Me Not Here--LT: San Diego's Cousin Eddie

I made a contribution over at 619Sports.net where I fabricated a pretty accurate parallel between Clark Griswold's cousin Eddie and ex-Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson. It's a hoot! Here's a snipet:

The interesting thing about family is that no matter how embarrassing they become they still have a special place in your heart. You don't abandon them for the tiniest of indiscretions. You don't judge them like you might a stranger. These are little lessons I've learned through the curious twists and turns of my life's path; and by "life's path" I am referring to the wisdom derived from the films of John Hughes. In fact it is Christmas Vacation that best provides council in assessing the icon who wore #21.

Ahhh, John Hughes and football. Click that link and get yourself to 619Sports.net

LaDainian Tomlinson Released After Breathing Life Back Into The Chargers

On the drive home I listened to AJ Smith on Xtra Sports 1360 discuss the release of future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. After he spoke I turned off the radio.

I have yet to read any articles regarding LT's release. I have stayed away from all of the social media so I can only guess as to how San Diego's reacting. For the most part, San Diego has readied itself for this day ever since the protracted AJ/LT drama in February of 2009. I, for one, was ready for this day. Yet it's still a difficult thing to grasp.

LT marks a significant moment in my history as a Chargers fan*. Truth be told, I wasn't much of a Chargers fan before that day in 2001 when the front office decided to opt out of the "Michael Vick Sweepstakes" and traded the rights to draft #1 to the Atlanta Falcons. I became a fan that day as I recognized a sea change in the way the Bolt Brass was choosing to operate. Of course it didn't hurt when they not only drafted LT but snagged Drew Brees at the top of the 2nd round (click below to continue reading).



I absolutely KNEW it was the wrong move to pick Michael Vick yet how ironic is it now that we are speaking of LT's career ending and Vick's starting over? I think that the seminal Zucker brothers film Airplane said it best when they reminded us that, "Irony......can be pretty ironic sometimes."

So here we are, left to reflect on LT's greatest moments. I'll always remember the Oakland Raider domination as well as the "Raiders Suck" T-shirt that LT famously sported during one Raider week. There were the overtime walk-off TDs against the Redskins, Titans, and Raiders that I'll always recall with excitement and who can ever forget the fantastic rushing game against the Patriots on January 14th 2007 during the playoffs........followed by the midfield melt down at the conclusion of the game with a few Patriot players. As difficult as it was to lose that game it was made easier when LT voiced his opinions so boisterously about the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick.

The luster on LT's star has lost a bit of its shine in the last couple of seasons but it is far outweighed by the good he has done for both the Chargers and the community of San Diego. Forget the bad and remember the good. There was a lot of good, wasn't there?

*In 2001 I was a "fan free-agent". I had drifted out of following my birth team in about 1995 but couldn't commit myself fully to the San Diego home team. I always wished them well but in no way could have been described as a true fan. As is the case, my level of suffering as a Chargers fan is not on the same level as so many tortured fans in San Diego. I feel among the persecuted but I am mindful that while the Chargers have been in existence for 50 years, I have only lived here for X number of years and only followed the Chargers for Y number of years. I am also mindful that this is not a blog about algebra.

The Godfather of Avenging Jack Murphy...may he rest in peace

...and the writing has never been more clearly defacing the wall. Thank you for 9 fun filled seasons, LT.
From Thursday's Union tribune:

“I’m not coming back,” Tomlinson said. “I don’t believe I’ll be back in San Diego. I’ve accepted it.”

The firestorm has really revolved less around the inevitable departure of a future HOFer and more around the following:

Tomlinson also elaborated Thursday on a radio interview he gave earlier this week in which he questioned the team’s mentality, saying players were about themselves and not always focused on the whole. He did not back off and even stated some things stronger than he had previously.

He said there is a direct correlation between things that happen off the field — “nightclubs, stuff at people’s house having parties, stuff that gets out and is a distraction” — and the Chargers’ performance on the field.

Tomlinson said there are “great character guys” on the team but that a lack of focus by certain players contributed to the loss to the Jets, a game in which the Chargers committed numerous costly and uncharacteristic penalties.

“It makes a difference on how you react,” Tomlinson said. “Their focus was somewhere other than where it needed to be — on the field. We talked over and over about that. We had extra sessions on that as players. And then we go out and that stuff happens. So what else could it be?”

He also said there are players overly concerned about their contracts. A number of Chargers have been rewarded in past years with multiyear deals, but some of the team’s stars are without that security.

“That was a big focus,” Tomlinson said. “A lot of guys got the contracts. Guys see that other guys got paid and taken care of and they’re like, ‘Why ain’t nobody talking to me?’ It became a problem.”

Great.
Tomlinson expects Bolts to let him go [Union Tribune-Kevin Acee]

Naw. We don't like that call

The old, white dude background dancers make this video. "Hit That Hole" guy and his pal, "Charger Dinosaur" T-Shirt wearin' guy, give this video just the right amount of, "This sh*t ain't too serious, people.". Enjoy.

I like the timing of the release on this video. Loosen up the locker room. LT talked about it on (via Boltsplanet.com) SDNN: [Click Here]

Vencie Says: Know your history....and play some 4th quarter 'D' for cryin' out loud!

