Chargers Broncos AFC West Battle

AFC West Triple coming to a head in Denver tonight for Chargers, throwback Thursdays, records broken, horses with 509, keep a way and all to see who will grab first place in the AFC West, with a few memories looming and on a beautiful night in Denver, kickoff at 5:25PM PST.

Peyton took the record from Brett Farve on Sunday with 509 and then to 510, Phillip Rivers was the first NFL QB to go 5 straight games with a passer rating of 120 as well. 

Chargers come in with a rough loss at home vs. KC, and endure a triple of division games all in a span of 11 days, tonight the biggest one.  With Chargers coming in with everyone picking the Broncos, actually historically this team does well on these notes.

Last year they came in as underdogs as well, do you remember the Phillip Rivers to Keenan Allen hurdle TD!  That followed with an excited QB on set with NFL Networks crew sharing his excitement like a pop warner player, his true Alabama self and somehow still innocent and all the love for the game came out and shined bright, with bolo ties and snake skin boots.  The last time these two met was close as well, and an advertisement for Omaha Steaks as that was the word Peyton was stuck on, ending not favorably for the Chargers.

Keep Away, Just as the Broncos players did with Peyton and his 509 game ball, that’s what the Chargers need to do tonight.  Time of possession and sustain drives, productivity, the ingredients which they have won with.  Defense will need to limit receivers, disguise schemes as they play chess with Peyton on the line.  Freeney will be hopefully greeting his former teammate on the ground, while the Chargers line will need to keep Von Miller and Demarcus Ware at bay and away from Phillip.  Contain the run as well as former Aztec Ronnie Hillman as he is getting his groove with 2 TD’s last week vs. SF.  Along with continuing to run the ball themselves and of course #Rivers2Gates always has a great ring with results, how bout that tipped TD catch! 

Bolts continue to be ailing espescially with a short week and a must win division game but keep in mind secondary players will be the same as they were in the last TNF game and that ended with a win, Shaureece Wright and Brandon Marshall will mostly be the corners.

Injury update:  OUT: Flowers, Te’o, Matthews,  and Brown

Doubtful: Attochu

Questionable: Verrett, Williams

Broncos are pretty much running on all cylinders, with only Montee Bal and Omar Bolden out with Steven Johnson questionable

After the loss on Sunday, immediate panic for fans myself included, that the game would be coming at the worst possible time, however after sleeping on it, this may have been a blessing, plus everyone even dogs are picking the Denver. These are the games the  Chargers rise to and with that I’ll leave you with yet one more Bobby Rubio illustration.

BUCK THE BRONCOS! #BoltUp @Chargers & ChargersNation WE CAN DO THIS! #BEATtheBRONCOS #NFL #SDvsDEN #Chargers #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/rjtG2Fy4nS
— Bobby Rubio (@Bobby_Rubio) October 22, 2014

I think they come out with a W and surprise this dynamic team in all faces at their home.

I know, I’m crazy, but they somehow match up well against Peyton.

Dynamite game wishes boys! 

Desiree

First Downs and Flip Tricks  
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.

The desiree SHOW

you can follow me on twitter  and insta

Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Chargers Division Triple

Chargers division triple kicked off!  AFC West journey commenced and is in transit, coming all within 10 days, three games and facing the entire division. One down two to go as Sunday they host a dangerous Andy Reid Chiefs team and venture to Mile High to encounter the Broncos on #TNF the ill fated #ThursdayNightBlowout have just changed directions and become some great match-ups as of late, but their loud just ask Philip Rivers. Familiarity scattered with both the next two opponents, as Chargers kicked off the trio of games with a big W in the Black Hole and are ranked number one by Pro Football Talk. A fair warning on my weekly, I have been struggling with a sinus cold or allergies, hence I’m off my game, just wanted to give you a heads up and also myself some lenience, I may not be smooth.

