December 29th, 2008 9:50pm PST
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Recap: Mile High Meltdown at Qualcomm
As if it were written in the stars, the fans of San Diego were treated to what many will call "Poetic Justice" when the San Diego Chargers helped the Denver Broncos complete one of the leagues biggest collapses in the history of the NFL. At 8-5, the Broncos held a three game lead over the Chargers with three games left to play and the unthinkable came to fruition Sunday night when the Chargers trampled their division foes 52-21.
The NFL's most recognizable referee or arms for that matter, can now breathe a huge sigh of relief. Maybe now Charger fans will withdraw all the death-threats and discontinue all the hate mail. The football gods have righted Hochuli's wrong-doing, all is now right in the football universe.
For the NFL another it was another over-hyped matchup that did not live up to snuff. This was supposed to be a showdown between two division rivals, but it looked more like a practice scrimmage for the AFC West Champion Chargers, as they completely dismantled the Broncos on both sides of the ball.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who was just snubbed from making the Pro Bowl earlier in the week, showed the fans of San Diego and a national audience which starting quarterback truly deserves pro bowl honors. Rivers was scintillating all night with his unorthodox throwing motion, completing one precision deep ball after another, and perfectly executing the Chargers high-powered offense to a tune of 491-net yards.
For the NFL another it was another over-hyped matchup that did not live up to snuff. This was supposed to be a showdown between two division rivals, but it looked more like a practice scrimmage for the AFC West Champion Chargers, as they completely dismantled the Broncos on both sides of the ball.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who was just snubbed from making the Pro Bowl earlier in the week, showed the fans of San Diego and a national audience which starting quarterback truly deserves pro bowl honors. Rivers was scintillating all night with his unorthodox throwing motion, completing one precision deep ball after another, and perfectly executing the Chargers high-powered offense to a tune of 491-net yards.
Rivers finished the night completing 15 of 20 passes for 207-yards (10.4-yards per pass) with two touchdowns for a 141.0 passer rating to lead San Diego to their third straight AFC West title.
While running back LaDanian Tomlinson looked sharp shredding the Broncos defense for 96-yards and three touchdowns, the story was not so much how good the Chargers looked, but rather how bad the Broncos played.
While running back LaDanian Tomlinson looked sharp shredding the Broncos defense for 96-yards and three touchdowns, the story was not so much how good the Chargers looked, but rather how bad the Broncos played.
Without question, this was an epic meltdown of monumental proportions by the Denver franchise. The Broncos were sitting atop the AFC West with a three game lead. They would finish the season l0sing their final three games down the stretch, being outscored 112-54. This was a complete reversal of how the team started the season, outscoring their opponents 114-84.
Sunday night just became the epitome of this team's identity, in particular its' team leader. There have been moments throughout the season that quarterback Jay Cutler has looked like a million dollar bonus baby throwing 25-touchdowns, but then there have been those moments when he has not.
Cutler tossed two more picks in the team's loss, including a drive ending pick in the end-zone just before the close of the first half. This was at a moment where San Diego leading 24-6, clearly had all of the momentum, but a Denver score would have been huge going into the locker room, especially receiving the ball to start the second half.
Sunday night just became the epitome of this team's identity, in particular its' team leader. There have been moments throughout the season that quarterback Jay Cutler has looked like a million dollar bonus baby throwing 25-touchdowns, but then there have been those moments when he has not.
Cutler tossed two more picks in the team's loss, including a drive ending pick in the end-zone just before the close of the first half. This was at a moment where San Diego leading 24-6, clearly had all of the momentum, but a Denver score would have been huge going into the locker room, especially receiving the ball to start the second half.
Cutler finished the season with 18-total interceptions. Only Brett Favre's 22 were higher.
While some Denver fans may have had high hopes for the 7-9 team from a year ago, their 28-points allowed per game in the team's first three wins should have been a cause for concern. Now 8-8, ranked 29th overall in total defense, and out of the playoffs, reality has set in.
Looking over all that has happened in the last day or so, it's easy to say the Broncos collapsed, but if you look at their numbers maybe they just lived up to their potential.
In the 2008 season, the Bronco's defense allowed; 28-points per game (ranked 30th), 228.5-yards passing per game (ranked 26th), 26-sacks (ranked 26th), 146.1-yards rushing per game (ranked 27th), 26-rushing touchdowns (ranked 31st), and 20-run plays for 20 or more yards (ranked T-29th).
Before the Denver faithful, turn their backs on the only Bronco's head coach to bring a championship to Denver, we must remember Shanahan came in as an offensive minded guru, who has time and time again proved himself as such. This season the team was ranked 2nd in total yards and T-9th in offensive touchdowns.
There's little question many changes will be needed in the off-season. Before you start calling for the coach's head, this team will need to be evaluated from the players, to the coaching staff, to the parking attendants, and concession stands.
While some Denver fans may have had high hopes for the 7-9 team from a year ago, their 28-points allowed per game in the team's first three wins should have been a cause for concern. Now 8-8, ranked 29th overall in total defense, and out of the playoffs, reality has set in.
Looking over all that has happened in the last day or so, it's easy to say the Broncos collapsed, but if you look at their numbers maybe they just lived up to their potential.
In the 2008 season, the Bronco's defense allowed; 28-points per game (ranked 30th), 228.5-yards passing per game (ranked 26th), 26-sacks (ranked 26th), 146.1-yards rushing per game (ranked 27th), 26-rushing touchdowns (ranked 31st), and 20-run plays for 20 or more yards (ranked T-29th).
