Very frustrated that they lost, especially considering how unnerving it was to see Leon Hall playing so poorly, but coming into the game I was just hoping it was close. From that perspective, and being euphoric at the production from the passing game, I’m happy with what we saw today. The stupid penalties are still hurting them; one late-game drive had three offensive penalties before they even got off a single snap. At least 3 false starts, 3 delays of game, and a couple holding calls. The line is playing pretty well once the ball is snapped, but those pre-snap penalties really derail a drive before it can even start.

I loved seeing Chad pull a Slim impression and score running away from one of the fastest CBs in the league, but otherwise I was surprised to see how loose his cuts were. His route-running was pretty poor. Leon Hall was often playing too loose, especially on that out-route on the Chargers winning drive. I didn’t like seeing them try to cover Gates with Fanene early on, but they got smarter and used the safeties and LBs to keep him somewhat in check as the game wore on. Benson had a couple good runs, otherwise crap. Same as almost every other week. Aside from getting guillotined on his first carry, LJ looked great. Shame he doesn’t get more carries. He also pass blocked much better than Benson. Cosby was a good addition to the passing game, and it was nice to see Coles finally make some plays. Hell of a hustle by Palmer to recover Bubba’s fumble on that last drive. Good long snaps all day, Graham was very solid.

So a bye is out of the picture now, but unless they lose their last two and the Ravens win out, they’re in the playoffs. By then Peko should be back (I think) and that will help a lot. Currently it looks like they’ll host Denver, which is a matchup I like.

they gots some bad mofo’s in their WR corps. The one that pissed me most was where it appeared he was expecting safety help… and he nearly recovered to knock the ball free.

But really, he went against a team with a lot of weapons. Gates, Jackson, LT, Sproles just to name a few. Then throw at him being on the field a lot longer than he should have because of many factors, namely an offense committing pentalties, you got a looooonnng afternoon for our Defense.

Good.
Palmer throwing for 300+yards
Ochocinco made some nice plays(and gave a tribute to Chris Henry after a score)
Coles responded nicely to being benched, even chipping in for a difficult TD catch.
Keith Rivers was solid, with a pick and a sack.
Sproles was mostly held in check on returns today.
Cosby stepped up his play nicely
Joseph finally holds on to a pick

Bad
Leon Hall was beat quite a bit this game
We really miss Crocker
Poor in game management during crucial points in the game(The Timeout near the end of the game)
Everyone except Hall saw the sideline pass coming.

Ugly
Penalties
Officiating in general for both teams

Overall, it was a good, hard fought game against two well matched teams. Hopefully we come out on top in the playoffs.