Chargers will non-tender Sproles

Source: Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP)—First LaDainian Tomlinson, and now Darren Sproles.
The San Diego Chargers have decided not to tender a contract to Sproles, allowing the speedy running back to test the free agent market, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t made an official announcement.
The move came four days after the team released Tomlinson, who ranks eighth on the all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards.
If the Chargers wanted to keep Sproles, they’d have to make him an offer of about $7.3 million.
The Chargers have always valued Sproles as a multiple threat. While they can still talk with Sproles about a long-term deal, other teams might want to give him a shot as a featured back.
Sproles has said he believes he can be an every-down back. The Chargers have used him as a backup running back, return man and as a receiver out of the backfield.
He made about $6.6 million last season after being tagged as a franchise player. Tomlinson made about $6 million. Still, the Chargers’ running game ranked second-to-last in the league.
Sproles was second to Tomlinson last year with 343 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries, an average of 3.7 yards per carry. He was fourth with 45 catches for 497 yards and four TDs. He was also the primary kickoff and punt returner and scored on a punt return.
Two seasons ago, Sproles had 328 all-purpose yards in a wild-card playoff game against Indianapolis, including the winning 22-yard touchdown run in overtime.
The next week, though, with Tomlinson sidelined by a groin injury, Pittsburgh held him to 15 yards on 11 carries. He did have a 63-yard kickoff return and a 62-yard TD catch in the game’s final two minutes after Pittsburgh had opened a 35-17 lead.
Tomlinson, 30, believes he can play three or four more seasons.

Chargers Team Report 2-26-10

Source: USA Today

It’s a question which could dog Chargers fans for years. A mystery which really never will be solved.
It comes to light again in the wake of the team releasing the incomparable LaDainian Tomlinson.
As the future Hall of Famer heads for another team, he does so by leaving behind an offense which is pass-first.
This isn’t always the way it was.
Not when Tomlinson, the NFL’s MVP in 2006, was in his prime, playing for a head coach who embraced the run in Marty Schottenheimer.
The Chargers, with Tomlinson leading the way, were inching their way into the category of being an elite team. After going 14-2 while riding Tomlinson in his MVP season in which he set the NFL mark for touchdowns and led the NFL in rushing, the wheels came off.
The Chargers coughed-up a fourth-quarter lead to the Patriots in the playoffs and lost a home game they should have won.
The result was a percolating power struggle came to a head, and general manager A. J. Smith got his way with Schottenheimer being canned.
But one can’t help but wonder: Would the Chargers have won that elusive first Super Bowl if Schottenheimer and his pound-and-ground approach stayed in place?
“Definitely you look back when you don’t win a championship, you always look back and wonder what if?” Tomlinson said. “I do. But at the same time things always change in the NFL and changes were made and you roll with the punches.”
But Tomlinson was never the same — and the back of his football card proves it.
“I would say since Marty left — and I’m just being honest — the focus of running the football the way it was every year, my numbers dropped every single year. So for me I look at the numbers … did I get old the year after I won the MVP? I don’t think so. What about a couple of years? I certainly don’t think so.”
Tomlinson was the benefactor of a coach, as he put it, placing “the ball in his stomach.”
But that thinking went south when Norv Turner took over for Schottenheimer. He decided, with Smith’s blessing, to move the ball through the air, that the running game would be marginalized as the team decided its best shot at greatness came on Philip Rivers’ right arm and not Tomlinson’s two legs.
But three years later are the Chargers any closer to reaching, let alone winning, a Super Bowl? Turner was brought in because the Chargers’ brass believed he was better wired to win in the playoffs.
While the first year proved that point when the Chargers — many think on the fumes of Schottenheimer’s last club — advanced to the AFC title game.
But since, it’s been one rough playoff patch after another for the Chargers. And while Turner can point to a 3-3 playoff record while wearing Chargers headsets, the truth is he has lost three of his last four playoff games and the team, at this point in the offseason, seems to have regressed.
Marty-ball is long gone. So too, is Tomlinson.
But Chargers fans will long debate if the club’s eventual kicking of them both to the curb was the right thing to do then, as well as now.
NOTES, QUOTES
—There is increased chatter Darren Sproles will not be brought back as the Chargers aren’t inclined to pay last year’s franchise player $7 million in 2010.
—LaDainian Tomlinson nearly got through his emotional farewell press conference without breaking down. But when he brought up the support of his family over his nine years in San Diego, the tears couldn’t be turned off. “I was all prepared and said I wasn’t going to do this,” he said after nearly a minute pause. “Sometimes emotions is what makes a person and as you guys know, I’ve always wore my emotions on my sleeves. So for that I’m not sorry.”
—Tomlinson’s agent, Tom Condon, said the team did his client a favor by releasing him early in the offseason. “That part of it was positive,” Condon said.
—WR Vincent Jackson was convicted of his second DUI charge and could be suspended a game or two next season by the NFL.
—ILB Stephen Cooper admits the Chargers’ dressing area will be different without No. 21 in his cubicle in its southeast corner. “He was universally respected and it will be strange not having him in the locker room,” Cooper said.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I told him I wish on my part that I could have contributed more as a GM to make it happen for him to hold that trophy or a Super Bowl ring.” — GM A.J. Smith on failing to build a Super Bowl team while Tomlinson was playing for the Chargers.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The biggest news, early on, will be the Chargers parting ways with running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
It’s clear the future Hall of Famer isn’t going to return at any price, as his pride was wounded during a season in which he was an afterthought in the offense.
The team also has to decide how to attack Darren Sproles, another running back. He was given $6 million last year, and that seems to be a little rich for a guy who can’t rush every down — but is a heck of a returner and receiver out of the backfield.
It was believed the Chargers wouldn’t bring back outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, but in an uncapped year, his return is more plausible.
The team also needs to structure a long-term deal for left tackle Marcus McNeill, a key part of an offense which leans so heavily on the pass.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Running back: With Tomlinson being released and the team balking at paying Darren Sproles $7 million next season, this shortcoming has grown in importance and needs to be addressed.
2. Defensive tackle: Jamal Williams missed all but one game last year injured; the Chargers have to face the fact he is returning for his 13th season this year. A replacement here is needed.
3. Cornerback: If the Chargers go a different direction in regard to starter Antonio Cromartie, a replacement needs to be found. He may not be on the roster, and that includes former first-round pick Antoine Cason.
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
—DT Alfonso Boone filled a need last year but the team looks to get younger here.
—TE Brandon Manumaleuna is a solid blocker and should return — he likes the offense.
—C Dennis Norman is at a spot where the team has depth and likely won’t come back.
—WR Kassim Osgood is a three-time Pro Bowler as a special-teamer; he wants to try his luck at receiver and could flee.
—OL Jon Runyan is going to retire and run for Congress.
—DT Ian Scott doesn’t have the upside the Chargers are looking for and will likely depart.
—TE Kris Wilson is a solid special-teams player, but if someone offers him more of a chance to contribute in a base offense, he’s gone.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)
—RT Jeromey Clary will return but will be pushed by Brandyn Dombrowski for a starting job.
—*ILB Tim Dobbins is a solid backup after getting lapped by Brandon Siler; he should return.
—*WR Malcom Floyd could likely get more passes thrown his way elsewhere, but he likes San Diego and will likely take a little less to remain here.
—*DT Antonio Garay was a late-season addition and doesn’t figure in the team’s plans moving forward.
—*C Eric Ghiaciuc won’t have a place with the number of linemen — when healthy — ahead of him.
—*OLB Marques Harris is a decent pass rusher but the Chargers will likely see him go where he would get more of a chance to contribute.
—*WR Vincent Jackson is the team’s top receiver and will be brought back — unless the team has grown tired of his immaturity; that’s doubtful after two 1,000-yard seasons.
—*DL Travis Johnson will probably have to settle for less money, but the former first-round pick of the Texans might have found a home in San Diego.
—*LT Marcus McNeill is a stud at left tackle and among the team’s biggest offseason priorities.
—*OLB Shawne Merriman will return, possibly, if willing to swallow his pride and lower his price tag. A motivated Merriman playing on a one-year deal could be attractive to the Chargers.
—*RB Darren Sproles isn’t likely to be named the franchise player again this year and could flee if offered a long-term deal.
—*LB Dontarrious Thomas seldom saw the field when arriving late last year and appears to be a goner.
—*QB Charlie Whitehurst is learning a ton at the No. 3 spot, so he finally absorbs one more year of education and then moves on.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
—OLB Antwan Applewhite can deliver a burst off the ball and is keen on special teams. He should be brought back.
—FB Mike Tolbert continues to improve and the Chargers could give him more carries in the base offense, depending on the situation at running back.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.
PLAYERS LOST
—RB LaDainian Tomlinson (released).