Before the Denver faithful, turn their backs on the only Bronco's head coach to bring a championship to Denver, we must remember Shanahan came in as an offensive minded guru, who has time and time again proved himself as such. This season the team was ranked 2nd in total yards and T-9th in offensive touchdowns.
There's little question many changes will be needed in the off-season. Before you start calling for the coach's head, this team will need to be evaluated from the players, to the coaching staff, to the parking attendants, and concession stands.
The offense appears to have it's core pieces in place, although many fantasy leaguers will love trying to figure out who will get the carries in Denver next season. If Denver is going to rebound from this catastrophic collapse, change will be necessary and the first place they should start is on the defensive personnel side of the ball. That's my take.
By David G. Ortega
SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY DIGEST
Fantasy News
SUNDAY NIGHT STARS...
Rivers is Sensational in Season Finale...
....the Charger's quarterback was poised and precise all night, completing dissecting the Denver secondary. Rivers completed 75% of his passes for 207-yards with two touchdowns.
LT finds the End-zone with Ease...
....the Charger's running back looked elusive and quick darting through the Bronco's defense Sunday night. Tomlinson also broke off a 45-yard run early in the 3rd quarter on his way to 96-yards on the ground. Tomlinson would also score three times in the team's blowout win.
By David G. Ortega
SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY DIGEST
Fantasy News
SUNDAY NIGHT STARS...
Rivers is Sensational in Season Finale...
....the Charger's quarterback was poised and precise all night, completing dissecting the Denver secondary. Rivers completed 75% of his passes for 207-yards with two touchdowns.
LT finds the End-zone with Ease...
....the Charger's running back looked elusive and quick darting through the Bronco's defense Sunday night. Tomlinson also broke off a 45-yard run early in the 3rd quarter on his way to 96-yards on the ground. Tomlinson would also score three times in the team's blowout win.
Sproles has Big Night in Team's Big Win.....
.....the Charger's other shifty running back saw plenty of action Sunday night. Sproles carried the ball 14 times and rushed for 115-yards with a touchdown. He also added 2 grabs for 17-yards and another score.
.....the Charger's other shifty running back saw plenty of action Sunday night. Sproles carried the ball 14 times and rushed for 115-yards with a touchdown. He also added 2 grabs for 17-yards and another score.
Cutler Throws Two Picks in Loss...
.....the Bronco's quarterback threw a lot of passes (49) for a lot of yards (316), but it just wasn't enough. Cutler did manage to throw one touchdown, but his two interceptions on the night proved somewhat costly.
Bell Totals over 100-yards in Loss...
....the Bronco's running back had a strong performance in the losing effort. Bell ran the ball just eight times, but managed 86-yards with two rushing touchdowns. Bell also grabbed four passes for 31-yards.
.....the Bronco's quarterback threw a lot of passes (49) for a lot of yards (316), but it just wasn't enough. Cutler did manage to throw one touchdown, but his two interceptions on the night proved somewhat costly.
Bell Totals over 100-yards in Loss...
....the Bronco's running back had a strong performance in the losing effort. Bell ran the ball just eight times, but managed 86-yards with two rushing touchdowns. Bell also grabbed four passes for 31-yards.
Royal Plays Well in Team's Loss...
....the Bronco's rookie receiver was a bright spot on the night for the AFC West runner-ups. Royal caught a total of 11 passes on the evening but for only 76-yards (6.9-yards per catch).
IDP NOTES...
Eric Weddle is IDP Stud in Chargers Victory.....
....the Charger's safety was a busy defensive back leading all tacklers on the night with 11-total, including 10 solo ventures. Weddle finished the season with 127-total tackles to lead the team.
....the Bronco's rookie receiver was a bright spot on the night for the AFC West runner-ups. Royal caught a total of 11 passes on the evening but for only 76-yards (6.9-yards per catch).
IDP NOTES...
Eric Weddle is IDP Stud in Chargers Victory.....
....the Charger's safety was a busy defensive back leading all tacklers on the night with 11-total, including 10 solo ventures. Weddle finished the season with 127-total tackles to lead the team.
Champ Bailey has Busy Night in Secondary....
.....the Bronco's defensive returned to the line up shortly after apparently injuring his elbow, but was ineffective covering the Charger's receivers. Aside from getting burned on several pass plays, Bailey finished the night with 7 tackles.
Stephen Cooper is Solid for Chargers...
.....the Charger's linebacker, like the whole defense was solid in the Sunday night win. Cooper stayed active registering six total tackles, with five solo in the team's win.
Jamie Winborn is Tackling Machine in Loss...
.....the Bronco's linebacker spent a lot of time on the field Sunday night chasing after Charger's running backs. Winborn finished the night with nine total tackles in the team's loss.
Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...
By David G. Ortega
.....the Bronco's defensive returned to the line up shortly after apparently injuring his elbow, but was ineffective covering the Charger's receivers. Aside from getting burned on several pass plays, Bailey finished the night with 7 tackles.
Stephen Cooper is Solid for Chargers...
.....the Charger's linebacker, like the whole defense was solid in the Sunday night win. Cooper stayed active registering six total tackles, with five solo in the team's win.
Jamie Winborn is Tackling Machine in Loss...
.....the Bronco's linebacker spent a lot of time on the field Sunday night chasing after Charger's running backs. Winborn finished the night with nine total tackles in the team's loss.
Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...
By David G. Ortega
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