If I was ESPN or the NFL Network, I might be a little upset at this news. The Chargers will be using their website to be the first media outlet to say who the team has drafted, and apparently they have League approval. Via Chargers.com....

The team’s official website is expanding its draft coverage this year, bringing fans several new features to provide the quickest and most in-depth information on the newest members of the organization.

Through “Pick Cam,” a new camera feed located just outside the War Room, fans will hear each selection on Chargers.com BEFORE any other news outlet, including NFL Network and ESPN. As soon as General Manager A.J. Smith and his staff make their decision, a Chargers official will bring the player’s name to Pick Cam.

And for fans who expect to be out and about on Draft Weekend can sign up to receive text messages from the team as each choice is made. To receive these Draft Text Messages, sign up simply by texting CHARGE to 41513 or click here. Standard messaging rates will apply.

Well that's an interesting move now, isn't it? The thing I don't understand though, is couldn't ESPN and the NFL Network just monitor the Chargers' website? I guess they would still be first, so I guess it makes sense.

Chargers.com has the NFL Draft covered (Chargers.com)

Sports Radio hosts are getting crazier and crazier every week, and it seems like more and more are getting fired every week. Your latest victim is Jordan Smith, from the San Diego afternoon show on XX Sports Radio, and the reasoning behind it is hilarious. What he said wasn't hilarious, but rather the fact that he said it at all.

Jordan and his co-host were complaining about LaDanian Tomlinson being back on the team, after wishing for his departure for weeks. The host then brought up the fact that everyone always praises L.T. for his generosity each Thanksgiving, and that he was sick of hearing about it. Except instead of saying he was, "sick of hearing about it", he actually said, "Do me a favor, stick the turkeys up your ass! I don't care about the turkeys. I don't care about your charity." Via the SD Union Times....

Jordan Smith, half of the controversial afternoon show on XX Sports Radio, has been fired for making “some very unfortunate and hurtful comments utilizing unacceptable language,” the station said yesterday.

Hal Brown, vice president of programming at BCA Radio, which operates the all-sports station, made the announcement live on the radio. Brown also said he would be taking Smith's place on the “Bleacher Bums” show alongside Irwin Earl Milan, who worked with Smith, and a new addition, Ted Mendenhall, who has worked mostly behind the scenes at XX Sports.

In a rant critical of LaDainian Tomlinson last week, Smith used vulgar language to describe what the Chargers running back should do with the Thanksgiving turkeys he gives away each year to needy families. He used the same term to say what Tomlinson should do with his community service.

I'm actually surprised he was fired. I mean, I'm not saying it wasn't a ridiculous thing to say, but worse things have been said and those people still have their jobs. Good for you San Diego, stay classy!

XX radio host fired for vulgar language (San Diego Union Times)

James Harrison is going to eat you all alive. Especially if you're wearing a white uniform in the snow right now.

Kaeding kicks to Gary Russell, who takes it out to the 24. Parker busts out for a first down by cutting to the right and following the block. He then grabs another three on the next carry, but then gets stuffed. Ben rifles his first pass of the half to Holmes thanks to some good pass-blocking. Ben goes deep for Holmes this time -- but it's just beyond his grasp as he lays out for a 60 yard pass. Parker loses a yard on the carry. Ben hits Washington at the Chargers' 32 for another first down.

Carry for Parker for two yards; checkdown to Davis for no yardage. 3rd and 8 -- and Ben finds Heath Miller on the right side, he runs past the marker and heads all the way to the 11. Ben rolls out to his right, hits Miller at the two yard line, Miller leaps....and, TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's kick is up and good, 21-10, Pittsburgh! That drive sucked up a ton of the third quarter.

Darren Sproles breaks off a HUGE return, running through the gap and to the right sideline. 63 yard return, and if the Chargers don't do anything with this, they're through.

The pass by Rivers is tipped....it flips up...and it's INTERCEPTED BY LARRY FOOTE! Suck it, Rivers!

They're playing Against Me! in a football stadium. Holy hell. I saw that band in a couple of real dingy tiny clubs and now their music is on stadium PAs. Anyway, Norv loses the challenge, like we thought he would, because he's Norval Eugene Turner. Parker gains four, as Charger defenders yell, "He's holdin' the shit outta me!" God bless on-field mics. End around for the first down. Another first down on the rush for Parker....but that's coming back for a holding penalty on Miller.

Draw play for three yards. Not much. Punt coming, and it bounces off Eric Weddle's helmet!!! Sadly, it can't be advanced, but the Bolts are still in even more trouble. Ball at the Chargers' 22!

Oh, glorious Norv Face in Snow, in HD.

Hines Ward picks up a long first down by getting extra yards after the catch, and this is a late hit on the Bolts to make it first and goal very close. Ward is laughing at Cletus Gordon, too. Parker burrows to the 1 yard line. Ben rolls left and throws it away. 3rd and goal. Russell fights for it, but is short. Third quarter ends. Phil's calling for the 4th down goal line play.

Carry goes to Davis...and the Chargers stop him short!

Woodley just gave Rivers some suplex action on that play. Phil the Floater throws 2nd down out of bounds. Bolts wind up punting again. Hee.

Apparently anytime the QB is sacked it should be unnecessary roughness according to the announcers. - Zidane Valor

There's more roughing the passer calls than actually exist in both college and pro. I understand wanting to protect guys who are usually wide open to being hurt, but c'mon, NFL, lighten up. Woodley will probably be fined for that one.

Roethlisberger goes deep for Nate Washington and gets tackled in the end zone. PI on the Chargers, first and goal at the one. Gary Russell steps it into the end zone......TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's kick is good, 28-10.

Generally, I think PI in the NFL ought to be reduced to a spot foul only up to 15 yards. Any more and it's only a 15 yard penalty.

Down 11 and taking an intentional safety? Nantz and Simms can't possibly be serious, can they? - Anon
Nantz out-coaches Norv when he suggests the Chargers take the safety on 4th and 20 from their 1. - Mal

That was amazingly stupid as far as a suggestion went. And Phil played the game. He really doesn't have any excuse for being that dumb. Rivers' first pass is to Jackson for 8 yards at the 34. Say hello to Brett Kiesel, Philip. Another sack (rubs hands with glee, then cat's cradles them.) Eeeeexcellent. Rivers then hits Brandon Manumaleuna, who gets a first down because there's no one in the area at all. Pocket Darren gets another first down on the screen pass.

Looks like LaDamlian will be watching the rest of the playoffs on his Vizio... - James Craven

Another completion to Manumaleuna. Chambers hauls in a 3rd down pass past midfield. This Steelers prevent defense sucks. King Douchebag throws it out of bounds. He then hits Chambers deep, and gets extra yardage thanks to a personal foul call on Troy Polamalu. First and goal at the 4. Rivers hits the quick throw to Legadu Naane for the San Diego touchdown. Kaeding's kick is good, 28-17.

Ben aims for Nate Washington again and the ball falls incomplete. Rolled over on to the ground. Steelers pick up the first, as Hines Ward makes a nice catch while falling. Parker rushes for two. Parker finds a hole on the outside and makes his way down the sideline for 27 yards. He grabs six more, then Moore follows up with a run to the left for a first down.

"The Chargers have had enough of Big Ben. They've seen him three times this year." - Jim
"Three times?" - Phil
"Yeah, you were there when they saw him in London, the clock tower!" - Jim

Ouch. Anyway, Parker just ran into the end zone for a Steelers touchdown, which ought to put this one on ice. 35-17, Pittsburgh.

Another shot of Rivers on the ground.....oh, it's so beautiful. And Scifres is punting, admitting it's a lost cause. Pure Norval. Moore fair catches.

This game is officially over because Byron Leftwich is in now....yawn. So the AFC Championship Game will be a barn-burner of defense; the third match-up between the Ravens and the Steelers this year.

Why is SD punting down 18 with 3:30 to go? Punting gives you zero chance. Who cares what the score is. - BWAlaska

Because Norv Turner is a loser and a wuss.

This has been another edition of Simple Answers to Simple Questions.

Berger punts to Mighty Mouse, who only runs back for four yards before being forced out of bounds.

Why are these guys not pounding the Steelers here at least a bit on clock management? They run out of bounds, they are throwing the ball up 18???? Is Tomlin trying to hit 60 points like Stoops in the Big XII championship game? - Mal

I'd get a bit more riled up about it if the plays were successful. At least his second teamers are on the field.

OK, Tomlin challenging a pass call this late might be a bit on the asshole side. But he might be right.

Sproles gets a stat-padding touchdown for 62 yards. Kaeding's kick is good, 35-24.

The onside kick is called for offsides on the Steelers, and they'll re-kick. The kick goes into the arms of Gary Russell, and that is truly game with no time outs left for the Bolts. Knees down, game over, 35-24 Steelers! Bye bye, Norval. Bye bye, Marmalard.

I went 2-2 this weekend pick-wise, if you're asking or care. I will be out of town next weekend, sadly -- so AA will have something ready for you, I'm sure. See you in a couple weeks, guys!

This is Darren Sproles at a charity event put on by now-former Charger Donnie Edwards, I believe. (I love using charity event and side business photos here. They're just, so, out of the element.)

