AT ISSUE
Falls from grace
What: NFL teams suddenly falling apart.
Background: The New Orleans Saints are 0-3. The Chicago Bears are 1-3. The San Diego Chargers are 1-3. The Saints went to the NFC title game last season. The Bears represented their conference in the Super Bowl. The Chargers won a league-high 14 games last season. Yet, all three teams are struggling after the first month of this season.
Williamson’s take: It happens every year, but we’re always surprised. It’s a lesson for NFL fans to enjoy each season individually. Live in the now. Maybe next year, the Packers will be 0-4 after the first quarter of the season, but they are 4-0 right now and their fans should rejoice and live in the moment. Who knows if the fun will last?
THE HOT SEAT
RB Tomlinson
Who: San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
When: Sunday against the Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Why: Beleaguered first-year Chargers coach Norv Turner is on the hot seat after a home loss to Kansas City dropped San Diego to 1-3. But it’s time for Turner’s troops to feel the pressure. The Chargers’ highest profile player is Tomlinson, the reigning NFL MVP. Tomlinson is not playing like an MVP. He is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry and is not close to being the dominating player he long has been. Tomlinson needs to pick up his team. The Chargers are entering Sunday’s game in desperate need of a win. It is up to Tomlinson to provide that spark. The Denver run defense has been struggling and Tomlinson has a chance to awaken. He better, or he’ll share more blame with Turner for the Chargers’ shocking start.
ROOKIE WATCH
Wideout Davis
Who: San Diego wide receiver Craig Davis.
When: Sunday against the Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Why: Davis was the No. 30 draft pick in April. He was one of JaMarcus Russell’s favorite targets at LSU. The Chargers needed a partner for former Northern Colorado star receiver Vincent Jackson and thought Davis would be a nice fit. Davis showed fast development, becoming a starter in Week 1, but has been slow to produce. He has only seven catches for 54 yards in four games. He will be challenged by Broncos cornerback Dré Bly, but if the Chargers are to get their passing game going, they must find a way to get Davis going Sunday.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
