So I went 3-1 this weekend, because the Chargers could not hold an 11 or an 8 point lead against the current NFL Dynasty. That makes me 7-1 for the playoffs. This is typical performance, can do fine when nothing is on the line, but if I had actually laid a bet, I would probably be 1-7 instead.
First off, let me say hats off to the Patriots. They played a helluva game and deserved to win. They played hard, played smart and in the end it showed on the scoreboard. The Chargers self-destructed, allowing poor coaching decisions and poor ball management and bad penalties to end their season prematurely. All of this blame should fallen squarely on the shoulders of the head coach.
Now, San Diego management should waste no time getting rid of Shottenheimer, because he showed once again why he is a very good regular season coach, but a terrible playoff coach (5-13). If this team wishes to proceed to deep into the playoffs, they will need a new coach. They appear to have good young solid core of players with LT, Rivers and the steroid abusing Shaun Merriman who will be back for a few more years. They play in the weaker AFC West, so they will be competitive and should be able to get into the playoffs for years to come. End of story, Shottenheimer is terrible in the playoffs.
Finally, it was a shame to see LT accusing the Patriots of being classless and laying blame on Belichick at the end of the game. From what I have heard and seen LT has always been the defition of class, and he was understandably upset that his teams season ended earlier than they had planned, but to take that frustration out on the victors, seems a bit extreme. Unfortunately, this incident at the end of the game is what I am going to remember, and unless additional information comes out, I will remain disappointed in how he handled this tough loss.
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5 comments:
The only football I watch is my sons little league and my other sons high school after that it's the history channel or a good book for me.
I feel for the guy though I'm not an SD fan.
The fumble after the interception was inexcusable, however. Defensive players are taught when to advance and when to just grab posession.
While I agree Marty has not been very successful during the playoffs it is clear he didn't fumble the punt or the interception and trying to beat Tom Brady in the playoffs is nearly impossible. Next week we will see if Tony Dungy can do what Marty couldn't. I say give Marty one more year.
In regards to L.T. I think he stepped over the line in his comments but he is such a class act. I'll give him a "Mulligan" for it this time.
I go back and forth on whether Marty should get the axe, but I am leaning towards agreeing wth you. SD really thought they would come out and the Patriots would just bow to their greatness, the coach has got to make sure his players does get too cocky.
For some reason, Marty is one of those characters that everyone loves to hate. There is no flash to his coaching style, no gruffness that you can get with most 'old school' coaches and little coaching creativity. Marty coaching SD is like putting my grandfather behind the wheel of a Ferrari - it's never going to get you a speeding ticket and the paint will be fresh, but you will never realize the full potential of the team.
Marty's gone and the next coach will get one helluva windfall from a team with solid basics. We'll see who wins the SD coaching lottery pick in 2007.
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