Bolts have Manning in sights

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Friday, Nov 21, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was outlining his goals for Sunday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts when he had to stop and correct himself.

“Our goal is to get press,” then Rivera paused. “Our goal is to win. If we win without getting pressure, so be it. But you’ve got to get as much pressure as you can on (Peyton Manning).”

Last week in Pittsburgh, the Chargers tied their season high with four sacks and not so coincidentally gave up a season-low 11 points to the Steelers. The Bolts’ pass rush will be of utmost importance this week as they face Manning and the Colts. Only three teams in the NFL have allowed fewer sacks than the 11 Manning has taken this season.

“We talk about it every week,” linebacker Jyles Tucker said. “We’ve got to do our job and get to the quarterback. We did a pretty good job last week but we know we can do better. Peyton is tough. We’ve got to find a way to get to him.”

While sacks are nice, they’re not the ultimate measure of pressure. During the Bolts’ win over Indy last November, they dropped Manning only twice but regularly affected his throws with pressure. Manning threw a career-high six interceptions that night at Qualcomm Stadium, and pressure was a huge factor in his performance.

“Everybody talks about the great interception by (Antonio) Cromartie,” Rivera said. “Nobody talks about the fact that we beat that tackle off the line of scrimmage. Peyton couldn’t step into it and it just kind of floated.”

That was the case in January’s playoff game in Indianapolis as well. Manning wasn’t sacked, but the Chargers made him move in the pocket and disrupted several throws.

“People put a lot of stock in sacks, and that’s great,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said following January’s win. “But we knew that if we could make Peyton move a little bit we’d have a chance to make some plays. That’s what we did (in January) and it helped us pull out a big win.”

As the Chargers prepare for an offense so heavily predicated on timing, Rivera needs each of his defenders to contribute to the pass rush, whether it’s a member of the front seven pressuring Manning or a defensive back throwing off the timing or forcing Manning to hold the ball.

“I think the key is not allowing him to step up and deliver the ball on time, being disruptive as far as jamming the receivers, being physical with the receivers,” Rivera said. “It’s a combination of that plus the rush, being able to get a good rush so he can’t step up. Press the pocket from the inside or from the outside where he’s got to step into the oncoming traffic. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

Another milestone

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is closing in on a couple more milestones.

With six receptions against the Colts, LT would become one of only five players in history with 10,000 career rushing yards and 500 catches. The four players who currently hold that distinction are Marcus Allen, Tiki Barber, Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith.

It’s likely Tomlinson will move up the NFL’s all-time rushing list Sunday as well. With 11,336 career rushing yards, LT needs just 17 yards to pass John Riggins, who ranks 14th with 11,352.

Castillo doubtful

Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo missed a third-consecutive day of practice Friday and is listed as doubtful. If Castillo is unable to play, Jacques Cesaire will start in his place. Cesaire had two sacks last week in Pittsburgh.

Cornerback Cletis Gordon is listed as out and will miss a second-consecutive game, while Antonio Cromartie fully participated in Friday’s practice and is probable.

Six Colts defenders are questionable for Sunday night’s contest, including reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders, who missed last week’s game and is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday night.

Helping out

Fans are encouraged to support the San Diego Food Bank by bringing all types of non-perishable food to Sunday’s game. The food collected will help families stricken by the economic crisis and help shore up the Food Bank’s dangerously low food supply.

Red bins will be positioned at all stadium entrances. The most needed items are canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, soup, and cereal. The fan who brings in the most food will receive a Philip Rivers autographed football.

She’s the boss

Actress Alyssa Milano will be at the Chargers Team Store at Gate G Sunday to promote her new licensed women’s fashion collection – TOUCH by Alyssa Milano.

Any fan that purchases a piece of TOUCH product from the collection will get the chance to meet Alyssa and receive a free autographed gift from her. The meet and greet will take place from 3:00 – 4:00pm. A game ticket is needed to access the Chargers Team Store on game days.

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