Week 1 Recap: Huge Difference Between Ravens & Chargers Wins

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 16, 2009 10:08 AM EDT

Both the Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers won their opening games in week one of the NFL's 2009 regular season. While they were both considered big favorites going into the games, both teams also needed crucial drives late in the game to secure the victories. However, that is where the similarities end, as the "types" of victories were significantly different when you take a look at the stats.

(More on the "Huge Difference Between Ravens & Chargers Wins" after the "Jump")

The San Diego Chargers secured their come from behind win over the Oakland Raiders via an 89 yard drive that ended with a five yard run for the game winning TD by RB Darren Sproles, who took over for an injured LaDanian Tomlinson. Until that TD was scored with 18 seconds remaining in the game, the Chargers were in the position of losing all game long. The Chargers were winning in the second half but Oakland quickly regained the lead on a long TD pass to put San Diego in the position of having to pull it out at the end.

The Chargers offense had a total of 317 yards, compared to the Baltimore Ravens franchise best 501 yards of total offense. Chargers QB Phil Rivers threw for 252 yards, completing 24 of 36 passes for one TD and one INT. Baltimore's Joe Flacco was even better, with 26 of 43 for his first career 300 yard passing game (307 yards), with three TD's and one INT. The running game comparison significantly favored the Ravens, who rushed as a team for 198 yards, led by Ray Rice's 108 yards on 19 attempts. The Chargers rushing total was 77 yards, with LT getting 55 and a TD before being injured and Sproles finishing with 23 yards and the late TD.

While these stats, regardless of the Ravens better offensive numbers, are relatively similar and are certainly each good enough to win games on a regular basis, the huge difference the title of this story is talking about is on the defensive side of the ball.

The Chargers gave up a total of 366 yards of offensive production to the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs were considered to be two of the weaker teams in the league but in the NFL, nobody rolls over and gives away a win without fighting to the end, which both teams did. However, looking at the stats, the Raiders pushed the Chargers all over the field and actually dominated that game before losing at the end. Conversely, the Ravens only allowed the Chiefs a total of 188 yards, almost half of what the Chargers defense gave up. While the Chiefs put 24 points on the board, only ten of them could be directly attributed to the Kansas City offense's ability to move the ball into scoring position. All of the Raiders points came on drives of over 50 yards, resulting in two TD's and two FG's. Oakland's 366 total yards were split into 148 yards running the ball and 218 yards passing, proving success both on the ground and in the air. The Ravens stingy run defense surrendered a total of 29 yards to the Chiefs, with only 20 yards on 11 attempts by Larry Johnson.

While this comparison does not automatically make the Baltimore Ravens the favorite going into this weekend's matchup in San Diego (Chargers are listed as a 3 point favorite), it should make the Charger faithful nervous that if they gave up that many yards and barely beat a supposedly weak Raiders team, then what might happen when they host a stronger team like Baltimore's? That is a huge difference between the Ravens' team that beat the Chiefs in comparison to the Chargers' one that beat the Raiders.

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Half full vs. half empty

Just to play the Devil’s Advocate, I’ll bring attention to a different take on all those facts.

The Chargers were in the midst of a very physically competitive game, with both teams pounding back and forth at each other. The Chargers played well enough as a whole unit and limited their mistakes such that they were able to pull out a win in the end, even though the statistics favored the Raiders for the most part.

On the other hand, the Ravens physically dominated their opponent, yet made some very costly mistakes that could have proven fatal against a stronger team. Gotta take care of those mental errors if they’re gonna have a chance to win against a tough team in their home opener all the way over on the west coast.

In my opinion, the reality lies somewhere in between these two viewpoints.

They say the empty can rattles the most...

by Massacre on Sep 16, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah...

Its a bit suspect as to what we can take from the two games. Obviously both the Ravens and the Chargers did not play up to their expectations. With the Ravens, it was obviously a terrible day on Special Teams, which I am sure annoyed the fuck out of Harbaugh.

I will have to admit that I am looking more forward to this game now as I think the Chargers will have to really shore up their defense and offense against the Ravens, whereas the Ravens need only to focus on a smaller focus of their game plan. Granted, its still tough to go across the country, face a good team in their home opener, but I am feeling cheeky about this one. I could see us taking a close one.

