Browns v. Chargers Open Thread

by Cleveland Frowns on October 28, 2012

The San Diego Chargers come to the North Coast having had a bye week to buffer an embarrassing Monday nighter against the Broncos in which they lost a 24-0 halftime lead. It was the second straight fourth-quarter collapse for the Chargers (3-3), who’ve been torn apart by the three good quarterbacks they’ve faced (Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan), with their three wins having come against teams with QBs who are raw, average, or worse (Jake Locker, Carson Palmer, and Matt Cassell).

Which is to say that anything could happen today. The Chargers are three point favorites, the weather is bad, there will be a camera on the owners’ box, our NFL picks for Week 8 are here, and the rest is your weekly Shurmurball open thread.

  • ClevelandFrowns

    John Greco, who’s replaced Jason Pinkston at LG, was one of Pro Football Focus’s “Secret Superstars” of Week 7. Check it out:

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/10/25/secret-superstars-week-7/

    • Cranky M

      This seems to be holding true. And he can actually pull across the line, unlike Pinkston (no disrespect to Pinkston, for whom i wish nothing but the best).

  • dwhalen5

    FALCONS -2 at Eagles.

    $$$
    SKINS +5 at Steelers.

    Rarely have we seen the Browns miss an opportunity in the NFL Draft, but this once it seems that the best player available was snatched from our grips as Big Mike was out with his wife sippin’ Mai Tai’s on the lakefront. Speaking of, have you guys seen a sunset over Lake Erie while drinking umbrella-shaded cocktails? It’s sublime. Yet, as much as I love the Cleveland shoreline, it pains me that Big Mike was celebrating it instead of blowing up the phones in St. Louis to snag the guy that did everything he could last week to beat Eli and the Giants (at their place), but once again, his defense let him down. A guy who leads the league in Fantasy Football Points–which can typically be a decent indication of how well you’re performing, especially in the eyes of fans. A guy who is playing with a running back who comes to work in his 1992 Mazda 626. A guy who did his best Jenna Haze (google her) impression and took a hellacious shot to the face, then came back the next week with a vengeance the Honey Badger would be proud of. Meanwhile, we get to watch snapshots of our new owner shouting “Aww SHUCKS, JIMINY CRICKETS!” from his luxury box after watching his soon-to-be-former head coach punt the football on 4th and 1 on the Colts’ 38 yard-line with less than 7 minutes to go in a one-score game. I continually hear fans and media celebrating the belief that “WE’VE FOUND OUR FRANCHISE QB!!!” They are in fact correct, which begs the question “why so angry there, Jimbo? To which he answers “Dadgummit, I know we’ve done found our franchise qb, prolem is, I reckon he plays in Maryland and wears red n’ gold. Speakin’ of colors, what do ya’ll think of these new jerseys I’m designin and the helmets with the angry little elf on the side? And what about a dome made of those little hexagonal-shaped frames I been seein’? Ain’t those cool lookin? If we did that, we could have like monster truck rallies and stuff under it.”

    P.S. RG3 leads the league in completion percentage and trails only Arian Foster in rushing touchdowns, is 3rd in QB Rating (101.5), and has his team competing in the NFC East despite the pop warner defense they are fielding.

    AND HOW ABOUT THEM IRISH!!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!

  • WooMike

    Brown unis have to be a good sign!

  • nj0

    that’s what happens when you don’t tackle your own running back

    • etc

      Glad to see we aren’t the only team with safeties that don’t tackle.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

    Why challenge a 6 yard completion? Although, I guess since turnovers and scoring plays are automatically challenged, it kind of maybe makes sense. I still hate you Shurmur.

    • etc

      Holgrum gave Shumrur his balls after the press conference Tuesday. Only way to explain the 4th and 1 conversion, the challenge, Smith at fullback.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

        I have to admit, I was extremely happy to see Marecic not starting.

      • nj0

        Marecic is inactive today. Hope tomorrow too.