Top RBs in the 2010 Draft

Source: Chargers.com

The Chargers will be in search of a running back this spring and NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock says the 2010 draft is a good place to find one.

After speaking for nearly 10 minutes Monday about the vast accomplishment and contributions of LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers President Dean Spanos was asked how he planned to go about replacing the future Hall of Fame running back.

“You can’t,” Spanos said. “Those are big shoes to fill obviously.”

Not to mention RB Darren Sproles future with team is still questionable.

Spanos then said that the organization would explore all avenues when it comes to fortifying the running back position. The NFL draft is just one avenue where NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock believes the Chargers will find some strong options.

“From a running back perspective, I think it’s a great (draft) year,” Mayock said Tuesday. “This is one of the deepest running back classes I’ve seen in a while and you don’t necessarily have to pull the trigger in the first round.”

Clemson’s C.J. Spiller tops Mayock’s list of running back prospects, although it doesn’t appear likely that Spiller will still be on the board when the Chargers select at the 28^th spot in the first round. Spiller’s skills as a runner, receiver and returner have him ranked as the 11^th best player in the draft in Mayock’s mind.

“He’s a three-phase guy,” Mayock said. “He can play running back, he catches the ball and he’s a killer in the return game.”

Below Spiller, Mayock has a group of running backs clustered close together. One player he’s high on is Ryan Matthews from Fresno State.

“I think he’s got as good balance as any running back I’ve seen in this year’s draft,” Mayock said. “He’s highly productive. This year he had some injury and durability issues. Some people think he’s a late first-round pick. I’d put a second-round grade on him because I’m not sure he’s got elite burst and acceleration, but I’m anxious to see what he runs at 220 (pounds). He could end up running 4.38 or 4.40 (in the 40-yard dash) and that would be pretty interesting because he’s a very talented kid.”

Another running back prospect that intrigues Mayock is Cal’s Jahvid Best, who missed some time late in the season last year after suffering a concussion. Mayock believes that could affect Best’s draft status.

“I’ve got him with a second-round grade because of the concussion and some of the uncertainties around that and his size,” Mayock said. “That’s probably the only reason anyone has him with a second-round grade because he’s got first-round ability. He makes people miss. He’s a home-run hitter.”

Mayock is anxious to see what kind of shape Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech shows up in at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. The 2008 ACC player of the year is listed on Tech’s website at 6-2, 235 and while the production has been there, Mayock is curious about his size.

“I thought he played a little heavy this year around 240,” Mayock said. “Rumors are that he’s lost close to 20 pounds and he’s going to be down there in that 220-225 range. If he runs in the 4.4’s at 225, you’re going to see some people pushing him up boards very quickly.”

After Spiller, Matthews, Best and Dwyer, Mayock lists USC’s Joe McKnight and Dexter McCluster from Ole Miss. At 5-8, 165 pounds, some people believe McCluster will be a player in the mold of Darren Sproles.

If teams are in search of a bigger running back, there are options there as well.

“Again, this is a deep, deep class,” Mayock said. “There are some bigger backs you can get in the second or third round. Anthony Dixon from Mississippi State is 240 pounds. He’s got better feet than you think. Toby Gerhart from Stanford might be a third round pick (He’s) another 235-pound guy. Then there’s Ben Tate from Auburn, Montario Hardesty from Tennessee and LeGarrette Blount from Oregon, who’s got some off-the-field issues as we all know but had a heck of a Senior Bowl week.”

Other prospects Mayock mentioned as candidates to be selected later in the draft include Charles Scott from LSU, Chris Brown from Oklahoma and Javarris James from Miami.

