The line was drawn with regard to LaDainian Tomlinson’s degree of villainy or gamesmanship during the AFC Championship game. You either think he should have gotten his rich ass on the field, sucked it up and played, or you think he did the selfless, smart thing by taking himself out in lieu of someone who was better equipped to help win the game.
I tend to believe the answer is somewhere in the middle.
From where I sit, which is quite a distance outside the Chargers organization, it’s impossible for me (and all those who think they know better) to properly gauge [...]

P-Riv Under The Knife
Philip Rivers underwent surgery today on the torn ACL in his right knee. Reports say it will be six months until he’s back up and running. Let me just say for now, the man showed guts. He’s the leader of this team, he’s the man in San Diego.
Good Time Charlie
Hall-Of-Famer and former Charger Charlie Joiner has joined the team as wide receivers coach, filling the gap left by the recently fired James Lofton.
Joiner could be a good fit. He has quite the duo to mentor in Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers. The tandem has all the potential [...]

The San Diego Chargers went into the frigid New England night and battled a flawless foe; while they fought hard, they ultimately faded into the night. Despite a valiant effort from a hobbled Philip Rivers, the team couldn’t quite put it together. Kudos to the Patriots for continuing their epic quest of ultimate perfection.
For what it’s worth, the Chargers looked like they had a shot at winning this thing. Their doom was sealed, however, after failing in three crucial areas.
First up was their Red Zone impotence that led to nothing but field goals. I can recall, through tepid inebriation, uttering [...]

There seems to be much ado surrounding the verbal shenanigans of Philip Rivers. Earlier in the season I felt the foibles showed character. After the Colts game last weekend I hope he doesn’t become too much of a character.
While on the sideline nursing an injury, Rivers unnecessarily jawed with Colts fans. I am willing to accept that while on the road players could hear some of the rudest, most vile insults ever hurled. Regardless of what’s said from the stands, ultimately, you have to let it go. Even the most able minded person reaches a boiling point and out of [...]

It’s a fancy problem, finding yourself as third wheel while out on a date with destiny. Yes, the Chargers are actually daring to challenge the perfect Patriots and their increasingly apparent pre-determined Super Bowl win this season.  
A few inane goof-faw’s were uttered this week by the Los Angeles Times‘ resident Chargers hater, T.J. Simers. The miasmatic blowhard mused that “The Chargers just ruined a great game” with their upset win last Sunday. How dare they dispatch the so-called only team worthy of being the final speed bump in the path of Patriots greatness? The Colts were the only team [...]

For the team that shouldn’t be, they sure made a statement on Sunday. The San Diego Chargers defeated the reigning Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts 28-24. The experts are no doubt exasperated.
The game was a back-and-forth match of will and desire. Neither side of the ball was letting up.
In the second half disaster struck as Phillip Rivers and LaDainian Tolmlinson went to the sideline due to injury. Enter career backup quarterback Billy Volek. Even when the Bolts looked down and out, they never faltered, never flailed against the favored Colts team. San Diego showed incredible resolve and depth in relying [...]

Ah, the musings from the brain trust that is Jim Nantz and Phil Simms.
As the Jaguars-Patriots game was in garbage time, the CBS broadcasters calling the game queried, and I am only slightly paraphrasing here: “are the Chargers still in the playoffs… are they still in the league?”
I totally believe the brevity of the comment was made in jest. Nevertheless, it was an asinine comment as I would expect from this un-dynamic duo.
Sure Jimmy and Philly, the Chargers folded like the New York Titans and apologize for getting in the way of your verbal servicing of the ratings monster that [...]

The Indianapolis Colts appear to be the better team. They are clearly the favorite to win. Vegas has the San Diego Chargers as 10 point dogs. NFL On Fox pre-game prognosticators Terry, Howie and Jimmy all picked Indy without hesitation. Luckily for Chargers fans, they are still going to play the game just to make sure.
Are the Colts truly so dominate? To be sure, and to pass the time before tomorrow’s showdown, let’s break down the battle by position.
Quarterback: Chargers have Phillip Rivers, Colts have Peyton Manning- there is no comparison. Colts win.
Running back: Chargers have LaDainian Tomlinson, Colts have [...]

The nimble foot of Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri is usually spot on. The man has won big games, including the big game. Week 10 found Vinatieri at Qualcomm Stadium in sunny San Diego with his team down two with less than two minutes to go. A 29-yard field goal was all he needed to put his team ahead. The clutch playoff dream-killer lined up for another game winner. Mr. Clutch showed shades of Mr. Norwood and kicked it wide right. Chargers bleed the clock, game over.
That game also saw Indy quarterback Peyton Manning break a not-so-storied franchise record by [...]

First half for the Chargers was ugly. Nasty. Terrible. If I can be given a line of artistic license, it was super-crap-tastic.
As any football fan will tell you, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. The Chargers finished the game.
In the first half of this Wild Card Playoff game the Chargers were bad, but they did not make a game-changing crucial mistake. It was six to zip at halftime. Down, but clearly not out.
The Bolts smashed back into the game with 17 unanswered points and earned a ticket to the next round of the playoffs, winning 17-6.
1994 was the [...]