Chargers Team Report 8/02/10

Source: USA Today

A.J. Smith, the Chargers’ dour and gruff general manager, is done talking about Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman. Those three players, who account for a combined six Pro Bowl selections, haven’t signed their contracts.

Smith’s role in these negotiations is a point for discussion. He went the hardball route on McNeill and Jackson, slashing their tender offers by nearly $2.5 million. Smith has dug in his heels, drawn a line in the sand — pick your cliche and Smith will sign off on it.

There were reports there was some movement in talks with McNeill, the massive left tackle whose responsibility is among the biggest on the team: keep $92 million quarterback Philip Rivers in one piece. But Smith shot that speculation down.

Jackson, like McNeill, has said it’s possible he won’t report until the season’s final six weeks. But his situation is even more clouded than McNeill, as he is facing a three-game suspension from the NFL after being convicted for his second driving under the influence charge.

Merriman’s stance, he said, is more about his lack of commitment from the Chargers than the dollar figures on his one-year deal. Merriman complained that he doesn’t feel wanted by the Chargers; that he is tired of constantly being on the trading block; that he wants a defense built around him.

“It was very disappointing to hear Shawne’s demands and desires regarding the Chargers,” Smith told the media. “But it certainly is his right to voice them. We will not guarantee him that he won’t be traded. That is not in the best interest of the organization.”

The Chargers would love, in some ways, for Merriman to be the focal point of the defense. But the truth is the player who wrecked havoc on the NFL and was named to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons – that Shawne Merriman – hasn’t been seen of late.

In the past two years – the majority of one he missed by delaying knee surgery – Merriman shows but four sacks. Instead of being a disruptive, game-changing force on defense, Merriman has become a complementary player.

“We will not be building a defense around Shawne,” Smith added. “Our hope was that he would become an integral part of our defense. Obviously he has a lot on his mind going into the season. He will have to work that out with his agent.”

The Chargers have much to work out before kicking the season off Sept. 13 in Kansas City. They are minus their top pass-protector, top downfield threat, and top – in Merriman’s mind – pass-rusher.

That’s a lot to compensate for.

Merriman, though, figures to report sooner rather than later. That same can’t be said for McNeill and Jackson.

In the recent past, Chargers training camps have been devoid of news and spirited competitions – a tribute to the success the team has enjoyed of late. But the early buzz for this camp is just as much about the players not here as the ones returning from a 13-3 team – one that capped its season with its third playoff loss in four postseason games.

CAMP CALENDAR: The first practice was Aug. 1. There will be practices in Qualcomm Stadium Aug. 4 and Aug. 7. Camp closes Aug. 23.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Chargers president Dean Spanos was among those relieved that top pick Ryan Mathews is in camp. Mathews has some big cleats to fill in replacing future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson.

“We are excited to have Ryan here and ready to go,” Spanos said. “Aside from his outstanding talents on the field, he’s a class young man and the kind of player we’re proud to add to our team.”

—The nickel role has been one the Chargers have had trouble filling. Just maybe in newcomer Donald Strickland the Chargers finally have their man. The seven-year veteran signed this offseason after playing there with the New York Jets in 2009 and San Francisco, Philadelphia and Indianapolis before that.

“That’s been my role the past four or five years and it’s something I have a knack for,” Strickland said. “You have to be a capable tackler and a coverage guy. It’s a little bit safety and a little bit cornerback, which I believe suits my strengths.”

—QB Philip Rivers annually shows up for training camp with his hair closely cropped. But it seems he went overboard this year. Let’s just say he would fit in as a Marines Corps poster boy for his latest buzz cut. “We cut it at the house and my (daughters) sure got a kick out of it,” Rivers said.

—CB Antoine Cason is comfortable with his early camp role of playing with the first string. “I came in to camp relaxed and ready to work,” Cason said. “I know what I’m capable of doing, which makes me confident when I go out there and play. I feel comfortable out there right now, but I’m still working to get better.”

—OL Brandyn Dombrowski started two games at right guard and seven at right tackle last season. But this season he has been plopped on the left side with tackle Marcus McNeill not in camp. And that is fine with Dombrowski.

“That’s my natural side,” Dombrowski said. “I feel more comfortable and that I can move better on the left, so I don’t think the adjustment will be that big of a deal. I’m going to pour focus into my technique, especially the little things. I’ve learned that poor technique gets you beat on game day. I have to be perfect, or as close to perfect as I can be moving forward.”

—SS Steve Gregory was on the sidelines but he became part of the play when Rivers overshot a receiver. “Hey Steve, head’s up!” Rivers shouted as the ball sailed toward Gregory. He saw the ball at the last moment and made a nice catch.

— Jets CB Antonio Cromartie, a former Charger, had this to say about his new training camp digs; his remark didn’t go unnoticed by the Chargers. “Now this is training table food. Ribs, mustard greens, bake beans, and mac cheese. Man I love it.” Cromartie was fined $2,500 last summer by the Chargers for criticizing the quality of the food they provided during training camp.

—Coach Norv Turner is a bit ticked about the constant talk about the players not at Chargers camp and what that means for the season. “We still get to play with 11 guys,” Turner said.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s always about health in this game. The physical ability will still be there for me, because I didn’t play college football and endure all the wear and tear that comes with it. That being said, I believe I’ll play through this contract. But I don’t want to be forced into retirement. I want to go out on my own terms, and no matter what, I’ll make sure that happens.” — TE Antonio Gates on if he’ll still be able to play at age 35, after his current contract extension reaches its end.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Little movement here with the big three: Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson and Shawne Merriman. They are restricted free agents and have yet to sign their tender offers.

But the Chargers did get RB Ryan Mathews in the fold thanks to a $25 million deal which includes $15 million in guaranteed money.

PLAYER NOTES

—LT Brandyn Dombrowski has been running with the first team. That development could mean that he’s for now the first-stringer, as well as the team being cautious with wearing out 35-year-old Tra Thomas. Both are getting long looks with Marcus McNeill not reporting.

—CB Antoine Cason is getting the first shot at replacing Antonio Cromartie in the starting lineup. Cason, a former first-round pick, was unable to hold down the nickel role last year. Cromartie was peddled to the Jets in the offseason because of his lack of consistency and physical play.

—DT Ryon Bingham spent last season on injured reserve but has come back and been playing with the first unit. The Chargers are seeking a replacement for three-time Pro Bowler Jamal Williams; he left as a free agent for Denver. Williams played in but one game last year before getting hurt.

—The team released SS Kevin Ellison, a nine-game starter last year, before training camp. It did so because it was impressed with rookie Darrell Stuckey; Stuckey has been running with the first team.

—With Jackson absent, Malcom Floyd has moved into his spot. Floyd has a lanky build similar to Jackson, but not the downfield speed Jackson possesses, which keeps defenses honest.

EXPECTED BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Brandyn Dombrowski vs. Tra Thomas for the starting left tackle spot. Dombrowski’s stock rose significantly last season with the Chargers after the undrafted free agent filled in for Louis Vasquez at right guard and Jeromey Clary at right tackle. But can this unsung player take care of Philip Rivers’ blind side? If not, does Thomas, entering his 13th year, have much left in his tank after contemplating retirement during the offseason? The Chargers season – if Marcus McNeill stays out for a lengthy period – could decide the Chargers’ chances for success this year.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Antoine Cason vs. Donald Strickland vs. Nathan Vasher for starting left cornerback spot. Cason gets the first licks in here, but he is no means a shoe-in to replace Antonio Cromartie. The Chargers were reluctant to hand the job to Cason and they proved it when bringing in Strickland and Vasher, two veterans, as insurance policies.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Ryan Mathews signed in time for the team’s first workouts in pads after missing the first four sessions. … ILB Donald Butler, a third-round selection, got some early work before the veterans reported; he could be seeing the field mostly on special teams. … SS Darrell Stuckey, a fourth-round selection, is splitting duties on the first unit with Steve Gregory. … DT Cam Thomas is getting a good grasp on the team’s 3-4 alignment.

INJURY REPORT: The Chargers, in a nod to how early it is in camp, haven’t sustained any injuries. All are working and the team has yet to rest anyone.