"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace
"

by UMBC Oriole fan on Sep 16, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

Ravens and Chargers Wins

One BIG difference: The Ravens were HOME, the Chargers were playing in Oakland, against a division rival who knows them well. Again, I like all of the comparisons you listed, and clearly this wasn’t one of San Diego’s better efforts, but I think you missed a crucial part of the story. We play Oakland twice a year. You play KC every four years. Big difference.

by boltmancraft on Sep 16, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

So are you trying to say

that we should play BETTER against a team that we don’t know?
Or you should have played better against a team you SHOULD know very well?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 16, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I think

what he is trying to say is that it is a divisional rival and those games are very intense. More intense than facing a team outside of your division. I am not saying that the level of play is like this, but the intensity between the chargers and Raiders is along the lines of Pitt and Balt matchup. The Black Hole is a very tough place to play for anyone…but those guys really hate the Chargers, especially after winning 11 games in a row. It was a good win for the Chargers….they won it at the end and on the road and against a divisional foe. In terms of your analysis…well, Jamarcus was 12 of 30 and 50 yards came on a complete breakdown in the secondary. The Chargers run defense got smoked in the 1Q but handled themselves well the rest of the game. The lack of a pass rush from SD was alarming however. On offense, the o-line got pushed around for most of the game. Yeah, they had some injuries but they were still pushed around when those guys were in. Richard Seymour was a beast and he hates the Chargers, he always plays good against them. SD will have a tough time with the Ravens D-line. Rivers played great. His WR dropped some catchable balls but Oakland played phenomenal too. It will be a good matchup this weekend….SD is not KC.

by gaels67 on Sep 16, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

And

Baltimore is not Oakland.

Scott Hines

by shines on Sep 16, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh trust us

We are very nervous. I think most Charger fans realize if the Chargers play this week like they did against the Raiders they’ll lose.

by benrb on Sep 16, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

You think Ryan watches any ESPN?

Ryan (San Diego)

Chargers gonna beat the Ravens? I dont see them matching up with the Chargers without Bart Scott and Rex Ryan
Matt Williamson
(12:33 PM)

I REALLY worry about the SD OL from the OC position to RT. That is a big deal, esp against a D like Baltimore’s. Plus, SD didn’t exactly look great in their run defense against Oak-Balt might run it down their throat. Give me the Birds.

From a ESPN chat with Scouts INC. Matt Williamson

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/28310

by DT711 on Sep 16, 2009 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

Love it

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Sep 16, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

i love how every casual fan says the same thing:

“they lost Bart Scott and Rex Ryan. No Defense could take those losses in stride.”

watch the games guys, let us make you all believers

"I know where you're at, man. You had it all, and now it's gone. It's torn a hole in your soul bigger than my Escalade. So you turned to the drugs, the alcohol. Pornography, free-basing with OJ, human trafficking, dog fights slash orgies... darkness."
-- Craig Robinson as Reg Mackworthy in Season 1, Episode 5 of Eastbound & Down

by jackmca on Sep 16, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Raiders Defense

The Raiders defense is big, strong and fast. The only difference between the Raiders D and the Ravens D this season is sustained intensity. We will see how the Ravens fair but it would be a big mistake to think that because the Dolts struggled in Oakland that they are clean pickings for the Ravens. The addition of Richard Seymour was huge and cannot be under estimated. The Raiders should have one that game but the prevent prevented them from stopping Rivers. I hope the Ravens D coordinator does not make that same mistake. River is lights out amazing thrown the football. GO RAVENS!

by marmadogg on Sep 16, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

My issue wasn't with the Chargers offense

against the Raiders defense. I know how decent and under the radar the Oakland defense is. My issue was that the Chargers defense gave up that many yards and points to a relatively poor Raiders offense!

