Nick Canepa chat transcript

SIGNONSANDIEGO

January 12, 2007

A transcript of Nick Canepa's 10 a.m. online chat:

eddieb: I think Sunday's game is all about pressure. I believe San Diego
is the better team and as long as they can handle the playoff pressure,
they will be fine. What do you think?

Nick Canepa: Pressure always is a part of it. The Chargers have been
extremely loose this week. Even some of the veterans are surprised by
it. The Patriots are playoff experienced, so they aren't apt to be
nervous. The Chargers are far more talented.

87marine: How will the SD def handle Brady's quick passes?

Nick Canepa: I don't know if Brady can get away with what he did against
the Jets. Nickle and diming might not work against the Chargers. The
Patriots don't have the best set of receivers in the league. The key for
San Diego is tackling well, and that hasn't always happened.

hankster: What is the key to the Chargers beating the Patriots?

Nick Canepa: Turnovers. The Chargers have turned the ball over just 15
times in 16 games. If they can stick to that, they should win this game.
It all comes down to a few plays, making the fewest mistakes.

LTisHUMBLE: How much of an effect will home-field-advantage have on THIS
game?

Nick Canepa: Qualcomm Stadium has become one of the loudest venues in
the league. Opposing teams have 15 false start penalties, which makes
the stadium fourth highest in the NFL. So it could be a huge advantage.
Thing is, they still have to play the game, and players win and lose games

pappy:
I read somewhere that Merriman guaranteed a victory. I feel confident in
a CHARGERS victory but a guarantee??? Do you think that was smart?

Nick Canepa: Guarantees mean nothing. They're a dime a dozen. I doubt a
Patriot believes his team is going to lose. I don't think that's locker
room wall stuff. It's blown way out of proportion. The Patriots have won
three of the past five Super Bowls. Do they really need a Merriman
comment to fire them up? Professionals shouldn't need added incentive in
a playoff game.

hankster:
Do you think Marty is serious about not interfering with the offensive
play calling?

Nick Canepa: He doesn't have a choice. He hasn't had anything to do with
the defense forever and now has nothing to do with the offense. Sounds
like it's all on the coordinators, doesn't it?

Alonsocharger:
Hi Mr. Canepa, you have been following the Chargers for long time, put
aside numbers and all that crap, and be yourself, who will be the winner
on Sunday? what will be the score?

Nick Canepa: The Chargers have the best players in the league. They
should win this game. I like them something like 27-17.

mapcap55:
Much has been made of the lack of playoff experience on the Chargers
team, how is this team any different from the Broncos team that knocked
the Pats out of the race last year?

Nick Canepa: This team does have some playoff experience. The Chargers
are better than the Broncos were and the Patriots aren't as good as
their Super Bowl teams.

clark:
why do football team use two differents return players, one for kick off
and another one for punt? Could one guy do it all ? why Eric parker does
some of the returns, he doesn't seems very fast ?

Nick Canepa: Actually, a lot of teams do. But, if Darren Sproles hadn't
been injured during the preseason, he probably would be tending to both.
Parker is a better punt returner than kickoff guy and Turner is a better
kickoff returner, so that's how it works.

LTisHUMBLE:
how much do you think the Chargers will utilize Michael Turner on Sun?

Nick Canepa: Actually, I'd like to see Turner and LT more in the
backfield at the same time. I think Turner's a weapon and weapons
shouldn't spend most of their days on the sideline. It could happen.

clark:
the second one is : when can we expect to see Az Hakim play, could it be
the Joker card for the chargers?

Nick Canepa: No idea. We won't know until game time. Hakim is an
excellent kick returner,

QA_Dave:
Nick....I've been a fan since the early 60's...I sure hope this is the
year! What is your take on this years team (GO CHARGERS)!

