W.V. Chargers
I am a firm believer in being a good fan. What good fans should do during the playoffs is verbally engage the opposing team’s fans with good-natured jabs, never punching below the belt. Good fans do not take personal shots at an enemy fan’s city or question the manhood of another fan base. I like to think of myself as a good fan, and my original intent was to use this space today to offer a simple, “good luck this weekend - you’re going down!” to Charger fans. I wasn’t going to take any cheap shots, or talk about the fact that their city’s greatest claim to modern fame is either its zoo or Ron Burgundy.
But I gotta tell you, I’ve had it with these San Diego-ites (-uns? San Diegons?)
For starters, let’s talk about the team’s decision earlier this week to limit ticket sales to Southern California residents only, trying to block Pats fans from attending the game.
“Our goal has always been to fill our stadium with Charger fans and supporters of the team,” said Bill Johnston , a Chargers spokesman. “This also helps give our team the best home-field advantage possible.”
Translated: “The San Diego Chargers are worried that Qualcomm stadium will be over-run with Patriots fans, which will ruin our team’s home field advantage. We have decided to give ourselves an advantage to offset the fact that Patriot fans are more numerous and dedicated than our own.”
That’s just weak. You have to artificially ‘assist’ your own home-field advantage? Is this a small market team’s version of steroids or Cialis? In all my years as a Red Sox fan, despite all the suffering the Yankees inflicted on us, never once did the brain trust over at Yawkey Way decide to ban the sale of tickets to Brooklyn residents, or guys who’s last name ended with ‘y’ (Joey, Mikey, Nicky, etc). Instead, their fans came up from the Bronx, beat the crap out of us, and went home. That’s how it’s goes in sports sometimes. Did it suck? Yes. Did we complain about it (excessively)? Sure. But you don’t yank the ball away, you don’t go crying to your mommy, and you certainly don’t tell the other team’s fans their not invited to the big game.
Now, I was going to give the Charger faithful a mulligan on this one, but then they followed up with another beauty on Wednesday by hosting the (and I’m not making this up), “Chargers Playoff Power Rally” outside Qualcomm Stadium. Well that’s nice. I remember we had one of those for the Patriots back in ‘97, and it was a good time. Although I think it was a bit different….hmmm…. I wonder why…oh, that’s right, because it was before the SUPER BOWL. You know, I’d cut them some slack if it was the AFC Championship Game, but a pep-rally before the Divisional Round? Seriously? Come on guys - this is the NFL, not Dillon High School. Hope you kids had enough smores and soda pop for everyone.
But what really made me snap was a website. If you clicked on the above link, you noticed that I got the story from this Charger’s fan site: www.glorifythepast.com. Wait a minute - Glorify The Past?! WHAT PAST?! YOU HAVEN’T WON ANYTHING!! Are you @#$%&* kidding me?! If it was a Steelers, Packers or Cowboys site, I could understand it, but a Chargers site? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard! What’s next - a Raiders site at www.tuckrule.com? A Bills site at www.musiccitymiracle.com? A Lions site at www.millen4ever.com?
Honestly - what are you celebrating?! That 49-26 thrashing you guys took in Super Bowl XXIX? The Dan Henning era? Ryan Leaf? This lady?!
Say what you want about Jets fans, but I’m fairly certain that Fireman Ed doesn’t dress up a poodle in a Vilma jersey and green boa (well, then again…).
Finally, I can’t even begin to address the musical catastrophe that is the San Diego Super Chargers Song. One can only assume it’s the result of some hell-spawn conceived by members of Kool & the Gang and Sister Sledge after a drunken night in Tijuana. Fortunately for you, the Chargers web site still has this 70’s relic posted on their website, so you can all sing along. Here’s a sample:
We’ve got a plan,
We’re gonna do it for our super fans.
All we seek,
Is the goal line to victory.
We’ll ignite you, excite you
With high voltage play.
We won’t let up a minute,
We’re going all the way - all the way!
You’d better believe that we’re Super Charger Gay!
OK, so I made the last line up, but by now I think you get my point. There’s only so much horrific behavior you can take before that ‘being a good fan’ logic goes right out the window. So here’s the deal, you Son’s of Burgundy:
Start acting like your boy LT does when he puts it in the end zone, and behave like you’ve been here before (or at least know what the playoffs are). Stop being a baby about your ticket sales, don’t throw premature pep-rallies, stop using fan songs inspired by the Village People, don’t use the picture of a Chevy Camaro as your Avatar on your ridiculously named fan site (I’m talking to you, BOLTRON), and for the love of god, leave the dogs alone. You’re NFL fans - start acting like one!
By the way, if you Chargers fans want to defend any of these items with a coherent argument, please do so. Put down the Pina Colada, retract the pinky, and bring it on.
I leave you Bolt Buddies with a video that gives your city the name it so richly deserves. I can’t wait to watch the Dynasty shred the WV Chargers on Sunday! Enjoy, and “for all of us here at Channel 4, I’m Ron Burgundy….go @#$& yourself, San Diego!”
“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale’s vagina.”
(Note: for those of you visiting for the first time, please note that I’ve posted a follow-up article to this piece where I grade some of the hate mail I received from Charger fans. Click here for that page.)
