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Articles by Sam Jordan Dudeck
2022 Trade Deadline Update: Chargers Stand Pat
Well, if you wanted to see big names moved, you got it. Here’s your 2022 Trade Deadline Update – please read carefully if you’re a Chargers fan. For the Bolt Family, these past 72 hours have been excruciating to watch a injury-ridden team who’s still on the fence, remain on the fence. It’s a bit ironic how a team who goes for it on 4th down in the riskiest of times, but yet is too scared to make a trade when the roster is decimated to smithereens? Interesting.
Chargers Learn Key Lessons From Super Bowl LVII
And just like that, Super Bowl LVII has come and gone – but the game will live in history forever. From the late-game dramatics orchestrated by the Referee committee, to the post-game praise of Patrick Mahomes’ heroics; Super Bowl LVII was definitely one for the books. And how could it not be?
Potential Storylines To Watch
We’re almost a week away from Super Bowl LVII, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here. After a roller coaster of a season full of twists and turns – the failed Russell Wilson experiment, the Aaron Rodgers saga in Green Bay, and the pre-season favorites falling short (yes, you, Buffalo). And yet, while the Eagles are a bit of a surprise, no one can pretend to be shocked to see Mahomes back in the big game, suiting up for his third time in this year’s Super Bowl LVII.
Key Underdogs Who Could Alter NFL Conference Championships
The NFL Conference Championships are here, and it should be one hell of a Sunday filled with lots of scoring in Kansas City, and defensive showdown in Philly. The stars are here in Mahomes, Kelce, Chase, Burrow, McCaffery, Samuel, Hurts, and Brown – but which non-stars are liable to their team’s success? After all, while stars make a world’s difference for each respective team – there are 22 men who will undoubtedly impact the game.
Aaron Rodgers Considered By Jets
Aaron Rodgers to Jets? Did Aaron slip us the ayahuasca? What’s going on? Well, nothing… yet. But, with the recent head-scratching Jets hire of Nathaniel Hackett, the Aaron Rodgers to Jets rumors have officially ramped up a notch. The writing has been on the wall for a “break up” between the Packers and their nearly 20-year signal caller – as the tensions publicly raised last off-season amidst a contract dispute.
Chargers Wild Card Odds:
After an exciting offseason, a roller coaster of a season, and a weird last game – the playoffs are here: and so are the Chargers wild card odds. Sitting at -1 according to SI.com, the Chargers have the betting edge – but not by much. Can you really be surprised, given how the first matchup went between these two?
Chargers Playoff Outlook: Past Vs Present
Can anyone else remember the last time the Chargers playoff outlook seemed this strong? How about the last time the Chargers had this talented of a roster, top to bottom? If you’re a Bolts fan, you might know exactly which team I’m talking about. But, to everyone else – here it is: The 14-2, AFC West Champs – the 2006 San Diego Chargers. Yep, the same team that was ranked #1 in the NFL in offense… and defense.
Chargers' Crucial Questions For 2022 Season
What a year it’s been for the Chargers 2022 season – from all of the injuries, winnable losses against the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Raiders; to finding themselves at 6-6 and on the outside looking in. Miraculously, the Chargers have clinched playoff berth, but that doesn’t mean that the regular season is irrelevant.
Chargers' Playoff Odds Hit 80% With Titans Win
In just a matter of weeks, the Chargers playoff odds increase up to 80% from the previous 20-30% they found themselves after 2 consecutive losses. After an incredible win against the Dolphins in prime time, the Chargers found themselves up against an up and down Titans team with one of the best running backs of the past decade – and we all know the mouth-watering matchup Derrick Henry had in front of him. Let’s just say, it was a scary –and incredibly crucial – game for the Chargers.
Will Notre Dame Upset USC?
Will Notre Dame upset USC? Well, the answer is much more optimistic now than it was a handful of weeks ago, that’s for sure. Things have been looking good in South Bend, and after what’s been a roller coaster of a year, one last upset against number 5 USC would bring the perfect happy ending. It’s been quite a few years since the “Bush Push” game – which seems to be the last time this game held such worth other than bragging rights and another win tacked on to the ever-evolving rivalry.
Chargers' Season Doomed After Disappointing Loss?
