The San Diego Chargers - The 'Scut Farkus' of the AFC West
by John Bena on Oct 20, 2009 12:29 PM MDT
in 2009 Game Recap
52 comments
The Broncos finally stood up for themselves and, in turn, for the rest of the AFC West. Not that the Raiders or Chiefs need defending. The Chargers have dominated the AFC West for the past 3 seasons - often bullying, trash-talking and dancing their way to the top. Of course, when the Patriots did some dancing of their own, well, the Chargers got mad. That's how bullies are, of course - they can intimidate, they can talk trash, they can dance, but if you do it to them, watch out!
It reminds me of A Christmas Story. You know, Ralphie and his quest for the Red Rider BB Gun. The house it was filmed at (besides all the locations in Canada) is in Cleveland. The family lived on Cleveland St. and the city shots are, you guessed it, of Cleveland. The movie is a classic to me - from rabbit suit to leg lamp and every Bumpus dog in between.
So what do the Chargers have to do with a timeless holiday classic? Easy - the Chargers are the Scut Farkus of the AFC West - and like Ralphie, the Broncos delivered a serious beatdown by finally standing up for themselves.
If you haven't seen the movie - and possibly our international friends have not - Ralphie and his friends are bullied by Farkus and his co-hort Grover Dil.
At different scenes, Farkas and Dil are seen chasing Ralphie, Schwartz(Kansas City) and Flick(Oakland), intimidating them in the school yard("Say Uncle!") and giving Schwartz a black eye. That is, until Ralphie, fed up with his attempts to find someone who will support his quest for the Red Rider - "You'll shoot your eye out!" - is hit in the face with a snowball by Farkas. The result is the culmination of years of abuse - years of torment. Ralphie snaps and the this is the result -
Not a perfect cut of the scene, but you get the point.
The Broncos, in what seemed to be an attempt at becoming a finesse football team over the past few years were beat up, plain and simple, by teams that played a physical style of football - Miami, Jacksonville, and of course the Chargers. When Josh McDaniels was hired he said the Broncos would be a smart, TOUGH and PHYSICAL football team. Through 6 games, that's exactly what the Broncos have become.
Last night, however, was the big test for me. The Chargers have the confidence of knowing they have started out slow in the past but could count on beating the Broncos, bullying them, and getting themselves back into position. A pre-game scuffle - the Chargers way of trying to intimidate the Broncos - was further example of not only their belief that they were the tougher team, but also of their desperation. They had to do whatever they could to get an edge.
Not this time, not this Broncos team. The Broncos took the Chargers' best shot, the snowball to the face, and decided enough was enough. They hit the Chargers in the mouth, sacking Philip Rivers 5 times, and the bully didn't know how to react. Another 2nd half without a 3rd down conversion allowed. Another 2nd half dominating Time of Possession, Turnovers and, most importantly, scoring (17-3).
That is what has me so excited about this Broncos team. Gone are the days of being physically beaten by stronger, tougher teams. The Broncos are now the ones laying the wood and will be bullied no more.
There is a long way to go in 2009 and as Josh McDaniels says the Broncos have accomplished nothing but winning 6 games. He's right. What's impressed me, though, through 6 games, is HOW they are beating teams. Who doesn't like a feel-good story?
21 recs |
52 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
hahahaha, Fight Club and Christmas Story together!!!!!!!!!
I am Jack’s smoking revenge.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
smirking*
I can’t type.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bully du jour
I remember when the Raiders were the bullies of the AFC West, if not the NFL, and Denver started to turn the tide by tying them in MNF in 1972. The tie was like a win to Denver and sent a message. San Diego just wasn’t a bully long enough or bad enough to reach the status of the detested Raiders. They are just dangerous. But the win last night was still sweet. A nice way to enter the bye week.
by opinion8r on Oct 20, 2009 12:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHA!!!
Possibly the best article. Anywhere. Ever.
What a great comparison! LOL! Truly Guru, you have stepped up your sports reporting career to the next level! Absolute instant classic!
BTW, with the exception of the red hair, doesn’t Farkus look eerily similar to a young Phyliss Rivers?