Playoffs, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Ron Burgundy, Charger Fans, Glorify The Past, Chargers Playoff Rally
January 12th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
First, thanks for the huge traffic you gave us from your column. You’ll be happy to know I got 2 (count ‘em) 2 clicks.
Obviously, our idea of a fansite is not what you like. Win or lose, we have our team, and like to honor the members of our past teams.
BTW, the full name of the site is Glorify the Past…Live for the Present.
Looking forward to seeing another 2 visits funneled thru your blog. Holy crap, the traffic you must have!
Enjoy Sunday
g
January 12th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Dude, you don’t know what you’re talking about. The “fans” that you are describing are typical band-wagon fans. We hardcore Charger fans know that its not gonna be a breeze heading into the playoffs. Shut your mouth if you don’t know what you’re talking about! And what does Glorify the Past have anything to do with your logic? We did have some great years in the past, and thats what most fans have had to live on till now.
Just because you’re a little scared that you have to face the Bolts this weekend, doesn’t mean you need to target all Bolt fans everywhere.
Up yours,
CB
January 12th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
That appeared to be an awful lot of effort to produce something content-free. Let me create the Reader’s Digest version of this article.
I am fed up with San Diego.
They sold tickets to their own fans.
They held a prep rally.
They have a strangely named website
Refute that Charger fans!
Uh. Ok. you got us. I feel so inadequate.
Dude, have some chowder and clams and chill.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Kindof a punk arent you Brian? I mean, starting your little screed here talking about how a “true” fan should behave, then proceeding to obliterate your own professed rules of true fanship siting such shallow, flimsy tantrum throwing reasons is very womanly of you. Also, I just adore the way you write your piece here as though you have an audience. It’s adorable. Tell you what Brian, I will dry those tears on your first grievance. Come to San Diego this weekend, if you can beat my little sister in a fist fight you can have my ticket. Point two. A pep rally? That’s us SoCal’ers throwing a party in open support of our beloved team. In case you didnt know it, the weather doesnt suck balls here like it does in your lame ass little corner. Believe me francine, you’d be throwin a party too if it was 72* in the winter where you’re fingering your ass right now. As for your third reason for abondoning your own written rules like a total vagina, it would do your aspiring online sports journalism career some justice to learn some critical thinking skills. Glorify the Past…Live for the Present. You telling me that you see no glory in any of the seasons that your team didnt win it all? We both know that isnt true. Suggestion for your cute little set of rules kiddo: back your team regardless of how many Lombardi’s they have. Looking forward to seeing Brady run off the field after the game without shaking a hand again like the classless little bitch that he is. Oh, and hey Bri? Go get another one of your mom’s tampons, your ass is leaking again princess. And by the way, before you get all emotional about all of my below-the-belt jabs, which is truly uncharacteristic of me, lets try to remember that it was YOU who threw the rules of respect out the window. Can you do that? Thanks, your a peach. Smooches.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I remember the pre Brady days of the PATTSIES too!
Here are some nice things to glorify!
1961
After beating the Texans in Dallas 26-10, the Chargers made their San Diego debut, as they crushed the Oakland Raiders 44-0 at Balboa Stadium. The Chargers would stay hot winning their first 11 games to easily capture the Western Division Title. However, after losing 2 of their last 3 games the Chargers limped into the AFL Championship Game, as they were beaten by the Houston Oilers 10-3 before a disappointed crowd of 29,556 at Balboa Stadium.
1962
After the departure of QB Jack Kemp the Chargers turn to John Hadl, who struggles with turnovers, as the Chargers endure an injury plague season in which 23 players miss at least 2 games with injures, on the way to a disappointing 4-10 season.
1963
The Chargers bounce back with Tobin Rote having an outstanding season at Quarterback passing for 2,510 yards, many of which came courtesy of WR AFLance Alworth who scores 11 Touchdowns while collect 1,205 receiving yards, as he earns AFL Player of the Year honors. Led by Alworth and Rote the Chargers recapture the West with a solid 11-3 record. In the AFL Championship Game at Balboa Stadium the Chargers slaughter the Boston Patriots 51-10 as RB Keith Lincoln accounts for 349 yards in total offense.
1964
John Hadl reclaims the starting job at Quarterback, as the Chargers take control of the Western Division early by getting off to a solid 7-2-1. However, the injury bug would bite at the end of the season as the Chargers lost 3 of their final 4 games. However, the early start was good enough as the Chargers won the West for the 4th time in 5 years with an 8-5-1. In the Championship Game already playing without Lance Alworth due to a knee injury the Chargers lose RB Keith Lincoln in the first Quarter to a rib injury as the Chargers are beaten by the Bills 20-7 in Buffalo.
1965
The Chargers continue to be the best in the west as the win their 5th Western Division Title in 6 years with a 9-2-3 record as RB Paul Lowe and WR Lance Alworth finish 1-2 in AFL Player of the Year voting. However, in the AFL Championship Game at Balboa Stadium the Chargers are beaten by the Buffalo Bills again 23-0.
1966
After a solid 4-0 start the Chargers start to struggle winning just 1 of their next 7 games as their hopes for a Division Championship Died. The Chargers would go on to finish win 3rd Place with a disappointing 7-6-1 record.
