Ask Bolts From The Blue

What is the latest on Gate's condition?

I know from personal experience that Plantar Fasciitis is a real b***h!

by IEphinfan54 on Sep 28, 2011 1:13 PM EDT reply actions

As a fan

I’m worried about this being a career killer for Gates. He’s just not the same guy and every time he takes one step forward, he ends up taking two back. There was an article in the San Diego Union Tribune saying he’s dealing with a lot scar tissue and he tore some in the NE game causing him a lot of pain. Gates himself is always optimistic, but that’s just his personality. He’s definitely a warrior. His 260 frame on that bad foot can’t feel good.

by SDreal on Sep 28, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Hello and welcome!

The mood here has been pretty sour since we lost at Cleveland. As a Chargers fan, how do you guys perceive the Dolphins this year? (A good team that’s had a tough schedule and some bad luck? Or a sinking ship with poor performance all the way from the head coach to the towel boy?) Also, what aspects of Miami’s defense are you most worried about? Some people are saying that Cam Wake has regressed this season, but I have a feeling that the beast still lurks within….

by FinsLife on Sep 28, 2011 1:14 PM EDT reply actions

I view it as a sinking ship that is still pretty good but has had a tough schedule. I think they took a pretty big step back in terms of personnel over the last two seasons, but there’s enough left that they’ll avoid being the worst team int he league.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for doing this...

If you were Norv Turner, how would you attack the Miami defense?
What would be your gameplan to stop the Miami offense?
How is your redzone offense and redzone defense?
How do you think Miami will try to stop your offense?
How do you think Miami will attack your defense?
What is your opinion of Kevin Burnett? Did he have problems stopping the run when he was with SD?
Why was KC able to hang with you? What did they do right? What did you do wrong?

WR _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LT LG C RG RT TE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ < - - - - - - - - - - - - - SC _ _ _ _ _ WR
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _RB (Thomas) . . . . . . . . \_ SC = Bush/Bess/Gates
THE WILDSCAT (SC) _ _QB (Henne)

by DolphDallas on Sep 28, 2011 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

If you were Norv Turner, how would you attack the Miami defense?
I would try and mix up runs inside and outside with Tolbert/Mathews in between short throws to the WRs.

What would be your gameplan to stop the Miami offense?
I’d start by praying that Quentin Jammer can play. Other than that, I’d try and stop Bess and Marshall and make someone else do something. I don’t think we can really stop Fasano.

How is your redzone offense and redzone defense?
I honestly have no idea. The redzone offense seems weak, and prone to fumbles, but is the same group that was good at it last year. The red zone defense doesn’t roll over, but it doesn’t really bear down either.

How do you think Miami will try to stop your offense?
Probably by playing the Safeties deep and forcing San Diego to win with short passes and runs. That’s what everyone seems to be doing this season.

How do you think Miami will attack your defense?
Fasano against the Safeties. I don’t even want to think about it. Antoine Cason hasn’t had a good season thusfar, and I could see Marshall and Bess being headaches for him.

What is your opinion of Kevin Burnett? Did he have problems stopping the run when he was with SD?
Burnett is awesome and I was really sad to see him go. He was arguably the MVP of a pretty good Chargers defense last season. He had no issues stopping the run, was a strong blitzer and could cover anybody. He did have a full season to get acclimated and get healthy before started though, so maybe it’ll take time if he hasn’t been great for Miami yet.

Why was KC able to hang with you? What did they do right? What did you do wrong?
Same story, different opponent. The Chargers shot themselves with stupid interceptions and fumbles while forcing no turnovers until the last play of the game. They also seem to be content with sending 3 big defensive linemen as the only pass-rushers and giving the opposing QB all the time in the world to wait for his WRs to get open downfield. All KC had to do was catch the balls Rivers was throwing to them and show off how good Cassel can be if he’s not facing a pass-rush.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for taking the time. I am slightly surprised by your first answer however.

Even though The Chargers have two great backs in Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews (how about the way that kid is playing), and the Dolphins have been susceptible to the run outside of the tackles, I expect Clarence Shelmon and Norv Turner to really try and stretch the Dolphins out and create matchup problems on the outsides. This week i had the luxery of watching the Chargers-Cheifs game from last week and even with the incredible talent the Cheifs have at cornerback you guys still stretched them out routinely. Even with Antonio Gates not playing the weapons are hard to deal with. Obviously Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are great but I was really impressed with how well Patrick Crayton has been implemented from the slot and how much you guys can move these guys around and put defenses on their heels. You all are also very lucky to have Randy McMichael. What a football player huh?

