While the Chargers go into this game as the total favourite the Titans have home field advantage and will enter the game happily as the sentimental choice. 10 of 10 predictors this week picked the mighty Chargers. Though the game comes at an inconvenient time for the Titans as their headcoach has recently undergone surgery on his back, possibly caused by too much jumping up and down on the sideline. nevertheless no surgery shy of a lobotomy could stop Stormin Norman Goetz, who will likely have been planning for this game for some time, and in recent weeks has been trialing the new Caesar defensive system and although it has noticiable weaknesses the coach feels overall it is the best strategy against teams that spread the field and pass long alot as the Chargers have done in the past.
Although San Diego have the AFC's 2nd best offence, and the AY's 2nd best passing attack in the last 6 weeks they have experimented with new formations that have the rest of the league concerned. ALthough the Charger offence is almost unstopable, atleast defensive coordinators knew what was coming, the new changes in time for the playoffs have more than a few AFC hopefuls wondering what to expect in their matches against the Chargers in the near future.
Like other great passing teams of the past this aspect recieves all the focus despite the great defensive performance by the Chargers this year, rated 2nd in the AFC behind the Patriots in yards conceded their run defence is particularly strong, limiting teams to under 4 a carry (one of only 3 AFC).
The Titans will therefore be looking to attack the defensive backs with playaction passing at key points in the game. Tennessee average over 10 yards per pass attempt, and almost 20 yards per completion, a league best.
Both teams are capable of scoring on big plays, this game will be won by defence and special teams- and as always in playoff games, by the turnover war.

Expect something outside the box from the wily Titans coach who will perhaps have plenty of time to think about this game, though he may have to dictate instructions to an assistant coach to oversee team preparation and training. Perhaps we will see a focus on the return game, or coffin corner punting, expect the unexpected.

Expect the Chargers to move the ball like few other can, a couple of giveaways could keep the Titans alive, but more than that could be troublesome for the visiting team. Coach Goz will continue to explore lesser used formations to attempt to find holes in the defensive gameplan to create big plays in a fresh new direction, now that some more defensively minded coaches have had strong wins over the Chargers' stretch gameplan earlier in the year. On defence the visitors will need to find a way to stop the running attack from rolling over them all day without giving up quick scoring deep strikes.

While the heart hopes the plucky passionate Titans find a way to win this game, the head has been saying all year long that it just can't find any reason to pick against the Chargers.

San Diego 38 Tennessee 30

As always, an interesting and accurate assessment from Al Supremo.

I imagine a 28 - 22 victory for thr Chargers.

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The Cardinal wrote : As always, an interesting and accurate assessment from Al Supremo. I imagine a 28 - 22 victory for thr Chargers.

You are hot again Cardinal! certainly a great read Al, love the in depth assessment, makes for a great read. You have a possible new career on your hands!


This game will be a real bruiser. The Bolts are simply a class act and have gotten well over their early season stumbles to be playing a fine brand of football. Discount them at your peril, discount Goz at your peril!
Just have to love a Norman Goetz team. This mob are his pride and joy, and his Titans seem to lift when it really counts. Last week's upset loss would be a worry for their heirarchy, especially with what you think would be close to a A-Grade game. But I have been around the old Master for long enough to know that the magician will unroll a few more tricks from his sleeve. Tough to call, but the mighty Chargers in a nail biter 23-21.
All the best Goz and Norm.