        • etc

          Considering the weather I think it’s a ballsy move. Sure Marecic sucks but having your TE play fullback all game? With the possibility of another goalline FB plunge? Balls.

          • nj0

            Shurmurmania

          • dukem1

            Shurmurphobia

          • dukem1

            Screw it all! We won a game! Whatever the starting lineup was, go with it forever!

          • BIKI024

            YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME

    • dukem1

      I rather liked this meaningless challenge…making the lads from the sun-kissed, golden West, in the midst of a serious down-tick of their own, stand for two minutes in the cold rain in Cleveland, Ohio….left to ponder if there is an as yet unvisited circle of hell in their un-merry month of October….seems an opportunity to give a nice mental edge to our beloved warriors from the topmost edge of the AFC North.
      Which is to say – if I was coach and someone asked me why, this is what I’d say..
      which is in no way whatsoever meant to indicate that I think coach Shurmur is smarter than me.

  • Cranky M

    Nothing like calling a tricky double-reverse in a downpour, especially when you already have good field position and a 2nd and short….

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

      Brilliance!

    • nj0

      I don’t like the call, but I do appreciate that Shurmur is showing a little gumption.

      • Cranky M

        Just seems bad considering the circumstances. I could see maybe if your offense was really struggling and you needed a spark, or had bad field position and were just throwing something at the wall. But you had all of the momentum, you were moving the ball, you had good field position, you had short yardage on second down…

        • nj0

          Not disagreeing. Being too smart. Just keep shoving it down their throats.

    • etc

      That’s an OAFL call if there ever was one.

      • Defenestration

        You take the good
        You take the bad
        You take them both
        And there you have
        The Facts of Life
        The Facts of Life

    • reggiebuckeye

      Offense has had no flow since that call. Amazing how being cute can destroy everything. #Shurmurball at its finest.

  • Believelander

    Ogbonnoya drops ultra easy screen pass with multiple blockers in front and a lot of green. That should have gone for a lot of yards. An inexperienced Browns team continues to experience growing pains.

    • https://twitter.com/jimkanicki jimkanicki

      they had a shortened pre-season last year man. dont hate.

  • ClevelandFrowns

    The Chargers are begging to be dumpster babied out there.

    • nj0

      think they all were in athens last night

      • ClevelandFrowns

        Greece.

    • BIKI024

      of course they are, especially when they lose to the Clowns off a bye week…

  • nj0

    WTF is the point of the play action on third and long? SERIOUSLY

  • nj0

    i know there are 2 mins left, but i love that we played a great half of football against a team that just doesn’t want to be there where we pretty much dominated them yet we scored all of seven points….

    hash tag shurmurball

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

      This is where the other team makes adjustments at halftime and we lose by the way. Shurmurball!

      • nj0

        What are these adjustments you speak of?

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

          You are secretly Pat Shurmur, eh?

        • ClevelandFrowns

          Chargers have been outscored 52-7 in the second half of their last two games. SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE.

          • Chris P.

            Just when you think something is impossible….

            NOTHING GIVES AND THE DUMPSTER SMOULDERS.

            I’m pulling back from chillywatch, as there is potential for 2 more smouldering piles of win and no one deserves credit.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

    And the batted passes continue.

  • nj0

    Why run it on third and short?

  • Defenestration

    Spoiler Alert. Link to the game summary sent from the future.

    http://i.imgur.com/mjwf2.gif

    • nj0
      • Defenestration

        The question is – who is the hero with the fire extinguisher? Also – why doesn’t he have a bigger fire extinguisher?

        • nj0

          Joe Banner?

          • Kamov

            Looks like Chilly to me…

          • BIKI024

            met some die hard Eagles fans at the bar yesterday.. they all feel that Joe Banner is “pure evil”.. but the good thing is that there is ZERO chance of him bringing in Andy Reid, so we go that going for us..

          • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

            “…there is ZERO chance of him bringing in Andy Reid, so we got that going for us.”

            I don’t think that I can emphasize enough that this is a very VERY good thing.

    • actovegin1armstrong

      That is Frownie and Biki at The Map Room after the game.
      Art Brosef is judging/instigating.

  • Cranky M

    I’m falling in love with Josh Gordon.

    • dukem1

      Indeed! He seems like a good player. We need more of those.

      • BIKI024

        that dude JMJ is a balla too.. 4th round pick battlin and competin?? child please. we got some talent peoples, just wait and see..

  • nj0

    I’m sure wasting that time out won’t come back to haunt us.

    • Cranky M

      Ditto for that one.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

      Maybe not the first one, but the second one surely will.

      • nj0

        Helluva play call out of that t.0.

    • Cranky M

      I especially liked the shot of Childress in the press box, shrugging with a look of utter confusion on his face.

  • nj0

    This game makes me want to poke my eyes out!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517400620 Jason Hahn

      These batted passes make me want to poke my eyes out, that’s for sure.

      • Believelander

        That’s been killing me. Our pass blocking has been far less impressive than it gets credit for.

  • nj0

    More 3rd and long play action.

    • Cranky M

      What, you mean defenses aren’t thinking run-first on 3rd and 7?

      • bupalos

        Disagree with the snark. When you line plunge on 3rd and 24 you’ve set them up. Mr. TheBunny was just harvesting his crop.

  • etc

    Holy shit.

  • Cranky M

    WOO-HOO!
    I’ll take it.

    • ClevelandFrowns

      If Shurmurball was going to lose another notch of draft positioning, that’s exactly how it was going to happen.

      BRING ON THE CHIEFS.

      • Cranky M

        I’d be more concerned about draft positioning if there was anybody at the very top of the draft that i severely coveted. As of now, i can’t think of anybody who fits that description. Not anybody who wouldn’t be available with say, the 7th or 8th pick, at least. Don’t think they’re in danger of winning enough games to knock them out of really good draft positioning.

        At this point, i’d rather Weeden, Richardson, etc., get to experience a few wins.

        • actovegin1armstrong

          Cranky,
          I disagree, Jarvis Jones and Barkevious Mingo should go between the 2nd and 5th picks.
          Mingo may have more “up side”, and Jones looks terrific right now.
          Star Lotulelei is a tremendous talent too, he may be top three.
          The Marvelous Manatee from ND should be top ten as well, I love this guy.
          Banks from Miss State looks great, should the Browns go on a winning streak and fall to about 10th.

          Next year’s draft has a lot of talent available.

          It does however, suck that three games in to this season I started focusing on the 2013 draft more than the 2012 Browns team.

          • NeedsFoodBadly

            “It does however, suck that three games in to this season I started focusing on the 2013 draft more than the 2012 Browns team.”

            But Acto, this is the essence of being a Browns fan. We are continually in a state of becoming.

          • acto

            NFB,
            Actually, as of late, I would say that the Browns have been rather unbecoming.

          • NeedsFoodBadly

            Only as of late?

      • BIKI024

        5 wins is in reach playa, don’t be hatin

  • Cranky M

    I would like to thank Browns MVP Robert Meacham for this victory.

    • ChuckKoz

      and that atari guy for dropping that pick 6 on the deflection

      • BIKI024

        right, but when we drop balls it’s because we suck. for pete’s sake

  • reggiebuckeye

    So, #Shurmurball > #Turnerball Talk about winning in spite of coaching.

  • ChuckKoz

    that’s what i deserve for going against the browns on my essay pick, especially in the brown unis

    • BIKI024

      you deserve it because you’re a condescending ass

      • ChuckKoz

        Fuck off

        • BIKI024

          HA, fair enough. but you said it yourself, you “deserve” something for going against my Brownies, but what is it that you “deserve” exactly?

          seems to me that it’s perfectly reasonable for me to accuse you of being a condescending ass.
          especially after all your inflammatory statements towards people who don’t share your political views… mind you not elected officials, or not even candidates, but people who are tax paying US citizens who are entitled to their opinions about how best to invest our tax revenue generated by tax paying citizens….

          but actually, let’s keep it simple: keep betting against the Browns and piss your money away, boss

          • ChuckKoz

            there is nothing more american in my eyes than me speaking out against ignorance and dishonesty.