The Chargers season over? Really? At 5-5? Isn’t that a little dramatic? Okay, I’ll admit it, that’s a bit of millenial sensationalism there. But, unfortunately, in today’s NFL where each team seems to have a bevy of talent and a unique skill set of playmakers. Well, with exception to the bottom 5 or so teams (sorry, Texans/Panthers/Bears). If you even inspect the rosters of the worst two teams in the division, and what do you see? Davante Adams, Russell Wilson, Darren Waller, and Jerry Jeudy.
A High-Stakes Rivalry Matchup Preview
Ah, Chargers vs Chiefs – plus a good old prime time flex. Sounds like a great Sunday night to me. However, it doesn’t take much research to notice that many pundits are counting the Chargers out. And, rightfully so. What us fans have seen this year hasn’t exactly been the most awe-inspiring. Yet… when you have a generational talent like Justin Herbert behind center – you can’t help but have a shimmer of hope. The only problem is, there’s just as talented a quarterback on the other side.
Chargers' Mid-Season Lessons From 49ers Loss
Here we are, half-way through the season – which means it’s time for a Chargers mid-season outlook. And what a perfect time to do such, after a tough loss on prime time television. However, if there’s one thing Sunday’s defeat taught us, it’s that this team fights – that’s for sure. If you would’ve asked me what I thought about the Chargers’ “heart” in the beginning of the season – the answer would be an expletive-filled rambling.
The Chargers' Keys To Beating The 49ers
Sunday night is almost here, and it’s going to be a tough one – and yet, there are certain keys to a Chargers victory against the 49ers. Prime time brings a strong matchup against two of the best playmakers in the NFL, along with a powerful defense with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner on the other side. Just based on one matchup alone – this game could be a blow out; the Chargers run defense against the 49ers rushing attack (including Deebo).
Chargers' Strategy To Dominate The Seahawks
After beating Russell Wilson not even a full week ago, the Los Angeles Chargers turn around and must face Russ’ former team. At first glance, this should be an easy victory against the QB-less Seahawks. But, that’s what us Chargers fans thought against the Jaguars, too. Nothing is for granted in the NFL. Now, the Seahawks are one of the least scary teams in the NFL right now. But, it’s clear that they’re no dumpster fire, like many thought they’d be.
Trick Or Treat: 2022 NFL Midseason Edition
This summer was a hot one for the NFL – with plenty of high-ticket acquisitions, jaw-dropping deals, and intriguing new destinations for star players. But, all of that has passed now – and here we are, nearing the NFL midseason point. You know what that means – we’re starting to get a genuine meter on the yard stick for how good, or bad, each team is.
Halloween Edition
Y’all know what time it is – the decorations are starting to come out, you can practically smell the pumpkin spice lattes, and there’s NFL games every Sunday. Agh, spooky season… what a time of year. In honor of Halloween (yes, we’re celebrating all month long), we’ll be matching NFL players with their Halloween monster superlatives. Let me be clear – there is ZERO disrespect or shade thrown at these players, I could never suit up on Sundays; this is all for good fun.
How the Padres Found their Winning Formula Against the Mets - Baseball Reflections
Wow… who would’a thought it. The Padres win a playoff series. Better yet – the Padres win a playoff series against a 100-win team with 3 absolute aces on the mound. To cap it off, who would’ve thought Trent Grisham out of all people would be the MVP. It was one hell of a series for the Friars. One which surprised many – many of which I’m sure are Padres fans themselves. I can certainly attest this, myself. As a Padres fan, I had hope – for sure.
How the Padres Found their Winning Formula Against the Mets - Baseball Reflections
Wow… who would’a thought it. The Padres win a playoff series. Better yet – the Padres win a playoff series against a 100-win team with 3 absolute aces on the mound. To cap it off, who would’ve thought Trent Grisham out of all people would be the MVP. It was one hell of a series for the Friars. One which surprised many – many of which I’m sure are Padres fans themselves. I can certainly attest this, myself. As a Padres fan, I had hope – for sure.
A Back & Forth Game Of Irony Ends In The Chargers Favor
It was a sweet win for us Chargers fans, that’s for sure. It’s games like these that the Bolts have lost in the past. A lack of late-game defensive stops. Followed by a bone-headed call. Cap it off with a game-winning field goal. And yet… the Chargers won?!?
