NFL Playoffs - Chargers

I went to the Chargers Playoff Game against the Tennessee Titans yesterday. They came back to win 17-6 after trailing 0-6 at the beginning of the third quarter. It was so much fun!!! It was the first Chargers win in the NFL Playoffs in thirteen years.


I was up in the nosebleed seats near the eastern end zone of Qualcomm Stadium. It started raining right as the game started, but I had a good poncho that kept me dry for the entire game. The crowd was very loud and waving the white towels handed out at the front gates.


The Titans started the game tough. They did a good job running the ball and controlling the clock. The Charger's offense was sluggish for the first half and Antonio Gates, the best tight end in the league, was hurt in the second quarter and had to be carted off the field. But our defense played very well, keeping the Titans to only two field goals and Shawne Merriman forced a fumble near the end zone on another drive.


The Titans went all out to stop the run the entire game, keeping LaDainian Tomlinson contained. They were very effective, but this left them vulnerable in the passing game and Philip Rivers started to get on track in the second half with long passes to Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers. They both ended the game with over 100 yards each. I can't count how many times I leapt from my seat yelling as Rivers threw long balls to the wide open receivers down the field.


I had a great view from my seat of LaDainian Tomlinson's giant leap over the pile to score the clinching touchdown in the 4th Quarter. He was met hard right at the line by a Titans linebacker, but he was able to reach the football into the end zone on a second effort before the whistle blew. It was crazy in the stands, everybody yelling and high fiving.


Next week, the Chargers go on the road to play the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Playoff Round. Should be a great game. Can't Wait!!!


Traffic was horrible on the drive home, but I was in too good a mood to care. I did witness a crazy accident as I was making the long walk back to my car. A woman's car spun out of control 100 yards in front of me, jumped the curb and hit the concrete wall on the side of the bridge. Right where I was about to walk!!! Luckily she was unhurt, but rain causes crazy things.

UPDATE: 1/14/08

The Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts in a major 28-24 upset in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. It was an exciting game with a lot of lead changes and big plays. LaDainian Tomlinson got hurt in the 2nd Quarter and Philip Rivers was injured at the end of the 3rd and they both had to leave for the rest of the game. The backups had to come in on offense and they drove down the field for a winning touchdown in the 4th quarter. The defense had two great defensive stands, forcing the Colts to twice turn the ball over on 4th down at the end to win the game.


Next week the Chargers go to face the undefeated New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The winner goes to the Super Bowl!!!

UPDATE: 1/21/08

Well, it was fun while it lasted. The Chargers lost to the undefeated New England Patriots yesterday, 21 to 12 in the AFC Championship game. It was a close game with New England leading by only 2 points before they got their final touchdown in the 4th quarter. The injuries to LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates were hugely detrimental in this game. They are the Charger's biggest weapons in the Red Zone, but we had to settle for three field goals down there instead of touchdowns with both of them hurt. The defense played great, holding the high-powered Patriots offense to their 2nd lowest point total of the year and they picked off QB Tom Brady three times. He only had 8 interceptions all through the regular season.

There is always Next Year!

Bears at Chargers - Week 1

This was a tough game against the NFC Champions. It was a defensive battle for almost 3 full quarters with the Bears leading 3-0. The Charger's defence got off to a great start with a thunderous sack by Shaun Phillips. The rookie, Eric Weddle, had a great game with a sack, forced fumble, a fumble recovery on a punt and several blitzes on 3rd down which forced Grossman to throw incomplete.


LT was being stuffed running the ball all day by the Bears tough defense stacking the box, but this allowed LT to score one of his trademark TD passes to Antonio Gates at the end of the 3rd quarter to take the lead.


The Bears had 4 turnovers in the game and another fumble by a Bears running back allowed LT to score a rushing touchdown in the 4th quarter. LT only had 25 yards rushing on the day, but his 7 yard touchdown run was great, juking and bouncing off tackles to get into the end zone.


This broke the Bear's back as they weren't able to convert a 1st down on 4th and 1 and then couldn't stop Michael Turner from running down the clock to end the game.

