BOLT ANALYSIS: WEEK 12 --MESSAGE SENT

Psychology and sports: A fascinating topic that the ANALYSIS gets into from time to time. Perhaps the most interesting part of the game of football to me: how do you overcome the doubts in your head and your own limitations and be the best you can be? That is a question that each individual athlete must ask themselves…but it a question that is so much more difficult when you are looking at a team. That is the purpose of coaching…some would say…how a coach can graft personalities into a winning formula. Certainly, the Bolts are a team that has struggled with team psychology. As the ANALYSIS reported after the loss that dropped them to 2-5…the only team that can outplay the Chargers is the Chargers. Last night’s wonderful primtetime beatdown was a perfect indicator of sports psychology. We are in Manning’s head…we believe it and he believes it. It was there for all the nation to see. Last week, we spoke of making a statement in this game. Uh….message sent.



There was a vibe about this game that started after last Monday night’s victory. A positive air hung around Charger Park. Vincent Jackson would be back, Gates might be back, Floyd and Naanee might be back. More importantly, there was that air of confidence that only winning can bring. It felt like regardless of who suited up, this very well could be the statement game we were looking for. Beating the woeful Broncos at home is one thing…beating the Colts in their place (where they were 4-0) is another entirely. As is usual, it did not start well. The first drive was easy as can be for the Colts….effortlessly shredding us down field for an opening score. We held serve, by putting together a good drive that ended in a field goal. The second series was what would set the tone…a great play by Burnett…some pressure on Manning….a Pick Six the other way. And the seed was planted in Manning’s head again….the doubt…the history….psychology. The rest of the half was pretty much all Bolts….another pick, some good drives, but, unfortunately, no finish in the red zone. It is a good thing Kaeding has his injury sorted out…going 5-5 in this game was massive. Again, the psychology of ending drives with points is huge. Even if they are not touchdowns.


The offense was nicely balanced in this one. Running effectively with the wonderful Mike Tolbert…and getting short passes to click. It was apparent (and verified after the game) that the Colts were playing a deep cover game that was designed to take away the big plays and keep the ball underneath. It worked for awhile…we were 0-4 on third down at one point. But our tackles and running backs did a nice job of protecting Philip from the whirling dervish tandem of Freeney and Mathis, and we kept drives moving and kept Manning off the field. Very few penalties, no turnovers. That is massive. What a huge difference that makes. Is this really the same team that lost to the Seahawks and the Chiefs and the Raiders? Sure did not look like it. Great blocking all game long. The second half saw us get more comfortable and stretch the field. All-World Gates made a few great catches, and we got a few big plays from receivers and backs. With the exception of the bizarre play calling at the goal line (what the heck was up with us throwing on 3rd down from the one inch line?) it was a great effort. Once again, Tolbert carried the load….what a gamer this guy is. And Philip….well, how does 19 for 23 sound? He missed 4 passes all game…two were dropped by Legedu and the other two ironically came on end zone passes.


Now, we move to the defense. It makes me nuts when I look at the statistics that show we lead the League in Sacks and are #1 statistically in Defense…then I look at our record. Don’t look now, but our defense is putting together its best season in years. Last night was the best effort yet. Constant pressure…although just one sack…rattled Manning throughout. Four interceptions! Even though Weddle’s Pick Six was probably a penalty, Peyton still looked terrible. Now, I get it, he does not have most of his weapons. Unlike the Bolts, who have Tolbert, their running game was atrocious all night. Good coverage…the linebacking duo of Cooper and Burnett was beyond good….and great push up front. Just an awesome game from our defense. Cooper believes that he knows what Manning is going to do on any given play. Who is going to disagree with him now? Also, an eye-opening performance from third or fourth cornerback Dante Hughes…picked up last year for depth. Hard hits, great recovery speed…I am liking this kid.

Finally..followers rejoice…our Special Teams played their best game of the year by FAR. Great kick coverage….good runbacks…we won the field position battle all game long. A complete game again…two in a row. Turner gave the “game ball” to the entire kick coverage unit. Norv may not single anyone out…but I will…Tyrone Carter…yet another mid season pick up…is a beast out there.


So, the Chargers have arrived. That is what you will hear if you tune in to sports media this week. Lots of props. Lets hope the Boyz don’t listen. As big as this game was…and is…the Chargers must not lose focus. They play three straight at home. The first two are against the Raiders and Chiefs. Because of our bad start, and our losses to these two teams early…these are truly must-wins. We need to beef up our conference record..because, as previously reported, a wild card does not appear to be an option. We need to beat the Raiders and Chiefs to get ahead in the tiebreaker battles. The talking heads will begin to write the Chargers in to the AFC West title already. Don’t believe it. The Chiefs are for real…they are solid…and they have an easy schedule and the jump on us. That being said, the Chargers will be favored in all five of their remaining games. Gotta deliver boys. Gotta deliver.

Injuries…who knows. Have not seen anything dramatic yet. Who has regressed, who will be back. Gates? He makes us tick. Floyd and Legedu…we need you. Because….Vincent Jackson played all of two minutes before taking himself out with a “calf injury”. Hmmm…forgive the conspiracy theory but bear with me for a moment. Is there any way that VJ is pulling this as a protest based on AJ’s treatment of him? By all accounts, he was in great physical shape…was blowing up practices, and has fresh legs. We needed him last night. No pass was thrown his way, he was never shown making a block, yet he pulls himself out with an injury? I think anything is possible folks. Would this guy spite his teammates like this? I don’t know…but ego goes a long way and he has been handed his walking papers by AJ. I hope I am wrong. More importantly, however, I hope we have some targets back and healthy next week…especially Gates.


So, we now enter the part of the schedule we have been looking forward to. Three at home. A chance to keep a run going. A chance to take control. It is all in your heads boyz. Stay hungry.