Game: AFC Divisional Playoff #2
Teams: San Diego Chargers (8-8, AFC West Champs) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, AFC North Champs)
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Start Time: 4:45 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms (CBS)
Miscellany: Norv Face, Big Ben's offensive protection and his recovery from a concussion, the Chargers' impossible run after going 8-8, Mighty Mite Darren Sproles, Philip Rivers getting snubbed for the Pro Bowl.
Favorite: Steelers (-6)
S2N's Pick: Steelers. I find it hard to go against the best defense in the whole damn league.

Hello, fwends. I'm not your buddy, Nantz. Reed kicks to Darren Sproles, and he's down at the 25. Grrrr.....douchebag sighting on the field....BASH HIS FAT FACE IN PLEASE JAMES HARRISON.

(hate subsiding a little.)

Rivers to Antonio Gates with plenty of room, 21 yards on the first play. Screen out to Sproles on the right side, and he gets another first down across midfield by slipping two tacklers. Rivers airs out a floater to the end zone...and Vincent Jackson comes down with a 41 yard catch over Ike Taylor. Touchdown, Bolts! Nate Kaeding's kick is good, 7-0, Bolts.

Jackson gets an unsportsmanlike penalty for his TD celebration, which I don't believe we actually got a shot of. Steelers start at the 42, running play with Willie Parker, and he busts through the line for a first down and into Chargers' territory. Parker gets another three yards. Parker again, up the gut and past the marker, tackled by Clinton Hart. So far, we have seen no five-wide formations -- which is Bruce Arians trying to get cute. Screen out to Hines Ward for a couple yards, but Santonio Holmes gets flagged for holding. Ben throws to Ward again -- Quentin Jammer knocks it away as Ward tries to hold on.

Ben to TE Heath Miller for 11 yards. Next couple plays are incomplete and short, 4th down. They go for it....wait, Ben quick-kicks it and it's down inside the 15. First Cassel pulls this, now Roethlisberger. Start at the 9, Sproles gets 3 yards on the first carry of the series. Mighty Mouse gets two more.

The QB punt will be next season's Wildcat formation. Mark my words. - Deven

Mike Scifres punts and Santonio Holmes BUSTS IT OUT AND TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE! 68 yards for Holmes! Woo! Reed's XP is good, 7-7 all.

Spoke too soon. Santonio EXPOSES the Chargers punt coverage team. He seems to be good at doing that, exposing things... - PricelessCommentary
Best tackle on that punt return was by cameraman. - JG
I think Nantz jinxed the hell out of Scifres. - Zidane Valor

Nantz owes the punter a Coke. Sproles' kick return to the 36, and Michael Bennett gets his first rush of the year. Face mask on fullback Jacob Hester -- going back some more! Rivers hits Chambers for his first reception of the game. Checkdown pass to Bennett for a few yards. 3rd down converted for nine yards to Antonio Gates. False start, back 'em up to first and 15. Sproles gets three of those back. Rush on for 2nd down, and Lamar Woodley takes Rivers down for the first sack of the game and a real 3rd and long.

Delay of game on top of that, and it's first sighting of Norv Face. He's not wearing glasses this week, sadly. 3rd and 25. Sproles only gets back to the line of scrimmage.

Fuck...Nantz just pulled a Vasgersian. Outyardaged. - Anon @ 5:11

Can we set up an electro-shocker for commentators who make up words like that? Steelers start at the 25 after the punt. Parker gets a couple yards. Deep ball for Nate Washington, who gets tangled up with Jammer. Yinzers are booing like mad for a PI flag (which shouldn't be thrown.) 3rd and nine -- and down goes Big Ben, sacked for the first time.

Mitch Berger punts it 49 yards. "I'm glad he didn't change his name today." - Phil, and there's a block in the back on the Bolts.

An Axe-manufactured hair crisis. One of the many companies who believe men are fundamentally morons (the top offender is usually the beer companies, especially the ones who sell cheap piss-water.)

Sproles grabs another first down on a 2nd and 2, followed by a quarter change and a one-yard carry for Mighty Mouse. Gates gets eight on the reception, following a shot of a guy with enough chains and beads to be mistaken for a Baltimore Ravens fan. 3rd down fails, and Scifres to punt again. Another delay of game call on the Chargers....wait, and Norv just made his first dumb decision of the day by challenging the spot.

THAT's the incompetent Norv I know. - SSR
Apparently Norv didn't see Coughlin screw this same thing up earlier today. - Mal
Norv Turner channeling his inner Andy Reid with that challenge. - Ghost

Ah, that's the regression to the mean Peter Principle that we know and love in Norv. And of course he loses the challenge. Fair catch on the punt by Mewelde Moore at the 17.

Parker scoops up another first down on the ground. Fast Willie up the middle for another six, he then fights for another chain movement. Moore goes for four yards; then Parker's back for two. 3rd and 3 will become 3rd and 8 after a false start. Big Ben goes to the fullback, but Eric Weddle tackles Cary Davis short of the first. Chargers call time out on 4th down, after the Steelers try to rush them by going for it quickly.

Berger's punt rolls into the end zone. Ike Taylor nearly takes away Rivers' pass for Chambers on first down. Rivers throws the ball away on 2nd down. Rivers hurls another high floater -- and Vincent Jackson lays out and makes the catch....uh-oh, that looked like it bounced. Here comes Tomlin's challenge flag!

"They have to give the defense time to align after the substitution." - Phil

They do? Then how did Indy get away with that quick pass a couple weeks ago? Why was the official holding up that play?

I don't understand.... - Anon @ 5:40

I'm kind of confused too, except to say that there's a difference between that play and changing for a punt formation. Peyton caught them during an offensive play; it wasn't a 4th down play.

And that reception is no more, as it's overturned. Scifres to punt again, and Big Swinging Dick John...err....Santonio Holmes is back to receive. He fair catches this one. Holmes for three, then a pass for five to Nate Washington. 3rd down means another short out to the fullback, and Davis gets up-ended by Jammer short of the line. Fake punt, snapped to Ryan Clark, and the Bolts have it stopped.

Sproles is brought down by Woodley and James Harrison on first down in Steeler territory. Legadu Naane trips on his route, and the pass falls to the ground. Rivers finds Gates over the middle again and he's got 15 yards and a first down. Sproles gets knocked in the backfield again. Anotiher screen pass to Sproles -- and Woodley plows him over. Another pass to Gates and it's short of the first. Kaeding will try an FG after the break.

42 yards, up, and good. 10-7, Chargers. Gary Russell takes the kickoff back to the 32. Ben to Holmes, then Moore, and the ball's in Chargers' territory. Ben then throws wide of Heath Miller. Gary Russell smashes in for a third down conversion. Ben overthrows Holmes completely. A little lighter touch and Holmes would have had a first and goal. Pass to Miller for a first, but there's a flag down for illegal formation.

Ben goes deep again and finds Hines Ward at the 10, who then runs out of bounds at the 3 yard line. First and goal, Steelers! Sweep left to Parker.....TOUCHDOWN, STEELERS! Reed's XP is good, 14-10, Pittsburgh.

Antonio Cromartie returns the kickoff and almost breaks loose. Start at the 30, Sproles gets nothing, and that will end the half. See you in the next thread post-halftime.

Colts start at the 26. Manning hits Reggie Wayne for 31, airing it out on the right side to start. All the way up to the Chargers' 43. The next pass goes to Addai for nine yards, and Addai gets stopped for a loss on a 3rd and not much. 4th and 1....going for it...and Peyton throws incomplete. Big, big stop.

Sponge on the break. I haven't heard "Wax Ecstatic" in years, and we get that over Manning Face.

Wow. That was an Andy Reid Moment. - Mal

"My hair says ENERGY!"

Sproles gets stuffed, but takes it for a few yards on the next pass from Rivers. 3rd down rifle to Chambers for the first down, despite the pass interference on the Colts. Sproles rushes for some more, 3rd and 2 is incomplete for Chambers. Fair catch of the punt at the Indy 9.

Manning starts out with a short slant to Marvin Harrison. Addai gets the first down at the 23. He goes deep for Wayne, but Cromartie has him covered. 2nd down after an encroachment, incomplete.

Manning catches the Chargers' defense not even set -- hikes the ball, and hits Reggie Wayne right in stride. TOUCHDOWN, COLTS! 17-14 after the kick. "You Dropped A Bomb On Me," indeed. Just made the entire 11 look silly.

Chargers start on the 20 after Sproles takes a knee on the kick. Six-yard pass to the fullback, Jacob Hester.

Did anyone else notice Norv is wearing glasses now? Like it makes him look any smarter. Acrobatic catch by Chambers on a classic floater back foot throw by Rivers.

"He can't run a lick, but he can move enough just to keep the play alive." - John

At about midfield, and Sproles gets back to the line of scrimmage. The next carry gets him past the first down marker and at the 40. Michael Bennett is in for Sproles, and he barrels through for another first down within the 30. 2nd and 10. Rivers rifles it to Leagdu Naane at the 10. First and goal, nowhere to go for Darren. Sproles gets the next pass, tries to get into the end zone, and the ball is loose in the back of the end zone -- TOUCHBACK, fumble recovered by the Colts!

