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Chargers Win Rivers-Manning Trade And Game Vs. Giants
Published: November 9, 2009
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When the Chargers had the first selection in the 2004 NFL Draft, the consensus number one pick was Eli Manning. At the time, Manning stated his preference to not play in San Diego.
After Manning was announced as the first pick, a chorus of boos descended from the New York crowd. It was unsure if the crowd was booing because they expected a trade by the Giants or just a displeasure with Manning.
It took 45 minutes before a trade was announced. Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith forced the Giants hand when he surprised everyone by taking Manning. Eventually, Rivers and Manning switched teams. The Chargers also received a third-round pick in that draft and first- and fifth-round choices in 2005.
Those draft picks were turned into kicker Nate Kaeding in 2004 and linebacker Shawne Merriman in 2005. They traded the fifth round pick to Tampa Bay for Offensive Tackle Roman Oben. Oben was a key part of the Chargers for four seasons.
Their first meeting after the blockbuster trade occurred in September 2005. Manning had a great day, finishing 25-for-41 for 352 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Chargers star from their other big draft day trade did in the Giants. LaDainian Tomlinson was drafted in 2000 after the Chargers traded the rights to the No. 1 pick that Atlanta used for Michael Vick. Tomlinson ran for 192 yards and three touchdowns and completed a touchdown pass as the Chargers routed New York 45-23.
At the time, Rivers was the backup to Drew Brees. He was still a year away from becoming the starter. Merriman was in his first season and wasn’t much of an impact player yet. Kaeding scored nine points.
That draft has had a major impact on both franchises. Rivers led the NFL in passer rating and touchdowns last season and appeared in the Pro-Bowl following the 2006 season. Merriman had made the Pro-Bowl in all three of his full seasons in the NFL. Kaeding made the Pro-Bowl after the 2006 season.
Manning led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII and played in the Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the 2008 season.
With Tomlinson near the twilight of his career, Rivers has become the face of the Chargers. The passing of the torch occurred during the 2007 playoffs. Rivers led the Chargers into the AFC Championship at New England after an upset at Indianapolis.
Rivers tore his ACL at Indy and courageously played at New England. The Chargers nearly upset the undefeated Patriots before falling 21-12. They have won three playoff games during his tenure in San Diego.
Five years after the trade, it was fitting that Rivers and Manning’s first game against each other would be in New Jersey. The draft day trade was conducted just across the river from Giants Stadium. Rivers completed 24-of-36 passes for 209 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning was 25-of-33 for 215 yards and touchdowns. Their showdown was fairly even.
The Giants inability to score a touchdown on a drive that started on the Chargers four with just over three minutes left gave San Diego one last hope.
The Chargers got the ball back with 2:07 left after a Lawrence Tynes field goal pushed the Giants lead 20-14.
Rivers didn’t need the entire 2:07. The Chargers went 80 yards in 1:46 without the use of a timeout. A Rivers to Vincent Jackson 18-yard touchdown pass tied the game at 20. Kaeding’s extra point gave the Chargers the lead.
On the ensuing Giants possession, Merriman sacked Manning on the final play, giving the Chargers the victory. The way the Chargers won could not have happened any more fittingly. The three principals from that trade for San Diego were the catalysts for the Chargers’ much-needed win.
Rivers’ and Manning’s NFL career will be forever intertwined. The first showdown was a memorable one, and it was fitting that all of the four drafted players had such important roles in the outcome.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Walter Payton Remembered Ten Years After His Death
Published: November 6, 2009
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It has been 10 mostly trying years for the franchise Sweetness called home since his death on Nov. 1, 1999. Payton remains the most revered Bear even 10 years after his passing. What he meant to the franchise, Bears’ fans and Chicago will never be forgotten.
To the fans, Payton will remembered as a durable running back who retired with the National Football League’s single game and career rushing records. Most fans will remember his stiff arms, leaps over the pile at the goal line for touchdowns and as a punishing runner that chose contact over going out of bounds.
When Payton joined the Bears, they had been trying to replace Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers for four years. Sayers had to retire after only six NFL seasons because of knee injuries.
Payton was the catalyst to the Bears rebuilding effort to turn their franchise around. They did not have a winning season in the seven years prior to Payton’s arrival. By his third season, 1977, the Bears advanced to the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons. They made it again in 1979, before another five year drought.
After being the face of the team for eights seasons, the Bears finally began a special run in 1984. Payton led the NFL in carries from 1976-79. During that period, the Bears offense was considered Payton right, Payton left and Payton up the middle.
During the 1984 season the reliance on Payton carrying the franchise changed. Led by an attacking defense and the power running game, the Bears began their ascent back to the NFL elite.
They won their first division title since 1963 and upset the defending NFC champion Washington Redskins in the playoffs. The win advanced the Bears to their first of three conference championship game appearances in five years.
