Chargers: AFC West 2008 Champions

The Chargers win big against the Broncos and take the AFC West Championship for 2008. The Chargers after a slow beginning starting only 4-8 win the last four to win the AFC West. The Chargers are "Who we thought they were!"

Here is a great list of accomplishments for the year and game against the Broncos:

The Chargers scored 52 points tonight, their most points since scoring 51 against Detroit on Dec. 16, 2007…it’s the most points the Chargers have scored in a game against Denver since 1968 in a 55-24 win…in their last three wins over Denver, the Chargers have outscored the Broncos 116-27.

The last time the Chargers scored more than 52 points in a game was Dec. 8, 1985 when the Chargers, coached then by Don Coryell, scored 54 points in a 54-44 win over Pittsburgh.

The Chargers rushed for a team-record 289 yards tonight, bettering the previous team mark of 287, set against the New York Jets on Oct. 13, 1963.

Darren Sproles led the team with 115 yards, his second-career 100-yard game.

LaDainian Tomlinson scored three rushing touchdowns tonight, the 124th, 125th and 126th of his career…in doing so, he broke a tie with Marcus Allen to take over sole possession of second place on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdowns list…he now trails only Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time rushing scorer with 164 TDs.

The TDs were also the 139th, 140th and 141st of his career, allowing him to move past Terrell Owens and into fourth place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list…Marcus Allen (145) is currently third on that list.

The three TDs were Tomlinson’s most in a game since he scored four against Oakland on Oct. 14, 2007…it was his 11th career game with three or more rushing touchdowns.

Tomlinson finished the season with 10 rushing touchdowns…he’s rushed for at least 10 touchdowns in all eight of his NFL seasons and is the only player in NFL history to begin his career with four-or- more 10-touchdown seasons.

Tomlinson’s outing against the Broncos included a season-long 45-yard run.

Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes tonight giving him 34 for the season, a new team record…it breaks Dan Fouts’ total of 33 set in 1981.

Rivers passed for 207 yards tonight to finish the season with 4,009, becoming just the second 4,000-yard passer in team history, other than Fouts…Fouts also last did it in 1981, throwing for a team-record 4,802 yards.

Rivers finished the season with a passer rating of 105.5, a new team record (min. 100 att.) and the top passer rating mark in the NFL this season…the previous team record (104.8) was set by Drew Brees in 2004.

Punter Mike Scifres finished the season with a 40.9-yard net punting average, a new team record for single-season net punting average.

The Chargers reported the following injuries tonight: tight end Antonio Gates (ankle), running back LaDainian Tomlinson (possible abdominal strain), linebacker Shaun Phillips (knee) and defensive end Luis Castillo (groin).

The Chargers won their third straight AFC West title and will host Indianapolis in an AFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 5:00 pm on NBC…the Chargers are 23-7 in AFC West games since 2004.

The Chargers capped off the month of December 4-0 and ran their win streak in the month of December to 14 games.

Chargers win big against the Buccaneers

Chargers win with a score of 41 for the Chargers to 24 for the Buccaneers. This was a huge win to keep alive the Chargers chances of making the Playoffs. The Chargers need help with a loss by the Broncos today to have a chance to face those same Broncos next week for the game to see which team wins the division.

It sure was a fun game for Charger fans. Rivers set a personal high with 4 TD's in one game, and Gates takes the lead with the fastest TE to reach 50 TD's in a career.

Chargers still in the Playoff Hunt!

With two TD's in the last two minutes by the Chargers the Chargers pull out a close win over KC.

Still that win keeps the Chargers in the hunt for the Playoffs, in spite of needing help from the Broncos. The Chargers need to win out the last two games, and the Broncos need to lose the last two games for the Chargers to make the playoffs as a Division Winner. It's long odds but not impossible. So here is hoping for the Chargers to make the Playoffs.

Chargers need to start Winning

The Chargers aren't out of the playoff hunt yet, but they sure need to start winning. They need to improve in every area. The offense, defense, and ST's seem to be good enough but they need to put it all together for one entire game. It also would help if they could get a few ref calls to go their way for a change. I think LT needs to step up the running game too. If LT could just get going then the passing game would really come on strong. The defense needs to find some more sacks so that the secondary will start getting turnovers, like last year.