This Geico ad is now officially getting on my fucking nerves. Cromartie drops a sure pick. He wants that one back right now bad. 3rd down pass is also nearly picked, too. Sproles brings the punt return out to the 45, with a break of Steppenwolf. Sproles gets 9 yards on the carry, going to the Indy 47.

"I love it when they say, 'running backs who try to get small.' He doesn't have to try." - Al on Sproles. Freeney gets his second sack of the night. (MORE, MORE, MORE!!!!) Rivers, on 3rd and 13, rushes 12 yards of those 13 on his own. 4th and 1....Rivers sneaks....and he's got the 1st at the 33 after they measure it.

Rivers aims deep for Chambers in the end zone.....and it's picked off by Antoine Bethea, who runs it out, but there's a chop block by an Indy defender. Peyton will have the ball again.

Got to love Phillip Rivers going Favre with that pass. - 49er16

But he's having a lot of fun out there! Colts start at the 20, swing out to Clark, but there's a tripping call for 10 yards, and that'll be moved back. Goes back to Clark for four yards. Manning slings it to Wayne at the 31 for a first down. Addai grabs four yards. Another first down to Dallas Clark.

Norv looks like my high school principal with the glasses.

Rhodes shoves his way in with his shoulder for a first down in Chargers' territory on 3rd and 2. Cason nearly comes up with the pick on 1st and 10, but it hit the ground first. Manning rolls out, throws it away, and there's a holding penalty. 2nd and 20 gets nothing on the Addai carry. Chargers' D holds as Manning throws incomplete, and the penalty for holding is declined.

Bolts start at the 27 after the punt goes out of bounds. Sproles gets 17 after the catch on the pass out from Rivers. Sproles up to the 49 on the next carry. Another Rex Grossman-style pass from Rivers, and he's lucky that didn't get picked like the last one. Pass out to Bennett, and it's marked just slightly short of the first down....what, really. That's a first down, apparently.

Rivers aims downfield for Naane, and he underthrows him just slightly with double coverage. And down goes Rivers on 3rd down, Robert Mathis gets his second of the day.

That was ingenious Golden Globes advertising, NBC. I'd watch Salma Hayek's Golden Globes in HD.

Scifres punts it again in great field position. Colts start at their own 2, and we get "The Final Countdown."

Addai rushes for six to get out of the end zone. Next carry isn't much. 3rd and 2. Rush on....and DOWN GOES PEYTON AT THE ONE YARD LINE!

Sproles takes a very good punt back to the Colts' 36. Rivers hits Gates for a first down. Another first down to Gates at the 21. Rivers rolls out, can't find anyone, throws it away. Sproles rushes, gets it inside the 10, but short of the first. Colts' time out. Kaeding's on the field. Field goal is up and good, 17-all.

Colts start at the 19 after the kickoff. Short pass to Addai, and they're playing for OT, it looks like. Jyles Tucker is down. Indy gets an extra time out thanks to the injury, because SD is out of them. Manning throws out to Addai again, and the Colts burn another TO. Incomplete, and a kneel, we go to OT. Bolts win the toss.

Sproles brings the kick out to the 25. Raheem Brock is there to stuff him on the first down carry. Rivers throws it away after rolling out on 2nd down. Short out to Sproles -- and he gets past the first down marker on 3rd and 11. Bennett comes in for six yards and the rush. Sproles gets nailed in the backfield, and there's a flag for holding on Indy, for an automatic first down.

Sproles to midfield with 2 yards. Rivers to Gates, who drags tacklers with him for the first down. He loses the ball, but falls right on it. Mathis bull-rushes Rivers and he throws it at the feet of Hester to avoid grounding. 3rd and 8...Chambers on the outside against Jennings, and they call defensive holding. Another automatic first down. And another first down on a Sproles carry, they've called a face mask!

Mighty Mite gets nailed at the 24, loses a couple of yards. Sproles takes the carry, goes outside....AND RUNS ALL THE WAY IN FOR THE TOUCHDOWN! CHARGERS WIN, 23-17! Sproles had more than 300 yards on the day, but none more important than those last 24.

Thanks for joining me tonight. See y'all tomorrow!

Well, I was blatantly wrong in the early game. Let's see if I'm any better this time around.

LDT on the bike: pedalpedalpedalpedalpedalpedalpedal

Darren Sproles takes it out to the 22. LDT can make a cut, I guess. 13 yard gain to start. Two more for LDT, and a throw to Gates for six. 3rd and 2. Robert Mathis then nails Philip Rivers for the first sack, and it's three and out. Punt fair caught at the 9 yard line.

Manning to Harrison right off the bat for eight. Addai gets stuffed on his first carry. Another third down conversion for the Colts, as Manning hits the receiver. He throws it away on first down after Eric Weddle rushes him. Tony Ugoh gets flagged for five. Manning aims deep for Harrison, but it's getting called for PI on Quentin Jammer. First down. Addai gets two in SD territory.

You never want to hear the ref crew being the one that calls the most flags. EVER.

Manning misses Wayne, as the wideout looks the wrong way on the pass after getting Antonio Cromartie looking foolish. Reggie Wayne drops the third down pass, and the Colts will punt. Hunter Smith's kick goes into the end zone.

3rd and 10 after an incomplete pass and Darren Sproles getting nothing. Rivers' 3rd down pass to Gates winds up short of the first down. Scifres punts it 58 yards, with barely a return. Indy starts inside the 20 again.

LT (singing in his head): I love to ride my bicycle. I love to ride my bike. Biiii-cycle. Biiii-cycle. - Mal

Ha. Manning to Dallas Clark for three on a 1st and 15 after a false start. He hits Anthony Gonzalez for six at the 24.

"They also thought he knew the daily double at Del Mar." - Al, as Manning hits Wayne on the screen pass to the 33. Manning to Clark again for another first down. Peyton then goes back to Gonzalez for 36, as he weaves and bobs after the catch. "Looked like a video game," according to Al. Surprised he didn't crack a Madden joke. Gonzalez goes airborne and brings it down at the 3 yard line in double coverage.

Addai can't burrow in on first and goal. Addai on the inside handoff, and it's a TOUCHDOWN, COLTS. Viniateri's kick is good, 7-0, Indy.

Sproles got wailed on at the 25. Rivers to Gates for 6, followed by a five yarder for ineligible downfield. Rivers is hit by Dwight Freeney as he throws to Sproles. 3rd and 9, Sproles gets 13 after the inside handoff and sneaks between the tackles.

"Final minute of the opening stanza." - Al. THIS IS NOT POETRY, THIS IS FOOTBALL.

Sproles gets a couple, but Rivers is incomplete on 3rd and 3. Fits and starts for the Bolts right now, and no passes to either Chris Chambers or Vincent Jackson. Indy gets backed up to its own 3 on the punt. End of the first.

Manning Family shot to start the second. (crosses off list). Short runs and a pass is stopped short of the first down by Antoine Cason. Colts punt out of their own end zone...and it'll get even tougher as Indy gets a delay of game call. Sproles takes the punt back to the 43 yard line of the Colts.

Did Dungy have a Norv face? - James Craven

No. Dungy's facial expression never changes. He's Art Shell, but, y'know, like, successful. (Well, Art Shell 1.0 did fine.)

Everytime they show the charger girls I wonder if the tires on my car are over-inflated. - Mal

Rivers hits Gates again for eight yeards after a rollout. LT gets three to the 33 yard line and a chain movement. Gates again, getting major yards after catch and nailing a first and goal at the 3 yard line. LT busts through an easy hole, TOUCHDOWN, CHARGERS. Nate Kaeding's kick is good, 7-7.

There are no Wendy's within 20 minutes of me. I am tired of seeing their ads now, with that in mind. If you need a diversion, here are the Charger Girls for your perusal.

s2n - "LT busts through an easy hole"???? I didn't know Lindsay Lohan was at the game. - Mal

1,000 cocktails, sir. Colts start at their own 33, and Gonzalez lays out for a very nice catch for 21 yards on first down. Addai, nothing doing on 1st down, but gets nine yards on a pass from Peyton on the next play. End around to Clark for the first down -- AWESOME PLAY CALL. You never run that to the TE, ever. Unless when your DE is Clark; maybe Jason Witten could do that. Gates could do that too. Manning throws it away, sensing a defender coming.

"When you brush away the hair, you know it's not the way it's supposed to be." - John, as if you can get anything nice with helmet hair. 3rd and 10 pass to Clark is short by five yards, Viniateri comes on for a 40+ yard FG try. Up and good, 10-7, Colts.

"[Manning] will get a Vitalis ad out of this." - Al on Peyton Samson's hairdo (via James Craven)

Darren Sproles gets up-ended on the return after bringing it out to the 32. Dwight Freeney violates Rivers' back side for a sack on 2nd down. (MORE, MORE, MORE, COLTS. Hit him in his punk face.) Rivers throws his first non-Gates completion to Sproles, but it's 4th and 11.

