NBC 7 Sports Director Jim Laslavic and I get together every week to talk Chargers football and the issues of the week in the NFL.
This week we talk about Sunday’s not-so-convincing win over the Oakland Raiders, injury updates and what it will take to make the playoffs.
Here are Five Questions with Laz:
1. Can you remember another game where the punters were that big of a story?
Not really. Mike Scifres (Chargers) and Marquette King (Raiders) each punted nine times. Neither had a touchback. Scifres averaged 42.2 yards and did a great job pinning the Raiders deep in their own territory.
King, averaged just under 50 yards, with a long punt of 62 yards. It was a field position game – a throwback kind of a game.
Scrifres has never made it to a Pro Bowl, but he is easily among the best in the game again this season.
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2. Which of the key players coming back from injury were you most impressed with?
Hands down, Ryan Mathews. He showed a great burst. His numbers were solid: 16 carries for 70 yards. But when he had some running room, he showed a great burst of speed.
He seemed to slow down late in the game. He needs to be in top form for the rest of the season.
On defense, all three linebackers played well enough. It’s sometimes overlooked how much of a coordinated effort it takes to play defense.
It’s important to have fresh bodies out there this time of year. They all need to play well for the team to have any chance over the next six games. Again, they played well enough against a bunch of players who are in midseason form.
3. The Broncos and Chiefs both looked mortal on Sunday. What does that do for the Chargers' chances of winning the division?
They’re one game out of first place in the AFC West with six to play. Not bad at all. But keep an eye on the Chiefs. The played well yesterday, beating the Seahawks.
The Chiefs’ defense has allowed the fewest points in the AFC. They get to play Oakland twice over the final month and a half. They also have games at Arizona and Pittsburgh and host the Broncos and Chargers. So like all three teams still in the chase in the AFC West, they still have a lot of work to do.
Last year, three teams made it to the playoffs out of the division. I said before the season, it’s likely only one will advance this year. I’m sticking with that prediction.
4. Just how badly do you think Philip Rivers has been hurting?
I’ll give the company line: I’m not a doctor so I can’t comment. I do know this: He is one tough guy. All the great quarterbacks are smart and tough.
My teammate Dan Fouts was that way. He was the toughest guy on the roster. Same for Philip.
It’s never good to talk about injuries. The less said, the better. The Saints got in trouble a few years back for “targeting” players. It happens all the time. As a player, we always knew the opponent’s injuries. The coaches would review them with us on an almost daily basis.
If you had a chance to gang tackle, you were encouraged to take the best shot possible.
5. That's now been three straight sub-par performances all around. Time to panic?
Here’s the deal. They need to get tougher up front on both sides of the football. Take care of the football and play defense.
To be a champion you must practice like a champ. Prepare like a champ. Play like a champ.
This team still has a chance to beat some good teams and make a playoff run. But again, it’s a line of scrimmage game. And right now, they’re not tough enough up front.
