Mathews impressive in debut, Chargers win 25-10

Source: SD Bolt Report

Ryan Mathews said he's been pretty good about keeping the jitters in check as he worked his way through training camp. But the former Fresno State star said being in the NFL smacked him with full force on Saturday when the Chargers prepared to face the Bears.

"Right then it hit me," Mathews said when he entered the stadium. "My nerves kicked in and I took a lap around the field. I then went inside and put my gear on and threw up."

He's not the first to be queasy over the responsibilities which come with being the lead back, as a rookie, on a team with Super Bowl dreams.

"It's humbling and I'm grateful for it," Mathews said.

He didn't little to dispute the Chargers' thinking in moving up the draft board to snag Mathews 12th overall. He rushed nine times for 50 yards and opened some eyes in doing so.

That is once his midsection was at ease -- to a degree.

On a running play in which he follows pulling left guard Kris Dielman, Mathews beat him to the hole.

"He told me to slow down a little bit; that was just the nerves," Mathews said. "I was just trying to out there too fast."

Mathews admitted he didn't get much sleep the night before the game. But he looked fresh against the Bears, in particular on a first-quarter run.

Mathews took the handoff and was met near the line of scrimmage by Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. It appeared Briggs was set to wrap on Mathews when Briggs was brushed aside by the powerful Mathews. He quickly got into the secondary where he collected 18 yards before being brought down.

"That was impressive," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "And he showed some speed right there."

Mathews is learning quick. Not only is he picking up the nuances of being an NFL back, he is saying all the right things.

When others were gushing about his running, Mathews was pointing toward the big uglies.

"Without those big guys," he said of the offensive line, "I would be in a whole lot of trouble."

But it's clear Mathews knows what he is doing. Once he dialed it down a tad.

"It was all fast at first then it started to slow down a little bit," Mathews said. "But it is going to take some time."

Among the things the Chargers like about Mathews is his work-ethic and lack of ego.

"I got a lot of work to do still," he said. "I got to work on everything."

CAMP CALENDAR: Aug. 20: Walk-through at Marines Corps Air Station Miramar. Aug. 22: Players off. Aug. 23: Final training camp practice.

NOTES, QUOTES

Linebacker Shawne Merriman ended his baffling boycott of training camp when he reported to the team last Friday.

Merriman, who signed his one-year tender for $3.168 million, wasn't staying away for more cash. Instead he stated that he wanted assurances that the Chargers would not trade him and that they would build the defense around him.

He got no such assurances on both fronts and finally decided he wasn't getting much accomplished sitting at home after skipping 21 practices.

"I'm happy to be back with my teammates," Merriman said. "I got a chance to speak with them over the phone, but I'm glad to be back in the building with them.

"It was time for me to come in and get ready. You can't show up before Game 1 or Game 2 and expect to play at a high level. The only way to emulate game speed is to play football."

This is a critical year for Merriman, who was once one of the most disruptive defensive players in the league. He collected 39.5 sacks in his first three years as he was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of those years.

But he only played one game in 2008 after delaying knee surgery. Then last year, slowed by the knee and a foot injury, he had but four sacks.

So with four sacks in two seasons, it's clear Merriman needs to prove himself to get a big contract next season. That contract is unlikely to come from the Chargers.

Merriman has long got under the skin of general manager A.J. Smith. he certainly didn't enhance his reputation in Smith's eyes by not reporting with the other veterans.

"We're happy to have Shawne back," Smith said. "He's an excellent player. We're ready for him to get back to work."

Linebacker Stephen Cooper, the Chargers' top tackler last year, said the moment had arrived for Merriman to slap on the pads.

"It was time for him to come in," Cooper said. "Everybody wants to get paid and everyone wants a big contract, but you can't get one sitting at home. You have to be out there performing and be on film in order to get paid.

"People are always asking whether his knee is healthy and whether he can be as productive as he was in the past. We all know he can do it, but he has to prove it on the field."

Admitted Merriman, "I didn't accomplish anything at all (by not reporting). I always knew that I was wanted here, which was one of the biggest reasons for getting things sorted out. You hate to deal with the whole business part of it, but I'm so glad it's behind me and I can go out and play.

"Everybody's on the trading block. It was more a question of it being talked about so much. This team has bigger fish to fry, and that's playing the Kansas City Chiefs in a month. At no point in time did I want conversation about my future to be above the team, and at some points (last season) it got there. That's what I wanted to stay away from."

--Even with return ace Darren Sproles sitting out the first exhibition game with a bum shoulder, coach Norv Turner was impressed with his special-teams play. "I don't see why we can't be one of the top three or four special teams in the league," he said.

--K Nick Novak was brought into camp to save the wear and tear on K Nate Kaeding's leg. But he is making the most of his chance and could land with another team. Novak hit two of three field goals Saturday, clicking from 48 and 43 yards; his miss was from 41.

--Among those getting the loudest pregame cheers Saturday was rookie RB Ryan Mathews.

"It was an unreal moment," he said. "I didn't think they were going to do that the first time."

--The Chargers' pass rush was potent in the first game. Five Chargers had sacks, led by Antwan Applewhite with two. "It changes the game," said DB Donald Strickland, who had a sack. "It gives the offense the ball more so they can score. It definitely gets in the quarterback's head. He might rush a pass, he may hold onto the ball a little longer. He's trying to get it out faster, so now he's making more mistakes when we're in his face."

--The Chargers welcome the Cowboys in Saturday night then it's off on the road. Not only are the Chargers final two exhibition games at New Orleans and San Francisco, but four of their first six regular-season games are away from Qualcomm Stadium.

--Despite OLB Shawne Merriman being a workout maniac, ILB Stephen Cooper said being in football shape is a different animal. "It'll take him a few weeks to get it back," Cooper said. "Training on your own is a whole lot different than being here. I think the coaching staff will gear towards his strengths and keep him from having to think about certain situations. He's going to be an impact player for us. Missing time this early won't change that."

--The Chargers lone touchdown reception against the Cowboys came courtesy of Legedu Naanee. He is running with the first team with Vincent Jackson out of camp. "I can't say that what we're seeing from him is new," QB Philip Rivers said. "He's been a quality receiver for some time now, and it's clear that he's coming into his own."

--Turner wasn't please the team had 10 penalties agaisnt the Bears, nine coming in the first half. "We're doing some things at the line of scrimmage and trying to get ourselves into the best play situations and we have some work to do," he said.