If Denver can drop a game or two and the Chargers win out then the Chargers will still win their Division, and make the playoffs. Let's get going Chargers!!!!

Chargers win close one against the Chiefs

The Chargers get a win against the Chiefs. The defense came through and held off the two point conversion. The Chiefs fought to close out the game at 19 points to the Chargers 20. Coach Edwards said that he felt that his team's defense was not going to stop the Chargers offense if the Chargers won the toss in over time, so going for the two point conversion was what he called his team's best chance of coming out winners. Hart who was picked on most of the day, but he came through with a bat down of the ball in the end zone to win the game when the team needed him most.

I think the Chargers defense has shown they can win, although it was very close. If the Chargers defense can keep making strides under Rivera, then the team will keep winning.

I know I am certainly looking forward to more wins.

Chargers Promote Ron Rivera to DC

I think this is a good move by the Chargers. Ron Rivera has a great resume' and always brings intensity to his defenses. Just what the Chargers have been needing. Under Ted Cotrell the Defense played way to conservative, and under Rivera we will see another attacking defense like Wade Phillips use to bring with these very same Chargers.

It's not too late, the Chargers will start the winning streak just as soon as they come out of the bye week. I still the Chargers can win their division and then lets see if they don't make something happen in the playoffs.

The Chargers just have to win their Division

The way the Broncos, Raiders, and Chiefs are playing it should be within reach. The Chargers just need to get on a winning roll here, with a win over the Saints. Chargers should win in a close one. With both offenses showing they can move the ball.

Chargers 31

Saints 28

Chargers vs Bills

Chargers 28

Bills 17

Chargers vs Patriots

I believe the Chargers will squeak out a win against the Patriots in spite of an injured Charger team.

Chargers 27

Patriots 24

Chargers vs Dolphins

Chargers will win against the Dolphins:

Chargers 28

Dolphins 13

Chargers vs Raiders in Oakland

I think the Chargers will blow out the Raiders in Oakland.

Chargers 51

Raiders 17

The Jets come to San Diego

Monday night should be another barn burner! With the way the Chargers defense has been playing, I expect that both teams will be throwing and scoring.

I pick the Chargers to win 38 to the Jets 31

ED HOCHULI should be under FBI Investigation after that blatant throwing of a game.

ED HOCHULI needs to be placed under an FBI investigation along with the NFL and Roger Goodel too for that blatant throwing the game on two plays that gave the Cheating Broncos a game they don't deserve.

The NFL is no better than Wrestling when refs throw games away so badly. Just unbelievable.

For an article on the theft and Cutler admitting it was a fumble:

Broncos take gift from officials make it count for two (points)

"It was a fumble. I think so. It just slipped out," Cutler said

Chargers at Denver

It's going to be a tough game with all the injuries the Charger players have going into this game, but I think the Chargers will come out with a win.

Chargers 30

Dener 28

Chargers should roll over the Panthers

The Chargers should win this game against the Panthers today at the Q!!!!

I predict the score at:

Chargers 31

Panthers 10

Look for the Chargers to have a plus 2 turnover ratio or better today. The Fans at the Q in preseason games were anxious to get the season started and actually were chombing at the bit to start cheering their team to victory. There is an atmosphere in the air and you can tell it is a winning attitude amongst the players and the fans. It's going to be a great season for Charger fans.

Chargers sign eight to practice squad

I am very happy to see Antwan Applewhite make the PS. I think he has a bright future. I was also impressed with Eldra Buckley in camp and the Preseason games. Tra Battle and Andre Coleman are also nice developmental players for the PS.

