What a difference a year makes ...

My beloved San Diego Chargers were 14 - 2 last season, losing in the first round to New England. LaDanian Tomlinson rushed for more than 1,800 yards and was the league MVP.

While they did lose in their first playoff game, the loss was, in large part, poor play on the part of quarterback Philip Rivers and the San Diego defensive secondary. The loss was not the result of poor coaching, yet the front office in San Diego said that they had personal differences with coach Marty Schottenheimer and fired him after the end of last season.

Flash forward to the end of week four in the 2007-2008 season. San Diego is moments away from being 1-3. LaDanian Tomlinson has rushed for only 260 yards. Half of that came in today's game! Philip Rivers has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns this season, and the great San Diego defense of a year ago has vanished, apparently as a result of losing their two defensive coordinators after Schottenheimer was canned.

Let me just say that I am thoroughly unimpressed with new coach Norv Turner's play calling. Several times today in short yardage situations, including a possession with just five yards to go to the end zone, Philip Rivers passed two, three, or four times for no gain. WHY? WHY? WHY do you not get the ball in the hands of LT?

At this rate, San Diego might be the best team to never make the playoffs. It is painful to watch. I wonder how long it will take the front office to find another coach this season?