21 best memories of 21

Source: Chargers.com

As we celebrate LaDainian Tomlinson’s nine breathtaking seasons in San Diego, Chargers.com takes a look back at the 21 most memorable moments of the future Hall of Famer’s time in lightning bolts.

21. Becoming a Bolt – April 21, 2001 – The Chargers owned the first pick in the draft but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who wanted to draft quarterback Michael Vick. San Diego picked up Tim Dwight and two additional picks (3^rd in 2001, 2^nd in 2002) along with the fifth overall selection in 2001, the one they used to grab Tomlinson.

20. What a Start – September 9, 2001 – LaDainian Tomlinson’s NFL debut gave Chargers fans a small glimpse of what they could expect over the next nine seasons. In his first professional game, LT rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Chargers to a 30-3 victory over the Redskins.

19. Back to Back – September 30 - October 7, 2001 – LT rushed for 100-yards in back-to-back weeks 16 times in his career. The first time he accomplished the feat came in Weeks 3 & 4 of his rookie year. The 107 and 102-yard performances came against Cincinnati and Cleveland, two of the four teams that passed on an opportunity to select Tomlinson in the 2001 NFL Draft.

18. Catching on – December 7-14, 2003 – In a year in which he became the first player to catch 100 passes and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, LT also became the first Chargers running back to ever record 100 receiving yards in consecutive games. He caught nine passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Detroit and followed that performance with an 11-catch, 144-yard outing the next week against Green Bay.

17. Raider Hater – October 20, 2002 – In his first nine seasons, Tomlinson rushed for more yards against the Raiders than any other team (2,017). One of his most memorable performances against Oakland came in 2002 when he rushed for 153 yards and scored a 19-yard, game-winning touchdown in overtime in front of the Black Hole.

16. Another Big Day - December 1, 2002 – LT’s second-highest rushing performance of his career came in a 30-27 win over the Broncos in 2002. He carried 37 times for 220 yards and three touchdowns and also caught 11 passes for 51 yards to help lead the Chargers to victory.

15. Best in Bolts – October 3, 2004 – In just his 52^nd career game, Tomlinson rushed for 147 yards against the Tennessee Titans to pass Paul Lowe and become San Diego’s all-time leading rusher.

14. Rushing Title II – December 30, 2007 – In limited action due to the fact that San Diego’s playoff seed was already decided, Tomlinson rushed for 56 yards in a win over the Raiders to hold off Adrian Peterson and give LT his second-consecutive NFL rushing title (1,474 yards).

13. Putting in Overtime – November 15, 2009 – LT scored a 16-yard touchdown in overtime to give the Chargers a 23-17 win over the Titans in Nashville. In the process, Tomlinson became the only player in NFL history to record three overtime touchdowns in a career.

12. Air it Out – September 9, 2007 – Tomlinson threw seven touchdown passes as a Charger, and his last was perhaps the most significant of them all. Trailing Chicago in the fourth quarter of the 2007 regular-season opener, LT hit Antonio Gates for a 17-yard touchdown that proved to be the game winner.

11. Four! – November, 2006 – During his run at the NFL’s single-season touchdown record, Tomlinson recorded back-to-back four-touchdown games in two of the biggest comebacks in team history. His four rushing touchdowns in Cincinnati helped the Chargers overcome a 21-point deficit in the second half, and a week later he scored four times to help San Diego win in Denver after the Bolts trailed 24-7 in the third quarter.

10. Patriot Games - September 29, 2002 – LT’s first 200-yard game of his career came in one of the biggest games in the early part of his career. Tomlinson rushed for 217 yards and two touchdowns – runs of 37 and 58 yards – as the Chargers downed the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots at Qualcomm Stadium.

9. Way to finish – December 28, 2003 – In the Chargers’ regular-season finale, Tomlinson rushed for a franchise-record 243 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime to begin what is now a 13-game winning streak over Oakland. Also that day, LT caught his 100^th pass of the season, making him the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and record 100 receptions in the same season.

8. One Moore Record – October 16, 2005 – Tomlinson tied former Baltimore Colts running back Lenny Moore’s NFL record by scoring a touchdown in 18 consecutive games during a win at Oakland. LT ran for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass and threw a scoring strike to Justin Peelle, and in the process became just the fifth player since 1966 to accomplish the trifecta in a single game.

7. Moving on up – December 14, 2008 – In the 2008 regular-season finale, Tomlinson scored three touchdowns to help the Chargers cap an improbable late-season run that gave them their third-consecutive AFC West title. His first rushing touchdown of the night was his 124^th of his career, pushing him past Marcus Allen and into second place on the NFL’s all-time list.

6. What a run – December 17, 2006 - The longest touchdown of LT’s career, an 85-yard sprint against the Kansas City Chiefs on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, allowed him break Paul Hornung’s record for points scored in a season. Tomlinson finished the year with 186 points to top Hornung’s 37-year-old mark of 176 set in 1960.

5. Passing a Legend - December 6, 2009 – It was a simple 11-yard gain that carried significance far beyond the first down marker. On a fourth-quarter run in Cleveland last December, Tomlinson passed Jim Brown to move into eighth place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. After completing the run, LT jumped to his feet, raced to midfield and pointed to the booth where the greatest player in Browns history was sitting. After the game, Brown congratulated Tomlinson in the Chargers’ locker room and the two embraced.

4. The Clincher – December 19, 2004 - On a snowy afternoon at Cleveland Browns Stadium, LT rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns to help the Chargers clinch their first AFC West title since 1994.

3. Quite an Honor - February 2, 2007 - As clutch as he was on the field during his Chargers tenure, Tomlinson’s contributions to San Diego off the field were just as significant. At the conclusion of his 2006 MVP season, LT was awarded the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The honor, named after Tomlinson’s childhood idol, recognizes on-field excellence as well as charitable contributions. LT’s “Touching Lives Foundation” hosts events throughout the year, including youth football camps in San Diego and Texas, a golf tournament, a fishing trip for kids from The Monarch School for homeless and at-risk teens in San Diego, a Thanksgiving program in which they provide more than 2,100 San Diego families with complete holiday dinners and a Christmas program in which they give away more than 1,500 holiday gifts to the patients at San Diego’s Children’s Hospital and Health Center.