--The exhibition game was blacked out on local television when it failed to sell out 72 hours before kickoff.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You trust what your eyes see and I've seen him for three months now and he has all the things you need to be an outstanding runner." -- Coach Norv Turner on rookie running back Ryan Mathews.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The big news of camp -- well until Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson return -- is that three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman has signed his tender and is back practicing. Merriman was held out of Saturday's exhibition season opener but could play Saturday when the Cowboys visit.

PLAYER NOTES

--LT Marcus McNeill, who declined to sign his restricted free-agent tender offer, was sent a letter to report by general manager A.J. Smith. His agent, Alvin Keels, confirmed the letter and said it doesn't change his client's stance of not reporting.

--WR Vincent Jackson is in a similar situation as McNeill. He was also sent the letter to report but doesn't plan to.

--With Shawne Merriman returning, it could cut into the reps Larry English was getting; English is having a solid camp.

--With ILB Donald Butler being lost for the season with an injury, it solidifies James Holt's chances of making the team. It helps that Holt has been active in the coaches' eyes as well.

--LB Ali Highsmith was cut to make room for Merriman.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Antonio Garay vs. Cam Thomas vs. Ogemdi Nwagbuo for starting DT.

Garay earned the top spot on the depth chart, but when the game came it was Nwagbuo trotting out wit with the first team. Garay showed well last year when coming aboard and is having a good camp. Thomas, a fifth-round pick, isn't shy about throwing his 6-foot-4, 335-pound (at least) frame around. Nwagbuo was a life-saver last year when Jamal Williams went down in the season-opener. But it seems Garay has wrestled the starting position away. This battle is worth watching the entire camp.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS:

Josh Reed vs. Buster Davis for the No. 3 wide receiver spot.

Reed is the consummate pro, able to run exact routes and rely on his steady hands. Davis is a former first-round pick the Chargers keep talking up -- but he can never stay out of the trainer's room. The Chargers would prefer Davis starts showing something for what they have invested in him, but after one catch Saturday he was again being attended to by the medical staff after a taking a shot to his hip when returning a punt.

Richard Goodman vs. Jeremy Williams for kick return duties.

This spot will end up in the hands of Darren Sproles. But with his slight size and the Chargers trying to save him for the base offense, they might lean on someone else to occasionally field kickoffs. Goodman has had his share of drops in camp at wide receiver, but he ripped off a 51-yard return. And Williams, who is having a sensational camp, contributed a 34-yard return.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: OLB Brandon Lang -- This undrafted rookie out of Troy continues to get noticed with a string of solid plays in practice. But really, it's what you do on game days -- especially for a long shot to make the roster -- where you must shine. Lang got his first big chance Saturday and didn't disappoint by blocking a punt out of the end zone. Lang's chances for making the team improved when Donald Butler, a third-round pick, landed on IR during camp. If making the team, Lang will likely contribute on special teams considering how loaded the Chargers are at his position.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Ryan Mathews averaged 5.6 yards on nine carries in his NFL debut. ... SS Darrell Stuckey has been slowed with a groin injury; he is still fighting for a starting job. ... DT Cam Thomas continues to push for playing time on running downs. But he applied good pressure on a pass which was picked off by Paul Oliver. ... QB Jonathan Crompton was intercepted in his NFL debut; he's having a mediocre camp.

INJURY REPORT:

--RB Darren Sproles (shoulder) should return this week.

--OLB Larry English (foot) should be a go this week.

--LT Tra Thomas (knee) is still likely another week from returning.

--ILB Brandon Siler (ankle) will return to practice this week.

--SS Darrell Stuckey (groin) should return this week.

--G/C Scott Mruczkowski (ankle) could be down another week.

--T Nick Richmond (knee) is day-to-day.

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.

Chargers Team Report 7-4-2010

Source: USA Today

An eventful offseason for Vincent Jackson has taken another turn.

Jackson, the Chargers' Pro Bowl wide receiver, has been suspended for three games by the NFL for violating its personal-conduct policy. This comes in the wake of Jackson's second conviction for driving under the influence.

Jackson was already in the news, but again for the wrong reasons as far as the team is concerned.

Jackson, along with left tackle Marcus McNeill, declined to sign their restricted free-agent tender offers last month. That move will cost both men some $2.5 million in 2010 compensation.

But Jackson and McNeill have no plans of playing a full season at a reduced wage. Instead, indications are Jackson and McNeill will be absent through the Chargers' first 10 weeks, coming in late just to accrue a season of playing.

The NFL's punishment assures Jackson of missing at least three games; the penalty could be lessened upon appeal.

Chatter has picked up that the Chargers are actively trying to move Jackson. He would seem to be a valuable piece in which the Chargers could possibly receive what the Broncos did — two second-round picks — when trading Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins.

But Jackson, too, comes with baggage.

Not only could be potentially miss nearly a quarter of the season with his suspension, but he is in the market for a rich long-term deal.

His production shows he deserves one. But his decision-making off-the-field might have some to wonder if he is worth the risk to obtain.

Plus, can Jackson be the same receiver without top-notch quarterback Philip Rivers heaving passes his way?

Fans who know their Chargers' history can't help but be reminded of John Jefferson. He wore No. 83, like Jackson, but was got caught in a contract dispute with the club during the Air Coryell days.

Jefferson was a key part of that aerial assault, then was traded to the Packers and never reached the same production level.

Depending on the team, that same fate could follow Jackson.

But there is no doubt he is talented and motivated. He's never been accused of not working hard.

A possible Jackson trade has drawn interest, it's believed, from the Redskins and Seahawks.

And if the offer is right, hard-nosed general manager A. J. Smith wouldn't hesitate to peddle Jackson.

But now with a suspension to add to his in-limbo status, trade talks could be compromised.

—Are the Chargers headed for a drug scandal?

The team's offices, along with those of the San Diego Padres, were raided by the Drug Enforcement Agency last week.

Some concluded the DEA's focus on the Chargers comes after former safety Kevin Ellison was arrested for possession of 100 Vicodin pills. At the time, Ellison, who started nine games last year for the Chargers, was a member of the team. He has since been released and signed by the Seahawks.

Ellison's agent, Jerome Stanley, said there is no connection between the two incidents.

"Kevin has nothing to do with that," Stanley said. "Whatever happened (Tuesday) is between the Chargers and the DEA."

The Chargers issued a statement after the raid that said Ellison didn't get his pills from their medical staff.

Stanley said that was a cheap shot.

"Now they're trying to make him somewhat responsible for their issue," Stanley said. "It's not our issues at all. It never was."