          • BIKI024

            i agree bro, keep bangin.. it’s good that we have guys like you checking all the wackos out there.. but it seems to me that you’re contributing to the ignorance when you make blanket statements and spew your hate towards blue dogs/fiscal conservatives.

          • ChuckKoz

            Maybe, but calling Paul Ryan a fraudulent cocksucker is just hard to resist

          • BIKI024

            well, the dude has been out there fighting as an elected official for 13 years. you may not agree with all his policies, but at least he’s out there fighting the good fight, particularly when it comes to US fiscal policy. while i don’t agree with his alleged views towards women’s rights/abortion, i think he has been a valuable member as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, and has been endorsed by both sides of the aisle in this regard..

          • ChuckKoz

            The good fight? That is insane.

          • BIKI024

            dude what world do you live in?? oh right, you live in AZ. i was just there for a week and i have no idea how you can live with those nutjobs out there. you really think social issues rule the problems of this country?? sure paul ryan may say some things to get votes in one of the most conservative states in the country (next to AZ), but the dude knows his stuff when it comes to the budget, otherwise why would his brothers and sisters across the aisle name him chairman of the budget committee?? sweet feathury jesus

  • BIKI024

    LOBSTAAAAAH!

    Buster Skrine baby, he battled today.

    It was ugly, but a win is a win…

    Ugh, we lose 2 games by combined 5 points, 3 by 12.. damn u joe haden.

    Woulda coulda shoulda, but god damn, we’re just a few plays from being 4-4 with Big Phil Taylor on his way back for 2nd half of season.. aaaaahhh

    • ClevelandFrowns

      And we’re a few plays away from being 0-8. The Executive Committee congratulates you on your Lobsterfest. http://www.lobshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Lobshots-Lobsters.jpg

      • BIKI024

        Thanks boss, ur 2 wins away, but not if the GGGGGG-G-unit has anything to say bout it.. #Frankenstorm

      • Believelander

        I’m with you on this one Pete. Gordon’s drop vs Indy can be easily cancelled by Meacham’s drop. I really wouldn’t take away the Cinci win, the Browns did go out and beat the Bengals down clean. Even if you give us the pick vs Philly for the win, the Browns are 3-5 and far less convincing of a 3-5 than the 3-5 2010 team that just gutbusted the Saints and Pats back to back.

        • BIKI024

          yes, we “gutbusted” a couple teams who slept on us with a bunch of wily veterans.. well, newsflash, you can’t have sustainable success with guys who are no longer in the NFL.. i don’t know about you, but i’d rather be building chemistry with a team that has the opportunity to have a good 4-5 year run together… but yeah, those david bowens picks against the saints and pats were dope.. too bad he’s enjoying his NFL pension check on the beach right how..

    • Petefranklin

      4-4?? If my Aunt” woulda shoulda coulda” had nads she’d be my uncle.

      • BIKI024

        yessir, i prefaced the same sentiment.. don’t worry, i got your measly 100 bucks, i’m already profitable on the browns this season.. send me your addy so you can put the jinx in process sonny

        • Petefranklin

          200 remember we doubled it, and it would have been much more if you wanted to post up the money somewhere. And what put you on the Steelers yesterday,no way I would have bet them.

          • BIKI024

            why would i “post up the money somewhere” with you when i put it in with the book??

            as far as the Steelers i took them mainly because everyone and their grandmother was on the Redskins…

          • ClevelandFrowns

            The Steelers were a great play yesterday. And an easy one. Who do you guys like tonight? Home dogs?

