Patriot Popsicles?

 
 My whole week was freezing my ass off selling falafels and cars and people going by yelling "Go Chargers!" Two Pat yelps all week. OK, I'm on the left coast. But far from SD. Lotsa Bolt fans. And then it seems most other teams fans are rootin' for the Bolts to stop the machine. It is a huge task to do this two weeks in a row. But if any team can do it, this Charger squad is it. I will never guarantee anything in this. Just my loyalty to believe it can be done. And some elements are coming into play for both the AFC & NFC Championships. Extreme weather?

 I look for all what I would consider "favorable" conditions for San Diego. Stiff cold wind and snow? Good. This team has players from all over the country. And cold and wind favors the run. And that we got. Charger homie hear singing to Steve Perry's tied belly shirt rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" I'm holdin' on to that Indy feelin'! Hopefully we won't be as sensitive as Steve...and deliver the hammer to New England!

 You wanna little hex action too? The Chargers honorary captain for the game is none other than Stan "The Man" Humphries. Like I said, look for anything to motivate. Stan knows what it is all about. To get no respect. And then stun em!

 Just heard another ESPN East coast blow hard call it a Patriot blow out. And we will all get to see what all of America wants...Green Bay/New England Super Bowl. Well we got some Corona shot drinking people down south that care and call bullshit! People falling out of VW vans with plumes of pot smoke billowing from within. Saying "DUUUUUUDE!" In Hawaiian shirts drinking drinks with little umbrellas in em! Chicks in thongs bathed in Ban du Soleil. That dude who sells oranges out of a shopping cart on the freeway on ramp. The dudes surfing in poop at Tijuana Sloughs. The mullet dude with the CB and eight ball tatt. Or the Paris Hiltonesque bimbo in a Mercedes. There all hoping for a San Diego VS fill in the blank Super Bowl. I don't care. The West Coast be hatin' on your snobbery and perfection. We shall see who prevails.

 Quick note: The mighty Portland Trailblazers handed Miami their 12th loss in a row and did it to them in Miami. 98-91 Blazers. 2-2 so far on a 7 game road swing. Not bad. Portland is gonna shock and at least make the playoffs. Like the Chargers in 2004, from worst to almost 1st. Respectability, the Rose City is diggin' it.

Claudia's Portland's Charger Bar

 These are the lifers. Charger fans are everywhere. One might be sitting next to you right now. These are who I live and die with every Sunday. We even hang after games. This is where I get sloshed and makes me write angrily ala charles Bukowski meets a low rent Jack Murphy. Ghetto Murphy! We all had a real fine time yesterday. Our beloved Bolts took a giant step for Charger kind. 2nd stringin' to victory over the defending Super Bowl champs!

 On another note, the Trailblazers were on at the same time and I glanced at it rarely. Portland lost in Raptorville. In 2 OT's. Take on the Nets tonite so get one Blazers! Update: The Blazers put the smackdown on the Nets in Jersey. Portland:99 NJ:73 The Nuggets lost at Charlotte so I think were back on top in the NBA's Northwest Division. Who woulda thunk it, not I.

The Day After, Yes The Chargers Upset Indy

THE MATCH UP. WHO YOU RIDIN' WITH? BELIEVE IN POWDER BLUE!

 This was one for the ages. One of our biggest victories in over 40 years of existing. The team known to collapse in the clutch, punished the Colts from the opening bell. And maintained consistency even when adversity struck. People thought we were toast with LT and Rivers, well we won, and won aggressively without them! With Micheal Turner at RB and Billy Volek leading an inspirational drive to win the game. It was a thing of beauty.

 Where to begin? We had many stars. Some for only a moment but the impact is immeasurable. This was the new Charger heart.  And I swear the officiating was horrendous! Man, the timing of some of the calls. The standout hell call was Antonio Cromarties 90 something yard INT return for a TD. It was a literal ego crusher for the Colts as a sustained drive came to a thud and we turned their scoring oppurtunity into ours, and it was emotional. What a run. Then they kick us in the ribs and call a frilly ticky tack defensive holding. A phantom call if there ever was one. And then they crushed our and Cromartie's moment! We went into the half on a downer instead of the ultimate upper. But in hindsight, by snatching that moment and the seven points, it made us hungrier in the 2nd half. Man that was disgusting. I had to go outside to hyperventilate as I saw another "Charger Moment", like the holy roller ball. Insane moments that just seem to happen to us. Thanks for throwing that monkey off my back. I believe dammitt!

 Another inspiration was Antonio Gates just being on the field. It must kill to run with a dislocated toe. Antonio is a true warrior of the gridiron. We head to Foxboro in rough shape. But at least were going there!

 The receivers were spot on. Jackson had 7 catches for 93 yds and a TD. Chambers hauled in 3 for 67 yds and a thrilling TD. Gates had 2 on wounded toe. And Volek hit rarely used Legedu Nannee for a critical 27 yd gain that maintained what will become known in Volek's career as "Volek's Elway Drive". Receivers did the job. Excellent performance.