Gates rewarded new contract; 5yrs, $36.175million

Source: NFL News World

San Diego Chargers renewed Pro Bowl tight end, Antonio Gates contract for five-years. The deal between San Diego Chargers worth’s $36.175 million. Antonio Gates became a NFL’s highest-paid tight end with the new deal.

Antonio Gates will receive $20.4 million as guaranteed money and he will continue with San Diego Chargers till 2015. Antonio Gates will earn $7.235 million per season from 2011 to 2015. Antonio Gates is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl pick.

The other star players in San Diego Chargers are not satisfied with their deals. So, San Diego Chargers focused more on Antonio Gates, who has several big catches with San Diego Chargers.

Gates is happy about continuing with Chargers as he started his career with Chargers from 2003 and he will continue till 2015 with the same team.

“I’ve been blessed my whole career to be with one team,” Antonio Gates said. “It’s always good to get it out of the way. The goal is to win a championship. We all are human and it becomes a distraction even though you might not want it to be. It’s always great to be able to go ahead and do what you need to do and get it out of the way.”

On Thursday, all the players of San Diego Chargers have to report to the training camp. The San Diego Chargers will start the training camp with full squad from Friday onwards. Antonio Gates has caught 79 balls for 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2009 NFL regular season, which is his career best so far.

Rivers, Gates, Jackson, Phillips, Jammer, Osgood, McNeill & Cooper receive team honors

Source:Chargers.com
Philip Rivers, in the midst of a potential NFL MVP season, was voted the Chargers’ Most Valuable Player by teammates. Rivers, who has thrown for a career-high 4,155 yards and 27 touchdowns, wins his second-consecutive team MVP award a day after being chosen to his second-career Pro Bowl squad.

Offensive Player of the Year (Rodney Culver Memorial Award) honors will be split between tight end Antonio Gates and wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Both players are enjoying career seasons, with Gates gaining a career-high 1,145 yards and Jackson setting career highs in yards (1,167), catches (68) and touchdowns (nine). This is Gates’ third-career Rodney Culver Award (2004 & ’05) and Jackson’s first.

Defensive Player of the Year (David Griggs Memorial Award) honors will be split between linebacker Shaun Phillips and cornerback Quentin Jammer. Phillips leads the NFL with seven forced fumbles and paces the team with seven sacks, while Jammer has broken up a team-leading 10 passes and is tied for the team lead with three interceptions. This the first David Griggs Award for both players.

Special Teams Player of the Year honors go to wide receiver and special teams ace Kassim Osgood, a 2009 Pro Bowl choice, who ranks second on the team with 12 stops. Routinely harassed by double and triple-teams, Osgood is headed to his third-career Pro Bowl. This is his fourth special teams player of the year award (2005-07).

Lineman of the Year honors go to left tackle Marcus McNeill, who is charged with protecting the blind-side of Rivers. McNeill hasn’t missed a start all season and is a key member of the line which has allowed only 10 sacks during the team’s current 10-game winning streak. Overlooked for the Pro Bowl, McNeill captures his second-career lineman of the year award (2006).

Linebacker Stephen Cooper, the team’s leading tackler with 119 stops on the season, receives the Emil Karas Award as Most Inspirational Player. At one of the most physically demanding positions on the field, Cooper has played more snaps this season (928) than any other defender and ranks second on the team with seven passes broken up. He’s also forced and recovered two fumbles.

Five Chargers named to Pro Bowl

SAN DIEGO – The Chargers have placed five players — all repeats — on the AFC squad for next month’s Pro Bowl.

Picked for his sixth straight all-star game was tight end Antonio Gates, named Tuesday with quarterback Philip Rivers, placekicker Nate Kaeding, left guard Kris Dielman and special teams standout Kassim Osgood.

It’s the third straight year Dielman has been selected and the third time in the last four seasons for Osgood, who was not chosen last year. Kaeding also was picked in 2006.

Five of their teammates — return specialist Darren Sproles, wide receiver Vincent Jackson, punter Mike Scifres, left tackle Marcus McNeill and cornerback Antonio Cromartie — were picked as alternates for the Jan. 31 game in Miami. Sproles is first alternate behind Cleveland's Joshua Cribbs; the other four players are third alternates.

No doubt the rosters for the Pro Bowl will be even more fluid than usual for this season’s game, since it was moved up in the calendar to the Sunday before the Super Bowl instead of the weekend after. Thus, the Chargers are hoping that none of them will be in the Pro Bowl, since that would mean San Diego’s in the Super Bowl. Also, it’s likely that players taking part in the conference championship games will be withdrawing even if their teams are eliminated in the AFC or NFC title games.

It’s the third such selection for Rivers, who’s yet to actually play in the Pro Bowl. He was chosen in 2007 and ’08, but opted out due to injuries. Gates also didn’t play the last two years for the same reason.

Chargers Team Report – 11/24/09

Source: USA Today
The Chargers got their fifth consecutive victory and a spot atop the AFC West standings, but it came with a cost.

Right tackle Jeromey Clary suffered an ankle injury which will likely shelve him for the rest of the regular season.

The Chargers, though, are reluctant to put Clary on injured reserve, hoping if they make a late playoff run he might be able to go.

So look for Clary to stick, but likely not do much until late in the season.

That was the sense coach Norv Turner gave a day after the Chargers thumped the Broncos 32-3.

There was also troubling news off the field.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who had an interception in Sunday’s win, is under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of throwing of a champagne bottle in a San Diego bar altercation.

He was out early Monday morning after the team’s big win.

Cromartie wrote via Twitter: "I want 2 apologize to charger nation and my fans. There's sum stuff out abt me that's not true. It will come out. God Bless"

NOTES, QUOTES

—Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman couldn’t hide the significance of Sunday’s win.

“I’d love to say it’s just another game, but we were playing for first in the division. This game meant a lot to a lot of us,” Merriman said.

—Running back LaDainian Tomlinson was scratching his head when Denver’s Chris Simms trotted out with first team instead of Kyle Orton. Orton was battling an ankle injury.

“I was surprised Orton didn’t start the game,” he said. “I saw him in pregame, and he looked good throwing the ball.”

—The win was the Chargers’ fifth straight.

“We never panicked,” inside linebacker Stephen Cooper said of the team’s reaction after a slow start to the season. “Look up and down our roster, and you will see All-Pro caliber players.”

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

PLAYER NOTES

—DE Luis Castillo (calf) could sit out Wednesday’s practice.

—ILB Kevin Burnett continues to shine after missing three games recently with a knee injury. He had his best day as a Charger on Sunday with seven tackles and two sacks.

—LB James Holt is making his mark on special teams. He had two more tackles Sunday.

—WR Legedu Naanee continues to get more playing time. Naanee had a scoring catch for the second straight week.

—DB Paul Oliver is playing more thanks to his productivity. He had four tackles, one for a loss and a pass defensed.

—FB Mike Tolbert continues to prove he can do more than block and play special teams. The Chargers are eager to slip him some carries, and he has responded. He had 58 yards and a score Sunday — including a 32-yard run.

—OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) held up OK in the game.

REPORT CARD VS. BRONCOS

PASSING OFFENSE: B-plus — Philip Rivers was accurate again, missing on only one of his 14 first-half passes and hitting 17 of 22 overall. Rivers didn’t have to be great, just manage the game while leaning on the running game. San Diego’s pass-blocking was keen; the Broncos had five sacks in the earlier meeting and none in this one.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A — This unit had its best game of the season with 203 rushing yards. With a comfortable lead, the Chargers were able to sock the game away on the ground while giving this piece of the offense a chunk of confidence.

PASS DEFENSE: A — Chris Simms and Kyle Orton didn’t look comfortable, with the secondary playing well and a pass-rush that pestered them both. The Chargers allowed just 181 yards, and that was against an offense that was throwing often to get back into the game. Antonio Cromartie got a pick, and Eric Weddle was active with six tackles.

RUSH DEFENSE: B — There were a few leaks here on the Broncos’ decent-looking drives, but some adjustments were made, and Denver had to start heaving the ball. But the Broncos did gain for 115 rushing yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A — The Chargers were much better in this area after allowing two returns for scores in the previous matchup. The coverage units were fine. Nate Kaeding boomed five touchbacks thanks to the thin air, and he went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts.

