[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]
[et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]
[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]
Anyone who’s posted with me for very long likely knows I’m a lifelong Virginian & a big Virginia Tech fan. While the halcyon days of HC Frank Beamer, DC Bud Foster, and consistent 10+ win seasons are in the rear view, I stick with this team as they attempt to return to the national spotlight.
That’s a tough sled for a relatively small school from a small mountain town in southwest VA. A big part of the mentality that got them there was the idea of the lunch pail. The idea of the lunch pail was originated by DC Bud Foster as a blue collar, come to work, do your job mentality. A battered old coal miner’s lunch pail was awarded to a defensive player each week who embodied that mentality. It contained field turf from defeated opponents….and under Foster’s 20 year tenure there were plenty.
I believe Harbaugh and Co. are going to bring this mentality to the Chargers. I think he values….stresses….is building the idea that you WILL come to work, you WILL play as a team, you WILL do your job….or you will not play. It’s early yet but I think we’re beginning to see the signs that favoritism won’t play a big role in this regime. Performance will. I for one welcome this mentality. I am more than ready to see tough-minded, focused, dominating football from this team. I want “chargering” to become a positive. For opponents to dread playing this team because they know that, win or lose, they’re in for a fight.
With all of that said, I’m going to name my first “lunch pail” Charger player for 2024. Yes, it may seem premature but what the hell….I believe this guy needs no further accolades to wear this title. For me, that guy is Khalil Mack. I couldn’t be happier that Khalil is back for 2024 as a Charger. This guy is a penultimate professional. All he does is come to work & ball out. He’s a mentor. He’s a leader….by his words AND actions, both on & off the field. I believe he fits perfectly into the culture that Harbaugh is building & that he’s an invaluable resource for the young guys, in particular Tuli.
I’m hoping….no, I’m expecting, Minter to field a domineering, attacking, smothering defense. It may not all come together this season. There’s a lot of work to be done. But I expect it will get done & I believe this “lunch pail” mentality will be a driving force.
@chargerman463 thanks man. Really great to have you here, looking forward to learning from you and interacting more. I’ve always loved this representation of the football mentality I enjoy watching. IMO, if you wanna be a champion you carry yourself as one in all aspects of your life and you put in the work. There’s a lot of “guts” to get to the glory.
Having said that, maybe here’s the place for this video. I love this kid, love the fact that he’s our QB. He looks confident, poised, and excited. He’s obviously intelligent and shows a command at the podium that I see translating well to the field. The naysayers can suck on it. This kid….this TEAM….now has the juice in the coaching ranks to go far. To finally set an identity and know how to impose that identity. Do I expect a miraculous turnaround? I’m trying to remain realistic but…..
Yeah, I do. Why shouldn’t I? No guts, no glory.
@buck-melanoma Thanks my friend. I’m glad to be here where I can meet and interact with other Charger fans. It’s not many that’s around me here in New Jersey so being here with you guys makes it extra special. If it wasn’t for Kyle, maybe I wouldn’t be here at this moment and this time. But eventually I would’ve found you guys so I send a shout out to him. We as Charger fans have many reasons why we should all be excited this season. Like Derwin James said this year just feel different. I believe it’s that Harbaugh effect and what he brings to the table. We have a Great Coach and a Knowledgeable GM and together they know how to build a Roster, build Depth, Team Chemistry, and an Identity which is something this organization has lacked for a long time. I cannot wait to see what this team look like come September and I’m looking forward to engaging with yourself and everyone on here as we learn from each other on this journey. I like your energy and your passion. My type of guy. Bolt Up! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
@chargerman463 I am on Long island. I feel your pain of being on Charger Island out here. Nice to know there are some other fans repping the Northeast.
“ I am more than ready to see tough-minded, focused, dominating football from this team.”
Me too. No more finesse. Out physical the oponnent week in and week out.
Love this post Buck! I agree that this will take a couple of years of free agency, draft picks, and roster rebuild. The result will be a much more physical team. They will be built for tough weather and tough environments. That will be a team that we will all be proud of.
this will take a couple of years of free agency, draft picks, and roster rebuild.
I’ve read this sentiment several times and heard it frequently on podcasts. It’s probably right, however…. I think the Chargers are going to be a very good, very physical team in 2024. Rosters are a living organization. They are not a destination. Good teams will constantly be trying to improve their roster in every possible way. In a very short period of time, the front office has built a roster that this coaching staff can win with.
- The current coaching staff is the polar opposite of Staley’s staff.
