San Diego Chargers

Sproles' Saturday is a throwback to another classic performance
San Diego Union Tribune | January 07, 2009
NICK CANEPA: On that day, Jan. 5, 1964, Keith Lincoln was a man of another dimension, something no other mortal had been. He couldn't have parted the Red Sea, but with a football in his hands, he may have been able to walk on it.

Jackson arrested on DUI charge
San Diego Union Tribune | January 07, 2009
Despite his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence early Tuesday, Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson will play in Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game at Pittsburgh.

Last laugh belongs to Chargers sparkplug
San Diego Union Tribune | January 07, 2009
When Darren Sproles walked up to the wall to get measured at the Senior Bowl week, there were plenty of chuckles among the NFL scouts.

Tomlin: 'Ben is going to be fine'
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
No concessions. That's the point coach Mike Tomlin drilled home tersely at his news conference Tuesday when asked if he would be more cautious with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Sunday.

Steelers offense sees relief on the horizon
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
The Steelers will feature an unmovable object when they take Heinz Field for their first playoff game Sunday. Their No. 1-ranked defense? Yes, that, too.

History favors Chargers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: For the past four decades, there has been no more difficult place for an NFL team to play a road game than Pittsburgh ... unless the team is the Chargers, and it's January. – Steelers offense sees relief on the horizon – Tomlin: 'Ben is going to be fine'

Chargers' Jackson arrested on suspicion of DUI
Kansas City Star | January 06, 2009
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Tuesday morning.

Scouting report: Steelers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
Seems like only yesterday the Chargers last played in the biting cold and snow of Pittsburgh, yet it seems like an entirely different team this time. Union-Tribune Chargers video archive

Offense is Steelers' No. 1 worry
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: The Steelers are committing the most turnovers of any team left in the NFL playoffs and are scoring the fewest points.

Chargers' Vincent Jackson arrested on DUI charge
USA Today | January 06, 2009
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. The California Highway Patrol ...

WR Jackson arrested for DUI
San Diego Union Tribune | January 06, 2009
The Chargers receiver was booked on a misdemeanor charge before being released early Tuesday morning. But he will play Sunday.

View from San Diego: Chargers put on an Oscar-caliber performance
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | January 06, 2009

Chargers LB Cooper gives Oscar-caliber performance
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
NICK CANEPA: Here's what the critics are saying. “Captivating.” “Spellbinding.” “Innovative.” “The most fun I've had watching a defense this winter.” “Brilliant acting and dialogue.” “I laughed until the water on my knee overflowed.”

Bolts walk fine line between wins, losses
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
Philip Rivers spent about 15 minutes at a lectern in front of a room full of media on Saturday night. Not one question about his decision and throw on an interception in the end zone. Kevin Acee's Chargers Report (1/5)

Big Ben enjoys homefield grass
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: That artificial turf the Steelers never installed at Heinz Field might have saved them a franchise quarterback. Or at least, saved him from a bigger headache.

Bennett sheds bench role
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
CHARGERS NOTES: In his first seven weeks with the Chargers, running back Michael Bennett spent more time with Billy Volek than Philip Rivers. – Bennett denies claim in lawsuit

LT day-to-day; Sproles, Bennett ready
Chargers.com | January 05, 2009
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinsons status for Sundays Divisional Playoff game in Pittsburgh is uncertain due to his sore groin, but Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett will be prepared to carry the load if needed.

Bennett denies claim in lawsuit
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
Chargers running back Michael Bennett Monday labeled as “a bunch of hocus pocus” a lawsuit filed in Tampa, Fla., against him and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammate Anthony Davis.

Steelers host Chargers rematch
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: The finish to the Chargers-Steelers game was strange enough, with the first 11-10 score in NFL history.

Chargers' Bennett, former teammate sued in Fla.
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
A Florida man is suing San Diego Chargers running back Michael Bennett and a former Tampa Bay teammate, saying they attacked him at an International House of Pancakes.

Roethlisberger OK to play
San Diego Union Tribune | January 05, 2009
VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: Steelers quarterback says Monday he passed his final post-concussion test and will play against the Chargers.