    • actovegin1armstrong

      Congratulations on both your LOBSTAH and your diplomacy.
      While I enjoy cogent arguments and hearty disagreements, flame wars are really a boring waste of space.

    • ChuckKoz

      since frowns correctly chose to delete the thread, i will use this space that you don’t know what you are talking about when it comes to paul “knows his stuff about the budget” ryan. and to me, his budget is dramatically more offensive than is social views. he is a fraud on economic issues. that prick spent the first portion of his career voting for every piece of deficit busting shit under george bush (including stimulus measures similar to obama’s). then in recent years he decides to make a name for himself by claiming to care about deficits and railing against everything obama…..but the substance of his budget is a fraud that doesn’t actually reduce the deficit: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/08/11/677481/how-ryans-budget-would-increase-the-deficit/

      its just too bad this guy has managed to trick so many people. he is as unserious as sarah palin ever was. i guess he has a better vocab, but that’s about it.

      and the was named to the budget committee by republicans, not democrats. just like the guy that said you can’t get pregnant from legit rape was put on the science committee. so being named to head a committee by the gop is entirely meaningless

      get a clue.

      • BIKI024

        where do you get your information from? thinkprogress.org??? LOL do you know anyone who works inside the beltway???

        • ChuckKoz

          never a good sign when you have to resort to attacking the source, especially when my source happens to a nobel prize winner in economics

          http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/opinion/08krugman.html?_r=0
          http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/20/opinion/krugman-an-unserious-man.html

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xokthY5zuPU&t=0m54s

          • ClevelandFrowns

            Reminds me of when Mike Lombardi asked me who I learned football from.

          • BIKI024

            ha, Paul Krugman. another bleeding heart liberal. many moderate economists admire Ryan’s clarity in wanting to balance the budget. whether or not everyone agrees with his proposals, the fact is we need to balance the budget as well as reform the tax code and at least he’s not punting the ball to the other side. everything is a negotiation.

            again, do you know anyone who works inside the beltway??

          • ChuckKoz

            maybe you didn’t catch the part where RYAN’S BUDGET DOESNT ACTUALLY BALANCE THE BUDGET. but whatever, if unknown and unnamed “moderate economists” like it then we should all be satisfied

            and yes to your irrelevant question.

          • BIKI024

            irrelevant question?? LOL, yes i think it’s very relevant to ask if you personally know people who actually work for the government and share their experiences on how things get done?? for every Krugman there is a Milt Friedman

          • bupalos

            >>>many moderate economists admire Ryan’s clarity in wanting to balance the budget. >>>

            Clarity of desire! MAGIC!

  • Believelander

    Terrible game for Weeden. Great game for Richardson. Defenses obviously ruled. Ours literally did the exact amount required to win a game where the offense could only muster one touchdown. They had 1 point and 1 opposing first down to spare and pulled it off. Philip Rivers atrocious too. Both teams with significant drops, worse for the Chargers. Weather probably played a big factor too.

    Shurmur still punted deep in opposing territory – at the 38, netting a stunning 18 yards on punt, refusing to utilize intentional penalties to make punter’s job easier. So done with this ‘system’ in Cleveland.

    • BIKI024

      The “system”, at least the defensive one, held a very potent Chargers offense to 6 measly points, coming off the bye no less. With several young bucks coming up big, particularly JMJ and Skrine. Say what u want about the Holmgren administration, the roster is in great shape for Haslam..

      • Believelander

        Go away. You’re like a politician.

        “I think cheesecake is really better than apple pie.”

        Biki: “say what you will about cheesecake, but apples constitute a significant portion of the US agricultural economy. It really helps our apple exports. The car economy is a major thing, too.”

        In a reply to a critique of our head coach’s offensive playcalling and decision making, you cite the defense and Tom Heckert’s drafting. G. T. F. O.

        • Kamov

          I’m hungry.

          • etc

            Try some popcorn, it’s delicious.

