To prepare the Chargers for Monday Night’s AFC West showdown against Peyton Manning and the Broncos' no-huddle attack, Norv Turner had extra noise blasted during practice this week. (US Presswire) |
Coach Norv Turner blasted the Chargers' practice facility with crowd noise this week, despite San Diego (3-2) preparing for a home game against the Broncos (2-3).
Fighter jets performing in the Miramar Air Show provided additional noise on Saturday as they repeatedly buzzed the Chargers' final practice before the Monday night showdown for first place in the AFC West.
“I anticipate our crowd to be loud,” Turner said. “They will be a big part of how we play and they can really affect the game. When you are playing a team that is no huddle and you are asking your crowd to be loud, you have to make calls, too. We have to make our adjustments. I just want them to get that feeling of the no-huddle.”
Harris preparing for Miller: LT Michael Harris (undrafted, UCLA) will likely play in place of LT Jared Gaither (groin) who is listed as doubtful. “I am very confident and prepared for the game,” Harris said.
Harris will likely face off against LB Von Miller, who leads the Broncos with five sacks. “My technique needs to be good every time I go back on my pass protection,” Harris said. “[Miller] is going to use his eyes to try to make me misdirect him. I just need to focus and fire that punch.
Goodman on stand-by: Wide receivers Malcolm Floyd (groin) and Eddie Royal (hamstring) are listed as questionable. On Friday, Turner said he expected them to play and they are likely closer to probable than doubtful. WR-KR Richard Goodman, who has only caught one pass in his career (2010), will likely see some playing time if either Floyd or Royal is unable to play. “[Goodman] is the next the guy up,” Turner said. “He would be the guy that would step in and play.”
Goodman received some flack by the commentators on Sunday night for taking the ball out of the end zone during a return that led to the Chargers starting their final drive from their 15-yard line. Goodman has averaged 27.8 yards per return this season and has no fumbles.
Goodman appeared a step away from breaking through for a TD on several returns. Turner believes Goodman gives the Chargers a chance for a TD on every return. On most occasions, Turner would prefer that Goodman take attempt a return even if it means starting a drive inside the 20. “If we were doing something wrong, coach wouldn’t let us do it,” Goodman said.
Injury report: K Nate Kaeding (groin) is listed as out. LT Jared Gaither (groin) and CB Shareece Wright (ankle) are doubtful. WR Malcolm Floyd (groin) and WR Eddie Royal (hamstring) are questionable. RT Jeromey Clary (foot) and RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) are probable.
The Broncos injury report only includes RB Lance Ball (ankle) and LB Keith Brooking (concussion). Both players fully participated on Friday and Saturday. Ball is listed as probable. Brooking passed a neurological test after suffering the concussion and is cleared to play, but the Broncos did not dedicate a playing status for Brooking on their injury report.
Game preview from a Chargers perspective: Chargers Game Preview vs. Broncos
Game preview from a Broncos perspective: Broncos Game Preview vs. Chargers
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