Replay of previous bizarre meeting with Chargers would be fine with Steelers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | January 05, 2009

Chargers punter was difference in win over Colts
Kansas City Star | January 05, 2009
SAN DIEGO | If ever a punter won a football game, San Diego’s Mike Scifres did it on Saturday night.

Chargers brace for Steelers
Buffalo News | January 05, 2009
SAN DIEGO -- With La- Dainian Tomlinson perhaps hurt worse than the team is letting on and Darren Sproles sore from all the running he did in a thrilling wild-card win, the San Diego Chargers turned their thoughts toward the weather and the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense.

L.T. may miss rest of playoffs
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
CHARGERS NOTES: While they're using phrases like “day to day” and “we'll see,” no one in the Chargers organization truly expects LaDainian Tomlinson to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Bolts will try to make history in Pittsburgh
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
It was among the stranger games and one of the more heartbreaking, and almost backbreaking, losses in their most bizarre season. And now the Chargers will visit Heinz Field and the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second time in two months. Kevin Acee's Chargers Report (1/4) – Bolts take win streak into Pittsburgh – What's next for Chargers?

Chargers RB Tomlinson's status up in the air vs. Steelers
Kansas City Star | January 04, 2009
San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who sat out the entire second half of the team's wild card win over the Colts with a groin injury, is not a guarantee to play next week against the Steelers.

On to Pittsburgh
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
The Chargers will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in a Divisional Playoff game next Sunday at Heinz Field.

Chargers did the Steelers a favor
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
GUEST COLUMN: At the risk of violating Mike Tomlin's most sacred rule – sorry, Coach – let's look ahead and ponder a couple of delicious questions.

Steelers looking for a replay
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
THE VIEW FROM PITTSBURGH: The most peculiar game involving the Steelers all season took place on Nov. 16. On Sunday, they'll have a rematch.

Bolts take win streak into chilly Pittsburgh
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Chargers are headed for a rematch with Pittsburgh in the AFC Divisional playoff round a week from today. The Steelers won 11-10 on Nov. 16. Kevin Acee's Chargers Report (1/4) – What's next for Chargers?

Ravens defeat Dolphins
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Chad Pennington waited in front of his end zone, the last line of defense for the Miami Dolphins. A blocker buried him – just like the Baltimore Ravens treated Pennington and the Dolphins all day.

Chargers headed to Pittsburgh
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
The Chargers will have a chance to vindicate a Week 11 loss in Pittsburgh as they head back to Heinz Stadium to face the Steelers next Sunday at 1:45 Pacific Time.

NFL Wild-Card Weekend: Chargers, Sproles outlast Colts in OT
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | January 04, 2009

Sproles outshines Manning in Chargers' victory
Detroit News | January 04, 2009
Speedy little Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game Saturday night, ending Indianapolis' nine-game winning streak.

Sproles lifts Chargers to 'wild' OT win over Colts
Associated Press | January 04, 2009
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Peyton Manning has his MVP award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers. Speedy little Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game Saturday night, ending Indianapolis' nine-game winning streak a day after Manning won his third Associated Press NFL MVP award....

Sproles lifts Chargers to 'wild' OT win over Colts
San Francisco Chronicle | January 04, 2009
Peyton Manning has his MVP award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers. Speedy little Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game...

Sproles lifts Chargers to 'wild' OT win over Colts
San Francisco Chronicle | January 04, 2009
Peyton Manning has his MVP award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers. Speedy little Darren Sproles scooted 22 yards for the winning score 6:20 into overtime and the Chargers beat the Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game...

Sproles comes up big for Chargers in playoff game
Kansas City Star | January 04, 2009
SAN DIEGO | Darren Sproles ran and ran and ran for all he was worth. And Sproles, San Diego's diminutive running back, will be worth quite a bit more after his tour de force performance in the Chargers' dramatic 23-17 overtime victory over Indianapolis in a first-round AFC playoff game Saturday night at Qualcomm Stadium.

Bolts defense delivers early and often
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
The Chargers forced Indianapolis to go three-and-out four times Saturday night and found answers for the Colts' big-play offense.