1967
The Chargers open the brand new state of the state of the art San Diego Stadium with a solid 28-14 win over the Boston Patriots. However, the most memorable game at the new stadium came on October 15th when Speedy Duncan had a career day by collecting 203 return yards, (35 on a fumble recovery for a touchdown, 68 on 4 kickoff returns, and 100 for a TD on the longest interception return in AFL history) as the Chargers defeat Kansas City 45-31. The game was the highlight of an impressive 8-1-1 start. However, the Chargers would come crashing down ass they fell out of first place with a 4-game losing streak to end their season with a disappointing 8-5-1 record.
1968
The Chargers get off to another solid start winning 8 of their first 10 games. However, for the 3rd year in a row they fade down the stretch losing 3 of their final 4 games on the way to finishing 3rd with a 9-5 record.
1969
Playing although early schedule the Chargers get off to a slow start as their playoff hopes fade during a 4-6 start. However, in a reversal of previous season they finish the season on a solid note winning their last 4 games to finish with an 8-6 record. Following the season Coach Sid Gillman is forced to step down due to health concerns he would remain on as GM.
1970
Now led by Coach Charlie Waller the Chargers struggle out of the gate going winless through their first 4 games. The Chargers would bounce back with a 5 game unbeaten streak. However, they would fade down the stretch winning just once to finish with a disappointing 5-6-3 record. Following the season Waller is demoted to Offensive Coach as Sid Gillman returns to his post after stepping down as GM.
1971
Sid Gillman’s 2nd stint lead the Chargers never got off the ground, as the club struggled losing 4 of their first 5 games. The Chargers would turn it around by winning 3 of their next 4, but after a gut wrenching 34-33 loss to the Raiders in Oakland, Gillman would resign. General Manager Harland Svare would run the team the rest of the way as the Chargers finished with a 6-8 record.
1972
In Harland Svare’s first full season as coach the Chargers enter a rebuilding mode as the GM-Coach engineers 21 trades in 221 days. Consequently, the Chargers would not so much spark on the field finishing with a 4-9-1 record, as QB John Hadl struggles with interceptions all season. Following the season Hadl would be dealt the Los Angeles Rams.
1973
The Chargers acquire legendary QB Johnny Unitas to replace John Hadl, and to tutor rookie Dan Fouts. However, there is no magic left in the legendary quarterback’s arm as he completes just 34 passes for 471 yards. Fouts would take over, but would struggle with turnovers as the Chargers got off to a 1-6-1 start leading Harland Svare to step down as coach. His replacement Ron Waller would no do much better winning just 1 of 6 as the Chargers finished with a terrible 2-11-1 record.
1974
The Chargers get a new coach and a new look, as Tommy Prothro takes over on the field the Chargers switch from white to blue helmets. However, QB Dan Fouts still struggles with turnovers as the Charger lose 6 of their first 7 games. However, the team would finish the season on a strong note winning their final 32 games to finish with a 5-9. Leading the 2nd half resurgence is RB Don Wood who rushes for 1,162 while capturing Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
1975
With Dan Fouts taking a step backward by throwing just 2 TD passes to 10 interceptions and RB Don Wood suffering a sophomore jinx the Chargers start the season in tail spin losing their first 11 games. The Chargers would win 2 in a row, before being blown out by the Bengals 47-17 in Cincinnati to finish with a terrible 2-12 record.
1976
Led by a 27 point explosion in the 2nd Quarter the Chargers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 43-24 to complete a 3-0 start. However, the Chargers would win just 1 of their next 7 games as QB Dan Fouts struggled with inconstancy, as the Chargers finished with a 6-8 record.
1977
The Chargers get off to a solid start winning 3 of their first 4 games. However, inconstant play would hurt the Chargers again as they lost 4 of their next 5 games. Playing with 4thstring QB Cliff Olander the Chargers would stun the Oakland Raiders 12-7 at San Diego to stop the skid, and start a 3-game winning streak. However, the Chargers would drop their last 2 to finish with a 7-7 record.
1978
After beating the Seahawks in Seattle the Chargers appeared to be poised for a 2-0 start leading the Oakland Raiders 20-14 in the final seconds at San Diego Stadium. However the Raiders pulled the old-fashioned fumblerooskie play and stunned the Chargers with a 21-20 win. The loss would send the Chargers reeling as it was the start of a 3-game losing streak. At 1-4 Coach Tommy Prothro would step down and be replaced by Don Coryell. The Chargers losing streak hit 4 in their first under Coryell, but they would quickly get it turned around as Dan Fouts came of age by passing for 2,999 yards. However their 9-7 record was not good enough for a Wild Card spot.
1979
In Don Coryell’s first full season as Coach the Chargers get off to a terrific start winning their first 3 games, as the Chargers become a pass happy team earning the nickname Air Coryell. Air Coryell would see Dan Fouts set a record with 4 straight 300-yard passing games as he passed for 4,082 yards on the season, with WR John Jefferson and Charlie Joiner reaching surpassing 1,000 yards in receptions. Air Coryell would net 411 points as the Chargers won the AFC West with a 12-4 record, also earning Home Field Advantage. However, their season would come to an end with a disappointing 17-14 loss to an injury depleted Houston Oilers team in the Divisional Playoffs.