2. Over the top – January 6, 2008 - Including the postseason, LT scored 158 touchdowns in a Chargers uniform. Perhaps his most special one came on a rainy Saturday afternoon in January of 2008. With just under nine minutes remaining in San Diego’s Wild Card playoff game, the Chargers led 10-6. Rather than kick a field goal, Norv Turner opted to try to make it a two-score game on a 4^th-and-goal from the one yard line. Tomlinson took the Philip Rivers handoff, jumped above the pile and stretched the ball across the plane of the end zone for a touchdown that made the score 17-6 and essentially sealed San Diego’s first playoff victory in 13 seasons.

1. Witnesses to history – December 10, 2006 - That’s what Chargers fans were on so many occasions throughout LT’s career, and it was fitting that Josh Lewin used the term in his well-known call of LT’s record-breaking 29^th touchdown in 2006. As soon as Tomlinson reached the end zone, he was greeted by his teammates, who hoisted the new NFL touchdown king on their shoulders. LT finished the year with an NFL-record 31 scores. Last season, Charger fans voted Tomlinson’s record breaker against the Broncos as the second greatest moment in team history.

A very sad day

Source: Chargers.com

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers all-time leading rusher, was released today after nine remarkable seasons in San Diego.

Chargers President Dean Spanos met with Tomlinson today and informed his veteran running back that he is being released.

“This is a part of the business that I hate, and it’s particularly hard when you’re dealing with someone I consider a friend,” Spanos said. “Change involving great players is never easy. I respect LT as much or more than any player I’ve ever known. And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do. That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make.

“It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career. I’m proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field.

“No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger. His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger.”

Tomlinson owns or shares 28 team records, including career rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. During his nine seasons in San Diego, Tomlinson won two rushing titles (2006 and ’07), set an NFL single-season record for touchdowns in a season (31 in ’06) and racked up 12,490 rushing yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history. He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors five times.

“I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during LT’s rookie year in 2001 and it didn’t take long to realize that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual,” Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said. “And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title.

“LT is a true pro. He’s one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can’t do justice to the things he’s accomplished on and off the field.”

In addition to his long list of achievements on the gridiron, Tomlinson’s tireless efforts in the community have benefitted thousands of individuals in San Diego as well as his native Texas. In 2006, LT received the NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic efforts.

“It’s fitting that LT’s and LaTorsha’s charity is called the ‘Touching Lives Foundation’ because that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Spanos said. “So many people have been positively affected by their generosity. Our community has been fortunate to have them.”

Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2001 as the fifth overall selection in the NFL Draft. The Chargers originally held the top pick in the draft, but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who moved up to take quarterback Michael Vick. The Chargers nervously waited as Tomlinson fell to the fifth spot where they enthusiastically brought him into their fold.

“There were a lot of eyebrows raised when we made that trade, but LT proved to be everything we thought he’d be and more,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “He’s a future Hall of Famer. My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring.”

Tomlinson was one of 53 men recognized as the Greatest All-Time Chargers during the team’s 50^th anniversary celebration last season and he was recently named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s. His 138 career rushing touchdowns are the second most in NFL history and his 153 total touchdowns ranks third in league annals.

“I look forward to the time when we’ll see his number retired and see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Spanos said. “I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed being around LT and LaTorsha the last nine years.”

Entire coaching staff will return

Source: Chargers.com

The entire Chargers coaching staff will return intact in 2010.

Prior to the 2009 season, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner made six changes to his coaching staff. Following an adjustment period early in the season, the moves paid dividends as San Diego won 11-straight games to finish the season.

Adaptation won’t be necessary in 2010. All of the Chargers’ assistants are under contract for next season as San Diego chases a fifth-consecutive AFC West title.

“I think in a couple areas it took us a little longer for everyone on our coaching staff to gel last season, but once we were all on the same page, I think it showed up,” Turner said. “I think that continuity will be even more present and hopefully it will help us get off to one of those fast starts everyone is looking for next season.”

On several occasions last season, Turner praised the efforts of his coaching staff. Despite numerous injuries that forced the Chargers to rely on several young players, San Diego didn’t miss a beat through the final two months of the regular season.

“When you think about playing 62 different guys and the number of guys we started on the offensive and defensive lines, at the linebacker positions as well as the constant change we had in the kicking game, that’s a challenge,” Turner said. “Our coaches and our players responded to that challenge.”

In December, Turner cited numerous players who he believed had their best seasons of their careers, and he gave his assistants a lot of credit for their hand in those performances. The achievements of Chargers players and coaches came after Turner challenged them last offseason.

“In the spring we talked about, ‘Hey, let’s see how many (players) can go out and have their best season of their career,’” Turner said. “We had a lot of guys that did that. I talked to the coaches the same way. ‘Lets see how many guys on this staff can have their best coaching year ever’ and they responded.”

Chargers Team Report 2-18-10

Source: SD Tribune/USA Today

Antonio Cromartie has been and remains on the trading block.

It was reported last March that the Chargers planned to try to trade Cromartie but that those plans were contingent on the club acquiring another cornerback. Four weeks ago, following the 2009 season, it was reported that the Chargers likely would try to trade Cromartie again.

Rumblings about his being traded have grown recently, and league sources Wednesday said the Chargers actually have been shopping Cromartie for the better part of the past year.

The team was involved in talks regarding Cromartie up until the October trading deadline and has had feelers out the bulk of this offseason, sources said.

“We’re not discussing any information on any of our players,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said Wednesday. “If there is anything to report on any of our players we’ll let you know immediately.”

Smith said in his end-of-the year news conference last February that the Chargers had players “who have to step up … I’m uncertain about a few guys.” Cromartie was one of the players to whom he was referring.

Cromartie had 10 interceptions in 2007 but has just five in the two seasons since, and his lack of physicality and a perceived laissez faire attitude has worn on teammates and coaches.

The team is ready to move on from its 2006 first-round draft pick, and Cromartie has told people close to him he would like to be traded.

