San Diego: A look ahead to Week 4

By Ben McCoy  |   Saturday, September 23, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

San Diego Chargers
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If you haven't taken notice of the San Diego Chargers this season, it's time to give up the Sunday afternoon Charles Bronson movie marathons and watch some real butt kicking.

After Week 2, the Chargers have outscored their opponents 67-7; and have collected two interceptions and nine sacks - while giving up zero to opposing teams. While most may argue that such a stellar performance can be simply attributed to ease of schedule thus far, the Chargers meet with the defensively-endowed Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 after their bye this weekend.

Staying dominant for 60 minutes, one week at a time, comes down to the key playmakers and their ability to perform at a higher level while tightening the screws where needed.

QB Philip Rivers: Alright, Phil, you've already sent the first-year starter detractor crowd back to their parents' basement to try and come up with somebody else to pick on. You've got a great attitude, excellent field vision and one heck of an arm. However, where the Raiders and Titans defenses choked and sputtered, the Ravens are already watching film of you in some dark room, rubbing their hands together and foaming at the mouth.

As of Week 2, they've got your team's nine sacks matched, and have amassed four more picks as a defensive unit. Keep your eyes up field and watch the check down route. Take advantage of the safeties stepping up in the box by using play action, screen passes and maybe even some option plays. Last, but certainly not least, depend on the constantly churning legs as well as the reliable hands of LaDainian Tomlinson to keep the sticks moving.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson: It's all about north and south, LT. Big No. 52 lives and breathes for hitting guys like you with a history of ruining teams' defensive stat sheets. Ray Lewis and the rest of Baltimore's front seven are fast, and have already established their ability to get into the backfield rather efficiently. Look for holes out on the edge, mix it up and turn it up field - they can't tackle what they can't catch. On passing plays, get open in the flat; expect seven to 10 receptions in this contest.

LT Marcus McNeill: This is the type of game where you're either a hero or a zero. The Ravens have been consistently bringing the sack attack to your side of the line. ROLB Bart Scott leads the team with three sacks with RDE Terrell Suggs close behind with two. You and your O-line mates must close the gaps and protect the backfield. Sacks cause turnovers and turnovers win or lose football games. There isn't a better way to garner respect throughout the league than keeping the Ravens off your quarterback and allowing him to make big plays in the pocket.

OL Shawne Merriman: Consistency, consistency, consistency. You've made some bold, if not premature, statements about how you perceive yourself as a legend in the making. You're putting up some great numbers thus far, but only time will tell. Be a team member first and foremost, and let that aspect serve as a key witness to your personal accomplishments. In Week 4, the top of the box will be a particularly active area. Baltimore utilizes an efficient tight end package consisting of odd Heap and Daniel Wilcox - not to mention a greedy Jamal Lewis rushing the ball into your territory. The defense is looking up to you as a leader. Turn it up on Oct. 1 and show the Ravens what real defense is.

FS Marlon McCree: Stop the big plays from materializing. As one of your biggest proponents, I know how much potential you have as a leader and playmaker. You're going to have to step it up against Baltimore and help the corners contain Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams in the deep field as well as assist the front seven in sealing the gaps. This could be the game where you add a pick or two to the stat sheet as quarterback Steve McNair is pressured in the backfield.

This is going to be the contest of the week as both teams vie for defensive dominance in the league. Look for San Diego to make the necessary adjustments on both offense and defense to put this one into the win column. Final Score: SD 17; BAL 13
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