 #SDvsOAK

Raiders Week commenced with an egging on the team bus, but egg was on the face of the Raiders after the Chargers left with a 31-28 W, even a TV establisher of Alcatraz seemed perfectly appropriate. Big Win, any division game is a big win, this no different, the 0 and now 5 Raiders, played with a new found passion, led by Tony Sparano, the burial did work and had it not been for many dropped passes, I believe 5, the outcome could have been different. They broke Chargers 6 quarter scoring streak. If I was a Raiders fan I would be bummed, but happy that there seems to be something new brewing in that locker room.
Rivers breaking records all over, Rivers to Royal with his 5^th TD of the year, Rivers to Floyd made it 14-7 and puts Malcolm as the leading receiver in the league, Rivers to Gates even tipped has a dynamite ring to it and run Brandon run, he did just that with over 100 yards a TD and into Pepsi Rookie of the Week, he did some heavy lifting.   Nick Novak could of broken John Carneys 29 consecutive Field Goals record, had it not been for the holding call on Ladraius Green on his 54 yarder, but he ties Carney at 29 now with a 30 yard FG in the fourth. Jason Verrett with the icing on the cake in his hometown with an INT and puts the Chargers at 5-1. But alas, more injuries Brandon Flowers and Eddie Royal did not finish the game.

#KCvsSD

This always scares me as I remember the first game I was credentialed to shoot games was vs. KC in 2007, I was flabbergasted by fans booing at the team, while I was on the field, this was a different era of Chiefs with Tony Gonzales and LJ in red while the Chargers were led by a Norv and AJ run team, although many similar faces, two big changes are the coaches. Andy Reid is almost perfect after the bye week, 13-2 and that’s what KC is coming off of, while San Diego beat the Chiefs last four meetings, the last two 2 key corners were out @ KC (41-38) and @ SD (24-21 OT) they were resting the team, both games 3 points. Rivers invited fans to come on out to the Q also had a pretty comical but super gracious interview on TNF at the half, from his home, however the sound was so blaring that it was impossible to catch at best every fourth word, he handled it like a true gentleman though.  Helix highlander and Silver Pig skin winner Alex Smith will be at the helm to lead his Chiefs team at the Q, this team may be   2-3 but they beat up a pretty good team in Foxborough on MNF, lets just say their opponents have been good not winless as the two last Chargers opponents have been.

QUESTIONEABLE (for Sunday)
Flowers, Freeney, Verrett and Law.
DOUBTFUL: Attaochu
OUT:   Te’o, Matthews and Brown
PROBABLE: Fluker, Ohrnberger, Royal, Walker and Wright

Scary game but I think if Chargers can continue to use the ingredients they can continue to win, its just might be a nail biter. But this is a family I say it every week, everyone steps in for the common good of the team. It has been a source of power of motivation of inspiration and yet it's always just that, a team, and a family, which infiltrates into the community. They'll also be in their powder blues!

Then small breath and off to Tom Tellesco and Mike McCoy’s old homes, Mile High and facing Peyton and most likely he will have broken Brett Farves record.
Hold on! it's going to be a great week!
I'm out!  hitting the couch, tea, chicken soup and football, so I can get over this thing!

Desiree
You can follow me on insta or twitter @desiree_astorga
First Downs and Flip Tricks
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The Desiree Show
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Chargers Ahead to the Black Hole

First shut out in the NFL, four in a row and down to the number fours, pink scattered throughout the field, players Mic'd Up, props from national broadcast and heading in to the Black Hole, I can here Ice Cube now, the difference the Chargers starting hot and proving their toughness along with admirers boast as they're first in the division along with tied with 3 with the best record in the NFL, even history and throwback Thursdays in the mix for Raiders week.

#TBT high school days with @SeanGlennon7... (tried cropping out team name behind me but couldn't! lol) pic.twitter.com/6E7dbaXuR2 — Eddie Royal (@EddieRoyalWR) October 10, 2014

Chargers ground the Jets and deliver the first NFL shut out of the season, new stars arise, the run is back, most concerns amended as the Bolts head into the Black Hole with much deserving media attention nationally to another wounded animal, this one has had a ball burial with new interim HC. Phenomenal illustrations continue to pour out of creative Pixar artist and Chargers fan Bobby Rubio, while grabbing the attention of all. Just as the Chargers gain national attention on the field by Inside the NFL with actual west coast football love and admiration of their toughness.

