L.T., Chargers looking for light bulb to turn on

By Adam Sweeney  |   Tuesday, October 07, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

San Diego Chargers
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Forget the economic fallout -- the San Diego Chargers are having a crisis of their own. They're now 2-3 after a shocking butt-kicking delivered by the Miami Dolphins last Sunday and could be 1-4 if not for a miraculous fourth-quarter comeback in Oakland in Week 4.

Commentary: The Chargers were picked by many to win the AFC before the season, but that prediction is ringing empty these days. The Chargers have looked flat, most notably on defense, for nearly the whole season. The loss of Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman -- who had season-ending knee injury -- was expected to hurt, but not in a manner this big (the Chargers are giving up 25.8 points per game). The defense has been helped by Philip Rivers and an offense that averages 29.8 points per game, but the barn-burner affairs aren't exactly what the team had in mind.

"This is not the kind of football team we want to play," running back LaDainian Tomlinson said after Sunday's loss.

All isn't lost for the Chargers, who had the same slow start last season before making it all the way to the AFC championship game. That will probably come as little consolation to a squad that finds itself looking for answers heading into a Sunday night road battle versus bitter rival New England (3-1).

Fan Pulse: Some backers of the Bolts think L.T. should demand a trade, while others believe he is a big part of the problem in San Diego: http://forums.chargers.com/showthread.php?t=58964.

Fantasy Football Commentary: It's been a hit-or-miss season for Tomlinson, who was the No. 1 pick over the summer in most fantasy leagues. Tomlinson only got five points in standard formats Sunday as he ran for 35 yards on 12 carries. Tomlinson owners most likely expected a more consistent effort from the Pro Bowler, but that might be hard to come by as he fights through a toe injury.

Injury Watch: Wide receiver Chris Chambers suffered an ankle sprain on the final play of the game in Miami. He is questionable for Sunday's tilt in New England.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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