San Diego Charger Fan

By Curtis Egan
BoltTalk Staff Writer

Philip Rivers chats with kids during his 1st annual football camp.

For the second day the skies above USD in La Jolla, California were gray with a cool wind coming in off of the Pacific Ocean. Kids gathered on the pristine fields awaiting the start of the second day of the inaugural Philip Rivers Football Camp, benefiting the Rivers of Hope Foundation.

Jake Nagian, a young man from San Marcos loved the scrimmages the day before. Luke who is 10 will remember catching the pass from Philip Rivers on the first day of camp. He also suggests all kids come out next year and play ball with Philip. Max MacArthur of the San Dieguito brought 25 youths and four other adults with him to camp. He was impressed with how Philip was all over the camp coaching up the kids, and his kids responded. He said that his kids had the time of their lives. He thought the camp was better than he expected for a first time camp. In the first day all the boys from the San Dieguito had received at least one pass from the two time pro bowl Quarterback of the Chargers.

The action got underway early as the kids were sent out to their teams at 9am, there they spent about 10 minutes warming up then they got grouped up and Philip addressed the assemblage of 300 kids eager to play some football. Philip seemed to be at home in amongst the boys and girls from 7 to 14. He mentioned to the kids that every day you can get worse at something, you can stay the same or get better. He encouraged the kids to get better in everything they do.
(http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…38092229542726)

Philip then asked the kids if they thought about football the night before, and he insisted that he did. He joked that he had nightmares about the day before. He called out two kids who had intercepted him the day before, insisting it caused him to lose sleep. This brought forth a chorus of laughs and cheers from the crowd. He joked about how he likes to argue with Referees, keeping things light for the kids.

However, just like with the Chargers Philip has a team he works with, and one of his lead players at the camp is Coach Ron Humber, who is in his eighth season as the Mt. St. Joesph Lions’ head coach. Huber led the program to a third straight HCAC championship last fall, as the Lions went 7-0 in conference play. The Mount became the first team in HCAC history to record three straight conference titles.

The HCAC title enabled the Lions to return to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the third straight season, as they took on Wheaton College in the first round. The Mount had 15 players selected all-conference (best in the conference), the HCAC Offensive Most Valuable Player and the HCAC Defensive co-Most Valuable Player. The Lions also had one of the top overall and rushing defenses in the nation again last season. In addition, the Mount was ranked among the top teams in 2006 in various national polls. Huber is a two-time HCAC Coach of the Year and has the most wins of any Mount football coach in program history, sporting a 41-32 record.

Huber has 25 years of coaching at the high school and college level and has been on the Mount football staff since the program’s inception in 1990. Prior to becoming the third head coach in Lions’ football history in 2000, Huber was a defensive position coach and spent four years as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. He also coached the College’s wrestling program for four seasons. During the 1999-2000 season the team garnered Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament and NCAA Division III Midwest Regional championships. Huber was named conference and regional coach of the year that season.

Coach Huber MC’ed the event, working with the kids and letting the parent know what was going on by continually working the microphone and bringing an energetic vibe to the camp. The kids responded to him as well.

The staff kept the kids busy, and entertained. The coaches worked nonstop with the kids, just as Philip did. Those who looked on from the sidelines also liked what they saw. At a point halfway through the day, the staff got the kids together to get them hydrated and go over the day’s activities so far. Philip chose three kids to demonstrate the drills that they had worked on in the morning. He also took several questions from the kids, who asked some good questions. Such as how easy is it to stay cool when there is a pass rush. Rivers had some good answers and one comment he made seemed real poignant, “The best ability is dependability.” He used this comment when discussing the wide receivers. He was asked if he trusted his wide receivers, he did not hesitate in saying yes, he has some good ones and it is easy to trust them. One kid then asked Philip if he would ever play for the Raiders. I believe the response was “no Chance.” This again brought a quick chorus of cheers from the kids and parents alike.

Philip then chose three players to throw long passes to. All of them got their hands on the ball and at least one hauled the ball in for the completion. (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/…8423&ref=notif).

After the break the kids got back to the field to play some touch football games in order to determine who the best team from each age group was. The games were for fun, and to their credit the kids could be seen congratulating team mates and competition alike. They were taking to hart the words of Coaches Rivers, Huber and all the volunteer Coaches from the local High Schools and Colleges.

Three twenty minute games were played before the campers were called together one more time. This time Rivers addressed them with closing comments, he told the kids that he had a great time and that they were a great group of kids. He also told the kids to thank those who brought them to camp and to appreciate the time at camp. (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….32874249&saved)

I was left with a deep appreciation of the great role model this young man is. How he has conducted himself in a manner that is a credit to the Chargers, their fans, his family and the Rivers of Hope Foundation. We all know the NFL has many examples of players that we would not like to have our children follow as a role model. The Chargers have many player who are the opposite, a great role model we can be happy to have our kids emulate. Philip took his spot at the head of those players, leading not only on the field but off.

I recall the story of a young LaDainian Tomlinson attending the Emmitt Smith camp in Texas, and there developing a great thirst for the game and a desire to play professionally. I wonder if one of these 300 children will one day repeat a similar story based on their time at this camp. Regardless, everyone enjoyed their time and several of the campers I spoke to can’t wait for the second football camp that Philip hosts

Camp Photos:
http://www.facebook.com/editalbum.ph…9412&aid=20301

By Curtis Egan
BoltTalk Staff Writer

Philip Rivers instructions while youngsters listen on.

The skies were gray in La Jolla California on the morning of January 10, 2010, but the smiles on the faces of the children between the ages of 8 and 14 were as bright as a Caribbean sun. These children and their families gathered at the beautiful campus of SDU in La Jolla California to attend the first ever Philip Rivers football camp for kids.

