The San Diego Chargers lack a killer instinct. That?s the only way to explain Sunday?s 16-13 loss to the Ravens, when the Chargers piddled away a three-quarter leadin less than 10 minutes.
After basically doing what they pleased for the first half, the Chargers called off the dogs, reducing their pass attempts and folding offensive camp virtually altogether by the middle of the third quarter. On top of that, they had mental meltdowns that speak of a team not prepared to finish off a good team like the Ravens.
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It goes back to one man: Marty Schottenheimer. He is one of the best teachers of the game in the NFL. Since the 1980s, he has repeatedly fielded teams in Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego that went from average to very respectable in short time.
Still, as has been said time and time again, Schottenheimer is not a big-game coach. His teams seem to fold whenever a big prize is on the line. As talented as the Chargers are, you can see how this movie is going to end. Consider last season a preview that spoils all the fun.
The Chargers could be the next great team in the NFL, but they won?t be under Schottenheimer?s watch. San Diego needs a get-over-the-hump coach much in the same way Tampa Bay did earlier this decade.
For years, we had to hear the Buccaneers? players jabber incessantly about how talented they were as individuals. It was not until Jon Gruden replaced Tony Dungy that they won the Super Bowl.
Speaking of, Dungy is fast becoming the Schottenheimer of this generation of coaches. But he still has time to win with the Colts.
Schottenheimer has had his chance and now it?s time for someone else to come and make the Chargers something special, before it?s too late.
The Palmer Team power rankings
1. Chicago: Boy, was I wrong in the preseason. The Bears are legitimate. The defense is on pace to be perhaps the best ever, and quarterback Rex Grossman looks like he?s becoming a very good field general.
2. Indianapolis: The Colts don?t look as dominant as they did last season, but quarterback Peyton Manning calmly guides his team to wins every time out.
3. Baltimore: The Ravens certainly do not win pretty, but the defense, led by linebacker Bart Scott, keeps them in games.
4. Cincinnati: One loss is not the end of the world.
5. New England: Shaky as they might be, they find ways to win.
6. Atlanta: A solid defense makes this run-based team dangerous.
7. San Diego: Talented squad that needs a killer instinct.
8. Dallas: Not a long-term contender, but playing very well despite distractions.
9. New Orleans: The feel-good story of the year suffered one loss. No big deal.
10. Seattle: No Shaun Alexander, no title run.
Matt Palmer is a staff writer for The Examiner. He can be reached at [email protected].