Also thats interesting that you see Antoine Cason struggling, as Ive always thought of him (along with Eric Weddle) as an extremely underrated player. When he got hurt last week i thought Marcus Gilchrist did a good job stepping in for him.

How would you assess the performances of Marcus Gilchrist and Steven Gregory at this point who have so far thsi season been thrust into the starting role?

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Sep 30, 2011 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions

i meant thrust into the starting role at one point or another

this season.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Sep 30, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Cason is definitely underrated, but after breaking his hand in the preseason he’s been attacked regularly. The Patriots had their way with him. I think his tackling is a little behind where it usually is, and it’s hurting him. He’ll get there,

Gilchrist, when he’s played, has been fine. Nothing special, yet. Steve Gregory is Steve Gregory. He’s always better than you expect, but he’s not really a star or even someone you’re comfortable calling starter. He’s a tweener.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 30, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you for taking the time.

I appreciate your insight. You guys have a stellar club, and this is going to be a huge challenge this week.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Sep 30, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to be a jerk

but it is really nice to see that you have serious coverage concerns this week playing the Dolphins as we have felt all week, as a fanbase, very down trying to figure out how our defense is going to deal with all the weapons the Chargers have offensively.

As for dealing with Fasano what are some of the things you see Greg Manusky trying to do to him? You have lots of great linebackers, will he try to chip help to the safeties from the linebacker position? How did he try to cover Visanthe Shiancoe in week 1? What coverages where run against Hernandez and Gronkowski in week 2?

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Sep 30, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Shiancoe was mostly covered by our ILBs, but also wasn’t thrown to. The Chargers threw about 5 different coverages at the Patriots TEs without any success. I see them trying to handle Fasano like Shiancoe, with a mix of Butler and Spikes playing man and zone.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 30, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Chargers regularly cover

Fasano this week with their inside linebackers he will definitely have some catches man or zone. I dont know how much you guys like to chip help from the OLB’s such as dropping them into short zones or disrupting TE routes at the line, but Greg Manusky will see on tape this week that the Texans and Browns had some success limiting Fasano’s effectivenes with these tactics.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Sep 30, 2011 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions

It's easy to stop Fasano. Just take away short routes. He isn't good at deep routes.

Burnett sucks!

If you only send 3, Columbo can get help from Jerry and Henne will have more than 2.5s to throw the ball.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 1, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Whats it feel like to win?

Who do you think is a better Wide Receiver today…. Marshall or Vincent?
Do you think your team is looking at us as a speed bump or an actual hurdle to get over this week?

by Ski_Lo on Sep 28, 2011 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

I honestly think Jackson is the better receiver. More gifted and can do more.

The Bolts better see you guys as a hurdle, they barely beat the chiefs last week.

Winning has been frustrating this year because they have been so inconsistent, but I’m sure its much better than losing.

by cameronm on Sep 28, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

San Diego is 2-1 but has struggled this year. What do you attribute to those struggles?

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)

by ct1361 on Sep 28, 2011 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

See above reply to DolphnDallas

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

what do you think is the weakest link of your team as it stands.

Whats the one matchup you wish you didnt have to see coming into the game. I.E. Cameron Wake vs your RT

by dolphinfan4lyfe on Sep 28, 2011 2:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Wake vs. Clary

with Fasano vs. Weddle/Sanders as a close second

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 28, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

whatsup

Don’t really have any questions, the chargers are definately my second favorite team though, they are eerily similar to the Marino-era Phins.

Captain of the Landry Jones bandwagon
Chad Henne for the 2012 pro bowl
Member of the Daniel Thomas bandwagon
Vontae Davis and Sean Smith = Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain 2.0
All hail the mighty brandstater

by AnishB15 on Sep 28, 2011 5:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

What's up with the Chargers in September?

And who on your secondary do you think can matchup best with Brandon Marshall?

