Packers’ aerial assault too much for Bolts

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Sunday, Sep 23, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie continues to grow and learn, and Sunday taught him a big lesson in his development as player: take the good with the bad and move on.

“I was able to make a couple plays today and felt pretty good about that,” Cromartie said. “I wish I could have one back, but that’s the way things go. That’s part of playing this position.”

Cromartie kept his head high in the locker room Sunday afternoon following the team’s 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Early in the game, he broke up a potential touchdown pass and got his hands on a couple of balls.

But with the Bolts leading 21-17 late in the fourth quarter, Cromartie admittedly got a little too aggressive, and Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings made him pay.

On 2^nd-and-10 from the Packers’ 43 yard line, Cromartie was matched up one-on-one with Jennings when the wide receiver ran a quick slant. Cromartie broke on the ball but wasn’t able to get a piece of it. That left Jennings off to the races for a 57-yard touchdown that gave Green Bay a 24-21 advantage.

“It looked like he made a decision to try to come underneath and try to get his hand on the ball,” Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said. “When he did, he obviously gave the receiver a chance to run after the catch. You try to stay over the up-field shoulder and if they catch it minimize the gain.”

After a pretty impressive day notwithstanding the Jennings touchdown, Cromartie wished he could have that one snap back.

“I’ve got to make a better play on the ball,” Cromartie said. “I’ve got to make sure I get a piece of it.”

Cromartie wasn’t the only player who wished they could take back a play here or there in the passing game. Packers quarterback Brett Favre was 28-for-45 passing for 369 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon. Green Bay made little effort to run the ball as Packers backs combined for 13 carries compared to 47 pass plays from Favre.

“They did exactly what we expected them to do,” safety Clinton Hart said. “They came out firing. We didn’t make enough plays. That’s Brett Favre. You tip your hat and move on.”

The long pass didn’t hurt the Chargers near as much as the catch and long run. In addition to Jennings’ play, Donald Driver took a pass that traveled roughly 10 yards in the air and broke it for a 46-yard gain. Several other short tosses resulted in first downs due to missed tackles.

“When they spread you out like that, they’re going to make plays,” Turner said. “You have to tackle after the catch, and we missed a few that hurt us.”

The Chargers’ defensive backs were often asked to stay with their men for a long time Sunday as the front seven didn’t create a lot of pressure. Favre was sacked twice, but he had plenty of time to throw for much of the game. Turner credited a good scheme, a strong effort by Green Bay’s offensive line and Favre’s ability to buy time with his feet.

“They did a good job with their protection,” Turner said. “They did a lot of chipping. They had a two-tight end formation with three wide receivers. They did a lot of chipping on our outside guys before they leaked out late. Favre obviously does a great job sliding and moving. He’s not a scrambler, but he’s got a great feel. He always has.”

While Driver had a big afternoon with six receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown, Favre didn’t play favorites. He effectively spread the ball to eight different receivers, six of whom caught at least three passes.

“(Favre) is a future Hall of Famer,” Hart said. “He did a great job of getting the ball to his playmakers. We have to do a better job as a secondary. What else can you say?”

Mike Roemer, AP

Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre had an impressive afternoon throwing the football Sunday.

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	Post Game Press Conference: Norv Turner Norv Turner post game press conference at Lambeau Field on Sunday September 23, 2007. Play
	Post Game Press Conference: Philip Rivers Philip Rivers post game press conference at Lambeau Field on Sunday September 23, 2007. Play
	Post Game Press Conference: LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tomlinsons' reaction following Sunday's loss at Lambeau Field. Play
	Game 3: Shaun Phillips Linebacker Shaun Phillips locker room interview following Sundays game at Lambeau Field. Play
	Game 3: Clinton Hart Safety Clinton Hart locker room reaction following Sundays game at Lambeau Field. Play
	Game 3: Antonio Cromartie Cornerback Antonio Cromartie post game interview. Play

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