COACHING: A — Having noted the Broncos’ pass rush in the teams’ first meeting, Norv Turner had the offense turn to short and medium routes to get the ball out fast. With the safeties on their heels, the short stuff worked, and the running game re-established itself. Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera went after the Broncos quarterbacks, and the pass rush was effective without Shawne Merriman having a big day.
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Chargers "OWN" Broncos

San Diego Tribune— The smiles on their faces, their yells of defiance and the bounce in their step as they left the field revealed the importance of this beatdown.

The Chargers led from their first drive yesterday and routed the Denver Broncos 32-3 to take over what they believe is their rightful spot atop the AFC West.

"You'd love to say this is just another game, but it wasn't," linebacker Shawne Merriman said. "We were playing for first place in the division."

The Chargers, winners of five straight since Denver beat them Oct. 19 in San Diego, were at least a mile high as they considered their current roll and the significance of pummeling the plummeting Broncos.

"We had to re-establish ourselves this game as the first-place team in the AFC West," tight end Antonio Gates said. "That's why it was huge.

"The mental part was to prove to them we're still the AFC West champs. I think that was bigger than anything."

The Broncos (6-4) began the game running seven times. On their eighth play, quarterback Chris Simms dropped to pass, Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips hit his hand from behind and knocked the ball to the ground, where safety Steve Gregory picked it up.

Starting at their 31-yard line, the Chargers (7-3) drove to a touchdown and a lead that was never in jeopardy even as they struggled to put the game away until the third quarter.

The Chargers are now 11-5 over the past four Novembers, with one more game to play before reaching the month in which they haven't lost since 2005.

"We fought back earlier this year, and we're playing our best ball," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Hopefully, we can keep going that way through December as we have in the past."

Already, they believe they've re-acquired division ownership.

Said running back LaDainian Tomlinson: "I think we established that we're the best team in the AFC West this year."

Jay Cutler is gone. So maybe Josh McDaniels is the Bronco that San Diego will love to hate now.

The Chargers' locker room was abuzz yesterday, as players were both offended and amused by the Denver Broncos head coach telling the Chargers linebackers before yesterday's game, "We own you."

That, at least, was the version offered by the linebackers, to a man.

McDaniels, who slowed down to talk on his way to his car more than an hour after the game, said the Chargers started the trash talking. He would not elaborate on what he may have said, but neither did he deny he talked back.

"They talked to me first," McDaniels said. "I'm not making a story about this. If I did, I'd be able to tell you some things that aren't (fit) for papers."

The linebackers did not deny one or more among them may have started the dishing, but they thought McDaniels' behavior was beneath a man in his position.

"You gotta like his fire," Stephen Cooper said. "As a head coach I don't think you want to start jawing with players if you're not putting the pads on."

With a laugh, considering the Chargers' 32-3 victory, Cooper added, "Looks like he owned us, but it got repossessed."

A smiling Shawne Merriman said of McDaniels popping off: "It was cute."

Other Chargers said McDaniels directed his barb at Shaun Phillips. A source said it was Phillips who actually began the give and take.

"I'm not surprised," Phillips said of McDaniels talking. "He's a little cocky. ... It's all good, all fun and games. We didn't look too much into it. As a coach, I hope he has that mindset. But to say he owns us? I mean, you beat us one time. What has he really done in this league? He had a team 6-0, and now he's looking up at us from second place."
Clary gone?

The Chargers may have lost right tackle Jeromey Clary for the season after he was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with an injury to his left ankle.

Head coach Norv Turner said he believes the "injury is going to be more serious than I'd like it to be."

Brandyn Dombrowski replaced Clary and will be the likely fill-in, going forward, though the Chargers did sign signed tackle Corey Clark from the practice squad last week.

Dombrowski started two games in September at right guard and has been working at left tackle.

Clary left last week's game and did not practice last week with a sprained right ankle.
Blackout looms

Approximately 7,000 tickets remain for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and it appears the Chargers' club record-tying streak of 44 games without a local television blackout is in danger of ending.

Said Jim Steeg, the Chargers' chief operating officer: "It will be very difficult to sell 7,000 tickets in three days with a holiday weekend starting on Wednesday."

The game must be declared a sellout by 1:05 p.m. Thursday to avert the blackout, although an extension is possible due to because of the Thanksgiving. holiday.
Playing it smart

LaDainian Tomlinson carried 20 times for 73 yards and a touchdown but was off the field in stretches, in part by design and in part due to because of the hip injury that continues to bother him.

"It's still bruised," said Tomlinson, who injured the hip Nov. 8 against New York. "Whenever I get hit or land it, I monitor it. But I don't think about it. ... I also want to stay fresh throughout the game like I used to do with Michael Turner, and (Darren Sproles) is doing a heck of a job. That's why I come out, so I can be fresh in the fourth quarter if we need to put the game away."
Big air

Nate Kaeding is not one of the league's big legs on kickoffs. In fact, there are 16 kickers in the NFL with more touchbacks than Kaeding since he came into the league in 2004.

But maybe if Kaeding kicked in the altitude in Denver every week ...

Kaeding had five touchbacks yesterday, bringing his career total in six games in Denver to 19, exactly half his career total.

To make it even easier on Kaeding, 15-yard penalties against the Broncos had him twice kicking off from the 45.

"I've made a living off getting touchbacks here," Kaeding said. "To give it to me on the 45 it was a gift for sure."
Nuts 'n' Bolts

* Defensive end Luis Castillo left the game in the second quarter with a calf injury and did not return.
* Cornerback Quentin Jammer left the game for a play after colliding with Phillips while defending a pass. Last week he was felled for a series by friendly fire, when he and Eric Weddle collided. Said Jammer: "The only time I get hurt, it's always one of my teammates hitting me."
* For the first time in 50 years of playing the Broncos, the Chargers have won in Denver for the third time in four years ... only an Ed Hochuli call from having won four straight.
* After 36 punts, Mike Scifres finally had one make it into reach the end zone for a touchback. That leaves Detroit's Nick Harris as the only punter in the league to have punted more than 30 times without a touchback.
* In starting 6-0, the Broncos outscored opponents 76-10 in the second half, including 17-3 at San Diego. But during their four-game losing streak they've been outscored 77-17 after halftime, including 17-3 yesterday.
* The Chargers scored a touchdown on their first possession for just the second time in 10 games and third time in the past 31 games.

Chargers Thundering Into Denver

SAN DIEGO — What a difference a month makes.

When the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos were last on the field together a month agoat Qualcomm Stadium, it appeared the AFC West race was all but settled.

The Broncos defeated the Chargers 34-23 on Monday Night Football to take a 3½-game lead in the division race. Denver left that game undefeated at 6-0, and the Chargers had fallen to 2-3.

But never say never with San Diego, which now owns the same 6-3 mark as Denver atop the AFC West.

"It's like déjà vu, isn't it?" Chargers tight end Antonio Gates says, referring to the showdown in Denver on Sunday. "It's like every time we play Denver, it means more than one game. We'll be fired up."

The reversal of fortunes for these teams smacks of the turn of events late last season, when the Broncos collapsed down the stretch and became the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to blow a three-game division lead with three games to play, allowing San Diego to claim the division crown.

That meltdown seemed so unlikely to be repeated. Denver, with a rebuilt defense and new coach Josh McDaniels, started 6-0.

Yet here we are again. A Broncos collapse has coincided with a Chargers rally. "It's resiliency," Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie says.

The Chargers seemingly thrive on beating such long odds. They entered December last season left for dead at 4-8. In 2007, during Norv Turner's first season as coach, they started 1-3 before winning the division and advancing to the AFC title game.

Now this.

"We've been in this situation before, so it's not anything new to us," linebacker Shawne Merriman says. "You hate to start off the season the way we start off sometimes, but when your back's against the wall, we've shown we can go out and perform."

Turner praises the character and talent he's working with, but maintains that the early season struggles in each of his campaigns were unique in each case.

Two years ago, he actually projected a slow start as the team was adjusting to a new staff and system. Last season, they started 0-2, losing on the final play against the Carolina Panthers in the opener and the following week falling victim to referee Ed Hochuli's erroneous ruling that an apparent fumble by Denver quarterback Jay Cutler in the final minute was an incompletion.

This time, Turner points to injuries as the key factor. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, nose tackle Jamal Williams and center Nick Hardwick were among five players injured in the season-opening victory at the Oakland Raiders. Williams, anchor of the 3-4 front, was lost for the season with a torn triceps. Hardwick hasn't returned from an ankle injury.

