Now that the 2008 San Diego Chargers season is officially over, you're most likely scrambling to find motivation to watch the 2009 Super Bowl while maintaining your dignity as a proud San Diegan. With the Chargers out of the running due to the recent loss in Pittsburg, it's time to pick a new side. However, just because something seems obvious doesn't make it easy.
With four teams left in the running, San Diego fans have to pull for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win it all because they eliminated us. Essentially, the Steelers, by way of almost total domination on Sunday, have not only beat our team, they have consumed us as a fan base. If Pittsburgh wins it all on in Tampa Bay next month, Charger fans can feel a little bit better because they lost to a team who was destined for greatness.
The other NFL teams left in the 2009 Super Bowl running are good, but they mean nothing to us, and they can't help the healing process.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are in the AFC, which means if they beat the Steelers next week, we should root for them to go to the Super Bowl. However, the Ravens used to be the Cleveland Browns and if you are a Charger fan who is concerned with the idea of the Bolts leaving someday, you can't support these guys. Sure, their mascot is based off of an Edgar Allen Poe poem, but that doesn't excuse a team's exodus from one of the greatest NFL cities.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Phillies just won the World Series, so we don't want these insane fans to get spoiled. These are the same people that booed Santa Claus a few years ago at a home game.
The Arizona Cardinals
Phoenix and San Diego are two modern southwestern cities that are growing rapidly. People from Pittsburgh want to live in Arizona right now, but they would probably rather live in San Diego. This is our edge and Phoenix knows it. If the Cardinals win this year, this rather unspoken rivalry will only get more interesting.
Event without our Chargers in the game, San Diego is a great city for Super Bowl parties. Be safe and go Steelers! From the Game 2 loss to the Broncos to the Playoff-entry win over the Broncos, relive the 2008 Chargers season here.
Discover the Ultimate Guide to 2009 Super Bowl Parties in San Diego.
Photos from Chargers.com.