The culmination of Payton’s career occurred with the Bears win in Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. Controversy seemed to follow the ’85 Bears, but Payton was usually immune to it. During the post game celebration, Payton was upset after not scoring a touchdown.
His play for the Bears during their down years earned him a chance to celebrate in the end zone. Bears coach Mike Ditka chose to give the ball to the Refrigerator, William Perry at the goal line.
Payton’s only other publicized controversy during a 13-year career was when he bumped the head linesman during a game and was ejected. Payton was upset over a fumble call that went against him and claims the bump was accidental.
He led the Bears in rushing for a final time in 1986. His final year was 1987 and Payton passed the torch to Neal Anderson. Anderson became the first player other than Payton to lead the Bears in rushing since 1974.
In addition to retiring with the game and season rushing records, Payton also held the all-time Touchdown record when he hung up his cleats.
Payton was an incredibly diverse person. He didn’t slow down at all after retiring from football. He owned a chain of successful nightclubs in Chicago during the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Studebaker’s, Thirty-Four’s and America’s bar were among Payton’s ventures. Payton’s Roundhouse remains in operation in Aurora, Illinois.
He also loved to race cars and bought into the Dale Coyne CART racing team. Payton kept in touch with his fans by hosting a weekly radio show during the NFL season in the nineties.
Sweetness was probably the most beloved athlete in Chicago. Michael Jordan was more accomplished, more well known globally and the driving force behind the most successful team in Chicago sports history.
Payton was the one Chicago sports fans related to. He was more the everyman. He was an approachable figure that loved to connect with his fans.
The day Payton broke Jim Brown’s NFL career rushing record, he had to share the spotlight with the Cubs collapse against the San Diego Padres. The day was considered one of the two biggest sports days in Chicago sports history.
Payton announced that he had primary sclerosing cholangitis in February 1999. The disease was going to require Payton to eventually get a liver transplant. PSC attacks the bile ducts and probably led to Payton contracting cancer.
Once Payton contracted cancer, he became ineligible for the transplant. The announcement of Payton’s illness came as a shock to Chicagoans and Bears fans everywhere. He was an incredibly durable player during his 13 career. That Walter Payton was in for the fight of his life seemed surreal.
Payton died on Nov. 1, 1999. He had a public funeral at Solider Field and his private service was attended by over 1,000 people. The private service was attended by many dignitaries from a wide spectrum of life.
The Bears first game after an emotional week was fittingly at Green Bay. The two match-ups between the NFL’s oldest rivals are marked on the calendar annually by fans of both teams. The Bears received help from an angel to win the game. It what has been dubbed as the immaculate rejection, the Bears defeated the Packers 14-13.
Bears defensive end Bryan Robinson blocked Ryan Longwell’s 28-yard field goal attempt as the clock expired. The blocked field goal secured the Bears first win over the Packers since 1993 and ended a 10-game losing streak to Green Bay. After the game, Robinson said “I think Walter reached down and picked me up because I can’t jump that high.”
Payton will always have a legacy in Chicago. His widow Connie helps to continue Payton’s mission to educate people about the importance or organ donation through Payton’s foundation. His son Jarrett was the MVP of the 2004 Orange Bowl for Miami and his daughter Brittany is a reporter for the Big Ten network.
Present day Bears games still see many fans wearing the No. 34 Jersey 22 years after his retirement. Payton’s Roadhouse, Coyne Racing, a High School in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood that Bears his name and the NFL’s Man of the Year Award all carry on his legacy.
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Five Reasons To Be Cautious About The Chargers Returning To the NFL’s Elite
Published: October 30, 2009
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1) The Schedule
After playing the Raiders this weekend, the Chargers travel to New York to play the Giants, host the Eagles and then play at the Broncos. If they can get past that rough stretch with at least one win, the Chargers have a schedule that is favorable for a playoff run. San Diego should be favored in five of its final six games. Those three games will be the key to the Chargers season. If they lose all three, they could be in a hole they might not be able to get out of.
The win over the Chiefs was their only complete game this season. In the previous two victories, they struggled. In wins over the Raiders and Dolphins, the Chargers weren’t able to put the game away until the fourth quarter. Against Oakland it took a Darren Sproles touchdown with 18 seconds remaining to win the game.
Although the Chargers dominated the Chiefs, a closer look reveals that San Diego’s struggles have remained the same all season.
2) The Running Game
LaDainian Tomlinson has arguably been the best running back in the 21st century. His backups, Michael Turner and Darren Sproles have been two of the better reserve running backs during the same time frame. Since LT’s first season in 2002, the Chargers finished in the top ten in the NFL in rushing until 2007.
Since their magical 14-2 2006 season the Chargers running game has been in steady decline. San Diego fell from seventh in the league in rushing in 2007 to 20th last season and now 31st in 2009 (they were last before the game against the Chiefs). Sunday represented the team’s first 100 yard rushing game of the season. LT has gone 12 consecutive games without hitting the century mark on the ground. They went from a team high 161.1 Rushing Yards per game in 2006 (2nd in the NFL) to only 70.5 RuYPG this season.