How the Padres Can Beat the Mets in the Wild Card Round - Baseball Reflections
Well, first things first, Padres fans – we’ve done it before this year. As I’m sure a lot of Friar Nation can recall, the Padres took 2 out of 3 back in July… IN New York, mind you. For a team who is most well known for their failures and insignificance in recent years – that should be an initial bode of confidence going into the Wild Card round. The Mets are good, but they’re not unbeatable.
How the Padres Can Beat the Mets in the Wild Card Round - Baseball Reflections
Well, first things first, Padres fans – we’ve done it before this year. As I’m sure a lot of Friar Nation can recall, the Padres took 2 out of 3 back in July… IN New York, mind you. For a team who is most well known for their failures and insignificance in recent years – that should be an initial bode of confidence going into the Wild Card round. The Mets are good, but they’re not unbeatable.
How Notre Dame Upset 16th-Ranked BYU: Key Factors
Let’s be honest, this hasn’t been the year all of us Irish Faithful have been hoping for. However, the past few weeks have shown us that we aren’t the absolute dumpster fire the nation thought we were after the first two weeks. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are indeed, well, fighting after all. The title hopes have probably left South Bend, but that doesn’t mean an entire season should be abandoned.
Joey Bosa Placed On IR
The news is in: Joey Bosa is officially hitting the IR. It’s a blow in of itself to lose Bosa for at least a month to repair a groin injury. Let alone another All-Pro addition to the already alarming list of battered Chargers. In case you’ve been living under a rock, let’s have a look. Brace yourselves, Bolt Fam. Keenan Allen Corey Linsley JC Jackson Rashawn Slater Joey Bosa That’s without even mentioning the elephant in the injury room. Justin Herbert. You know, the Chargers franchise QB?
Notre Dame's Potential Breakthrough Moment?
Last Saturday, us Notre Dame fans were treated with a delight. One some of us were worried we wouldn’t see all season. The simple joy of a hard-earned victory. Agh feels nice for us Fighting Irish faithful. And furthermore – two straight wins? All the better! What we saw on Saturday was a glimpse of the team we all had hoped to see coming into this year. Only, with the hint of realism, we were so rudely given the first two weeks.
Murphy's Law Meets Lack Of Effort
Let me begin by saying that the Jaguars are no longer the laughing stock they were even a year ago. Sure, Doug Petersen has really turned the tides there. BUT – that’s no reason for a “Super Bowl contending” team like the Chargers to lose 38-10 to them. It was a miserable game to watch right from the kick-off. We didn’t even get a first down until the second quarter, for God’s sake.
What’s Going On With the Padres? - Baseball Reflections
The playoff stretch is officially among us. Usually, this is one of the worst times of the year for Padres fans. Oh yes, around this time of the year, Padres fans know all too well what happens. We begin to unravel. Winable games are lost. Tempers flare. Playoff hopes slowly dissipate. After dropping two straight to Seattle and Arizona – the San Diego Padres now find themselves on a hot winning streak. 5 straight wins. And down the stretch, too? What is going on?
How To Beat UNC And Maintain Notre Dame's Pride
While our title hopes are long gone for the year, it’s apparent that there’s another driving factor for this season. Pride. (Well, that, and retaining recruits.) And, what we saw last week against Cal wasn’t a team that looked even remotely close to competing in today’s perfectionist CFP world – we did see a team that fought for respect. A heavy load comes with wearing the golden helmet, the iconic navy blue & gold.
Justin Herbert: To Play Or Not?
Chargers fans everywhere held their collective breath as all-world QB Justin Herbert went down. It was like the season flashed before our eyes. And it wasn’t pretty. All of these key signings, all of the roster upgrades. For nothing. Taken away from us in one moment. There goes the season. Maybe next year. But, when Herbo came jogging back out there after just one play, we could all exhale. But, with a fractured rib, it wasn’t like Herbert could exhale as easily as we all could.
Jalen Hurts Vs Tua Tagovailoa On Football Game!
Trailing Georgia 13-0 in the 2017 BCS National Championship Game, Nick Saban decided to replace Jalen Hurts with phenom Tua Tagovailoa. Sure enough, Alabama ended up coming from behind to take the BCS Trophy in a stunning 26-23 overtime win. And the rest is history… Tua Tagovailoa became the permanent starter moving forward. Jalen Hurts transferred to Oklahoma. We saw the two have their fair share of individual success.