- Jim Harbaugh played in the league for 15 years (vs. Staley’s zero years) and has been a head coach for 16 years (vs Staley’s zero). Jim has played in an AFC Championship game and coached in the Super Bowl. Staley lost his only playoff game in one of the most embarrassing implosions in Charger history
- Mark Trestman (passing game coordinator) has been coaching since 1981 & has 10 years of HC experience
- Rick Mintor (Senior Defensive Analyst & Jessie’s dad) has been coaching since 1977, with 10 seasons as a HC
- Greg Roman has been coaching since 1995, with 10 seasons as an OC. Compare that to Lombardi’s one season as OC under Sean Payton.
- The focus on details in every aspect of the player experience will lead to a much more fundamentally sound team. Practicing in full uniforms. No music. The head coach spending time with every player (including working on passing fundamentals with the UDFA QB). All this matters and will make a difference in team performance
- The focus on player conditioning will both reduce injury and give the team an edge in the 4th quarter.
Will the Chargers win the SB in 2024? Probably not. Will they be a good, physical, fundamentally sound team that runs the ball well, plays aggressive defense and wins close games? I absolutely expect this to be the case.
@kevdiego I agree completely on the coaching staff comments. Staley did himself no favors in this area and it showed. Hortiz/Harbaugh/& “Great Coaches” all inherited a below average roster assembled by TomTelesco (FTR) and John Spanos. On top of that they inherited the single worst cap situation in the league. They had to release or trade pro bowl players. It will take a minute to get “their” roster. I understand that rosters are never stagnant, but there is no way that this is their ideal roster. They will build an ideal roster.
I guess my point is that, as a living organism, the roster will never be done. They will always be trying to add pieces, build depth and get better in every way possible. To me, this is the refreshing paradigm change that has me the most excited for the future of the team. Under Telesco/JS, I felt the team was happy to sign big-name stars to big contracts, then fill out the roster with whomever showed up at their camp. “WR? We got Keenan-fucking-Allen and Mike Williams. Who gives a fuck about our depth?” That line of thinking leads to Michael Bandy starting a playoff game.
Could the 2024 Charger roster be better? Absolutely. But, in the eternal quest to “get better,” every roster will be a work in progress. The front office will always be engaged in a quest to get better at every level. Signing Leatherwood is a great example; he’s a quality athlete who they know they can stash on the practice squad. I am not a huge fan of Leatherwood, but I think I would rather have him over Foster Sarell on the PS.
@kevdiego I agree with all that you’ve said here & am especially heartening that Hortiz will continue to work throughout the season to improve this roster, unlike his predecessor.
I believe the Chargers will be competitive in 2024, likely get into the playoffs as a WC. I don’t expect the real noise to be made until 2025. There are still a few key suspect areas, IMO….IOL, particularly center. Defensive secondary. DL, particularly the interior group. TE.
There are bodies at all of these positions but many are unproven or somewhat reclamation projects. They may absolutely ball out….or just as easily flame out. I’m optimistic but not going to expect something miraculous. Maybe….hopefully!!….I’ll get an incredible surprise.
Hortiz will continue to work throughout the season to improve this roster, unlike his predecessor.
This is such a breath of fresh air. My god, Telesco was such a bad GM. Hard to imagine how bad the Chargers would be if they did not luck into two HOF-caliber QBs. I’m looking forward to seeing the Raider fans enjoy the Telesco experience. I may enjoy that more than the Russell Wilson fiasco. FTR
I believe the Chargers will be competitive in 2024, likely get into the playoffs as a WC. I don’t expect the real noise to be made until 2025.
Again, you’re probably right. I just think that coaching matters. A lot. My opinion is that KC has had one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL. Mahomes is great, but Andy Reid is 258-141-1 in the regular season and 26-16 in the playoffs. I know Mahomes is a great QB, but Reid is a great coach. I think the Chargers finally have a coaching staff that is every bit as good as (or possibly better than) KC.
There are bodies at all of these positions but many are unproven or somewhat reclamation projects.
Very true. I’m especially concered about the interior OL and CB. Again, this is where coaching will make a difference.
Very excited to see how the season unfolds.
@buck-melanoma I would go one step further thank “likely get into the playoffs.” This team this year should make the playoffs. A team with a QB of the caliber and experience should make the playoffs every year with a competent coaching staff. The underperformance of the organization with Rivers and Herbert as their QBs, playing virtually every game, has been unprecedented in NFL history. Teams with this level of QB play should make the playoffs every year barring injury to the QB.
@gbgh I’m not going to put that weight on Herbert’s shoulders alone. It’s still a team sport. Until this roster overcomes the hole that TT & little Johnny created, I’m reserving full-fledged confidence. I see that taking another year.