Nick Canepa: The Chargers probably will have 10 Pro Bowlers, barring
injury. They have the best talent in the league, so if they get beat,
they have no one to blame for themselves.

aabarca:
I've noticed some great moves by the national league west teams during
the off season. The padres have made some good moves, but not great. Do
you think they've filled the holes they had, and do you think they will
have enough "Quality" pitching for this season to keep them atop the NL
West?

Nick Canepa: I'm not thrilled, but with their pitching, they still can
win the division (especially if Peavy returns to form). They need
somebody to step up with runners in scoring position.

inky:
Why does everyone treat the idea of moving the Chargers to Oceanside
like a joke? Lots of us in North County think it's a great idea,
especially given the site's proximity to the train (including the new
Sprinter) and major freeways.

Nick Canepa: I don't believe it's a joke. I think Chargers management
would prefer the North County, which is where the majority of their
season ticket holders live. It's also much closer to Orange County,
their largest corporate base. If Oceanside can work, they would go there
in a second.

Peter_-_CV:
Okay Nick so isn't this weekend a perfect set up for the quintessential
San Diego sports ending where once again we are left with that
disappointment taste in our mouths?

Nick Canepa: It is. But this is the best team. Let's see how it turns out.

hankster:
Does not having Rodney Harrison in the defensive backfield change the
Chargers' strategy on offense?

Nick Canepa: No. The Patriots just won a playoff game without him. But I
do think Antonio Gates can have a big day on New England. The Jets'
tight end was open all day.

Colin_S:
Hi Nick, love reading your columns. With all the hype surrounding Tom
Brady and his extensive playoff success, it seems to be forgotten that
he won his first Superbowl as a rookie. Which brings us to Mr. "Ramblin'
Rivers. My question is- are there many similarities between the two at
that point in their careers? Are there any differences we don't know
about? Thank you

Nick Canepa: Brady was a rookie in 2000. He took over the team in 2001,
so, like Rivers, he was a first-year quarterback. The difference is that
Brady's won three Super Bowls. They're probably very similar physically
and mentally.

Wayne:
Good Morning Nick! Considering Rivers lack of experience in playoff
games, do you think it's more important for the Chargers to come out and
establish the run, or let Rivers build some confidence by spreading it
around?

Nick Canepa: I don't think they'll sit on Rivers. I think there's plenty
of confidence in him now. He's 14-2 and not a rookie anymore. Every team
trys to stop LT and Belichick is a master of stopping one thing
(although he hasn't managed to control LT yet)

LTisHUMBLE:
any thoughts on how the chargers d-line will fare this week against the run?

Nick Canepa: I think it will be better, because Castillo's back, and he
may be the quickest defensive end in the league. They haven't been as
good against the run without him.

chargerholic:
Nick, has anyone contemplated finding Doug Flutie to see who he favors
in this game? It seems to me he'd be the perfect interview since he's
recently played for both teams.

Nick Canepa: Not being the bigegst Doug Flutie fan, I haven't. But it's
not a bad idea.

LTisHUMBLE(C) haha, thats the first time ive heard Doug Flutie and "big"
in the same sentence :)

Colin_S:
Who is the unknow factor for the Chargers that must step up and be a
factor in this Sunday's game against the Pats?

Nick Canepa: Special teams. I don't think the Patriots covered kicks
very well last week.

Zazu:
Should we have thunderstorms during the game, how will that effect the
Charger's game? Patriots game?

Nick Canepa: The weather's supposed to be clear and cold. If there's
lightning in the area, the teams will go inside until it's gone, just
like a golf tournament.

3SBs:
What would surprise you the most if it happened in Sunday's game?

Nick Canepa: The return of Martyball.

Colin_S:
Will the head coach revert to "martyball" if we start the second half
with a lead or will he continue to attack the Pats?

Nick Canepa: I would doubt it, although there's nothing wrong with
handing the ball to LT and Turner.

alf1001:
How will Belichick attack Philip Rivers?

Nick Canepa: I think Belichick may throw a few new wrinkles at Rivers,
but it's a little late in the game to do too much. It might be different
if Belichick had two weeks to prepare.