GROUND THE JETS! #BoltUp @Chargers & #ChargersNation STAY FOCUSED & KEEP MOVING FORWARD! #NFL #NFLSunday #SDvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/nVURCs9jAd — Bobby Rubio (@Bobby_Rubio) October 4, 2014

Chargers get their 4th consecutive win at the Q Sunday, with temperatures only reaching a high of 110. I was fortunate to also be at the game, fans were in playoff mode it seemed, as ranting, raving and chanting commenced before even entering the stadium. Total domination over New York 31-0, they got the run going and they contained the run, Geno was pulled at the half, surprisingly he started with missing team meetings the night before, Vick was fed to the lions, with no first team snaps.  Chargers stuffed the two headed Jets monster run, containing Chris Ivory and Johnson to a total of 68 yards combined, remember this was the number 2 run in the league, let me re reference was! Rivers was almost perfect with 20 for 28 and 288 yards, 3 TD's and one pick, which defense recovered back immediately. Double Rivers to Gates TD’s has such an awesome ring to it.  Obviously Brandon Oliver made quite a hit with 182 all purpose yards and 2 TD's, (116 on the ground and 68 catch and runs). Nominated and winner of  the Pepsi Rookie of the week.

His former HC of University of Buffalo, Jeff Quinn stated something special about this 5’6” undrafted free agent, “Don’t ever underestimate the power of a man…………You can see the spirit of a man in his eyes.”

Few more tidbits for you, Nick Novak one away from tying all time record with John Carney with 29 consecutive FG's. Jarret Johnson and Brandon Flowers were Mic’d up for NFL Films, you can check it on Inside the NFL or Chargers.com.  Chargers welcome back Ronnie Brown to the squad, who after being released joins forces again with the Bolts after leaving Houston. Worries ceased in almost all facets, redzone efficiency, 4 of 5 vs. the week before 0 for 4. Third down conversions, 12 of 18 a whopping 66%, while keeping possession for nearly 39 minutes, special teams had all kinds of players in to return, that’s how often New York punted. However, the epidemic of injuries has not, even having fans send prayers via twitter.

#SDvsOAK  

 

A rivalry best defined as "professional hatred?" It must be RAIDERS WEEK http://t.co/zeuidrqDcgpic.twitter.com/xl3MWUHXNU — San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) October 9, 2014

#Throwbackthursdays flood my thoughts, N.W.A. specifically Ice Cube Raidernation plays in my ears, even though this was when the Raiders were in LA, it has stuck.

Although Straight out Compton was my favorite album. The Black Hole has a few more elements to throw into the pot, as new interim HC Sparano having a burial of the first 4 games, or specifically a 0-4 start as a whirlwind of changes have happened in the bay since the annihilation in London. The hurt animal or character of the icon, lending probably the most outrages costumes from fans and a dream for TV establishers. Regardless of their record or woes or location, this is a rivalry game, and a division game with history since 1960, largest victories Chargers 1961 (44-0) and Raiders 1967 took it with (51-10). All time results including the post Raiders lead 59-48-2, but Chargers have had the longest streak spanning 2003-2009, all for not if you consider Superbowls, that’s where the Raiders take the cake and the rings, with 3 Championships. Oh btw, first time college game attendee Katy Perry, may be playing the SB49 half time show.

Chargers have an hour flight into Oakland for their first division game of the season. What they can expect from a Tony Sparano coached team, more physical, possibly the wildcat and a more commitment to the run. While rumors have hovered in regards to the friendship that Chargers HC Mike McCoy and Dennis Allen with confirmation that they have spoken all just amplified writers trying to find a noted story. Bolts have been coached amazingly all linemen on both sides of the ball have played all positions, all bringing the next man up motto to a flourishing result. Injuries yes are the worrying note, but good news Thursday on the report some optimism, game status questionable for Rich Ohrnberger and DJ Fluker, along with Malcomn Floyd, Jarret Johnson, Cordarro Law, Darrel Stuckey and Reggie Walker. OUT;  Donald Brown (concussion), Ryan Mathews (knee), Manti Te'o (foot) and Shareece Wright (knee), the remainders are all probable.  

