San Diego Chargers staying classy, but have found greatness in 'winning ugly' on top of AFC West with a 31-28 victory over Oakland Raiders

As ESPN's San Diego Chargers reporter Eric D. Williams explains after analysis of  San Diego play, the Chargers have found a way to win close games, consistently. The Chargers 'ugly wins' have San Diego sitting pretty on top of their division, the AFC West, at 5-1. Despite odds placed against San Diego this season, whom will have to oust Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to maintain their domain of the AFC West, the Chargers are playing very good ball on both sides of the field. The five game winning streak is due to an ugly win against a win-less Oakland Raiders, whom are under new management with Tony Sparano as Head Coach, the win was an underwhelming performance. Nevertheless, Sand Diego Chargers' playmakers found another dogfight on the gridiron, yet again the Chargers came out on top.

Eric D. Williams accounts for the new found Chargers' success thanks to Phillip Rivers. The San Diego Chargers' QB has had the best numbers for QBR (QB Rating) for several weeks and is simply outplaying all other QBs this season in the NFL. Phillip Rivers current QBR is 87.1, two points higher than division rival Peyton Manning (2nd in QBR). For those who have watched Rivers throw throughout the years, despite his lack luster mechanics while throwing, Rivers can flat out play. Phillip has always boasted a dangerous arm on long balls and has a gunslinger's attitude which usually results in big gains through the air. The one aspect which usually hinders Rivers' effectiveness is himself. Rivers has what some would call Brett Favre syndrome, in that he will rifle a shot against multiple defenders or shutdown corners to make a big play happen, this often times creates a fair amount of interceptions accrued alongside touchdowns in a season for Rivers. Now that may sound harsh until you put the numbers on it, Rivers' career total TDs amount to 236 compared to 106 recorded interceptions, statistically that's a 1 of 2 disparity (thereabouts) which leads to problems for Chargers against higher caliber opponents and playoff aspirations.

Eric D. Williams has noted the heightened level of play from Rivers this season, and why that should worry AFC contenders. During Sunday's game, Rivers would throw for 22 of 34 completions accruing 313 yards with 3 TDs, sacked just once and boasted a very respectable 123.8 passer rating. This excellent performance resulting in victory would see another milestone in that it was also Rivers fifth straight game of a recorded 120+ passer rating, who just passed himself, Johnny Unitas and Kurt Warner for a new NFL record which was previously at just four consecutive games (of 120+ passer rating per game). As for interceptions, Rivers can also boast a 15 TDs to 2 interceptions ratio, much more in form with how well Rivers is playing this season. ESPN has projected only three more interceptions for Rivers this season which (if true) should help the Chargers scrap out more close-shave victories, as is their season's theme.

In the grind out victory in O.Co coliseum, the Chargers were happy to see two of their rookies have monster showings as well. Rookie RB Branden Oliver would put up 100+ yards on 26 carries. The strong game from Oliver would be his second straight game of over 100 yards rushing. Rookie Cornerback, Jason Verret, would come up with the game-sealing interception against a desperate David Carr and the Raiders, still starving for their first win of the season. Many Chargers have noticed a new and deadly Chargers team this season, capable on both sides of play. Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers Free Safety, simple stated "Last year we would have lost this game." Various Chargers feel that this is a different season with a highly focused team, as Weddle additionally pointed out that despite an ugly win, the team will learn from the mistakes and also learned how resilient of a pro football team San Diego has become. Just ask San Diego Head Coach Mike McCoy, who isn't concerned about how pretty the execution is in realtime as he is with stringing together wins no matter how ugly they are, "The great thing is we found a way to win at the end...That's the only thing that matters in this business, is finding a way every Sunday -- or whatever day we're playing -- to win. It's not always going to be perfect." While the San Diego Chargers are indeed not perfect, the team has consistently outplayed their opponents and have positioned themselves nicely into the ensuing playoff picture for the 2014-2015 season.

References:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/12/chargers-raiders-move-on-acee/

http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/7550/weddle-takes-blame-for-fake-punt-call

http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/7570/chargers-seek-greatness-learn-how-to-win-ugly

http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/7587/morning-links-reaction-to-bolts-31-28

http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554302


Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Phillip Rivers: Kieth Allison

Former Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo's claim that 'Hundreds of Domestic Violence Cases Ignored' in the past 30 years

More fuel has been added to the growing fire of dissent that is the NFL's persona. The NFL organization is now under fire from former Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo who made some heated and controversial statements regarding the NFL's handling of domestic abuse cases throughout the modern era of pro football. Jerry Angelo would state that 'hundreds of domestic violence cases have been ignored' on a consistent basis due to keeping high profile play-makers on the field come Sunday games. The statements made by Jerry Angelo have shed new light on the shady process of covering up misbehavior of pro football athletes. Angelo's statements would see those like former Chicago Bears Head Coach Mike Ditka up in arms, as well as Jerry Angelo himself trying to put his statements in reverse after heated criticism.

The original claims made by Jerry Angelo were due to a USA Today story broke by Josh Peter on Thursday and the quotes from Angelo came from an USA Today sports interview where Angelo's criticism of Rodger Goodell lead him to make the controversial statements. According to Josh Peter's story, Angelo had a change of heart and remorse after witnessing the Ray Rice video. Angelo remarked on Goodell stating that he [Goodell] would never cover anything up but also admitted Goodell looked to be playing by the C.Y.A handbook (Cover Your Ass); Angelo would state in his USA Today Sports interview that Goodell may have his 'priorities a little out of order'. Angelo would make his now infamous, now self professed 'out of context' quote about how hundreds of cases of domestic violence are getting swept up under the rug, alongside with his role in the ugly matter during the interview:

"I made a mistake...I was human. I was part of it. I'm not proud of it...OK, is everybody OK? Yeah. How are they doing? Good. And then we'd just move on. We'd move on...We knew it was wrong…For whatever reason, it just kind of got glossed over. I'm no psychiatrist, so I can't really get into what that part of it is. I'm just telling you how I was. I've got to look at myself first. And I was part of that, but I didn't stand alone...Our business is to win games...We've got to win games, and the commissioner's job is to make sure the credibility of the National Football League is held in the highest esteem. [Regarding Goodell]But to start with that, you have to know who's representing the shield. We got our priorities a little out of order."

This type of quote made by Jerry Angelo certainly seems like he understands his part in the cover ups of violence and of the misconduct of organizations and players alike. Additionally, Angelo had no problems with pointing the finger at himself and Goodell just two days ago. Nevertheless, Jerry Angelo would attempt to retract those statements yesterday while being quoted on CSNChicago.com:

"That ‘hundreds and hundreds’ was taken totally out of context...When I was making a point to this person, I was making a point that over my 31 years in the National Football League I’ve seen a lot of changes. There were hundreds and hundreds of things over those years that I’ve seen that have gotten better. Domestic violence is one of those. There were no hundreds and hundreds [of cases] of domestic violence. I would have no knowledge of that or have any idea how I would authenticate that. . . . That was never the intent of [the writer’s] conversation with me."

Despite Angelo trying to backtrack on now heated words, his statements have found opposition across the board from NFL authorities. The same day of Angelo's quotes, the Chicago Bears released a statement via the Chicago Sun-Times (albeit a vague, aloft and conceited one) in contrast to what Jerry Angelo claimed, "We were surprised by Jerry's comments and do not know what he is referring to." If you thought Angelo's backtrack quote and the Bears organizational stance of moral amnesia on Angelo's words were priceless, then you will most likely love the heated words via former Head Coach Mike Ditka about Angelo while on The Waddle and Silvy ESPN Radio Show:

 "[About Angelo]Gutless...If you didn't do anything about it while running the team, shut up, don't live in the past...why didn't you do something then...[Domestic violence]that was never covered up, never. I didn't know anything about that...maybe somebody having a little bit too much to drink, yeah, we would cover that up once in a while. We would overlook it and that wasn't right either. [Angelo] He's right about the one thing...you want the player playing."

