Back when the schedules were released, many Jets fans circled this match-up not only because this is the team’s first game in national prime time, but because it’s a contest against a squad that many had picked to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, and therefore, a good measuring stick of how far the Jets have come from last season.

Now that the Chargers have lost two heartbreakers to open the season, that stick has gotten even bigger . . . and nastier . . . maybe got a few nails sticking out of it . . . rusty nails . . . some barbed wire wrapped around it . . . possibly set on fire, a la Mick Foley. And now it’s in a steel cage . . . or better yet, a hell in a cell, and . . . uh . . .

You get the idea.

Let’s see what the Super Chargers got . . .

Cheerleader check: To paraphrase the Beach Boys — Wish they all could be Cali Charger Girls . . .

The scene: The game is at Qualcomm Stadium, which holds 70,000 for football and features a natural grass surface. The forecast for Monday night is 64 degrees and mostly cloudy, but as usual, it never rains in southern California. Should be ideal conditions for football.

Record: As noted, the Chargers are 0-2 after two tough last-minute losses, including last week’s game against the Broncos where the refs actually have admitted they blew it for the Chargers.

Barometer: Falling dangerously, like the sky around coach Norv Turner if the Chargers lose this game to start the season 0-3.

Old Friends: Former Jets defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell holds the same position with the Chargers.

Questions: Why do the Jets keep getting teams on the verge of desperation? Why do the Chargers seem to always be a slow starting team? How does Norv Turner continue to get head coaching jobs in the NFL despite being 69-89-1? Is he the guy to get this team over the hump and to a Super Bowl? Do you think Marty Schoettenheimer is going to pulling extra hard for his son this week?

Key injuries: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) and offensive tackle Marcus McNeil (neck) are both game-time decisions. All-purpose back Darren Sproles also is dinged up with a hamstring injury.

Five things to know about the Chargers offense:

1. Norv Knows O – Last season under Norv Turner, the Chargers were 5th in scoring offense, averaging better than 25 points/game, and have picked up right where they left off, averaging 31 points/game, good for 5th in the NFL.
2. Rivers Keeps on Flowing – Sure, San Diego may be 0-2, but little of the blame can be put on quarterback Philip Rivers, who is 38 of 60 for 594 yards, 6 TDs and 1 interception in those games, or a 122.5 quarterback rating. The Charger passing offense is ranked 4th in the NFL, averaging 293.5 yards/game, led former Dolphin Chris Chambers (5 catches, 127 yards, 3 TDs), wideout Vincent Jakcosn (9 for 120, 1 TD) and of course, all-world tight end Antonio Gates (8 for 122, 1 TD). With Tomlinson limited, look for the Chargers to go with what’s been working best — the passing game.
3. As the Toe Turns – As mentioned above, and any fantasy footballer can tell you, NFL stud LaDainian Tomlinson has been hampered this season with an injured big toe, and sat out most of last week’s game after about 10 carries and 26 yards (or enough to screw fantasy owners — like myself — who started him thinking he might play the whole game). LT2 has been receiving treatment and has missed practice time, and still may not be 100%. The Chargers may wait until game time to make a decision or use him in a limited capactiy, which while being beneficial for Jets defenders, screws fantasy owners. Again.
4. LW2: San Diego Boogaloo – Does this kind of stat line sound familiar: 53 yards rushing, 72 yards receiving with a TD and a 103-yard kickoff return for a TD? No, that’s not Leon Washington’s line against Miami last season, but was what 5’6 Darren Sproles’ did against the Broncos last week. Just as Leon is a big weapon in a small package for the Jets, so has Sproles become for the Chargers. If Tomlinson can’t go, Sproles is not a huge downgrade for the offense, especially coming out of the backfield. He is probable with a hamstring injury, but still possesses great speed and ankle-breaking moves. As the Jets struggled to contain Kevin Faulk coming out of the backfield, expect more of the same from the Chargers.
5. Line in the SanD(iego) – What has made the Super Charger offense even more impressive is that it’s come with two major pieces missing: left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick, both of whom have been injured and probably won’t be in the lineup this week. Jeremy Newberry has been starting in place of Hardwick and performing well, while journeyman tackle L.J Shelton has been making a go of it in place of McNeill.

