Hope? Yes we can?

San Diego, Ca

In a game that was a black-out for local television audiences, there wasn't much complaint. For missing the game that is. Most of the fan complaints these days are of poor play and even worse coaching coming from San Diego. In what was supposed to be a three game, and possible three win home stand, the Chargers have looked less than dismal at best. The Bolts (4-8) losers of five of their last six were treated to a thorough thrashing from the 'boo birds' as Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan kneeled down to end the game. That being what was left of a crowd that was seen leaving in throngs after another poor effort from the home team. 

When one of the surprise success stories of the NFC South visited Qualcomm this past Sunday, all story lines were on L.T. and his former understudy Michael Turner. What seemed to go under the radar was the Falcons record. Playing for rookie head coach Mike Smith, and led by rookie QB Matt Ryan, the Falcons left San Diego 8-4 just one game behind league leaders Tampa Bay and Carolina. Hopefully that doesn't go unnoticed again as the Chargers face off with the Buccaneers three weeks from now. Michael Turner didn't disappoint however, out running his former tutor to the tune of say, 96 yards. L.T. ran for a very unimpressive 24 yards on fourteen carries. Turner logged 120 yards on 31 attempts. It seems 'The burner' won this matchup in his first return to San Diego after moving to Atlanta via free agency following last years off season. 

The Chargers had their chances to win on Sunday and just didn't capitalize. The team tied a season high with three forced turnovers, including a franchise record 84 yard fumble recovery touchdown by safety Eric Weddle. Some silver lining for a team that has

 just looked flat this last couple of weeks was their ability to stop the falcons on four consecutive tries from inside their own 2 yard line for a stop and a late 3rd down and 1, when they stopped Turner's effort, giving them the ball back and one last shot. Unfortunately, like the rest of the game, the Chargers couldn't cash in on the golden opportunity. Philip Rivers was not much better this weekend either. He was limited to a mere 149 yards and no passing touchdown for only the second time this year. Ryan on the other hand threw for 207 yards and a pair of TD's. The entire San Diego offense could only muster 201 yards in the loss. Norv Turner has just four days to get ready for their next opponent as the Chargers host the Raiders on Thursday night in an NFL network game. If San Diego finds a way to lose again this week, they'll leave the field with an identical record of the Raiders. Yes, Al Davis's much maligned Oakland Raiders. Better pray Jamarcus Russell plays like, well himself, to have a chance in this one.