That’s More Like It

Chargers get a much-needed win on Monday night

Chargers fans all around this fine city came off of the proverbial ledge on Monday night following the Bolts' 48-28 win over the New York Jets. It was another explosive offensive performance for San Diego, which racked up 357 total yards and scored five offensive touchdowns.

And while it was a much-needed win, and the team is taking a step in the right direction, there are still a few holes to be filled; a few loose ends to tie up. The defense looked stronger and more aggressive, sacking Brett Favre three times and forcing four turnovers. But Favre still made several plays himself, finishing the game with three touchdowns and a game-high 271 yards.

While standout corner Antonio Cromartie picked off two more passes, including this acrobatic effort, he is letting all of the hype surrounding him, much of it self-imposed, take some of his focus away. Three plays stand out: He dropped a very routine interception in the first half, one that would have been a walk to the end zone. On his return touchdown, instead of running hard for the goal line, he slowed to wave at Jets running back Leon Washington, who nearly caught him. And in the second half, following a Jets score, Cromartie muffed an onside kick, which New York recovered.

“Crime Time,” as he is affectionately called by his teammates (an homage to Deion Sanders nickname “Prime Time”) is an immense talent. No one sings his praises more than I. He has a desire to be the best cornerback in the league, and he’s almost there already. He wants to intercept 15 balls this year. But he must show a better drive, a better focus, and think less about his own spotlight in order to do it.

On offense, the Bolts did exactly what they needed to do. Philip Rivers threw three more touchdowns, and now leads the league with nine through three games. He also leads the league in QB Rating. LT looked better than he did last week, and yes, he scored two short touchdowns, but he lacks the burst that we’ve seen and admired in the past. It’s the same burst allowed him to break the single-season TD record. It’s the same burst that won him the MVP in 2006. It’s also the same burst that Darren Sproles shows every time he touches the ball. If the Chargers see this as their best chance to win a title, I think giving Sproles more touches throughout the year is imperative. It will allow LT to rest his still-ailing toe, and give the diminutive one much-needed experience.

There were very few who actually expected the Bolts to go 0-3, and it’s no surprise that they won on Monday. In fact, there’s only been one piece of recent news that’s less surprising. But the dominating win does silence some of the naysayers, and will hopefully give San Diego the swagger they need to go into Oakland next week and make Raiders coach Lane Kiffin’s inevitable firing official.

Eric Yates, much like the rest of the city, isn’t a native San Diegan. He’s been here for the past eight years and has adopted the Padres and Chargers as his own. Serving as a full-time and freelance sportswriter while in San Diego, he’s covered the beat for both the Padres and Chargers. A sports fanatic, his crowning achievement as a fan was appearing on the ESPN game show Stump the Schwab and coming within one question of toppling the big guy.

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