No matter the record this is always a good game, good rivalry and dangerous one. Raiders are playing with nothing to loose, playing for all their jobs, from coaches to players to GM.  Should be a fantastic game and something always weird happens, division game on the road. Could be close regardless of the records, these games always seem to have many bizarre elements, but I have faith in this coaching staff and the players with the Chargers family.  


Heads up Chargers announced yet another sell out for the December 14th game vs. the Broncos coming two weeks after the Patriots sell out for on December 7^th where they will wear their powder blues along with Oct 19^th vs KC.    

One more note, this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, make sure to not just enjoy the pink accessories all around the field but to #Checkyourselfie, go check out my good friend and founder of Keep-A-Breast.org to learn more while challenging yourself and friends.

In the US, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed w/ #breastcancer in her lifetime. #CHECKYOURSELFIE http://t.co/jIgB8k4EZ1 pic.twitter.com/BHA4pw4S5W
— Keep A Breast (@keepabreast) October 10, 2014

Dynamite week wishes!  

Desiree You can follow me on insta or twitter @desiree_astorga First Downs and Flip Tricks Time out with Desiree, the silver linings, an optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The Desiree Show
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Chargers host Win-less Jags

Busy week for the Bolts, fly home with a big W from Buffalo, injuries, transactions, photo shoots, an almost black out at the Q loomed and another AFC Player of the Week awarded to the Blue and Gold, as the Chargers get set to host a win-less Jacksonville team starting their first round pick, 22 year old QB, Blake Bortles for his premier start!

SDvsBILLS

Chargers have had all sorts of elements in regards to nature for the last month, from an earthquake to heat wave to wind and rain, not surprising and it didn't hamper them one bit. I'm not sure what stands out strongest to me from the 22-10 win vs. the Bills, Weddle’s hellacious hit, Kendall Reyes 18 yard sack, Donald Brown touching the ball 36 times, of 61 total on the offense, carrying the ball for 62 yards. Malcolm Floyd with 98 receiving yards, Corey Liuget impressive defensive domination, Eddie Royal with 2 TD's, and the ever mobile foreman at the helm, Phillip Rivers with an unbelievable performance, 256 yards and 2 TD's. It was definitely a team win, however the W didn't come with out downfalls too.   Injuries, the second RB down in 2 weeks, and in my mind the most difficult to replace, sure handed, can catch, block and run, Danny Woodhead was injured after first carry, he will be sorely missed the remainder of the season. Manti Te'o also with a foot injury, out for 4-6 weeks.  Prayers and speedy recovery wishes to both!

It wasn't long before fans on twitter started to chime and try to recruit possible fits; this was during the game as well

@gopro_kaea5 @Chargers @UTgehlken ready
— LaMichael James (@LaMichaelJames) September 22, 2014

Transactions

Busy day of transactions for Chargers that would be 10!! Signed LB Cordarro Law, RB Shaun Draughn and LB Kevin Reddick that's 2 Tar Heels, both Draughn and Reddick went to North Carolina. Placed RB Danny Woodhead on the injured reserve list. Released DE Lawrence Guy. Released CB Marcus Cromartie from the injured reserve list. Signed RB Marion Grice from the practice squad. (The Arizona Cardinals quickly picked him up on Monday). Re-signed LB Colton Underwood and RB D.J. Adams to the practice squad. Signed TE Dave Paulson to the practice squad. Waived S Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.

Welcome to San Diego !!

Shaun Draughn (pronounced Drone) joining his 6th team since 2011, with an average carry of 3.4 yards last season. Washington Redskins (2011)*, Kansas City Chiefs (2011–2012), Baltimore Ravens (2013) Indianapolis Colts (2013), Chicago Bears (2014) And as of Tuesday he is a Bolt, Draughn was released September 6th by the Bears, the selection you might question, as I was initially, why?? And that he has played on so many rosters. The silver lining is that he knows that many playbooks and surely is adaptable to be able to play. Fun tidbit he had his first running TD vs. the Chargers when he played for KC. Congratulations in order for dominating defensive force Mr. Corey Liuget, as he is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, that's 2 Chargers players in two weeks, in case you’re counting.