Tomlinson missed two games with a sprained ankle, and Turner saw his performance in Sunday's 31-23 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles (24 rushes for 96 yards and two TDs) as a sign that he's healthy again.

"We were beat up and banged up," Turner says. "We played that first month with guys on the offensive and defensive lines who were just feeling their way and learning how to play in this league."

Merriman's gradual return to form, after missing virtually all of last season with torn knee ligaments, also has been a boost for the defense.

Says Turner: "Merriman is a lot healthier than he was in September. He and (linebacker) Shaun Phillips, the month they've had, they've been on a tear."

San Diego's defense was on the field for 71 snaps and allowed 462 yards against the Eagles, but three times forced them to settle for short field goals when backed up in the red zone. A week earlier, the unit kept the New York Giants from scoring a game-clinching touchdown late in the fourth quarter, forcing a field goal. That allowed quarterback Philip Rivers to lead a game-winning 80-yard drive in the final minutes that was capped with an 18-yard scoring pass to Vincent Jackson.

"Right now, we're on the cusp of being a good defense," inside linebacker Kevin Burnett says. "We can talk about being great later. If we can be consistent and then put together a string of victories — six, seven, eight in a row — then you can say we're a good defense."

The Chargers know all about winning streaks.

They won five in a row last season before an AFC divisional playoff loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two seasons ago, they took an eight-game streak into the AFC title game. In 2006, they closed the regular season with a 10-game winning streak before a playoff-opening loss that cost Marty Schottenheimer his job as Turner's predecessor.

"We know how to rally," cornerback Quentin Jammer says. "When we put our minds to it, we know how to get it done as a team."

They'll soon get another chance to prove that to the Broncos.

Chargers Win! Denver Doesn't!

SIGN ON SAN DIEGO.COM – Little more than 3½ weeks ago, they were 3½ games out of first place. They had all sorts of defensive shortcomings, no running game to speak of and no reason to think LaDainian Tomlinson would be able to bring it back to life.

Catch the Denver Broncos? Again?

Puh-lease.

Four games and four wins later, almost unfathomably, the Chargers already have climbed back alongside Denver atop the AFC West Division. Withstanding a full-scale passing assault by Donovan McNabb, the Chargers on Sunday pulled out a 31-23 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, drawing even with the Broncos at 6-3. As these things happen, of course, the Chargers play at Denver next Sunday.

The game was witnessed by 68,879, the third-largest crowd to ever see the Chargers play at home, and a considerable number of those in attendance came across country to see McNabb shred the Chargers’ defense. And he did. To a point.

Thwarted time and again by San Diego when getting in close through the first three quarters – by which time the Chargers led 28-9 on the strength of two Tomlinson touchdowns – McNabb passed the Eagles to two scores to make things interesting. He finished with 450 yards passing.

Philip Rivers showed some mastery of his own, though, killing enough time off the clock en route to a Nate Kaeding field goal with 30 seconds to play. The game ended with Antonio Cromartie intercepting McNabb's desperation pass in the end zone.

Even before kickoff, the Chargers knew they had first place within their grasp, no small thing to a team that began the season 2-3 and already 3½ games behind the then-unbeaten Denver Broncos. In an earlier game Sunday, the Broncos were upset at Washington, dropping the Broncos to 6-3 with their third straight loss.

The Eagles gave the Chargers a nice little gift in the game’s early going, too, Sav Rocca squibbing his first punt for just 30 yards to set up San Diego at the Eagles’ 40. The Chargers covered half the distance, including a 10-yard gain by receiver Legedu Naanee on a direct snap from “wildcat” formation, before Rivers hit fullback Mike Tolbert with a quick pass over the middle and the 20-yard touchdown.

As they did last week in a road defeat of the New York Giants, the Chargers were particularly effective in first-down defense, forcing the Eagles to the air. Not all of the passing was done by McNabb, either. Michael Vick made his first appearance of the game late in the first quarter, throwing a second-and-eight pass well downfield to DeSean Jackson, who dropped the ball and turned an ankle in the process.

San Diego maintained the 7-0 lead into the second quarter and immediately went to work building on it, running all sorts of different stuff at Philadelphia’s flyaround defense. Tomlinson took the wildcat for five yards, and with a six–yard gain two plays later, he passed Thurman Thomas (12,074 yards) into 13th place on the all-time rushing list.

Before the drive was over, Tomlinson had tied local product Marcus Allen in third place on the all-time touchdown list with his 145th, a five-yard bolt up the middle.

A 14-0 lead’s nothing against a multiskilled offense like Philadelphia’s, though, and McNabb quickly passed the Eagles downfield. A pass interference call on Quentin Jammer in the end zone gave the Eagles a first-and-goal at the one-yard line. They would get no closer.

Inside linebackers Kevin Burnett and Brandon Siler combined to stuff a first-down dive. McNabb resorted to a bootleg play, but tight end Brent Celek was too well covered in the back corner of the end zone and McNabb effectively threw it away.

On third down, running back Edra Buckley was stopped cold by defensive linemen Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone, whereupon inside linebacker Stephen Cooper took a few steps toward the Philadelphia bench and challenged the Eagles to try it again on fourth. Not biting, head coach Andy Reid sent on the field-goal unit, and it was 14-3.

Likewise, McNabb guided the Eagles on another promising drive on its next possession, only to come away with another David Akers field goal of 25 yards eight seconds before intermission.

While momentum seemed to be flipping over to the Eagles, they continued to hurt themselves with penalties in the third quarter. A 34-yard reception by Jeremy Maclin was negated by his own pass-interference infraction, and a 10-yard gain by Tomlinson was extended by an unnecessary–roughness call.

Not that Tomlinson needed the help. He was running like the L.T. of old – 24 carries for 96 yards – and continuing to pass some old legends in the process.

Breaking through the right side and capitalizing on the blocks of guard Kris Dielman and Brandon Manumaleuna, Tomlinson went 20 yards for the TD that pushed him ahead of Marcus Allen on the TD list, leaving him behind only Jerry Rice (208) and Tomlinson idol Emmitt Smith (175). At the same time, he surpassed Franco Harris (12,130) in rushing yards.

Qualcomm Stadium was seemingly half-full of fans wearing Eagles colors. To be sure, they were booing like true Philadelphians, especially when Reid chose yet again to take an Akers field goal instead of a chance on fourth-and-one at the San Diego seven-yard line.

Three-pointers indeed weren’t going to cut it after the Chargers made it 28-9 with their next drive, triggered by Darren Sproles’ kickoff return to the 41-yard line. Rivers connected on four straight passes, the last one a 20-yarder to Naanee, wide open and waiting just inside the backline of the end zone.

The rest of the game, virtually the entire fourth quarter, was basically spent watching the clock and McNabb completing pass after pass. Two of them were caught in the end zone.

McNabb found Maclin uncovered for a five-yard score. When he hit Celek for an 11-yard TD with 7:12 remaining, pulling the Eagles to within a touchdown of winning, McNabb had completed 33 of 50 attempts for 418 yards.

Game Preview: Eagles vs. Chargers

Source: Yahoo Sports

Do they have it again? Do the San Diego Chargers have that strut that oozes from successful teams and players confident in their abilities and ability to win?

LaDainian Tomlinson thinks so.

“We’ve finally come together,” Tomlinson said. “It usually takes a while to build that ‘it’ factor. When we get our swagger going, we’re pretty tough to stop.”

The Chargers don’t look to stop their three-game winning streak Sunday, despite the always-tough Philadelphia Eagles coming to San Diego.

Like they have in all three years of coach Norv Turner’s tenure, the Chargers start slow from the gate they build momentum.

This season is no different as a team which was 2-3 and three games behind the AFC West-leading Broncos is now 5-3 and a game behind Denver.

The Chargers, it seems, never do it the easy way. And Sunday’s opponent is certainly no soft touch, especially with the Eagles being in a sour mood after losing to the Dallas Cowboys last week.

But the Chargers are lassoing another winning run, which is becoming a San Diego tradition.

It seems the Chargers don’t get serious until the scoreboard or standings don’t give them any other choice.

“Maybe we’re just are a mature team that knows how to overcome adversity,” outside linebacker Shaun Phillips said. “There is going to be adversity throughout the season.”

