04/26/24
November 01, 2010
3-5 Chargers Lead NFL in Total Offense, Defense: Although the San Diego Chargers lead the league in total offense and total defense, they have a 3-5 record. "They're dominating on the stat sheet like few teams in history ... but can barely win a game," observes Kerry J. Byrne of Sports Illustrated.
San Diego also leads the AFC in turnover differential (at -8) and are third in the league. They also are worst in the NFL on average punt returns yards against (23.2!!!), are 18th in kick-off returns against, and are average-to-worse on kick return average yards gained (16th) and punt return average yards gained (23rd). Plus, 10th most penalized team (for 13th most penalty yards incurred). So, what kokaku said about sloppiness, plus mediocre-to-poor special teams play.
posted by holden at 04:46 PM on November 01, 2010
Allowing two return touchdowns in one game and having two blocked kicks in another certainly isn't helping their cause.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:43 PM on November 01, 2010
I say it's the curse of the man boobs.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:45 PM on November 01, 2010
I guess i don't see why this is a big surprise-every year there are teams that are great in popular stats like total O but do other things poorly, & thus stink.
posted by brainofdtrain at 10:17 PM on November 01, 2010
And are third in scoring offense (18th in scoring defense, still not that bad).
To reinforce holden's point-special teams matter.
posted by Bonkers at 10:49 PM on November 01, 2010
Special teams is 1/3 of the game. Ask any coach that. We basically dedicate most of thursday practice to special teams at the High School I coach at. Look at Virgina Tech. How many games has "Beamer ball" won with blocked kicks and returns.
You could have a great defense, but if they are given the ball with their backs to the wall due to big returns, it makes it tough on anyone.
Games are won and lost on special teams just as much as "O" and "D". Dont trust anyone that tells you otherwise.
posted by Debo270 at 02:15 PM on November 02, 2010
Too sloppy on the field. They could've beat the Pats but did everything they could to keep handing the game away. They may finish with a record more reflective of their statistical strength, but they're not going anywhere until they stop playing stupid football (can't imagine Norv helps them any there).