Chargers vs. Patriots - Divisional Playoff

Damn, it hurts! The Chargers lost to the New England Patriots, 24-21, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Chargers dominated and led for most of the game but kept making critical mistakes that a team like New England thrives upon.


It all came down to one big play. Or two big plays in one. The interception and fumble of Tom Brady's pass by Marlon McCree late in the 4th quarter on 4th down. The Chargers were up 8 points and could have run down the clock with a long drive but instead the Patriots got a first down on the Charger's 32 yard line and preceded to score a touchdown and game-tying 2 point conversion. On a fourth down, Marlon should have batted the pass to the ground, but in the heat of the moment he picked it and tried to return it.


LaDainian Tomlinson's play was one of the only mistake-free aspects of the game. He played great with 123 rushing, two touchdowns and 64 yards receiving. His 58 yard run on a screen pass set up another touchdown by Michael Turner. LT showed his talent as he made the Patriots wiff on several tackles. Even with his big numbers, he probably should have been used more late in the game.


Except for McCree's fumble, most of the Chargers mistakes (muffed punt return, personal fouls) happened in the horrible 3rd quarter. They kept shooting themselves in the foot and to top it off the receivers dropped at least 6 passes in the game. Even with all those mistakes, it was still the Chargers game to win after LT's touchdown in the 4th quarter. Tom Brady was able to capitalize on McCree's final gift to him and lead his team to victory with a field goal with 1:10 to go. Philip Rivers was able to drive down for a final long-distance field goal try into the wind at the end but Nate Kaeding missed it.


After the game, LT got very angry at several Patriot players who went overboard in their celebration, stomping on the Charger's logo at midfield and mocking Shawne Merriman's sack dance. He went out to mid-field and confronted them. He was pissed at their lack of class.


I am now rooting for the Saints to win the Super Bowl against the Colts. Here's to a big next year for the Chargers!!!! I hope Marty Schottenheimer comes back next year as the head coach.

Chargers vs. Cardinals - Game 16

The Chargers beat the Cardinals, 27-20, at home to wrap up the 1st seed and home field advantage for the playoffs.


Phillip Rivers hurt his foot getting sacked in the 1st quarter, but he continued to play and threw two touchdowns while limping all over the field. He left the game for good to rest his foot in the 3rd quarter after the Chargers built up a 17 point lead.

LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 66 yards to wrap up the Rushing Title before leaving the game early as well. Micheal Turner finished up the game with some good running and even Lorenzo Neal had a long 43 yard run to get the final 1st down and ice the game.


Shawne Merriman got one more sack to bring his total to 17 and lead the league in sacks for the season. The Chargers set the franchise season record with 492 points and 14 wins and also went 8-0, undefeated at home, for the first time.

Chargers vs. Seahawks - Game 15

The Chargers beat the Seahawks in Seattle on Christmas Eve. They scored a touchdown in the last 29 seconds of the game to win 20-17. Phillip Rivers had a bad day passing the ball but he made two touchdown passes to Vincent Jackson when he most needed them, especially the 37 yard game winner.


LT was held scoreless even though he ran for 123 yards. He did have a 45 yard touchdown run called back because of a facemask penalty on Kris Dielman.


Shawne Merriman had a huge day with 3.5 sacks, the last one coming on the final Seahawks drive when they were trying to get within field goal range to tie up the game.

Chargers vs. Chiefs - Game 14

On Sunday Night Football, the Chargers beat the Chiefs at home, 20-9. LT had another two touchdowns to extend the NFL season TD record to 31. His second was an 85-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career. He set two more NFL records last night, he broke the 40+ year old record for points in a season and now has a record 8 multiple touchdown games in a row.


Besides LT, the biggest star of the game was the defense which held Larry Johnson to only 84 yards and kept the Chief's offense out of the end zone all night. They also had a nice pass rush with 6 sacks.


The only bad part of the night was that Phillip Rivers had his worst game of the year. He threw for less than 100 yards and had two interceptions. I am sure he will bounce back next week.