 Oh, Eric Weddle! Your falling backward one armed one handed INT to kill anotherColt drive was phenomenal! The defense?  For once...killer instinct. 

 And who was throwing these accurate darts through the mid 4th quarter until he was injured. Yes, the infamous Philip Rivers. He stepped up big time. Clutch 3rd down throws. Hey, the screen pass to Sproles for the 56 yd TD. Philip came to play. And we know the Volek story. LT was out by the mid 2nd quarter and the doom and gloomer feelings came rushing in for a bit. I think there were 5 or 6 lead changes. With us taking it for good last, and not just hanging on...winning with authority! There is so much more. I'm exhiralated, two winning blogs and at least the oppurtunity to write a pre and post AFC Championship blog. If we break hearts of stone, maybe a Super Bowl blog! I dreamed once and it came true. I have faith. Charger Jesus is strong this year. A beautiful day in Charger history, somewhat tainted by the blatant favoritism of the officiating crew. makes you think the NFL wanted to see NE/Indy Championship game. But it didn't work!

DAY OF THE LIVING DEAD

 I just woke up. Yeah. I drank. Watched the 2nd string. It's 7:55am PST. Did it happen? Yes. And Jenna really did give you that BJ. You weren't dreaming. Heartbreakers coming to Chowder Mass. With payback in mind. I'll talk some now with this pleasurable hangover. Fuck all you doubters, me included. I saw some heart. Our stars smilin' whilst the 2nd peeps stepped in and missed...not a beat. Yeah, we walked into another dynasty in 94, this one is Godzilla like. But SD knows how to break a heart. Cept this time it's gonna be yours...not ours.

 The conveyer belt is comin' with my sushi, and sake'. Oh, later that will be. Greenpeace also kicked Japan's ass yesterday. When are we all gonna respect? When they tell you your gonna die, that's when. That Grape Nuts dude was eatin' pine cones back in 73. I challenge you to eat vegetarian 1 day a week. Or eat a KFC beakless chicken, altered for your taste 5 times a week. HA! I'm gonna wake up now with a little breakfast and a Bloody Mary. I don't do this often. But I don't work Mondays and my team is in the AFC Championship, against more supposed insurmountable. Yeah, after 46 years of doing this, I get another chance. Like me or any in our "Charger Nation" got anything to lose. All we got to do is gain. I saw lion hearts yesterday, cliche...huh? I knew it. Not that we would win. Just that we would rip that gazelle, like lion's do. No, not the Detroit kind. I like the Red Wing better. I get to at least watch football and care in January. And you? I'm gonna short bask in glory...with a celery stick Mary, and some kind of omelette that someone else makes. On a Monday. Have fun at work hungover Indy fans. BOOOO YA! We gotcha!

 Oh, and I'm not even gonna get into the officiating. A killer Charger moment was stolen from us at the end of the 2nd half. Till I come back, less I decide to bring the laptop, we will discuss the many moments where we were ripped off and Peyton got another chance. Only to be denied. But more help kept coming. It's like an election, win big or the fix is in. Like guarding Micheal Jordan, yeah, you fouled him. Those ref honks watch too much TV. You also tried to beat us officials. You dint.

 Oh, it was 7:55 pm, damn that Bloody Mary is due, in 12 hours!

GATES...is on the field

 I'll try and type as nervous as Iam. I hear Gates is warming up. I'll take him as a mascot! Threat would be nice. I will step on no cracks on  my public transit journey to Claudia's. Damn the torpedos! Full speed ahead, captain! Either I'm gung ho or I like Sgt. Pepper's! Look to the sky, it's powder blue. The spirit (living) of Stan is here. Philip...get fat and be Stan today. Literally. LT...your day. Heads up no matter what come yo way. This ain't a blog. It's Knute Rockne every week I know. Power to the Chargers and all who stand today for powder blue. It can be done. Rome wasn't built in a day. And skiiing is cool again. Chargers...live it...breathe it, from birth to the hearse! CHARGERS!

Wild Card Winners

CONFIDENCE!

 I am finally doing it. After 3 years of blogging on the Bolts these words being typed are that of a playoff game winner. Yeah, a lot of peeps say that our win last year in the playoffs was a bye, I'm glad to finally see a W in the post season. And ugly it was.  We have our work cut out for us. Gates is doubtful. All the experts are predicting an Indy blowout. This is smelling a lot like 1994 and going to Pittsburgh for a supposed flogging by the powerhouse Steelers. Stan the Man led us to victory and then we did get keel hauled in the Super Bowl. But we made the dance as the ultimate Cinderella story. The working man's Chargers of 94. And this is the step before. A chance to dance with the Pats in Foxboro for a shot at the pinnacle of sports titles. Of course if Jax wins and we clip the blue ponies, the championship would be in San Diego. I can dream can't I? I'm so excited. This is excruciating for an old dawg fan. But being the underdog suits us. Develops a hunger. Hunger to prove. And LT is starving.