Lynnfieldeddie:
I'm from Boston, attending the game with my three grateful sons. Any
good places to eat near the stadium?

Nick Canepa: Depends on what you want to eat. If you like hamburgers,
the Longhorn is a pretty famous place and it's about a mile east of the
stadium on Mission Gorge Road. Check out the John Wayne room.

Lynnfieldeddie: Thanks Nick! I am a burger/hot dog guy, so we will check
out the longhorn

hankster:
You've been to many stadiums around the league. Yesterday a columnist in
the Press Enterprise (Riverside) saide the Q is not in such bad
condition and compares well to other stadiums. Is this true? To me it
seems in sad shape, especially when it rains. What do you think? Do we
need a new stadium only to enrich the Spanos or is it in that bad of
shape or both?

Nick Canepa: Has the columist been at the stadium when it floods and
leaks. Has he been underneath, where the plumbing is rotting away?
Qualcomm isn't the pretty thing you see from the blimp. I believe part
of it is still sinking. The Chargers can't play there forever.

dgriggs:
Nick, Why did you suppose that a large portion of the national media are
picking the Patriots in an upset although the Chargers are supposedly
the "favorite"

Nick Canepa: Four reasons: Bill Belichick, Philip Rivers, the Marty
factor and East Coast bias. The oddsmakers, who are brilliant, think
otherwise.

chargerholic:
How will field position affect the outcome of this game?

Nick Canepa: In Marty Schottenheimer's eyes, and mine, it's the most
important thing (other than turnovers). Football is a game of real estate.

Joe_G:
Do you think Marty's job is on the line this week?

Nick Canepa: Yes.

hankster:
If the Chargers lose, will Marty be the coach on Monday and, if not, who
replaces him? Cam?

Nick Canepa: No. I don't think he survives a loss. As for his
replacement, I have an idea, but if I tell you, they'd have to kill me.

charlie(C) Is it Cameron? ::wink

dman29:
Hey Nick, do you think Rivers will be 100%% come game time?

Nick Canepa: Close enough. He's doing everything in practice and he's
been out of the boot for more than a week.

LJ_Sandwich:
Nick, greetings from New England. I was curious if you hate the
Chargers, much like Ron Borges of the Boston Globe hates the Patriots?
I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

Nick Canepa: No. I'm not the curmudgeon Ron is, nor do I make his kind
of money.

jimnlj:
Hi Nick...in your opinion, do the bolts need to win a certain amount of
playoff games or at least as many as new orleans to completely have
justified not signing drew for at least one more year?

Nick Canepa: No. Brees went for the money. The Chargers mistake was not
trading Brees after his playoff win here. They knew all along Rivers was
going to be the guy.

Chicago_Joe:
Is Vincent Jackson now emerging as a possible #1 WR and could he be a
big part of the game plan against the much smaller corners this weekend,
what do you think?

Nick Canepa: He's made to be a No. 1. A large talent who can run and
block. He's emerging.

Colin_S:
The Pats are 7-1 on the road this year, what has been the key to that
kind of road success? Is it enough to counter the 8-0 record of the Bolts?

Nick Canepa: They've been better _ and better coached _ than the teams
they've played and they have the best quarterback in football.

Chicago_Joe:
Who on the Patriots can cover Gates?

Nick Canepa: Judging by the way they covered the Jets tight end, nobody.
Dare they put a corner on Gates/ It opens up a whole lot of things.

QA_Dave:
Let's do the powder blues! What do you think about the old 60's uniforms

Nick Canepa: They can't do powder blues. They auctioned them off for
charity after they wore them this year and can't get new ones made in
time. Besides, the uniform doesn't matter. It's what's inside of it.

hankster:
There has been a lot of talk on the Chargers fan forum about the 12th
man and the need for the crowd to be quiet. Have the players said
anything about the crowd noise's effects and in particular noise when
the Chargers have the ball? Should the Chargers do anything with the
jumbotron to educate the fans on this?

