3 Up 3 Down

Source: YardBarker.com

UP

Philip Rivers300 plus yards passing and his starting receivers were Patrick Crayton and Seyi Ajirotutu. He was able to direct the offense to 33 points with the little receiving options at receiver. 

Antonio GatesGates is on a record setting pace himself. As long as Gates is available to catch passes, the passing game will be in good shape. He just finds ways to get open ALL THE TIME.  He finished the game with 5 catches, 123 yards and a TD.

Running Backs (Mathews/Tolbert/Sproles)The dynamic trio each found a way into the end zone this weekend.  Mike Tolbert bulldozed his way to 63 yards and a score and we saw that ugly dance of his in the end zone, “the stanky leg.” As long as he keeps scoring TDs he can do that stupid dance all he wants.

Ryan Mathews was able to get his second TD of his career yesterday as well. This kid has so much potential, BUT i would just love to see him get mad once. Play with a little chip on his shoulder. He seems so so NICE. Maybe when he gains more comfort in this league he will be able to dial up the intensity.

Darren Sproles brought that little flash back. He made a Titan defender just look straight stupid on his 32 yard run. It is good to see him making the cuts that we are used to. He was able to catch a pass in for the score.

Honorable MentionNorv TurnerWhy does it feel weird to place Norv Turner in the up column?!? It just does not feel right. Apparently, Norv Turner became a fire breathing dragon at half time and fired up the troops to perform in the second half. It is amazing what can happen to a coach when his butt is on the line! Too Little Too Late?!?! We shall see, hopefully Dragon Turner can keep the team rolling for the weeks to come.

DOWN

Mike ScifresBLOCKED!!! i know its not his fault that he gets blocked, but wow! We will get to the guy that missed the block on the play with the next DOWN. To add to the blocked punt, Scifres dropped the extra point attempt snap. Just another stumble for this dreadful season at special teams.

SecondaryThe front 7 did there job in stuffing the running game and forcing the Titans to pass the ball. The game plan was to force Steve McNair Vince Young to beat them through the air AND he almost did that. Where in the world was the safety over the top on that wide open pass to Nate Washington?!?!? The Titans finished with over 300 yards through the air on this secondary and that was without their top receiver Kenny Britt for most of the game. I don’t know how many times I see the ball thrown directly at Eric Weddle and he just lays that ball on the ground. I think he tried to use his helmet to catch the ball in the first quarter of this game. CATCH THE BALL KID!!!

Randy McMichaelWatch the tape and you will notice Randy McMichael completely whiff on the block on that punt. He didn’t even lay a hand, a shoulder, a finger on that dude.  After all the problems we have had all year, that play is inexcusable.