I finally nailed the necessary combination of DVR-ing to be able to see Sunday Night Football in San Diego with Jim Laslavic, in its entirety.

Firstly, you must be sure to record Sunday Night Football or at least set the DVR near the end of the game (AJM recommends between 7:45-8:30 pm) so you don't miss the start of SNF in San Diego on Channel 7 NBC, with Jim Laslavic.

Secondly, you must record the Sunday Night Football in San Diego program itself at 8:30 pm. This seems counter intuitive but it's worth mentioning because.......sometimes shit just happens.

Thirdly, you must record Monk at 9:00 pm. Yes Monk with Tony Shalhoub.

Timing is a b*tch with NBC. Between commercial interests and the occasional Viking who breaks his femur you never know how long SNF will last. Consequently you never know how long Laz, Vencie, JR, and La Roi will be on the tube.......which means you better record Monk with Tony Shalhoub too, or you might miss the Pearls of Wisdom from our main man Vencie Glenn! Without further adieu:

On LT passing the legendary Jim Brown on the all time rushing list:
"I like the fact he's a historian, ya know? A lot of these young players they don't know the history of the game. They don't realize that Emmitt Smith didn't invent the running game. There were guys before him. But ya know he's a historian, he understands the guys that paved the way for him. And I really respect that."

On the Chargers' shaky 4th quarter defense:
"They have to learn to close out games. When you got a Brady Quinn and a team you dominated all game and you give up 17 points in the 4th quarter, you can't have that if you're talkin' about making a playoff run.....cuz these teams will eat you up in the playoffs."

"If you're going to win a championship, and La Roi [La Roi Glover] knows this, you have to shut down teams in the 4th quarter......and get off the field."

On upcoming opponent, Cowboy QB, Tony Romo:
"When he plays in December.....is it December yet..... he don't win. The stats don't lie. The stats don't lie. He just can't get it done in December."

Vencie is right. Stats don't lie. We look forward to next Sunday Mr. Romo.

Vencie Glenn pulls no punches. Nor does AJM.

Three Wins and Three Losses: 2009 Chargers = Groundhog Day

Doesn't 2009 really feel like 2008? And 2007? As Chargers Fans we are Bill Murray's Groundhog Day character; living life over, and over, and over again. San Diego's samsara

At halftime of the Bolts contest at Arrowhead I sent the following text message:

I'm sorry but it should be 31-0 right now. I don't mean to complain......but 31-0.....defense looks alright though.

F*cking fans are never satisfied. A legitimate complaint though. The offense laid yet another egg on their opening drive.....three and out.....one minute and six seconds of futility on a Sunday morning. However, the offense got it going, played with a lead, and oh how the day became easier for the defense. But still......they should have been up 31-0 and that's worth complaining about because the Chiefs....errr, Dallas Texans came out and scored on their first drive of the second half and the faithful were left to inquire; "Are you F*cking serious? 20-7 now! Are you F*cking serious?".

Even Phillip Rivers agreed with my assessment of the scoring. From today's Union Tribune:

The Chargers scored a dominating 37-7 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, and the offense made some spectacular plays. But by Rivers' own admission, San Diego could have scored 50-something points against a faulty opponent that is now 1-6 and has lost all four of its home games.

Could have? SHOULD HAVE!!!

Beggars can't be choosers. We needed a win, we got a win, I'll shut the f*ck up.

What the hell is wrong with Chris Chambers? He catches like he's Renaldo Nehemiah.

Hey! Shawne Merriman was active and making tackles. Did you see the one where he went down the line of scrimmage, hurdled a player and made the tackle? Of course I saw it, that's why I'm asking you. 'Twas a good sign. If the Chargers are any good they should have blown out the Chiefs.....and they did.....so there's a chance they may get it together, yet.

Fouts and Emberg we're discussing LT's woes, attributing his failings to the line as well as the absence of Lorenzo Neal. Number 14 and Mr. "Oh, My!" pointed to a run that LT was stopped on and then lamented on LT's behalf how Lo Neal was no longer there to blow-up holes for the future Hall-of-Famer. Here's the problem though.......I watched Jacob Hester go into the hole, line his man up, and then drive him out of the picture......and LT didn't follow Hester's block but instead cut it back inside. I noticed this on another occasion as well. Just sayin'. Maybe Hester's not a wrecking ball but he doesn't ole his blocks.

The bells of criticism always ring loudest concerning our offensive line (and why shouldn't they when you have seven tries from inside the 5 rd line to punch it in and you can't) but here's something to consider: Marcus McNeal and Kris Dielman are pro-bowlers on the left side of the line. Which side do we generally run to? The left. So what's the problem? Is it all Hardwick's absence? I'm not prepared to begin breaking down tape so that I can be more accurate and pointed with my criticisms.......I'll just continue to complain haphazardly and assert that I could run this team better than Norv.

Editor's Notes:

• Is it poor form to change your FF team's name this late in the game? The Tila Tequila Choke Slam to Chris Chambers' Hands Hate The Football
• Raider Week. Laughing Out Loud
• (Photo Credits: San Diego Chargers: www.chargers.com)