Founder and creator of the "DT33" nickname
"Ima take my talents to South Beach"--LeBron James
Strapped on to Ryan "El Capitan" Lindley's bandwagon 2012
"I make onions cry"--Tom Brandstater

by AlejandroN on Sep 28, 2011 5:46 PM EDT reply actions

Jammer

Which we really hope can play. Jammer is extremely underrated. If he didnt have stone hands he would be considered top tier. And he plays really well against big physical receivers (struggles more against desean jackson types)

by cameronm on Sep 28, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I like jammer

"The Reggie Bush Experience" coming this fall !

by sonnycrockett on Sep 28, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

For what it's worth

Cromartie used to have some epic battles with Marshall when they were both in the AFC West. It worries me that Jammer was here, but Cro was on Marshall. Not to mention, Jammer has a dinged up hammy and Cason’s had a rough start to the season.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 29, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

From Norv's time here in Miami

We know his reluctance to change and adapt.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

by Finhead83 on Sep 29, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

JAmmer sounds like SMith minus the great hands in college.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 1, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Quentin Jammer

is far better than Sean Smith. More natural in coverage, better tackler, more fluid, more experienced. Its not that close.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Smith is very natural in coverage.

I’d agree with the better tackler, but not with anything else.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 2, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

i disagree

Sean Smith struggles mightily in coverage. Take this play last week for example. Last week 3rd down and 5 on the final drive about 1 minute left. The Browns had i believe three wide with Massaquoi (Jimmy Wilson), Greg Little (Will Allen) and Josh Cribbs (Nolan Carrol). We had 4 corners on the field including Sean Smith. They ran their receiver routes and we picked up Hardesty with Kevin Burnett. So Sean Smith is now matched up with Evan Moore (their third TE who is predominantly a pass-blocker) Smith played off about three yards with the first down marker 2 yards behind him. Evan Moore ran a simple out and in route and Sean Smith bit all over it and McCoy hit Moore fro the first down. Why would you bite on a shorter route than the first down against a man you are faster than? Sean Smith is a very mediocre player.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Sean Smith

also really struggles making cuts. He is very tall and he is pretty fast but he has a lot of trouble with the lateral quickness of NFL receivers. That is why we try to match him up against TE’s alot but he does still get beat. Dont get me wrong I like Sean Smith but he is only a decent player. Vontae Davis is miles ahead of him in my eyes in terms of what he is capable of doing in coverage.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions

What you are saying is not backed up by stats.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 2, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

look at who he covers compared to Vontae.

Or how many snaps they each take in a game. I really dont think Mike Nolan has enough faith in Sean Smith to match him up with any regularity on Malcolm Floyd or Vincent Jackson today and I expect us to play lots of zone and move Sean Smith around the field alot covring McMichael and occasionally Patrick Crayton.

If we do cover Floyd or Jackson with him than I wish him the best. Personally i dont think he can do it, but I would love him to prove me wrong today.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

If Smith struggles in coverage, Davis is a turnstyle in comparison.

Smith let fewer balls get completed when thrown his way. less YPC/rec as well.

Smith is a shutdown guy that doiesn’t really get picks. Smith and Davis have switched on and off of the other team’s best WR over the years and has played better when given the chance. He lets fewer plays to be made on him and last year had as many INTs as Davis, negating the added benefit of Davis’s big play ability.

Davis is the other way around, he will get the picks; but will let the WR beat him. He has struggled creating the INT and Brady was picking on him, not Smith, on MNF. In fact I can’t remember any balls getting thrown Smith’s way while Davis was in the game.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 2, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Vontae Davis matches up

week in and week out against NFL teams number one receivers. Sean Smith covers number 2 receivers and even more often TE’s, and receives far more help than Vontae. He also doesnt get anything like the play time Vontae does when they are both healthy. Not even close. Of course his stats are going to be better in terms of completions against. He however cant move anything like Vontae can. That is why Vontae Davis gets the matchups he does. As for the Pats game Vontae Davis got beat on a deep post early in the game, and he was supposed to have help, after that he played very well until he got hurt. Sean Smith had to cover better receivers than he normally does last week because of Vontaes injury and he struggled. I am really concerned about him this week against even better receivers.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually it's Smith who gets the most playing tim against the number one's

He is our biggest and most physical cornerback. While Vontae is our fastest CB who is switched often during games depending on the offensive formation. And what do you mean they “don’t get play time” THEY ARE BOTH STARTERS. Jesus Christ your homerism towards Jammer and hatred towards Smith is astonishing.

Founder and creator of the "DT33" nickname
"Ima take my talents to South Beach"--LeBron James
Strapped on to Ryan "El Capitan" Lindley's bandwagon 2012
"I make onions cry"--Tom Brandstater

by AlejandroN on Oct 2, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont hate Sean Smith and i am a Dolphins fan.

not a Chargers fan. No Vontae covers number 1 receivers virtually every time we are in man. When we are in zone we dont shadow. As for play count, it isnt even close. Vontae Davis gets 50+ snaps a game Sean Smiths snap count is in the 30’s per game with alot of rotation as to that corner position.