Football was the overt reason that everyone gathered on the beautiful morning with a nice breeze coming of the Pacific Ocean just a few blocks away. However the camp was also to raise awareness and funds for the Rivers of Hope Foundation. The Rivers of Hope Foundation was created to help unwanted, abandoned and orphaned children find permanent loving homes and their own sense of self-worth by developing and coordinating resources and programs to create community awareness, recruit adoptive families, provide financial aid for adoption and assistance for foster children and orphans. (http://riversofhopefoundation.com)

Before the beginning of the event the children were throwing footballs and enjoying the morning. Boys and girls having fun with one another, all eager to meet the two time pro bowl Quarterback of the San Diego Chargers.

One thing that has become a staple of the San Diego Chargers of later is high character players who help out the community and are down to earth. Philip Rivers did not break this mold, no in fact he reinforced it, showing up more than two hours before the event to help make sure that the day went off without a hitch and that the children got a quality event they would remember and it would be a character building experience for them.

As things got organized the children were divided up into different age groups and began warming up. Philip Rivers wasted no time in jumping in and throwing passes to the kids, cheering them on and high fiving them. He genuinely enjoyed being able to work with the children. In fact at times the smile he was sporting and his enthusiasm made him seem like the biggest kid out there, but the children responded to him. Not only because he is the star Quarterback with a career passer rating of over 95 % (second in NFL), but because of his spirit and enthusiasm.

The activities started at 9am, the drills, registration and draft of teams was over by 9:30 and the day’s events were underway. Philip Rivers and the camp director kicked things off introducing the numerous local High School and College coaches who volunteered their time to help the children at the camp. Poway High School, San Diego High School as well as other were represented. By 10am the core drills were underway, these included the 3 step drop drill, the hand off drill and the roll out. Rivers joked with the kids about his throwing style, saying that while his was not the way other coaches would teach them to pass the ball, that none the less it worked for him. During the handoff drills he commented on how important the hand off was and spoke about the quality of running backs he has had behind him with the Chargers, giving some respect the LaDainina Tomlinson who departed the shores of San Diego to be a New York Jet in the off season.

Once the kids were back out in their teams working on what they had been shown by ‘Coach’ Rivers, the ‘Coach’ eagerly jumped in again and played with the kids. I believe by the end of the day a majority of the kids got a high five or encouragement from ‘Coach’ Rivers.

Philip also took time to speak to the local media, commenting on the Rivers of Hope foundation, and mentioning that he and his wife Tiffany have announced that their official charity, the Rivers of Hope Foundation, will provide a $25,000 grant to Angels Foster Family Network, a local organization that places babies and toddlers in the foster care system with loving and supportive foster families.

Angels Foster Family Network is a unique organization that is contracted by San Diego County to place babies and toddlers in quality foster care. Angels operates on the well-documented belief that early intervention can prevent a myriad of problems in later life. Angels places just one baby in a home with screened and well-trained primary caregivers to insure that secure attachment and bonding will take place—a key to later healthy development.

Graciously, Rivers took time to answer questions about the Chargers, commenting that this may be one of the most focused teams he has been part of in San Diego, and that they were hungry for a championship. He also took a question about his father, where he was asked if he is channeling his father, who was a football coach (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….37822406236375), with a smile on his face he answered positively that he was and saying that he would coach the way his father coached. If the way ‘Coach’ Rivers handled himself with his ‘team’ on this day was any indication Philips father was a coach who was good with his players.

Rivers also commented that his fellow players sometimes tell him that they have enough coaches (http://www.facebook.com/video/video….37830542902228) because he is always trying to make sure things are done the right way. He commented on losing team mates in the off season, and about how the game is a business (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…37829766235639). All in all Rivers appears to be ready to enter the new season and work for a fast start with one goal in mind, bring home the Lombardi.

While he did take time to speak to the media, he was soon back on the field with the kids. He finished up the day jumping from one game to another throwing passes to the kids and being a positive role model, and simply having fun out on the field.

Rivers’ night will be busy, he has over 300 photos to autograph for tomorrow when the campers return for the second day of camp. The second day where more kids will get a chance to catch a pass from the Chargers star Quarterback, or possibly even win autographed jerseys with the number 17 on it. Regardless the kids will be treated to a fun event with a good role model, one that every Chargers Fan can be proud of.

By Curtis Egan
BoltTalk Staff Writer

Philip Rivers

We have all seen the negative press that swirls around the National Football league (NFL) as of late. NFL stars doing things that give their teams, the league, and all organized sports in general a black eye. However with the Chargers have been lucky, while there is always some bad press, the Chargers have a number of players who give back to the community where and when they can. Steve Gregory, with his , SG Squad, Jeromey Clary with his Clary’s Crew, Quentin Jammer with his Jammer Foundation, Jaques Cesaire with JC’s Kids, and Luis Castillo with Castillo’s Cargadores just to name some of them (see Hearts of Champions for more information).

Now throwing his name into the mix is none other than the elite Quarterback for the San Diego Charger, Philip Rivers. We have all heard what a down to earth guy Philip is. An NFL star who is known to drive a mini-van, wearing flannel shirts, and approaching the game and life with a contagious enthusiasm. He brings the same enthusiasm to THE RIVERS OF HOPE a foundation he and his wife Tiffany founded in order to help foster children throughout San Diego County.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ryan Altizer from the Rivers of Hope Foundation about this undertaking, and got some eye opening information. In San Diego County there are roughly about 4200 children in the foster care system a year. Of those around 1000 will never return to their families, the number of those adopted is around 600, leaving approximately 400 children in the system, bouncing from foster family to foster family. The Rivers family intends to bring the number of children left in the system down.

No one who knows even the basic information could question that Philip and Tiffany love children, they have five of their own. But that they are willing to give their time, money and energies for children they don’t even know can attest to the caliber of people we are discussing here.