Chargers sign eight to practice squad

The San Diego Chargers signed eight players to their 2008 practice squad
Sunday:

LB Antwan Applewhite
WR Gary Banks
S Tra Battle
RB Eldra Buckley
DE Andre Coleman
G Brandyn Dombrowski
DE Keith Grennan
FB David Kirtman

Kirtman was a fifth-round selection of the Seattle Seahawks in 2006. He began the ’06 season on the Seahawks’ practice squad, was added to their active roster on Dec. 12 and was inactive for the team’s final three games. In 2007 he once again was signed to the practice squad before being activated Nov. 12 and playing in six games. He was released by the Seahawks on Saturday. The other seven additions to the practice squad were released from the Chargers’ active roster on Saturday.

LB Jason
Brisbane from England is the ninth member of the practice squad as part of the NFL’s International Practice Squad Player Program.
###

CHARGERS 53-MAN ROSTER

CHARGERS 53-MAN ROSTER

Quarterbacks (3): Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst

Running backs (5): Jacob Hester, Andrew Pinnock, Darren Sproles, LaDainian Tomlinson, Mike Tolbert

Tight ends (2): Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna

Wide receivers (6): Chris Chambers, Buster Davis, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Jackson, Legedu Naanee, Kassim Osgood

Offensive linemen (10): Corey Clark, Jeromey Clary, Kris Dielman, Mike Goff, Nick Hardwick, Marcus McNeill, Scott Mruczkowski, Jeremy Newberry, L.J. Shelton, Cory Withrow

Defensive linemen (6): Ryon Bingham, Luis Castillo, Jacques Cesaire, Brandon McKinney, Igor Olshansky, Jamal Williams

Linebackers (9): Tim Dobbins, Marques Harris, Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Brandon Siler, Derek Smith, Jyles Tucker, Anthony Waters, Matt Wilhelm

Defensive backs (9): Antoine Cason, Antonio Cromartie, Cletis Gordon, Steve Gregory, Clinton Hart, Quentin Jammer, Paul Oliver, DeJuan Tribble, Eric
Weddle

Specialists (3): David Binn, Nate Kaeding, Mike Scifres

Chargers finalize roster

The Chargeres finalized their roster with the below listed cuts: I felt they should have kept Antwan Applewhite, both for how good he showed in camp and the preseason games. Plus with Merriman injured keeping Applewhite would even make more sense. I expect Applewhite and Marcus Thomas will make the Practice Squad.



Chargers finalize roster

The San Diego Chargers placed TE Scott Chandler on Reserve-Injured (toe)
and released the following 20 players from their active roster to reach the
NFL’s mandatory limit of 53 players:

LB Antwan Applewhite
LB Eric Bakhtiari
WR Gary Banks
S Tra Battle
CB Josh Bell
TE Wade Betschart
S Brian Bonner
RB Eldra Buckley
DE Andre Coleman
DT Lamar Divens
G Brandyn Dombrowski
DE Keith Grennan
DT Keith Jackson
WR Mark Jones
T Tyler Luellen
LB Terna Nande
T Tony Pape
LB Carlos Polk
G Erik Robertson
RB Marcus Thomas

Chandler sustained the toe injury in Friday night’s preseason
finale in San Francisco. He will miss the ’08 season.

My Charger Projected roster for 2008

This is my Charger Projected roster for 2008. We will see how accurate it is when the Chargers get down to their final roster of 53 players.


Defense: 24 players on defense
DE Olshansky Bingham
NT Williams McKinney
DE Castillo Cesaire
OLB Merriman Tucker Applewhite
ILB Cooper Smith Siler Dobbins
ILB Wilhelm Waters
OLB Phillips Harris
CB Jammer Gordon
S Weddle Oliver
S Hart Gregory
CB Cromartie Cason


Dobbins because Cooper doesn't count against the roster until he comes off his suspension.

Offense: 26 players on offense
WR Chambers Davis Naanee
TE Gates Manumaleuna Chandler
LT McNeill
LG Dielman Mruczkowski
C Hardwick Newberry *(See Below for Withrow)
RG Goff
RT Clary Shelton
WR Jackson Floyd Osgood
QB Rivers Volek Whitehurst
FB Tolbert Pinnock Hester
RB Tomlinson Sproles Thomas

Special Teams: 3 players on ST's
K Kaeding
P Scifres
LS Binn

*Hardwick might stay on the PUP list then Cory Withrow will make the team until Hardwick is ready.