Jersey watch (offense): Sproles wears #43 and is deployed in various spots — backfield, slot, wideout, etc. — throughout games.

Five things to know about the Chargers defense:

1. Light’s On – Without linebacker Shawne Merriman and under the “guidance” of Ted Cottrell, the Chargers are near the bottom of the NFL in every defensive category: points – 28th (32.5/game); passing yards – 31st (293.5/game); rushing yards – 25th (143.5/game); and overall yards – 30th (437/game). No doubt the seemingly always-beleaguered Cottrell will have the Bolts tackling Jets from “the moment they get off the bus.”
2. The Pressure is Falling – Minus Merriman, the Charger 3-4 defense also has struggled to get to the quarterback, registering only 2 sacks so far this season, including a team sack that came on the infamous Jay Cutler “non-fumble.” Nose tackle Jamal Williams balky knees has weakened the line, and without Merrriman taking doubleteams, OLB Shaun Phillips hasn’t been as productive.
3. DL2: Defensive Boogaloo – He’s no Dwight Swipe, but the Chargers have their own rookie cornerback who has a nose for the ball and is making an early impact on the defense, albeit as a nickel back. First-rounder Antoine Carson Cason has a pick and a fumble recovery, each coming in the 4th quarter of the Chargers’ first two games.
4. Nothing to Cro About – After a stellar season last year when he had 10 interceptions, cornerback Antonio Cromartie has struggled with injuries, which has affected his play. Last week against the Broncos, he took not one, but two bad personal fouls against Brandon Marshall, who then proceeded to work Cromartie over to the tune of 14 catches for 133 yards and a TD.
5. Weddle in the Middle – Second-year safety Eric Weddle — who many thought would look great in green-and-white next to Kerry Rhodes, including TJB’s draft expert Bent — is now patrolling center field for the Chargers as the starter after a solid rookie season that included 54 tackles, 1 interception and 6 passes defensed.

Jersey watch (defense): #31 is worn by cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who the Jets may go after early and often.

Three things about the Chargers special teams:

1. Sproles is On a Roll – As mentioned, Darren Sproles has proven dangerous as a kickoff returner, taking one back for a TD last week and averaging 36.1 yards/return, including 3 returns over 40 yards.
2. No Kaeding Around – Kicker Nate Kaeding is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, with a lifetime conversion rate of 87.2%, including being 76% from beyond 40 yards. He is 4 of 4 this year, and hasn’t missed an extra point in four years.
3. The Boot from the Bayou – Punter Mike Scifres has also been nearly as good as Kaeding the past few seasons, averaging 46.1 yards/punt with a 39.6 net last year. This season, after two games and 6 punts, the New Orleans native’s got a 48.3 average with a 41.3 net.

What to expect from the broadcast booth: With ESPN’s Monday Night crew, a headping dose of idiotcracy. Do yourself a favor and either listen in Spanish or tune in Marv Albert and Boomer Esaison on the radio.

Spotlight matchup: Jeremy Newberry vs. Kris Jenkins. One of the biggest keys to the Jets’ improved defensive play thus far this season has been Jenkins, who has proven to be a force in the middle, not only clogging running lanes but also getting pressure on the quarterback. Newberry needs to control Jenkins or it could be tough going for the vaunted Chargers offense.

The pressure is on: The Chargers defensive front seven. A lot of people are expecting the Jets to come out throwing for this one — and they very well may — but it might make more sense for them to control the line of scrimmage (and the clock) by pounding the ball against a banged up and struggling defensive front, and keeping the explosive Chargers offense on the sidelines. If the Chargers can’t get to Favre or stop Thomas Jones, the Charges may fall into the 0-3 abyss.

Expect the unexpected from: Antonio Gates. He creates a lot of mismatches, and with the struggles the Jets have had covering backs and tight ends, the Chargers could make him the focus of the game plan.

Bottom line: The Chargers are going to be desperate, and at home in the national spotlight, will prove to be a tough out. Plus, as Bent has pointed out, the refs may be feeling that they “owe” San Diego some calls after last week. Like last week, the Jets are in the wrong place at the wrong time, catching a team as they are “circling the wagons.”

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