According to the DEA's statement, the searches were conducted "to verify the correctness of controlled substance inventories, records and reports."

Ellison became expendable after the Chargers drafted Darrell Stuckey, and were impressed with Stuckey's play in the offseason drills.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Rookie RB Ryan Mathews has found a mentor and role model in former Chargers FB Lorenzo Neal. Not only do both share of love for the Chargers, they were stars at Fresno State.

"He's become a mentor in a lot of ways, someone to rely on regarding football or the life that surrounds it," said Mathews, the Chargers' top pick. "I think he respects me, my ability and how I work."

Mathews, and the rest of the Chargers' rookies, will report to camp on July 25.

—The Chargers' first full-squad training camp workout will be July 30.

—QB Philip Rivers is having his inaugural football camp, July 10-11, at UC San Diego. It is open to players ages 7-14.

—ILB Donald Butler absorbed plenty of lessons at the NFL's recent rookie symposium.

"We get some of the veteran guys out here to talk to us, different doctors and people who really care about our well-being and want us to understand that this isn't going to last forever and hopefully give us some information that's going to better us after we play," Butler said. "As a rookie you can't help but like that. It gets a little tedious, but you take it all in and take pointers that you can use to better yourself."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Ryan succeeded at every level; it hasn't been determined if he can make it in the NFL. But I believe he can be great at the professional level, I really do." — Former Chargers Pro Bowl FB Lorenzo Neal on the potential of Ryan Mathews, the Chargers' heralded rookie running back.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers, facing the possibility of Marcus McNeill not being with them for the regular-season opener — unless an unexpected reduction or elimination of Vincent Jackson's three-game suspension, he's assured of missing that game even before a potential holdout is considered — are fast-forwarding the learning curve of two possible replacements.

Veteran left tackle Tra Thomas was signed as a possible fill-in for McNeill. Thomas is a three-time Pro Bowler, but he's not close to that level as a 35-year-old.

Josh Reed was also obtained, but he's not the same dynamic pass-catcher as Jackson. Reed is more of a possession, underneath route runner while Jackson is a down field threat with his speed and great leaping ability.

Both positions, are how fast those possible voids can be filled, consumes the Chargers as they head for training camp.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

—*OLB Marques Harris (not tendered as RFA).

—C Dennis Norman (not tendered as UFA.

—*LB Dontarrious Thomas (not tendered as RFA).

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

—*WR Vincent Jackson (tendered at $3.268M with first- and third-round picks as compensation).

—*LT Marcus McNeill (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation).

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

—S Darrell Stuckey (4/110): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

—QB Jonathan Crompton (5/168): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

—TE Dedrick Epps (7/235): 4 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

—OLB Antwan Applewhite: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—DT Alfonso Boone: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—OT Jeromey Clary: RFA; (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation); $1.684M/1 yr.

—*WR Malcom Floyd: RFA; (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation); $3.168M/1 yr.

—*DT Antonio Garay: Not tendered as RFA; terms unknown.

—*DE Travis Johnson: RFA; (tendered at $1.226M with first-round pick as compensation); $1.226M/1 yr.

—*OLB Shawne Merriman: RFA (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation): $3.168M/1 yr.

—*RB Darren Sproles: RFA; (tendered at $7.283M with first- and third-round picks as compensation); $7.283M/1 yr.

—FB Mike Tolbert: ERFA; $470,000/1 yr.

—TE Kris Wilson: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—RB Marcus Mason (waivers Redskins).

—TE Randy McMichael: Not tendered as UFA by Rams; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—WR Josh Reed: Not tendered as UFA by Bills; terms unknown.

—CB Donald Strickland: FA Jets; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

—OT Tra Thomas: FA Jaguars; 1 yr, terms unknown.

—CB Nate Vasher: FA Bears; $4.5M/2 yrs.

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Michael Bennett (released).

—WR Demetrius Byrd (released/non-football injury).

—CB Antonio Cromartie (traded Jets).

—*ILB Tim Dobbins (traded Dolphins), had been re-signed as RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with fifth-round pick as compensation); $1.176M/1 yr.

—S Kevin Ellison (released).

—*C Eric Ghiaciuc: Not tendered as RFA/Browns; terms unknown.

—TE Brandon Manumaleuna: UFA Bears; $15M/5 yrs, $$2M SB/$3M RB.

—WR Kassim Osgood: UFA Jaguars; $6.675M/3 yrs, $2.975M guaranteed.

—OT Jon Runyan: UFA (retired).

—DT Ian Scott (released).

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson (released).

—*QB Charlie Whitehurst: RFA; (tendered at $1.176M with third-round pick as compensation); re-signed, traded to Seahawks.

—NT Jamal Williams (released).

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.

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!

Rivers withdraws from Pro Bowl

Source: SD Tribune

Some day, Philip Rivers will play in a Pro Bowl.

This won't be that year.

For the third time in his four seasons as a starter, Rivers has withdrawn from the Pro Bowl due to the impending birth of his fifth child.

Rivers withdrew last year to rest his knees. He withdrew after the 2006 season due to a foot injury.

He is healthy now, but his wife is due any day.

Rivers finished the season with 4,254 yards, averaged 8.8 yards a pass, had 28 touchdowns and threw just 9 interceptions. He finished the year with a 104.4 QB rating.

Tennessee's Vince Young will take Rivers' place.

That leaves Kris Dielman, Antonio Gates, Kassim Osgood and Nate Kaeding as the Chargers in the Pro Bowlers. The Chargers coaching staff will coach the AFC squad.

Chargers Team Report 1-1-10

Source: USA Today

The accolades for Mr. December keep rolling in for Philip Rivers.

Now, can he keep it going into January and beyond?

Rivers, fresh off being named to the Pro Bowl squad, was named the Chargers’ most valuable player this week by his teammates.

Rivers is having a career year and finished another December – his fourth – undefeated.

Come Sunday against the Redskins, two things will change: the month and how long Rivers is likely to play.

With the Chargers having the AFC’s No. 2 seed tucked away, there is no reason to subject Rivers to much hard work on Sunday against the Redskins.

That said, Rivers is punching the clock like it is any other week.

“I’m preparing to play four quarters,” said Rivers, the AFC’s top-rated passer. “I think any time you suit up, you want to go win the game.”

But Rivers realizes Sunday will be as much about backup Billy Volek and other second-line players as the Chargers try and stay healthy for the playoffs.

“Whoever’s in there, how long, and whoever it is in a Charger uniform, we’re trying to go win the game and get to 13-3,” Rivers said. “(We’re trying to) get a week better and keep the rhythm and flow going as we head into the postseason.”

Few are playing as well as Rivers, who has now won four AFC West titles in each of his seasons as a starter.

For starters, Rivers wants to continue his and the team’s amazing run which always shows in the year’s final month.

“Yeah, we take a great deal of pride in the fact that we have won 18 in a row in December,” Rivers said. “We did it again this year, we went unblemished in December. I think that’s had a lot to do – finishing strong in December – you give yourself a chance in the postseason, which we’ve done.

“Certainly now that we’ve done that we want to play even better ball in January. The goal is obvious. It’ll be there for 12 teams. It starts this week. However long we’re in there and whoever is playing for four quarters, we’re trying to win a football game and get a week better.

“Then we get a little time to not only rest but to prepare for what we hope is going to be a great postseason.”

Coach Norv Turner said he is meeting with his staff after Friday’s practice to determine the starters’ playing time.

—The Chargers get ready to drop the curtain on the regular season, hoping for a strong encore.

In welcoming the Washington Redskins to San Diego on Sunday, the Chargers will try to extend their 10-game winning streak and keep their momentum rolling.

Other than that, it’s an exhibition game in January.

If the Chargers can add misery to the Redskins’ miserable season, great.

If the Chargers fall short and head into a first-round playoff bye with a loss, well, that’s OK, too.

The Chargers already have the AFC West title and the AFC’s No. 2 seed in their equipment bag. Win or lose Sunday, the Chargers will open the playoffs at home Jan. 16 or 17.

But this team didn’t get good, this team didn’t climb off the mat at 2-3 and this team isn’t — once again — among the savvy picks to reach the Super Bowl.

It’s a proud bunch and it doesn’t want to end what has been a sensational regular season with a clunker.

“The couple things I talked about all the way back to minicamp was the maturity level of our football team,” coach Norv Turner. “I thought that was going to be a big reason why we could take a step as a football team. I believe the maturity level of our team is one of the reasons, whether it be we’ve played well on the road or overcome the injuries we did early. That was critical.”

The Chargers do have a business-like approach, maybe the result of falling short of their Super Bowl goal despite winning five of the past six divisional titles. This team has a purpose and it doesn’t want to look bad on Sunday.

“Everyone is going to play,” safety Eric Weddle said. “We’ve got to keep this thing going. No time to rest.”

The weary team waiting for them is the Redskins, as they put a final stamp on a season that will cost Jim Zorn his job. All the same, the Chargers would like to send him out with another loss and add another level of good vibes to their season.

“I think that the only reason guys shouldn’t play is if they are injured,” LaDainian Tomlinson said. “If you’re healthy, why sit out?”

It’s believed Tomlinson and the majority of the starters will play sporadically — some if at all. Turner said he will go through the entire week of practices then meet with his staff in deciding which players are idle.

Some could use the time to put their feet up — defensive players Shaun Phillips, Shawne Merriman and Jacques Cesaire.

Other younger players — safety Kevin Ellison, linebacker Brandon Siler and offensive lineman Brandyn Dombrowski — could use the time to hone their games before the intensity which is playoff football kicks in.

But Sunday’s game has some Chargers watchers wondering if it will be mind over matter for the team. Might the Chargers think that if the game matters zilch, do you mind if we don’t play well?

The Chargers, though, will have none of that. Just like Turner wouldn’t bite when asked why wouldn’t he just rest all of his key players?

“You have 53 guys on your roster and you have 45 guys active; we’re going to go play a game,” he said. “We’re going to play a four-quarter game and if you start resting the guys you’re talking about, then you’ve got a 35-man roster.

“If you play 35 guys an entire game, offense, defense and special teams, some of those guys are going to get hurt and pretty soon you can’t put together your best kickoff coverage team when you get ready to play a playoff game and you’re limited in terms of those guys that people don’t think of as essential, but they are.

“Obviously we are as committed to the kicking game as any team in the league and that’s a big part of our success.”

So the Chargers won’t kick back, instead electing to be yet another team to kick in the Redskins’ teeth.

The Chargers have a smile that comes with making the playoffs and knowing that at the very least, they will be alive until its second week.

SERIES HISTORY: 9th regular-season meeting. Redskins lead series 6-2. The Chargers have won the last two by scores of 30-3 in San Diego (2001) and 23-17 in overtime in Washington (2005). LaDainian Tomlinson’s 41-yard run in OT put the finishing touches on a 184-yard, three TD game and propelled the Chargers to victory in that ‘05 game at FedEx Field. In ‘01, Tomlinson made his debut against Washington, rushing for 113 yards and two TDs.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The call of the Pro Bowl was heard by numerous Chargers. Those making the AFC roster are QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, LG Kris Dielman, K Nate Kaeding and special teams ace Kassim Osgood.

Rivers, the AFC’s top-rated passer, gives coach Norv Turner much credit for his development.

“He’s been huge in my progress,” Rivers said. “I knew very early on when we first met that we thought a lot alike and have similar approaches to the game. That helped immediately because we were able to understand how each other thinks. Running this system and his ability to coach the position is exceptional. It’s been a great fit.”

—Rivers and Turner were caught by the TV cameras in an animated sideline conversation during last week’s win over the Titans. With the NFL landscape still in a dizzy over the Brett Favre-Brad Childress discussion, some wondered if Rivers and Turner were seeing eye to eye.

“It’s funny,” Turner said. “My son was watching the game and he said, ‘Did you get in an argument with Philip?’ I’m half crazy and (Rivers) is full crazy.

“He came off and what happened on the play, it’s the first third down and I thought we were going to get the first down. Nick (Hardwick) gets a little emotional and excited and Nick snapped the ball a count early. If you look at the tape, Kris Dielman is tapping Nick and he doesn’t even get out of his stance. So they have two guys free and Philip isn’t able to throw the ball. I said something like, ‘What the heck happened?’ He started as he does, ‘Nick snapped the ball early!’ It looks like we’re in an argument and we’re talking about Nick snapping the ball early. I said, ‘Why’d he do that?’ and he said, ‘I don’t know why he did that!’”

—The Chargers have no shortage of stars, with five players making the Pro Bowl. But like any good team, it’s the input from the lesser-known players that has made the Chargers above average.

“Probably the most unexpected thing about this team — and I’ve talked about it a lot — I don’t think you could ever count on it but it’s been one of our big keys, is our young players: How they’ve contributed, how they’ve become really good contributors to our team,” Turner said.