I believe the Chargers will keep Applewhite over Polk this year. Especially with Merriman's injury concerns. Floyd, who Norv has always liked as a WR, makes it this year because he has shown he can also now play gunner on ST's. The rest of the roster is pretty much expected.

Chargers Training Camp Thursday Aug 14th

Training Camp is almost over. Thursday was the last day that Fans are allowed to attend this year 2008.
Camp sensation Mike Tolbert #35 shows he can catch the ball with ease in this early drill in camp.
Darren Sproles #43 was flashing speed in his Punt Returns on the day. This one goes for a TD to the delight of the 1000 plus fans in attendance.
Casey Bramlet #8 was actually QB'ing the team on several series on the day and looked good doing so. It looked like they wanted to rest most of the first string including Rivers on this afternoon practice.
Legedu Naanee #11 makes a nice reception down field beating out a double team.
Malcom Floyd #80 shows why he will probably make the team again this year above. Floyd can catch.
Gary Banks #12 makes a nice reception above.
Marcus Thomas #25 proves he also can catch the ball down field in the above picture.
Naanee beats the defense deep and runs for a TD on this reception above.
Mike Tolbert #35 catching the ball out wide and runs for another 10 yards after reception.
Mark Jones WR #82 proves he can catch the ball above. Jones also looked great returning punts sharing drills with Sproles on the day.
Eldra Buckley RB #30 makes a nice reception down field beating out a defender and was off to the races in the above picture.
Jacob Hester #22 makes a nice grab over the middle above.
Malcom Floyd #80 above had a big day along with Naanee catching the ball.
Mark Jones #82 making another nice reception above proves he is going to make it a tough decision on whether he is worthy for that last roster spot.

It was a quiet afternoon even though 1000 plus fans showed up for the last day of camp that fans are allowed to attend. Rivers didn't play much, neither did LT or the rest of the first string.

But the rest of the players put on a nice competitive camp day, many still trying to prove they belong on the team. Floyd and Naanee along with Jones and Sproles all flashed plenty of talent on the day and excited the fans with some very nice plays.

All in all, it was a great camp this year at Chargers Park. This team looks ready to conquer the NFL.

Preseason Chargers vs Cowboys

Chargers Defense is being introduced prior to the Cowboys game at the Q.
Lights Out Shawne Merriman is showing off his Lights Out dance.

The Chargers were impressive beating the Cowboys 31-17 in their first preseason game of 2008. For a good article on the game click link below by Kevin Acee:

Chargers look super, for what it's worth.

Tuesday Aug. 5th 2008 Charger Camp

The beautiful 75 degree day started off in Chargers Park in the 7 on 7's with Rivers at QB in run drills.
Several of the first plays went to none other than the great LT #21 above. LT looks every bit the Super Star that he is. Yes even in camp LT flashes brilliance.
This running play is handed off to Jacob Hester #22 above.
#35 Mike Tolbert FB blocks for Hester down field in the above picture. Tolbert works with the first unit.
#47 Wade Betschart FB/TE was also working with the first unit. It seems Betschart and Tolbert are in a heated competition. I think Tolbert will win this battle but the Chargers are giving Betschart every opportunity. Maybe this is all for nothing if Pinnock reclaims his position but I think the three will be allowed to compete.
Again Betschart #47 lines up as a FB in the above picture along with Rivers #17 at QB.
Above is a nice pass reception by Betschart #17 downfield.

Brandon Manumaleuna #86 shows off his great hands in this fight for a reception down field and Manu comes away with the completion, above.

Legedu Naanee #11 had several nice receptions on the day and this is one of them where the ball was thrown where only he could catch it before it hits the ground. Naanee also looked good on the day.