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 16, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the Chargers have an intensity problem

they seem to lack urgency at times. So I think when we play them, they’ll have that sense of urgency because that whole team knows they’re playing a serious opponent. But in other games, the Bolts seem to lose their hunger. I was watching the Oakland game, and there seemed to be plays when Merriman would just dissapear. Then you see other plays where you remember why he was such a force in recent years. It all begins with Norv Turner, who I think is an awful coach and has held that team back.

by jackmca on Sep 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Look at last year

they looked absolutely horrible for the first part then went on an incredible tear to rip the division title from Denver in the last game of the season.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 16, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

First game

Fact of the matter is it was every teams first game. I think people and analysts over analyze the first few games. You think ravens and chargers were playing as hard against the chiefs and raiders in week 1 as the ravens will play against the steelers in week 12? I don’t think so. I don’t think either teams play in week 1 matters in week 2.

by ShaneOmacDaddy on Sep 16, 2009 10:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

They might not show everything they got

but ask the players or the coaches if they’re not playing as hard as they will in other games? Doubtful you’ll hear anything to confirm your comment.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 17, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

see that's the difference.

maybe the Chargers weren’t playing as hard as they could have, but the Ravens were. That may have something to do with why we went 11-5 and why you guys went 8-8 on a late-season streak when you guys finally went into “Oh S***!” mode and started playing to your full potential.

by jackmca on Sep 17, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I know

none of the fans will hear any different, but even in college, high school its the same. If players admitted they were slackin a little bit of course it would enrage fans cause tickets are at the very least 100 bucks a pop. Like I said, you think the Ravens played the Chiefs as hard in week 1 and they will the Steelers in week 12, I hope not because we would get worked. But thats over analyzing because I don’t think there is a whole lot one can take from just the opening game. We need to work on special teams but we knew that in the preseason. I predicted the Ravens would go 11-5 once again with losses to the Chargers and Patriots, so if that is true we would be 2-2 after 4 games and 95% of fans will be having a shit fit.

by ShaneOmacDaddy on Sep 17, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

What do I know?

I for one, saw the 2007 season as a fluke due to injuries and thought we were more like the 2006 AFC North Champs than the 2007 5-11 team, so I predicted last year we would finish 10-6 while everyone else said we’d suck.

Now I’m predicting a 12-4 team, but then again, what do I know?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 17, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

This is just a tough game to call

A lot is going to ride on Rivers and his O-line, and that could be good news for us. As usual, the Ravens have to stuff the run, but with LT hurting that could be just a little bit easier. Rivers is a very dangerous thrower, but with his protection compromised, we may be able to get a couple of picks out of the situation, and that could be the difference. Or not. But I agree with Bruce: the big story is how weak the Chargers D looks, which leads (again!) to the unlikely scenario that the Rs win by outscoring their opponent, not by smothering it.

by fishoutawata on Sep 17, 2009 5:46 AM EDT reply actions

Look at it this way

The chances of making the playoffs after starting he season 2-0 go up dramatically compared to starting 1-1.

Also, the Ravens want to prove they are the better team and are on a mission. The Chartgers are reeling in some ways due to injuries and hoping they don’t start the season like they did last year.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 17, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions

This is how I see the Chargers this season,8&8 or maybe 7&9.This will also be Norv Turners last year as head coach. He will be fired just like he was in Washington and Oakland. He came to a 1st place Chargers team that has gone downhill since then.The Ravens will beat the Chargers.

by silversebring on Sep 17, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

Hey 8-8

might still win the AFC West – again!

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 17, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Norv has always been horrible. it is amazing how he gets jobs. owners can’t see beyond the coach to see who got them their. what O-coord couldn’t have led dallas during the troy, emmitt and irving days (Cavanaugh excluded). norv single handedly sent the redskins into a decade long tailspin. now that LT is no spring chicken norv is being exposed for the bad play caller he is.

by raven on Sep 17, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

Norv fits into that category like

Cam Cameron and Brian Billick. Great o-coordinator with good personnel, but not a good head coach.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Sep 17, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

good point…i gues it’s just Norv’s high crackling voice that drives me nuts. cam got 1 year with a bad team. billick got 10 years with the greatest defence of all time.

Billick:
10 years greastest D all time = 1 SB appearance and 15 starting Qb’s.

Cam:
1 year = bad team= beat Billick for only win. LOL!!!

by raven on Sep 17, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions

don't charge pay in cash...

This game won’t be as close as many think,because of LT’s injury which running was going to be difficult at best,but SD has at least 2 if not 3 injury starting offensive linemen,if you can’t run,you can’t hide and there is NO way they will keep BR’s defense honest,it will be a long day for Rivers,he is going to be hit and often.On the flip side,SD showed they are weak in the middle of the denfense line,Baltimore is going to load up and power run them,as many times witnessed last year,long drives spreading the ball around….Ravens win 27-10

by thomlord on Sep 18, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions