Week 4 Recap for NFL Football Season

Think Marty Schottenheimer is sitting home laughing at all of this?

We're only through four weeks of the 2007 regular season, and already the San Diego Chargers have lost more games (3) than they did last season (2) after Sunday's 30-16 defeat to Kansas City. The men being blamed for this? San Diego general manager A.J. Smith and new coach Norv Turner.

Smith and Schottenheimer never saw eye-to-eye, so Smith let him go despite last season's stellar record and brought Ini Turner, an accomplished coordinator but who has struggled as a head coach. And the fans in San Diego are letting both have it.

"There is no question in my mind that adversity has officially arrived," Smith said. "We need to find a way out of this hole we're in. I believe in the players and coaches we have."

Turner accepts the blame.

"I'm ultimately the one that's responsible," he said. "It's my job to get the things done we're talking about - the inconsistencies, the problems we're having with turnovers, giving up big plays. That's what I've got to do. I've got to get those things eliminated."

However, there is plenty of blame to go around. Under new coordinator Ted Cottrell, the defense has given up 30 points in three straight games.

Last Running back LaDainian Tomlinson was the NFL MVP last season, but is the 17th-ranked running back in the league with 262 yards. Last season, Tomlinson had 348 carries, as the Chargers rode their workhorse. Through four game this year, Tomlinson has rushed 77 times, which puts him on pace for 40 fewer carries this season.

And that's not good news for QB Philip Rivers. He was one of the team's 11 Pro Bowlers last season but already has committed nine turnovers (six INTs, three fumbles) compared to five TD passes. Last season, the Chargers turned the ball over 15 times, fewest in the NFL This year, they already have 10 turnovers.

This week, San Diego travels to Denver, where the Chargers have won only once since 1999 (although that was last year). The Broncos are 1.5-point favorites on WagerWeb.com.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a strong season to save Coach Jon Gruden's job, and so far so good: The Bucs lead the NFC South at 3-1.

However, starting running back Cadillac Williams and starting left tackle Luke Petitgout were lost for the season in Sunday's win at Carolina.

"You lose a lot of skill," Gruden said."Experience and production at those positions is something an offense relies on."

The Bucs, who have expressed interest in the Vikings' Chester Taylor and Mewelde Moore in a trade and inquired about retired Corey Dillon but were told no, have been doing it somewhat with mirrors this season, with two of their wins against winless New Orleans and St. Louis. Look for that to catch up to the Bucs big-time this week at Indy, with the Colts -10 on WagerWeb.com.

NEWS & NOTES: Eagles running back Brian Westbrook could have a tear in his abdomen, which could keep him out much longer than one game. . Panthers QB Jake Delhomme may need surgery on his elbow; don't look for him to return anytime soon, which hurts the Panthers and, from a fantasy perspective, WR Steve Smith. . San Francisco QB Alex Smith has struggled this year, and now he will be out a minimum of 2-3 weeks with a separated shoulder. That seems a conservative estimate. Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe, the fantasy breakout star of the year so far, will keep his starting job even when incumbent Eddie Kennison returns. . In what is become routine, Bears coach Lovie Smith had to re-affirm whom his QB was after another poor performance. Brian Griese through three interceptions in a loss to the Lions, but Smith says Griese's job is safe. . Patriots safety Rodney Harrison is eligible to return to the team after serving his four-game suspension. As if the Pats need any help.