          • Believelander

            I’ll take two.

        • BIKI024

          What can i say, i’m a half glass full kind of guy… What do u have a moniker like Believelander like if you’re continue to be negative? We all know Shurmur is 99.9% gone, so why not look at the positives?? We won the game, largely because of our defense who’s average age is one of the youngest in the NFL. My sincere apologies for responding to your post. Good grief. I take it you bet against the Browns? Or why else would you be so salty??? BEEP BEEP BEEP

          • Believelander

            I’m pretty glass half full. I’m really happy we can be done with Shurmie and Holmgren. I do like how you respond to a reply about how your responses are tangential with a tangential response. I’m also fairly sure you don’t actually read my comments before disagreeing with them. I stated we (obviously) won because of our defense and TRich in a game where Weeden had an awful overall showing. I also never bet against the Browns. My mother raised me far too wisely to be a gambler.

          • BIKI024

            I wasn’t disagreeing with you brotha, just wanted to respond with the positives. I techinically never referred to shurmur and the offense, just talked up the defense, which at the end of the day stops at shurmur’s desk, even though Jauron seems to have carte blanche.

            And i’m proud of how our late round picks performed today, skrine, winn, JMJ, hence me thinkin that Haslam/Banner and new administation is in good shape. I don’t believe you disagree since it seems you’re high on Weeds. Can’t we all just get along??

          • Petefranklin

            He was just pointing out that Shurmer blows another situation by playing it by the book on 4th down. Betting on sports is not gambling, Lotto, Slots, horseracing, and table games are examples of gambling. Poker and sports betting are games of skill, therefore not examples of gambling.

          • actovegin1armstrong

            “He was just pointing out that Shurmer blows another situation by playing it by the book on 4th down.”
            Pete F,
            If that is “playing by the book” it must be a very old book. There is nothing to be said in favor of an 18 yard net on that punt.
            The most current edition says that you go for it on fourth down in about 90% of plus yardage situations.

          • BIKI024

            you play to win the game

        • dukem1

          Sometimes in a diner or something, you see a slice of apple pie with a big piece of cheddar cheese on the plate.
          This site has a cheddar bay thingamajiggy.
          Connection?
          Coincidence?
          Conspiracy?
          Well, you tell me.

      • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

        I’d like to fact check your BS statement about San Diego’s “very potent offense”. They are 29th in the league in total offense, 9 spots behind the Browns.

        http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/total

        • BIKI024

          they have had their issues this year that’s for sure, but heading into yesterday they were averaging 25 points per game, which is good for 10th best in the NFL

          • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

            They capitalize on turnovers, so what? Rivers is either last or second last in completions / yards to his receivers, and 1st in the league in receiving yards / receptions to his runningbacks.

            Colt McCoy has lost his title of “Captain Checkdown”.

            I’d also like to point out that Rivers is now 3rd worst on Frowns’ beloved Total QBR list.

          • BIKI024

            yes, there is def something up with Phil this year, but the numbers don’t lie, they have been in the Top 5 in PPG for the past EIGHT seasons:

            2011: 5th highest scoring average (25.4)
            2010: 2nd highest (27.4 ppg)
            2009: 4th highest (28.4 ppg)
            2008: 2nd highest (27.4 ppg)
            2007: 5th highest (25.8 ppg)
            2006: #1 (30.8 ppg)
            2005: #5
            2004: #3

          • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

            I made no mention of what they did the last 8 years, and frankly it has nothing to do with my comment. They are 29th in the league in total offense this year.

          • BIKI024

            in yardage, not PPG, the point of the game is to score touchdown’s isn’t it?? good grief

    • Petefranklin

      Why not put Cribbs in on a deep pass play the other way (side) designed to be caught by Gordon or intercepted. Cribbs is the best open field tackler we have and DB’s always will catch the ball instead of knocking it down. I dont know about you guys but I dont think Ive ever minded a deep INT on 3rd or 4th and long in the oppositions territory.