One source said the team talked with the Dallas Cowboys recently about a deal involving Cowboys running back Tashard Choice, though it was not known whether there were any other components involved in a potential deal. The Cowboys were not interested.

It is not known if the Chargers will be able to work a deal for Cromartie, though talks are expected to pick up at the Scouting Combine next week in Indianapolis. Whether or not Cromartie can be traded, it is virtually certain that 2010 would be his final season as a Charger.

Before any team would trade for Cromartie, whose contract expires after 2010, it almost certainly would negotiate a contract extension.

Antoine Cason, the Chargers’ 2008 first-round pick, would be Cromartie’s heir apparent. But the Chargers likely will look to draft a cornerback, even if they keep Cromartie for 2010.

Cason is still seen as a future starter at cornerback despite the fact he lost his job as the No. 1 nickel back midway through last season. Sources have said the team was not pleased with how Cason played in September and October after showing great promise in the spring and summer, but it believes he will improve and has the tools to play outside at corner.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Coach Don Coryell, after advancing to the finalist stage for the first time, was denied in his bid to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “It was a good first step,” said Chargers Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts, who is leading the charge for his old coach. “And we will be back every year until we get him to Canton.”

—With his me-or-the-highway approach and regal manner in which he carries himself, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is called by some as “The Lord of No Rings.” After Drew Brees won the recent Super Bowl, that made four Super Bowl rings accumulated by quarterbacks Smith has passed on: Ben Roethlisberger (two), Eli Manning (one) and Brees (one). Roethlisberger was passed over by Smith in the draft, he traded Manning and let Brees walk as a free agent.

—LT Marcus McNeill is already talking in past tense about one of the greatest Chargers ever. “At least I had the opportunity to play for one of the greatest,” McNeill on blocking for LaDainian Tomlinson, who isn’t expected to return next year.

—GM A.J. Smith said all this talk about LaDainian Tomlinson’s future is premature: “We haven’t made any decisions yet.”

—Assistant head coach Rod Chudzinski withdrew his name from the now-filled post as the Bears’ offensive coordinator after interviewing with Chicago.

—The Chargers have declined to exercise an out clause in their contract with the city and will stay in San Diego at least one more year as they try to build momentum for a downtown venue next door to the Padres’ Petco Park. “I think we have made it pretty clear that we intended to stay and keep working on the downtown site in 2010,” said Mark Fabiani, the team’s special counsel.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “That’s what happens when you take a guy who’s done so much and you make him feel like he’s not part of the team.” — TE Antonio Gates on why LaDainian Tomlinson felt disconnected from the club.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The biggest focus here will be on players as coach Norv Turner was granted a three-extension the day after the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs.

There doesn’t appear to be any imminent changes to the staff, despite the fact defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was among Chargers coaches on other team’s radars.

OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The biggest news, early on, will be the Chargers parting ways with running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

It’s clear the future Hall of Famer isn’t going to return at any price, as his pride was wounded during a season in which he was an afterthought in the offense.

The team also has to decide how to attack Darren Sproles, another running back. He was given $6 million last year, and that seems to be a little rich for a guy who can’t rush every down — but is a heck of a returner and receiver out of the backfield.

It was believed the Chargers wouldn’t bring back outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, but in an uncapped year, his return is more plausible.

The team also needs to structure a long-term deal for left tackle Marcus McNeill, a key part of an offense which leans so heavily on the pass.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Running back: With LaDainian Tomlinson not expected to return and Darren Sproles not being an every-down back, the Chargers need to shore up this position.

2. Defensive tackle: Jamal Williams missed all but one game last year injured; the Chargers have to face the fact he is returning for his 13th season this year. A replacement here is needed.

3. Cornerback: If the Chargers go a different direction in regard to starter Antonio Cromartie, a replacement needs to be found. He may not be on the roster, and that includes former first-round pick Antoine Cason.

MEDICAL WATCH: DT Jamal Williams (arm) is expected to be ready for training camp.

—LT Jeromey Clary (ankle) is hopeful to be fit by training camp.

—OLB Antwan Applewhite (ankle) is rehabbing and expected back for offseason workouts.

—CB Brandon Hughes (knee) should be back for offseason work.

—DT Ryon Bingham (triceps) should be back for the minicamps.

—C/G Scott Mruczkowski (ankle) could be challenged to return in time for minicamps.

—OLB Jyles Tucker (ankle) should be back for training camp; minicamp could be a stretch.

—WR Demetrius Byrd is still recovering from injuries sustained just before the draft. He could be in the mix by the time minicamps arrive.

—DL Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) and he could be back in time for training camp.

—LB James Holt (knee); his status has yet to be determined.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

—DT Alfonso Boone filled a need last year but the team looks to get younger here.

—TE Brandon Manumaleuna is a solid blocker and should return — he likes the offense.

—C Dennis Norman is at a spot where the team has depth and likely won’t come back.

—WR Kassim Osgood is a three-time Pro Bowler as a special-teamer; he wants to try his luck at receiver and could flee.

—OL Jon Runyan is going to retire and run for Congress.

—DT Ian Scott doesn’t have the upside the Chargers are looking for and will likely depart.

—TE Kris Wilson is a solid special-teams player, but if someone offers him more of a chance to contribute in a base offense, he’s gone.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)

—RT Jeromey Clary will return but will be pushed by Brandyn Dombrowski for a starting job.

—*ILB Tim Dobbins is a solid backup after getting lapped by Brandon Siler; should return.

—*WR Malcom Floyd could likely get more passes thrown his way elsewhere, but he likes San Diego and will likely to a little less to remain here.

—*DT Antonio Garay was a late-season addition and doesn’t figure in the team’s plans moving forward.

—*C Eric Ghiaciuc won’t have a place with the number of linemen — when healthy — ahead of him.

—*OLB Marques Harris is a decent pass-rusher but the Chargers will likely see him go where he would get more of a chance to contribute.

—*WR Vincent Jackson is the team’s top receiver and will be brought back — unless the team has grown tired of his immaturity; that’s doubtful after two 1,000-yard seasons.

—*DL Travis Johnson will probably have to settle for less money, but the former first-round pick of the Texans might have found a home in San Diego.

