The Chargers brought back Ken Whisenhunt after 23 unsuccessful games coaching the Titans, while the Chiefs turned their attack over to Brad Childress and Matt Nagy following Doug Pederson’s departure for Philadelphia.
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The Chiefs kept four running backs on the 53-man active roster with Charles still ailing. As good as Alex Smith is (and he is much better than the “Game Manager” that he’s been labeled) if the Chargers can limit Kansas City’s rushing effectiveness and put the game in his hands and this becomes a battle of quarterbacks, San Diego will have a huge advantage. He’s been helped by the Chargers’ renewed commitment to operating under center, which he grew comfortable with during his record-setting career at Wisconsin.
What a time for a return to Arrowhead Stadium.
There’s countless reasons why the team produced last year’s stinker, that unsightly 4-12 season which was its worst since 2003. The Chief defense is strong, but a full touchdown looks to be a bit much in this one.
The team was outscored 147-78.
The Chargers will force the closest game against the Chiefs since 2013. As a result, he gives the Chiefs a short field only to see Alex Smith dink and dunk his way to a GW score.
In fact, the Chargers still led 27-10 in the fourth quarter when Josh Lambo missed a 54-yard field goal, and the momentum swung to Kansas City.
I think the corners have a solid outing overall but the linebackers and safeties struggle to cover receivers and tight ends over the middle. So, in some regard, they all count the same.
“I think our approach to 91 is going to be the 91 we’ve seen the last decade”, Rivers said. He’ll get to take on a Chargers’ defense that looked as sturdy as a WalMart shopping bag.
Of the 120 teams to qualify for the playoffs in the past decade, only seven, or 5.8 percent, did so with a losing record in their division.
Acker spent a year on the San Francisco practice squad before starting 13 games a year ago.
Such is the beauty of a new year. It got walloped for 3.5 yards per carry, tied for 31st in a 32-team league.
If the Chargers have a chance, it lies behind having Keenan Allen and an improved arsenal this season. Two of the team’s other four top wide receivers, Stevie Johnson (groin) and Dontrelle Inman (neck), were out. “Who can get off the ball the fastest?” Their guard Chris Watt remains on the PUP list and D.J. No player is listed questionable, doubtful or out on the injury report. Rookie tight end Hunter Henry will make his National Football League debut. Nose tackle Brandon Mebane was a Seahawk. Look for the Chargers to test both the stoutness and gap discipline of outside linebacker Dee Ford and new inside linebacker Justin March-Lillard.
Finish: The Chargers finished 3-9 in games decided by eight points or less last season.
It is not their last.
That leaves fantasy owners who drafted him in the second or third round scrambling, and those smart enough to pick up Spencer Ware looking pretty good. But in no way, shape or form, in my opinion, will this dictate the season. Pagano believes this year will be different, but those same issues cropped up during preseason play.
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Since past year, the team hasn’t made very many changes, which is a great sign for this season outside of the three big injuries from Mauga, Charles, and Houston. We can’t focus on that.