What The First 2 Weeks Of NFL Action Have Shown Us
Although Week 2 of the NFL didn’t have the same amount of intriguing games – it sure was a pleasant surprise of exciting football. The upsets, the comebacks, and the performances were what we all hope to see as we devote every Sunday to the NFL. Sure, there’s plenty of season left, and it looks to be a fun one. However, with more than just one game off of slate, we’re able to better assess each team early on. Here’s what I’ve seen in the NFL thus far.
Week 3 Takeaways As Notre Dame Gets First Win
First things first, let’s take a moment to acknowledge a hard-earned win. Let me be clear, I am not trying to take away from success. Although we’re finally relieved with a win – it wasn’t pretty. Even the win showed many of our flaws. Our O-line’s struggles. Our Defensive lack of attention to detail. The Notre Dame Quartberack situation. It also showed a lot of positives. We scored when it mattered. Tommy Rees called a decent game. The heart, and competitiveness was there. That’s what counted most.
The Curious Case Of Chris Tyree
Let me make this clear. This is not an Audric Estimae hate post. This is an outcry to the Notre Dame Coaching Staff (*clears throat* Tommy Rees) to give Chris Tyree the damn ball. Nor is this a “fire Marcus Freeman” article – I’m actually trying my best to give him at least a full season to show us what he’s got. But there’s a glaring, obvious issue that’s going unaccounted for. You know the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it”? Well, what about if it is “broke”? Then you’d fix it, right?
The Worst Part Is Over: What Does Notre Dame Do Now?
I’ll be the first to admit – you can even check my article archives – that I really thought we’d be okay after the OSU loss. And yet, somehow, things got worse. Really worse, really quickly. As us Notre Dame fans often look back to history for success, we can’t spend all year looking in the rearview mirror. Sure, last week hurt – bad – but we can’t dwell on it. What’s done, is done. While this season may not be to our historical standards or expectations, we’re not foreign to it in recent years.
How The Chargers Beat The Raiders In Week 1
In a game with two stacked, star-heavy rosters to open out the season – we did it. This meant a lot, considering what happened the last time the Chargers faced Las Vegas. Furthermore, we won a game that our teams of previous years would’ve blown. While our victory shouldn’t be a HUGE surprise, as the Justin Herbert era has garnered wins against loaded teams before (cough, cough, CHIEFS) – but, anything can happen in Week 1. “Anything” happened, indeed.
Notre Dame's Key Performance Indicators Unveiled
Why Week 2 Is Crucial for Notre Dame After putting up one hell of a contest in Week 1, Notre Dame still slid a little further than we all would’ve hoped. But, there’s a still a chance moving forward – after all, it is only Week 2. Plenty of other top-5 teams can still lose. We still have a chance to show ourselves amongst the “big dogs” like Clemson (and “medium dogs” like USC). And, it all starts now. Week 2 is crucial to show the nation why we deserve to still be in the conversation.
NFL Week 1: Upset Watch
We finally made it through the grueling 9-weeks without football. After an eventful hiatus filled with shocking transactions and unprecedented roster moves, our favorite time has returned – the NFL season is here. Week 1 brings a bevy of revenge matches, divisional rivalries, and a lot of excitement. As we all know, Week 1 is never the end-all, be-all; but it’s never full of guarantees, either! My favorite part about sports is how you never know what’s going to happen.
5 Bold Predictions For The 2022 Los Angeles Chargers
We’re less than a week away, and for the most part – most of the Bolt Fam is fired up and ready to go. Sure, the Los Angeles Chargers missed the playoffs last year – but we got better. Yeah, we’re in a tough division – but we loaded up with firepower to match. Let’s be honest, though – there’s still an inherent “how will the Bolts screw this up” in the air.
What Did The Notre Dame Football Loss To OSU REALLY Mean?
I preface this by acknowledging the harsh truth that I am a 28 year old Notre Dame Football fan. Which means – I’ve experienced nothing but lofty expectations based on the premise of ancient success. I didn’t experience the glory days of old – the “Four Horsemen”, gold ol’ Knute Rockne… not even Joe Montana! All I have gotten was mid-level bowl games (still lost) and a lot of great players. Recycled. Over and over again. Good football, but, none of that amounted to anything on the score column.
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