It is hard to even imagine the San Diego Chargers without LaDainian Tomlinson. Yet the speculation in San Diego is that the Chargers could cut ties with the 30-year-old running back who has helped lead the team from mediocrity to the cusp of the Super Bowl.
The Chargers are certainly in the discussion when any conversation arises about the league's elite teams and they have been a popular choice to make the Super Bowl over the past few years. However, those predictions have failed to materialize.
Injuries have derailed LT's season the past two years, but the Chargers would be mistaken to think they will get better by releasing one of the greatest running backs of this generation.
The Chargers are a team that seem to have lost their identity since Marty Schottenheimer departed two years ago. AJ Smith has done a great job placing talent on the field, but at some point the finger pointing needs to reach back to the man pulling the string upstairs.
Marty seemed perfectly equipped to take a franchise without an identity and instill in the players a "can do" attitude that turned these perennial losers into an astoundingly talented and capable team. However, as is well documented, Marty seemed unable to take the team over the hump due to his conservative play-calling that often left the Chargers relying upon the final two minutes to win or lose.
The Chargers appear to have lost some of that attitude and attention to detail since Marty left. What motivates these Chargers? Norv Turner? Recently dismissed Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell? Ron Rivera?
It seems the only thing that motivates these Chargers is the impending doom of missing the playoffs. Two seasons ago it took an abysmal start for the Chargers to find the spark to make the playoffs and make their run into the AFC Championship game.
Is that enough for Charger fans? This team has too much talent to rely upon a Broncos collapse, or a sudden bout of inspired play to reel off a string of victories.
This year it took a 4-8 start for the Chargers to find that "spark." At what point do you question AJ's decision to hire Turner, and Turner's inability to motivate the players. Is winning in the playoffs enough?
Marty seemed able to get the most out of this team, but couldn't win the big games. Norv seems unable to get anything out of the team, but they rise to the occasion in the playoffs. What's the better option?
How about door number three? The Chargers need to fix what's broken, and it's not LT, and it's not Merriman; it's the puppet masters.
AJ's removal of leaders like LoRenzo Neal and Donnie Edwards have left the Chargers with a lack of leadership, and Norv Turner seems to be doing just enough to keep his job, but since when is that good enough?
5 comments Last one added 5 months ago — Leave a Comment
Brian Harris 5 months ago
Norv isnt the Biggest problem they need to get alot more talent on the defensive side of the ball before anybody starts talking about the superbowl for this team.The defense just doesnt have enough overall speed and the tackling yesterday was laughable.
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Brian Smith 5 months ago
Norv has admitted that he isn't the best of motivators. Looking at his career as a head coach, every year his teams get progressively worse. Coaching? Injuries? Who knows, but, there is one common denominator and that's Norv.
I can't put all the blame on Turner this year though. Ted Cottrell pacified the defense to death to where Ron Rivera wasn't left much to work with.
You are correct, the Chargers do seem to have this nack of getting rid of players that are leaders.
I would like to see LT finish his career here in San Diego, I think he's got a couple of good years left in him as long as he can ditch the injury bug.
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Kub Jakry 5 months ago
The Chargers have given us some amazing sports entertainment in recent years. Despite Sunday's game, this year was no exception. There is extraordinary talent and chemistry among players on this team. We-- my entire extended family and I--(43 of us, and no, we are not Mormon...) have been devoted fans since Dan Fouts/Air Coryell days. (well, those of us who were around then). Yes, we always love to see a great season, but the lack of loyalty in San Diego sports leaves something to be desired. This is a part of the reason we haven't brought back the ring yet. My family would be CRUSHED if the powers-that-be let go of future Hall of Famer: LaDainian Tomlinson. It would be just another kick-in-the-gut, and reveal the continued lack of loyalty and leadership in this franchise. Want a new stadium? Let's shore up the defense, watch the O-line. When it ain't broke--LT/Sproles are a great combo--don't fix it. Let the 12th man have a voice in this. I would encourage every San Diego fan whose disappointment at the prospect of losing LT is GREATER or equal to the erroneous and infamous EH ref call this year, to contact the Charger's front office and let them hear our collective voices. Heck, we can make a lot of noise at the games, let's do it here. LT will heal, but will we? I believe we can make a difference!
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joe artiles 5 months ago
I'm a Chiefs fan, and it may surprise many (especially in San Diego) to know that I, and alot of Chiefs fans, were pulling for SD as they worked their way into the playoffs. But, I can honestly say that I was perplexed when SD hired Norv Turner, and am therefore not surprised that he's failed since arriving there (making it into the playoffs each year largely on the backs of talent already there does not impress me). Every team he's coached has underperformed. He simply is not a good head coach, a born assistant. A year or two from now, he'll leave SD just like every other head coaching job he's held. The question is, will the team have peaked by then and missed it's opportunity?
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Jeremy Churchill 5 months ago
aj smith you son of a bitch how dare you mock LT especially when he is THE main reason you still have a job in the first place. You drafted him? Drafts are crapshoots and you got lucky you old sack of sh!t LT puts himself out there BEGGING not to be cut or traded, and all you can do is mock him. Go to hell. I know you probably wont see this but somebody will you c*ck $uck&r. I am ashamed of the Chargers ink I bear on my arm. Fu
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