MIKE SCIFRES JUST BOOTED ONE 67. Holy shit, that's impressive. Colts start on the 7. 3 for Dominic Rhodes. Wayne bobbles one and doesn't come down with it until he's out of bounds, but Tony Dungy is challenging. This is not gonna be overturned.

Norv just gave a "whew" face after that call stood. 3rd down and some audiblizing on both sides results in a checkdown play, picked up by linebacker Stephen Cooper. Hunter Smith will punt from his end zone again. The punt bounces back to the Indy 45. Sproles rushes for 11 up to the 34. Rivers throws a rope to the sideline, which Chris Chambers reels in and is called a catch. Looked kind of OB to me.

S2N letting out his Bronco fandom with the Rivers hatred - JG

Naturally. Rivers snaps one over the 10 to Chambers for a first and goal. Handoff to Sproles, has a guy grabbing at his leg, and gets right into the end zone! Kaeding's kick is good, 14-10, Chargers.

Sproles made the "money" gesture with his fingers, too. Kickoff, bringing it back out, and there's a FUMBLE!!!! Chargers recover! Wait --- they ruled him down, but this can be reviewed, and SD called a time out.

Ooh, I thought that was a fumble, guys....I don't know about that. Manning nearly picked off by Eric Weddle. Rush to Addai. Bolts' timeout. Addai picks up the first down. Incomplete for Gonzalez at midfield. Addai ends the half with a rush. 14-10, Chargers.

It's the Stoned Yokel vs. Marmalard in the Whale's Vagina for all the AFC West marbles, and I figure I'm safer and better off listening to this on the radio on the drive back to my little university town from L.A. rather than watch Al and John. "But you're a Broncos fan, aren't you, S2N?", you might ask, and that would be true. However, after watching this team give up two straight losses and utterly fail on defense, I remember how they lost out on a Wild Card spot two years ago thanks to losing in San Francisco in Week 17, and the last thing I think I want to do is see another similar collapse on TV after Mike Shanahan guaranteed a playoff spot before the season started.

That being said, have at it. I think the only thing I will miss is Rivers acting like a jerk by trash talking with a possible 8-8 record heading into the playoffs.

Why NBC wouldn't flex the Jets and the Dolphins in this spot, or even the Cowboys and Eagles, is beyond me. Buuuut, they must have reasoning behind their decision to make Denver and San Diego, the last game of the NFL Season. Al Michaels announced it on air last night, and I could almost feel America's collective groan through my television set.

It's definitely an important game, and could certainly turn out to be a barn burner, but it's definitely a questionable decision given all of the other choices. I think we know who to blame for this one too. This guy....


Yep, Brett Lorenzo Favre. If he doesn't lay an egg in Seattle, it's almost a lock that Miami-New York is next Sunday's game.

Update: Here are the rest of the Week Seventeen moves....

Dolphins at Jets (CBS, 4:15pm)
Jags at Ravens (CBS, 4:15pm)
Cowboys at Eagles (FOX, 4:15pm)

The Tampa QB is the likely recipient of the Hit of the Week, courtesy of the Bolts' Quentin Jammer:



(sings)

"There was this man who snapped his poke in little pieces,
and then they drilled holes,
and then they put him back in there.
I got no lips, I got no tongue.
Where there were eyes, there's only space.
I got no lips, I got no tongue!"

This actually debuted last Friday, but it's so awesome that I wasn't about to skip over it. Nike is back with another edition of it's "Leave Nothing" campaign, this time featuring Troy Polamalu and LaDanian Tomlinson. This one is titled "Fate" and it takes you all the way from the two star's respective births, to them meeting head to head on the Football field....

That's just too good. They honestly need to make about forty of these and turn them into their own 30 minute show. Just air them over and over again. I mean, the part when Young Troy jumps on that table and destroys it was just awesome. I still liked the Shawne Merriman-Steven Jackson one better, but they really can't go wrong with these.

LaDainian Tomlinson and Troy Polamalu Are Good at Football (Fanhouse)
Shawne Merriman And Steven Jackson Are Time Travelers (Awful Announcing)

We start the second half with a shot of Coach Hobo and his latest selection as Queen of the Hobos, shot at the NBA Finals earlier this year. Pats start at the 21 with a pass to Sammy Morris for three or four. Another pass goes to Morris, goes for a first down. Cassel gets to the 45, rushing it himself -- near the first down marker. Moss gets his second catch of the day for 15 yards and crosses midfield.

Next pass to WELKAH for eight yards. 2nd and 2 is a bomb aimed at Moss for the end zone, but it's short. Cassel runs and slides to the 28 for the first down. Cassel, facing the blitz on first, tosses a short out to Sammy Morris, who evades two tacklers and gets all the way to the Bolts' 2 yard line. Cassel has to throw 1st down away, as no one's open. Morris gets nailed in the back on 2nd down. 3rd down pass is incomplete, too, and they're going for it -- and that was awkward looking, as Cassel tries to run it himself and gets stopped.

Do you think Coach Hobo and Tom go on double dates? - 49er16

Not after that awkward date-swapping incident.

"So that is where Cindy was this summer." - John McCain - JG

+1.

"Erin Andrews in 25 years." - Anon

You take that back!

Tolbert gets the first carry and goes to the 5. Rivers floats another rainbow to Vincent Jackson, who gets all the way to the NE 35. After a couple plays, he airs it out to Jackson again in the end zone, and we're gonna get a PI flag on Ellis Hobbs. First and goal at the 1 yard line. Rivers to Gates, and it's a San Diego touchdown!

Kick is good, 24-3, Chargers.

"The big space-eater Jamal Williams." - Al
"He was doing more than eating space, he was taking the red right off the Patriots' helmets." - John
"You can put lipstick on a helmet, but it's still a helmet." - Al

Quentin Jammer picks off a pass thrown over Wes Welker's head. We may now be entering blowout territory (if we weren't already.)

Not that I mind, but the NBC cameramen seem very dedicated to shots of the Charger Girls' decolletage tonight. - PM

It's more attractive than some of the football being played. Sproles goes down to the Pats' 26 on a rush, but apparently it was 3rd and 10 anyway. The next play is a catch, and here comes the FG team on 4th down, and the crowd is booing when he sends Kaeding on up 21. Kaeding's kick is good, 27-3, San Diego.

Al, San Diego did NOT trade Michael Turner to Atlanta, he left in free agency.

Brandon Siler just mashed the kick returner. "Slater is looking like he got hit by a truck with Brandon Siler on the license plate." - Al

Cassel's pass gets batted down, and they're going back to his Little League World Series highlights. 2nd and 10 is to Faulk and he gets flipped by Eric Weddle. 3rd down is too short a pass to Jabar Gaffney, and here comes the punter again. Chris "Dateline NBC" Hansen boots it away from Sproles, the Chargers will have it at the 18.

"That's his reputation, a very classy, intelligent guy." - Al on Rodney Harrison. What? All I hear about half the time is how players think Harrison's a dirty player.

Rivers hits Gates past the 40 for a first down. Sproles runs outside for nothing. Flag on the next deep throw, and it's on Deltha O'Neal for illegal contact. LDT breaks one and runs for the Pats' 27 yard line. End of the 3rd. You mean I've got one more quarter of this blowout to go?

NBC needs to show a continuous picture in picture of Darth Hoodie b/c he must be fuming. - Anon
We should have started a Charger Girl view count. Not that I mind or anything, but the producer really likes those cheerleaders. - another Anon

Watch for it this quarter, because there's not gonna be a lot of reason to shoot the game. LDT to the 14 yard line. Hobbs tackles Tomlinson after one, LDT then gets a couple more, and now they're reviewing the Chargers' hard luck. (As a Broncos fan, I'm kind of tired of watching that sort of montage.) 3rd and 7 has Rivers scrambling and throwing it out of bounds -- but the flag is for a face mask on the Pats. 1st and goal. LDT up to the 5 on 2nd down. Fade off of Floyd's fingers, Kaeding will kick again. 23 yard figgie is good, 30-3, Chargers.

Slater takes the kick out to the 30.

Is Seattle really soaring into any game at 1-5? I think not. Faulk rushes for a first down. Cassel throws a short pass that bounces off his target, and was almost picked by Jammer. Norv wants to challenge it. Why, I'm not sure. Even if it was picked, Jammer fumbled and lost it.

You can't celebrate a tackle when your team is down by 24 points. - Anon

Agreed. And of course, Norv loses the challenge because it was obvious that Jammer didn't control it at all.

The clock operator can't hear the ref because the Charger fans are booing so damn loudly. A thumbs up to the dude in the luchador mask -- and we've got the chants of "BULLSHIT."

"It's a good boo night; there's a full moon. Somewhere in life you just need to get your booing." - John

Cassel throws the ball to the ground on 2nd, then calls time out.

"It's a two-minute boo!" - Al

You just knew we couldn't go a whole 60 minutes without NORV doing something so pointless. - SSReporters

This is why the Chargers will lose in the playoffs again this year. Norv will blow a challenge on something stupid, and he won't be able to challenge an important call later. Actually, I think that happened to him at least once last year.

