Five Questions with… BoltTalk.com

Curtis over at BoltTalk.com agreed to answer a few questions on the state of the Chargers. You can find his answers below.

1. What is the state of Chargers fans after the team’s disappointing 1-3 start?

Lets get right to it. The only way to put it is shocked and awed. There is a lot of disappointment as you could guess in the ranks of San Diego’s fans. Many of the fans expected much more from this team, for myself I expected them to be competitive and have the intensity and consistency that they have been lacking so far this season. It is difficult to enjoy a season like the ’06 season and then stomach a start like we have seen this season.

The good thing though is that the season isn’t over, they can right the ship still, but they have to start this weekend and it is no easy task to win at Invesco Field. The Broncos fans are rabid and loud, also the Chargers have not won in Denver, back to back seasons since before the AFL and NFL merger.

But I guess the bottom line is, though they haven’t shined like expected we are still supporting the Chargers, and not many that I know has given up. There is still a gleam, but we have to squint more to see it.

2. Is Norv Turner really to blame?

Well that is a big topic of debate in Boltsville right now. But you have to ask yourself, what has changed between last season, and this one? The Coaches are the major change. Is it all Turner, I think that would be short sighted to say, but that is a major part of it, in my opinion.

The players do not seem as focused or prepared as they were last season, of course a scheme change can do that to a football team. We will have to wait and see what our record looks like going into the bye week to really be able to judge this one fully.

3. Everyone knows about Ladainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman. Tell us who the #2 MVPs are on the Chargers squad on both sides of the ball.

Offense:
I will have to go with the Big Boy Tight End, Antonio Gates. He has been the consistent player of the offensive unit this season. He catches everything, and is seeing much more multiple defender coverages. He leads the teams pass catchers with 376 yards and is on a break neck pace with touchdowns.

Tony Gonzales just tied Broncos Great, Shannon Sharp’s record for Tight End touchdowns with his 62. Antonio Gates is on track to demolish that record, and after less than 5 seasons of play is halfway to doing just that with 36 career touchdowns.

Gates is as constant as the North Star, and this season Chargers Quarterback, Phillip Rivers is relying on him more. However, at this point I think it could be argued that he is the Chargers offensive MVP, and Running Back, LaDanian Tomlinson is the #2 MVP.

Defense:
It would have to be ‘The Other Guy’ Shaun Philips. He currently leads the team with 4 sacks and has 14 solo tackles. He has the speed to come off the corner and get to a Quarterback to disrupt the play. I still think San Diego has one of the better line backing corps in the league, and it is players with the ability and talent like Shaun Philips who makes me believe that.

Shaun has continued to improve each season in the league, and in only his second season as a starter, and his fourth season total he has already registered 26 career sacks. He is the beneficiary of playing opposite of Shawne Merriman, and he does take advantage of that, he is a good reliable tackler who isn’t afraid to put a hit on someone.

4. Whenever the Broncos and Chargers square off in Mile High, it’s been special. The past two years the team that led big at halftime ended up losing. What are your expectations for the game this Sunday in Denver?

Even with the Chargers struggling I look for a good game, these two teams play each other well. As divisional rivals they know each other well also. This is not going to be a giveaway game at all. The Chargers come in with their running game back on track, going against a Broncos defense that has not been very good against the run this season, currently ranking 31st in the league against the run.

But Denver brings a very respectable passing attack which will challenge the Chargers secondary that ranks 27th in the league. It is a game of opposites almost. The Chargers will have to shut down the pass, something they have not been very good at this season, while the Broncos will have to shut down the run, which they have not been very good at.

The key however will be turnovers. Both Quarterbacks have more interceptions than touchdowns so far this season. The game could be decided on which team protects the ball and their passer the most.

I think it will be a good game, may the best team win!

5. The AFC West is a bit of a muddled mess right now. The Chiefs and Raiders are less talented teams who are playing better than expected. The Broncos and Chargers have more talent but aren’t putting it out on the field. Thus, the first teams are on winning streaks, the latter two on losing skids. How do you see this division shaking out in the end, and how do you expect your Chargers will finish when all is said and done?

This division is going to come down to the final week in my opinion. No team is going to run away with this. Even the Raiders are looking better. The Chargers will have to get on track this week if they want to stay in the race. A Denver win gives them two wins in the division and that could be huge.

I still think the division comes down between the Chargers and the Broncos.

Thanks again to Curtis for taking the time to answer these questions!