@buck-melanoma To me, the team has one major deficiency – center, two middling deficiencies – IDL and CB. They are well above average at QB and OLB. They are above average at safety and OL (not including the center). The RBs, WRs and ILBs are average. All teams have holes. Barring catastrophic injury, given a now competent coaching staff, this team with this level of talent should make the playoffs as a WC. I will be surprised and disappointed if they do not.
@buck-melanoma I think you’re right that 2025 is the target, but I wouldn’t necessarily sell this year short. There are definitely some iffy spots on the roster, but I have high expectations for the “Team” mentality that is being installed. I fully expect the Chargers to win 1-2 games this year that they really shouldn’t just by sticking together and gutting it out. That can sometimes be impossible to beat, even with superior talent. It’s an exciting and hopeful time to be a Charger fan.
@kevdiego Great post Kev. I couldn’t have said it better, and agree with all the above. We will finally be relevant again and a team that must be respected. No more finding ways to lose but we will find different ways to win and that got me absolutely pumped. Great read man.
Simply watching how things are unfolding so far is foreign to all the things I’ve been been accustomed to. This hapless organization has been pulling the rug from under our feet for the better part of two decades. I’m sick of it. Apparently not sick enough to be disloyal. I should talk to a professional about that. The new regime is making football fun again and the season hasn’t even begun yet. JH may be a little weird, but that doesn’t matter if smart moves are made and games are won. Indeed, the lunch box mentality is a long awaited, welcomed sight.
It’s incredible how stubborn the team ownership is. It took being absolutely humiliated on nationwide TV to shake things up. Any favor those pirate prisoners do for us should be taken without any hesitation. Let’s show our appreciation to them by kicking their ass on 9/8/24!!
Family. Trust. Respect.
Simply watching how things are unfolding so far is foreign to all the things I’ve been been accustomed to…The new regime is making football fun again and the season hasn’t even begun yet.
This is a great point.
We’ve all really, really enjoyed this offseason… I’d say most would agree that it’s been a pretty fun and exciting offseason. That’s DESPITE-
1) Trading away a fan-favorite, franchise ring-of-honor player in Keenan Allen
2) Making *no* marquee, expensive free agent signings. Almost every free agent signing has been a cast-off, post-hype player on a prove-it deal. The biggest financial commitment that’s been made has been to a blocking TE that will hover between TE2 and TE3 for his whole contract, notwithstanding injuries.
3) No trade downs in the draft… something we all wanted, and didn’t get, yet they still executed a great draft
4) No splash trades for a big name.
What’s made tho is offseason so fun despite a complete lack of high- profile moves?
It’s the obvious presence of a strategic plan in place. They’ve built better depth on this roster than TT ever managed outside of one outlier year, ’22. There have been no knee-jerk, desparation-move overpays of a free agent. They deftly navigated their way to three compensatory picks in 2025. They retained a key, potentially core member of the defense who was a Day 3 guy that developed, and did so at a reasonable price. They made smart post-hype signings that have stocked our outgoing CFA list full for the next two years, further expanding the opportunities to being in MORE compensatory picks while creating some flexibility in adding pieces thanks to the sheer amount of expiring contracts that will be leaving in ’25 and ’26.
Seriously… who’s got it better than us for the next 5 years?
It took being absolutely humiliated on nationwide TV to shake things up.
Its an interesting off-season thought experiment to speculate how big a shit the team needed to take on the field in order for the Spanos family to give up control of football operations and green-light this level of change. I honestly thought that John Spanos would never empower competent football professionals in the his sandbox. After the way the team gave up in the Raider game, it was clear that drastic changes needed to be made. If the Chargers lost that game 24-21 with Easton Stick at QB, would Staley have been fired after the game? Probably not. If the Chargers went 8-9 (with Herbert injured), would Staley have been fired? I think that’s 50/50.
All things happen for a reason. It took a really shitty season for the Spanos family to realize they need quality football people running their football team. A cheap, inexperienced HC and a yes-man GM building a top-heavy Madden team was not going to make them relevant in the crowded LA market. The path they’re on now, if they can stay on it, will put them in a position to win for the remainder of the decade.
If the Chargers went 8-9 Staley probably would have been fired but Spanos would NOT have given up personnel & football operations control. What a blessing that blowout loss was for this organization.
I’m very interested & excited to see what transpires for the next several years.
