[ThePundit]

Then, as few others can, Chargers coach Norv Turner sucked the remaining air out of the locker room, telling his players, and I paraphrase: This could be the game that gives us the momentum we need to do something special. Even though we did a lot of things wrong, we still found a way to win, and we can build on that.

Just like that, the Chargers were on a roll – specifically, the eye-rolls that many players felt like giving during Turner's speech.

Right, coach. Whatever you say.

In came Turner, who thus far has done everything to show that his 59-82-1 career record as a head coach with the Redskins and Raiders was no fluke.

The players don't respond to his leadership or motivational tactics, if you can call them that. They view his sideline demeanor as frazzled and indecisive. And, perhaps worst of all, they're not embracing the strategic vision put forth on offense (by Turner, regarded as one of the NFL's best play-callers) or defense (by coordinator Ted Cottrell).

"We have the best running back in football, and yet we don't sense a commitment to the running game," one veteran said Sunday night. "Last year, teams put eight in the box against us, and we ran anyway – and found a way to be successful. That set up the play action, which fueled our passing game. This year, it seems like we run because we're supposed to; it balances out our passing attack. But it's not like being physical at the point of attack and running the ball is our personality."

Meanwhile, eight days ago in Minneapolis, the Chargers' once-vaunted defense got pushed around and gave up 296 rushing yards – to one player, the Vikings' Adrian Peterson. "A lot of guys were wondering how we could sit back and play zone all game while he was doing that to us," another Chargers veteran said. "It's like Cottrell is going to do it his way, and that's the only way he knows, and he won't come off of it. If you look at it, he's been fired from his last two jobs, and guys are questioning whether he's the right man for this one."

Empty message - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

A 5 year old would have known not to throw some of the challenge flags Norv did.

[Bette]

I am SO glad Jerry Jones didnt choose him as head coach. At the time, I wasnt sure of Phillips, but I sure didnt want Turner in there.
It takes awhile after all the coaching changes to get things on track. It would seem they should be doing that by now. And seeing the flags he threw, I would say Turner is a darn big part of it. Dont they tell him from upstairs whether or not to challenge???

[Tiny Tom]

Never should have fired Schottenheimer. Egos shouldn't get in the way of winning football especially since the Chargers should be the second best team in football but because of Turner being such a bad coach they're a .500 team. If Marty was coaching this team would be dominate. Egos and money are too much a part of sports nowadays IMO.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Tiny Tom

Never should have fired Schottenheimer.

Everyone and their mother knew that, but it wasn't going to stop Smith and Spanos. Oh well, you reap what you sew.