The Rivers of Hope Foundations describe their mission as this “To help unwanted, abandoned and orphaned children find permanent loving homes and their own sense of self-worth. We do this by developing and coordinating resources and programs to create community awareness, recruit adoptive families, provide financial aid for adoption and assistance for foster children and orphans.
Hundreds of thousands of children all over the United States find themselves unwanted, alone and abandoned. Worst of all, they find themselves without hope or any sense of self-worth. At Rivers of Hope, we work with organizations, partners and individuals to develop a network of resources and programs designed to bring hope back to these children. This includes the recruitment of prospective parents, working with agencies to make the process easier for those who want to adopt, and giving foster children opportunities and resources to grow as young people. Together, we strive to provide those in need of a full, loving family several paths, or “rivers”, to the hope they so desperately need.”

There will be three major programs in the foundation; Rivers of Hope Birthday Club, Something Special Fund, The Heart Gallery:
Rivers of Hope Birthday Club
The fact that so many children are in foster homes or other shelters can make a birthday for these young people a very lonely and hard time. The Rivers of Hope Birthday Club will provide a card and gift to them on their day, so they know they are not forgotten.
Something Special Fund
There are unfortunate times in the lives of foster kids, where they need some funding for something and they cannot get it. Be it that the foster parents cannot provide it or will not provide it. The Rivers of Hope foundation will assist in these situations by providing funds to these kids so they don’t miss out on some of the important events in their lives.
The Heart Gallery
This is a traveling photographic exhibit created to find children in foster care permanent, loving families. The Heart Gallery of America is a collaborative project of over 120 Heart Galleries across the United States (and growing) designed to increase the number of adoptive families for children needing homes in our community.
Rivers of Hope funds the San Diego chapter of The Heart Gallery, and works with San Diego County Adoptions and other organizations to find events and other opportunities to display photos of children in San Diego County in need of loving families.

Now I know many of the rabid Charger fans out there want more than anything else to see Philip Rivers hoist the Lombardi trophy over his head. But based on many years of interacting with a number of fans, the most rabid fan also wants a player who is an ambassador to the community, one who can make them feel proud to wear their jersey, not only on the field but off.

I don’t see how any fan can look at The Rivers of Hope Foundation and not feel pride for what Philip Rivers and his family are doing. They are taking a portion of our population that is so easily over looked and giving them the hand up, and when needed the hug they deserve as human beings.

You can find out more about The Rivers of Hope Foundation at http://riversofhopefoundation.com/. Also note that to support the Foundation, Philip will be holding his first football camp for youth on July 10 and 11, at UC San Diego NCRA Fields – San Diego, CA. You can find information out on this camp at http://riversofhopefoundation.com/events.php?id=3

Rest assured Charger fans, we have the rare combination of star athlete, down to earth human, and caring citizen in the starting Quarterback for the San Diego Chargers. He provides pride to all his fans on and off of the field, and now, with this foundation helps those that truly need help.

Thank you Philip and Tiffany for all you do for the people of San Diego County.

Source: USA Today

Philip Rivers

The Chargers have run off some key players this offseason, which leads to a question: Just who is the Chargers’ leader.

LaDainian Tomlinson is gone. Jamal Williams is out the door. Even Kassim Osgood, a special-teams demon, has exited.

“There is a void, and we have guys who are capable of stepping up,” coach Norv Turner said. “Antonio Gates, obviously Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson.”

But Gates, while one of the best to ever play his position, is soft-spoken.

Rivers is an obvious one, and he has the vocal skills to fire up his teammates.

Jackson? He’s another quiet guy, and with all his off-field problems, it’s not clear he could be the go-to guy.

But Turner has been around long enough in enough different places that he’s confident someone will step forward.

“That’s a process that you go through in this league and I’ve gone through it many times,” said Turner, who is in his third head-coaching stint. “We’ve got to get a young guy in and get him going in terms of playing that position, but we’ve got some great leaders who I think can help our younger players.”

He’s probably right. And to be clear, Tomlinson wasn’t a big soap-box guy, which likely made him more effective. Instead of some players who talk basically because they like to hear themselves speak, Tomlinson would pick his spots.

When he did talk, teammates listened. But that voice now resides with the New York Jets.

Turner said losing Tomlinson is more a reflection on the NFL landscape than anything else.

“This league is about change, and adapting to the different situations you’re put in,” Turner said. “We know we need to go find a runner.

“We want to run the ball, we want to have a balanced offense, that’s one of our priorities, and obviously at this point, most of that will happen through the draft.”

But drafting someone who can come in and immediately command the respect of veterans is a long shot. So that means the Chargers’ leader is likely already wearing one of their uniforms.

Shawne Merriman, on the defensive side, can lead. Same goes with inside linebacker Stephen Cooper. Quentin Jammer is another possibility but he’s a not a big talker.

So while the talk has been about the exiting players’ production which will be missed, don’t overlook their contributions in the locker room.

That’s another part of the Chargers which needs shored up for 2010.

“We have a resilient group,” Turner added. “We’ve probably got 10 guys over the past three years that have overcome what could have been career threatening injuries. Some of them have gotten great notoriety — Shawne Merriman coming off knee surgery, Philip Rivers playing in that championship game with the knee and then having surgery two days later, Antonio Gates, what he’s done coming off that toe surgery.

“So we have a resilient group, and our group has been pounding on that door, and we’ve been pounding hard on that door, and our next step obviously is to go knock that door down, and that’s what we’re going to get ready to do in the off-season.”

NOTES, QUOTES

On the heels of finishing near the bottom in every significant running category, the Chargers cut LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Bennett.

So with the draft drawing near, many believe the Chargers will reach for a running back with either their first pick at 28th or at No. 40 in the second round.

Or, do the Chargers go after a defensive tackle with three-time Pro Bowler Jamal Williams ending up in Denver.