“Louis Vasquez going in and doing what he’s done, starting at right guard and playing at a high level … a guy like James Holt that came out of nowhere … Larry English. Those guys and the contribution they’ve made to our team are outstanding.”

—With Super Bowl participants not playing in the Pro Bowl, that’s the category Dielman hopes to find himself in. “It’s a great individual honor, but ultimately I hope I’m not playing in it because I want to be getting ready to play in the Super Bowl,” Dielman said.

—After two years of mostly special teams play, ILB Brandon Siler is enjoying his expanded role.

“I’m a part of a team right now, a team that’s on a mission to win and go into these playoffs on fire,” said Siler, who had his first career interception last week. “I just try to help the best way that I can. I bring energy and I try to help the team out every way that I can and try to make them keep me on the field. It’s not that I’m looking for something specifically for myself. I’m concerned about this team and the team goals. Those are the things that are most important to me.”

—Rivers was voted the team’s MVP by his teammates.

—Turner was the Redskins head coach from 1994-2000.

—The Chargers’ 10 consecutive wins is the longest current streak in NFL.

—TE Antonio Gates (1,145) needs 55 receiving yards to become the fifth TE in NFL history with 1,200 receiving yards in season. Gates aims for his fourth consecutive game with a touchdown catch.

—Rivers has career-high 4,155 passing yards, third-most in franchise history (Dan Fouts, 4,802 in 1981 and 4,715 in ‘80).

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson has 138 career rushing TDs, the most rushing TDs in single decade. The Chargers are 8-0 when Tomlinson has at least one rushing TD this season.

In two career games vs. Redskins, Tomlinson averaged 148.5 rushing yards per game (297 total).

—WR Vincent Jackson (1,167) needs 33 receiving yards to become the first Charger since Tony Martin in ‘95 to reach 1,200 receiving yards in season.

BY THE NUMBERS: 12 — Number of consecutive games Philip Rivers has thrown a touchdown pass.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I haven’t been taking the same amount of shots that I have in past seasons. I’ve been able to stay fresh throughout the year. I haven’t really been beat up or tired, other than that first game where I injured my ankle. Besides that, I’ve been great.” — RB LaDainian Tomlinson on ending the regular season fit because of his reduced workload.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

With the Chargers’ regular-season hay already in the barn, there isn’t much at stake Sunday. That means backups and role players will see more action as the Chargers try to reach the playoffs in the best possible shape.

Of course, the younger players will go more, but keep an eye on veteran RT Jon Runyan. He has seen increased playing time the last two weeks and coach Norv Turner said the team is going to lean on Runyan at some point during the playoffs.

Brandyn Dombrowski has played well at right tackle in filling in for the injured Jeromey Clary, so well that it has cut into Runyan’s playing time. But both players should see the field plenty on Sunday, with Dombrowski moving over to left tackle to spell Marcus McNeill which lets Runyan get some work.

PLAYER NOTES

— FS Eric Weddle (knee) didn’t practice again Thursday and he could be rested Sunday. Weddle missed two games down the stretch with the knee and it became aggravated in last week’s win.

— OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) will likely skip playing Sunday. The Chargers have been reluctant to play him for many snaps even when he was playing – because of his sore foot.

— RB Jacob Hester (shoulder) didn’t practice for the second straight day Thursday. He could be a game-time decision for a game he was expected to play quite a bit.

— WR Legedu Naanee (foot) didn’t practice again Thursday. He likely needs to go on Friday to have a chance to play Sunday.

— WR Vincent Jackson (foot) was a limited participant Thursday and will likely get a few series in on Sunday.

— ILB Kevin Burnett (neck) continues to work and appears to be a go for Sunday.

—DL Travis Johnson (groin) worked and will play Sunday.

— P Mike Scifres (groin) took all his kicks Thursdayand is fine.

—WR Buster Davis, a former first-round pick, is closing in on a dubious distinction. If inactive on Sunday, he would have been basically a healthy inactive for all 16 games.

—QB Billy Volek should see extended playing time Sunday and that’s good for him and the Chargers. It was Volek who subbed for Philip Rivers in the 2007 divisional playoff upset win over the Colts.

GAME PLAN: The Chargers figure to come early in an attacking mode, for a couple of reasons. If the starters can score quickly and get a comfortable lead, the coaching staff will feel more comfortable in making wholesale lineup changes. And with the Redskins struggling in the passing game, if the Chargers can get a cushion, Washington could be hard-pressed to concoct a rally this close to ending a dreadful season.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Chargers pass rush vs. Redskins QB Jason Campbell. OLB Shaun Phillips used to be known as the other Shaun with Shawne Merriman getting three Pro Bowl nods and all the attention. But Phillips is leading the team with seven sacks and has a franchise-best seven forced fumbles this season with his aggressive style off the edge. In Campbell, the Chargers have a quarterback they think they get to. The Redskins have allowed 44 sacks — nearly 20 more than the Chargers — and Campbell can be forced into some questionable decisions if he is pestered. The Redskins don’t score much and to hang with the Chargers, that must change. But for that to flip, Campbell likely has to have a big day and that could be tough against a pass rush which is getting better each week.

Chargers pass protection vs. Redskins pass rush. The Chargers figure to get many players many snaps along the line. But even when the first team is in, and especially if Rivers is taking snaps, it must be keen not to get sloppy against the Redskins’ two excellent pass rushers, Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter, each with 11 sacks. Orakpo was the lone rookie to make the NFC Pro Bowl roster and is just the 13th rookie in 15 years to have at least 10 sacks. Rivers and Volek must be protected, considered what is at stake down the road for the Chargers.

Chargers KR Darren Sproles vs. Redskins coverage units. The Chargers have been spending lots of practice time trying to get Sproles untracked. If the return squad can get going, that will give the Chargers’ potent offense short fields to work with — a luxury in the playoffs. But the Redskins, in one of the few things they do well, have both coverage units ranked in the top three, allowing only 7 yards on punts and fewer than 20 yards on kickoffs.

INJURY IMPACT: ILB Kevin Burnett (neck) didn’t work Wednesday and could be out Sunday.

—WR Vincent Jackson (Achilles) didn’t practice and is questionable for Sunday.

—FB Jacob Hester (shoulder) rested, but he should play Sunday.

—DE Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t work Wednesday as he has done all season; he could play a little Sunday.

—OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) didn’t practice and he likely won’t play at all Sunday.

—WR Legedu Naanee (foot) didn’t work and could sit Sunday.

