Vinateri bails out Norv

This morning at church, I was minding my own business when suddenly my spiritual life and blog life collided (there were no injuries). In the middle of the sermon, while discussing stewardship, helping others, and staying strong, the priest said:

"Every language has a saying for it -- losing heart. It's when a boxer drops his head -- you know it's over. It's like the Chargers -- you know it's over."

This got a good laugh, and I probably missed the greater point (which had something to do with Jesus and our salvation, or maybe how they needed more money to pay for the landscaping), but it is true -- every Norv team at some point gives up. And while the Chargers pulled off what Al Michaels called "the greatest escape since Charles Bronson" tonight, there is no question that the Chargers' offense has dropped its pack, as my Marine friends would say (oh, by the way -- Happy Birthday).

On a night Peyton Manning got confused by the MC Escher paintings in his mind and started throwing to the pretty powder blue uniforms, the Chargers still almost grasped defeat from the jaws of victory. The offense managed only 177 total yards, and Philip Rivers (who was "horrible," according to the Associated Press) ended up with a 30.6 passer rating for the game. The stats, however, aren't as important as the body language -- LaDanian Tomlinson looked outright hostile after the game, both as he exchanged words with Norv and complained in the post-game interview about how "we got away from what we were doing in the first half." Meanwhile, Philip Rivers seems to be regressing, and may possibly be a douchebag. This is the essence of Norv Ball -- even when you win, you feel like you lost.

This of course, is still better than actually losing, which the Redskins did in excruciating fashion to the Eagles earlier in the afternoon. Which just goes to show that it isn't always Norv's fault -- a team can break your heart even with a Hall of Fame coach at the helm. 

Comments

[Mike]

Someone needs to let Norv know that when you have a running back like LT, you rush to protect the lead in the 2nd half, which involves running him more then 5 times.