“We had some young guys really step up and come through for us,” coach Norv Turner said, discounting the Chargers’ need at Williams’ old spot. “Our defensive line, I think, early in the year, was an area that people looked at as a weakness and I think became a strength for us at the end of the season. So we’re not in a position where we have to do something, but again, if we can add a player, that would be great.”

With Turner turning attention away from defensive tackle — and with it being this time of year — it probably means that’s where the Chargers will address that shortcoming first.

Still, it’s hard to ignore the thin depth chart at running back, which currently shows Darren Sproles, Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester.

That’s why Turner could be shooting straight when emphasizing the requirement to take care of that position in the draft.

“I’ve had limited exposure, but you see him enough to know that C.J. Spiller is just dynamite. He does it all, the return game, the explosiveness, the perimeter running. He’s an exciting player. He’s probably a little bit like (Jahvid) Best at Cal, similar style. Like Joe McKnight at (USC).”

But Spillman figures to be long gone when the Chargers are on the clock. So the Chargers will likely have to settle on someone else.

Anyone for Stanford’s Toby Gerhart?

“Gerhart is a lot more explosive player than I think people realize because he’s very, very physical,” Turner said.

And in that vein, with the shifty Sproles already on hand, could the Chargers go for a bruiser instead of burst?

“I think people look at it and say, `Hey, with Sproles they can offset that.’ But we just want the best back. We’re going to adjust to what he does. It’s a physical game.”

But the Chargers have made the noise more with a finesse approach by leaning on the passing game and the arm of quarterback Philip Rivers.

While that works, too, at some point the Chargers have to assemble the resemblance of a running game, which could lead general manager A. J. Smith toward a backfield addition.

Right coach Turner?

“I don’t think you ever say exactly what you’re going to do,” he said. “But I’m going to be tugging on A.J.’s shirt trying to encourage him to.”

—The Chargers are giving no hints that they have given up on Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding, despite his lack of success in playoff games. “I think the biggest thing for Nate is what he’s accomplished,” coach Norv Turner said. “You go kick 69 straight inside of 40 yards, obviously the ability is there, the mentality is there. He’s capable of doing all the things we need him to do. I think he’s a great example for our entire team. That last game was a disappointment, but all of us need to bounce back, and I have no doubts about Nate. If we were going to line up and kick one right now, I’m very comfortable and confident he’d make it.”

—By replacing starting RT Jeromey Clary in the season’s second half, Brandyn Dombrowski earned an additional $254,552 in performance base pay for last season.

—The Chargers were awarded a fifth-round compensatory pick after losing free agents Igor Olshansky and Mike Goff last season. It will be the 168th overall selection.

—WR Demetrius Byrd, a seventh-round pick last year despite being injured in a car accident prior to the draft, was released.

—Thanks for the memories: A LaDainian Tomlinson vintage T-shirt, which once sold for $39.99 can be had for $4.96 through the team’s on-line pro shop.

—The team will start its offseason weight-lifting sessions on March 29.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “I think when you have a game like that, one or two things happen. Guys have a tough time coming back from it, or it makes you stronger. I think our guys have a mind-set that it’s going to make them stronger and make them more determined.” — Coach Norv Turner on how he anticipates his players will respond after their playoff face-plant against the Jets.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

OFFSEASON STRATEGY

All attention is being turned to the draft, and the Chargers are feeling better about it after moving quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.

By peddling him to the Seahawks, the Chargers’ booty included moving up 20 spots in the second round by switching places with the Seahawks. They will also receive Seattle’s third-round pick in 2011.

The Chargers seldom do much in free agency and that doesn’t seem likely to change this year. To date, the Chargers don’t have any significant signings in their past or future.

That could change after the draft if the Chargers can’t fill some needs. But don’t count on it.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Running back: The Chargers move the ball through the air. But someone has to be behind Philip Rivers and currently there’s not much there. The removal of LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Bennett from the roster means this need leaps off the Chargers’ offseason page. The Chargers have the dynamic Darren Sproles, but he’s more of a situational back than one to be counted on for yards between the tackles.

2. Defensive tackle: The Chargers were tardy in finding a replacement for Jamal Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler who has been breaking down in recent seasons. The Chargers now need to move fast, unless they want to spend another season plugging the defense’s biggest hole in the middle with a collection of journeyman players. Ryon Bingham, Williams’ backup, should return. But he doesn’t have the girth and mass that Williams displayed.

3. Cornerback: The Chargers once bragged this was among the team’s deepest position. But they grew tired of babysitting the talented but immature Antonio Cromartie and shipped the Pro Bowler to the Jets. There are some bodies behind Cromartie, but can any of them separate themselves to prove they are up to taking Cromartie’s spot?

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

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

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

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

—*C Eric Ghiaciuc (not tendered as RFA) won’t have a place with the number of linemen — when healthy — ahead of him.

—*OLB Marques Harris (not tendered as RFA) is a decent pass rusher but the Chargers will likely see him go where he would get more of a chance to contribute.

—*LB Dontarrious Thomas (not tendered as RFA) seldom saw the field when arriving late last year and appears to be a goner.

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

—RT Jeromey Clary (tendered at $1.684M with second-round pick as compensation) will return but will be pushed by Brandyn Dombrowski for a starting job.

—*ILB Tim Dobbins (tendered at $1.176M with fifth-round pick as compensation) is a solid backup after getting lapped by Brandon Siler; should return.

—*WR Malcom Floyd (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) could likely get more passes thrown his way elsewhere, but he likes San Diego and will likely take a little less to remain here.

—*WR Vincent Jackson (tendered at $3.268M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) is the team’s top receiver and will be brought back — unless the team has grown tired of his immaturity; that’s doubtful after two 1,000-yard seasons.

—*DL Travis Johnson (tendered at $1.226M with first-round pick as compensation) will probably have to settle for less money, but the former first-round pick of the Texans might have found a home in San Diego.