—*LT Marcus McNeill is a stud at left tackle and among the team’s biggest offseason priorities.

—*OLB Shawne Merriman will return, possibly, if willing to swallow his pride and lower his price tag. A motivated Merriman playing on a one-year deal could be attractive to the Chargers.

—*RB Darren Sproles isn’t likely to be named the franchise player again this year and could flee if offered a long-term deal.

—*LB Dontarrious Thomas seldom saw the field when arriving late last year and appears to be a goner.

—*QB Charlie Whitehurst is learning a ton at the No. 3 spot, so he finally absorbs one more year of education and then moves on.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

—OLB Antwan Applewhite can deliver a burst off the ball and is keen on special teams. He should be brought back.

—FB Mike Tolbert continues to improve and the Chargers could give him more carries in the base offense, depending on the situation at running back.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST: None.

2009 Chargers: By the numbers

Key statistics from the 2009 San Diego Chargers season.

2 – Number of touchbacks this season for Mike Scifres in 52 punts. Scifres, who specializes in placing the ball and pinning opponents deep, tied three other players for the fewest in the NFL in this critical category.

4 – Number of consecutive AFC West titles for the Chargers. Since the NFL realigned in 2002, no team other than the Chargers has won consecutive AFC West championships, and San Diego’s current streak is the longest active streak for consecutive division titles in the NFL.

5 – Number of Chargers who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009.

5 – Number of different starting offensive line combinations for the Chargers last season.

7 – Number of forced fumbles for Shaun Phillips in 2009, the most by any player in the NFL in 2009 and a Chargers record.

7-1 – Chargers record on the road in 2009, the best road mark in club history.

9 – Number of interceptions thrown by Philip Rivers in 2009, tying a career low. He was one of just four quarterbacks who started more than 10 games and tossed fewer than 10 picks.

11 – Number of consecutive wins for the Chargers to finish the regular season, tied for the second-longest win streak in team history.

12 – Number of touchdowns for LaDainian Tomlinson, extending his own NFL record to nine-consecutive seasons with at least 10 scores.

13 – Number of regular season wins for the Chargers in 2009, second most in franchise history.

16 – Number of different Chargers that recorded a sack in 2009.

17 – Number of turnovers the Chargers committed in 2009, second fewest in the NFL.

20 – Number of quarterback pressures for Shawne Merriman, a team high.

22 – Number of special teams tackles for fullback Mike Tolbert, a team high.

28 – Number of regular-season drives in which the Chargers’ offense went three and out, the second-fewest in the NFL.

28.4 – Average number of points per game for the Chargers this season, fourth-best in the NFL.

62 – Number of different Chargers who saw game action for the Chargers in 2009.

67 – Number of regular-season wins by the Chargers since 2004, the third most in the NFL over that period.

68 – Number of receptions by Vincent Jackson, a career high. Jackson, who played in the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, also set career highs in yards (1,167) and touchdowns (8) while finishing second in the NFL with a 17.2 yards-per-reception average.

73-16 – Amount by which the Chargers outscored their opponents in the first quarter during the team’s 11-game win streak.

78 – Number of penalties called against the Chargers, tied for fourth-fewest in the NFL.

119 – Number of tackles for linebacker Stephen Cooper, the third-consecutive season in which he’s led the team.

146 – Number of points scored by kicker Nate Kaeding, setting a new franchise record for points by a kicker.

209.2 – Number of passing yards per game allowed by the Chargers, 11^th best in the NFL after San Diego and an improvement from 31^st against the pass in 2008.

776 – Number of receiving yards for Malcom Floyd, a career high.

840 – Number of combined yards (rushing and receiving) for Darren Sproles, who also scored seven touchdowns.

1,157 – Number of receiving yards for Antonio Gates, most among all NFL tight ends.

4,254 – Number of passing yards for Philip Rivers, a career high.

Brees vs. Rivers: Chargers still made right choice

Source: SD Tribune

Drew Brees now is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and while we can try pointing more fingers than a school of squid as to the why of it — the reason he accomplished this as a Saint and not as a Charger — in the end they all aim at one person: Drew Brees.

Nothing personal. When it mattered, when the team thought he had a chance to be The Guy, he wasn’t nearly good enough. There is no other reason — other than Drew Brees.

Passionate fans love to put themselves in the Hawaiian shirts occupied by General Manager A.J. Smith, so let’s play that game. Let’s play Smith — and Marty Schottenheimer, coach at the time — and be totally honest, rational and unemotional about the entire process that led to Brees being the star in New Orleans’ stunning Super Bowl victory over Indianapolis.

It’s so simple, even I get it.

The NFL is a production-based, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league. Remember that from the start. It’s hard — especially for quarterbacks.

Anyway, in 2001, then-Chargers GM John Butler drafted Brees out of Purdue with his first choice in the second round. Brees played in 16 games in 2002 and was all right — the team went 8-8 — but instead of improving, he regressed. Badly.

In 2003, he started 11 games, benched for five games at midseason in favor of 39-year-old Doug Flutie. San Diego’s record under Brees was 2-9. He passed for 2,108 yards. His completion percentage was 57.6. He threw 11 touchdown passes against 15 interceptions. His passer rating was 67.5. To be kind, he stunk.

As a result, the Chargers were the worst team in football and therefore had the No. 1 pick in a 2004 draft featuring three promising quarterbacks — Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers. What were the Chargers to do, gamble Brees would snap out of it and eventually take them to Super Bowls?

As Smith has told me more than once: “We had to draft a quarterback.” Absolutely. Positively. Brees’ performance — getting beat out by a short 39-year-old? — made it so.

We won’t get into the entire Eli Manning thing here, but Schottenheimer and his staff coached at the Senior Bowl in 2004, and their quarterback was Rivers. Schottenheimer fell in love with the kid out of North Carolina State.

This also was a time when A.J. and Marty actually were communicating, so when the draft came around and Manning cried that he didn’t want to play in San Diego, Rivers eventually became the choice.

No way anyone without a halo could have predicted what happened next.

Schottenheimer may not admit it now; the plan was to start Rivers his rookie year. But Rivers reported late to training camp, death for quarterbacks, and Brees did well enough in August to keep the starting job.

