So many great things about the Chargers complete dominance over Tennessee yesterday. The Chargers showed their resilience and the kind of ruthlessness they’ll need as they make a playoff run. Going into the game there were many questions.
Gates and Sproles played huge for the Chargers (AP Photo/John Russell)
Question #1
Essentially this was a playoff game for the Titans. Would they bring the same tenacity and physicality they brought when they had late round slug-fests in previous years with the Chargers. Could the Chargers match the Titan’s intensity?
Outcome:
The Chargers were all business and played at a level so much higher than Tennessee they dictated play throughout.When the game was over Titan players and fans looked like they’d just hit by lightening. You could almost see them mouthing the words, “what just happened?”
Ladanian Tomlinson doing what he does best (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Question #2
Could the Chargers come out of a game against Tennessee healthy. Even though the Chargers were victorious in the past few games with Tennessee, they paid a heavy price losing key players when they needed them in the playoffs.
Outcome:
Not only did the Chargers get out of Nashville healthy they were able to sub key players when the game was out of hand. Bonus.
Via Chargers.com
Question #3
How would Nick Hardwick respond back at Center after not playing since week one?
Outcome:
He looked great, ankle held up. Hopefully the Chargers can give him even more rest, as he looked like he didn’t miss a beat. There’s a couple of other Centers that could use work in next weeks game.
Chris Johnson has a ways to go to be in the same conversation as LT. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Question #4
Would Chris Johnson, against an ever changing run defense, run the Chargers into the ground?
Outcome:
Chris Johnson was impressive gaining 142 yards on the ground and one TD, but for all intents and purposes he was their entire offense. The platoon of LT and Sproles (yes it’s a platoon) still be beat him in the only stat that matters 5 TDs to 1 TD.
Vince Young couldn't get it done against the Chargers (AP Photo/John Russell)
Question #5
Would Vince Young play to the level that over eager NFL analysts were predicting? Could the Chargers contain his blinding speed, stoic pocket presence and laser guided accuracy that geniuses of the grid iron like Deion Sanders predicted (if this sounds sarcastic it’s because it is).
Outcome:
Please. The Chargers pressured him, hurried him, dared him to throw and then preceded to make him pay for mistake after mistake. Another day, same Vince Young.
These analysts who over hype players like Vince Young, while ignoring players like Phillip Rivers for years, should really be embarrassed with themselves. The only thing more ridiculous then Deion Sanders’ outrageous outfits are his ludicrous takes.