—S Eric Weddle (knee) didn’t practice and the Chargers are going to be careful with him; it’s possible he’s out Sunday.

—DE Jacques Cesaire (elbow) practiced, which is a little surprising. He could play briefly Sunday.

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.

Rivers For League MVP!

San Diego Tribune:
The Chargers are a pretty loose team, prone to in-game sideline discussions about various topics.

Last night, as a game turned into a rout and a quarterback showed a national television audience there are more than three quarterbacks in the NFL, the conversation among some trying to keep warm on the Chargers’ bench at LP Field turned to the NFL MVP race.

The talk centered on Philip Rivers’ inclusion in that race.

“He should be in consideration,” cornerback Quentin Jammer said. “Peyton (Manning) is doing a great job. The Colts are 14-0. At the same time, Philip has … put up some great numbers.”

The man who has never lost in 18 December starts and has seen his team to a division championship in each of his four seasons as its starter last night completed 21 of his 27 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns. And because he was so brilliant, he watched all but the first snap of the fourth quarter from the sideline — as did most of the other Chargers starters — as a 42-17 victory bled a quick death.

No one would argue more vehemently than Rivers that the Chargers have won 10 straight games on the strength of an entire team. But Rivers has had as much or more to do with a 2-3 start turning into the No. 2 seed than anyone.

Over the course of the winning streak, Rivers’ 112.6 passer rating is by far the best in the NFL. His 20 touchdowns in the 10 games are second to Manning’s 21, but Rivers has been intercepted just six times to Manning’s 11. Rivers has completed 69.4 percent of his passes, Drew Brees 69.5 and Manning 66.1.

LaDainian Tomlinson went up to Rivers last night and said, “Dude, you’re playing out of your mind.”

Last night, for the Chargers’ second touchdown, Rivers stepped up against pressure, tiptoed through a minefield of would-be tacklers and, with a hand around his ankle and just before he crossed the line of scrimmage, found Antonio Gates wide open.

Later, on a third-and-7, Rivers threw a bullet through a keyhole to Malcom Floyd for 22 yards. His leading pass to Gates in man coverage was like watching Dan Fouts. A sideline pass to Vincent Jackson should have just made the Titans give up.

There are quarterbacks in the league who couldn’t make one of those plays in a season. Rivers made them in one night, and he’s been doing it throughout his team’s renaissance.

“He’s winning games for us,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said.

Rivers is also the Chargers’ most vociferous and animated cheerleader, a friend to every guy on the roster and the perpetrator of three last-minute, game-winning drives this season.

“He’s the biggest reason we’ve gone from 2-3,” Cooper said. “He got us going.”

Yet, until recently, there were times it seemed all ESPN and NFL Network knew for sure was that Manning walked on water, Brett Favre had healing powers and Brees could raise the dead.

Whether Rivers’ candidacy had a birth with his prime-time Christmas performance, it should at least increase the chatter about the possibility of him being the MVP.

Rivers has the endorsement of the 2006 league MVP.

“I don’t see why he’s not in the running for MVP,” Tomlinson said. “It’s ridiculous he’s played like this and no one has talked about it.”

Bolts' Stomp Cowboys, Looking To Playoffs

ARLINGTON, Texas — A goal-line stand near the end of the first half, a long drive near the game’s end and big plays in between put the Chargers on the verge of their fourth straight playoff berth and perhaps more.

“We took care of business here, and now we’re going to get ready,” receiver Vincent Jackson said. “Cincinnati’s our biggest game.”

A 20-17 victory Sunday over the Dallas Cowboys on a day the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals lost put the Chargers two games up with three to play in the AFC West and also gave them an edge in the race for the No. 2 seed going into next Sunday’s home game against the Bengals.

“We’ve got a big game next week,” defensive end Luis Castillo said. “It’s a really big game with a lot of meaning for the next couple months.”

It was the Chargers’ eighth straight victory this season and 16th consecutive December win dating to 2006.

“Everything just seems to be clicking for us right now,” linebacker Shawne Merriman said. “We hit a stride that we’re continuing.”

Jackson has seven catches for 120 yards, including two of the Chargers’ three crucial long third-down receptions.

Dallas, which tied the game at 10 with an 11-play, 99-yard drive that ended the third quarter, will look back on a missed 42-yard field goal and failure to get in the end zone on three tries from the 1 in the second quarter.

After taking a 17-10 lead and stopping the Cowboys, the Chargers took over at their 11-yard line with 9:13 to play and kept the ball more than seven minutes en route to a field goal that made it 20-10.

The Cowboys scored a touchdown with two seconds to play, but Antonio Gates recovered an onside kick attempt to effectively end the game and keep the Chargers perfect over the past four Decembers.

“Everyone talks about finishing strong,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “You want to peak in December, and we have a history of doing that. We hope to carry that onto January, into 2010.”

Chargers Team Report 12-11-09

Source: USA Today

Riding yet another winning streak, it’s time for the Chargers to Cowboy Up.

The Cowboys are up next for the first-place Chargers, as they tie up their seven-game winning streak to the hitching post outside splashy new Cowboys Stadium.

The Chargers have been living large lately, extending their winning run thanks to playing two of the NFL’s dregs: the Chiefs and Browns.

But that soft stretch of the season is history, with the Cowboys, Bengals and Titan looming in the not-so-distant future.

For the Chargers, they may or may not be playing the right team to notch win No. 8 in a row. But they are playing in the right month, as they have won 15 straight in Santa’s favorite month.

That 2-3 start is oh-so-history with the team leaning toward the tape at 9-3, and a game ahead of the Broncos in the AFC West.

“We seem to finish strong,” running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. “We’ve talked about it and really made it one of our mottos. I think that has a lot to do with our mind-sets in December. We want to play our best football in December going into January. This team is a real focused team and we have a knack for really taking it one game at a time and taking that idea to heart. We’ve done that.”

Now, can they do it against Dallas, a team, like the Chargers, that isn’t shy about reaching the end zone or getting after quarterbacks with its aggressive defense.

Tomlinson said it’s more than offensive and defensive weapons which have the Chargers in the driver’s seat for their fourth straight AFC West title. That mojo, which was harder to find than a snowball in San Diego earlier this season, is tagging along for the ride to the Lone Star State.

“It comes with our confidence,” Tomlinson said. “We believe that when the clock shows all zeros, that we will have had made enough plays to win the game.

“At the same time, going into the game, we identify who can beat us, how can we lose this game, and then we focus on that and the game plan and execute. The past seven weeks, we’ve been able to do that.”