3) Inability to Finish in the Red Zone
The decline of the running game has made it more difficult for the Chargers to finish drives. They have one of the most prolific passing games in the NFL. The lack of a running game has clearly been a detriment in the Red Zone. This is not a new problem for the Chargers. In the 2007 AFC Championship game, the Chargers four scoring drives all finished with Field Goals. They have had to settle for Field Goals this season as well. In just six games in 2009, Nate Kaeding has nine field goals of less than 30 yards.
Earlier this season, in their loss to Baltimore, the Chargers were unable to convert on fourth and two late in the fourth quarter. Ray Lewis dropped Sproles behind the line of scrimmage, ending any chance for a Charger victory. Four drives in the loss to Baltimore ended in Field Goals.
Even in their victory against the Chiefs, the Chargers failed to get in the end zone on three trips inside the five yard line. Without an improved running game, the Chargers woes in the Red Zone will continue.
4) Lack of A Pass Rush
When the Chargers dominated the NFL in 2006 and advanced to the AFC Championship game in 2007, big plays on defense were a huge part of their success. They led the NFL in sacks with 61 in 2006. In 2007, their opportunistic defense led the NFL with 30 interceptions and finished fifth with 42 sacks. The last two seasons, the Chargers defense has slipped to 22nd in sacks. Their ability to rush the passer was the key to their defense.
The ability of Sean Merriman and Shaun Phillips coming off the edge and Jamal Williams, Igor Olshansky (since departed as a free agent to Dallas) and Luis Castillo on the line was part of one of the best front sevens in the NFL. Their constant pressure on the opposing Quarterback allowed the San Diego secondary to take more chances. In Cromartie’s second year in the league in 2007, he led the NFL with ten interceptions. He has had only two since.
Much of the downfall can be traced to Merriman’s torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament suffered during the Chargers’ 2007 playoff run. He chose to try and rehab the injury during the 2008 off season, instead of having surgery.
Merriman hasn’t been the same player since suffering his injury. He has no sacks this year after missing all of the 2008 season. From 2005-2007, his first three years in the league, Merriman terrorized opposing offenses with 39.5 sacks. The Chargers pass rush has clearly suffered because of Merriman’s injury.
5) Inability to Stay Healthy
Merriman, Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers have all suffered Injuries in the past few years that have limited their effectiveness. The Chargers haven’t played a game at full strength in a few years.
The loss of Nose Tackle Jamal Williams and Center Nick Hardwick have created huge holes in the middle of the line on both sides of the ball.
Williams suffered a torn triceps and was placed on Injured Reserve ending his season. Hardwick had ankle surgery following the opener and was originally expected to miss eight weeks. The running game on both sides of the ball have suffered as a result.
The offensive line misses Hardwick opening holes and Williams is considered one of the best run stuffers in the NFL.
Williams loss has allowed opponents the confidence to run between the tackles. This trickles down to the entire defense. Without Williams, Phillips and Merriman have to respect the inside running game more. This takes away from the pass rush and the safeties also have to help out against the run. When the safeties move up, opponents are able to throw deep more often. This is another contributing factor to the Chargers decrease in interceptions.
Tomlinson missed the majority of the playoff snaps the last two seasons. In 2008, LT was limited to five carries in their wild card win over Indianapolis because of an injured groin. He missed the divisional round against Pittsburgh the next week. During the 2007 playoff run, Tomlinson missed the majority of the last two playoff games with a knee injury.
Gates has played through his own injuries. He finished with 13 catches for 146 yards in last year’s playoff run with a high ankle sprain. During their 2007 playoff run, Gates was severely limited by a toe injury. He wasn’t much more than a decoy. Gates had six catches for 60 yards and no touchdowns during that playoff run. Rivers torn ACL limited his mobility against New England in the AFC Championship game.
Tomlinson has scored one touchdown in each of the last two post seasons.
When the Chargers are at their best, Gates and LT are getting into the end zone. In contrast to the post season, the two Charger perennial pro-bowlers combined for 47 touchdowns in 32 games during the 2007 and 2008 regular seasons. In 2009, they have three combined touchdowns through six games.
As a result of the injuries in key positions, the Charges have been forced to draft players as insurance in those positions instead of improving their weaknesses.
Outside Linebacker Larry English was drafted in the first round to improve the Chargers pass rush. The past five seasons have been one of the Chargers’ greatest eras. The possibility exists that this could be the last year with the current core of players. LT and/or Merriman could be replaced after this season. Gates is in his seventh season and will turn 30 next off-season.
With Rivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, the Chargers passing game looks good for years to come. The rest of the team is going to need to be rebuilt on the fly. The Chargers should remain a good team over the next few seasons. In order to return to the NFL’s elite, they are going to face some key personnel decisions over the next couple of off-seasons.
Rebuilding both lines and finding a running back will be the priorities in free agency and the draft.
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