Chargers v Cardinals: It's only Pre-season Sucka

After watching the 1st half (I can only bear to watch the 1st 1/2 of pre-season games) of the Chargers @ Arizona, I found myself with many observations, but there were three things that hit me the most:

1. The Interception by Antonio Cromartie

Cro's Int. was fantastic. It happened at a critical moment (goal line) against one of the game's best (Fitzgerald) and it was an attacking play. He read it, jumped the route, and had one thing on his mind: pick-6. It very much reminded me of the San Diego Chargers' defense of 2007....you remember the one. The one that would bend but not break. The one that would give up yardage but always had someone ready to make a play. It reminded me of the AFCCG against the Patriots when Tom Brady was moving the ball at will but kept turning it over to a ball hawking Charger D.

2. The Interception by Clinton Hart

Hart's Int. was also fantastic. It too happened at a critical moment (goal line) and it was a very nice read. However the good ended there. Rather than taking a knee and sitting on the it......#42 decided to run the ball out, presumably because he felt he had an escort in Antonio Cromartie. I have news for you Mr. Hart; Antonio Cromartie is about as physical as a castrated collie so expecting him to make a momentous block of any kind is an exercise in futility. Hart proceeded to fumble the ball away. Personally I liked wear Cro's head was; ole to the block....pitch me the ball on the 2 yard line.....I'm open. Good thinkin'........

This pick did not remind me of the 2007 Chargers, but instead conjured images of the 2006 edition. The stellar defense followed by foolishness, akin to the Divisional playoff game against those same Patriots..........oh Marlon McCree, you haunt me.

3. Billy Ray Smith's Commentary During Replay Review Of Hart's Fumble

It was serendipity that a critical replay (as critical as pre-season can be) would involve both the Chargers and the one and only Ed Hochuli. As Hochuli reviewed the play Ron Pitts had this exchange with Billy Ray Smith:
Ron Pitts: "You know, Cromartie's waiting for the pitch, that's what he's waiting for."
Billy Ray Smith: "Well maybe he needs to throw a block or two (signature BR laughter)"

Ron Pitts: "First things first, they have to determine that he did retain possession after the interception ,took the steps, had possession ok, now next is the fumble"
Billy Ray Smith: "Well, actually, first and foremost is 'Hey Ed Hochuli, you owe us. You owe us one sucka.' Let's not forget that. That's what Charger fans are saying to themselves. C'mon Hochuli."

You owe us one sucka!

The most classic line ever uttered during a football telecast? I think so.

Contrary to points #1 and #2 I am not a fatalist.

• Legedu Naanee looked fantastic. I hope they can get him involved in the O because he makes things happen.
  
• The sure fire tackling of Kevin Burnett. One of the highest complements that can be given to an open side flanker in the game of rugby is that he has a high work rate or that he looks for work. Kevin Burnett looks for work.
• LT looked pretty good in space when he caught that screen and the little route out of the backfield.
• Phillip Rivers is still alive despite the early beating he took. That's a win.

No worries. It's only pre-season sucka!