Pete Prisco is WRONG!
by ChiefsatWar on Sep 8, 2010 4:02 PM CDT
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Given this article is a couple days old, let us examine how Pete Prisco is Wrong about the San Diego Chargers...
By Pete Prisco
Sep. 2, 2010
Does any team have it easier than the San Diego Chargers? Wait you are right, they have perfect weather...But as far as football is concerned. The Chargers "easy"schedule ends on 9/12/2010. It is time to play!
If the Chargers don't win the AFC West, coach Norv Turner might be facing a firing squad. That's how much of a favorite they will be this season. Better start updating your resume, Norv!
The Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs might all be improving, but they aren't in the same class with the Chargers. It's hard to imagine San Diego not winning this division, barring an injury that knocked out quarterback Philip Rivers. An injury to Vincent Jackson, Philip Rivers, Malcom Floyd, or Shawne Merriman change everything about the San Diego Chargers!
Even if receiver Vincent Jackson and tackle Marcus McNeil, two players in contract disputes who haven't been around, don't show up, the Chargers still have way too much talent for the rest of the division. The absense of these two players will effect the Chargers from the start regardless of their addition of Patrick Crayton...
It starts with Rivers, but it includes tight end Antonio Gates and rookie running back Ryan Mathews on offense. The defense has to get more from outside rusher Shawne Merriman, who is in a contract year again, if they are to improve. Ryan Mathews is a rookie and Shawne Merriman is playing on a bad achillis tendon already.
The opening six games of the schedule are favorable for a team that has usually started slow under Turner. The Chargers play one playoff team from last season in the first six weeks, and that's Arizona at home in Week 4.
San Diego will start fast -- and should cruise to the division title. Arrowhead Stadium will be the loudest place Philip Rivers has every played and it will effect every snap. The San Diego Chargers have the tendency to start slow especially on the road.
The other three teams have issues. The Broncos have settled on Kyle Orton as their quarterback, and he has played pretty well in the preseason. But he is limited down the field. The Broncos have also been hit hard by injuries.
The Chiefs will be improved, but not by much. Quarterback Matt Cassel has to show me more before I think this team can push for a playoff spot. Tune into ESPN on 9/13/2010 for the second MNF game. Bare witness!
Oakland is an interesting team. If Jason Campbell can play well, the Raiders will be competitive and, dare I say, maybe in the wild-card mix come the end of the season. This is a team that has talent, but must find a way to put it all together. The Raiders can't keep Jason Campbell or any QB healthy. The offensive line has holes.
As it looks now, though, the Chargers ticket office might want to get a head start on printing those playoff tickets. Are you freakin' high, this will send everyone into a panic attack when the Chiefs dismantle their plans.
Either that, or Turner might want to look for a real-estate agent. I have a couple of good brokers I could refer him too.
Significant additions: RB Ryan Mathews, CB Donald Strickland, CB Nathan Vasher, S Darrell Stuckey and DT Cam Thomas.
Significant losses: RB LaDainian Tomlinson, CB Antonio Cromartie, DT Jamal Williams, ILB Tim Dobbins, WR Kassim Osgood.
Biggest offseason move: Letting Tomlinson go and drafting Mathews to take over as the No. 1 back. It's the right move, but risky. Again he is a rookie and the season will be long for Mathews.
Will go to the playoffs if ... Things go as planned. They are clearly the team to beat in this division. It's not even close.
Rookie to watch: Mathews. They traded up into the first round to get him for a reason. He has impressed during the preseason.