1980
Air Coryall continues to soar as the Chargers win the AFC West for the 2nd straight year with an 11-5 record. The Chargers offense was flying high as Dan Fouts passed for 4,715 and 30 TD passes, as John Jefferson, Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in receptions. In the October 19th game in San Diego against the New York Giants Fouts passes for 444 yards setting a Charger single game record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Chargers win their first playoff game in 17 years by beating the Buffalo Bills before a sold out crowd in San Diego. However, the Chargers are beaten in the AFC Championship Game by their old nemesis the Oakland Raiders in a 34-27 shoot out in San Diego.
1981
Prior to the start of the season San Diego Stadium is renamed Jack Murphy Stadium in honor of the late sports editor of The San Diego Union, who was instrumental in landing the Chargers in San Diego. Air Coryall continued to fly despite the loss of WR John Jefferson as Wes Chandler slipped right in and joined Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow with 1,000 yards in receptions, as Dan Fouts tops himself again by passing for 4,802 yards and 33 Touchdowns. Also joining in the fun was RB Chuck Muncie who scored 19 Touchdowns as he rushed for 1,144 yards, as the Chargers won the AFC West for the 3rd year in a row with a 10-6 record. In the Divisional Playoffs in Miami the Chargers grabbed a 24-0 lead. However, the Dolphins would comeback, and go ahead. With time winding down Dan Fouts led an epic drive that tied the game at 38 and sent the contest to overtime. Both teams had chances to win the game before Rolf Benirschke’s 27-yard field goal with 1:08 left in the first OT gave the Chargers a 41-38 win in one of the greatest playoff games ever. As the game was over Kellen Winslow had to be helped off the field due to exhaustion. However, a week later the Chargers ran out of gas playing in -59 degree wind chills in Cincinnati losing the AFC Championship Game for the 2nd year in a row by a score of 27-7.
1982
After splitting their first 2 games the Chargers hold a 24-0 lead over the Raiders in Lo Angeles in the first Monday Night Game after the strike. However, the Raiders would come storming back and stun the Chargers 28-24. The Chargers would recover to finish with a 6-3 record as Dan Fouts won Offensive Player of the year honors by passing for 2,883 yards in just 9 games as Wes Chandler collects 1,032 yards in receptions. Qualifying 5th the Chargers led by a balanced attack of Dan Fouts who passed for 333 yards and Chuck Muncie who rushed for 125 yards the Chargers beat the Steelers 31-28 in Pittsburgh. However, a week later the Chargers are stung by the Dolphins 34-13 in Miami as the Dolphins killer B defense intercepts Dan Fouts 5 times.
1983
With Dan Fouts playing hurt the Chargers struggle early getting off to a 3-4 start. Things would only get worse as Fouts missed 6 weeks with a injured shoulder. However what made things worse was the Chargers defense which yielded 462 points as the Chargers struggled to finish with a 6-10 record.
1984
Prior to the start of the season the Chargers are sold to Alex Spanos who calls it the culmination of a dream. The Chargers would show allot of spark winning 4 of their first 6 games. However, defensive troubles would come up to bite the bolts again as the Chargers lost 3 straight on the way to a slide that would see them land in last place with a 7-9 record.
1985
A porous defense continues to be the achilles heel for eth Chargers as they play inconstant football all season finishing with an 8-8 record. The Chargers offense lit up the scoreboard scoring 467 points. However, the defense was lit up as well allowing 435 points. In one unforgettable game the Chargers held on to beat the Buffalo Bills 54-44 at the Murph.
1986
The Chargers open the season with 500 yards total offense in a 50-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins at the Murph. However, the Chargers would quickly plunge losing 7 straight before Coach Don Coryall reigns. Al Saunders would lead the Charge the rest of the season but the team would not do much better finishing with a disappointing 4-12 record.
1987
After a 1-1 start the Chargers replacement players go undefeated winning all 3 games replacement games. When the regulars returned they looked recharged winning 4 straight on their own to stand at 8-1. However, the Chargers would run out of gas losing their final 6 games including a season ending shutout against the Broncos in a blizzard in Denver. The loss in the snow would also mark the end of QB Dan Fouts career who retired as the NFL’s 2n most prolific passer with 43,040 career yards through the air.
1988
Without Dan Fouts the Chargers suffer through a 6-10 season with new QB Mark Malone struggling all season passing for just 1,580 yards. Following the season Coach Al Saunders is fired and replaced by Dan Henning despite the Chargers ending the season on a strong note by winning 4 of their last 6 games.
1989
The Chargers defense show immense improvement as they hold opponents under 20-poinst in each of their last 14 games. However the offense misfires all season finishing with another poor 6-10 record, as newly acquired QB Jim McMahon struggles with injuries all season.
1990
The Chargers name Bobby Beathard their new General Manager his first draft pick would be LB Junior Seau to lead the Chargers young defense. However, with Bill Joe Toliver the 4th different QB in as many years the Chargers struggle again and finish with a 6-10 record again.
1991
The Chargers get off to a miserable start losing their first 5 games and 8 out of 9 on the way to 4-12 with their 5th different QB in 5 years John Friesz. Following the season Dan Henning and his entire coaching staff is fired and replaced by Bobby Ross.
1992
With yet another new starting QB Stan Humphries the Chargers struggle out of the gate losing their first 4 games. However led by a powerful defense the Chargers would turn it around winning 4 straight. After losing to the Chiefs 16- 14 in Kansas City the Bolts would go Charge to the top of the AFC West winning their last 7 games to win the AFC West with an 11-5 record. It was the first time ever that a team started 0-4 made the playoffs. In the first round the Chargers defense smothered the Chiefs all day in a 17-0 win at the Murph. However, a week later the Chargers were zapped themselves in a 34-0 onslaught by the Dolphins in Miami.