 We beat TN in the end 17-6 and the 1st half was an art show at a Holiday Inn, ugly. Yes, I was afraid. It was like sleepwalking. I am typing this blog almost a week after the win because I have been busy attending Trailblazer games and enjoying they're success as well. So my attention has turned to this Sunday and the task at hand. Beating the reigning World Champs in their house. We can do this contrary to the naysayers who have treated us like red headed step children. Always playin' it safe and takin' the Pats or the Colts. We get pumped for Indy...and I believe in this team. I'm a realist. I see what they see, and how it could happen. And I have seen it happen, believe me. But I see other things they don't. C'mon look into this powder blue crystal ball and see what I see. And get those bad thoughts and plays out yo head, run those positive tapes. Remember 94...counted out early. And showed lion hearts. I see this.
 

 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

 It's time for the Chargers to win a playoff game. Any playoff game. A game we should win. To erase doubts. My intro profile for this blog written before the season started and it sums it up. It's all down to a 1st round Wild Card playoff game in the big SD. A banged up TN squad. Will it be Kerry or Vince? Won't matter. Jump that hurdle. Go on to the next round come what may. I have also heard the game is not sold out. The reason given is rain is in the forecast and temps in the late 50's at kickoff. WTF?! I live in Portland, OR hardy har har. Saw 2006 Xmas game between the Hawks & Bolts and that was some rain! Then 200 miles home in a non heated 1971 VW bus soaking wet. 50 mph crosswinds and monsoon conditions outside. One guy in the passengers seat with a squeegee for the inside fog! Wipers stuck on VW slow speed also. WIMPS! Don't even get me on attending Charger games back east. Famous Giant snowball game. 95 division clincher over the Jets in the Meadowlands. So I'm calling out SD! Yeah, I was even in the opposing stadiums with Bolt Blue on, and taking mad verbal abuse while snow and ice rocks rained on my melon! And you can attend a game at home with fellow Powds, and you ain't going cuz of a threatened drizzle? Bums my high, wish I could go but not financially able this year. Took my trip already.

 I must mention last weeks Raider/Bolt game at Claudia's (our Charger Sports bar in Portland, OR) almost came to blows with a couple of obnoxious Raider fans. I never got the wimps who think they are safe doing shit they would never do anywhere else cept in a protected (a myth in my world) environment. Basically it was a drunken table full of Raider guys/girls, about 7 peeps. And us, about 17. And us a much harder crew, trust me. They're main antagonizers were a squirrelly trailer boy in a, get this, Sebastian Janikowski jersey! And another dude who looked like the androgynous librarian chick look you see everywhere now, but a dude...sheeesh. Low end nation pillow biters by my estimation.

 As the stomping ensued regular ribbing occured, but then it got personal. And they started throwing big candy canes off a Christmas tree and the ornaments too. A couple warnings. Smart assed responses. The wife blow job comment to a man in our crew whose wife was the target walked over to the "hip" librarian, and grabbed his "soul patch" and pulled his lip a bit. Whimpering ensued as I approached Simon wannabe, he, white, wimpy, in the jersey of his drunken fat hero kicker which I mentioned over and over as I walked him into a wall and the girls cried. No blows were exchanged. They left, I assume never to return. It was kinda fun and NEVER was there a worry. Yes Raider fans have some ancient rings, but bar by bar, pub by pub, Charger fans are winning the war. After continuous beat downs Raider fans are shell shocked. These were not high ranking nation members. Reminded me of that dude at the end of Mad Max that Mel Gibson hands the hacksaw too. Sad and whiny. Bringin' it and backin' down when the jig is up. You are not safe in a kicker's jersey, anywhere. Get a life, girly man!

We gonna rawk the universe and beyond ala Wyld Stallyns! Kill the Titans like a medieval dickweed! And remember, be excellent to each other, mostly fellow Charger fans, and remember, Party on dudes after the playoff victory! Hopefully Rufus will be looking down on a wet Murph and end this Charger misery through his only begotten son, LT!

 
   If your a stat lover here is one that is pretty cool. In 8 home games this year the Chargers have outscored all opponents 81-0 in the 1st quarter. Doesn't mean much in the end but we start with a bang? We'll soon see.

 The Titans are beat up. Too much to get into. I've heard this before. But realistically, they are tweaked. All the more to hopefully overwhelm them with a good dose of Cromartie, Jamal Williams, Merriman, Cooper, Jammer...ouch! We know LT. Chambers is dangerous now. Gates is the man. Buster is gonna take one house. We should win but the nagging doubts remain. The ride begins Sunday. In the cool drizzle in the valley by the bay Charger history begins. Or dies with a thud. I believe but need more reason to believe, advance in the playoffs.

I want more playoff life, f#cker! Let's replicate (ha!) our victory over the Titans a few weeks back but in much more convincing fashion. Even a long term sufferer can think positive. Look at my hometown Blazers in the NBA, they are raging. Let's storm!