"Change is inevitable - except from vending machines."
by EastCoastBronco on Oct 20, 2009 12:54 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Would have been nice if Doom gave him a bloody nose though ;)
The run is over Charger fan. Not even a Super Bowl appearance to show for it, lol!
Jedi, please get Hillis involved in the O. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Oct 20, 2009 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even better - he bloodied his pride.
You could see it at the end of the game, I seriously thought Phyllis was going to cry. The look of utter hoplessness – better than the site of a bloody nose could ever be!
2009 Season Motto: TAKE IT!! TAKE IT!! TAAAAAAAKE IT!!!!!
The best powder is pure, light, dry Colorado powder!!
Go Broncos!!!!!
by powderaddict on Oct 20, 2009 1:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Arrogance turned to hopelessness in the blink of an eye.
But, can’t I ask for both? ;)
The run is over Charger fan. Not even a Super Bowl appearance to show for it, lol!
Jedi, please get Hillis involved in the O. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Oct 20, 2009 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
4 games
no third down conversions in the second half…….
"it aint no doggone tomorrow fellas, what you gonna bring to the doggone game, you gonna bust somebody in their mouth, are you gonna do youre doggone job, are u gonna play from your doggone fist, are you gonna play from you're heart, and give everything you doggone got, cuz im a do that."
"ITS PARTAAY TIME BAABY"
-who else
by BDAWKisaBRONC on Oct 20, 2009 12:54 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs
hahahha
That is AWESOME!!
I read that Merriman was pissing and moaning about how the Broncos didn’t show the proper respect (or something along those lines).
Merriman – “waaaaahh they don’t show proper respect”
Dawkins – “No one respects us – you know what you do in that situation? Take it!! TAKE IT! TAAAAAKKKKKKE IIIIIIIIITTTT!!!!”
This year’s team is giving making me giddy. They just look so much more focused and prepared then their opposition – every single game.
GO BRONCOS!
2009 Season Motto: TAKE IT!! TAKE IT!! TAAAAAAAKE IT!!!!!
The best powder is pure, light, dry Colorado powder!!
Go Broncos!!!!!
by powderaddict on Oct 20, 2009 1:02 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I read on ESPN that Merriman said that the Broncos started the fracas before the game
I can’t find the quote now, but I was surprised, from everything I had heard, before Merriman’s “version” it was Phillips who confronted the Broncos. It’s funny how quickly things change when you lose. He also left a thinly veiled threat about it saying that they’ll see us again. I could only roll my eyes.
This is our team, let's have fun with it! - dmitchell624
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
by solace on Oct 20, 2009 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw that too. I can’t wait to see Clady shut him down again. Love the Christmas Story reference – what a great movie!
by BroncoTwins on Oct 20, 2009 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillips confronted the Broncos first
But it was the Broncos who came out and set up shop on the Chargers’ side of the field for their pregame huddle.
I think they got the message.
Richard Seymour is a girl.
by pubkeeper on Oct 20, 2009 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Chargers were afraid to retaliate, they didn't want "To shoot their eye out"
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Oct 20, 2009 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
From What ESPN
showed it looked like Denver was coming out of their tunnel and some Charge came running over to talk smack in their face and that set it all off.
How do you keep the Broncos Humble?
"Just show them the film. Show them the film." - Josh McDaniels
by Kfustud on Oct 20, 2009 2:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love that scene.
TKO – Farkus wasn’t employing an active and intelligent defense.
Great post, JB, and right on the money. No bigger cowards than bullies, and Rivers is the bully posterboy.
- Jason
Horton is WIN - HORVIL TIKI
by jubei on Oct 20, 2009 1:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I like it
But I am more partial to the Raising Arizona fight scene with HI versus the Outlaw from Hell, basically we just pulled the pin to the hand gernade and the outlaw (SD) just realized they are screwed big time.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on Oct 20, 2009 1:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Just for reference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wTT1Gz8Qeo
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on Oct 20, 2009 8:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enough is enough! That's what the Broncos stated last night.