Why do you think I hate Sean Smith? i dont. I like the kid. i just dont think he is nearly as good as Vontae Davis is.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Ohh my bad, didn't mean to offend.....thought you were from the Chargers for a second

It’s going to be a hard matchup today against Vincent so sean is definately going to need safety help either from Reshad or Clemons.
Today is Sean’s day to actually prove to us that he is a top tier CB.

Founder and creator of the "DT33" nickname
"Ima take my talents to South Beach"--LeBron James
Strapped on to Ryan "El Capitan" Lindley's bandwagon 2012
"I make onions cry"--Tom Brandstater

by AlejandroN on Oct 2, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

none taken

lets get it done

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I wish Sean Smith the best.

I want him to succeed. But if we give him alot of man on Floyd or Jackson im concerned how he will od, due to his struggles with cuts, lateral quickness and tackling. If we do put him in any man on those guys, I would love to see him make some great plays and I hope he does.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

To compare Sean Smith to a great corner like

Quentin Jammer is silly to me.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Oct 2, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Umm they actually arent very different, and to say "Great" in terms of Jammer is an over exaggeration

Last year Smith had 51 tackles, 43 solo, and 1 int…Jammer had 46 tackles, 42 solo and 2 ints. BTW Smith has more height, muscle, athleticism, and speed than Jammer does. And when you speak about Vontae, of course he is better than Sean, as veterans tend to be. Vontae is a top 10 cornerback in this league. HE IS GREAT. However to say that Vontae is miles ahead of Sean is also an over exaggeration.

Jammer is good, but he is not a great CB. Within a year or two I expect him to move to the safety position

Founder and creator of the "DT33" nickname
"Ima take my talents to South Beach"--LeBron James
Strapped on to Ryan "El Capitan" Lindley's bandwagon 2012
"I make onions cry"--Tom Brandstater

by AlejandroN on Oct 2, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Vontae was getting picked on by both Shaub and Brady. Lets see who is top 10 after he regains health.

The choices you make dictate the life you lead. -Greydanus. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost. Leading the fighter escort of SU-47s for the Lindley Bandwagon. Leader and Founder of the Ray Ray Armstrong for 2012 Bandwagon "pm striker king"- WZB. Good, cheap FA upgrades out there: Gurode, E. Royster, J. KirkPatrick, K. O'Dowd, D. Thomas. Dolphins not pulling their weight: J. Jerry, I. Alama-Francis, M. Columbo.

by PotM on Oct 2, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions

how good is Eric Weddle?

He got a mammoth contract, and him being on the west coast makes it so I never really get to see him play.

2011 Phinsider Rookie

"The Kid"

by NickCallaway on Sep 28, 2011 6:27 PM EDT reply actions

Really like him

Had a rough game against the Pats though because he isn’t the biggest guy in the world and struggles against big Tight ends.

A very smart player, fantastic tackler who can occasionally land a big hit. Needs to work on catching the ball better but I think he is a top tier safety.

by cameronm on Sep 28, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

U guys practicing no huddle? Lol

Without gates, how does your game plan change?

"The Reggie Bush Experience" coming this fall !

by sonnycrockett on Sep 28, 2011 7:12 PM EDT reply actions

The Chargers never run no-huddle

Norv wouldn’t give up play-calling. Ever.

It should change more, but probably doesn’t much at all. More short-passes to Jackson because the deep stuff won’t be as open. More screens to RBs.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 29, 2011 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

What's it like rooting for a football team that is good every year?

by Briceratops on Sep 29, 2011 3:58 AM EDT reply actions

Painful

because, for all the years they’ve been “good”, they’ve only had 1 decent playoff run.

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

by John Gennaro on Sep 29, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

It seamed so easy in 08, the more tired at the end of the day, the easer the win!

Thus the addage, its getting tuffer to win the wars!

wopper "the king" computer
We often look rite past the positive's cuz the negative's-r-so hard they dominate! Have you touched & preened your beaver-pelt today? There one thing that needs to be said (Miami Dolphin) i exspect you'll win!

by wild zion beaver on Sep 29, 2011 3:52 PM EDT reply actions