| Predicted Order of Finish Apparently you are guessing here and didn't watch the preseason at all... | |
| 1 Chargers | 2009: 13-3 (1st AFC West) |
 |
Pts. Scored: 454 (4th overall) Pts. Allowed: 320 (11th overall) Off. Yds/G: 360.1 (10th overall) Def. Yds/G: 327.0 (16th overall) |
| 2 Raiders | 2009: 5-11 (3rd AFC West) |
 |
Pts. Scored: 197 (31st overall) Pts. Allowed: 379 (23rd overall) Off. Yds/G: 266.1 (31st overall) Def. Yds/G: 361.9 (26th overall) |
| 3 Broncos | 2009: 8-8 (2nd AFC West) |
 |
Pts. Scored: 326 (20th overall) Pts. Allowed: 324 (12th overall) Off. Yds/G: 341.4 (15th overall) Def. Yds/G: 315.0 (7th overall) |
| 4 Chiefs | 2009: 4-12 (4th AFC West) |
 |
Pts. Scored: 294 (23rd overall) Pts. Allowed: 424 (29th overall) Off. Yds/G: 303.2 (25th overall) Def. Yds/G: 388.2 (30th overall) |
Overview: The only thing that can stop this team from being a playoff team is if Rivers goes down. He runs the show and there isn't much behind him. Other than that, expect them to cruise to the postseason. There is still a lot of talent on the roster. They do have to get Mathews going early to help take the pressure off the passing game. That should be doable. The defense has to get more from the pass rush, and they have to do a good job replacing Williams in the middle. They will do that by committee. The holdouts of receiver Jackson and tackle McNeil could impact the season some, but I say they're back in soon enough. The Chargers' season won't be about what they do in the regular season. It's about the playoffs. That's when the real story begins. Can they get to a Super Bowl? NO because Rivers won't finish the season as quarterback, Vincent Jackson will holdout or be traded, Merrimam can't stay healthy and is getting older, and the Chiefs have improved on both sides of the ball.
Significant additions: QB Jason Campbell, OLB Kamerion Wimbley, DE Quentin Groves, ILB Rolando McClain, DT Lamarr Houston, T Jared Veldheer and T Bruce Campbell.
Significant losses: MLB Kirk Morrison, DE Greg Ellis, DT Gerard Warren and RB Justin Fargas.
Biggest offseason move: Getting Campbell to take over as the starting quarterback. He is clearly an upgrade over JaMarcus Russell. Who isn't?
Will go to the playoffs if ... Campbell shows more than he did in Washington. Don't laugh. It's possible.
Rookie to watch: McClain. They traded away starting linebacker Kirk Morrison because of McClain. He has the size and speed that Al Davis loves.
Overview: I like the addition of Campbell. If he can get protection, he has a chance to be a solid starter in Oakland. The key will be the running game behind him and the line in front of him. The Raiders have to protect better and running back Darren McFadden has to stay on the field. The defense has talent, starting with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. He can take away the other team's best receiver. But this is a defense that needs a big year from Richard Seymour up front and McClain at linebacker. If Campbell can get it going, the Raiders might push for the second spot in the division. If not, coach Tom Cable will be gone after the season.
Significant additions: DE Justin Bannon, DE Jarvis Green, DT Jamal Williams, QB Tim Tebow, WR Demaryius Thomas, G Zane Beadles and C J.D. Walton.
Significant losses: WR Brandon Marshall, ILB Andra Davis, TE Tony Scheffler, C Casey Wiegmann and DE Kenny Peterson.
Biggest offseason move: (tie) Trading Marshall to the Dolphins and drafting Tebow in the first round. The latter is a risky move, but one that has drawn a lot of attention.
Will go to the playoffs if ... Orton becomes a prolific passer, meaning 3,900 yards and 25 touchdown passes.
Rookie to watch: Tebow. Let's face it. Even if he's on the bench, he's going to be watched.
Overview: They've had way too many injuries to come close to pushing the Chargers. Losing linebacker Elvis Dumervil really hits the defense. He was their pass rush. Where does it come from now? On offense, coach Josh McDaniels will do a good job of scheming up the passing game. Orton is a solid starter, but it's doubtful he can be more than that. The Broncos have to do a better job of getting big plays in the passing game, which might be tough with Marshall now in Miami. It's hard to believe that this team had Jay Cutler throwing to Marshall two years ago and now has Orton to Eddie Royal as the top passing option. At least Denver can get caught up in the Tebow-mania when he's used on gimmick plays. They will be competitive in games, but there's not enough talent here.
Significant additions: RB Thomas Jones, G Ryan Lilja, C Casey Wiegmann, RB Dexter McCluster, S Eric Berry, TE Tony Moeaki and KR Javier Arenas.
Significant losses: T Wade Smith and WR Bobby Wade. We don't need them. Asamoah will be a great addition.