The Chargers got an early dose when they lost both anchors of their lines in the opening game. Also, Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman was slow rounding into shape after knee surgery and the running game didn’t—and still hasn’t—appeared.

But the Chargers just shrug and head into another battle against an NFC East rival, one game after beating another one, the Giants, 21-20, in the Meadowlands.

“Every team has highs and lows and maybe our lows come at the beginning of the year,” Phillips said.

Other people’s lows come at the end of the year. Look at the Giants—they started 5-0 and they have lost four in a row.

“It’s hard to be perfect for a whole season, so where there is adversity it’s how your respond to the adversity,” Phillips said. “We have done a good job the past few years of responding to adversity.”

The Chargers aren’t out of the woods, not by a long shot.

The Eagles will be a tough foe, then it’s a showdown at Denver. There’s a possible lull with the Chiefs and Browns next on the schedule, but the Chargers jump right back into the fire against the Cowboys and Bengals.

But the Chargers, once again, have climbed off the mat. Just when everyone was writing them off and calling for Turner’s scalp, they’ve reeled off three straight wins. If you want to discount this winning streak because two of the triumphs came against the Chiefs and Raiders, go ahead.

Still, it would be foolish counting the Chargers out—although they have a tall task in beating the Eagles Sunday.

But they returned from New York with more than a foam figurine of the Statue of Liberty. That thrilling win last Sunday could pay off this Sunday and through the season’s second half.

“When you’re able to win in that atmosphere and have that type of excitement in your locker room after a comeback win, it can go a long way,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.

How far? The Chargers are convinced that road will lead to their fourth straight playoff appearance.

“We’ve always had a close team,” Rivers said. “But an experience like Sunday really can bring a team together.”

The Chargers get to prove just that on Sunday against the Eagles.

Series History: 10th regular-season meeting. Chargers lead series 5-4, though Philadelphia has won the last two meetings, most recently taking a 20-17 victory at Lincoln Financial Field in 2005 as the Chargers lost on a blocked field goal. The Eagles have a distinction they can’t be too proud of: They were the victim when QB Ryan Leaf got one of his four career wins as a Charger when he beat Philadelphia in 1998—the last time the Eagles played in San Diego.

NOTES, QUOTES

—If coach Norv Turner needed an instructional video on how to run a “7” route with the game on the line, he would just point to Vincent Jackson’s course on Sunday.

“The last route is how you would team a guy to run that route against that coverage,” Turner said. “It is as good as you can run a route. He gave him a great move off the ball to get a release. He ran up the field as fast as you can, full speed, and when he came out of the break the ball was in the air and Philip made a perfect throw.”

It was a throw that won the game for the Chargers.

• CB Quentin Jammer said it was outsiders, not the Chargers, doubting the team could turn it around after a slow start.

“We have always had character,” he said. “But it was the media that put it out there and said that we were done. We have always known that we have a lot of character. We have seen it previous years where we come back, so I can’t say enough about the character of this football team.”

• Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera spent five seasons as the Eagles linebackers coach from 1998-2003.

• Michael Vick is more than a show piece for the Eagles. “It does present problems in terms of us in our preparation – we have to prepare for it,” Turner said. “And they try to create problems for your defense by spreading you out. It helps get their play-makers in space. The people that say he doesn’t look as fast aren’t the guys getting ready to play him that week.”

• Eagles secondary coach Brian Stewart was part of the Chargers’ staff when it went 14-2 in 2006, his final year with the club after a three-year run.

• Eagles coach Andy Reid has a 3-2 record against Turner-coached teams.

• QB Donovan McNabb always seems to get away from the rush. How does he do it? “He’s a quick guy and instinctive,” Shaun Phillips said. “That makes us more cautious about our rush lanes. That’s how we stop Donovan – us being diligent in what we do.”

• How big is it that OLB Shawne Merriman is finally fit? “He has made a complete difference to our entire defense,” Turner said. “It makes it easier on everybody.”

• The Chargers’ coverage teams will be challenged in tracking Philly’s DeSean Jackson. He averages 15.2 yards per punt return, the third-best mark in the league.

By The Numbers: 5—Number of consecutive games WR Vincent Jackson has a touchdown reception if he can get one against the Eagles.

Quote To Note: “Winning can be contagious, just like losing can be. We’ve been able to put three in a row together against teams with different styles, playing at different levels. Our focus has been there and we really have improved.”—QB Philip Rivers, on the team’s three-game winning streak.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers will get a boost at inside linebacker this week with Kevin Burnett returning after being out three weeks with a knee injury.

But in Burnett’s—and Tim Dobbins’—absence, third-string ILB Brandon Siler has done a good job. Look for defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to rotate Burnett and Siler to try and keep both of them fresh.

Dobbins, Burnett’s backup, is likely down one more week from a knee injury.

Player Notes

• WR Legedu Naanee is a versatile player who bears watching. He had three receptions for 20 yards and could be used more if the Chargers go to the Wildcat offense.

• S Kevin Ellison’s move into the starting lineup is paying off. Ellison, a sixth-round pick, had 10 tackles, a quarterback hit and two passes defensed in his best game of the season.

• RB Jacob Hester gets an occasional carry and is used as a blocker, a role he splits with Mike Tolbert. But where he is really making his mark is on special teams and he had a game-saving tackle late Sunday after Philip Rivers threw an interception.

• CB Antoine Cason got a dose of confidence Sunday when subbing late in the game for Quentin Jammer. Cason had an assist on a tackle and helped break up a pass in his brief appearance.

• WR Buster Davis continues to be a healthy game-day inactive. The team isn’t getting much bang from a former first-round pick.

Game Plan: That adage of needing to run the ball to establish a passing game needs to take the week off—at least as far as the Chargers are concerned. Don’t look for them to get stubborn this week and try to get the running game going—they are ranked dead last with 69.6 yards per game. The Eagles allow less than 100 yards per game on the ground, so why would the Chargers try to force the issue this game? They won’t, meaning it’s going to be up the Eagles to match points with the Chargers in what figures to be a shootout. At some point, the Chargers do need to get their running game untracked—to a degree, anyway. But this isn’t the week.

Matchups To Watch: Chargers secondary, which has improved of late, vs. the big-play capability of the Eagles behind QB Donovan McNabb. The backend of the defense has played better, some of that because of the improved pass rush and because the backend was shaken up. But there is a rookie at safety in Kevin Ellison and the Chargers have to be careful he keeps an eye on things so the Eagles don’t go up top. They must keep an eye on DeSean Jackson, who has scored six touchdowns of at least 50 yards this season, including one rushing score and one punt return. He has also has non-scoring receptions of 51 and 43 yards. Through eight games, Jackson has 26 receptions for 530 yards. His 20.4 yards per reception ranks second in the NFL. So CBs Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie must be on their game, but they will also need to some help from the safeties. Among the reasons the Cowboys beat the Eagles last week was because Jackson was restricted to two catches for 29 yards.

Chargers pass rush, which is led by LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, vs. Eagles front line and mobile QB Donavan McNabb. The Chargers have won three straight, in part, because the defenders are meeting at the quarterback. In each of the three latest wins, the Chargers have five sacks in each game. If Merriman, who has four in two games, and Phillips, who has five in three games, can pester McNabb, it could take care of the some of the deeper routes downfield developing and contain the number of big plays the Eagles can produce. The Eagles have allowed 21 sacks. And with RB Brian Westbrook possibly not playing the Eagles might not have a running game – either through rushing or short passes – to lean on. The key here is McNabb being able to buy time and move around – that wasn’t the case so much against Eli Manning and the Giants.

Chargers pass protection, which was keen on Sunday’s big drive, vs. Eagles pass rush that comes from every direction and from nearly every player. The Chargers have allowed 18 sacks, which is about middle of the road. But when the Chargers absolutely had to pass protect – and the Giants knew they were passing – the blocking was sensational in last week’s late drive. Jeromey Clary has been getting some help at right tackle, with a tight end often at his hip in key moments. But the Chargers’ blockers will need to have their head on a swivel as the Eagles have 14 different players with at least a sack. The biggest sacker is Trent Cole and his 7.5 sacks. LT Marcus McNeill will have his hands full with Cole. Rivers will also be hard-pressed to get much past Philly CBs Asante Samuel (five interceptions) and Sheldon Brown (four).