Nick Canepa: The players would love for the crowd to go nuts when New
England's offense is on the field and calm down when the Chargers have
the ball. You know. Common sense.

sjohnson:
Nick, how's Luis Castillo's ankle? Is he 90 percent? 100 percent?

Nick Canepa: I don't know if he's 100 percent (is anybody this time of
year?), but he's probably close. He can be a difference maker.

twest:
Nick, do you think having ex-Chargers on the Pat's team will diminish
the Bolt's chances?

Nick Canepa: I don't think it will have any effect whatsoever.

Born2Bolt:
Born2Bolt: Will Lorenzo see some mix too?

Nick Canepa: What do you mean? Trail mix? Tom Mix?

Lynnfieldeddie:
By playoff experience, do you mean when they honked on it at home to the
Jets?

Nick Canepa: Remember, the Chargers were in position to win that
football game. Kaeding missed a 40-yard field goal. If he makes it, we
don't hear all this Martyball rubbish.

sportsfan2445:
nick, you said the patriots are the least talented team left in the
playoffs. i guess that means you like individual stats and not super
bowl trophies then.

Nick Canepa: That's right. They are proof that football players _ not
superstars _ win games

maddogg:
HI Nick, love your column,..I know that Brady is a great quarterback,
but didn't they mainly get here by heart this year...The really don;'t
have any major talent..as compared to the Chargers..Buzzard says

Nick Canepa: Thanks.The Patriots have football players, a great
quarterback and a terrific coach who gets his guys to do what he says.
That's why they win.

chargerholic:
Nick, I believe the Chargers will come out throwing the ball to try and
surprise the Patriots early. A huge mistake! Samuel is likely to pick it
off. Don't you agree that we need to get the ball in L.T.'s hands right
off the bat, what with all the success he's had against them in the past?

Nick Canepa: Samuel won't pick anything off if the ball is thrown straight.

Plaza14UCantRun:
Nick, thank you for taking the time to read my question and hopefully
you can answer. Why do you think so many fans at the Q do not understand
when to be quiet and when to noisy. Similar to the games at Petco, it
drives me nuts when fans start the wave while we're at bat. It has
definitely improved, but it just drives me crazy!

Nick Canepa: Honestly, I don't know. Beer?

Douger:
What weakness(s) of the Pats are the Chargers likely to go after, what
should we look for?

Nick Canepa: It appears as though the Pats can be hit down the middle.

Ron: How likely will we see a Rivers vs. Brees matchup?

Nick Canepa: It would be fun, but there's no way of knowing now.

abducens02: Is it me or is Antonio Gates not as much a part of the
offense this year? Granted, defenses may be taking him away, but do you
expect Cam to get him the ball more against the Pats?

Nick Canepa: Well, he still had the best year of any tight end in the
league. If the Patriots play the Chargers the way they played the Jets,
he could have a huge game.

charlie: To follow up on the Padres question. I agree with you that the
Padres need a big bopper for left field. Do you see any commitment on
the part of the Padres to do it and use the money that they have left to
get one or trade for one? I dont think that Sledge is the answer.

Nick Canepa: At this time, no.

Msilva: Marty is the 62 year old Elway. When he wins this SB, will the
doubters finally give him his due credit?

Nick Canepa: Yes.

tommyg1985: How do you think McNeil will handle the pressure this weekend?

Nick Canepa: Well. If not, they'll get him help. This is a very talented
young man.

hankster Thanks, Nick, I'm glad it snowed and I took the day off. That
was fun!

Colin_S: Nick, thanks for answering some of my questions and thanks for
taking some time to talk to the fans. GO BOLTS

chargerholic: Thanks Nick!

WesChandler89: thank you nick

rex: too bad there wasn't more advanced notice of Nick being here...I
think I missed it!

JeffDillon: Live chat is a new feature to us