Thanks, in part, to the fine play of quarterback Philip Rivers.

Rivers doesn’t quite get the headlines that Sunday’s counterpart, Tony Romo, does, but he is every bit as good — and many think better.

Especially in December, a month in which Rivers has never lost an NFL game.

“I think it says a lot about our team for one,” Rivers said. “We’ve had the focus and the attitude that you need down the stretch that it takes to make a run at it.

“The last few years we’ve been hot in November and December and this year we have a tough one. Now we are going to Dallas, another tough team in that NFC East division, so hopefully we can keep it going.”

Like Tomlinson, Rivers said the Chargers’ winning ways is like an avalanche picking up speed when thundering downhill. The more the Chargers are successful, the more their belief in each other grows.

“There’s no doubt that it’s contagious,” Rivers said. “Just like when you lose and you keep losing, it keeps getting harder and harder to win. When you win, it doesn’t get easier to win, but your confidence and your level of play seems to rise each week.

“I don’t really think there is a danger in it other than when people get caught up in it and start talking about the postseason and where we stand. As long as we don’t let that talk get in our way, I think we’ll be fine.

“There’s no denying that the talk is out there but if we can keep the boring one game at a time approach that we’ve had, we can keep this streak going.”

Boring, maybe. But there is nothing dull about watching the Chargers steamroll one defense after another. And there’s nothing ho-hum about building momentum for what they hope is a deep run in the playoffs.

But the Chargers also know the Cowboys have their own quarterback to get excited about. And with the Cowboys smarting from Sunday’s loss to the Giants, they are in desperation mode.

“He obviously can make all the throws; he’s having an outstanding year,” Turner said of Romo. “The thing that jumps out to you is that he’s such a good athlete, he creates plays with this athletic ability. You have to do a great job of containing him. He’s going to break contain because he does every game. Once he does, you have to do a great job of picking up the receivers and covering because he makes big plays with his athletic ability.”

The Chargers have been picking up their game since falling to the Broncos way back on Oct. 19. But they’ve got their horse headed in the right direction, with plenty of hay (nine wins) already in the barn.

But the Chargers are looking for No. 10, and they will have to master a sour Cowboys team to do it.

SERIES HISTORY: 9th regular-season meeting. Cowboys lead series 6-2. The last time the Chargers were in Dallas, it was the first game back after the 9/11 attacks. The Chargers won, 32-21. The Cowboys came to San Diego last in 2005, when the Cowboys pulled out a 28-24 victory on opening day.

NOTES, QUOTES

—DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo was placed on IR with an ankle injury. Nwagbuo’s absence leaves a void in the interior line rotation which had worked well for the Chargers since Jamal Williams was lost of the season in the opener. The team filled his roster spot by adding Antonio Garay, a defensive lineman from the Jets’ practice squad. Garay, a four-year pro, played for Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera when both were in Chicago.

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson is looking forward to heading to Dallas while recalling the Chargers’ last trip. The Chargers prevailed, but Tomlinson lost a couple of diamond earrings during the game — about a $25,000 hit.

“I remember it pretty vividly,” he said. “Obviously losing my earrings was one thing that sticks in my mind. I’ll never forget that. I remember us winning and talking to Emmitt Smith before the game. I remember being emotional before the game, having my family there and running out in Texas Stadium where I had visited a couple of times before and also watched many Dallas Cowboys games on television growing up. So it was a pretty emotional day for me.”

—This time last year the Chargers were 4-8 and Tomlinson was grumpy with the way the season was playing out. This year, the Chargers are rolling and Tomlinson is having as much fun as he has had in a while.

Does coach Norv Turner agree with that assessment?

“I don’t know because two years ago he led the league in rushing and people kind of forget that,” Turner said. “Last year he missed a substantial amount of time and had 1,200 yards and people act like that was a down year. I think he’s enjoying the fact that things are spread around. We aren’t wearing him out.

“Really, what we’re doing, in the first half of our games he’s playing — first half to maybe to the middle of the third quarter — he’s playing the game like it’s a normal game. That’s why his numbers are down. If he’s playing and getting 25 carries, I’m not sure that his numbers would be a lot different. When you don’t get the number of opportunities, you don’t get the number of opportunities to make the big play, the big run. (Darren) Sproles is getting some of those opportunities, which is helping us. I think LT knows that we have a good football team and that we’re getting better and we have a chance to continue to have success over the next couple months.”

—During the Chargers’ seven-game winning streak, they have outscored their rivals 52-7 in the first quarter.

—Count QB Philip Rivers among those anxious to see the Cowboys’ new palace.

“It’s a new stadium and I’m sure it will be something to see,” he said. “Anytime you are going on the road and playing against a championship-caliber team and a storied franchise like the Cowboys it’s exciting. It’s going to be fun. I’m expecting a playoff-type atmosphere. It’s why you play the game.”

—OLB Shawne Merriman speaks for the majority of Chargers defensive players when asked about their former coordinator, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.

“I love Wade,” Merriman said. “Love and respect.”

—Rivers isn’t sure how much of an advantage it is to face Phillips’ defense, one that he knows from when Phillips was in San Diego.

“The schemes are very similar in many ways; Wade was here for a handful of years,” Rivers said. “At the same time, there’s a similarity from the offensive side. Dallas runs a similar scheme offensively that we run so both teams will have a pretty good feel for one another. It’s all about going out there and executing and playing at a high level. This game is important to both teams and it will be a big one.”

—With LT Marcus McNeill ailing, veteran Jon Runyan could see some more playing time Sunday. He was in for about 10 snaps against the Browns, playing on the right side. Turner said he was pleased with what he saw as Runyan made his Chargers debut.

“He did fine,” Turner said. “I’m excited that we got Jon and I think he’s going to help us as we go through the next month. He’s a talented guy in terms of he’s got awfully long arms, he’s physically talented and he knows how to use them. His experience is outstanding.”

—The Chargers are doing a good job of keeping their eye on the prize on a weekly basis.

“I don’t even know who we have after Dallas, honestly,” Merriman said. “That’s how week-to-week we’re taking it. It’s really from week to week. One game is not bigger than the next. It’s cliche, but we’ve done a great job of taking it one game at a time and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

BY THE NUMBERS: 1 — Number of sacks allowed in last three games by the Chargers.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s going to be a pretty emotional day for me because you look at your career and the last time I was there, I was a rookie. Now I’m in my ninth year and the schedule says that I might not play there ever again so it will be special for me.” — RB LaDainian Tomlinson on returning to the Dallas area Sunday, not far from where he grew up.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers could very likely turn to their kids again Sunday, with numerous injuries — especially on the defense — forcing changes.

