Last Minute FG Lifts Chargers over Packers in First Preseason Tune-Up

SilentTom · #1 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007

San Diego, California - Despite a strong showing my a number of players on both sides of the ball, a Nate Kaeding field goal with one second remaining on the clock sealed the victory for the hometown Chargers.

Just two plays earlier, a Charger fumble deep in Green Bay territory looked as if it had saved the game for the Packers but upon further review from the booth it was determined that the halfback was down before the ball came loose. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, but in the end it was the Chargers who came out on top.

*Coach McCarthy approaches the podium for his post game press conference*

First things first, I'll get the injuries out of the way. As you saw, both Will Blackmon and Ryan Fowler left the game at points in the second half. Will returned and continued his strong play, Fowler did not and we will be looking further into his injury once we get back to Green Bay.

I was very pleased at what I saw out there tonight and it's very unfortunate we lost such a hard fought game.

I was quite impressed by our quarterback play with Rodgers completing 66% and Martin 83% of their passes. In addition they were mistake free and really did a good job of finding the right targets. Our receivers were doing a great job of getting open and they were hitting them.

Morency also had a good game, breaking a couple big gains and generally getting the ball down field when called upon. This included an outstanding 44 yard run for a touchdown. Herron struggled, but we are confident he will be able to turn it around as the preseason goes on.

On defense we had a bunch of guys doing some great things. Barnett played solid, and displayed the leadership qualities we've come to expect from him. This was especially true when Ryan went down and Nick was called upon to play much more than we had originally intended.

Al (Harris) was back in the secondary doing what he does best, swatting down alot of what came his way but the guy who has really been impressing the coaches is Will (Blackmon). He's been practicing as if he has something to prove and it showed. His interception in the second half kept us in the game and his play overall was incredible.

There won't be many changes to the roster next week, if any. It will really depend on the severity of Ryan's injury. The playcalling may be altered based on what we've seen today but we'll have to wait and see.

I'll open the floor to any questions now.

Disturbed · #2 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007

Will Favre see any preseason time or will you continue to let the young guys play and get game time experience?

SilentTom · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disturbed

Will Favre see any preseason time or will you continue to let the young guys play and get game time experience?

Favre will not be seeing any preseason time. He has been active in practice in order to gain chemistry with the younger players, but we would rather not risk an injury to him.

greatone18 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007

How do you feel about your young defense?

Esimorp · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2007

How much would you say preason will help the receiving corps if in game they are not receiving passes from Brett?

SilentTom · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatone18

How do you feel about your young defense?

We are very excited about our defense. The youth will allow it to grow into a solid unit, though we believe they are already well on their way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esimorp

How much would you say preseason will help the receiving corps if in game they are not receiving passes from Brett?

Well for one they won't have nearly as many dislocated fingers. They're already getting their fair share from his throws in practice. But in all seriousness, we do not see Brett's absense from the preseason games as an issue. He is spending alot of time with the wide receivers already and right now we are taking the approach that we want to give our younger quarterbacks as much ingame experience as possible.

Aaron and Ingle have been getting the balls to the receivers just fine and while they lack the velocity Brett possesses, that doesn't seem to be affecting our receivers progress especially when they are still getting the cannon throws from Brett in scrimmages.