And then, for whatever reason — he’s always been a great competitor, so maybe his getting pushed pushed him — Brees excelled in 2004. The team went 12-4 and made the playoffs, losing the memorable game to the Jets. Brees became a Pro Bowler, throwing 27 touchdowns against seven picks.

Meanwhile, Rivers, who had signed for $40 million-plus, sat. The Chargers put a franchise tag on free agent Brees and he had another fine season in 2005, although his team wasn’t as good, finishing 9-7 and missing the playoffs. But, in the final game of the regular season against Denver (why was he playing?), Brees dove after a fumble, tearing up his throwing shoulder.

Famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews obviously did an amazing job on that shoulder, but there was no way the Chargers — who had Rivers in waiting — or any other team (or Brees for that matter) could predict the future.

San Diego offered him $2 million guaranteed — with makable incentives that would take it to $9 million if he played — and only one other team made Brees an offer, New Orleans. The Saints chummed him a one-year guarantee of $9.5 million, with future options if he remained healthy and played.

Did Brees want any part of New Orleans? Some people think he didn’t. But his future was in doubt and he was offered nearly $10 million. He says it was a “calling” now. But he went for the dough.

The huge monetary gamble worked for New Orleans. The Chargers got Rivers, their own Pro Bowl quarterback, out of it, but he hasn’t won a Super Bowl. Now Brees has, and people are screaming that, once again, the Chargers have blown it.

Smith blew it in one regard. After Brees’ Pro Bowl 2004 season, he never was going to be worth more to other teams. Smith knew Rivers was the quarterback of the future. Teams were dying for quarterbacks. Brees should have been traded then.

Instead, he was allowed to walk after the injury, and with the 2006 third-round pick San Diego got in compensation from the Saints, Smith took linebacker Anthony Waters. He’s not here anymore.

If you want to gripe, gripe about that. If the Chargers thought Brees would become what he’s become, they certainly wouldn’t have drafted a quarterback. Common sense.

Those are the facts. Feel free to tweak them. I’m sure some of you will.

Johnson living nightmare

Source: Chargers.com

The last two weeks have been a nightmare for Travis Johnson after his four-year old daughter Zoe suffered a stroke in mid-January. She remains hospitalized.

Since the Chargers’ season came to an end, defensive end Travis Johnson has spent has spent his days pacing in a hospital room, praying constantly and shedding plenty of tears.

“The last two weeks have been the worst 14 days of my life,” Johnson said. “Nothing else even comes close to this.”

Two weeks ago, Johnson’s four-year old daughter Zoe was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. A day after she was hospitalized, Zoe suffered a seizure and then a stroke. The stroke caused paralysis in the left side of her body.

She underwent a procedure to drain fluid from her right lung and another to scrape the infection from her lung walls. The nightmare got worse as Zoe’s lung collapsed following the surgery and she suffered a second stroke. Doctors are struggling to find answers, and Johnson left to pray and wait.

“It’s really a helpless feeling,” Johnson said. “Our job as parents is to protect our kids. Watching her go through this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

Johnson hasn’t slept in his own bed since Zoe was hospitalized. He’s spent his nights trying to get comfortable in a hotel room chair by his daughter’s side.

“She’s just so special to me,” Johnson said. “I wish I could trade places with her.”

Johnson and has experienced overwhelming support from Chargers fans that have sent him well wishes and prayers. He asks that people keep the prayers coming.

“I’m still so new to this Charger family but the love that has come out of the Charger family for this child, for me and for my family has been wonderful,” Johnson said. “I’m so grateful for everybody’s prayers and all the nice things people have said.”

Johnson has relied heavily on his faith to help him through this tough time. Deep down he believes everything is going to work out, but he’s emotionally drained.

“I just want her to wake up and talk to me,” Johnson said. “I know rehab is going to be a long road, but she’s going to be ready for it because she’s so tough. The Lord is going to heal her and bring her out of this, but it’s just so tough right now.”

Tomlinson says he won't be back with Bolts

LaDainian Tomlinson knows he has played his last game as a Charger.

“I’m not coming back,” Tomlinson told The San Diego Union-Tribune on Thursday. “I don’t believe I’ll be back in San Diego. I’ve accepted it.”

After more than a month of saying he did not know what would happen, Tomlinson said he has believed for a while he would be let go by the Chargers.

“I’ve been praying and meditating,” he said. “After doing that for a couple weeks, I just felt like it was over.”

Tomlinson has two years remaining on his contract, but he is due a $2 million roster bonus March 5 and would be paid $5 million in total salary in 2010. As part of the renegotiated contract he signed last March, he is guaranteed $1 million by the Chargers for next season.

Speaking by phone, Tomlinson paused a lot as he spoke of his future and of his past.

“It’s a mixed feeling,” said Tomlinson, the league MVP in 2006. “It’s mixed emotions. I’ve spent nine years of my life here, pretty much my youth. I gave the organization everything I have. I enjoyed the community.

“But there is a part I won’t miss. The football part is fun. But the business part sucks. I won’t miss that.”

Tomlinson said he doesn’t know when the Chargers will release him. He said his agent might call the club to expedite the process.

LT Not Happy

Source: BoltHype

If you didn't have the time to listen to the link posted by Axion yesterday of LaDainian Tomlinson's interview with Scott & BR, I've broken down most of the key points after the jump. I even added in my two cents to most of his comments, because I'm a self-absorbed ego-maniac.

I know it's silly when I tell stories from my one day in the Chargers locker room and act as if they're the certifiable truth, but I'm going to do it again. The two times I was in that locker room, I accounted for every Chargers player except for two. Eric Weddle (who was injured and could usually be found walking around giving interviews to everyone) and LT. I assumed LT was in the trainer's room both times, but now I'm starting to wonder. If he disliked this locker room, and this group of guys so much, is it possible that he was spending time elsewhere (possibly the trainer's room) just to get away from them?

I don't think it's that far-fetched. It's not like the locker-room is all business. Hell, the entire offensive line was sitting around telling jokes every time I saw them. A lot of guys were getting dressed and then getting to their cars to go grab lunch (or dinner, or whatever), but while they were doing that they were dancing to music and talking to reporters or teammates. That seems like a situation that may have made Tomlinson a bit uncomfortable.