I had a simular situation when I was 12, a bully kept picking on me and I had enough. Bloodied his nose and choked the living crap out of him. His dad spanked him, not for being a bully but for getting his butt whupped! How sad is that?
by bfree2bronc on Oct 20, 2009 1:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
We allowed one third down conversion I believe...
a Pass Interference call…or was that 2nd down? I swore it was a third down when that penalty happened. Damn refs…ruin our streak.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
by Tim Lynch on Oct 20, 2009 1:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm being sarcastic of course. ;)
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
by Tim Lynch on Oct 20, 2009 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was a third down when the penalty happened.
by BroncoTwins on Oct 20, 2009 1:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Check out the front page of DenverBroncos.com
Hilarious picture of Doom treating Rivers like his prison b*tch.
At sea level, but I'll always be a mile high.
by DaytonaBronco on Oct 20, 2009 1:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
hahahaha
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
by kentuckybronco on Oct 20, 2009 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is now my wallpaper
The run is over Charger fan. Not even a Super Bowl appearance to show for it, lol!
Jedi, please get Hillis involved in the O. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Oct 20, 2009 3:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice comparison
And nobody on the Chargers deserved the beat down more than that mouthy qb Rivers. At least for now, the Chargers are just one of the 3 nobodies in the AFC West. And I like them right where they are.
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 20, 2009 2:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
In the same place they have been
for most of their history.
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Oct 21, 2009 2:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
they can't fight destiny.
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
"That's MR.Styg..."
by Jeremy Bolander on Oct 21, 2009 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post John and rec'd!
This Broncos team has me excited too. Our defense has been stellar, the offense is doing what it needs to do, and special teams…after last night, has started to be a real plus for this team.
"When you put on that jersey, the name on the front is more important than the name on the back." - "Miracle".
"Winning means you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else." - Vince Lombardi.
by broncoholic on Oct 20, 2009 2:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Great video
I never saw the movie, but I read the book, and when I first saw the photo at the top, I thought of the book (without having read any of the text). Just call me psychic.
BTW, anyone remember who Red Rider’s side kick was?
IT is, and it's impossible for IT not to be.
Parmenides (5th Century B. C. Greek)
by bradley on Oct 20, 2009 2:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I was a Spy for Jean Shepherd
http://donaldfagen.com/writing_items.php?itemID=114
This is Steely Dan co-foundern Donald Fagen’s account of his adolescent man-love for the author of Christmas Story. They break up.
"Kool-Aid Kool Aid, Tastes Great, We Want Kool Aid, Can't Wait"
by littletinybroncos on Oct 20, 2009 2:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
"Swagger"
Anyone watch this highlight clip yet?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d8138e618/Broncos-34-Chargers-23
After Jackson’s touchdown, the Chargers’ radio guy said “The swagger is being repossessed.” First of all, that sentence as delivered makes no sense. Did someone forget to pay the mortgage, thus requiring authorities to “repossess” said swagger? Weird. Second of all, and this goes back to what the guy actually meant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZKgQ4CSVRw
by MarshallMcCard on Oct 20, 2009 3:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I've had the misfortune of listening to the Chargers radio announcers...
A few times as I live in Las Vegas (and San Diego has gotten a lot of love over the last few years — sigh). Anywho, I’ve rarely heard worse homerism than out of the color announcer (Hank Bauer). The guy is nauseating — and I mean that sincerely, not just as a Bronco fan but as a journalist.
by princemilo on Oct 20, 2009 3:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen!
Living in Vegas, it’s amazing how this town became “Chargers Country” overnight. Or roughly 5 years ago, when the Chargers stopped sucking as much. Been unbearable being a tried and true Broncos fan in Vegas. Until this year, when the good guys keep costing the ’books money…
by ncm42 on Oct 20, 2009 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
River's actions and post-game comments
make me glad I don’t have to try to justify a certain other QB’s behavior. I like KO’s (and the team’s) class…“just doing my job”
by idahobronc on Oct 20, 2009 3:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Rivers is a Tool
I’ve hated him since his days at N.C. State as his backup, Olin Hannum, I believe was unfairly dealt with at Raleigh, N.C. as Norm Chow didn’t even make Rivers compete for the starting job. Consequently, he has never had to work that hard for anything and had everything handed to him. He had this beatdown coming to him and hopefully, even Richard Seymour can do his exceptionally gay sack dance against Philip like he did against the Iggles Sunday. Nice post.