"It's partially the Hochuli thing and the other booze, not spelled b-o-o-s." - Al

3rd and 15 goes to Ben Watson for a first, but it's negated thanks to offensive holding. 3rd and 25 is dropped by Welkah.

Please tell me someone has copious screencaps of Belichick tonight. - Dan

It's all the same emotionless expression and grumbling face, anyway. Punt goes out of bounds at midfield. Took 'em long enough to play the "San Diego Super-Chargers" song. That tune kicks ass.

"I wonder if one of my assistants are getting footage of the Chargers assistants hand signals."-Coach Hobo - 49er16

Coach Hobo: "If that assistant didn't get footage of the Chargers cheerleaders, he's getting fired."

"I hear that they are still so angry that they won't let zebras in the San Diego Zoo." - Al (via 49er16)

Jacob Hester just gave us San Diego's first screw-up of the day by fumbling. Pats ball at the SD 46. Even when Norv is winning he looks like a loser. Moss comes back for a short catch to the 31. Faulk is able to "squirt through a hole", in Al's words, to the 22. John sounds like a life coach, urging the Patriots to "make this a positive experience." Faulk runs to the 9, and another first down for him on the next carry. 1st and goal. Cassel runs to the 2.

Sammy Morris heads into the end zone from 2 yards out. Kick is up and good, 30-10, Chargers.

"They want blood." - Al on the fans booing again.

More lovely shots of Charger Girl decolletage before the kickoff, which Cletus Gordon runs back up to the 24.

I came to watch an NFL game but apparently NBC substituted it with soft porn. - SSReporters

It's better than the snuff film this game turned into a quarter ago.

"He's got seven screws and a wire going through his foot -- must be fun at an airport..." - Andrea Kremer

LDT rushes out for a bunch more after getting a screen pass.

"Bill Belichick's getting a headache." - John

I will never, ever get used to a Morrissey song being used to promote the NFL Network. Ever. It feels wrong.

Has John always been this amazed with punters, or has he been hitting the turducken too hard? - Dan

It's one of those things that former coaches like to make a big deal about, to tell you that every position matters. Cassel throws to Welker for a first down after SD punts it. Cassel to Faulk for 20 more into SD territory, as John talks about the Big Space Eater, Jamal Williams.

"He's kind of like Ralph Nader; you don't see Nader in the polls either." - Al, explaining why Williams isn't on the top players poll. BenJarvus Green-Ellis catches the pass from Cassel, and NE is taking a time out with two seconds left. That is pure Coach Hobo, being a prick.

Game over, Chargers win, 30-10. See you next week. Pray for the ALCS to go seven, so I live-blog that instead of Seahawks-Bucs.

Philip Rivers is apparently pretty good at math, but not good enough to figure out how the Chargers are at 2-3 when they were the odds on favorite to win the AFC West. (They still are, to many -- because as witnessed again today, Denver has no capability to stop anyone on offense.)

My pick: The Chargers should make a stand here. It's a home game. They need to gain a game on the Broncos, and the Patriots aren't exactly the tightest on the defensive side. But the Bolts' D has been bad in terms of getting a pass rush going. Patriots 23, Chargers 17.

If Tony Gonzalez gets traded before the deadline, do they have to re-shoot that shot of him in the Sunday Night Football open?

The Chargers are in the powder blue uniforms, which should be their regular home unis, honestly -- although I like the old powder blues because they were actual throwbacks, complete with the old school helmet design.

"The urgency lamp is shining brightly in San Diego." - Al

"Offensively they have a good offensive line." - John (via Dan)

We're off to a rousing start.

I like Subway OK, but I don't get any subs there that involve that crappy marinara, so none of that new $5 footlong sub for me.

Andrea Kremer is telling us that LDT's toe is still bugging him. I feel more and more competent about my earlier concerns about the Chargers' offense. The Bolts will get the ball first -- and that means Darren Sproles. Stephen Gostowski kicks it into the end zone, and Sproles takes a knee.

Philip Rivers floats a big one to Vincent Jackson for 48 yards, and they're inside the Pats' 35. Well, that's an auspicious beginning. Rivers hits Antonio Gates for five more. LDT grabs 2 on his first carry of the night.

In the starting line-ups, Ellis Hobbs mentions his high school. If I went to Iowa State with the way they're playing, I wouldn't mention them either. On 1st down, LDT rushes his way into the middle for two or three yards. Rivers to Jackson on a slant for another 1st down, and it's goal to go at the 8.

Think the Patriots miss Asante Samuel much? - 49er16

Just a little. 2nd and goal is a juggled and incomplete pass to Antonio Gates (Rivers rolled out and threw the ball away on 1st.) 3rd down gets the pass thrown out of the end zone; offensive holding is called, but the penalty's declined -- Nate Kaeding's on the way after the injury time out.

Every time I think the Chargers are looking good, they show a sideline shot of Norv. - Dan

We'll be keeping tabs of how many times Tom Brady is mentioned and how many times we catch glimpses of Norv Face. Help me out with these, won't you? 25-yard FG is up and good by Kaeding, 3-0, Chargers.

Speaking of Norval, it's always amusing to see that LDT Chunky Soup ad at the "Did I do right by my boss?" part and see Norv as the boss. Makes me laugh every time.

"Randy Moss, Rand...University." Nice.

Ellis Hobbs takes the kick out to about the 22. Cassel to Wes Welker for 9 yards on his first play. Sammy Morris goes for six on the next for a first down, and we are told that BenJarvus Green-Ellis (of Ole Miss) will be in the game at RB later, probably. He wins the name derby for tonight. Cassel hits David Thomas for another first down, which Morris follows up with another 7 yards. 2nd and 3 at the SD 40 is a throw-away by Cassel. Cassel scampers on 3rd and 3 for the first, winding up on the Bolts' 36.

The Pats are idling here, after a deep pass to Moss is incomplete and Morris gets stuffed. 3rd and 10. Pass is to Welker, but he's five yards short. Gostowski's coming on for a figgie try.

"Welker is stopped by his left ankle." - John
"80% of his passes are behind 10 yards....or less than 10 yards." - John on Cassel

Gostowski misses wide left. Rivers hits Brandon Manumaleuna for 4 yards to start. Tomlinson goes for a couple yards up the middle. First down as Gates dives for the catch. Rivers floats another rainbow to Malcom Floyd for the TOUCHDOWN, beating Deltha O'Neal badly. Kick is up and good, 10-0 Chargers.

When they showed Moss on the sideline, he looked like he was ready to leave already. - 49er16
Ah... San Diego Charger cheerleaders... this should be a good Sunday Night for no other reason. - Rob in WI

If you'd like to ogle the Charger Girls further, here you go.

The Pats go three and out after Cassel throws behind Benjamin Watson. Another Pats player is down on the ground and hurt. Nick Kaczur's out, the punt comes down to Sproles and it's up to the 44 -- but someone ran into the punter. It's only a 5 yard version, so they'll kick again. Sproles takes that punt across the 45, where he gets tackled by Hanson.

"That should never happen to a very good punt returner. The punter should never be able to tackle you." - John

LDT rumbles to the Pats' 34, then grabs four more on the next play. He takes the next pass from Rivers to the 26, a yard shy of a first. The 3rd and 2 pass is overthrown and out of bounds, so Kaeding will come out again. 44 yard FG is up, and it hits the left upright. No dice.

Sammy Morris rushes for three yards to start. Cassel hits Moss on a screen, 3rd and 1 when the 2nd quarter starts. As we return, we're watching the Pats have to make do with players falling left and right, and Cassel couldn't get anything downfield on 1st down. 2nd is a short pass to Welker. He throws it to Faulk on 3rd down, but it's short and he doesn't get the first down. Hansen boots it, and it's downed at the Chargers' 3 yard line.

Mike Tolbert gets the carry to burrow for a couple of yards, and we get a glimpse of Norv, although it is not quite Norv Face. LDT goes to the 10 on the next carry. The Rivers bomb to Vincent Jackson doesn't work, as Hobbs has inside position. Mike Scifres punts it to the Bolts' 43, and the Pats have great field position.

Pats get seven on the first play -- ooh, Tom Brady mention! They're talking about his ACL surgery in Los Angeles. Morris gets a couple on 2nd, and then moves the chains on the next carry. Brady Counter is at 3 tonight. Five wide and an empty backfield, and the Chargers swarm and sack Cassel on first down. Handoff is to Heath Evans for 2 yards. Right idea on 3rd down -- sideline hitch to Randy Moss, good throw by Cassel, but the ref called it incomplete, as Quentin Jammer got his hand in there. Gostowski nails a 48-yard field goal. 10-3, Chargers.

Sproles gets tripped up at the 23 on the kickoff return. Swing pass to Tomlinson, who grabs 10 yards. He can't get around the corner on the next play, and Al notes he's gone above 11,000 yards for his career. Vincent Jackson makes a nice catch on the sideline at the 49, but two plays later, he drops a ball he should have had from Rivers.

I'd forgotten Bo Jackson's real name is Vincent. 3rd and 13 is air-mailed into double coverage to Jackson, and the WR had to play DB as Brandon Meriweather almost picked that ball off -- and that's Meriweather on the ground. The Chargers down Scifres' punt at the Pats' 6 yard line.