Kassim Osgood #81 misses a pass thrown right too him, it hits him right in the hands and he drops it. The crowd murmurs "that's why Osgood doesn't see many passes."
But on the next play Rivers hits Osgood #81 on a quick slant across the middle and Osgood is off to the races for some very nice YAC, in the above picture. That sure quieted the crowd down. Osgood filled in for an injured Vincent Jackson who was on the field but not dressed. And Osgood also caught several passes today.
Chris Chambers #89 makes a nice reception above. Chambers is going to have a great year, if camp is any indication of the season.
Buster Davis #84 beats out Cason #20 along the sidelines for a nice reception down field in this above picture.
For the play of the day #3 Marco Thomas WR shows off some surprising speed and Wow's the crowd with an over the shoulder 50 yard pass reception from Volek and runs it in for a TD.
The defense is not happy and bats up the ball on the next play above, Tra Battle #36 SS picks off the pass from Volek and runs it back for what would be a TD.
Buster Davis #84 makes a tough reception over the middle in the above picture.
Anthony Waters #53 LBer races in to make a tackle in the above Picture. I thought it would be nice to end the post with a picture of Waters showing off some speed.

It really was a peaceful beautiful day in Charger Park today. The players were playing hard especially the defense and if I were to judge I would say the defense on the whole won the day. But the Offense had some good plays too, especially that thrilling 50 yard completion from Volek to Marco Thomas that went for a TD.

ST's were a big feature of the day too, and Scifres, Kaeding, and Vinnedge were all punting the ball in what looked like a competition. Yes Kaeding was punting and was kicking some real distance. But Scifres decided to end the competition with what looked like a 70 yard punt in the air that just hung forever. That ended the punting competition with a huge round of applause from the crowd for Scifres.

Fanfest 2008 Action

Rivers hands off to LT #21 in the above picture. (BTW it was a great day at Fanfest today!)
LT blows by the defense and is already turning around to go back to the huddle.
LT standing with his shirt up talking to a trainer in the end zone. If you can see LT he has extremely ripped stomach muscles showing above.
Chris Chambers #89 making a down field catch above. Making it look easy, which he does all day.
Quentin Jammer #23 beats out Legedu Naanee #11 on a deeply thrown pass by Rivers in the above picture. If Rivers had not thrown this ball extremely deep Jammer would have intercepted it.
Rivers approaches the center. Notice that LT is the deep back and Brandon Manumaleuna #86 is lined up in the backfield along with Mike Tolbert FB #35, both just behind Rivers. This looks like another Elephant alignment the Chargers could use to run the ball with both Manu and Tolbert blocking for LT.
On this play though Tolbert is found wide open and Rivers hits him with a pass down field which Tolbert shows off his great hands. Tolbert was impressive today, and Pinnock is going to have competition from Tolbert.
Tolbert #35 shows off his speed and sprints for a TD.
Gary Banks WR #12 makes another reception. Banks seems to quietly make receptions down field day after day.
Chris Chambers with another reception down field in the above picture.
Chris Chambers with another great reception and beating more than one defender. Rivers main target today was Chambers as VJ was resting.
Cletis Gordon CB #24 makes an interception in the above picture and is off to the races.
Well Gorden is very fast and no one is able to catch him so here he is racing in for a TD on that interception.
Mark Jones WR #82 beats out two defenders for a nice reception down field.
LT #21 flies through the middle for a TD in the above picture.
Here is the catch of the day. Chris Chambers WR #89 makes a one handed grab for a TD as he is laying himself out flat to reach the ball thrown by Rivers into the endzone to a well covered Chambers but Chambers makes the TD anyways. There is magic between Rivers and Chambers and here is proof.
Legedu Naanee WR #11 catching a pass downfield.
Another picture of that Elephant formation with Rivers at QB, LT at RB, and Manu in motion. Notice Tolbert #35 at FB lined up in front of LT.
Darren Sproles #43 catches a pass and runs for a TD in the above picture.
Chris Chambers WR #89 making another great reception on the day even though the defense seems to have him well covered.

Lots of great action today at Fanfest. The Chargers ran the eleven on elevens all day to the delight of the fans in attendance. LT flashed plenty of speed. Rivers was accurate and hitting receivers in stride, especially Chambers. The defense is also playing tough and stops a whole lot of drives. I think both sides; offense and defense could start the season, they are ready now. So is Special Teams. All in all it was a great day at Qualcom.