Late Sunday afternoon out at the old Murph, LaDanian Tomlinson’s plans differed slightly from Defensive Coordinator, Ted Cottrell’s. At least from our perspective it appeared that Cottrell was scheming to let the Raiders back into the ballgame by NOT putting pressure on Oakland Raider QB, Daunte Culpepper who is notorious for not taking care of the football. (With his gimpy knee, questionable decision-making and looseness with the rock, this guy is absolutely tailor-maid for blitzing).
With the Raiders down 21-7 early in the 4th quarter, they embarked on a 17 play touchdown scoring drive that involved several successful conversions of 3rd and 4th down plays. In every pass play of those 17, when the Chargers put heat on Culpepper the play resulted in an incompletion or a very short gain as Culpepper had to check down to his outlet receiver for a short gain. But in every instance when the Chargers did not put pressure on Culpepper, he was allowed to sit back and make plays down field. Just the appearance of the Chargers loading up to blitz appeared to rattle Culpepper as he made hurried decisions before the pressure even materialized.
Up to this point, we were very impressed with the sets the Chargers were showing on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun “O.G.” Phillips, in particular, were being moved around and lined up in different positions and yes… were allowed to go after the quarterback.
With the Raiders down 21-7 early in the 4th quarter, they embarked on a 17 play touchdown scoring drive that involved several successful conversions of 3rd and 4th down plays. In every pass play of those 17, when the Chargers put heat on Culpepper the play resulted in an incompletion or a very short gain as Culpepper had to check down to his outlet receiver for a short gain. But in every instance when the Chargers did not put pressure on Culpepper, he was allowed to sit back and make plays down field. Just the appearance of the Chargers loading up to blitz appeared to rattle Culpepper as he made hurried decisions before the pressure even materialized.
Up to this point, we were very impressed with the sets the Chargers were showing on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun “O.G.” Phillips, in particular, were being moved around and lined up in different positions and yes… were allowed to go after the quarterback.
We liked what we saw but it was all a ruse. That sly old dog, Ted Cottrell lulled us into thinking that he was going to turn the hounds loose against Culpepper. We got set up for this moment when he would reveal his true colors and sit back in a soft zone in the most critical moments and allow Culpepper and the Raiders back into the ballgame… which they did by closing the gap to 21-14 with about 6 minutes to play.
A quick 3 and out by the Chargers in their subsequent possession would have the Raider offense back out on the field and give the devious Cottrell an opportunity to thrust the dagger even deeper into the hearts of Charger fans. But not so fast… Enter L.T.: The man took over the ballgame on that Charger possession picking up chunks of yardage AND staying inbounds to burn clock. The drive and any chances Ted Cottrell had of coaching- away the game ended with a 40 yard TD scamper by L.T. with about 2-1/2 minutes left (Jesus in cleats finished with 198 yards and 4 touchdowns. He really, really likes playing the Raiders. Its as if a bit of his old coach Marty Schottenheimer’s Raider-hating and beating soul has been imparted to him) It would be tough for even Ted Cottrell to overcome a 2 touchdown lead at that point and we wouldn't doubt if Coach Ted had a few choice words for L.T. on the sidelines afterwards.
We’ve suspected it for sometime now but at this point its pretty clear L.T. is just not the class act and team player that everyone thinks because this isn’t the first time this season even that it has appeared that L.T. has gone against the coaches’ wishes. Late in the first half of the K.C. game, the Chargers were content to just run out the clock and take their 10 point lead into the lockerroom. Their dives into the middle of the line and leisurely pace in between plays was proof of that. L.T., though, was having none of it as he broke off a 35 yard run and changed the entire complexion of how the remainder of the half was to be managed. We wished the camera would’ve shown head coach Norv Turner after that play. No way of ever knowing for sure but we imagine Turner wincing and muttering, “Damn that L.T. He’s actually going to force me to make some tough coaching decisions here”.
The secret’s out: You gotta keep your eye on a guy like L.T. All the soft-spoken sweet talk, the community service, the exemplary leadership on and off the field… fuhgedda-boutit. He’s a coach’s worst nightmare.
A quick 3 and out by the Chargers in their subsequent possession would have the Raider offense back out on the field and give the devious Cottrell an opportunity to thrust the dagger even deeper into the hearts of Charger fans. But not so fast… Enter L.T.: The man took over the ballgame on that Charger possession picking up chunks of yardage AND staying inbounds to burn clock. The drive and any chances Ted Cottrell had of coaching- away the game ended with a 40 yard TD scamper by L.T. with about 2-1/2 minutes left (Jesus in cleats finished with 198 yards and 4 touchdowns. He really, really likes playing the Raiders. Its as if a bit of his old coach Marty Schottenheimer’s Raider-hating and beating soul has been imparted to him) It would be tough for even Ted Cottrell to overcome a 2 touchdown lead at that point and we wouldn't doubt if Coach Ted had a few choice words for L.T. on the sidelines afterwards.
We’ve suspected it for sometime now but at this point its pretty clear L.T. is just not the class act and team player that everyone thinks because this isn’t the first time this season even that it has appeared that L.T. has gone against the coaches’ wishes. Late in the first half of the K.C. game, the Chargers were content to just run out the clock and take their 10 point lead into the lockerroom. Their dives into the middle of the line and leisurely pace in between plays was proof of that. L.T., though, was having none of it as he broke off a 35 yard run and changed the entire complexion of how the remainder of the half was to be managed. We wished the camera would’ve shown head coach Norv Turner after that play. No way of ever knowing for sure but we imagine Turner wincing and muttering, “Damn that L.T. He’s actually going to force me to make some tough coaching decisions here”.
The secret’s out: You gotta keep your eye on a guy like L.T. All the soft-spoken sweet talk, the community service, the exemplary leadership on and off the field… fuhgedda-boutit. He’s a coach’s worst nightmare.
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