—*LT Marcus McNeill (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) is a stud at left tackle and among the team’s biggest offseason priorities.

—*OLB Shawne Merriman (tendered at $3.168M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) will return, possibly, if willing to swallow his pride and lower his price tag. A motivated Merriman playing on a one-year deal could be attractive to the Chargers.

—*RB Darren Sproles (tendered at $7.283M with first- and third-round picks as compensation) was tendered after it was first thought the Chargers would let him go.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

—OLB Antwan Applewhite (tendered at $470,000) can deliver a burst off the ball and is keen on special teams. He should be brought back.

—FB Mike Tolbert (tendered at $470,000) continues to improve and the Chargers could give him more carries in the base offense, depending on the situation at running back.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

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

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

—DT Ian Scott: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

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

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

—RB Marcus Mason (waivers Redskins).

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

PLAYERS LOST

—RB Michael Bennett (released).

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

—CB Antonio Cromartie (traded Jets).

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

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

—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).

Source: Associated Press

Vincent Jackson

NEW YORK—The New York Jets will have some big challenges to deal with against the San Diego Chargers.

The top-ranked defense has to defend a pass-happy offense Sunday with quarterback Philip Rivers and his tall targets.

Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are all at least 6-foot-4, and the Jets have one defensive back—safety Kerry Rhodes—taller than 6-1. Rhodes says the Jets might use the 6-3 Braylon Edwards on the scout team to help prepare for the height differential.

The Jets’ offensive line will also have to protect Mark Sanchez from a defense that likes to get to the quarterback with Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips leading the way.

Then there’s the biggest challenge of all: The Chargers have won 11 straight games.

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Billy Volek

SAN DIEGO (AP)—Billy Volek has been sent into games three times this year to mop up for Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers, mostly to take a knee and run out the clock.

“It’s crushing my rushing stats,” Volek joked Friday. “Every time I put my knee down it’s negative yardage.”

Sure enough, he has eight rushes for a total of minus-8 yards. He also has one completion for 15 yards, giving him a nifty passer rating of 118.8.

Volek is expected to get his most extensive playing time in two years when the red-hot San Diego Chargers host the Washington Redskins in a meaningless regular-season finale Sunday.

The AFC West champion Chargers (12-3), who have won 10 straight games, have nothing to gain except to avoid any more injuries. They’ve already clinched the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye.

Coach Norv Turner said Rivers will start and then make way for Volek at some point.

“I want to see Billy get some good opportunities,” Turner said.

Volek’s last significant action came when he led the winning drive at Indianapolis in January 2008 to put the Chargers in the AFC championship game. Coming in after Rivers hurt his right knee, Volek was 3 for 4 for 48 yards and then scored on a 1-yard sneak in the 28-24 victory.

“That was fun, the atmosphere was great, the playoffs, but I’m just looking forward to Sunday,” Volek said. “I miss playing, so I’m pretty excited.”

Volek didn’t take a snap in 2008.

“I’ve never done that in my career, which is pretty crazy,” Volek said. “All the tight games we were in, Philip, when we have a have a quarterback like that, he’s a very sturdy guy. But yeah, I’m excited about this opportunity.”

This year he played at the end of two blowout wins against Kansas City and at the end of the Chargers’ last game, a Christmas night victory at Tennessee.

“I think it would be good for him,” Turner said. “He hasn’t got a chance to play much. Obviously we lived it two years ago in Indianapolis where he went in and hadn’t played much and went in and played great. It was one of the reasons we were able to win the game. Getting him a few plays and getting him a chance to get back and play at that speed would be good.”

Turner said he wants to get as many players in on Sunday, including healthy starters. He said this is different than an exhibition game because in August there are 80 players on the roster. Now there are 45 who will be active.

“We’ve got to play and we do need game-speed reps for our guys,” Turner said. “I would like to get all 45 guys good opportunities to play.”

The Chargers are expected to hold out a handful of players who’ve been injured. Among them are outside linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot), fullback Jacob Hester (shoulder), safety Eric Weddle (knee) and receiver Legedu Naanee (foot).

Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (Achilles’ tendon) was listed as questionable after getting in only limited practice time this week. He’d like to play, if possible.

NOTES: The Chargers said enough tickets were sold to lift the local TV blackout. The team received a 24-hour extension due to the holiday. … Tickets to the Chargers’ divisional-round playoff game are available only to those who buy 2010 season tickets. To buy playoff tickets, fans must make a nonrefundable, $200 deposit per season seat. … Turner was evasive when asked about a possible contract extension. “I don’t know what the time frame is. That’s not an issue for me right now. At some point we’ll sit down and talk about it,” he said. General manager A.J. Smith didn’t return calls seeking comment.

Source: USA Today

Philip Rivers

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.

Source: Associated Press

By Bernie Wilson

Philip Rivers

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers are at it again.

The high-voltage Bolts (9-3) are on another late-season roll, winning seven straight games heading into a stretch that will determine whether they’re good enough to clinch the AFC’s No. 2 playoff seed.

“I think we just happen to jell at the right time, at the end of the year, play our best football,” said LaDainian Tomlinson, who hasn’t had a 100-yard game this season but does have six touchdowns during the last four weeks. “That’s something we focus on and talk about a lot, is playing your best football in December going into January. For some reason we do play our best football at that time.”

Their 30-23 win over the lowly Cleveland Browns was their 15th straight December victory dating to 2006, and their 10th in three seasons under coach Norv Turner.

Their late-season success will be tested beginning with Sunday’s game at NFC East co-leader Dallas (8-4), followed by a home game against AFC North leader Cincinnati—with the No. 2 seed likely on the line—and a Christmas Day game at Tennessee.

The Chargers have closed out the last three seasons with winning streaks.

In 2006, they won their final 10 games in coach Marty Schottenheimer’s last season to finish 14-2 before their playoff pratfall against New England.

