Bolt Notes: Wrap Up, Preview, and Week 6 NFL Picks!

Well, week 5 was a bit less stressful for us Chargers fans. I was able to watch most of the games without a care in the world and enjoy a pretty good week for my picks. With another 10-4 week, my overall record has improved to 50-26. Now, let's take a look at what the Chargers did last week, what they may do this week, and how the games will turn out for week 6 in the NFL!

Wrap Up:

On the bright side, the San Diego Chargers did not lose last week! They had a bye and got to relax, hopefully get healthy, and prepare for a huge Monday night game against the Denver Broncos (5-0).

When I thought about writing this post, I figured that I would skip the "Wrap Up" part since they didn't play. Then, things started happening that, in my opinion, were note worthy.

• First of all, the Broncos battled the New England Patriots and came out with a big win. That was the only game that I cared about last week and I ended up on the short end again. Bummer. Congrats to the Broncos (I guess). Bye the way, brutal throwback uniforms!!!
  
• Chargers GM, A.J. Smith, called out his defense in the press by calling them "soft" and how there is "nothing positive" happening on that side of the ball.


• Next, A.J. sent another kind of message across the bow of the Bolt defense. He fired Safety Clinton Hart and re-signed Defensive Tackle Ian Scott. Hart had been a long-time starter for the Chargers and Scott had been released at the end of camp. According to Norv Turner, Scott had been injured at the end of camp and was told that they may have room for him when he gets healthy. Of course, his availability means that no other team contacted him. What does that say?
  

Preview of Chargers vs Broncos

On Monday night, the Chargers host the Broncos in what could be a very early "must win" game for the Bolts. This could also be a message from the Broncos that they are for real and the rest of the West should start worrying about the Wild Card. If the Broncos win this game, they will improve to 6-0 on the year and the Bolts would drop to 2-3. Yes, it is true that the Broncos had possibly the worst collapse in NFL history last year, but they can't be expected to do that again.

The Broncos started the year with fairly week opponents. They beat the Bengals on a fluke bounce at the end of the game. They beat the Raiders and the Lions, to no one's surprise. Week 4, they were expected by many to show their true colors and start to fade with their game against the Cowboys. However, they surprised the critics and beat America's Team and sat at 4-0. Even after that win, the more blame was given to Tony Romo than credit was given to the Broncos, so they had to prove themselves against another strong team, the New England Patriots.

The Pats started well, but could not stop the Broncos short pass, and power run offense and also fell to the Broncos. Now the critics are left to saying that the Cowboys and Pats are overrated and both games were in Denver. Will that play out to be true? Only time will tell. Monday night's game is is San Diego, where the Broncos have greatly struggled in recent years. That includes giving up 52 points to the Bolts there last year.

This game should be very interesting. The Broncos defense has been incredible. Giving up less than 10 points a game and smothering offenses each and every week. Their offense has been improving. They run the ball well with rookie back Knowshawn Moreno and they have had more than a decent performance from recently acquired Kyle Orton. Orton would be a Pro Bowl QB if the voting happened today.

The Chargers don't need to worry about Denver. They need to worry about themselves. The Steelers beat them like red-headed step-children (no offense to red-headed step-children). The Bolts are the worst in football rushing the ball and their defense has been horrid.

Much of the blame for the defensive woes of San Diego is that they do not get pressure on the quarterback. This is very true. However, after watching the Steelers game, I see Antonio Cromartie getting beat at the snap, not five seconds later. There seems to be much confusion with Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera's scheme. I hear that they are working on a "Rush Zone" defense that the players are just not getting. They are blowing assignments and leaving guys wide open. With the memory that last year, Brandon Marshall, of the Broncos, caught 18 passes in their first meeting with the Chargers, doesn't help anyone feel over confident going into Monday night.

That being said, I am a Chargers homer and I will always try to find a way to believe they will win! So, here is my justification for picking my Bolts again this week:

• The Broncos will not be able to keep the Chargers from scoring in the 20's at least. The Bolts passing game is too powerful and has not been shut down by anyone. Yes, Denver has great defensive backs, but the Chargers have too many weapons on offense. Look for Gates and possibly Chambers or Floyd to have big games. I would include Jackson with them but I assume that he will be covered by Bailey all night. Bailey has been playing lights out all year.


• The Broncos have been able to move the ball, but have not shown the ability to rack up very many points. My guess is that they will have to score at least 28 to beat the Bolts. Again, time will tell. That is why we watch the games.
  
• The Bolts are coming off a bye week and should have been able to iron out some problems and get some guys healthy. However, they will still be without Nick Hardwick and Jamaal Williams and many other players who say they are banged up, including Shawne Merriman.

Week 6: NFL Picks - Winners in all caps

texans @ BENGALS (Bengals too much offense for Texans)

lions @ PACKERS (Lions outmatched)

RAVENS @ vikings (Big challenge for Brett. Too much D?)

GIANTS @ saints (Could be wrong, but have to respect Giants D.)

browns @ STEELERS (Browns may need to complete more than 2 passes to beat Steelers)

panthers @ BUCS (Upset of the week, not that the Panthers are very good.)

chiefs @ REDSKINS (Chiefs have a chance, but on road....doubt it)

rams @ JAGUARS (More ugly football.)

cards @ SEAHAWKS (Better game. Seahawks at home are tough)

EAGLES @ raiders (No contest)

titans @ PATRIOTS (Pats are pissed)

bills @ JETS (Bills are very bad)

bears @ FALCONS (Falcons will control the ball and play tough D.)

broncos 17 @ CHARGERS 34 (Could be a pipe dream. We'll see!

Feel free to share you opinion below. I would love to discuss any game of the weekend. However, don't rag my for my picks if you won's share your own

Enjoy the games!!!