"Scifres is a guy who has every kick. You know how you talk about a quarterback who can make every throw? He's a guy who can make every kick." - John

Sammy Morris gets stuffed again going over the right side. Brady Mention #4, specifically "Tommy." 3rd and 2 now, and Faulk can't get the first. Hansen punts to Sproles, who hits the corner and gets to the Patriot 46. Flag on the play -- a face mask on the Pats, so the Chargers get to start at the NE 31.

"Well maybe Brady wans't Brady when he started, but it didn't take long for Brady to be Brady." - Al, mention #5.

Andrea is talking about her boyfriend. - 49er16

LDT gets two yards to start. Two minute warning, SD's got all three time-outs.

I've been alerted that Seattle vs. Tampa Bay is next week's SNF game. That is a cosmic combination of impending suck. If there is a Game 7 in the Boston-Tampa Bay baseball playoffs, I will be live-blogging that instead. (A potential Game 7 is scheduled for a week from tonight.)

Rivers hits Malcom Floyd at the 13 for a nice catch. Time out called. Tomlinson burrows all the way inside the 5, it's now 2nd and 2. Rivers hits Jackson over the middle for six more. Kick is up and good, 17-3, Chargers.

Pats will start at their own 17. Cassel gets nailed and fumbles, but the Pats recover. Faulk rushes for a few yards. New England runs the clock out, and it's 17-3, Chargers, at the half.

It's amazing that someone that looks like Norv can produce such a great looking daughter. - 49er16

"All you ever done is make a hot daughter, Norv!" The same principle goes for Wade Phillips.

See you in the second half thread.

This is not the face of the man that NBC was likely expecting to see at quarterback when the network scheduled this game. Of course, they weren't expecting the Chargers to be 2-4 either. However, this game shouldn't be too bad. I can think of worse contests to have lined up.

Things we're learning from the late games:

• That whole Denver being good on defense was a one-week deal only, good against Tampa Bay. Jacksonville is tearing them up and three turnovers by the Broncos haven't helped matters.
  
• Andy Reid is a bonehead. Who kicks the long field goal instead of taking a knee when you're up just before half? Karma bitchslaps the Eagles as the Niners took that blocked FG to the house and they took a solid lead into the 4th. Mike Nolan is equally dumb by challenging a field goal.
  
• If you bet Arizona, thinking Dallas was treating it as a trap game (I did!), you look really good right now. Arizona's up by 7.
  
• The Pack is ahead and driving on Seattle -- a team continuing to prove its worthlessness on a weekly basis.
  

Keep the faith by keeping track of Costas & Co. during the pre-game, and this here live-blog will really get underway at 8:15 Eastern.

Well, it looks like L.T. is going to be limited tonight, so the Chargers are going to turn to the electric Darren "Pocket Hercules" Sproles to fill in. Not a bad replacement if you ask me. We're all hoping that ESPN at least tries to tone down the Favre talk tonight, but it doesn't seem likely as they've shown him walking into the stadium about seven times already. If you want to play the Favre mention imbibing game, don't let me stop you, but I think your liver will hate you in the morning.

The game kicks off at 8:30, so I'll see you around then for the live-blog.

"Win tonight, you've got the Raiders next week, and then you're 2 and 2."- Keyshawn Johnson
"Yeah that's nice. Christmas next week as the Raiders come to town."- Tom Jackson

How interesting is it that the chargers have had a dick announcing all their games so far? Stockton, Enberg and Kornheiser (Via Anon)

Haha....way to start things off on a good note, Anon. Oh and if you care there's a WNBA Playoff game on ESPN2 and DWTS starts tonight as well. It's certainly a packed night.

"That's more than discussing the new Mustang."- Chris Berman on Bill Ford Jr. wanting to fire Matt Millen.

Thomas Jones is definitely a beast, but do we really need the "Transformers" noise when they're showing him half naked? Just a thought.

"The good thing about being short is that everyone else is tall...."- Emmitt Smith

He did make a good point saying that you have leverage, but it still made me chuckle. Stu Scott also referred to Emmitt as not being the "tallest brother". Oh Stu....if only Mary Kate was around to see you now!

So can someone tell me why ESPN just aired a "Two and a Half Men" promo when it airs on CBS against Monday Night Football? Just curious because that seems like a bad idea to me.

Picks:
Ditka- Jets
Keyshawn- Chargers
Cris Carter- Chargers
Tom Jackson- Jets
Berman- Chargers
Steve Young- Chargers
Emmitt- Chargers
Stu- Chargers

Why do we care who Stu Scott thinks will win? (Via Anon)

Very good question.

"Pick a guy, let it fly. Playoff bound. The Jets ain't going, if Brett ain't throwin'"- Cris Carter

That was poetic. Let's start this thing....
__________________________________

8:30- It's game time folks. If anyone is playing the "Brett Mention Drinking Game" raise your hands now, so I know who'll be the drunk as hell after the first series of the game.

"Brett Favre, he was his old, but he wants to beat his brains out tonight."- Tony Kornheiser

Really? That seems a little harsh. Kickoff coming up after the break.

"This could be Brett Favre's last Monday Night game."- Mike Tirico

Oh god. Tony is doing a Cosell impression. Unbelievable. I still love the helmets clashing though. Here we go.....Jets ball to start it.

8:40- Leon Washington is popped on the kickoff and it will be Jet ball from the 23 yard line. Favre to Cotchery for five on first down is followed up by a screen to Jones that picks up a first down. Nice play recognizing the blitz there. Jones with the run for about seven.

"Jets moving the ball on San Diego, and what else is new?"- Mike Tirico

First incompletion for Favre and it's 3rd and 4....Play action....overthrown. Jets punt it away.

Can we start a fake laugh count for Tony's jokes? (Via Anon)

Sure! Great idea.

"GO CHA-GAHS!" - Tony Kornheiser doing a Schwarzenegger impression (Via SS)

8:47- San Diego's offense doesn't look very exciting early on, and.......

Right on cue! Rivers is picked of and that's six for the Jets. David Barrett with the INT and the return.

7-0 Jets.

Tony says it's a horrible start and I think that's the understatement of the year.

"They have so many toe injuries on this team that I assume they must practice barefoot and step on their toes" - Tony Kornheiser (Via JFein)

I don't even know what that's supposed to mean.

8:54- Chargers back with the ball again and LT picks up a few yards on first down. Rivers almost picked again and he is just throwing to the Jets at this point. 3rd and 8....

Got it to Buster Davis. First down. Rivers going deep! Great play by Lowry catching up to Vincent Jackson and knocking it down. Second down goes nowhere and it's third and long again for the Chargers....

Tell Rivers that his team is the blue team. (Via Anon)

Well he finds the blue team, and Buster Davis again, and picks up another first down. Same exact play as before. 1st down Chargers. Sproles for two yards but Jackson fights for a first down on the next play.

"Really good job by Phillip Rivers."- Ron Jaworski
"So you feel better about him now than you did 45 seconds ago?"- Tony Kornheiser

Tomlinson with another carry and it'll be third and short....incomplete as Rivers scrambles. Kaeding will come on for a FG attempt....

Good. 7-3 Jets with 5:40 left in the first.

There's only one "LT" and his name is Lawrence Taylor. (Via Anon)

True, but it makes it much easier typing to just call him LT. I'll be wary of this going forward though.

9:04- Jets ball from the 27 and Favre hits the rookie Keller for a medium gain. Interesting.....ESPN still hasn't fixed the down and distance graphic, but they've gotten rid of the player intros.

Oh man. Cromartie drops a sure pick six and he was heading downfield before securing the ball. Thomas Jones up the middle and FUMBLE! Picked up by Jammer and he gets it inside the 20 of the Jets. Great strip there.

Where is Hochuli? Wasn't that Thomas Jones throwing an incomplete pass? (Via Mal)

Tomlinson gets a short run and then absolutely wholloped by Eric Barton on second down. 3rd and 7 and Rivers hits Davis running across the field yet again. First down. Whoa....Rivers fumbles the snap but almost runs it in following the gaff. 2nd and Goal....

TOUCHDOWN Chargers! Rivers to Tolbert on a great play action and that's just what they needed. 10-7 Chargers.

9:15- Five yards for Leon Washington on first down and Favre follows it up with a strike across the middle. The draw doesn't go anywhere from midfield and that's the quarter....

10-7 Chargers after one.

Make that 17-7.....Favre throws one to Coles that is fought for by Cromartie and he takes it back for six. That was quick.

"There's a downside. He throws a lot of interceptions."- Tony Kornheiser

Really? Wasn't aware of that. WOW! Now Leon Washington takes a kickoff all the way back inside the Jets five!!! Now we're playing. For some reason the Jets are still trying to run at the goal line. Second down.....

TOUCHDOWN! Favre to Coles and hopefully Laverneus can stop whining about Pennington being cut.

17-14 Chargers.

9:27- ONSIDE! No good, but definitely a good try.

OK - right after the KO return, the NY fans in the stands are holding up the letters "J-E-S-T". (Via Mal)
"J-E-S-T"??? (Via Anon)

Damn, I missed it. Someone will get the screengrab though. Too funny.