Sproles' 22-yard TD run in overtime lifts Chargers past Colts 23-17 in AFC wild card game
Star Tribune | January 04, 2009

Gates ignores hurting ankle in gritty effort
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
and gritty

Fan letters
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
DOC QUINN'S FANS:  In his column, Tim Sullivan quoted Chargers defensive end Jacques Cesaire as saying with regard to the Denver Broncos: “They have bad teeth. They have bad hair. They don't know how to cook. What else don't I like about them? They watch 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.' Who does that? Who watches 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman?' That's what I want to know. I heard the Denver Broncos watch it. I'm just sayin'.”

Voice of the fans
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
PECKING AWAY:  The Colts' defense was extremely stingy all night, consistently taking away the Chargers' medium-and long-range passing game. This was probably Norv Turner's best play-calling of the season, continually adjusting and pecking away. In overtime, just when I was thinking we were running too much, Darren Sproles takes one to the house. Very well-executed game plan.

Sproles rolls
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
The regular season is over. This is a new time for a new team. “It's the Chargers team I expected all year,” linebacker Shaun Phillips said. “We've been through a lot of adversity, a lot of ups and downs. . . . We were on a roller-coaster all season. We just had to get it back in order. I truly believe our best football is ahead of us.”

Chargers stats
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Chargers stats

Never-say-die Chargers fans scream on team in nail-biter
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
MISSION VALLEY Chargers fans cheered until their voices were hoarse last night as their team proved the pundits wrong and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in overtime with a dramatic touchdown. “You were biting the nails right until the end,” said Lakeside resident Tom Simon, who attended the game with dozens of friends.

Uncertainty surrounds LT after early exit
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
The hard part? The truly hard part? In the end, it wasn't being on the sideline and watching another Chargers running back win the game in OT. That was the nice part. The hard part was not being able to celebrate. Not being able to jump in the air along with everybody else on the sideline. Not being able to break into a full sprint toward Darren Sproles and wrap his arms around him.

Sproles, Chargers shock Colts 23-17 in overtime upset
USA Today | January 04, 2009
Stung by close games and close calls throughout the regular season, the Chargers reversed such fortune with a 23-17 overtime ...

Chargers' Tomlinson, Gates active for Colts game
Kansas City Star | January 04, 2009
The San Diego Chargers had two of their most potent offensive weapons active for Saturday's wild card playoff tilt with Indianapolis, as running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates had been listed as questionable leading up to the game.

Sproles' TD gives Chargers win in overtime
Philly.com | January 04, 2009

The Redemption Factor
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
Darren Sproles racked up 328 all-purpose yards and redeemed himself after a crucial fumble in the third quarter with a game winning 22-yard touchdown run in overtime, Saturday night against the Colts.

Stunning Chargers pin Colts
Denver Post | January 04, 2009
The whole thing about the NFL, as opposed to the mind-numbing marathons that are a full year in baseball, basketball or hockey, is that the regular season, 16 individual, pressure-filled dramas, is supposed to mean something.

The Chargers' smallest player comes up with his biggest game
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
TIM SULLIVAN: Taking over for an injured Tomlinson, Sproles is at his elusive best, racking up 328 combined yards in frustrating the Colts and sparking the Chargers.

Bolts and Colts clash in Mission Valley's greatest NFL game
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
NICK CANEPA: Chargers-Colts was the best professional football game that has been played in Mission Valley, and that merely goes back to 1966 – or 17 years before Darren Sproles weighed 10 pounds at birth.

Dungy: Scifres was difference
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
CHARGERS NOTES: The Chargers punter is nearly perfect on six punts, repeatedly pinning the Colts deep in their own territory. AUDIO: Mike Scifres interview

Chargers win OT thriller, advance to Divisional round
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
Darren Sproles 22-yard touchdown run in overtime gave the Bolts a 23-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts Saturday night in an appropriately titled Wild Card card.