Chargers vs. Denver - Game 13

LaDainian Tomlinson scored his record breaking 29th touchdown of the season yesterday when the Chargers beat Denver at home, 48-20. With the win, the Chargers' clinched the AFC West Division title.


Antonio Gates also had a great game with two touchdown catches. His first touchdown catch was one of the best plays of the game as he out-jumped two Denver defenders draped all over him to make the catch.


Shawne Merriman had two sacks and two forced fumbles. The last fumble he created set up LT's third TD and the record-breaker.

Chargers vs. Bills - Game 12

The Chargers beat the Bills on the road, 24-21. The score makes this game look closer than it was, as the Chargers allowed the Bills to score garbage points at the end of game.


Shawne Merriman in his first game back from his suspension had a big game with 2 sacks and two forced fumbles.


Of course, LT had another big game with 178 yards and 2 touchdowns. Antonio Gates also had a nice game in the sleeting conditions with 90 yards and a touchdown catch.

Chargers vs. Raiders - Game 11

The Charger beat the Raiders at home, 21-14. This was another close game.


The Chargers lucked out with a 4th down conversion in the 4th quarter. Vincent Jackson made the completion, but he celebrated too soon, spinning the ball forward to the ground before he had been ruled down and the Raiders jumped on the ball. After much deliberation, it was ruled a illegal forward pass and after 5 yard penalty it was still the Chargers ball.


With the Chargers retaining the ball, LT threw his second TD pass of the year to tie the game at 14 and then ran for another TD to take the lead.

Chargers vs. Broncos - Game 10

The Chargers beat the Broncos in Denver on Sunday Night Football, 35-27. The Chargers became the first team in NFL history to come back from 17 or more points in consecutive games.


LaDainian Tomlinson scored 4 touchdowns and the 3rd was his 100th touchdown. He reached 100 touchdowns faster than any player in NFL history. He passed Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith who were tied for the fastest.


Philiip Rivers threw a touchdown to Vincent Jackson to take the lead with 6:45 left in the game. Rivers overcame two interceptions to throw 2 touchdowns and 222 yards in the game.


Igor Olshansky was ejected from the game for punching Denver Center, Tom Nalen, in the head after Nalen dove at his knees on a spike play on the last drive.

Chargers vs. Bengals - Game 9

The Chargers beat the Bengals in a thrilling game on the road, 49-41. I almost had a heart attack watching this game as the Chargers scored 42 points in the second half to come back from a 21 point deficit.


LT ran for 4 touchdowns, 104 yards on the ground and 54 yards in the air. He showed his power as he ran for a TD with a defender yanking on his facemask.


Philip Rivers had a big day passing, he was 24/36 with 338 yards and 3 touchdowns. His shovel pass at the goal line to Brandon Manumaleuna to take the lead for good was inspired. This game was an old-fashioned AFL shootout.

Chargers vs. Browns - Game 8

The Chargers beat the Browns at home, 32-25. This was a tough game because the Chargers kept shooting themselves in the foot. The game should have been a blowout but mistakes kept the game close for the Browns. The Chargers had 12 penalties for 113 yards.


The one bright spot was LT who ran for 172 yards and three 2nd half touchdowns. His longest was a 41 yard TD run to take the lead late in the 3rd quarter and spark the offense for a big 4th quarter.


Without Shawne Merriman, the defense played pretty well, even recovering a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown in the 1st half. They also held the Browns to six field goals before allowing a garbage touchdown at the end of the game.

Chargers vs. Rams - Game 7

The Chargers beat the Rams at home, 38-24. It was a nice win to bounce back after the tough loss at Kansas City last week. LT had a monster game with 3 touchdowns, 183 yards rushing and 57 yards receiving. His stiff arm on his 38 yard touchdown run was amazing as he knocked off the helmet of the Rams defender to break free into the open. LT also recovered an onside kick at the end to ice the game.


The game was close in the 3rd quarter until Marlon McCree returned a fumble 79 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7.


Shawne Merriman had three sacks in his last game before he serves his 4 game suspension for testing positive for steroids in the summer.