Biggest offseason move: Adding Thomas Jones to complement the running game. He runs hard and is a nice addition to go with Jamaal Charles.
Rookie to watch: Berry. He has been starting since he showed up. He has great range and a nose for the football. Some scouts compare him to Baltimore's Ed Reed. That's high praise. AND Dexter and Javier....Pay attention Pistol!!!
Will go to the playoffs if ... Matt Cassel plays better than he did in 2009. The Chiefs have to do a better job protecting him, but he has to play better as well.
Overview: The Chiefs will be better, but it might not show up in the record. They've made some nice additions and the rookies will help. But the key here is how well the offensive line can come together. It wasn't great in the preseason. Cassel has to be better in his decision-making. The Chiefs will use the running game with Charles and Jones to key their offense. The defense has some young talent. But it's time for some of these premium draft picks to play like it. Todd Haley's team will be lucky to get to .500.
__________________________________________________
What do you guys think???
My further predictions: D. Williams and Eric Berry will lay out Ryan Matthews - it will change the game. We will record 4+ sacks against the Chargers if we can wrap up Philip Rivers' big goofy ass. We will win the field position battle - thanks in advance Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas. Chiefs WIN!!!
NOW Arrowhead Faithful - you better join me in being louder than you have ever been. I want Philip Rivers to have a Migraine in the 1st Quarter and seeing a sea of red in his dreams for weeks as he relives his nightmare!!!!
____________________________________________________
P.S. I have already been wearing my red Kansas City Chiefs hard hat around the house carrying my game and plan tickets...It is time to go to work!!!
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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Is Pete Prisco from San Diego or something?
Normally you have to pay 50 bucks for the kind of lap dance he’s giving Norv and his boys. He basically said, over and over, that they are going to win the division without even trying that hard. He’s gotta be smoking something, because the AFC West is looking pretty scrappy to me this year.
As much as I hate to say it, the Raiders made some pretty significant improvement over the last half of last season and this past offseason. The Broncos didn’t seem to get a whole lot better, but that team did go undefeated in the first half of last year. If they don’t collapse late again, they might hang around and compete for the division. Of course everyone here knows how much better the Chiefs are looking this year. But it’s pretty clear the Chargers actually got worse. They lost a lot of playmakers on both sides of the ball and I’m not sold on the replacements they brought in. I still think it’s their division to lose, but even if they do win it the road is going to be a lot tougher than Petey is predicting.
This just smacks of lazy journalism to me. He more or less admitted he didn’t know anything about any of these teams by predicting each one of them to finish with the exact same record as last year. Come on, man, do a little research. You’re getting paid to write about football, a job that I would kill to have. Have the decency to put a little thought into it at least.
I get it that until someone dethrones San Diego they are the favorites to win the division.
But why does every one of these “analysts” miss the fact that they might have the most questionable defense in the entire division?
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
I think the guy's right ... we'll be improved but not a playoff team ...
what’s the issue? why the big deal? look, WE know what we have (we think) and WE know the team will be improved (we believe) but even WE haven’t a clue how much, and therein lies the rub … playoffs? this year? nope … not unless the stars and planets align just right, pigs start flying and both Rivers and Gates come down with a 12-game-long case of severe can’t-play-itis (which just isn’t likely, even pigs DO start flying)
we don’t care what some homer from San Diego says, we know our team is better … but to go out and scream how stupid THAT guy is while screaming that our team will suddenly go from rock-bottom to world-beaters in one season is just as ridiculous
calm down, enjoy the ride and see what happens … but let’s not set ourselves up for major disappointment if/when we don’t win it all
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
this is a great post
priso is a west coast homer he used to love SF in the 90’s
okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider
Wow. Wow. Wow.
From an outsiders perspective it’s just amazing. So let me get this straight?:
The Chiefs will be improved, but not by much. Quarterback Matt Cassel has to show me more before I think this team can push for a playoff spot
Significant additions: RB Thomas Jones, G Ryan Lilja, C Casey Wiegmann, RB Dexter McCluster, S Eric Berry, TE Tony Moeaki and KR Javier Arenas.
