Chargers game 9/20

Just saw last nights game vs. the Ravens...

The mental mistakes were costly (i.e. delay of game and other penalties), obviously the lack of a veteran C and NT hurt on both sides, as well as LT out. I'm just curious, why call "power running" plays (or running plays for that matter) in goal line situations when 1) we have no power RB, and 2) we 4 WR's (TE's included) that are over 6'3"?!?!? Why not call a fade route and have the receivers play jump ball w/ the Ravens CB's who are 5'11"?!?!? WTF!!

I liked what I saw from Rivers (minus the 2 INT's), Sproles' contributions on offense (278 all purpose yds), but other than that, the Def couldn't tackle, we lack a true FB for those "power running" situations (and/or for QB protection). When is Larry English gonna have his first sack and when is Merriman, if ever, gonna get back to his once dominant self? If I were AJ, i'd scour through the FA list and find solid back up D-linemen and O-linemen. If these "problems" continue, we can stop all the talk about getting to the SB or even a deep run in the playoffs, b/c all teams in the playoffs (and SB) can pressure the QB and play D. The exception being, of course the SD Chargers, circa 1995. Without a solid D, opposing offenses will have their way the entire game. I know it's boring, but great Defenses (e.g. 2000 Ravens, 2002 Bucs) can stop good offenses. The Chargers need to build that D up again. Solid tackling, applying QB pressure and a stout, run stuffing NT if they plan on continuing the 3-4 alignment.

I refrained from making any comments until I actually saw recent games. I think the game vs. the Ravens was a good litmus test for the Chargers to see if they really are SB contenders this season. Some good points can be taken from it (mainly the ones I wrote above), but some areas that need improvement as well.

All in all, I'm ok with the loss for 2 reasons. 1) it's early in the season. If last season taught us anything, it's that it's never too late and that anything can happen. And 2) Injuries contributed to this. Now I'm not making excuses for the loss, but all I'm saying is that if the injuries weren't there, the game would've been played differently. That being said, b/c it's early and injuries to the players missing weren't season ending (sans j williams) the Chargers have time to recoup and come back. But I'm sure when they look at film this week, the players will see what most of the fans saw.

In any case, I'll continue to support them out here in Hungary, when I can watch them.... :)