S2N should negotiate a deal to blog the Monday night games.......AA can't be getting all the fun. (Via SS)

Hey, he had all the great games last year. It's only fair.

LT goes nowhere on first down but picks up about eight yards on a second down screen. 3rd and 1....first down. LT right up the middle. Tomlinson again and I think we know

"It's too small to matter, but it becomes the Achilles heel of the foot."- Tony Kornheiser

I'm so confused, but luckily Rivers hits Chambers down the middle for six and we don't have to hear any awkward laughing or silence.

24-14 Chargers and we've got a shootout.

9:34- I have to say that while I'm not LOVING this broadcast, it's certainly less annoying than last week's. I think ESPN might have actually discovered that the less Kornheiser talks....the better.

Jets ball and Castillo goes down. That's not good for a struggling D. You know what is good for a struggling D though? Brett Favre throwing passes directly to your secondary! Another pick for the Chargers D and they take over at the 45.

"Whose fault is it in that case?" - Tony Kornheiser

Come on Tony, you're an analyst. Why don't you tell us? (Via JFein)

Because he knows nothing about Football. 7 minutes to go and the Chargers offense is just chipping away at the Jets. 2nd and 4 and Sproles picks up a first.

"I'm not sure you can overstate this....they're 0-2."- Tony Kornheiser

If you have to preface a statement with that, then you already have. Rivers hits Tolbert over the middle and it'll be 3rd and short with 5 minutes to go. Timeout Chargers.

"We've head a penalty free first half to this point."- Mike Tirico
(about a 20 second pause)
"Well that's good."- Ron Jaworski
"Thank you for that."- Tony Kornheiser
"You like that in depth analysis?"- Ron Jaworski

TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS! Rivers to Gates and this one is getting ugly....

31-14 Chargers with 3:17 left.

9:53- Leon Washington again with a nice return and the Jets will get it at midfield. TJ gets about eight on the draw and Favre follows that up with a pass to Cotchery for the first down. 1st and 10 from the Charger 33 yard line. Favre hit Cotch again and that's the two minute warning. A penalty sends the Jets backwards and it's 2nd and 11...

Favre on the scramble and he slides after a three yard gain. Boy he just looked like a kid there didn't he? 3rd and 9....BLITZ! Sack and that hurts as Favre is dragged down out of field goal range. The Jets punt and it's downed inside the five. That'll probably do it for the half unless Norv wants to run it up....

31-14 Chargers at the Half. I'll see you in a new thread to start the second.

It still continues to amaze me that Baseball steroid users are sent into purgatory but with Football ones the transgression is almost forgotten entirely. But that's a discussion for another day. Shawne Merriman of your San Diego (Super)Chargers has just been hired by FSN to be an analyst for their Sunday Football show, Pro Football Preivew. Via the LA Times....

The Chargers linebacker will be an in-studio analyst for FSN's Pro Football Preview, which Fox says will be the first time a current player has served in a full-time capacity for any national pregame studio show for any sport.

The show will be taped in Los Angeles on Thursdays, and Merriman will be flown by private plane to and from San Diego so that he doesn't miss practices. He will be joined on the show by host Jay Glazer and analyst Eddie George.

"It is one thing to have somebody who played talk about what's going on each week, but to have somebody who is still playing takes our show to another level," Fox Senior Vice President Rick Jaffe said in a written statement. "The insight he will bring just raised the bar for every NFL pre-game show on television."

It's not really a new concept to have a player sit-in for a show or two during the season, but to have someone on every week on a national show, is a pretty big deal. I'm not the biggest Eddie George fan in the world, and I'm not sure how Glazer is as a host, but it might actually be worth checking out. Merriman might just be able to give some good middle of the season insight. Well unless he's cut of the Herm Edwards mold.

Chargers' Shawne Merriman will be in-studio analyst (LA Times)

The news that LT perhaps took himself out of the game is about a day old, but news of his verbal was with NFL Network's Deion Sanders is just hitting the airwaves. Early yesterday Sanders said that Tomlinson would be better off if he got offseason surgery and that's the only way he could get a "pass" with him.

Tomlinson is obviously not happy about the former DB's comments....

"He's never been a running back and had a sprained MCL," Tomlinson said. "You tell me what running back has played with a sprained MCL and been effective. You might go out there and try to limp around and play, but it's not going to happen. I don't know how information gets passed on, but until you talk to the source of the problem, what's going on with me, I think it's ridiculous when people make comments like that."

Tomlinson said he understands that teams don't like to let opponents know what's going on, and that it might lead to players' toughness being questioned.

"I think the funny thing to me is, all the things I've played with through my career and haven't missed a game, now all of a sudden I'm not tough?" he said. "You think I just wanted to sit on the sideline and not go, in the championship game? You think, me? Come on, man, that's ridiculous."

The thing about this isn't whether LT is tough (that's just stupid), or the fact that the media wasn't alerted. No it's that those comments came from a man who once sang this song....



Yeah...that guy is telling people how to live their lives. I don't think I ever even saw Deion make a tackle in the NFL. Sure he could defend like no other, but if someone actually caught the ball he wasn't going to be hitting them.

Rivers to Have Surgery (Associated Press)

All right, let's get ready, as the Pats will have the ball first this half.

Dan Marino just outdouched everyone by leaving his cell phone on while he was on air, and I'm sure Bill Cowher must have signed on as Billy Volek's agent.

Maroney takes the kickoff out to the 40 yard line for a good field position start. Brady to Moss, dropped. Out to Welker for nine, and Heath Evans gets the first down on the next rush. Maroney gets one yard on 1st down. Luis Castillo and Shaun Phillips get to Brady, taking him down for a three-yard loss on the sack. Brady picked again, this time by Drayton Florence on 3rd down when the ball gets tipped by Donte' Stallworth.

Rivers hits Jackson for one first down, has to throw it away on the next, and then hits Chambers for a spectacular catch on the sidelines. Turner burrows through to a 3rd and 1 on the next couple plays. Some quality Norv Face as Turner gets stuffed for a loss on that 3rd down. Here comes Kaeding again -- kick is up and good, 14-12, Pats.

Settle for less again, that's the Norval credo. Koolaid out to the 30 on the kickoff.

wah-wah-wawawawawawa. Chargers Red-Zone offense, I dub thee anticlimactic. - PM
Classic Norv Turner football. Field Goal Norv. - Hollywood Wags

Koolaid gets a huge hole on the left side for 18 on 1st down. A possible vaunted "halftime adjustment" by Coach Hobo. Time out burned, and Maroney gets nothing on the next carry. Brady to Moss, wide open for his first catch of the day and a 1st down. More construda from Maroney, who picks up another first down on the next play. Laurence goes for five more, picks up four on the carry after that -- may be a first down, not sure -- yes it is; first and goal. Nothing for Maroney on 1st, Brady hits Welker on 2nd down at the 2 yard line -- then Brady is picked again, this time by Antonio Cromartie.

Why Cromartie ran that out of the end zone, I don't know. Michael Turner gets 12 on the first rush.

Why, San Diego, must you keep teasing me? You know you're going to screw it up like every other team! Just do it so I can finish cleaning the house! - Anon

It's never a good idea to listen to Cowher when he talks about coaching in playoff games. It's like getting hooking up advice from Emo Phillips. - Hollywood Wags

Norv will get Rivers to drive down 80 yards only to kick another field goal. Or not, as the third down pass to Brandon Manumaleuna is incomplete. Welker lets the punt roll to the Pats' 37. One short play later, and the third quarter's over -- as are the bets of those of you out there who bet the Over today, I just have a bit riding on the Chargers to cover. Welker busts down the sideline after a quick pass for a first down. Maroney gets a big hole and gashes through (innuendo intended) for 20 yards, juking a couple Chargers on the way. Maroney then follows by taking a screen pass from Brady and laying the smacketh down on Marlon McCree with his shoulder.

Maroney gets a few for a first down, follows up with a yard to the SD 6.

Yeah, Simms. NE goes three-tight (coaches' decision) and the guy responsible for open space is Maroney. Quintessential Awful Announcing. - Ed

TOMMY TO WEL-KAH, TOUCHDOWN. Kick up and good, 21-12, Patriots.

Telling: San Diego is ahead in all major offensive categories save points in this game. The NORV! Effect in action, everyone. Sproles gets whacked at the 16. Rivers to Chambers for a first down across the 30. Marmalard heaves one incomplete on the next play, spikes it down while back in the pocket -- refs say Sproles was close enough to not make it grounding. Jackson gets serious air to catch the Rivers pass at the Pats' 48. Gates gets to the 40 with the catch. Turner rushes for the first.

Who gives a flying fuck about the Buick Invitational? Jim Nantz and CBS, that's who. He lapsed into Masters Mode for a second. Rivers' 2nd down pass is nearly picked by Rodney Harrison after Vince Wilfork gets a hand up to tip it. 3rd and 10 again. Harrison blitzes again and rushes a throw. Still rooting for Harrison to injure Marmalard further. Faulk fair catches the punt at the 12.

And the Oscar for Douchebag in a Melodrama goes toooooo: Philip Rivers!!! - PM

He was trying out for the Italian soccer team with that one earlier.

