September 14th, 2008 
Jim Dubenetzky 
Posted in The Chargers definitely got screwed. On the Chargers first possession of the game Philip Rivers completed a pass to Chris Chambers, it appeared as though Champ Bailey stripped the ball from Chambers and the Broncos were awarded the football. Norv Turner challenged the play and the replay clearly showed that Chambers was down before Bailey gained sole possession of the football so the play should have been overturned, but the NFL’s replay equipment was malfunctioning so there was no challenge and Denver kept the football. They scored a touchdown on that drive. A bad call also led to Denver’s game winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game. Denver QB Jay Cutler clearly fumbled a botched pass attempt, that was recovered by San Diego, with seconds remaining in the game but Ed Hochuli blew the play dead. The play was reviewed and then changed to a fumble but since the play was blown dead before San Diego recovered the ball Denver retained possession and scored the game winning touchdown and 2-point conversion.
Even without the bad calls, it was still a tough game too watch for San Diego fans. LaDainian Tomlinson didn’t look very good at all gaining just 26 yards on 10 carries with no scores. Back-up RB Darren Sproles led the Chargers in rushing with 53 yards on 7 carries. If it wasn’t for the superb play of QB Philip Rivers it wouldn’t have been close. Rivers finished with 377 yards and 3 TD’s with 1 INT.
The San Diego defense also failed to impress as Jay Cutler torched ‘em for 350 yards and 4 TD’s. The SD defense couldn’t create any sort of pressure on Cutler and failed to sack him while the secondary looked a step behind the Denver recievers for most of the game. Denver WR Brandon Marshall lit up the SD secondary with 18 catches (second most in NFL history) for 166 yards and 1 TD. Denver TE Tony Sheffler had a solid day, scoring 2 TD’s with 64 yards on 6 catches. Chris Chambers pulled in 4 balls for 83 yards and 2 TD’s.
Denver pulls to 2-0 while San Diego is still winless at 0-2. San Diego will play host to Brett Favre’s Jets next weekend while the Broncos will host the Saints.
Where was the defense? They should not have been in a position where a bad call lost the game for them. Maybe instead of talking about getting 15 interseptions you should try playing. The defense needs to improve now! It’s a shame when you put up 30 plus points and the other team out scores you.
Here is Ed Hochuli’s email address ehochuli@jshfirm.com. He is a partner in a law firm. One of the areas he practices law is Professional Liability. I am sure he would love to hear from SD Charger fans. He should be liable for the crime he commited today on the field in Denver.