LT is a bit of a freak in the NFL. I read his mother's book about him and I think I sortof understand his personality from that. He's everything you'd expect him to be, or at least he is when his mother writes about him. He's not incredibly quite or shy, but he'd never be called loud. He's not overly emotional, but his emotions are strong. He is far too honest to be a bad person, because he'd never be able to lie to his mother, his wife or even the Charger fans.

LT is what we'd all like our athletes to be: humble, honest and normal. However, in a world where his co-workers make millions of dollars a year because of how fast they can run or how far they can throw, those qualities have become rarer and rarer. The Reggie Whites of the NFL have turned into Ray Lewis (humble? honest? normal?), and LT is finding it harder being a different kind of guy when he's not the star of the team.

Anyways, credit all around here. Credit Scott & BR for asking the right questions and credit LT for answering them all honestly.

• LT's wife is doing well with her pregnancy. She's due in July, but they don't yet know the sex of the baby.
• LaDainian can imagine what it would be like to play somewhere else next season and thinks he could have success wherever he plays.
• If the Chargers want LT back, he wants to come back for 2010. However, he will not renegotiate his contract with San Diego.
• S&BR: "Were you happy this year?" LT: No. (Somebody's been lying to Kevin Acee....)
• LT does not need to be a feature back. He's always enjoyed having another talented RB on the team to share carries with.
• Tomlinson seems to insinuating that the Chargers weak rushing attack in 2009 had more to do with Norv Turner than himself. The telling statement for me is "If you know how to run the ball, you know how to run it" when discussing whether or not LT needs a talented FB in front of him to be successful.
• LT didn't even know about Vincent Jackson being pulled over before the Jets game until days afterwards, even though there was plenty written about the team joking about it after the game. That says something about LT's involvement in the locker room.
• "There was a big part of this year, for whatever reason, where I didn't feel connected to the team." Things are starting to get juicy now. If I could read into LT's half-sentences (it's obvious he doesn't want to cause problems, so he's trying to choose his next words carefully), it seems to me that LT thinks his ability to be a team leader was hampered by his diminished role in the offense.
• "These guys that come into the league, it's not about the same values anymore. Faith, family, football.....to them it's not about that anymore." I agree and disagree. The nucleus of this team is not that old, and guys like Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers and Quentin Jammer are men of those values. I think LT is talking specifically about guys like Vincent Jackson, Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Antonio Cromartie and any other Chargers players that are single and usually end up at the club after a game. I'm not going to say LT is wrong is what he's saying, because I agree, but I don't think this is a problem with the Chargers specifically.
• "If that's going to be allowed......I can't deal with that type of stuff anymore." This interview, in it's entirety, was a criticism of some of the Chargers younger players (specifically the ones that get in trouble with the law) and also of Norv Turner. Not just of Norv's play-calling either. Whether or not it's true, and I think both sides differ in their thoughts on this, LT makes it sound like he'd be happy to have the opportunity to be a free agent so that he can end up on a more disciplined team (like the Patriots or Colts) that is focused on football 100% of the time.

Chargers Shine In Pro Bowl

Source: Chargers.com

Four Chargers players played key roles and Head Coach Norv Turner and his staff led the AFC squad to a 41-34 win in the Pro Bowl Sunday night.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. - The 2010 Pro Bowl was a lot different than in past years. It was set in a new location, played two weeks earlier than in years past and had a bit of a different atmosphere.

But for the Chargers’ coaches and four players who had a hand in the AFC’s 41-34 win Sunday night at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium, the honor of participating in the NFL’s all-star game carried the same weight.

“It was a little bit different because it was earlier and it wasn’t in Hawaii, but it was a great experience,” tight end Antonio Gates said. “It’s always fun to come here and see the guys and play against the guys. It’s always special to be a part of this.”

Gates, who earned Pro Bowl honors for the sixth-consecutive season, caught three passes for 29 yards Sunday night. Statistically, he had the best season of his career in 2009 and after his long road back from major toe surgery two years ago, making it back to the Pro Bowl carried a lot of weight for Gates.

“There’s a lot of turnover in this league and we’re a really blessed group to be here,” Gates said. “You think about all the guys who work hard every day to perform on Sunday and don’t get invited here, it makes you realize that we’re blessed to be in this game. Over time it gets harder and harder so to be able to make it and be recognized as one of the elite tight ends in this league, that’s special.”

While Gates is a Pro Bowl veteran, Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson earned the honors for the first time this season and made the most of his experience. Sunday night, he posted a game-high seven catches for 122 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second half.

“I can’t say enough about how amazing this week was,” Jackson said. “There’s been a lot of talk about the transition from Hawaii and all, but I had a great time. The accommodations were great. Having my family and friends here was great. I’m honored to be here.”

Kris Dielman played both left and right guard in Sunday’s game as he was part of the AFC victory. His third-consecutive Pro Bowl was another extremely enjoyable one.

“Things were a little different this year but the experience never gets old,” Dielman said. “You get to be around the best players in the league and it humbles you to know that you’re part of that group. It was another great week.”

Wide receiver Kassim Osgood made the Pro Bowl for the third time as a special teamer. He recorded one special teams tackle and caught an 18-yard pass Sunday.

Head Coach Norv Turner and his staff coached the AFC squad, and while earlier in the week Turner admitted that the layout was a little difficult with Pro Bowl week coming just a week after the Chargers’ season-ending loss to the Jets, he laughed with players Sunday and enjoyed himself.

“I really enjoyed the week,” Turner said. “It was great being around this caliber of athletes. They are a great group of men and it has been fun. For our guys (Chargers) that made it, they deserve to be here. They earned the right. I thought that they really did a nice job in practice and had a good week.”

As an added bonus for their week of work, the AFC players were awarded $45,000 for winning the game, compared to $22,500 for the NFC team. The payout was a nice way to cap a great week.

“It makes it an even better experience when you win that $45,000,” Gates said. “I’m pretty happy about that.”

Notes: On January 31, Philip Rivers' newest daughter, Sarah Catherine was born. A really big congratulations to Philip and his family, on behalf of the Charger Nation!