1993
With Quarterback Stan Humphries missing several games the Chargers find themselves stuck in the mud playing mediocre all year before finishing with a disappointing 8-8 record. Despite the disappointing season PK John Carney still made news by setting a record with 29 consecutive Field Goals made.
1994
The Chargers start the season with a bang as Stanley Richard returns an interception 99 yards for a touchdown to give the Chargers a lead on the way to a remarkable, 37-34, come-from-behind win over the Broncos in Denver to open the season. Two weeks later 99 was a magic number again as QB Stan Humphries hit WR Tony Martin on a 99-yard TD pass against the Seahawks in a 24-10 win in Seattle. The Chargers would continue to buzz winning their first 6 and 7 out of 8. However, the Chargers would struggle losing 4 out of 6. With first place slipping out of their grips the Chargers rebounded with a solid 21-6 win over the Jets in New York to clinch the division. A week later the Chargers would overcome an early deficit to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh 37-34. The game was meaningless for the Steelers but it gave the Chargers a first round bye with an 11-5 record. In the Divisional Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at Jack Murphy Stadium, the Chargers fell behind early, trailing 21-6 in the 3rd Quarter. However, the Chargers would start to grind the run the ball with Natrone Means, as the Chargers began to comeback against a tiring Dolphins defense. Holding the ball most of the 2nd half the Chargers took a 22-21, and held on to win a Pete Stoyonvich’s desperation kick sailed right. In the AFC Championship Game the Chargers returned to Pittsburgh with more than a week off on the line. The Steelers would lead the Chargers all game, but in the 4th Quarter the Chargers would take the lead when Stan Humphries hit TE Alfred Pupunu to give the Chargers a 17-13 lead. However, the Steelers would drive right up the field and to the doorstep of the Chargers endzone. Their the Chargers defense would stiffen up and not allow the Steelers in, as Dennis Gibson knocked down Neil O’Donnell’s 4th Down pass with 1:04 left. When the Chargers got back to San Diego 70,000 fans greeted them as they got back to the Murph.
Super Bowl XXIX
Playing in the Super Bowl for the first time the Chargers faced the San Francisco 49ers in Miami, in an all-California tilt. However, the Chargers were simply overmatched as the 49ers pulled away early on the way to an easy 49-26 victory. However, the Chargers made history by successfully completing the first 2-point conversion attempt in Super Bowl history. For good measure the Chargers would repeat the feat to bring the game’s combined score up to a record 75 points. Despite losing over 100,000 fans greeted the Chargers when they arrived back in San Diego.
1995
Prior to the start of the season tragedy strikes the Chargers when David Griggs is killed in a one-car accident. The Chargers would stumble out of the gate losing the season opener 17-7 to the Raiders in Oakland. The Chargers would struggle most of the season as they sat at 4-7, with their playoff hopes withering. However, the Chargers would win their last 5 games to qualify for the playoffs as a Wild Card with a 9-7 record. However, the Chargers would be stunned by the Indianapolis Colts 35-20 in the Wild Card Game in San Diego.
1996
Tragedy strikes the Chargers again when reserve RB Rodney Culver and his wives, Karen, are killed in the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 in the Florida Everglades. The Chargers would come flying out of the gate again winning 4 of their first 5 games. However a shoulder injury to QB Stan Humphries would hat a drive for the playoffs as the Chargers limped the rest of the way to an 8-8 record. Following the season Coach Bobby Ross resigns; he would be replaced by Kevin Gilbride.
1997
The Chargers stumble out of the gate losing 3 of their first 4 games. However they seemed on the road to recovery by winning 3 of their next 4 games to sit at 4-4. However, QB Stan Humphries career is suddenly ended with a horrific looking concussion, as the Chargers lose their last 8 games to finish with a 4-12 record.
1998
To replace Stan Humphries the Chargers trade up so they can pick QB Ryan Leaf with 2nd overall pick in the NFL draft. With Leaf starting right away the Chargers win their first 2 games. However, it would all fall apart suddenly and fast. After struggling in his next game Leaf blew off at the media, as it became quickly apparent that Leaf was not mentally prepared to play in the NFL. The Chargers would fall to 2-4 when Coach Kevin Gilbride is fired and replaced by June Jones. However, Leaf does not play any better as he is benched after throwing just 2 TD passes to 15 interceptions. The Chargers would go on to finish in Last Place with a 5-11 record. Following the season the Chargers would name Mike Riley their new coach.
1999
The Chargers acquire veteran QB Jim Harbaugh as Ryan Leaf sits out the entire season with a wrist injury. The Chargers would get off to a strong start winning 4 of their first 5 games. However, an injury to Harbaugh would stop the Chargers cold as they lost their next 6 games. Harbaugh would return and the Chargers would finish the season on a strong not winning 4 of their last 5 games to finish with an 8-8 record. Following the season GM Bobby Bethard, who built the Chargers into a contender retires, he would be replaced by Ed McGuire.
