Suddenly, that lightning bolt on the side of the San Diego Chargers' helmet makes perfect sense.
I've always wondered why it was there. In my world, a Charger is either a battery, a Shelby-made automobile or my wife once the mall doors open.
And while the lightning bolt certainly could symbolize an electric charge, this season it more accurately describes San Diego's fate. They've been a rod for punishment, even before the season started.
Their 2005 schedule is brutal, including road games against last year's Super Bowl foes, New England and Philadelphia, as well as unbeaten Indianapolis. The Chargers also played Pittsburgh, and will travel to Washington. Oh yeah, toss in the two games apiece with division rivals Denver, Kansas City and Oakland. Good luck with that.
Sure, after last year's 12-4 mark you would expect a tougher schedule. But here's the part that makes you wonder. In the Chargers' past three games—against New England, Oakland and last week's game at Philadelphia—the opposing team was coming off of their bye week, meaning they each had two weeks to prepare.
Since Kansas City's game at Miami was played two days early because of Hurricane Wilma, the Chiefs also have more time to get ready for the Chargers. After that, the Chargers face the Jets, who will be coming off of their bye week. In five consecutive games, San Diego's opponents will have more time to study tape, scheme and get players healthy than will the Chargers. That's just plain wrong.
Still, San Diego was afloat at 3-3 heading into Sunday's game at Philadelphia, and after falling behind 10-0, Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes and the Chargers flashed ahead 17-10 in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles kicked a field goal to close the gap to four points, giving the Chargers cause for alarm—their three losses came via a touchdown in the final three minutes (Dallas), and field goals with five seconds remaining (Denver), and six seconds left (Pittsburgh).
But the Chargers held the Eagles on fourth down and drove into field-goal range with two and a half minutes left. If they made the kick, the Eagles would have only one last drive to try to tie the score and force overtime. Unless, of course, something silly happened, like the field goal was blocked and bounced right into the arms of an Eagles player streaking down the sidelines for a touchdown that would cost them the game.
But what are the odds?
The same odds as a fire alarm going off during a game, apparently. Final score, Philadelphia 20, San Diego 17.
Picks: After my first unbeaten week of the season (albeit 2-0 with a push, but for me, that's about as good as it gets), I'll take the Chargers-Chiefs over 51, the Cardinals +8 1/2 at the Cowboys and the Steelers -9 against the Ravens.
Lance Burton (8-13)
Saints -2 vs. Dolphins
Broncos -3 1/2 vs. Eagles
Steelers -9 vs. Ravens
Danny Gans (8-13)
Cowboys -8 vs. Cardinals
Chargers -6 vs. Chiefs
Steelers -9 vs. Ravens
Oscar Goodman (7-14)
Vikings +8 at Panthers
Chargers -6 vs. Chiefs
Steelers -9 vs. Ravens
Clint Holmes (10-10-1)
Redskins +2 1/2 at Giants
Buccaneers -11 at 49ers
Eagles +3 1/2 at Broncos
Kevin Janison (11-10)
Panthers -8 vs. Vikings
Eagles +3 1/2 at Broncos
Raiders-Titans over 46 1/2
Mark & Mercedes (9-11-1)
Redskins +2 1/2 at Giants
Browns +2 at Texans
Eagles +3 1/2 at Broncos
Wayne Newton (14-7)
Broncos -3 1/2 vs. Eagles
Giants -2 1/2 vs. Redskins
Patriots-Bills under 43 1/2
Penn & Teller (9-12)
Redskins +2 1/2 at Giants
Steelers -9 vs. Ravens
Eagles +3 1/2 at Broncos
Rita Rudner (10-9-2)
Lions -3 vs. Bears
Chargers -6 vs. Chiefs
Steelers -9 vs. Ravens
Sal DeFilippo played cornerback for the Jets in 1952, 1975, 1983-84, and last season.