Lunging for the Panic Button

With their season starting to slip away, the Chargers found their scapegoat Tuesday, firing defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and replacing him with Ron Rivera.

Of course, it was merely a half-assed lunge for the panic button rather than a full-fledged leap for the panic button. In other words, Norv Turner still has a job.

"We have underachieved on defense so far this season. It is unacceptable," said general manager Albert John Smith, who answers to the colorful nickname "A.J."

Rivera couldn't ask for an easier first game as defensive coordinator. The Bolts return from their bye week with a home game Nov. 9 against the pitiful Kansas City Chiefs, who may bring back Len Dawson as quarterback any day now.

If the Chargers allow more than 13 points against the putrid Chiefs offense, Rivera -- and Norv -- should be fired on the spot.