Though I can sort of appreciate Norv Turner’s attempts to change the subject to Bud Black’s crap managing down the stretch during today’s postgame press conference, with the possible exceptions of the Saints and Iggles, the formerly formidable Bolts look like ’07’s biggest bust. The San Diego Union Tribune’s Bernie Wilson surveys the scene at Qualcomm after the Charges’ 30-16 loss to K.C., a result that left many observers’ faves for a conference title trailing the Raiders.
QB Phillip Rivers was mercilessly booed in the second half. Those fans who weren’t streaming out of the stadium showed their displeasure by chanting œMarty! Marty! Marty! late in the game, an obvious reference to Marty Schottenheimer, who was fired in February due to his icy relationship with general manager A.J. Smith, and replaced with Norv Turner.
œThey pay their money, said a frustrated LaDainian Tomlinson, the reigning league MVP who doubled his season output by rushing for 132 yards and one score, only to see his Chargers lose their third straight game to fall to 1-3, one more loss than they had under Schottenheimer last regular season.
œThey have a right to voice their opinion, just like everybody else, he said. œThey showed their frustration with us, the way we’ve been playing. I can’t say that I blame them.
œThis thing is getting away from us, and before you know it, you’ll look back six or seven weeks from now and say, ‘What happened?’ said Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal. œWe have to stop it now. Bottom line, someone has got to step up and say, ‘It has to stop now.’ If you continue by saying, ‘It’s going to get better,’ you’re living a pipe dream.
For the 2nd week in a row, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt pulled QB Matt Leinart in favor of Kurt Warner. And while Leinart did return in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ 21-14 upset of previously unbeaten Pittsburgh, there’s no point in speculating who’ll start against the Rams next week. After all, as Brenda might remind us, whoever gets the gig, it’s all part of God’s plan.