2000
The Chargers season was just one thunderous thud as the team lost its first 11 games, many of them in heartbreaking fashion as 6 were by less than a Touchdown. On November 26th Chargers would finally get their first win when John Carney delivered a last second FG to give the Chargers a 17-16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs 17-16 at San Diego. The win would provide no spark as the Chargers seemed to play worse losing their final 4 games on the way to a miserable 1-15 record. Following the season Ryan Leaf is released following a turnover plagued season, as he would go down in history as one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
2001
Prior to the start of the season the Chargers hire a new GM John Butler who ran the Buffalo Bills for a number of years. Butler would take a number of Bills players with him including QB Doug Flutie who was brought in the tutor 2nd Round draft pick Drew Brees. However, it was 1st Round pick RB LaDainian Tomlinson stealing all the early headlines as he was a Touchdown scoring machine early in the season as the Chargers got off to an impressive 5-2 start. However, suddenly Tomlinson wore down, and Flutie became turnover prone as the Chargers lost their final 9 games to finish in last place again with a 5-11 record. Following the season Coach Mike Riley is fired and replaced by Mart Schottenheimer.
2002
The Marty Schottenheimer era in San Diego would get off to a flying start as the Chargers won their first 4 games on the way to terrific 7-1 start. However, the Chargers would struggle in the second half again winning just 2 more games the rest of the way as they finished in 3rd place with a mediocre 8-8 record, which included 4 straight losses to end the season. Despite the second half collapse LaDainian Tomlinson would continue to establish himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL with 2,172 all-purpose yards while scoring a team high 15 TD. Following the season an era would come to an end as LB Junior Seau is traded to the Miami Dolphins ending his 12-year career with the Chargers.
2003
The Chargers late season struggle continued into the new season as they dropped their first 5 games bringing their losing streak to 9. After ending their losing streak on the road against the Cleveland Browns the highly anticipated Monday Night homecoming of Junior Seau is abruptly cancelled as wildfires in San Diego forced the Chargers to move the game to Tempe, Arizona where Seau’s Miami Dolphins crushed the Chargers 26-10. After a 20-7 loss to the Chicago Bears on the road the Chargers decided to bench struggling QB Drew Brees in favor of 41-year old Doug Flutie. Flutie provided a spark right away as the Chargers stunned the Minnesota Vikings 42-28. However it would only be a one game reprieve as the Chargers continued to struggle ending the season with an awful 4-12 record, which earned them the top overall draft pick. Despite the terrible season the Chargers did have one ray of hope and that was RB LaDainian Tomlinson who accounted for 2,370 All Purpose Yards and 17 Touchdowns. In the draft that followed the Chargers were dealt another blow when Eli Manning the top rated player in the draft, with a rich blood line of success that included his broth Peyton the NFL’s reigning MVP, said he would refuse to play for the Chargers forcing them to trade him to the New York Giants for the 4th overall pick QB Phillip Rivers.
2004
Heading into the season the Chargers looked like a team in transition with Rookie QB Phillip Rivers just waiting to take over for Drew Brees, and a countdown hanging over Coach Marty Schottenheimer. The Chargers would start the season with a nice road win beat the Houston Texans 27-20. After splitting their next 4 games the Chargers nearly stunned the Atlanta Falcons on the road losing 21-20. That loss would be the only loss the Chargers would suffer for a while as they embarked on an impressive 8-game winning streak that saw them advance all the way to the AFC Western Division Title. Leading the way for the surprising Chargers was Brees who passed for 3,159 yards with 27 Touchdowns as Rivers the man drafted to replace him suddenly disappeared off the Chargers radar. Meanwhile LaDainian Tomlinson had another impressive season with 18 TDs and 1,776 All-Purpose Yards. On the receiving front TE Antonio Gates came out of nowhere and had a break out season with 13 TD receptions and 964 yards as the Chargers posted a 12-4 record with Mart Schottenheimer who was thought to be on the firing line winning Coach of the Year. However in the playoffs the Chargers would suffer a letdown as they lost to the New York Jets in overtime 20-17. The Chargers struggled all day and rallied in the 4th Quarter with 10 points to tie the game 17, helped at by a roughing the QB penalty late in the 4th Quarter. However in OT when the Chargers drove into Jets territory Schottenheimer got too conservative and took a filed goal for granted a 40 FG which rookie sensation Nate Kaeding would miss.
2005
The Chargers slow start caught up to them by the end of the season. The defending AFC West Champions broke the New England Patriots home game winning streak and also ended the Colts rush to perfection after a 13-0 start. In the end, the slow start was too much to handle going 9-7 and missing the Playoffs.
January 12th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
You sir are an idiot…take your tuck rule bacnd wagon loving fandom and shove it…San Diego is a great city, with great fans, and an amazing history. Not to mention it is a great place to live and work…since I spent the last week in Boston on business, and travel there regularly, let me be the first to inform you of a few facts:
1. the world does not revolve around the east coast
2. Boston is not a sport city…it is a city of whiney ass fans that will never meet the expectations there fans set for them
3. New York will always ne better than you, and that is not saying much…
4. You have not beat us in years
5. Your site sucks, and so do your “Takes” on San Diego
Please take this drivel off the net and do us all a favor…please get a life!!!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
WOW! what a jackass. Its obvious you have tremendous hate towards SD and the Chargers. DId you catch Mommy cheating on Daddy with aformer charger when you where just a lil boy or somethin. The Pats are gonna get a royal asswhoopin, and your gonna watch it on a TV in 5 layers of clothes freezing ur ass off while we watch it live at the stadium in our shorts, sandals,& sunglasses. Oh and tell Reche Caldwell to keep his eyes wide open cause he’s gonna get JAMMED!!!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Wow, you have more traffic from Glory’s site then you’ve ever had period! You ought to be proud of yourself! Slam the Bolts, Slam Glory, thats a good way to get some traffic. I’ll be back after Sunday to let you know how much of an idiot you’ll look like. oh, plus I’ll give you another hit!
