Game Recap
9/6/98 Home Vs. Buffalo Bills
The Chargers took the field Sunday afternoon in front of a Sold Out San Diego Stadium, will never be the "Q" to me, led by Rookie QB Ryan Leaf. It went down to the last seconds of the game, but the Bolts left the field with a "W". Ryan didn't have a terrible day, but it wasn't the greatest either. He showed us that he is a "Rookie" and made some "Rookie" mistakes. He will learn not to throw the ball away to the middle of the field, hence the three interceptions, four if you count the one called back. Rodney Harrison was responsible for 11 solo tackles and 3 QB sacks. While Terrence Shaw was flagged with a 24 yard Pass Interfernce penalty on fourth down. The penalty setup a game winning field goal attempt by Buffalo kicker Steve Christie, which was missed. Other highlights for the Chargers has to be the game winning field goal of 54 yards by John "Money" Carney, which put the Bolts up 16 to 14. All in all we will rate it a "C" bordering on a "C-" only the win will keep it out of the lower range.
Time to jump on the "Band Wagon" the Bolts are 2 and 0!! John "Money" Carney hits 2 of 3 field goals today and Natrone rushes for a 1 yard TD, set up by a Ryan Leaf 20 yard dash to the one yard line. Brian Still led all recievers with 3 catches for 59 yards and Ryan threw for a total of 179 yards, no TD's or INT's. A much more mature showing for "Rookie" Ryan, composure and swagger both present. Next game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ryan will get a first hand look at very good defense, not shown today against the Jaguars. Time for the grade, Defense made this game. The Lightening Bolts "D" held Eddie George to a total of 11 yards rushing, while the Offense wasn't spectacular they did move the ball well(Work on the Red Zone offense), C+ on the verge of a B-.
What a terrible day to be a Rookie. 1-15 was Ryan's final stats with 4 yards. A wet rainy day in America's heartland lead to the Chargers first loss of the season, not thier last one, mind you but one of the most dissapointing games for the Bolts in a long time. The defense still did very well, or at least as well as a defense can do when battling against thier own offense that turned the ball over 5 times in KC territory. My wife was so distressed with the loss that she went into Labor immediately after the game and gave birth to our first child. The name of the newest Charger fan is Melissa Lynn-Marie Baker. Let's see how the Chargers do next week against the Giants after such a terrible week. Go Bolts!!
F! F! F! It is a proven fact and stat that if you don't rush for 100+ yards you will lose. Sure Ryan threw 4 interceptions, but what ever happened to setting up the pass with the run. Natrone Means rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries one of which was a 23 yarder. This is not going to make it, not in any league. Kevin Gilbride cannot and should not fault the defense for any points scored over the last two games, where the opponents average field position is inside the 50. You can fault Kevin Gilbride for not bringing his corners up to the line and giving the first ten yards away every play. The Chargers are a much better team than this and proved that over the first two games of the season. Sitting the second highest paid "Rookie" in the league does no good as well, how else is he going to learn? You honestly cannot tell me that we expect to have a winning season. Let "Baby Boy",as Jr. would call him, mature and learn. I am not unlike any other fan and it does get frustrating to watch 4 balls a game get picked off, but unlike a lot of San Diego "Band Wagoners" I will not Booh Ryan. With that said today's game was a total disaster. Ryan, who was pulled in the Third quarter for Craig Whelihan, completed 15 of 34 passes for 193 yards with 4 interceptions(one for a TD) and no TD's. Natrone ran 11 times for 53 yards and John "Money" Carney kicked fields goals from 41, 46, and 34 yards out. The defense needs to close more doors, the secondary should not have more tackles on Running Backs and should not lead the team in tackles. The Secondary is in place to protect against the pass, well at least that is what they are suppose to do. Jr. Seau lead the team with 12 tackles. No highlights to report from this game. If you would like to see the rest of todays stats read the paper I'm sure they have pleanty of bombs to drop on Ryan and the Bolts.
Email: kbaker@sdiclub.com
