October 15, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts on the sidelines after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

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It is now week 12 of the NFL season and the Chargers are sitting at 4-6. This is not where either the fans, nor the team, would have hoped they would be at this point in the season.

Despite having a record that is two games under .500, the Bolts still have a slim chance to make the playoffs as a wildcard. Teams such as Pittsburgh and Indianapolis both have two game leads over us at 6-4. Cincinnati is currently 5-5 while Miami is tied with us at 4-6.

Taking into account the aforementioned hurdles, the Chargers now invite the Baltimore Ravens to San Diego for a tough matchup on Sunday. The Ravens sit atop the AFC North division but have the Steelers hoping to gain ground on them in any way possible.

Baltimore boasts offensive stars such as Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Anquan Boldin, and Torrey Smith. They have a solid o-line and can run and pass the ball effectively.

On defense, the team has three major standouts featuring Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, and Ed Reed. Although they will be without team leader, Ray Lewis, and stud cornerback, Lardarius Webb, the Ravens defense will still pose a problem for the Chargers. They are not as solid a “D” as they once were but I have no doubt that they will take advantage of a poor Bolts’ offensive line.

The Chargers hosted Baltimore last year and the Ravens were destroyed by a score of 34-14. Although I’d love to see the team put up a similar performance, I would just be happy with a victory that would allow the Bolts to remain in the playoff race.

I don’t exactly see another runaway in this game. I do, however, think there is a good opportunity for the Chargers to win this game. The Ravens’ pass defense is not that great and I think Rivers will find a way to exploit that weakness.

One of the major keys to the game will be containing Ray Rice. He is going to get his yards but we must find a way to make sure he doesn’t bust any big plays. Torrey Smith will keep the Charger secondary busy with his blazing speed and ability to stretch the field.

Again, I don’t believe that we’ll have the same type of game versus Baltimore as we did last year, but here’s to hoping that we find a way to have more points at the end of the game.

I don’t blame those of you that are more weary of another deja vu of sorts concerning the head coach and the general manager. Winning, and perhaps eventually making the playoffs, could mean that Norv Turner and A.J. Smith might be retained. I am of the opinion that if one goes the other must follow. Barring some miraculous finish to this season, it is time for some changes in San Diego. Only time will tell.

Final score: Chargers 24 – Ravens 23

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Thanks a lot for reading.

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BoltUp!!!

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BoogaP

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December 18, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens line backer Terrell Suggs (55) waits for the snap by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

I guess we have to move back to football sometime, so let’s start this transition. More Junior Seau chatter will still be posted, but we must continue on.

Out in Baltimore camp, the Ravens will be likely missing their star linebacker, Terrell Suggs, for the entire 2012 season. Suggs tore his Achilles while playing a game of basketball. Our own Bolt, Antonio Gates, has been playing a lot of basketball lately and we don’t need something like this happening to our star player.

Suggs will be replaced in the lineup by rookie LB Courtney Upshaw and the Chargers signed former Raven LB Jarret Johnson in the offseason. The Ravens will be running thin in their linebacker department and that is a big blow to their defense.

The Chargers will face the Ravens in week 12 of the season. Suggs wants to try and get back to playing this season, but recovering from a torn Achilles is a long process.