Happy Thanksgiving.