Uncertainty surrounds LT
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
He runs for 13 yards on the Chargers' first play and scores their first TD, but his night is done after only five carries, and his status for next week is unclear. Tomlinson post-game video

SPROLES HELPS BOLTS CONTINUE ON ROLL
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Instead of ending season in another close loss, the Chargers pulled out a big win. NFL video

AFC buzz: Sproles stars for Chargers
Kansas City Star | January 04, 2009
How can it not be Chargers running back Darren Sproles? Sproles, who is soon to be a free agent, replaced franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson — who was limited by a groin injury — and made himself some big money with his performance. Sproles ran 23 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, caught five passes for 45 yards, returned three punts for 72 yards and four kickoffs for 106 yards.

Gates guts it out on bum ankle
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Battling a high ankle sprain, the tight end catches eight passes for 87 yards. Three of the catches came on the tying or winning drive. AUDIO: Antonio Gates interview

Rivers is last QB standing
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Philip Rivers may not have statistically outdueled Peyton Manning Saturday night. But he was the quarterback on the field when the game was won. Rivers post-game video – INTERACTIVE: Chargers report card – PHOTOS: Colts-Chargers gallery – CHART: Sproles' big night – Voice of the fans: Colts-Chargers – By the numbers: Colts-Chargers – The winning drive: Colts-Chargers – What's next for Chargers?

Underachieving Colts at it again
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
GUEST COLUMN: The outcome is all too predictable for Indianapolis fans. The Colts can't run, which means come playoff time, they can't win.

Sproles' big night
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Darren Sproles set a career high with 328 combined yards, surpassing the 317-yard game he had in Week 2 at Denver.

By the numbers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Chargers-Colts by the numbers

The winning drive
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Play-by-play of the touchdown drive that won the game in overtime.

Voice of the fans
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
Chargers fans have their say after a dramatic overtime playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

What's next for Chargers?
San Diego Union Tribune | January 04, 2009
The Chargers' next opponent will be determined by the outcome of Sunday's 10 a.m. game between Baltimore and Miami.

Official Chargers Road Trip to AFC Divisional Playoff Game
Chargers.com | January 04, 2009
Aer Travel and the San Diego Chargers are hitting the road. Beginning Sunday at 10 AM you will be able to purchase tickets for the Official Chargers fans road trip headed to either Pittsburgh, PA. or Nashville, TN.

Chargers top Colts in OT
Orlando Sentinel | January 04, 2009
SAN DIEGO — Darren Sproles ran for a 22-yard touchdown on the opening drive of overtime at 8:48 as the San Diego Chargers beat the Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in an AFC wild-card game last Saturday.

Chargers stop the Colts
Baltimore Sun | January 04, 2009
Running back Sproles paces attack to make it five straight Peyton Manning has his Most Valuable Player award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers.

Chargers knock out Colts
Buffalo News | January 04, 2009
SAN DIEGO -- Peyton Manning has his MVP award and nothing more, outdone again in January by the San Diego Chargers.

San Diego Chargers beat Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in overtime in wild-card game
St. Petersburg Times | January 03, 2009
The final 22 of Darren Sproles' 328 all-purpose yards come on a winning TD.

San Diego Chargers beat Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in overtime in wild-card game
St. Petersburg Times | January 03, 2009

Gameday: Chargers vs Colts
Chargers.com | January 03, 2009
Two of the NFLs hottest teams will meet in the AFCs Wild Card Playoffs when the No. 4 seed San Diego Chargers play host to the No. 5 seed Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night, Jan. 3, 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium.

Scifres golden leg shines in big victory
Chargers.com | January 03, 2009
A record-setting night by Chargers punter Mike Scifres play a huge roll in the Bolts overtime victory over the Colts Saturday night.

Manning, Colts not best foe for team dealing with injury woes
San Diego Union Tribune | January 03, 2009
TIM SULLIVAN: The Chargers' December run to the playoffs after being presumed dead has generated excitement, but a stern test awaits Saturday for the dinged-up team.

In difficult and divisive times, having NFL team can unite a city
San Diego Union Tribune | January 03, 2009
NICK CANEPA: If it wasn't apparent before these became times that try our souls and 401(k)s, it should be now. The Chargers matter. The Chargers are important.