Injury Impact: TE Antonio Gates (foot) skipped practice Wednesday but said he is fine for Sunday.

• RB LaDainian Tomlinson (hip) didn’t work but said it wasn’t serious; he likely will practice Thursday.

• ILB Kevin Burnett (ankle) went through Wednesday’s practice and is a go for Sunday.

• ILB Tim Dobbins (ankle) was limited and appears to be out at least one more week.

• C Nick Hardwick (ankle) was limited and will likely sit out one more game before returning.

• DL Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice but will play on Sunday.

• DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• DL Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• OLB Shaun Phillips (ankle) didn’t practice but will play Sunday.

• OLB Jyles Tucker (ankle) didn’t practice and is still in a walking boot. He appears out for Sunday.

Possible Stadium In Downtown San Diego

And the new front-runner for a new home for the San Diego Chargers is ... San Diego? The city, which had mostly left new stadium talks to various suburban towns the last few years, this week jumped back in with both feet, proposing a $1 billion NFL stadium near the Padres' Petco Park that would be paid for, well, they'll get back to us on that. Redevelopment of the Chargers' current stadium site could pay for part of it — insert the usual caveats about the value of development rights in 2009 California here — and while the San Diego Union Tribune reports that the potential site is within the city's downtown redevelopment area, which could allow for tax increment financing, where property tax dollars are kicked back to pay for construction costs.

The Union Trib wasted no time in declaring itself thrilled by the prospect of a new stadium, which would apparently be "gleaming." It also left no doubt about the reason behind San Diego's sudden revival of interest in wooing the Chargers:

[R]epresentatives of [Ed] Roski's real estate company have made it clear that if a stadium is built [in Industry], the Chargers will be among the NFL franchises they will woo.

The Chargers are an asset to this region on many levels, and not just for football fans. It would be a painful loss if the team ultimately accepted the promise of greater revenue from a 21st-century stadium in L.A. or elsewhere.

Right on cue. If this keeps up, Roski should demand a cut of all the new stadium subsidies he generates for the NFL in other cities.

Bolts' improving coaching staff

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

The Chargers are down to two vacancies on their coaching staff after the team reached agreements with two more assistant coaches Wednesday.

Former All-Pro cornerback Cris Dishman, who spent the 2008 offseason with the Chargers through the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship, will assist newly-hired secondary coach Steve Wilks.

Greg Williams, who was most recently a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh, agreed to terms to become the Chargers’ assistant linebackers coach.

Dishman played 13 seasons in the NFL and was named to two Pro Bowls. He began his career with the Houston Oilers, played for Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner with the Washington Redskins and played one season each with the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.

Since 2006, Dishman has been on the staff at Menlo College in the Bay Area where he’s served as defensive backs coach and most recently as defensive coordinator.

Williams comes to the Bolts after one season at the University of Pittsburgh, where he’s worked under former Turner colleague Dave Wanndstedt. Williams was a four-year letterman at the University of North Carolina and attended training camp with the Chicago Bears in 1998. Chargers Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera was a Bears assistant at the time.

Williams has also spent time at Arkansas Tech University, DuPage College and Arizona State. He played professionally in NFL Europe, the XFL and the Arena Football League.

With four hires in the last two days, Turner still has two open positions on his coaching staff. He’s in the process of hiring a tight ends coach and an assistant offensive line coach.

Lets keep the Rivers flowin'!!

Posted: January 21, 2009

Sporting News staff reports

The Chargers want quarterback Philip Rivers to stay in San Diego.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith told the San Diego Union-Tribune Tuesday that the team will begin negotiations with Rivers on a long-term contract very soon.

"You offer a contract and hope for the best," Smith said. "We'll have a contract (offer) and hope it's successful. If not, we have the franchise (tag)."

Rivers, 27, will play the final year of his current contract next season. In 2008, he threw for 4,009 yards and a team-record 34 touchdowns.

San Diego has several key players whose contracts expire in the next two years, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

The newspaper reports another reason San Diego feels the pressure to get Rivers signed to a deal and avoid having to use the franchise tag is the Chargers might want to use the franchise tag on Shawne Merriman in 2010.

Chargers head to Pittsburgh

We already know this is going to be a fight between two of the most physical teams in the NFL.

They battled Nov. 16 and the defenses were so stingy that Tomlinson scored the only touchdown and the Chargers still lost. The score ended up a paltry 11-10, the first time that score had ever been recorded in the NFL.

According to weather.com, the temperature in Pittsburgh will vary from a low of 20 degrees to a high of 23, with a 30 percent chance of snow. The last game was a chilly, snowy night, and this one looks to be no different.

This part of the season, teams need to have a steady running game to stay competitive, but after RB Darren Sproles took a beating against the Colts over the weekend, it looks like the Bolts' running game will be in the hands of ex-Viking, Chief, and Buccaneer Michael Bennett. There is a possibility Sproles will be able to play extensively, but nowhere near his thirty-plus touches of the last game.

LT isn't even in the equation for the Chargers, because if they plan on getting past the Steelers, they'll need to rest him up in order to heal whatever is wrong—his groin, whether it's a tear or pull.

The Steelers have a bevy of healthy, well-rested runningbacks ready to play, but have a busted quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger. He is expected to play despite suffering a concussion in the final game of the season against the Browns. The two offenses are completely opposite, though both teams have strong defenses that never give up.

Rivers. Pro Bowl snub.

Threw for a franchise record 34 touchdowns, leading the NFL in touchdown's and quarterback rating, 105.5. In the Chargers last game in Pittsburgh, Rivers threw for two interceptions, but that was before the team got hot and won five in a row.

Rivers most likely won't have a running game to keep the offense honest, so he'll have to sling it more than usual. But there is the possibility Sproles will be available for screens—though highly ineffective against the quick Steeler defense.

In order for Rivers to be efficient, the offensive line has to deal with the likes of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, a two-time Pro Bowler. These two linebackers combined for 27.5 sacks this season, and don't miss tackles often.

With the Steelers defense applying pressure, their maverick can fly all over the field making plays, whether it's the run or the pass: Troy Polamalu, No. 43, the one with the hair.

Polamalu ended the regular season with seven interceptions, a career best and has been voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. He is often the eighth man in the box, pulling back into coverage during pass plays and generally disrupting any offense that takes the field.

He is the key cog in the defense when it comes to stopping Philip Rivers on Sunday, as he can be deceiving when positioning himself before a play starts. The Steelers' defensive scheme uses Polamalu a lot in blitzes and stunts, made simply to confound quarterbacks and give the linebackers time to get to said QB.

If Rivers can connect with one of his tallest receivers (either Vincent Jackson or Legedu Naanee) consistenly underneath Polamalu's coverage, he may have a chance to hit a wide open Chris Chambers on the sideline or TE Antonio Gates down the seam.

Chargers uphold title of AFC West Division Champions!

Sunday, Dec 28, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Four weeks after most left them for dead, the resilient Chargers won their fourth-straight game and 14^th-consecutive game in the month of December to complete an improbable comeback to claim their third-consecutive AFC West title Sunday night.

The Bolts’ emphatic 52-21 victory over the Broncos in front of a record crowd of 69,131 at Qualcomm Stadium allowed Norv Turner’s squad to become the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting a season 4-8.

“This is obviously history, the way we trailed the division and how we’ve now won it,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “We know the expectations we set out with and how high they were at the start of the year. All we’ve done is reopen some of those goal and some of those expectations now that we’ve got ourselves into January.”

The Chargers scored on their first four possessions of the first half and totaled a season-high 491 yards of total offense, forced two turnovers on defense and made a little history as they were able to vindicate a Week 2 loss in Denver and end the Broncos’ season.

Rivers tossed two touchdown passes to finish the season with 34, eclipsing Dan Fouts’ franchise record of 33, which he set in 1981. The Chargers also rushed for 289 yards as a team to set a new franchise record, and LaDainian Tomlinson’s three rushing touchdowns to push his career total to 126. LT entered the night tied with Marcus Allen for second-most in NFL history, and Tomlinson now sits alone in second place.

“Those things are nice individual things that come along with playing the way we played today,” Turner said. “It’s exciting to win the division. It’s exciting to know we’re going to play again.”