Charger blow the Pats out!
January 12th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
I must say that was some of the funniest stuff I have read in a long time, thanks.
I have been a life long Charger fan and a season ticket holder since 1987 taking over my grandfathers ticket when he passed away in 1986, tickets he had since the 1960 season so you can say my family has a long association with the Chargers. Hope you can say the same.
I, like most fans of football have a deep respect for most team and certainly I do for the Patriots, you guys are no doubt a very good franchise and have the rings to prove it.
But you didn’t get there over night and like the Chargers you had many less then spectacular seasons. We have labored long and hard to build the team we currently have now and the city and fans are only trying to enjoy what is there now hence the pep rally this week, which if we win Sunday will likely be followed by another one and hopefully one more before the Super Bowl.
It’s been along time since we had the kind of opportunity we currently have and people want to get excited for away, can you atleast give us that?
I have been to games all over the country and it is my experience that every city has it’s FANatics that dress up in stupid costumes and do silly things and the Patriots are no exception to this, so I say what harm is it that people kick up their heels alittle?
For the record most Charger fans don’t like the old song for the reasons you mentioned and there has been several new versions out, but like the old song I don’t care for them because I’m not into rap and the hip hop sound. But never the less I enjoy the fact that some fans think enough of our team to try and bring in some excitement and show their loyalty to the club.
Bottomline is we are all fans and we all have the right to celebrate and support our teams as we see fit as long as it doesn’t cause harm to anyone else, and all the crazy, stupid costumes and rallies don’t have any effect on the outcome of the games (just ask a Raider fan), those deciding the outcome are on the field. Like it or not the Chargers very well could be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl and will your hatred of the Chargers and its fans turn you into an NFC fan for a day? I hope not, but really who gives a #%$# if you don’t, the game will go on.
As for the ticket issue, take it up with the ticket office, we don’t control it and besides we are not the only team that does this. Do your homework and you’ll see it elsewhere, you can start in Chicago. Personally, I don’t care who gets a ticket, I’ve been there all year long and I can tell you the Chargers are well represented.
So my advice is turn down the volume on your TV Sunday, because myself 69,999 other Charger fans will be on our game.
One other thing, the GTP website is a great site. It is a Charger site but is visited regularly by fans of all teams that come there and find it less restrictive and full of good football conversation. If you care to visit and get past your own petty, childish name calling and just come on as a fan looking for good interaction with other fans you my just become a regular. But like the game and the fans it will go on with or without you.
By the way, I have also been a life long Red Sox fan and suffered as much as anyone in Boston over the years and celebrated for days after winning the Series, also despise the Yankees with every fiber of my being, so we do have something incommon afterall.
Good luck Sunday, and thanks for the pub.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Spend a minute reading the Forums, troll. GTP has a well educated football audience - and the extended family goes beyond just the long time Bolt faithful. Why> Because it’s a clssy site contaiing more than just trash talk (which has it’s own little area for the feeble minded - you’d fit right in.
Grow up, smell the coffee and enjoy the dawn Sunday - because it’ll be Lights Out on another Patsy Playoff run.
These colors don’t run….
January 12th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
I think what desertboltfan meant to say is: suck it Brian, you whiney little jagoff. JK, des is a classy dude, classier than me. You started removing the gloves in your initial post Brian. Des is a gentleman and put them back on a little ways. He’s a good guy that way. You started out with the trifecta of disrespect: the team, the fans and the city. As for me, you can kiss my white tan-lined ass. The Patsys go down this weekend.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
How dare you put down a site that gets thousands of hits a day versus yours, which gets, what…3? What the Chargers did with their tickets was a risk, they took the chance that they would be able to sell their tickets here, and they didn’t have to sell to people in Boston. It isn’t at all unfair, because it isnt like we are discriminating against Patriots fans, just people outside of Southern California. The Chargers song is classic, it is so bad it is good. DUH DUH!
As for all the Anchorman references, you my friend, are a Pirate Hooker.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Yeah, Boltson that is pretty much what I was thinking. But I took the high road and tried to educate. I knew many others would fill in what chose to leave out. Thanks gentlemen, you are the best, but you already knew that.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Long Live the Bolts, the pep rally having city, the fans, and GTP!
Stay Classy San Diego!
January 13th, 2007 at 1:09 am
[…] Divisional Round Predictions January 13th, 2007 by Brian Before I get into the preview for the best weekend in football, I’d like to thank all the members of “Glorify the Past…Live for the Present” for all the fantastic hate mail regarding my WV Chargers post! Some really great (and evil) stuff; it just warms my heart. I have to give it to you guys - you brought the hot sauce! Win or lose, we’re getting to some of the more choice pieces on Monday (at least the one’s I can print). […]
January 13th, 2007 at 1:46 am
dont get 2 mad at the guy, he has 2 live in new england, who wouldnt be bitter.
i for one want to help out the guy, listen man…the only kind of advice i can give you is to take a flight out to san diego and see the city a little bit, and imagine how nice it would be to move from your dreary world to a paradise. i really think a couple days away from the northeast would really do your body mind and spirit some good!
