It’s about time, the guy was a terrible coach
This is what i wrote a few weeks ago and put the link up here prior to NE vs SD playoff game
New England at San Diego
The first thing that gets my attention is the game total line of 46.5, these 2 teams are both exceptionally gifted offensively, and i have no choice but to assume there will be a lot of points scored here, strong lean on the over.
I also have to consider New England winning this game straight up, after all they are the most dominating team in recent memory, Belichik is an absolute genius who has won 3 Super Bowls in the past 4 years, Schottenheimer is questionable, with repeated past playoff failures in Kansas City.
The QB advantage goes to NE, Brady is as good as it gets, while first year starter Rivers is making his playoff debut after some shaky play down the stretch.
Some concerns over NE wide receivers Gaffney and Caldwell, hopefully they will not drop the ball and cause their team to fall behind early, as they have shown slight tendencies to do this recently, even so, Brown is an excellent clutch receiver with 3 Super Bowl rings to his credit, he is available, along with big catch tight ends Graham and Watson, Brady will have several weapons at his disposal and knows who is on their game and will find them.
SD is certainly much improved over last year and have coasted through the regular season, but the fact remains that NE is still the team to beat in the AFC, especially come playoff time, NE is a proven winner with a roster full of champions who know how to get the job done.
Tomlinson’s ability must be respected, he is the best, but after breaking all those records this season, might he be a bit burned out, Turner also adds an element to their running game, but can you really give San Diego the edge in the running game, would you really prefer them over a combination of Super Bowl winners Dillon, aka tank boy, this is one seriously put together man, 7 time Pro Bowler, and Faulk, 3 Super Bowl appearances, 3 Super Bowl wins, lets not forget rookie Maroney, he nearly led the team in rushing coming off the bench in his 1st season, i mean i don’t know, this is really a close call, as for the rest of the offensive weaponry, San Diego is decent, no doubt about it, but New England is very decent as well, the only thing that really seperates them on offense is the 20+ Super Bowl rings decorating the New England fingers.
The game should come down to whose defense stops who more and turnovers, it’s a bit of a toss up, i expect a great game, while San Diego has won 10 in a row, New England has won 7 of their last 8 and last 4 over some quality teams with everything to play for, Tennessee, Jacksonville, and most recently the New York Jets.
Another thing worth adding, last year San Diego went into New England and put a beating on the Patriots 41-17, how’s that for motivation, and as if that wasn’t enough, SD coach Schottenheimer started lippin off about how bad New England was and criticizing the champs, WTF is a matter with you guy, seriously, New England is going to put a whoopin on you, enjoy.
A money line bet at +200 on New England to win straight up is the right play
This game should be contentious, but New England should prevail in the late going with the huge experience edge, i call it the champ factor
I was never impressed with him, he’s not a gifted tactician, to put it nicely, and his role in putting that 14-2 team together was minor, the GM drafted Tomlinson and other key players, the only thing Marty did was keep the pedal to the metal throughout the entire season and burn them out entirely before game 1 of the playoffs
Smart move by Spanos, a man who knows his football, and if he’s smart he’ll grab up Pete Carroll from USC, and that will be a big improvement in the coaching department for the San Diego Chargers
In 20 whatever years of coaching, Schottenheimer has never beaten a decent team in the playoffs or come close to winning a Super Bowl
How much is enough, you gotta draw the line somewhere and give someone else a shot.
The Word