One of the few ESPN commentators/ reporters to cover this story in circumspect was Kieth Olberman on his ESPN show. Olberman boldly stated that even if Jerry Angelo was 'misquoted' he was probably right. While many around the league are questioning Angelo on his statements, it appears the actual hot topic debate of domestic violence was swept under the rug with regards to what Angelo stated. People are more combative of attacking Angelo than adequately dealing with an epidemic of NFL violence and cover-ups. Unfortunately none should be surprised as the consistent action taken around the league is denial and accusatory distractions. Domestic violence, a major issue which could seriously damage the NFL's reputation if this matter is to be consistently swept to the curb in lieu of protecting violent players so that they may stay active come game day and publicly outing legitimate voices of concern on a clearly out of control, recurring problem in pro football.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11672631/ex-bears-gm-jerry-angelo-hundreds-domestic-violence-cases-ignored

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11675930/ex-bears-gm-jerry-angelo-says-was-not-talking-hundreds-hundreds-domestic-violence-incidents-just-incidents-general

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/10/09/jerry-angelo-chicago-bears-national-football-league/16981865/

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11677031&categoryid=2378529

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/10/jerry-angelo-claims-he-was-taken-out-of-context/

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/former-bears-gm-says-teams-hid-hundreds-of-domestic-violence-cases-from-league-212429165.html

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Jerry Angelo: Warren Wimmer / Getty Images North America

ESPN Indianapolis Colts reporter Mike Wells on why the Colts 33-28 victory against the Houston Texans isn't just Luck, it's a great supporting cast

ESPN's Indianapolis Colts columnist Mike Wells reported on the solid game displayed by the Colts offense and why the game doesn't belong to Luck but rather his stellar cast of offensive weapons. Although the game was dubbed ' J.J. Watts vs. Luck', the two NFL superstars would take a backseat to the splendor that is the Colt's offense. Respectively, J.J. Watts had another strong showing as the defensive juggernaut he is, as would Luck have a great game through the air. Yet, it was the near franchise record game for Colt's T.Y. Hilton that has Mike Wells noticing the emerging pattern of a Super Bowl caliber team with no egos, only playmakers.

Playmakers for the Colts continually are stepping up, making their presence known and feared, all while staying within the scheme and coordination of a well oiled Colts' offensive. This week it was third year Wideout T.Y. Hilton for the Colts who was the showstopper. T.Y. Hilton would put up monster numbers for the game totaling 9 reception for 223 yards and one touchdown. In fact, Hilton would boast an 147 yards in receptions just in the first quarter, which is the most yards by any Colt since 1991. Hilton was just one yard shy last night of surpassing Raymon Berry's franchise record for receiving yards in a game. Hilton's 33 yard touchdown nearing the end of the game proved to be the nails in the coffin for the Houston Texans. Despite great individual performances, Mike Wells explains that this Colts team, which he believes has the best supporting cast Luck has had the fortune to play with, consists of individual playmakers who collectively understand having big games depends on what defense's are scheming and exploiting those schemes with strong talent varied throughout the Colts' deadly offense.

Wells has seen the type of play exhibited by the Colts and sees a Super Bowl bound team not only wanting control of the AFC South (now one full game ahead of the Texans on top of their division) but to dominate game in and game out. For the last four consecutive wins, Wells has seen the heroes and playmakers be divvied up between huge games from Reggie Wayne (WR), runningbacks Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson or their respectable smash mouth defense. Last night it was all T.Y. Hilton. As Mike Wells retells, the Colts have only one goal in mind and that's not how many stats they can throw up on the board, but rather how many exploitative favorable match-ups of the defense they can create. The Colts locker-room is cohesive on this philosophy, as Colts' Tight End Coby Fleener explains what makes the Colts such a headache to deal with:

"We've been saying it all year that we're going to do our best and take what teams give us...If that means throwing to T.Y. for 200 yards, we'll do it. If it means running the ball every play, we'll do it. There's no 'can't do' in this offense...There's going to be some nights where you are the main attraction and some nights where you aren't the main attraction...You have to understand it's the team above individuals, and that's how it should be and that's how it is here."

While the Colts may have had a rough two loss start to the season, the game-plan and focus displayed by the Colts should have many fans hopeful and the opposition worried. With a cerebral and selfless leader at QB, Andrew Luck, combined with a sharp and talented class of both offensive and defensive weapons, the Colts are emerging to the archetype of superior NFL play in this 2014-2015 season.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/8199/colts-continue-to-prove-they-have-a-supporting-cast-around-luck

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Indianapolis Colts Offense (Huddle): Jeffrey Beall