You’re probably right that 8 wins would have gotten Staley fired. But… Would it have gotten Telesco fired? How much worse would it be if Tom & John hired “hot coordinator” 4.0 & had another uninspired draft? In that case, I think Charger fans would be wishing and hoping that the latest incarnation of an inexperienced coordinator playing HC would finally work out and that somehow the Chargers built depth on their roster to possibly make the playoffs. With Harbaugh & the current staff, I KNOW this team is going to win.
Knowing vs. hoping is such a better feeling. Enjoy the Telesco experience Raider fans!
@kevdiego I do not know that they will win, but that is okay. As long as they play tough, competitive football I will be happy. The one thing I cannot stand is heartless, weak, self centered performances.
@lfg_boltz The other problem here is the Chargers would not have ended up with the 5th draft position. That means they wouldn’t have necessarily gotten Alt, McConkey, etc.
@mongotesla I agree 100% on both points. Being a Charger fan (and I have been one for a LONG time) has generally involved knowing that to a greater or lesser degree you’re rooting for a poorly run operation that isn’t *really* playing with the big boys. That’s not as true any more – I don’t have that feeling, and I see it reflected less and less in the national media. They respect Harbaugh, and they see the buy-in by the team. It’s still the same ownership, true, but they’ve taken their fat fingers off the reins, for now anyway.
I also hope they kick ass on the Raiders, but I don’t know if the impetus is there for this new coaching staff to address last year’s embarrassments. We’ll see.
In addition to everything already said, which I agree with, the Chargers have 30 coaches on staff: 12 on offense, 10 on defense, 2 on special teams, 5 for player performance, and Harbaugh. I don’t recall how many Staley had, but I’m confident this is a larger coaching staff, in addition to being a more experienced staff.
This gives me confidence this coaching staff will be able to properly manage and coach up the players very effectively, down to every small detail that matters.
@tau837 Hey Tau, it looks like Staley had 26.
https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-add-to-2023-coaching-staff-promote-two-coaches
but I’m confident this is a larger coaching staff, in addition to being a more experienced staff.
But, like you said, it’s not all about the quantity here.
Definitely not worried about mentality. All concerns I have center around Greg Roman and how much he can change his game in January (AKA the month that kicks his ass).
@ibanezsam Hey buddy! Welcome to the party Sam, good to see ya.
You get that Chargers hockey sweater yet?
@kylededi I’m sadly stocked all the way up on fall clothing and can’t spare the space. Got a Dicker jersey as my first official non-knock off game attire tho!
@buck-melanoma hope you’re doing well. Thinking of traveling to Charlotte for week 2?
@buck-melanoma I’ll be at the Chargers @ Pittsburgh game in Week 3 in case if anyone can join.
@ibanezsam Well, first off, you are referencing a small sample size that may not be particularly useful as a predictor for various reasons. Also, he never had a QB as good as Herbert in January, plus he has 10 years of OC experience to build on now. Plus the reconnection with Harbaugh, with both of them older, wiser, and more experienced. I wouldn’t assume any negative trends from his previous 10 years will carry over to 2024 playoffs, should the Chargers make the playoffs.
@tau837 it doesn’t help I’ve never been a fan of his offenses for sure (by the end of the season they look tired). I’m just wary of hiring passing game specialists who trend more to the Lombardi side of passing schemes… Especially in a post-Shanahan era where everything is very layered.
We certainly have improved in the FO and coaching departments. I’m just sooooo happy that Telesco is finally gone. What an unimaginative GM!
Man it’s beautiful to see you boys not wasting anytime. It’s like BTFB reborn and I’m here for it. Nicework Buck! Congrats and a huge thank you to Kyle and Ryan. Congrats again to you and your wife on the baby Kyle!
@buck-melanoma Always happy to see you and in good spirits my friend. I am not the list bit surprised that this has become a reality considering the state BTFTB fell into. Also not the least bit surprised all the loyal home brewed Bolt fam is here in droves to see it thrive. Life been kickin’ my ass so I haven’t been around and ended up scrapping my writing project during the draft cycle which I hope you guys can forgive me for. I look forward to getting up and running again with contributions to the discussion. A lot has happened and I was pretty excited to see Hortiz’ first crack at the draft. The excitement for future comp picks and just the forming of a real team under the Harbaugh banner is so tangible in each presser and pod I catch.
Great show Kyle did with the Charger Talk boys as well. I just recently caught on to that show and it’s nice to see so much vibrance from the community. Long live this loyal bunch of Bolt fandom. Really hope you have been well Buck!
@iblue-idream I’m good, thanks. Hope life slows down for ya soon. Glad you’re here. 🙂
@buck-melanoma Great to hear you’re good my friend. As for life lol 🤣 🤣hoping that as well and means a lot coming from you. Happy to be back with the group.
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]