The Chargers came out with their foot on the gas pedal and never let up. They took a 3-0 lead on their opening drive of the night when Nate Kaeding capped a 60-yard drive with a 28-yard field goal.

Denver answered with a 26-yard touchdown run by Tatum Bell on their first possession of the night, but Matt Prater’s failed extra point attempt prevented the Broncos from tying the game.

The Bolts responded with a 73-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Vincent Jackson’s 37-yard catch and punctuated by LaDainian Tomlinson’s one-yard touchdown run, his first of three on the night which made it a 10-6 game.

“The way the offense came out and got us that lead was huge,” safety Clinton Hart said. “We were able to dictate the pace of the game. It’s a whole lot easier to play with a lead, especially against an offense like that. We put together a complete game.”

Following a Broncos punt that ended their second possession, the Chargers widened the gap even further. A 34-yard catch by Antonio Gates set up an 11-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to give the Chargers a 17-6 lead.

The Chargers made it four for their first four as another Denver punt led to another Bolts touchdown drive. Tomlinson’s four-yard touchdown run made it a 24-6 Bolts’ advantage.

Late in the second quarter, the Broncos drove deep into Bolts territory and threatened to trim the lead just before halftime. But Paul Oliver picked a perfect time for his first career interception as his pick of Jay Cutler in the end zone brought the drive to a halt and allowed the Chargers to maintain their commanding lead.

“It seemed like every time they’d start to get going offensively, our defense would make a big play,” Jackson said. “Our offense and defense really fed off of each other tonight.”

The Broncos made it a little interesting early in the third quarter as they drove 73 yards on their first possession of the second half. Bell’s 37-yard touchdown run made it a 24-13 game just two minutes into the third frame.

As they did throughout the night, the Chargers had an answer. On the ensuing drive, Tomlinson’s 45-yard run, his longest carry of the season, put the Bolts on the door step once again. Rivers’ 13-yard pass to Darren Sproles allowed the star signal caller to set a new franchise record with 34 touchdown throws on the season and gave the Chargers a commanding 31-13 lead.

Just two plays later, the Bolts piled it on some more. On Denver’s first play of their drive that followed Sproles’ touchdown catch, Shaun Phillips tipped a Cutler pass that landed in the hands of Luis Castillo. Following the interception, Tomlinson found the end zone from 14 yards out to push the lead to 38-13.

“We practice the tip drill every day in practice,” Castillo said. “I looked up and saw the ball and was able to grab it.”

Early in the fourth quarter, Cutler threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler to pull Denver within 17, but the Broncos never got any closer. A 37-yard run by Sproles set up a two-yard touchdown run by the do-it-all back.

After a stop by the Bolts’ defense, the Chargers got a chance to drive one final nail in the coffin, and Jacob Hester served as the hammer. The rookie back picked up 37 yards in the waning minutes and scored his first-career rushing touchdown to round out the scoring at 52-21.

Tomlinson finished the night with 96 yards on 14 carries to finish the season with 1,110 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sproles led the club with 115 yards on the ground as the Chargers controlled the pace of the game and had the ball more than 12 minutes more than the Broncos. LT made sure to thank his offensive line for their big night.

“The guys up front, they totally dominated,” Tomlinson said. “They did what any good offensive line does; they took control of the game.”

Sunday’s win allows the Bolts to host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC Wildcard playoff game next Saturday night. The Chargers enter the playoffs on a four-game winning streak and believe they’re playing their best football at the right time of the year.

“We’re on a good roll,” guard Kris Dielman said. “We’re ending the season on a good note. Now it’s time to go into the postseason and make a good run.”

The Charger Update

• With camp entering its second week, there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel—an exhibition game against the Cowboys. “The end of the week, you get that anticipation for a game,” coach Norv Turner said. “We’ve got to zero in. We don’t particularly game plan for Dallas but we have to prepare for them so we know how to block them and the plays they like and how to defend them.”
• Inside linebacker Derek Smith gets to enjoy one of his hobbies by playing for the Chargers—surfing. “I’m not that good, but it’s fun just to get out there,” he said.
• Quarterback Philip Rivers took off his first practice on Friday, as the team takes it easy with his surgically repaired knee. “That was the plan all along,” Turner said.
• Norv Turner said the team doesn’t have an interest in safety John Lynch, the Torrey Pines (Del Mar) High product who was granted his release from the Broncos. “We like our group of guys and we are going to (go) with what we’ve got,” he said.
• Cornerback Quentin Jammer is doing his best to survive camp’s dog days. He had fun placing fake nameplates over his teammates’ lockers: LaDainian Tomlinson’s is Jim Frown; Antonio Gates’ is Phony Gonzalez and Antonio Cromartie’s is Chump Bailey. Jammer made one for himself: Pacman Jones.
• The Chargers are fortunate they open the season against the Panthers. Their defense won’t have to contend with Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith after the Panthers suspended him for the first two games for a training-camp fight.
• Inside linebacker Anthony Waters could return Monday after his recent knee surgery. The team was hoping Waters could compete for some significant playing time.
• Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has shaved his head and is donning a beard. He also has been practicing with a headband, paying tribute to his idol, Walter Payton.
Quote To Note: “I know he is making progress and he is on schedule. Every day he’s doing a little bit more, getting better. Our plan is to have him ready for the opening game and right now he is on schedule. Unless there is a setback, that would be my expectations.”—Coach Norv Turner, on Antonio Gates returning from his toe injury.
Strategy And Personnel
• DT Jamal Williams, entering his 11th season, has returned to team drills after sitting out the first week of camp to rest his knees.
• QB Philip Rivers, and the coaches, seem to think he has more arm strength this camp.
• ILB Stephen Cooper is getting most of the first-team snaps, although he will miss the first four games. As the team gets closer to the season opener and game-planning specifically for the Panthers, Derek Smith will see more action.
• K Nate Kaeding was on his game when the Chargers practiced at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday. He converted all six of his field-goal attempts, including a long of 55 yards.
• WR Vincent Jackson looks like he is building on last year’s fast finish, catching nearly every ball thrown his way.
Battle Of The Week: Cory Withrow vs. Jeremy Newberry for the expected starting C job—Starter Nick Hardwick remains out after offseason foot surgery and could miss the season’s first month. The team is looking at Withrow and Newberry to carry the load the first month. Withrow took over for Hardwick for four games last year, and was OK. Newberry was brought in as a free agent and seems to have the upper hand in this competition. Unless Newberry falters, he should win the job.
Other Battle Fronts: Darren Sproles vs. Antonio Cromartie vs. Mark Jones as the PR—Sproles is holding off Cromartie and Jones in his bid to keep his return job. Cromartie would probably be looked at more intently, but the team is hesitant to overwork their Pro Bowl cornerback. Jones is decent, but seems to be more of a fallback plan for the Chargers. … Malcom Floyd vs. Craig Davis for No. 3 WR spot—Floyd’s time with the Chargers has reached a critical point, where he needs to stay healthy and productive. The Chargers are hoping Davis, a first-round pick last year, can show more consistency. To date Floyd has the edge, but he had to miss time late last week with a minor leg injury. It’s imperative Floyd prove that he can stay on the field.
Player Of The Week: RB Darren Sproles—After being on the roster bubble last camp, the slightly built Sproles continues to impress with the quickness that he is hitting the hole, then shifting into another gear in space. His best play of the week was in Saturday’s practice at Qualcomm Stadium when the 5-foot-6 Sproles raced some 90 yards on a punt return for a touchdown. “Darren proved to me in the last seven or eight games (last season) that he can be a guy that can have an impact on the game and can have an impact on every game,” Turner said. “That’s our job as coaches to do that. You give him the opportunity and it’s not going to happen every week but he certainly is a guy that can change games.”
Injury Report:
• TE Antonio Gates (toe) is running with the trainer in drills, but still appears to be weeks away from practicing.
• C Nick Hardwick (foot) could miss the season’s first month.
• RB Andrew Pinnock (knee) has yet to practice and it’s a mystery when he might play in an exhibition game.
• LB Anthony Waters (knee) might be back as soon as Monday.