That Dallas Cowboys Diet Pepsi Max commercial just gets funnier now that they're out of the playoffs.

Tha utter team's kwadderback must go dahwn and he must go dahwn hahd. - jamescraven

Nice alias, Shannon. Maroney rumbles for another first down on the outside. Brady gets sacked hard back to the 16 by Stephen Cooper and Igor Olshansky. Faulk gets seven of those yards back, it'll be third and 11. Brady unloads, and Faulk lays himself out for a great catch -- and manages to roll for the first down. San Diego gets caught in a bad defensive position, and has to burn time out number 2.

Is that LT2 pulling a TO on the sideline? He's got his visor on still, but he hasn't played since the first series. Is it to hide the tears? - B

Like I said, Darth Tomlinson has seen General Turner fail him for the last time. Brady to Faulk AGAIN. Someone put a body on #33! Maroney picks up three.

More shots of Darth Tomlinson, who finds your lack of faith....disturbing. Maroney grabs six more crucial yards for another first down.

Okay, who wants Schottenheimer back in San Diego? - jamescraven

Don't go that far, James. Norval did get SD to the conference championship, which required winning a couple playoff games, which Marty didn't do in the Whale's Vagina. Maroney gets another first down rush for a few yards as the Bolts have completely caved, and that will basically end this fucker right here. 21-12, Patriots, and it's 18-0 for New England, heading to Glendale, Arizona in two weeks!

There will be an open thread for Giants-Packers, again, and I'll be around in the comments there.

Hello folks, S2N here with you for the AFC Championship game, and I'm still having a hard time believing that Jim Nantz is an award-winner of any sort.

Have some fun in comments with the pre-game, and I'll be back for the start of the game.
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Phil Simms is offending all sense of fashion yet again with that shirt and tie. Who picks that out for him?

Jesus, you'd think football players never played in the cold before. Windchills at 0, and....Steve Tasker as a sideline reporter? I'm guessing CBS didn't want to get caught without a sideliner for injury reports again after last week. Gostowski kicks off to Sproles, who's tackled at the 25 -- and here comes Marmalard. LDT gets three on his first carry and two on the second.

Does anyone else find it annoying when announcers say "last year's MVP vs. this year's MVP?" as if Tom Brady and LDT actually square off on the field, literally?

Anyway, incomplete on third down, and Mike Scifres kicks one back....and there's going to be a five yard flag for running into the punter. They'll try it again. Welker fair-catches the next punt at the 27. Brady overthrows Kyle Brady on first down -- no perfection for Tom Terrific. Koolaid Maroney gets only two yards on the 2nd down carry -- and Antonio Gates is going out of the game. Another incompletion, and it's trading 3 and outs.

Ed in comments says the Pats scored 13 of 17 times on first drives. Make that 13 0f 18 now. Sproles gets the punt back somewhere inside the 30 of SD. Rivers hits Chris Chambers for 20 something and they're at the 43. Michael Turner gets 5 to the 49. Going to Chambers again past midfield. Asante Samuel knocks down the pass headed for Vincent Jackson. Short pass to LDT for a yard or two, as Gates is back in the game. Rodney Harrison comes up on the blitz and rushes Rivers into a 3rd and 9 incompletion -- and he just juked LDT, who was trying to pass-block. Kevin Faulk is back for the punt -- fair catch at the 10.

First play is a rush hit behind the line of scrimmage for a loss. Wes Welker makes up that loss on the next play with a catch and the yards after at the 20. Pressure on Brady, hurled downfield, and we've got a flag for illegal contact on Quentin Jammer -- and that one was a legit call past five yards. Maroney gets nothing on the next carry. Brady to Ben Watson for nine, but 3rd and 1 is incomplete after that. We've seen Chris Hanson twice now, very early. Sproles gets it back to the 39 of San Diego.

I FUCKING HATE THIS MCDONALD'S AD. I hate that they're playing the long version of this, with that lame ass song.

Michael Turner gets a first down right off the bat and back to midfield with the rush. He then gets four more on the next carry. Rivers throws a floater out of bounds towards Jackson that hasn't come down yet. Marmalard gets sacked by the former Charger Junior Seau -- plus a holding call on SD, which is declined. Scifres comes out to punt again. Touchback for the Patriots.

Looks like Ted Cottrell watched the film from the Pats-Ravens game. The one where, y'know, they put pressure on Brady. - randomranting

Amazing concept, isn't it? Put pressure on the QB and make them rush their decisions! And, we have tangible results! Quentin Jammer picks Dreamboat right off the bat. Turner rushes for five -- and is brought down with a 15-yard face mask. Chambers ropes in a good catch there to make it first and goal at the 9. Turner gets a yard. 2nd down brings a pass to Lorenzo Neal, which isn't in his vicinity. Rivers hits Chambers in the end zone, but it's called incomplete -- he was out of bounds by plenty. Nate Kaeding on...it's up and through.

Chargers 3, Patriots 0. If this is the SD offense, god help them if the Patriots get it straight on O.

Brady and Co. start at the 35. Welker gets nine on the catch. Brady overthrows Randy Moss for a 3rd and 1. Heath Evans pumbles through for 3 yards and a first down.

Jesus Tapdancing Christ, Nancy Boy. That's an end-around that Moss ran, not a reverse. Simms, you should fucking correct him. Out to Faulk on the screen for four yards, Stallworth for five more to close out the first quarter. Maroney gets that first down with a seven yard run to the outside. First and goal is a short one to Faulk with a touchdown saving tackle by Eric Weddle.

Koolaid Maroney does an "OH YEAH!" and busts through the pile for six. Gostowski's kick is good, 7-3, New England.

Let the running up of the score commence....Sproles brings the kickoff back to the 30. Jackson hauls one in for 15. A "coach's decision" to keep LDT out? Norv Turner has had his first NORV! moment. Jackson nabs another one for 17 yards -- someone will be stupid enough to waste an early fantasy pick on him next season. Turner gets the next two carries and we've got 3rd and 1. Jackson again for 21 at the nine yard line. Rivers rolls out on 2nd down and tries to hit Gates -- and Tedy Bruschi makes a solid defensive play on that one. Rivers hits Chambers -- but Ellis Hobbs just took his legs out from under him, and here comes Kaeding again. His kick is good, 7-6, Patriots.

Again, this is going to look real bad if the Patriots get end zone on this next drive, and to quote PM, the NE O-line got themselves unfucked on the last drive -- so that doesn't bode well.

Nantz is great as lead announcer of the NE broadcast team. - Anon

+1.

Pats starting at the 40. Left Faulk WIDE FUCKING OPEN and he gets 13 yards into Bolts territory. Koolaid takes three tacklers with him for five yards. Welker gets a short catch on the next play. Quentin Jammer knocks down the third down pass to force fourth down, and Dateline NBC is out to punt. Kelley Washington makes a nice special teams play, batting the ball back and it's downed at the 4.

LDT looks like Darth Tomlinson on the sidelines all bundled up. Turner gets seven yards on the first two carries. Sproles gets 4 for the first down. Rivers gets smacked up HARD, threw a rainbow ball, and Asante Samuel beat out Chris Chambers for the ball -- he runs it back a bit, too. Nice hit by Vrabel, and sloppy by Chambers for not keeping position on Samuel.

Brady to Faulk for 13, then Brady to Jabar Gaffney for END ZONE. Extra point good, 14-6, Patriots.

That was promptly followed by a nice Marmalard face and vintage, vintage NORV! Face.

"The Patriots are too good at throwing and catching and getting up the field." - PS, master of the obvious. Sproles gets very little on the first play -- and if I were LDT, I'd be plotting Norval's death in the locker room come halftime. ANOTHER RIVERS PICK, this time via Ellis Hobbs, who fumbles and Samuel falls on it.

Kevin Faulk gets eight yards on some good blocking as NE tries to get all the way for a killer score before the half. Two minute warning.

IBM just showed a clip of Steve Smith making an amazing play for the Panthers. That had to be from last season or something.

Jim Nantz just mentioned that the Giants-Packers game was on Fox. This would not be notable except for the fact that announcers never mention another network. Welker incomplete, punt to Sproles, he's out at the SD 35. Darren Sproles busts one out -- gets about 30+ or so into NE territory, and they're reviewing the play.

"That made sense to you, right?" - Phil
"I've been around you long enough to be able to interpret." - Jim

Accidental truths revealed. Ball stays with SD, Rivers hits Gates for 8. Sproles gets stopped on the pass a yard shy of the first down. Chargers burn the last time out. Rivers rolls and throws out of bounds with no one open. Kaeding on for the FG, and Coach Hobo calls a time out to ice the shite playoff kicker that Kaeding is. Kick is good from 40 yards out, 14-9, Patriots. But the Pats will still get the ball back to start the second half -- job's not done there.

See you in the 2nd half thread, everyone.

The pent up aggression, the trash-talking, the yelling.....this video explains it all....

He just wasn't getting that release. We are the strength of the Country and I finally understand.....well everything but where the second "L" in your first name went.

Philip Rivers Is A C**K Blocker, Big-Time