More Thoughts On Chargers/Broncos

Going For 2
As I said – I didn’t like the call at first. After thinking through it – it was the right choice even if the attempt had failed. Here’s why – it sent a message to the offense – particularly Jay Cutler – that the coaches believe in you. It said with a game on the line, we’re comfortable putting it in his hands to win (or lose).

Second, it sent a message to the defense. It said – you’re not good enough. And they weren’t. Rivers (just like Cutler) went untouched the entire second half.

Blown Calls
Cutler’s fumble was exactly that – a fumble. It was a blown call. No one will argue that. Over the course of a year, there will be more and the Broncos will have their share as well. But the refs didn’t give the Broncos 8 points. Instead of 2nd and goal from the 2, it was 3rd and goal from the 10. After a draw play (??????), it was 4th and goal from the 5. Plus, the 2-point conversion afterwards.

Point is – the Broncs had to capitalize on the opportunity – they did. The Chargers had to respond to adversity – they didn’t. Doesn’t get any simpler than that. The Broncos did, the Chargers defense didn’t.

Earlier in the game, Champ Bailey stole an interception out of the hands of Chris Chambers. In real time, it looked legit. In slow motion – it still looked legit or at the very least an incomplete pass. That call was not a blown call, it was a very close call that went the Broncos way. Another opportunity – step up, execute and capitalize or step up, execute and overcome. Broncos did, Chargers didn’t.

Bottom line, if I were the Chargers, I’d be more focused on the Week 3 opponent than what happened in the past. I’d spend more time looking at defensive film trying to figure out how to stop the 2-minute drill, than worrying about which officiating crew was assigned. Otherwise, they will be looking at 0-3.