Good morning and afternoon, StormCloud!
We’re gearing up for another prime time game as Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers get ready to square off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The wins and losses have certainly favored the Chiefs since Justin Herbert took over as the franchise quarterback of the Chargers, but under Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz the Chargers have been “turning the worm.” The organization’s operational decisions and strategy have been a strength for the first time since the early A.J. Smith days. Not only did Joe Hortiz deftly maneuver up and down the 2024 Draft Board to secure four players that would become immediate impact starters and a handful of others that have shown promise, Jim Harbaugh’s coaching has also developed players from the 2023 class that were underused the year before.
Herbert’s Chargers have always played the Chiefs close, but have frequently lost in the last couple possessions to their rivals. Earlier this year, the Bolts continued a trend of keeping the game within a possession but not securing their fourth quarter lead after creating what should have been game-altering turnovers in the first half. A weak offensive performance saw the Bolts only score 10 points to the Chiefs 17… a number they will have to build upon to stand a chance tonight.
Ladd McConkey was the leading receiver in that matchup, and the undersized receiver has put on a Herculean effort since, establishing himself as Justin’s only target to reliably gain separation and secure his catches. His high usage and smaller stature has led to serious wear on his body, entering Week 14 with a debilitating AC joint sprain and knee injury that his his availability for the Sunday Night game in question. Currently, it’s reported that he will be a game time decision. Even if he’s available to play, it’s been evident to those watching that he is gutting through serious pain to be out there for his teammates.
Denzel Perryman is likely out another week, showing up as a “Doubtful” on the final injury report, with Ladd, Tony Jefferson, and Junior Colson listed as questionable. Colson came off the IR this week giving hope that he may be ready to step in for Perryman, although Troy Dye has filled in admirably.
How’s everyone feeling about tonight? Be sure to get some chatter going in the comments!
No whistle!
Borderline grounding.
Mahomes isn’t eligible for that call.
I hate how right you are.
Of course they don’t call that…
Why TF can’t Roman do that with QJ????
No shit. It’s so frustrating
True.
Herbert getting ankle taped?
I wanna Tuli and Mack make a wish with Mahomes.
tons of flags = boring game. The personal foul was a good call, but the hold on Zion was ticky tac. The refs better not bail the Chiefs out again.
You’re joking, right?
Not surprised to see the punt there, as it would’ve been 57 yards. Weird, though, to see Scott kick to the middle of the field.
Hope Herbert didn’t torque a groin on that.
Not being answer with at least 3? No bueno.
No Dicker?
Yea, that was curious. He’s proven he can make those kicks
Yeah that was mistake. Chiefs will be back to the 39 on one play anyway.
Come on man. It will take at least 3
Annnnd right you are.
Ok. Clean game is not a thing right now.
Looks like QJ is gonna get chances tonight.
QJ back to not catching
Dammit Zion….
Maybe that will build some confidence. Great throw by Herbert.
Holy shit a Chark sighting!!
Wow….was that QJ?!?!
QJ caught a pass!
QJ!!! Plus fifteen!
I’m feeling an early bedtime tonight.
GTFO. I know you. You’ll be here come sunrise.
Well, that’s a great start. Nobody open
QJ!! Thank you!!
Same shit. Nobody open. Expect 10-12 sacks
Edwards looks like he’s running in quick sand
Shut up Chris!!
I hope somebody can block Chris Jones tonight.
Here we go OFFENSE!
Three is a win with how they were moving.
Three is ok by me. I expect a TO or two on later drives. Just keep these idiots out of the end zone.
Really interested to see what this offense looks like without Ladd
Who was that? Mack and Tuli?
There it is!
Alright!!
Got that kermit-ass!!
Stalling out here would be a gift.
Good on Henley. We need him to ball out.
Hot knife through butter so far
Warm knife through room temperature butter, but the result is similar.
Shit. Let’s get a positive play on D.
I’m gonna hafta mute this stupid assed chant.
Even NBC is muting it.
Mack might not be the guy to talk shit to.
I’m ready. Got my jersey, brews, snacks, wristband and even the powder blue and gold bead necklace that my niece gave me!! LFG!!!
Only 2 beers in the house but I can smoke myself stupid. 😉
Depending on how things go, I have a Stizzy on the bench.
This game is like re reading a twist a plot book. We know how it’s going to end, we just don’t know we are going to get there.
QJ, Vidal, and even Chark are going to have to be dogs tonight. I have no idea where powder blue points are coming from in this game.
JFC….Collinsworthless….
I’m telling you, run the audio from the Chargers app. Money Smith and Jeremiah call an incredible, Charger-centric game.
When I finally make it out to SoFi I will look to meet as many of the die hards as I can!!!!
I hope there’s enough excitement to keep my old ass awake….lol
If your old ass is anything like mine, it’s not going to be on the couch too long.
Ok, I’m showered, laundry is done, food is made, to-do list for tomorrow is made and achievable. First beer is opened with five in reserve. LT throwback on and I’m ready for a slug fest. Let’s f-ing go!
Got my Rivers on as well. Let it begin!
This is a house money game. Even we die-hards know the odds are not in our favor tonight, with or without Ladd, Denzel, or Bosa’s porcelain bones. But fuck it. Let’s see the boys win this one anyway.
Good game prep on your part. You might need a couple of more beers before this day is over. Hopefully to celebrate.
Vodka and whiskey on the shelf. I don’t screw around on game day!
Wish you were at the game, Mongo. I swear I’m coming to meet you at SoFi soon.
When you come, look me up! We never lose at the tailgate!!
Love it. My gal and I went to SoFi once. Sadly got there about 20 minutes before kickoff so didn’t have time to do much but slug a couple of drinks before running inside to watch them paste the Broncos. I learned that a handful of people manage a post-game tailgate. Thankfully we had a hotel room close.
Post game is tough. We do what we can!! lol
Ladd is out. Roman better have something that will work. Strap in guys n gals.
Roman should be watching this Rams offense and taking notes. They’re dissecting the Bills.
Watching with my Rams fan friend. The Rams have been awesome. Let’s see if they can close it out.
Some of those WR screens looked really good. Maybe if they threw one of those to QJ instead of asking him to block (which he can’t do), it would result in a decent play. I swear, the whiff block against the Falcons was one of the most pathetic football plays I’ve seen. QJ’s blocking was Kelemete bad.
I have faith in our defense to do their job. Perryman would be missed, but the rest can make up for it. Reinforcements are coming at all three levels. The offense can’t be like last week if we want to get out of this thing with a win. I believe that we can win.
Play a clean, steady game with no dumb penalties and keep the ball moving on offense. There are doubts about who will step up and provide quality reps on offense. We can’t keep exposing Ladd to danger and more resources dedicated to him if he plays. Gus, Palmer, Vidal, hell anyone please step up. All questions about Chark seem to have stopped now. An enigma that has lost its staying power.