Significant losses: T Wade Smith and WR Bobby Wade. We don’t need them. Asamoah will be a great addition.
So we’re improved… yet “not by much”. Yet our “significant” losses are Wade Smith and Bobby freaking Wade. And the additions are Thomas Jones, Lilja, Weigmann, McCluster, Berry and Arenas.
Dude… seriously. We’ve improved MORE than any other team in the West. Seeing it put on paper like this guy has so kindly done… it really just hits you in the face. Seriously.
ZERO significant losses compared to the other teams. Better additions overall. Better coaching was added. We now have the best coordinators in the division.
This guy is expecting Rivers to completely carry the Chargers. He’s a good QB… but he’s not good enough to do it all by himself. And in Kansas City the Chiefs will carry Cassel.
I think the Chiefs might actually be the better team. Really… look at it like this:
Exhibit A:
The Chargers can supposedly pass the ball, even without their #1 WR and their future HoF pass catching RB. Their franchise LT is holding out. So far they have lost more pieces than they added to their passing game. Whether or not they can run is unknown at this point.
We built a defense catered to beating the passing game. Flowers. Berry. Carr. Maybe Lewis. We brought in Crennel to coach. Is there any doubt that he’s the best DC in the division? He certainly has the rings to show for it. The front 7 stayed pretty much the same… but we have another year in the 34, and a lot of first round picks there. DJ had some good moments. Tamba made a smooth transition to OLB. We saw flashes from Studebaker last year, and it looks like he’s ready to make an impact this year. And Crennel’s scheme appears to bring out the best in what we have.
Exhibit B:
The Chiefs CAN run the ball. It’s the perfect counter to beating a pass happy team. We knew last year that we had a special running back. We’ve made our running game even stronger than then by adding better inside OL, as well as Jones and McCluster. We can’t air it out like they supposedly can… but we’re built for short, clock control type passes.
They lost their star NT. And are replacing him with a 3rd round rookie. Merriman hasn’t been the same since the ‘roids. Even Charger fans admit to them looking weak on run defense. They’re decaying defensively. And they weren’t even all that great last year. 16th overall, 20th rushing, 11th passing. What have they done to improve their run D? A couple of CBs and Cam Thomas? It’s almost like they didn’t see Charles explode last year. Hell… they didn’t even learn their lesson by the Jets running the ball down their throats in the playoffs. The blue print to beating them was hardly even addressed by them.
Exhibit C:
Special teams. We win that battle. I shouldn’t have to explain it.
Conclusion:
The Chiefs are built to beat the Chargers. They will be recognized as the better team after Monday. The Chiefs will win this game. A Chargers team that is worse than it was last year is coming to a sold out Arrowhead stadium (on Monday Night!!!). A new Arrowhead that is showcasing a new and improved team… and 75,000+ pissed off, Charger hating fans. Chiefs fans that have meticulously watched as the new coaching staff has added play makers to the team. Chiefs fans that are hungry for a new era of Chief football. It all starts on 9/13/2010. Five. More. Days.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 8, 2010 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Sorry... This should have been a FanPost :)
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 8, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, your comment CLEARLY only BARELY made the 75 word minumum ...
a point to make here: in the above diatribe post, the bold print comments were from the poster, not the author of the article … one that you quoted “Significant losses: T Wade Smith and WR Bobby Wade. We don’t need them. Asamoah will be a great addition.” was part statement and part commentary by the poster … and while Asamoah might someday be a great addition, he’s second string (at best) for now (not that losing Bobby Wade was such a horrible loss)
yeah, we just might have to carry Cassel if he doesn’t step it up a couple of notches … question is: can we? can we be a (basically) one-dimensional (running) team and win with pretty much that alone if we have to? we might have to … I hope not, but we might have to
Exhibit Q: we might be the most improved, but the other teams did also improve, and let’s face it, we had further to go to get to mediocrity than certainly some other teams … and a long ways to get to Chargers level
Exhibit X: The Chargers can run, I assure you … they have sproles, they have Matthews, and our Front 7 has … ummmm … wait, it’ll come to me, we have … right then! what area did we NOT "significantly improve? gosh golly, the Front 7 … and you know as well as I do if we fail to pressure Rivers he’s gonna eat us for a midnight snack
I hope you’re right, I hope we win, on national TV no less, on MNF in front of the universe …
but I wouldn’t bet the house on it
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
I disagree...