This is the third straight year the Chargers have rebounded from slow starts under Turner to finish strong.

Turner’s third go-round as an NFL head coach got off to a shaky start when the Chargers opened the 2007 season at 1-3, with fans chanting Schottenheimer’s name at the end of a 30-16 loss to Kansas City. The Chargers won 10 of their final 12, including their last six, and made it all the way to the AFC championship game before losing to the Patriots.

Last year, they became the first team to go from 4-8 to the playoffs.

The Chargers looked to be in trouble this year after being manhandled in a loss at Pittsburgh and losing a home game to Denver that dropped them to 2-3, 3 1/2 games behind the Broncos in the AFC West. The Chargers now have a one-game lead over the Broncos.

If there’s a common denominator across the three seasons, it’s Turner’s approach, said quarterback Philip Rivers, who has thrown for 1,792 yards and 14 touchdowns during the winning streak.

“One thing that we have had that I think starts with Norv is a steadiness and a consistency, a week-to-week approach,” Rivers said. “We’re not on an emotional rollercoaster. It is the same and we strive to keep getting better each week, then you hope that gives you the best chance to peak at the right time, obviously if you’re in it.

“Last year was a little crazy, how we were in it but we weren’t really in it, then we were in it,” Rivers said. “This year we find ourselves in a lot better position and playing our best.”

Rivers said the best example of Turner’s consistent approach came last year when San Diego had to win its final four, coupled with Denver’s historic collapse, to clinch the division title at 8-8.

“The only chance we had to recover was the fact that he never flinched. Nobody panicked. It was about as bad as it could get last year. This year, same deal, we just stay the course. It was a little different because I didn’t feel the start was as bad as it may have been perceived. It filters down, the whole staff’s approach, and the way we prepare,” Rivers said.

“I hope those things help,” said Turner, who’s often maligned for his overall record, which is 86-98-1. “We talk about finishing strong a lot. Our guys have confidence going into this month. But we know, I think everyone knows, we have a real demanding schedule. The teams we’re playing have a lot at stake, just like we do.”

The Chargers were 2-1 going into the Pittsburgh game and still finding their way after losing defensive tackle Jamal Williams for the season and a handful of other starters in a season-opening win at Oakland. Tomlinson missed two games with a sprained ankle and center Nick Hardwick still hasn’t returned from ankle surgery.

“This year was a unique thing,” Turner said. “We lost a lot of players in the opening game this season and we were scrambling for a month to get some of those guys back and to get reorganized, replace them.”

General manager A.J. Smith didn’t return several calls seeking comment on his team’s late-season performances.

Tomlinson said strong finishes are a matter of players getting comfortable in their roles.

“We learn what our identity is as the season goes along,” L.T. said. “We really hone in on what we do well and we attack people that way. Guys get a little more comfortable.”

In this case, it’s Rivers throwing to tight end Antonio Gates—who is six yards shy of his second career 1,000-yard season—and his 6-foot-5 wide receivers, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd.

Gates said the only thing that matters is getting to the playoffs.

“The reality of it is, there is no one in this world who is immune to trials and tribulations in anything they do,” said Gates, who had a career-high 167 yards on eight catches Sunday. “So whatever you do, however you do it, whatever the expectations are, there’s going to be some bump in the road and you just have to overcome that.

“I feel like it won’t be sweet without the sour,” Gates said. “I’m that type of person. That’s why you cry when you win a championship, because of the bumps and bruises you’ve taken to get to that point. Nobody understands what you have to get through to get to that point.”

Source: Yahoo Sports

Chargers sack Denver QB Kyle Orton

Say, didn’t you used to be the high-flying Denver Broncos?

That’s the Chargers’ question as they head to Denver to face their longtime AFC West foe Sunday.

It wasn’t that long ago—Oct. 19—that the Broncos left San Diego after taking the Chargers to the woodshed and building a 3 1/2-game lead.

The Broncos haven’t won a game since and the Chargers are riding a four-game winning streak to knot these two talented teams at 6-3 and atop the AFC West.

“I don’t think ‘tank’ is the word,” Philip Rivers said, when asked if this Broncos team is tanking like last year’s, which squandered away the division lead to San Diego in the last four weeks.

“Teams go through ups and downs; we went through a downer earlier in the year and now we’re winning. And it seems Denver flipped the role.

“But at this point in the season we’re getting into the thick of it and the team playing the best in November and December gets to play in January. That is what we both know and that is why both teams need this win.”

Few people outside the Chargers’ locker room thought the Chargers could make up that much ground this fast. But under Norv Turner this has become a tradition, with the Chargers starting slowly then finding a way to play their best football as the calendar keeps flipping.

What changed the Chargers was their focus. Once they were looking at such a large deficit and up at the Broncos, they decided to start checking mirrors instead of other teams.

“After that (loss to Denver) our thoughts were we had to take care of own situation,” Turner said. “In that game we did a lot of things better than in previous games and we were close to getting on a roll. But we had to just go out and play and not get caught up in the negative things of not winning the game and we did that.”

That said, the Chargers are facing a miffed Broncos bunch that has the sour taste of a three-game losing streak in their mouths. And with the latest loss coming to the woeful Redskins, the Chargers know they aren’t going to sneak up on the Broncos.

“They are a very good football team; we saw that in the first meeting,” Turner said. “They play awfully well at home and we will have to play our best.”

If the Chargers can get past this one in a winning fashion, it’ll be the best team they’ll see in some time. After wrestling with the Giants and Eagles leading up to Sunday, they get a somewhat soft stretch with the visiting Chiefs and a game at Cleveland up next.

A four-game winning streak could easily transform into a seven-game run beginning with a win Sunday, which is no slam dunk.

But there is no argument the Chargers feel much better seeing the Broncos this time around with a swagger that was absent during a 2-3 start.

