Jersey clad Chargers fans lined the streets to celebrate their team beating the Bengals 27-10. Considered underdogs, the Bolts battled their way into the playoffs in the final weeks and pulled through on the road in Cincinnati.
The odds were against them and so were the miserable playing conditions.The critics even said San Diego would have no chance to beat the Bengals with an undefeated at home this season. But the Chargers won and here are Ten reasons why their lighting bolts struck the Bengals:
1. The Chargers defense rallied. San Diego can thank their defense for Sunday’s improbable win. Key players involved include Donald Butler, Shareece Wright, and Melvin Ingram. Butler stripped the ball in 2nd quarter from Gio Bernard, which was the first of the succession of turnovers the Chargers defense forced. Wright’s pick was also turning point in the 3rd quarter. Dalton faced pressure before throwing ball to Wright, who then brought it back deep into Bengals territory. Finally in the 4th quarter (with 10 minutes left) Ingram’s interception was huge. Chargers have been 5-0 since Ingram has come back from the ACL injury. #54 has brought the defense new life.
2. Pagano took AJ Green out of the game. Whether it was Ingram, Wright or even Richard Marshall, the name AJ Green was rarely heard. AJ Green is an elite receiver and Chargers Defensive Coordinator John Pagano knew that coming in. He designed different formations to try and slow down Green. In their 1st encounter on December 1st AJ had 5 receptions and gained 83 yards, plus the game-clinching touchdown. In this game Green had 3 receptions for 34 yards.
3. Pound, pound, pound..the Chargers killed their run game. Philip Rivers had only 16 passes (128 yards), but rushed for 198 yards. Coming into this game Chargers leading rusher Ryan Mathews was one of the hottest running backs in the league. Unfortunately Mathews left in the 3rd quarter due to a nagging ankle injury. So that meant that Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown would have to pick up the slack, which they did. Woodhead and Brown combined for 131 of the rushing yards and each had a touchdown.
4. Guard your franchise QB. One of the main reasons why the Chargers are in the playoffs is because of number 17. This whole season Philip Rivers has played like an MVP candidate much of this has been because of his protection. Rivers was only sacked one time on Sunday. Chargers moved Jeromey Clary to Right Guard drafted RT DJ Fluker, signed LT King Dunlap, RG/C Rich Ohrnberger and LG Chad Rinehart all to keep Rivers out of harm.
5. Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis don’t fair well in the post season. Dalton was 28 of 50 passes for 331 yards, 1 TD and 2 interceptions. Dalton also lost a fumble. All of his turnovers happened in the second half. Coach Marvin Lewis is also winless in his five playoff games during his 11 years with the Bengals.
6. San Diego had a next man up mentality. Chargers Center Nick Hardwick went out with a neck injury, which has bothered him all season, during the 1st quarter. When he went down it was time for 5-year veteran Rich Ohrnberger to step in and he did just that.
7. Chargers trusted the young players. The San Diego had seven rookies suit up and all contributed to the win. Rookie Safety Jahleel Addae was flying all over the ball and unleashing vicious hits. Addae also had a heads up play when he picked up the fumble Dalton coughed up. Keenan Allen’s name wasn’t mentioned as much as usual, but contributed to the reason why Chargers ran the ball so effectively. DJ Fluker was running everyone in a black jersey over and opening up holes. Manti Te’o had 8 tackles and was a vital reason for why Benjarvus Green-Ellis did not go crazy like he did Week 13.
8. They are protecting the ball. The Chargers had three turnovers when these two teams met in Week 13, but on Sunday they had zero. The running backs held on to the ball for dear life. Coaches McCoy and Wisenhunt really simplified the game plan so that no mistakes would be committed.
9. Super Chargers athleticism was stepped up. The very physical defensive tackle Cam Thomas came to play. Thomas had a sick Dalton sack in the fourth quarter after Dalton connected with Marvin Jones. Also, Lardarius Green has proven to be a super athletic tight end. After Rivers hit a 33-yard pass to Eddie Royal, he chucked it up in the end zone to Green.
10. Chargers play clean,hard football. Bolts have closed the regular season with four straight wins by putting in work. They didn’t slither into anyone playoff spot, they earned it.
For those who didn’t believe in the Bolts . . . it speaks for itself that they are one of eight teams left battling a chance to play in the Super Bowl. With Mathews and Hardwick back Chargers could keep the momentum to beat the Broncos Sunday, who they have split the regular season series with.
–Theresa Villano, Follow @Theresa_PPI