Look for Paul Oliver to start again at safety in place of Eric Weddle. But Oliver will be part of a rotation which will include Steve Gregory as well. Gregory will stay in the slot in the nickel package, where he has played well.

Rookie linebacker Larry English could be in the spotlight again if Shawne Merriman can’t go. And even if Merriman starts, he will be used cautiously as the Chargers try not to aggravate his foot injury with the playoffs looming.

That means even if English doesn’t start, he will see plenty of action and his play will be a key if the Cowboys, as expected, start flinging the ball around.

If the Chargers are to slow the high-flying Cowboys offense, those not very long in the tooth will have to play well.

PLAYER NOTES

—TE Antonio Gates is on pace for one of the better seasons of his remarkable career. He needs 296 receiving yards over the final four games to break ex-Charger Kellen Winslow’s tight ends record of 1,290 yards, set in 1980.

—QB Philip Rivers has thrown only six interceptions all season — with 21 touchdowns. For the second time this season, he has gone four games without an interception.

—RB LaDainian Tomlinson needs one more touchdown to extend his NFL-record streak of 10-touchdown seasons to nine — every year of his career.

—RB Mike Tolbert was the unlikely source of a 50-yard-plus passing play when he went 66 yards for a touchdown reception in Sunday’s win over the Browns. But the Chargers are making a habit of big plays, as they have nine receptions of 50 yards or more this season, which ties the Eagles for the league lead.

—OLB Shaun Phillips doesn’t get the publicity as teammate Shawne Merriman, but maybe he should. Phillips leads the Chargers with seven sacks and is tied for the league-lead with a career-best six forced fumbles.

GAME PLAN: Stay in the air.

If the Cowboys want to get into a shootout with the Chargers, have at it. The Chargers’ running game still isn’t where it should be, so their best approach to get after the Cowboys is to use their oversized wide receivers and lean on Antonio Gates — who is playing out of his mind — on the underneath stuff.

Yes, the Chargers need to get their running game on track at some point. But in this battle, with the Cowboys eager to show their offense takes a backseat to few teams, they figure to get after the Chargers secondary, which is missing a starter.

If so, the Chargers need to throw to keep pace — luckily for them, that is one of the things they do best.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Chargers run defense vs. Cowboys RBs Marion Barber and Felix Jones. The Chargers got punched in the mouth for 115 yards last week, and that was with the Browns missing Jamaal Lewis. And the Chargers could be banged up along the line again this week, with Luis Castillo and Alfonso Boone ailing. The Chargers are giving up nearly 118 yards per game and they figure to get plenty of running plays thrown at them Sunday. The Cowboys, rightly so, figure the best way to keep the ball away from the high-powered Chargers offense is to run the ball and eat the clock. In Barber, they have someone averaging 4.4 yards a carry, which is impressive; even more impressive is Jones checking in at 6.4 yards per carry, which includes a 56-yarder. In three of the Cowboys’ games this year, he has averaged more than 9.5 yards per carry.

Chargers pass coverage vs. Cowboys TE Jason Witten. For years the Chargers have made opposing tight ends famous — last week was no exception. Ever hear of Evan Moore? Didn’t think so, but despite playing in his first NFL game last week, the Browns tight end went for 80 yards on six catches. The Chargers will again be without safety Eric Weddle (ankle) and there is a chance OLB Shawne Merriman and DE Luis Castillo could be down. That could open the middle of the field considerably for Witten, who is coming off a sensational game. The Pro Bowler caught 14 passes for a career-high 156 yards in the loss to the Giants. With the Chargers’ consistent trouble in tracking tight ends, Witten could be in for a giant game again.

Chargers OLB Shaun Phillips vs. Cowboys OT Doug Free. Phillips has been on a tear of late, which is a tad surprising in that Shawne Merriman has played in only a handful of plays the last two games. Phillips helped turned the tide last week when he stripped Brady Quinn of the football, which was recovered by the Chargers. Free, who is filling in for starter Marco Colombo, figures to have his hands full with Phillips. Free is considered a better pass-blocker than a road-paver, and he’ll get a chance to prove that against Phillips.

INJURY IMPACT: LG Kris Dielman missed practice Wednesday because of a personal reason – he’s expected to play Sunday.

—DE Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice, as is his custom. He will play Sunday.

—WR Legedu Naanee (foot) didn’t practice and his status for Sunday is in doubt.

—C Nick Hardwick (ankle) didn’t work and will not play Sunday.

—OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) was a limited participant and he will play — but for how long is the question.

—DT Alfonso Boone (knee) was out and he could be down this week.

—S Eric Weddle (knee) is out for at least one more week.

—DE Luis Castillo (calf) practiced and is a go for Sunday after missing last week.

—LT Marcus McNeill (ankle) practiced and said he’s good for Sunday.

—OLB Shaun Phillips (calf), as is his custom, didn’t work but will play Sunday.

—CB Quentin Jammer (toe) worked and is fine.

—P Mike Scifres (groin) did all his work and is a go for Sunday.

Stadium Watch: SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers said Thursday they probably need public money to build a new stadium on a downtown site just east of Petco Park.

The team has said since 2002 that it wants to finance stadium construction privately, although they have sought a piece of public land to develop and help pay for the stadium.

Previous sites under consideration would have accommodated both a stadium and a related development project, the profits from which would help pay for the costs of the stadium.

Chargers attorney Mark Fabiani said Thursday that because the downtown site is just bigger than 10 acres, it would accommodate just the stadium and no related development to help pay for the stadium.

That would require other sources of funding, in addition to $200 million from the Chargers and a hoped-for $100 million loan from the NFL, Fabiani said.

Fabiani said the team, which plays at aging Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley, wants to put any stadium measure onto a public ballot.

Fabiani said it’s too soon to say what other funding sources may be available. A redevelopment agency is sponsoring a financing study.

“Nonetheless, we believe it is important for everyone to understand that the downtown site might require some sort of taxpayer subsidy,” Fabiani said.

Such a subsidy would only be possible if voters agree that an investment downtown will result in significant returns for taxpayers elsewhere, he said. The city could save the $300 million or more taxpayers will pay through 2020 to maintain the Qualcomm Stadium, Fabiani said, and the city could sell, lease or otherwise generate hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue from the 166-acre Qualcomm site.