Chargers coach Norv Turner wants to see his team become more efficient at the goal line.
"We can be a good goal-line team," Turner told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It was a chance for us to go after them. I know what our guys want to do. We were down there. They want to run the football, and I gave them a chance to do it."
The Chargers have driven themselves into nine goal-to-go situations inside the five-yard line this season, which is tied for second-most in the league.
They have just three touchdowns in such situations; a 33% success rate.
March 2009 - Los Angeles Chargers Wiretap
Chargers Want To Get Chambers Going
The Chargers are looking to get wide receiver Chris Chambers going.
"We've got to get him going," head coach Norv Turner told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "He's got to get right."
Through six games, Chambers has just eight receptions for 102 yards. He dropped an apparent touchdown against the Chiefs on Sunday, and another pass sailed through his hands.
"We're going to look hard at that," Turner said. "Chris had a rough day. He had a chance to make a couple plays, and he didn't. They're plays he usually makes. And I see Malcom (Floyd) coming on. That's something that I think as we go through the week, we're certainly going to look at."
Chargers' Staff Member Dies After Fall
A member of the Chargers' game-day staff died overnight on Tuesday after falling out of the press box before the Broncos played the Chargers on Monday night.
Walt Daniels, 66, appeared to sustain a head injury after falling about 25 to 30 feet out of a booth.
"The San Diego Chargers' family is greatly saddened by the loss of Walt Daniels," the team said in a statement. "Walt loved the team and loved working in the press box on game days for more than 20 years. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this most difficult time."
Chargers' Staff Member Injured In Fall From Press Level
Walt Daniels, a San Diego Chargers game-day staff member, was injured in a fall from the press level of Qualcomm Stadium to the level below at approximately 2:35 pm PT. Paramedics took him to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego.
Daniels later passed away from his injuries.
Ryan Leaf Enjoying New Life In Canada
Ryan Leaf told the Globe and Mail that in the months preceding his June arrest, he was establishing a quiet new life in British Columbia, a place he now considers home but could be forced to leave based on outstanding drug and burglary charges in Texas.
In the interim, Leaf has found anonymity in Canada, refuge from his infamy in the United States, from his addiction to prescription painkillers, and from the ?pain? of football.
?It?s just been a tremendous reception from everyone involved,? Leaf says. ?Not being associated with football, there isn?t the facility for people to criticize, or to come at me from a different angle. I?m the one who controls my celebrity up here, not the sports media down in the States.
?That?s ultimately what I wanted, and that may be my vacating the football occupation. I miss it in ways, but I haven?t been happier.?
Randall County District Attorney James Farren said he was aware of Leaf?s progress, and that the sides will begin discussing a plea agreement in January. Canadian officials will decide on Leaf?s status based on the U.S. verdict.
The native of Great Falls, Mont., has retained immigration lawyers.
Merriman Shoots Back At His Own GM
When asked about comments A.J. Smith made in Wednesday's Union-Tribune, in which the general manager said the Chargers had at times played ?soft,? Shawne Merriman said: ?The only opinions that matter to me are the ones in this locker room.?
RealGM Note: Merriman has had a frequently acrimonious relationship with the San Diego front office.
Chargers Looking To Trade For Improvement Defensively
The Chargers allowed 497 yards in their 38-28 loss at Pittsburgh.
Coordinator Ron Rivera on Tuesday emphatically told the defense in a long meeting that he wasn't pleased with a number of things and that players would be evaluated in practice over the next two weeks, just as everyone in the organization is evaluated.
Asked Wednesday about possible lineup changes, Norv Turner said, ?We know we need to get better, and we're going to do what we have to do to be better.?
That might include additions to the roster by the Oct. 20 trading deadline.
Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith would not comment Wednesday, but he is spending time on the phone with other general managers. Smith has a history of adding high-profile help where his team needs it at the deadline.
GM Smith Embarrassed By Play Of Chargers
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith isn't happy with the team's play through the first four weeks of the season.
"Absolutely embarrassing," Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune of the team's play. "Everything is wrong with it right now. I'm not the least bit happy in a lot of areas. I've seen us be tough and physical to soft and bewildered."
The Chargers are 2-2 following a 38-28 loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday night.
"Everything bothers me right now and there's not much we can do. You can make trades (trading deadline's Oct. 20) or go on the street, but all you can do is tweak in football ? during the season. You can lose your job and the players are still here," Smith added.
Vincent Jackson's New Deal Likely Will Wait
Vincent Jackson's current contract runs out after this season, but if there is no new CBA and no salary cap by 2010, Jackson is among the Chargers players who will be restricted free agents in '10 and be much more affordable for the team to keep.
General Manager A.J. Smith will not talk about his plans with Jackson, but he seems intent on waiting until the offseason to do anything.
Smith clearly is fond of Jackson's talent and work ethic.
?He's becoming a complete player,? Smith said. ?The talent is immense. And he's becoming a real pro, growing and maturing.?