Why The Chargers Picked Off Tom Brady

[Blue Bolt]

Wonder why the Chargers managed to pick off Brady 3 times, when other teams couldn't touch him?

The answer - this guy:

Bill Bradley

In the "Inside The NFL" highlights of the Chargers vs. Patriots AFC Championship game, they had a sideline clip of Bill Bradley talking to the secondary on the sideline. In animated fashion, he was telling them that when Brady dropped back, that the first receiver he looked to was the one he ended up throwing the ball to. That's right, the "best QB to ever play the game"' was unconsciously tipping off the defense where he intended to throw the ball.

It reminded me of that old Chargers playoff game against the Oilers where Fouts claimed they stole the Chargers offensive signals. An Oiler player later said that they could tell by the play calls by Fouts' footwork:

It was Gregg Bingham, an Oilers linebacker, who had told me about it, in the locker room, without spelling out how it worked. I found out when I ran into Bingham in a bar in the off-season.

"Very simple," he said. "We read Fouts' feet before the snap. When they were square, he would hand off on a running play. When one was behind the other, it was going to be a pass. Worked every time."

It seems rather simple, but sometimes you don't need spy-gate to get an advantage on the opposition, you just have to be observant.

[spysnipedis]

chargers are cheaters.

[LordBling]

I really doubt it was that simple.

[RIPgriggs]

i rembember on coach, asst coach luther van dam was in the hospital for some reason during a big bowl game, and he was watching the game and noticed that the other teams QB was tipping his palys also,

it was funny he had to try to get ahold of coach hayden and the doctors were trying to stop him

then dauber some how relayed the message

haha i like that show

[ReadyToBolt]

Bolts picked off Brady 3 times last year too, didn't they? This is Bradley's 1st year as a coach in SD. I think the reason for the picks is the same as for the picks against Peyton Manning: Strong pass rush and good db's.

[ChargerBoy4Life]

you know on that florence pick against the pats in the afccg on espn they were talkin about the boot gate and thats why he through a couple picks.. cus i guess his ankle was hurt:P

[ReadyToBolt]

I didn't see that, although it comes as no surprise that espn is making excuses for Tom Terrific. I think the simple answer is that we have good talent and match up well. Jammer handled Moss when he was with the faiders and it's no different now that he is with the Pats. Cro is a beast, and with a starter (Flo) at nickel and Weddle in there anyone is going to have problems, even TB.

[shoedork]

because cro wanted to introduce himself. and jammer wanted to re-introduce himself.

[SuperMatt]

Very interesting. Nice find!

[BuenoExcelente]

Wolfie told me that when Fouts was getting a bit long in the tooth...or in his later playing days, he could tell if the play was pass or run when they broke the huddle. If it was pass, Fouts had a spring in his step and if it was run, he kinda hung his shoulders and trudged to the line.