    • Cranky M

      I didn’t really think there was much Weeden could do. Gameplan didn’t seem to allow for much, look how many times he had to throw it away because nobody was open. Didn’t even really attempt to go downfield. Made a few really nice throws when they were backed up on their own 5 or so, though. Drag route to Cameron and another to Gordon (i think?)

      • Believelander

        I felf that he was noticeably inaccurate on several easy throws, but I agree with you partly, particularly on those “simple” drag routes. The difference between Weeden and a Derek Anderson (hopefully) is that the good qb puts the ball where the receiver never has to slow down on any given momentum pattern, whether lateral or deep. It’s such a sublime difference, but it shows how much yards after catch are not just the domain of wide receivers. While Weeden does miss throws, he has shown the potential to also put the ball exactly where it needs to be, and not just occasionally by blind luck. I would add the drop by Cooper to the list of perfect pass placement on a crossing route.

        • Jim

          Weather played a significant factor in the passing game for both teams today as well.

          • BIKI024

            oh you mean the 4 time pro bowler got affected by the same conditions that Weeds did? sweet feathury jesus

        • Bryan

          Agree with Cranky M. Weeden had an objectively low production day, but it seemed that was caused by 3 things: 1) weather 2) severely limited playbook/gameplan that minimized his strengths and 3) a few key drops.

          The only obvious mistake he made was missing Watson on the first drive. But we got 7 there anyway, so it didn’t affect much.

  • Bryan

    Thoughts:

    ** Defense deserves some credit. Conditions severely limited both offenses, but our D made enough plays. Hats off to them, especially the pressure and coverage on the last series of the game. SD has 1st and 10 on the CLE 45 and the D held strong.

    ** Weeden – Statistically a very weak effort. The batted balls seemed to be an issue again as well. But most of his misses were wise decisions in which he threw the ball away because no one was open. It also looked like the gameplan was uber conservative because of the weather, so I think a good portion of his limited production falls on the coaching staff and the conditions.

    On the positive side he had no turnovers. That is now 2 straight weeks with zero, and only 1 in 3 weeks. If you remember back to the pre-season, where he fumbled every other play, and Week 1, where he forced several bad INTs, I think the improvement in decision making is a huge positive. Obviously, he is helping us by not turning it over, but the fact that he has learned so quickly is a strong signal for future growth. Also, the drops by the WRs continue to hurt him. The Obanaya drop on the screen play, the Cooper drop on the slant, and the Little drop on the 3rd and 10 play were HUGE. The first two would have lead to points. Overall, I am still a big Weeden guy. Lots of talent and a demonstrated ability to be coached and learn.

    ** T-Rich – Lots to like. Obviously a huge game. My main issue with him is he lack of success on short yardage. His biggest talent is the ability to crank out extra yards downfield after he is hit, but he still seems to struggle when there is no hole. He dances a bit too much and sacrifices yards. This is fixable. He will get there. And when he does, he is true “complete” backe.

    ** Gordon – He is awesome. He is starting to run the underneath routes a lot better and demonstrate serious YAC potential. Wow. Never thought he would develop so fast.

    ** Little – One huge drop on 3rd and 10, but he is progressing. Made some hard catches and seems to be into the game. With him and Gordon, we have two physical receivers.

    ** Coaching – Shurmurball. That is all you can say. If this team gets a good coach next year, we could be looking at Singletary/Harbaugh type jump.

    • dukem1

      Really agree with just about everything you say.
      It’s apparent that Gordon is our best receiver, with a whole lot of upside given a bit more of a supporting cast.
      Still like Cooper, too, despite the lousy drop.
      Perhaps we’re entering the “era of the two Joshes”.
      But Little….nooooop. Whatever talents this young man has, its apparent they do not apply in the field of professional football..