“I think with us it’s just the confidence level and how we are playing right now as a whole,” Shawne Merriman said. “It’s not just on offense, but our defense and our special teams. I think everything as a whole has made a complete turnaround from four weeks ago.”

Series History: 100th regular-season meeting. Broncos lead series 54-44-1. The Broncos used to dominate the Chargers at home, winning 10 of 11 games in Denver during one stretch. But since Philip Rivers became the Chargers’ starting quarterback in 2006, the visiting Chargers have won two of three games. And the lone loss came last season in the controversial Ed Hochuli game in which the referee called an incomplete pass instead of a fumble with the Broncos driving for the game-winning score.

NOTES, QUOTES

—If it seems the AFC West winner is usually the Broncos or Chargers, that has been the case of late. The two teams have won four of the last five division crowns.

QB Philip Rivers said he always get a kick out of going to the Mile High City.

“I do enjoy going there and playing,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere; it’s a great place to play. Obviously the games are always very meaningful. Denver and us have been battling for the division just about year. It’s always fun to go back there and play and we want to play at a high level.”

• OLB Shawne Merriman said while the Chargers are riding high that the films show a Broncos team looking for its legs again.

“I think they are a different team than what they were let’s say four weeks ago,” he said. “Four weeks ago they were undefeated and they just looked like one of the unbeatable teams in the league. But every team can get beat and they were just playing extremely well at that time.”

• Chargers coach Norv Turner is familiar with the defensive coordinator he will match wits with Sunday. Mike Nolan of Denver was the head coach of the Niners when Turner was the offensive coordinator in 2006.

• Denver defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely spent 12 seasons in that role with the Chargers before this season.

• Turner takes a lot of heat but know this: If the Chargers beat the Broncos, he will be 26-16 in the regular season and own the highest winning percentage of any San Diego coach at .619.

• RB LaDainian Tomlinson, along with former QB Dan Fouts, got the most votes for the franchise’s 50th anniversary team.

“It’s a great honor, especially when you think about all of the players that have come through here throughout the 50-year history,” Tomlinson said. “To be considered to be one of the greatest in the organizations history is a great honor and something you take pride in.”

More than 400,000 votes were cast in the on-line balloting.

• It’s not a big surprise that when the Chargers collect sacks and take care of the ball, they usually win. In four games this season in which they have more sacks and more forced turnovers combined, the Chargers are 4-0 and have outscored their opponents by 54 points.

• When Tomlinson is running like he did Sunday—two touchdowns and 96 yards—it leaks to other areas of the offense.

“When he’s playing that way, that’s when we’re at our best,” TE Antonio Gates said. “It’s clear to us, it’s clear to everyone. When we’re able to establish the running game, that’s when we’re at our best.”

• Rivers is coming off a game in which he had a career-best 80 percent completion percentage and a season-high 131.8 rating.

• Tila Tequila has filed a civil lawsuit against Merriman regarding their incident in his home. Merriman was cleared of, among other charges, assault and false imprisonment. “I really have nothing to say,” he said. “It’s a sad and unfortunate situation that by being a pro figure sometimes you have to deal with things and I am going to let it take its course.”

By The Numbers: 1,000—Sunday’s game will mark the Chargers’ 1,000th since their inception. They are 498-486-15.

Quote To Note: “Their last win was against us and our last loss was against them.”—QB Philip Rivers on the opposite directions the Chargers and Broncos have gone since Denver defeated the Chargers on Oct. 19.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Chargers’ patience for Jyles Tucker’s ankle injury was running out, and a look at the calendar forced them to place the outside linebacker on injured reserve, losing him for the season.

To take his roster space, the Chargers went to the other side of the ball in promoting Corey Clark from the practice squad. Clark is a good insurance policy as right tackle Jeromey Clary is nursing a sore ankle that forced him from Sunday’s game.

All indications are Clary could play Sunday, but he also could have a setback when he returns to practice this week.

Clark is a former seventh-round pick in his second season with the Chargers.

Player Notes

• LB James Holt has only been with the team since Nov. 3 but he is making an impact on special teams. So much, that he was awarded a game ball for his work on Sunday.

• WR Buster Davis is no closer to seeing the field than he has been all year. The former first-round pick has been inactive for every game.

• RB LaDainian Tomlinson trails Marcus Allen by 98 yards for 10th place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.

• RB Darren Sproles can hurt teams many different ways as a returner, running back and receiver. His 1,602 combined yards leads the league.

• ILB Kevin Burnett continues to move better after missing three games with an ankle injury. He returned last week and led the team with 10 tackles.

Game Plan: This game is going to be about passing attack—the Chargers going all-out after the Broncos’ quarterback and Philip Rivers attacking a secondary with smaller receivers being matched against his lanky wide outs.

Matchups To Watch: Chargers outside pass rush vs. Broncos QB Kyle Orton or Chris Simms. The Chargers were content last week to let Philly’s Donovan McNabb sit back and pick apart the secondary to the tune of 450 passing yards. The Chargers thought by the time the outside guys got there, the mobile McNabb would step away from harm’s way. That isn’t the case this week as that outside pass rush could feast on a gimpy Orton (ankle) or Simms and his happy feet. Both Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips didn’t practice Wednesday with leg issues. But both will be going Sunday and it figures they will tee off on the Denver quarterback of the day. Both were held without sacks last week after dominating the previous two weeks. Look for them to cut it loose, which might force Orton/Simms into hot routes and not the down field stuff where Brandon Marshall can shine.

Chargers WRs Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd vs. Broncos secondary. Jackson and Floyd are making their marks with their downfield, acrobatic catches over smaller defensive backs. This week they could exploit a Denver secondary which features cornerbacks Andre Goodman (5-foot-10) and Champ Bailey (6-0) and safeties Brian Dawkins (6-0) and Renaldo Hill (5-10). Throw in TE Antonio Gates (6-4) and the Chargers’ receivers could basically be posing up on the smaller defensive backs, giving Rivers an inviting target. The Broncos do rank No. 5 against the pass, but could have their hands full tracking these giants.