The Charger Update

— Many were surprised to see quarterback Billy Volek back with the team after he gained free agency after last season. But instead of going somewhere else with the possibility of starting, he returned as Philip Rivers’ backup. “I’ve seen quarterbacks before chase the money,” Volek said. “I didn’t want to be like that.” He didn’t do too bad staying put, thanks to a three-year $9 million deal.
— Quarterback Philip Rivers said he knows what to expect — and how difficult it is — to advance in the playoffs after last season’s run. But, that exposure to being deep in the playoffs can pay off. “I think the expectations are more of a reality now, more of what’s really expected,” Rivers said. “We have an understanding of what it really takes. We didn’t know what it was like to play in an AFC Championship Game. We didn’t know what it was like to go on the road and knock off the defending champs. But now we know. So when all these things come arising again — which we hope we get the opportunity again — then we’ve actually been through it.”
— The Chargers placed four players on the Physically Unable to Perform list: tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and center Nick Hardwick (foot) are recovering from offseason surgeries. Fullback Andrew Pinnock and inside linebacker Anthony Waters, are also on it, rebounding from knee surgeries.
“Obviously, it gives them a chance to get healthy,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said. “It’s really not a major deal. When they’re ready to go, we’ll take them off it and they’ll start practicing.”
Hardwick is the likeliest player to still be on the PUP list when the season begins. He said his foot is progressing well, but he has lost strength in his leg.
“I can’t give any predictions as to when I’ll be ready to actually play football,” Hardwick said. “I’m pushing hard and going as I can tolerate it.”
Gates said he expects to pass a physical by Aug. 30, which is required to leave the PUP list.
— Cornerback Antoine Cason, the team’s top pick who missed three rookie practices before signing his contract, got the usual ribbing when he got to camp.” All the guys in there were giving me a hard time about it,” Cason said. “Quentin Jammer gave me the hardest time. But it’s all fun. That’s just part of it.” Cason will soon learn the Chargers tradition of the top pick picking up a dinner and drinks tab for all the veterans near the end of camp.
— It doesn’t show up on the team’s injury report, but team president Dean Spanos had his left arm in a sling Friday after recently undergoing minor wrist surgery.
—Rookie running back Marcus Thomas is a fifth-round pick and lands on a team which has LaDainian Tomlinson. Tough luck? Maybe, but Norv Turner said keep an eye on someone trying to replace Michael Turner.
“If you put him down as a guy to watch, that would be good,” he said. “He’s got some real good running skills.”
QUOTE TO NOTE: “You learn that we’ve got to finish it. You get that far, you’ve got to finish. It don’t mean a can of beans if you don’t finish it.” - Left guard Kris Dielman on the bitter taste left after the Chargers fell in last season’s AFC Championship Game to the Patriots.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
After being rebuffed in their attempts to trade Eric Parker, the wide receiver was cut on the eve of training camp.
For two years, Parker was the Chargers’ biggest outside threat. But he injured his toe before last season and was plopped on IR and missed the season.
Since Parker has last played the team traded for Chris Chambers and drafted Craig Davis in the first round. Along with the development of Vincent Jackson, Parker became expendable.
PLAYER NOTES
— DT Jamal Williams, entering his 11th season, will be used with caution this camp. He is coming off two knee surgeries and the team needs him starting in September, not now.
— QB Philip Rivers said at times he forgets which knee — his left — was the one rebuilt over the offseason. But he admits as camp wears on he is going to have to stay on top of it, as his legs get tired.
— WR Kassim Osgood squawked about wanting to be traded unless he became a bigger part of the passing game. But Osgood, a two-time Pro Bowl special-teamer selection, remains in San Diego well down the depth chart.
— What a difference a year makes for Darren Sproles. This time last year many thought the shifty running back and returning wouldn’t make the team. Now he is bringing back kicks and part of various offensive packages — especially on third down — and giving LaDainian Tomlinson an occasional breather.
— QB Charlie Whitehurst, the team’s No. 3 quarterback, remains a favorite of the coaching staff and front office despite Billy Volek, Rivers’ backup, being signed to a three-year deal in the offseason.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Antoine Cason vs. Paul Oliver for the nickel back role on passing downs. Cason has hit the ground running in his quest to snag a significant spot in passing situations. Oliver is in his second year and could put up a fight - the brass secretly hopes Cason is the guy. Oliver is also getting some work at free safety.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Darren Sproles vs. Jacob Hester vs. Marcus Thomas for the No. 2 running back role. We know this — LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t competing against anyone. But behind him is quite a tussle as these three try to replace one guy — Michael Turner, who left as a free agent for Atlanta. There’s a chance Sproles and Hester will share this job, depending to some degree on the down and the distance. Thomas has to prove he’s a viable candidate. So far, Sproles and Hester are in the lead.
Jeromey Clary vs. L.J. Shelton for right tackle. Clary started the second half last year when Shane Olivea’s game dropped off. And by most accounts, Clary held his ground. But the team signed the veteran Shelton just in case, and has positioned him at right tackle to see if he can beat out Clary, or at the very least, push him to greater heights. Shelton started 16 games last year in Miami.
ROOKIE REPORT: CB Antoine Cason is making up for any lost time by practicing well. … RB/FB Jacob Hester has been impressive, but the team is really curious to see him now that practices will start including pads. … RB Marcus Thomas is probably not ready to back up LaDainian Tomlinson, but that could eventually be his role. … CB DeJuan Tribble is basically playing to get on film for other teams. … T Corey Clark’s best bet is to land on the practice squad.

Training camp is finally here!

SAN DIEGO: Training camp is finally here, but the San Diego Chargers seem to have learned the difference between hype and reality.
Even if they are good enough to get to the Super Bowl, they vow not to talk about it this summer.
"There was so much hype last year, and so much expectation, and all training camp it was 'Super Bowl,' and we weren't afraid to talk about it," quarterback Philip Rivers said Friday after the Chargers held their first full-squad practice of training camp.
"I fell in that trap, too. Not that we weren't focused, but it seemed like all the focus was on the ultimate goal. Subconsciously, we took some things for granted, maybe. Maybe we overlooked the meat and potatoes part of the deal, you know what I mean? We were looking ahead for the dessert."
Last summer, the Chargers overlooked their playoff pratfall against New England and focused instead on their 14-2 regular-season record from 2006. OK, so they did end up making it all the way to the AFC championship game in January before losing 21-12 to the Patriots. But things sure looked bleak when they started 1-3 and 5-5 in Norv Turner's first season as coach.
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman doesn't buy the talk in some circles that it's the Chargers' turn to win it all.
"To tell you the truth, I don't think it's anybody's turn," Merriman said. "You know, it's how hard you work for it, and in our case, finishing up how we want to finish. They always say the team that almost gets there last year should win it the next year. That's all good, but for us, we just look at it as something we've got to do."
Expectations could be higher for the Chargers this year, provided that Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick all come back strong from injuries.
"It's tough, because whenever you look around at this team and see the kind of players we have, the first thing you want to say is 'Oh, this team's going to the Super Bowl,'" Merriman said. "But that's what started us 1-3 last year, because we came into the season after a 14-2 season the season before, automatically assuming we were going to the Super Bowl. We're thinking the opposite this year. We're taking it one game at a time and having a faster start."
In January, the Chargers won a playoff game for the first time in 13 years, beating Tennessee in the wild-card round. Then they eliminated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis on the road, although that victory was costly because Rivers and Tomlinson both sustained knee injuries. Rivers played in the AFC title game despite having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee six days earlier, but Tomlinson had only two carries before his sprained left knee forced him out.
Rivers had ligament replacement surgery three days after the loss to the Patriots. Tomlinson's injury didn't require surgery.
Rivers thinks the Chargers can handle the expectations better this year.
"Again, we have an understanding of what it really takes. We didn't know what it takes to play in an AFC championship game. We didn't know what it's like to go on the road and knock off the defending champs. But now we know, so when all these things come arising again, which we hope we get the opportunity again, then we've actually been through it. We're not just feeling our way through it. You know what it's going to be like. We'll have a clue."
The Chargers won their last six regular-season games and two straight in the playoffs.
Rivers said his knee "feels better than I could have imagined it. It's going to be really key to keep staying on top of it. I've been told by many people that know the deal that it's going to get tired if you let it. It's the strength. It'll run out of gas quicker. Just keep filling up the tank."
Tomlinson said his knee is fine.
"The only expectation we have is to play as good as we can," said Tomlinson, the two-time NFL rushing champion. "And we know that if we do that, we'll be in good shape."