Brad James
by the Bradfather on Oct 20, 2009 3:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
We're Swaggerlicious
so says Jim Rome anyway!
Brad James
by the Bradfather on Oct 20, 2009 3:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Excellent
Look forward to seeing Christmas Story every year. Perfect analogy, changing of the guard. Be interesting to see how the defeated bully recovers…
by AKfan on Oct 20, 2009 4:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
sundays..
are fun again. Love the article and watching this team play. Next stop B’more. Go Broncos!
by wisco on Oct 20, 2009 4:15 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
A fitting story John.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
by KaptainKirk on Oct 20, 2009 4:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Just love how he won't stop
His crazed punching remains me of Dawkins :)
by trumanj on Oct 20, 2009 4:51 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice work Guru
Rec’d for Fight Club audio.
by appleshampoo on Oct 20, 2009 6:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Now all the MSM people can say
The Chargers are the best 2-3 team in the league. I hope I never have to hear that “the best” sentence again. They were exposed on national television on back-to-back games.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
by weazel on Oct 20, 2009 9:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The Chargers are "the best' team that was exposed on national television.
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist. Maybe I will get hired by the MSM someday.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Oct 23, 2009 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Broncos Sainst superbowl
I’m a Saints fan and I got to say the only other teams thats impressing me this year is the Broncos. Vikings are overrated and just media darlings because of Farve and Colts are riding the shoulders of Payton. (You could say the same about Saints/Brees but I think wer’re more complete)
You guys have been consistently on point (especially defense.) We dont play at all but if we meet in a certain game this winter the Saints best rack up some major pointage before the 2nd half because thats when I’ll get verrry nervous.
by Alex Saints on Oct 21, 2009 7:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Your Saints have really picked things up.
Your offense……well, that is to be expected. The defense has really played well and I was a bit shocked to see you guys handle the Giants like that. On the other hand the Giants haven’t played a solid team til you guys.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
by weazel on Oct 21, 2009 3:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you want some classic comedy read through the game time open thread at the Chargers site.
by DickVMI on Oct 21, 2009 9:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
No way to describe Monday's win other that that clip.
It is always fun to see a bully’s reaction when someone (or team in our case) stands up and says enough is enough.
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
by weazel on Oct 21, 2009 3:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Take from a die-hard Charger fan
I have to say, the Skut Farkas analogy is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. As a big fan of “A Christmas Story”, I look forward to my annual viewing even more now. Very good story!
PS…Great game, Broncos. You were clearly the better team on the field…….and I’m not happy about it!
by boltmancraft on Oct 23, 2009 4:17 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Broncos anew
At least we all agree that we hate the Raiders…
Good game Broncos, always tough to win in Qualcomm and Rivers was 4-0 on MNF before that game. I would only caution that you don’t get too comfortable, there is still plenty of season left and last year’s confidence should still sting.
With that said, I am glad you got rid of Cutler, you have one helk of a defense. Kudos to your owner for stepping up and doing what was good for the team (read:not the popular choice at the time). Even Marshall is back on board full tilt.
Make fun of Rivers all you want, but you have never seen him kick a ball or act unprofessional in practice or in a game. Marshall did it twice! He is a married, church going man with three daughters who plays the game like it was in a back sandlot. That means a little bit of trash talking, but no spitting (Romanowski), kicking balls (Marshall) and other unsportsmanlike conduct. If you can’t handle players trash talking, you are not cut out for sports.
I hope to make it to Denver to catch the rematch. Denver is a good town, I enjoy it and will enjoy that weekend as well, whichever way the game goes. Good luck the rest of the way and hope to see you n the playoffs. I am perfectly content with playing an AFC Championship game vs the Broncs in Mile High. The bigger they are, the harder they fall, no issue being the underdog here guys and gals. See you soon!
by BoltPride99 on Oct 28, 2009 2:58 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanShots on Mile High Report
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Getting Social With MHR
Web Stuff
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