Chargers C Scott Mruczkowski and RT Jeromey Clary vs. Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil. Mruczkowski, a backup, has at least one more start in him as Pro Bowler Nick Hardwick continues to mend. Clary is probably going to be ready after twisting his ankle Sunday, but he won’t be at 100 percent. The Chargers have to figure out a way to slow Dumervil, who leads the league with 11.5 sacks. In the previous matchup in San Diego, Dumervil collected two sacks and has three against the Chargers in his career.

Injury Impact: OLB Shawne Merriman (foot) didn’t work but will play Sunday.

• OLB Shaun Phillips (ankle) didn’t work but could practice Thursday; he will go Sunday.

• C Nick Hardwick (ankle) didn’t work and it’s unlikely he will play Sunday.

• RT Jeromey Clary (ankle) didn’t work but he appears he goes Sunday.

• TE Antonio Gates (foot) didn’t practice but will play Sunday; this has been a weekly routine.

• DL Travis Johnson (groin) didn’t practice but will be part of the rotation Sunday.

• DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) didn’t practice but will fine for his role on Sunday.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Vincent Jackson

The Chargers head to Denver, where the Broncos await and first place in the AFC West will be on the line Sunday.

Fresh from their fourth straight win—a 31-23 conquest of the Eagles—the Chargers are feeling good again.

It’s a long way from that funk they experience a month ago when sitting at 2-3 and three games behind the Broncos. That point was emphasized when the Broncos beat the Chargers in San Diego.

“I can remember standing right here after the Denver loss and all of you were sitting in about the same spots, and I said that we had to worry about us, focus in, and hopefully look up in a month and be in it,” Philip Rivers said. “None of you believed us.”

Everyone believes now as the Chargers have climbed off the mat, no longer having to scrounge for a wild card invitation but setting sights on their fourth straight AFC West title.

“Being in it doesn’t mean anything other than giving ourselves and opportunity,” Rivers said. “We have a long way to go but it is nice to put together a string of wins and play better football in a lot of areas and we know the task at hand of going to Denver and winning.”

The Broncos are reeling, losers of three straight and without starting quarterback Kyle Orton. It’s expected the Chargers will try to scoot the Broncos out of first place with them forced to play backup Chris Sims.

But that is a problem for others to solve. Among the reasons the Chargers are back in the mix is because they stopped peaking around the league and just worried about themselves.

“It’s been a lot of great focus and discipline and hard work to put ourselves in it,” Rivers said.

NOTES, QUOTES

—te A ntonio Gates had team highs with seven receptions and 78 yards in Sunday’s win.

“He is such a great player and he knows how to play that position so well,” coach Norv Turner said.

• RB LaDainian Tomlinson was a motivated player Sunday when his wife informed him before the game she was pregnant with their first child. “She left me a gift in my locker and it said ‘open immediately,’ ” Tomlinson said. “It was a pregnancy test. It was pretty special.”

Tomlinson turned in his best performance of the season.

• Players and coaches said Sunday’s win was the team’s most complete game of the season.

“Absolutely,” Shawne Merriman said. “I think this was one of our most well-put together games all the way around with offense, defense and special teams.”

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Player Notes

• ILB Tim Dobbins is expected to return this week after missing two games with a knee injury.

• RT Jeromey Clary could be down this week with a sprained ankle.

• C Nick Hardwick suffered a setback last week from an ankle surgery which has kept him out of all but the season opener. Hardwick will try to resume practice later in the week.

• DL Travis Johnson has a chance to practice later in the week with a shoulder injury.

• OLB Jyles Tucker is likely to be out another week with an ankle injury.

Report Card Vs . EAGLES

Passing Offense: A—Philip Rivers missed on five of his 25 passes, collecting 231 yards and two scores. He was able to get the passing game going despite the Eagles being bent on taking away Vincent Jackson. So Rivers turned to other targets and was splendid; Jackson had but one catch. Rivers was sacked twice, but that’s not bad against the Eagles’ aggressive front.

Rushing Offense: A—Rushing for 119 yards used to be no big deal for the Chargers—well it is now. They entered the game with the NFL’s worst running game, but that was before LaDainian Tomlinson stiff-armed Father Time and scooted for two scores and a season-high 96 yards. Tomlinson showed he still has some wiggle, but more importantly, the run-blocking was noticeably better.

Pass Defense: D—Way too soft on the underneath routes and no pass rush—the Charger seldom even blitzed after collecting 15 sacks in the past two games. The result was an unencumbered Donovan McNabb rolling up a whopping 450 passing yards and two touchdowns—his pick came on the Hail Mary to end the game. Brandon Siler and Paul Oliver did get their first career sacks, but there was little pressure on McNabb or his receivers.

Rush Defense: B—With the ease in which McNabb was allowed to throw the ball, there was very little motivation to run. But when the Eagles did, the Chargers looked stout—especially when it had the ball inside the Charger 10 three times and came away with nine points. The Eagles ran for but 29 yards. Siler and Stephen Cooper played well at inside linebacker.

Special Teams: B—The return game of the Eagles is darn good with DeSean Jackson. But the coverage units bottled him up. Not much in the return game, although Darren Sproles did have a 29-yard kickoff return. P Mike Scifres got off a 62-yard bomb at an appropriate time.

Coaching: A—Norv Turner decides to go throwback, returning the Chargers to the days of being under Marty Schottenheimer when LaDainian Tomlinson was the king. He let Tomlinson run early and often and he responded with 96 yards and two scores. Ron Rivera went the bend-but-don’t-break route and it worked—although the number of passing yards allowed was way up there. But the defense kept the Eagles from the end zone and that is always job No. 1.