This game will be the first test for both of these teams.  The combined record this season of the Chargers and Ravens opponents is 0-13!

The Chargers will try to run the football on the Ravens.  LaDainian Tomlinson (202 yards) will be a major test fot the Ravens Front 7 that hasn’t faced a running back of his caliber.  The Chargers are averaging 217.0 yards rushing per game, but the Ravens only allow 34.3 yards rushing per game and 1.8 yards per carry.  Something has to give here.  The Chargers have done a good job pass blocking as they haven’t allowed a sack this season, but the Ravens already have 16 sacks.  The Ravens will try to stop the Chargers run game and force Philip Rivers (105.2 QB rating) to beat them.

The Ravens will try to run the ball against the rugged Chargers defense.  Jamal Lewis needs to have a good game to slow the Chargers pass rush that has 9 sacks in two games this season.  Steve McNair led a great comeback against the Browns last week, but he took a physical beating.  McNair will probably be successful throwing to his buddy Derrick Mason (16 rec, 228 yards).

This should be a hard-hitting, low-scoring football game.  I think the Ravens will win a close game, because the Ravens defense will make Philip Rivers made at least one huge mistake.

Michael Turner has been super so far this season.  He’s basically just been playing in the second half the last two weeks, but he already has 175 yards rushing on 23 carries (7.6 ypc).  The Chargers always knew he had big-time talent and resisted when teams like the Jets were calling about making a trade for him.  Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make.

The Chargers have had what amounts to two practice games the last two weeks.  The Raiders & Titans are probably the worst two teams in the league.  The Chargers definately can use the extra week off to prepare for the Ravens game in Baltimore next weekend.

QB Philip Rivers has been very efficient so far this season.  Rivers has completed 71.7% of his passes and has a QB rating of 107.4.  Rivers will have to throw some next week, because they won’t be able to run wild on the Ravens.

 

For being the best defensive team and becoming a offensive powerhouse, the Chargers get no respect!!! They are picked to finsh 7th in the AFC.  I am looking forward to seeing them kicking some Raven ass next week, Ill bet they get some respect then!!!LIGHTS OUT!!!!

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My wife and I are attending the game in seattle and am curious if there is any place to look for tix where we might be amongst fellow boltheads?

Keith in Portland

This is a great move for the Chargers.  All they gave up was a conditional 5th or 6th round pick in next year’s draft.  Volek will immediately be the #2 QB, moving Charlie Whitehurst down to #3.  Volek has played in 25 games (10 starts) and has completed 60.3% of his passes for 3,505 yards with 26 TDs and 13 INT.  Volek has a career QB rating of 86.9.

The Chargers did whatever they wanted on the field Sunday against the Titans.  Philip Rivers got to throw some passes, completing 25 of 35 (71.4%) for 235 yards and a TD.  LaDainlian Tomlinson carried the ball 19 times for 71 yards (3.7 ypc) and 2 TDs, he also caught 7 passes for 51 yards (7.3 avg).  Michael Turner ran the ball 13 times for 138 yards (10.6 ypc).  Back-up QB Charlie Whitehurst ran the ball once and it was a 14 yard TD.  WR Keenan McCardell caught 5 passes for 58 yards (11.6 avg).  Antonio Gates caught 4 passes for 55 yards (13.8 avg).  Vincent Jackson caught 2 passes for 15 yards and a TD.

The defense just beat on the Titans.  The Titans ran the ball 19 times for 55 yards (2.9 ypc).  The Titans only completed 34.2% of their passes for 163 net yards passing.

This is a tough match-up for the Titans.  The Titans will try to run the ball with Chris Brown and Travis Henry, to slow the Chargers pass rush that was relentless last week.  The Chargers had 9 sacks last week, and when Kerry Collins is forced to throw too early he throws pickoffs.  If Collins has time, David Givens and Drew Bennett will get open against the Chargers average corners.

The Chargers will try to do what they did last week, run the ball and protect Philip Rivers from having to make too many tough throws.  LaDainian Tomlinson will have a field day against the Titans defense that is week against the run.  TE Antonio Gates is a mis-match for the safeties also.

This will be as bad as the Chargers want to make it.

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