January 13th, 2007 at 3:27 am
Well Brian, what did you expect? We have a dog in this fight too, and we love it as much as any fan of any team! We are no different then fans of teams all over the country. So when you come on with the disrespect are we suppose to drop our pants and bend over? No sir, I don’t think so.
You got the game started, not us. Now if you want some calm good natured smack and some great football talk then I can assure you that everyone responding to your bullshit would accomidate you, I know because I personally know a lot of them. No, you wanted to start a pissing match and now you got it. So suck it up and take it like a man.
January 13th, 2007 at 3:32 am
you suck… the Pats suck… Chargers rule…nuff said!!!!
January 13th, 2007 at 6:13 am
I can’t wait to see Brady’s frustrated face when he kisses the Q’s grass 10 times this Sunday.
BOO HOO! “They wouldn’t let us buy tickets”
if you played better, I bet you’d do the same damn thing.
January 13th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Man this guy got raped by Charger fans! HAHA!
January 13th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Let me start by saying…you obviously have never been to San Diego right?!
The city is nice, the people are great, and the zoo you kinda made fun of is absolutely fantastic! I got a chance to see it while visiting friends and going to see my Bolts destroy the Titans in the home opener.
See…I’m not from there…as a matter of fact…I am ashamed to say I’m an east coast guy with the way you came off in this piece. That’s the elitist crap that west coast folks complain about…and from the crappiest east coast city at that!…Wait…I’m not gonna put Boston on blast because Brian said some silly stuff! You don’t rep the whole city…we have loyal Patriot fans that visit GTP (Glorify The Past…) and they don’t act like you…so…Whatever!
Moving on…what’s wrong with a rally to celebrate and have fun? The weather is right, the mexican food is delicious, and the team is winning! Need any more reasons to throw a big-assed themed B-B-Que?
As for the fans…you’re kidding right…isn’t the whole idea to be a fanatic even if your team doesn’t win big all the time? We talk bad about punks that only show up when the team is winning and call them bandwagon or fair-weather fans. We have a history and a past that we happen to feel good about even without all the rings…not that we don’t want some…and we support win or lose.
Just because you guys actually have a little fan-base now after years of being neglected for the Red Sox doesn’t give you the right to be a prick about your recent success.
I mean you got some nerve…you guys just got them damn rings!
Now you’re mad at folks dressing up in funny looking clothes to celebrate a 14-2 team about to get a ring of their own?! Come on man!
Tickets…take that up with the league, cause we aren’t the only team who wants every seat filled with our fans and we aren’t alone in the practice.
I’m not going to S.D. and I don’t have a ticket so I certainly don’t give a damn that some New England fans didn’t get one! That’s your own problem!
Lastly… I won’t even try to defend Glorify The Past, because it doesn’t need defending. It’s the best fan site on the damn web period!
Don’t believe me…I suggest you come on over to the site and read or make a comment of merit and see how much you end up liking the site. I’ve checked out quite a few and I certainly have checked all the Charger sites since I gotta get my news online since I live in another team’s media market. Like I said…I’m not gonna waste time trying to explain it for you…come check it out yourself!
GTP is the truth…the fans are the truth…and this year…the Bolts are the truth!!! Enjoy the game sunday!
January 13th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
you know after i read this i now believe sir that you are an undercover Raider fan who jumped ship and is now rooting for the 1st team to play the Bolts. is that why you are using Ron Burgundy as your identity? i was born i San Diego and i have always loved them even now as i now live in Florida. for you to just make this sad attempt to rain on our parade only shows me one thing: that you must be a Raider. such things are expected outta them. i know many Patriot fans and they just simply wished the Bolts best of luck. as for our site we might not have anything but we do love to celebrate our former players like Rodney Harrison and Junior Seau both of whom play for your Patsies. the only thing ive had to gloify was our SuperBowl loss to the 49ers in ‘95. but i got news for you its the present and in this present the Bolts are the BEST TEAM IN THE NFL. its not ‘01, ‘03, or ‘04. the dynasty is over and a new dynasty is about to begin. your just a stepping stone on our way to the Lombardi, now thats something to Glorify.
January 13th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
[…] And that’s exactly what the gentlemen over at “Glorify the Past…Live for the Present” did, and rightfully so after my WV Chargers post. Hey, I’ve been doing this for just under a month, doing the nice guy bit, but I started itching for a fight. So I registered for their site (Id: PepRallysRFun), dropped off my article, and waited. Didn’t talk long for the troops to assemble and come ‘Charging’ accross the border! […]
January 13th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Brian
You are a twat, but I forgive you
Now, be a good lad, change the name of your team to something sensible like ‘Colder Than Hell Tax Dodgers’ and get back to the jazz mags.
It’s what you do best, old son.
January 13th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
What exactly is wv chargers? I would like to know what that means?
January 14th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Three words…Your an ass!
January 15th, 2007 at 2:02 am
the Bolts might of lost today, but you still suck…and the Chargers still rule!!