Chargers vs. Chiefs - Game 6

Well the Charger lost their second game of the season against the Chiefs in Kansas City, 30-27. With the Chargers coughing up two fumbles and an interception in the first quarter that led to two touchdowns by the Chiefs, they were in a big hole.

The Chargers managed to get two field goals before half time to bring the score to 20-6. The momentum began to swing in the Chargers favor in the second half with a long return and a touchdown to Antonio Gates to start things off in the 3rd quarter.


The Chiefs answered back with another long touchdown drive, but LaDainian Tomlinson got two more touchdowns in the 4th quarter to tie the game 27-27 with 5+ minutes left in the game. After forcing the Chiefs to punt, the Chargers had a chance to drive down for the go ahead score but the Chiefs sacked Philip Rivers twice to end the drive. The Chiefs had big plays from Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson to set up the 53 yard field which won the game.


I think the Charger did a great job in coming back from the turnover mistakes in the first quarter, but they just couldn't hold on to stop the last Chiefs drive at the end of the game. I think Philip Rivers did a good job in his first real test of adversity this season.

Charger vs. 49ers - Game 5

The Chargers blew out the 49ers in San Francisco yesterday, 48 to 19. The game started out as a shootout as the Chargers scored touchdowns on their first four possessions but the 49ers couldn't keep up.


The Chargers kept the 49ers scoreless in the 2nd half and added two field goals and the 4th touchdown of the day by LaDainian Tomlinson near the end to ice the game.

Chargers vs. Steelers - Game 4

This was a good game. The Chargers beat the Steelers at home, 23 to 13. The Steelers started out strong with a 10 point lead and their defense was keeping the Chargers bottled up for most of the 1st half. The Charger finally put together an 80 yard drive that ended up with a touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd with a 1:16 to put them on the scoreboard and get them back in the game.


The Chargers made some great adjustments at half time, the biggest being that the defense held the Steelers scoreless in the second half while the offense added a touchdown pass to Antonio Gates to take the lead and a few fields goals to pad the lead.


Philip Rivers had a good game, showing that he could be a good passer against a tough defense.

Chargers vs. Ravens - Game 3

Well, the Chargers lost to the Ravens 16-13 on Sunday. The Chargers dominated for most of the game, but it was two missed field goals in the second half that allowed the Ravens a chance to get back into the game. Steve McNair took advantage of this and drove for a touchdown in the last three minutes of the game for the go-ahead touchdown.

Chargers vs. Titans - Game 2

Well, the Chargers once again dominated their opponent this week with the score of 40 to 7. The game had only 3:09 left in the game before the Titans scored in garbage time against mostly Charger back-ups to prevent the shutout.


LaDainian Tomlinson scored 2 touchdowns in the first half and mostly rested in the second half of the rout as Michael Turner did a great job running out the clock and going over 100 yards himself.

Phillip Rivers did a good job in his second start. He passed for a lot more, throwing for 25 completions out of 35 passes and 1 touchdown. He barely missed a couple of long touchdown passes that would have given him a perfect game.


The defense was just as dominate this week as last. Instead of piling up the sacks, they had two interceptions and held the Titans to 0 passing yards in the first half.

Next week, the Chargers have a bye before facing their first real test against Baltimore in two weeks.

Chargers vs Raiders - Monday Night Football

The Chargers kicked ass on Monday Night Football against the Raiders. It was complete domination up in Oakland as the Chargers shut out the Raiders, 27 to 0.

LaDainian Tomlinson had a great game, running for 131 yards and a touchdown. Philip Rivers didn't have to throw that much in his first game as a starting quarterback, but he had a great 38 yard throw to Eric Parker right before getting leveled by Warren Sapp. This set up his touchdown pass to Antonio Gates in the 4th quarter to give the Chargers 20 points. This was the final nail in the coffin and the Raiders pulled Aaron Brooks and put in his back-up.


The main stars of the night for the Chargers was the defense completely shutting down the Raiders offense. Shawne Merriman lead with 3 sacks as the defense racked up 9 sacks total. When the Chargers have more sacks than the Raiders have completions, that is domination.


I think the Chargers should do well against the Tennessee Titans next Sunday.