Coach Admits Babe Had Problems : But Saunders Says Laufenberg Will Start Against Denver

Charger Coach Al Saunders conceded Monday that quarterback Babe Laufenberg “was a little bit off target as the game started” in Sunday’s 24-13 loss to the Raiders at the Coliseum.

But Saunders left no doubt that Laufenberg will be his starter in Denver Sunday when the Chargers play the Broncos.

After completing only 7 of 16 passes in the first half, Laufenberg finished 17 of 29 for 195 yards.

Saunders also said there will be no immediate changes in the offensive line, which allowed five quarterback sacks.

“We’re just going to have to get better and better every week,” Saunders said.

Saunders indicated veteran Don Macek will continue to start at center even though he committed two penalties, had two bad shotgun snaps and tired near the end of the game.

“Donnie’s played better before,” Saunders said. “They did some things to stress him. But otherwise he didn’t play badly.”

The agent for Chip Banks reports the holdout Charger linebacker is still alive.

That’s about all Los Angeles-based Harold Daniels was able to ascertain over the weekend when he took a plane back to Georgia to try to persuade Banks to agree on a new contract.

Daniels was in Atlanta less than 48 hours, during which time he never actually saw or spoke to Banks.

“I shouldn’t have made the trip,” Daniels said Monday. “Chip didn’t know I was coming. It was a sneak attack. I can’t make any money if he doesn’t sign.”

Daniels said he heard “from the girl that answers Chip’s phone occasionally” that Banks is still in Georgia.

Daniels said the next move will have to come from Banks. “He’s holding the cards,” Daniels said. “Maybe I can catch him at a weak moment. Maybe it’s my fault the kid is so rich. Maybe his head’s in the clouds.”

The Chargers were trying to kick away from Tim Brown Sunday. But Brown ruined the strategy when he jumped in front of Chris Woods, the other Raider return man on the play, and sprinted 97 yards for a touchdown.

Saunders said the Chargers also had two opportunities to block punts. “The special teams on our football team involve everybody,” Saunders said.

Free safety Vencie Glenn tipped one Jeff Gossett punt. And Randy Kirk almost blocked another.

Saunders said rookie Anthony Miller “could still be running today” if he had chosen a different running lane on the return that followed Brown’s touchdown.

After One Week:

--Babe Laufenberg’s quarterback rating of 76.1 is almost 15 points higher than that of Denver’s John Elway (61.3).

--Quinn Early’s 37-yard reverse against the Raiders is the longest run from scrimmage in the AFC this year.

--The Chargers are fourth in AFC defense and 11th in offense.

Saunders was still shaking his head about the officials’ decision that forced the Chargers to re-kick the 23-yard field goal near the end of the first half.

The whistle blew for the two-minute warning while Vince Abbott was converting the 23-yarder when an official had incorrectly motioned the clock to re-start.

But Lionel James had been ruled out of bounds on the previous play. And Saunders correctly told the officials they should not have re-started the clock until the ball was snapped.

Fortunately for the Chargers, Abbott converted when the officials made him try again.

Charger Notes

Charger Coach Al Saunders said the status of linebacker Billy Ray Smith (re-injured calf) will be determined today. “But it’s not any more severe than it was a week ago today,” Saunders said. “That means there’s a possibility he will be able to play this weekend.” Nose tackle Mike Charles injured the knee he did not have surgery on last year. But Saunders said there wasn’t much swelling and added he hopes Charles will play in Denver. . . . Jim Steiner, the agent for suspended Charger tight end Kellen Winslow, said there was “some progress” but no resolution with the Chargers on talks aimed at ending the suspension. Steiner said talks will continue. The Chargers suspended Winslow last Monday when he told them his knee wasn’t healthy enough to allow him to play. The Chargers maintain Winslow is well enough to play.