NFL: Surprises And Disappointments In The First Half

Oct 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) congratulates Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) after making a catch in overtime as Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) looks on in the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Houston 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

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NFL: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Surprise: San Diego Chargers

Earlier I wrote a piece about the NFL’s contenders and pretenders. I had the Chargers as pretenders. I got some words directed at me by the normally sedate San Diego people.

At the time, the Chargers defense was battling the Detroit Lions for top spot in points allowed. I did not think that would last. Well, we are at the halfway point and they are still being stingy with the points, ranking 4th.

Offensively, San Diego is in the top ten in passing yards and points scored. Even though they have had a rough past two weeks (losing a close battle to Kansas City and losing by two touchdowns to Denver), the Chargers still have a good record at 5-3. What may hurt them, however, is not having a ground game. They rank 30th in that category, and if they cannot get a ground game going, things may get really tough for Philip Rivers to try to take the weight of the offense.

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