Feeling they’ve been outscored too often this season, the San Diego Chargers have fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and promoted linebackers coach Ron Rivera. Cottrell had been the coordinator since 2007 - or about a season and a half - and was fired because he had not coached the defense to significant improvement.
“The same things have been our nemesis the entire year,” coach Norv Turner said. “Ultimately, I’ve got to make a decision based on what’s best for our football team and where we need to go.”
The Chargers have allowed an average of 24.9 points per game this season and have been especially weak against the pass, ranking 32nd in the NFL and allowing 265.1 yards per game. The defense hasn’t forced a turnover or sack in their past two games, despite being widely considered to have a lot of talent. San Diego currently sits in second place in the AFC West with a 3-5 record, with most of their losses coming in close games; in fact, the Chargers have not lost by more than a touchdown in any single game.
Ron Rivera was last a defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, from 2004 to 2006. Those defenses ranked 13, 1, and 3 in points per game allowed.
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he Chargers need to hog the ball to keep Peyton Manning’s mitts of it. To do so, once again the have to be willing to prove they are bent on establishing the run. The Chargers were pretty much stopped last week in Pittsburgh, but there is a big difference between the Steelers and Colts run defense, the weather conditions and playing at home, where one doesn’t strain to hear the snap count. LaDainian Tomlinson, with but two 100-yard rushing games this season, has said he wants to get the running game back on track. If the Chargers can do that Sunday, it keeps Manning off the field. BTW, saw some nice widgets at statbeast.com. Check it!
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