      • BIKI024

        he’s a monster run blocker, made some big blocks for TRich yesterday. and he played well against the Colts.. the dude can ball and works his tail off so we should hope to see some improvement from him as this goes along.

        • Bryan

          Agree with Biki here. Little still drives me batty, but he is a hell of a blocker, works hard, and seems to have cut-off the over the top celebrations every time he makes a 4 yard catch. He has a chance to be a very good 2nd receiver. If he was still our “1″ receiver I would have more concerns, but having Gordon helps Little slide down into a position where he has a chance for success.

      • bupalos

        Little’s blocking on the WR screens and in the run game was actually pretty important yesterday. Sure not ready to give up on him. Kept the first drive going with this block on 3rd and 1.

  • BIKI024

    man, so nice to be on the other end of the deal.. it’s a game of inches, couple plays here or there make the difference.. but it feels so much better when your team gets the dubya, just hear my man Meachem: http://www.chargers.com/media-vault/videos/1028_Robert_Meachem/56a98b4f-8e05-4d02-87f3-4853ae00a4c4

    • Bryan

      Wow. That is one broken man.

  • bupalos

    Haven’t even gotten to watch most of the game, but Shurmur still had me poking my eyes out. I thought his worst series was the reverse-fumble followed by the line plunge and then punt. I mean, I know you have to run the reverse or double reverse at least once a game, you know, since that’s your go-to super-surprise “trick.” But then if you’re just going to line it up and run up the middle on 3rd and 24 or whatever, why not just quick kick, you’ll probably get a better field position result. But for god’s sake at that position on the field you might as well go deep there, either get points or a pick or you still get to punt from the same spot. It’s not really debatable. These are just mathematical truths.

    The guy just leaves money laying on the field. Mangini often made overly conservative numbers plays, which could be slightly irritating. But I get the feeling Shurmur doesn’t even understand there are these things called numbers. There is utterly no rationale here.

    Love him trying to get out of a day of work and the players vetoing. Watching Corporate Pat’s endgame is going to be pretty entertaining.

    • GrandRapidsRustlers

      Would have been great to see them show up for practice after talking Pat into taking the day off.

      Real progress could have been made in that day.

      I have also come to the conclusion when it comes to time and yardage issues and playcalling the average 12 year old playing Madden has a better grasp of game situations.

  • bupalos

    I think Jim Brown’s new “defined” role with the Browns is going to be “Minister of Telling TRich to Kick People’s Asses.” Exhibit A;

    >>>”I saw the safety (Atari Bigby),” said Richardson. “When I get to the secondary, I don’t think the secondary wanted no problems.”>>>

  • BIKI024

    8. T.J. Ward had a huge hit on a fourth-and-1 to stop a drive. The safety is receiving high marks from ProFootballFocus.com, which says he is playing near Pro Bowl level. Ward is playing after surgery for a broken thumb where several screws were installed.

    • bupalos

      Seems to me he’s been pretty hit and miss. The play you’re talking about he got off the ball nicely but really it was mostly gates almost appearing to miss the snapcount.

      • BIKI024

        well, people around here seem to like the folks at profootballfocus, so it was nice to hear they like TJ.. he only has 28 games under his belt.. with Reed and Troy on their way out of the NFL, he has a chance to be tops in the AFC North..

    • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

      Pro Bowl safeties don’t do this. Outside of the picture, he broke towards the sidelines and did a pirouette prior to attempting to cover Meachem.

      http://cjzero.com/gifs/ChargersDerp.gif

      • BIKI024

        nope, Pro Bowlers never get beat, ever.. DERP

        don’t shoot the messenger bro, i’m sure profootballfocus takes comments from the peanut gallery

        • http://twitter.com/cpmack Chris M

          He sucks in coverage, Superfan. If you don’t see it, you aren’t watching the games.

          He’s a very nice run stopper, but in coverage he’s absolute shit.

          • BIKI024

            bro, go email your scouting report to profootballfocus. all i did was repost what Pluto posted in his article today. good grief

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