I think it’s pretty obvious that each team’s losses/additions/will go to the play offs/etc. I’m aware of where the poster was adding his 2 cents. But what I quoted was from the author, Pete Prisco. The thing that makes it most clear was in the overview section he said:
The Chiefs will be better, but it might not show up in the record.
What I quoted was the author.
Exhibit Q Counter: We lost nothing and gained a lot. The Chargers lost key pieces of their team and hardly upgraded. Losing 5 and gaining 5 isn’t improvement. It’s staying the same… and 3 of their 5 losses were starters. 3 of their 5 gains were 3rd or lower round rookies. The math just doesn’t add up. And they’re suffering from suspensions, hold outs and injuries. Age and finances of carrying a 5 time perennial pre-season pick for the SB has caught up with them.
Exhibit X Counter: I wouldn’t call a New DC and in-house development on our front 7 no improvement, but just how much remains to be seen. Regardless, we don’t need to have a stellar run defense to beat them. They were 31st in the league rushing the ball last year. They didn’t run well against other teams. They beat teams by passing on them, and I think we have the upper hand now. They dicked around with their franchise LT… and now Tamba gets to tee off on a 2nd string LT. What does that mean? That means a RB or TE will HAVE to chip in to help him out. And what does that mean? If I know that’s coming, don’t you think Romeo knows it too? That puts 11 guys against 10. We gain an advantage. Add to that that our main coverage weakness, our safeties, have been solidified with Berry. The receivers are covered. The preseason has shown that Romeo can scheme so the Chiefs get pressure on the QB.
We can beat them Ups… the odds are stacked in our favor.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 9, 2010 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Woops, didn't realize I quoted the bold from the poster in the third quote.
Gotcha now Ups. Disregard the second sentence there, all I was focusing on was the “significant” losses.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 9, 2010 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions
well, absolutlly I DISAGREE with the statement "The Chiefs will be better but it won't show up in the record"
we’ll be better AND have a better record … I’m totally convinced of THAT much
I’m just NOT convinced that we’re anywhere near a playoff-contending team yet … better? yes! much better? probably … playoffs? ummmmm nah, not this year
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
I can agree with that.
I never said we were ready for the playoffs (although history does tend to reward teams that can run the ball well and play defense with playoff appearances). I just said we can beat the Chargers. We play 12 other teams this year. Whether or not we can beat them is a questions mark. But we CAN beat San Diego.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 9, 2010 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I dont get why
this is your first Rec on this comment.
I’ve been talkin shit to anyone i talk to about the Chiefs that we’re going to win that first game. And that was how I felt..I mean as far as our improvement, I think we’re much improved.
But I did not realize..until now..how much the Chargers have lost compared to what they’ve gained, and more importantly, did not realize that the Chiefs..are built to beat the Chargers.
You sir, deserve a rec. Its just been added to my arsenal of shit to talk. Haha.
Thanks...
Before now I was hoping for a win. Now I can say that I expect one.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 9, 2010 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions
So childish
Seriously, are you 10?
Get over it. Someone wrote a report about the Chargers winning the AFC West. What have the rest of the teams done to deserve a pre-season prediction to win the division, no matter how many pieces they lost.
Games are played on the field. We’ll see if the chiefs are improved very soon. (BTW, I’m a raiders fan).
The Chargers haven't gotten better.
The Chiefs… and yes… I suppose the Raiders have too. I have doubts about Denver.
The Chargers aren’t guaranteed this division. It’s going to be closer than everyone thinks. I’m getting tired of everyone saying they have it soooo easy.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Sep 9, 2010 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
actually
Rock chalk you are the one who is coming off looking bad. The guy has a right to his opinion. The personal attacks are beneath Chiefs fans. I appreciate the enthusiasm but, why don’t we stick with talking football.
The most important thing you can do in life is help other people.
I think he is mostly right except Denver will be #4
We will either be #2 or #3 with between 5 and 8 wins.
This is better analysis from a traditional media person than normal.
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