November 30th, 2008. 8:14 PM, EST: I type the following words into my Google box:
NFL Draft Order 2009
It took me a minute to realize what I had done, but then it dawned on me: this is the first thing I do after the end of a Charger season.
Charger fans, its all but over for the 2008 season. Today's lackluster loss combined with the Broncos' takedown of the Jets puts the Bolts 3 games back with 4 to play. Technically there is the smallest glimpse of hope for the Bolts, but it will take only a little bit more for the life support keeping this season alive to fail and for 2008 to finally flatline.
Looking ahead, some things are promising and some things are not. We'll get a decent draft selection, anywhere from #8 to #20, though our second round pick is gone to the Patriots. Speaking of which, our slip back into second place was poorly timed in terms of future scheduling. The same slide occurred in New England and Indy this year, meaning that next year we'll get the Colts and Patriots yet again, while the Broncos will get the Jets and the Titans. We have to go to Indy, who shows no sign of slowing down, and we'll host the Patriots, who will have Tom Brady back along with the fruit of our 2nd round draft pick.
Next season is really the last rodeo for this group of Chargers players. Age is rapidly stalking LT and Jamal, while Merriman, Igor, Rivers, Jackson, McNeil, Cro and others all will be nearing the end of their contracts in the next year or two. And Norv will likely be on his last chance next year as well, though he might just stay long enough to squander our remaining talent.
What really bugs me about looking forward is that nothing really will change as far as the main pieces are concerned. A few additions, a few subtractions, but nothing major. So what is supposed to transform this year's failure into next year's success? What will smooth out the offense, or light a fire under the defense? Will the playcalling change, or the lack of urgency? Time can only tell, but its time we are running out of.
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