Regular-season record doesn't matter to Chargers
Kansas City Star | January 03, 2009
SAN DIEGO | The Chargers aren't apologizing for their 8-8 record and spot in the NFL playoffs.

Chargers jolt Colts in OT
Rocky Mountain News | January 03, 2009
Darren Sproles ran off the field clutching the game ball, leaving Peyton Manning to hang his head in frustration. The San Diego Chargers outdid Manning for the second straight January, again turning to surprise stars to spark them along in the playoffs.

2008 was year Rivers took handoff from LT
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
Even the great running back acknowledges it was the third-year starting quarterback who carried the Chargers offense this season.

Colts entering playoffs on a roll, thanks to Manning's revival act
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
Indianapolis got off to a 3-4 start as Manning struggled to work through a knee injury, but thanks to their resurgent QB, the Colts have won nine in a row.

Five things to watch Saturday
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
CHARGERS-COLTS: Is LT healthy enough to have a big game? Can the Chargers' rush slow Manning? – Colts-Chargers predictions – AccuScore analysis: Colts-Chargers

Chambers eager for postseason
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
CHARGERS NOTES: The veteran receiver's numbers declined in 2008, partly because of injury, but he has made some big catches down the stretch.

Wild season has Chargers set to host playoff contest
Chargers.com | January 02, 2009
Earlier this week, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson called the 2008 season a strange one. All the twists and turns have the Bolts on the eve of playing a home playoff game for the third-consecutive year.

THE MATCHUP
Colts.com | January 02, 2009
A capsule look at Saturday's matchup between the Colts and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Cal. The Colts (12-4) made the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and an AFC Wild Card entrant. San Diego made it as the No. 4 seed after winning the AFC West title.

Tonight: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
St. Petersburg Times | January 02, 2009

ACCUSCORE ANALYSIS: Colts at Chargers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
Three areas of concern for Chargers: Manning, healthy Colts RBs, and their offensive struggles vs. non-AFC West teams.

Wild-card playoff predictions: Colts-Chargers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
Predictions for Saturday's Chargers-Colts game

Colts defensive line healthy
San Diego Union Tribune | January 02, 2009
VIEW FROM INDY: Freeney, Mathis and Brock, who all missed last season's playoff, are at full strength going into Saturday's game. – Manning named NFL MVP by AP

AFC Wild-Card Round: Manning's stretch run has Chargers on edge
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | January 02, 2009

Ailing Chargers Tomlinson, Gates miss practice
Philly.com | January 02, 2009

Pressure on Peyton is key for Chargers
Buffalo News | January 02, 2009
SAN DIEGO -- Ron Rivera was talking about Peyton Manning with both admiration and frustration when the reality of being an NFL defensive coordinator in the playoffs caught up with him.

Q&A with Norv Turner
San Diego Union Tribune | January 01, 2009
The Chargers coach sits down with beat writer Kevin Acee to address a wide range of topics including the season, the turnaround, the fans and the offense.

Injuries to Tomlinson, Gates are a familiar concern for Chargers
San Diego Union Tribune | January 01, 2009
CHARGERS NOTES: Both are withheld from practice again Thursday. Gates' status for Saturday appears more tenuous because of a high ankle sprain.

Red-zone success part of Chargers run
Chargers.com | January 01, 2009
Over the past four weeks, the Chargers have vastly improved their scoring in the red zone, a key factor leading to four-consecutive wins.

Tomlinson, Gates sit out Chargers practice
USA Today | January 01, 2009
Chargers stars LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates missed a second straight practice Thursday as San Diego continued to prepare ...

There's been no time for major changes on the Charger defense
San Diego Union Tribune | January 01, 2009
TIM SULLIVAN: Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has altered some things since taking over at mid-season, but to fully implement his plans he'll need the off-season and training camp.

To make Manning wilt, Chargers will have to crank up the heat
San Diego Union Tribune | December 31, 2008
The Chargers have had success against Indianapolis mostly because they've been able to put pressure on the Colts' stellar QB. DAILY REPORT: LT's status still a question ROUNDTABLE: Analyzing Chargers vs. Colts