Congrats to another former #illini. @CoreyLiuget, #illinilegend named #NFL defensive player of the week. #whosnext pic.twitter.com/jn9gp3LmpE
— Mike Bellamy (@CoachBellamy) September 25, 2014

A little break from practice for the players at camp Thursday, Chargers players bolted up or primped up with the Thursday Night Football production crew, all doing their ISO shots, for their coming #TNF game a month away at Mile High, #SDvsDEN.

JAXvsSD

A Blackout hovered all week in America’s Finest City, Thursday it was announced that by multiple local sponsors KFMB (CBS 8), Union Bank, Donovan’s Steak & Chop House, The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Brigantine Family of Restaurants all joined forces in guaranteeing the game to be televised locally.

Thanks to some generous sponsors, #JAXvsSD TV blackout lifted. Thank you @CBS8, @UnionBank, @DonovansSD, @SycuanCasino & @Brigantine.
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) September 25, 2014

“We’re grateful for the support from our corporate partners,” said Chargers Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer A.G. Spanos. “Their support is making it possible for families from our local military bases to enjoy a great experience at the game Sunday. Their actions are also making it possible for everyone at home to see the team play.”

#TBT Halftime KCvsSD 2007 Photo ©desireeastorga

All over the NFL is Hispanic Heritage Month, its obviously no different in San Diego, Karina Iglesias, contestant on The Voice will sing the National Anthem, along with the team honoring San Diego natives Carlos and Linda LeGerrette with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award for their long-standing community contributions. Jacksonville comes into San Diego being outscored 119 to 27, win-less at 0-3 and with the line at 13.5. Jaguars had only scored 1 TD in their last 10 quarters until Bortles connected with Allen Hurns for a 63-yard TD in the fourth last week, followed by a 10 yard score by Cecil Shorts III with seconds left in their 44-14 annihilation in Indy last Sunday. The team travels again for their 3^rd away game with Floridian Blake Bortles to have his first start in the NFL.

"It was definitely good to get some game action before you go into the week of practice," Bortles said. "So I mean kind of taking it one day at a time, try to learn from everything, every experience, situation you get put in and move on."

I would say watch for 2nd round pick, Trojan stand out receiver Marquise Lee to be a target for the Florida reared Bortles, however as of Thursday, he’s on the DNP list with a hamstring injury, along with DT, Roy Miller, (ankle), TE Mickey Shuler (illness) and FB Will Ta’ufo’ou (ankle). There seem to be an explosion of injuries all over the league, more so than normal, or perhaps that’s what I always think, just seems more, hence why the practice squad is a revolving door first 3 weeks of the season, any given Sunday, so cliché but true on every level.

Chargers injury report Thursday, OLB Jerry Attaochu (hamstring), TE David Johnson (shoulder), C  Rich Ohrnberger (back), ILB Manti Te’o (foot) CB Jason Verrett (hamstring) and LB Reggie Walker all DNP (did not participate in practice, in case you don’t know). Noteworthy, Ohrnberger also was on the DNP list last week and played. David Johnson possible loss is more than meets the stats, his fullback and blocking ways are definitely needed with the slim back and new back situation.
Trap game, I know, hate the term as well, but just as the Chargers historically seem to beat opponents no one thinks they can, the shoe-in games are the scary ones for the fans. Especially with the team injuries compiling, next man up, yes one more idiom for you, why not through in one game at a time while I'm at it. Chargers should stampede the Jags, that is if they keep their eyes set on the game at hand, not project to the New York. I have confidence with McCoy and these players, this family, in keeping the focus on the field, in the moment and one play at a time. There is definitely something special going on at 2040 Murphy Canyon Road something that extends beyond practice, games or even in the locker room, it’s truly a special family!

Dynamite week wishes, cheers!  I’m out! Till next week.

 Desiree

You can follow me on insta or twitter @desiree_astorga

First Downs and Flip Tricks
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The Desiree Show
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder