The 2006 San Diego Chargers Thread

[Chisox73]

http://webgalaxe.com/sports/NFL/Chargers/chargers.jpg
2006 San Diego Chargers Schedule
Monday, September 11 @Oakland Raiders W 27-0
Sunday, September 17 Tennessee Titans W 40-7
Sunday, September 24 BYE
Sunday, October 1 @Baltimore Ravens L 16-13
Sunday, October 8 Pittsburgh Steelers W 23-13
Sunday, October 15 @San Francisco 49ers W 48-19
Sunday, October 22 @Kansas City Chiefs L 30-27
Sunday, October 29 St. Louis Rams W 38-24
Sunday, November 5 Cleveland Browns W 32-25
Sunday, November 12 @Cincinnati Bengals W 49-41
Sunday, November 19 @Denver Broncos W 35-27
Sunday, November 26 Oakland Raiders W 21-14
Sunday, December 3 @Buffalo Bills W 24-21
Sunday, December 10 Denver Broncos W 48-20 (Chargers Win AFC West!)
Sunday, December 17 Kansas City Chiefs W 20-9
Sunday, December 24 @Seattle Seahawks W 20-17
Sunday, December 31 Arizona Cardinals W 27-20 (Chargers clinch home field!)

AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF
Sunday,January 14 New England Patriots 1:30pm CBS

All game times are Pacific time
*- Game time and network subject to change.

[Durango53]

Wow a Bolts thread!!!!!!

[Chisox73]

Last night,the San Diego Chargers opened the 2006 season in impressive fashion by administering a 27-0 shellacking of their longtime rival the Oakland Raiders at the McAfee Coliseum in front of a national TV audience.

LaDanian Tomlinson was the man on offense as he carried the ball 31 times for 131 yards,including a 58 yeard run.

QB Phillip Rivers threw the ball 11 times,completing 8 of the passes for 108 yards including a 4-yard TD pass to Antonio gates in the 4th quarter.

On defense,Shawn Merriman had 3 of San Diego's 9 sacks in the game.

The defense held Oakland to 129 total yards of offense.

This was the 1st time in 45 years that the Chargers have shut out the Raiders.The last one was 90 games ago,in 1961 when the bolts slammed the Siler and Black 44-0.Al Davis was an assistant coach for the Chargers that year.

Chargers' head Coach Marty Schottenheimer improves his record against the Raiders to 26-7 all-time.

[Scrub]

Boooooooooooooooo

[Chisox73]

TE Aaron Shea- back-doubtful
G Kris Dielman- hamstring-questionable
T Leander Jordan- neck-questionable
TE Ryan Krause- hamstring- questionable
DE Igor Olshansky- knee- questionable
CB Cletis Gordon- wrist-probable

[Chisox73]

Chargers-Titans game to be televised live
http://www.chargers.com/news/press-releases/press-release-20060915.php
Friday, Sep 15, 2006

Daniel Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; Dan Shea, owner of Donovan’s Steak & Chop House; and Ed Trimble, President & Chief Operating Officer of KFMB Stations, and have guaranteed the purchase of enough tickets to lift the television blackout on Sunday’s game between the Chargers and Tennessee Titans. General seats, including nearly 400 Club seats, remain on sale.

The game will be televised live on KFMB, Channel 8 in San Diego, and KCBS, Channel 2 in Los Angeles. This weekend marks the second straight week that all 16 NFL games were televised live in their local markets and the first time in NFL history to have back-to-back sold-out weekends to open a season.

The tickets will be donated to the police, fire and sheriff departments of San Diego in support of the outstanding service they provide to the community.

“We’re proud of San Diego and we’re proud of the San Diego Chargers,� said Tucker. “We welcomed this opportunity to help give a great football weekend to the community and enable our local fire, police and sheriff departments the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of a great football game.�

Shea adds, “The Chargers are an institution in San Diego and a source of civic pride. When the games are on live television, it’s great for Charger fans and helps build community spirit.�

“We are very please that we were able to work this out, and even more pleased that the police, firefighters and deputies are benefiting from the ticket purchase. We owe them a debt of gratitude,� said Trimble.

General tickets returned today by the Titans as well as Club tickets are still available at the Chargers’ ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, online at www.Chargers.com or by calling (619) 220-TIXS (8497).

[Chisox73]

Click on the link to meet your 2006 Charger Girls. (http://www.chargers.com/charger_girls/):cool:

[Chisox73]

Which automobile was formally introduced at halftime of the 1965 AFL Championship game at San Diego's Balboa Stadium?

[yagsy]

Donovan's Steak House, one of the best steaks in the city, is great at supporting the Chargers and the fans. What is great is their donation though to those that serve. Which reminds me, I am going to have to watch out for the parking situation tomorrow since I live right next to Qualcomm. I better get out of the house EARLY. Then again, I'll prolly go to my pub here where there's great football pools and fans. As long as they have the Pads game on too, we're good. :D

And I have no idea of the trivia questions. I am a relatively new Bolts fan.

And that Raiders win was sweet but not unexpected. I was just happy it was on national TV. :clap2:

[bama45]

I hope the Chargers do well this season. I've always liked them since the 60's. I was a big fan of QB John Hadl and receiver Lance Alworth.

[Chisox73]

Phillip Rivers was 25/35 for 235 yards and a TD while Michael Turner carried the ball 13 times for 138 yards as the Bolts improved to 2-0 with a 40-7 whipping of the Tennessee Titans in the Chargers' 2006 home debut.

LaDanian Tomlinson had 71 yards rushing and 2 TDs in the rout.



Tennessee 0 0 0 7- 7
CHARGERS 3 17 6 14- 40

[Chisox73]

Game Notes

LaDainian Tomlinson became the 63rd player in NFL history to surpass 10,000 career yards from scrimmage in today’s game…he did so on a five-yard run on a second-and-fourth play with 2:11 remaining in the second quarter.

Tomlinson scored two touchdowns today, his 17th-career multi-touchdown game and first since Nov. 27, 2005 at Washington.

Tomlinson scored two touchdowns today to tie Lance Alworth’s team record with 83 career touchdowns…Tomlinson did it in his sixth season (2001-06)…it took Alworth nine seasons (1962-1970) to set the mark.

Keenan McCardell caught five passes today to raise his career receptions total to 831…in doing so, he moved past Larry Centers (827) and into ninth place on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list.

McCardell had 58 yards receiving to increase his career total to 10,756…today, he moved past Stanley Morgan (10,716) and into 18th place on the NFL’s all-time receiving yardage list.

Michael Turner rushed for 138 yards today, his second-career 100-yard game…included in his day was a 73-yard run in the fourth quarter, tying for the seventh-longest run from scrimmage in team history.

Nate Kaeding tied his career high today with four field goals…he was 4-for-4 today…his other four field goal game was a 4-for-4 effort at Indianapolis on Dec. 18, 2005.

Vincent Jackson caught his first-career touchdown pass today, a 12-yard catch in the fourth quarter.

When the Tennessee Titans scored a touchdown today in the fourth quarter, it ended a team-record string of seven consecutive quarters without allowing a point.

In the last two games, the Chargers have only allowed seven points (0 at Oakland and 7 vs. Tennessee)…it’s their fewest points allowed in a two-game stretch since 1986 when the Bolts allowed a total of three points in consecutive games (3 at Indianapolis and 0 at Houston).

In the last two games, the Chargers have held their opponents to 347 total yards (129 at Oakland and 218 vs. Tennessee)…it’s the fewest the team has allowed in a two-game stretch since the first two games of the 2002 season when the Bolts surrendered 321 yards (203 at Cincinnati and 118 vs. Houston)…the team record for fewest yards allowed in a two-game stretch was set in 1961 when the Bolts held consecutive opponents to 260 total yards (202 at the New York Jets and 58 at Oakland).

Today, seven of Tennessee’s 12 possessions lasted three plays or less…five of the seven ended in punts, one ended on an interception after two plays and another ended after one play at the end of the first half…in the first two games, San Diego’s defense has forced their opponents off the field in three plays or less 14 times in 23 total drives.

Nine different Chargers players had catches today…the last time the Chargers had at least nine different players with a catch was Sept. 24, 2000 against Seattle.

The Chargers had 235 yards passing and 241 yards rushing today…it’s the first time the since Nov. 23, 1969 that the Chargers have had at least 235 yards passing and rushing in the same game…the Bolts passed for 235 yards and rushed for 235 yards against Denver Nov. 23, 1969.

In two games this season, the Chargers offensive line has not allowed a sack or turned the ball over.

The Chargers reported two minor injuries from today’s game: wide receiver Keenan McCardell (hamstring) and guard Mike Goff (groin).

[Chisox73]

The Chargers acquired backup QB Billy Volek from the Tennessee Titans for a 6th round draft pick in 2007.

Read more about it here. (http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/volek-happy-to.htm)

[Chisox73]

Chargers bye time with week off
Tuesday, Sep 19, 2006
By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/chargers-bye-time.htm

Popular opinion around San Diego is that the 2-0 Chargers are on a roll following Sunday’s 40-7 rout of the Tennessee Titans and a bye this week comes at an inopportune time.

Speculation is it would be better to face the 2-0 Baltimore Ravens Sunday instead of taking a week off and playing them as scheduled Oct. 1 on the road.

But Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer, who used to consider the plusses and minuses of a bye week when it was added as a new feature to the NFL’s 16-game schedule in 1990, gave up worrying about it years ago.

“There was a time when I used to think it mattered where you had it,� Schottenheimer said. “But I really don’t think it does anymore, the more I’ve been through it.�

Cases in point:

In 2002, the veteran coach’s first year with the Chargers, the team beat the Oakland Raiders 27-21 in overtime, entered the bye week with a 6-1 record and returned home to face the struggling New York Jets. The Chargers were ambushed, 44-13, and never recovered and turned in an 8-8 season.

But if maintaining momentum is so tricky, how do you explain last year?

The Chargers struggled to beat the New York Jets on the road for their second straight win, took their bye week and returned home to rout the Buffalo Bills 48-10 for their third win in a row in what would become a five-game winning streak. The decline that cost the Chargers a playoffs berth came later when they should have been riding their momentum.

“To be honest with you, I have no idea when we had our bye my first year here,� Schottenheimer said of missing the playoffs in 2002. “I remember that (6-1). We were having a discussion, but I didn’t tie it to the bye week.�

A bye week’s value, of course, is the opportunity for injured players to rest and buy time before the next game. But even that can be considered nebulous since NFL teams cope with injuries on their roster throughout the season.

A year ago the Chargers were grateful for the timing of a bye week because running back LaDainian Tomlinson was playing with bruised ribs. Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers and other marquee players are healthy after two games this year, but there are other Chargers players who need the extra week to get ready for the Ravens.

Against the Titans, wide receiver Keenan McCardell injured his hamstring and offensive guard Mike Goff hurt his groin. Both injuries, without rest, can turn into nagging injuries.

“I’m happy we got a bye week,� McCardell said. “Most injuries can be a nagging thing, but fortunately we got a bye week. I’ve got a week to rest. I’ll get treatment, extra treatment and more treatment. I’ll give it time to heal.�

Defensive end Igor Olshansky (knee) missed the Titans game and is more likely to be able to return to the lineup against the Ravens on Oct. 1 than he would have been for a game this week. Offensive guard Kris Dielman played on a tender hamstring against the Titans and has a week of rehab ahead of him.

Other injured players who’ve missed the first two games are offensive tackle Leander Jordan (neck), tight end Ryan Krause (hamstring), tight end Aaron Shea (back). They’re hoping the extra week gets them back on the field while missing one less game than they otherwise would if the Chargers played this week.

“I’m going to use this week to get healthy and extra preparation,� Jordan said. “I’m day to day.�

Jordan’s injury is a “stinger� – a nerve injury – which makes his return difficult to determine.

“I feel like I’m ready to practice and play in a game right now, but we’re taking it slow,� he said. “I’ve missed three or four practices in seven years, and I want to get back out there.�

With the bye so early in the season, Schottenheimer said the team will take Tuesday off as usual but practice Wednesday and Thursday. The team will return Monday to begin preparations for the Ravens game. Baltimore plays its third game Sunday at Cleveland.

Schottenheimer said he’s not worried about his players losing their focus for the showdown with the Ravens.

“All they have to do is look at one reel of tape on Baltimore, and I don’t need to say a word,� he said. “With all the positive numbers we’ve posted defensively, Baltimore is ranked ahead of us in virtually every category. They’re something now. They’re going to be a real test. There is no doubt.�

[Chisox73]

Which automobile was formally introduced at halftime of the 1965 AFL Championship game at San Diego's Balboa Stadium?
I'll have the answer to this one next week.:cool:

[Chisox73]

Here's the list of the top 10 coldest games in San Diego Chargers history;

Date Opponent Score Temp notes
*1. Sun. Jan 10,1982 at Cincinnati L 27-7 -9 -59 wind chill
2. Sun. Dec.10,1972 at Denver L 38-13 9 Mostly sunny
3. Sun. Nov.19,1978 at Minnesota W 13-7 15 Partly cloudy
4. Sun. Dec.19,2004 at Cleveland W 21-0 18 -10 wind chill
4. Sun. Dec.17,1989 at Kansas City W 20-13 18 Mostly sunny
5. Sun. Dec.27,1987 at Denver L 24-0 20 Blizzard
6. Sun. Dec.16,1973 at Kansas City L 33-6 22 Overcast
7. Sun. Dec.21,1975 at Cincinnati L 47-17 24 Cloudy
8. Sun. Nov.24,1996 at Kansas City W 28-14 25 -5 wind chill
9. Sun. Dec.23,2001 at Kansas City L 20-17 28 Overcast
9. Sun. Nov.23,1975 at Minnesota L 28-13 28 Cloudy
#10. Mon. Dec.4,1978 Chicago W 40-7 48 Clear

*- AFC Championship Game
#- Coldest game ever in San Diego

[Chisox73]

Here's the list of the top 10 warmest games in San Diego Chargers history;

Date Opponent Score Temp Notes
1. Sun. Sept. 4,1988 at LA Raiders L 24-13 108 Hot and Hazy
2. Sun. Sept.28,1997 Baltimore W 21-17 105 Sunny
3. Sun. Sept.24,1978 Green Bay L 24-3 102 Sunny
4. Sun. Sept.22,2002 at Arizona W 23-15 100 Sunny
5. Sat. Aug.22,2004 at Arizona* W 38-13 99 Clear
5. Sun. Oct. 9,1994 Kansas City W 20-6 99 Sunny
7. Fri. Aug. 6,1976 New England# W 26-17 98 Sunny
8. Sun. Sept.16,1979 Buffalo W 27-19 97 Sunny
8. Fri. Aug. 31,2001 at Arizona* L 16-3 97 Partly cloudy
8. Sun. Oct. 4,1970 at LA Rams L 37-10 97 Hazy

*- Preseason
#- Preseason at Norman,Oklahoma

[Dward00]

none of those come close to the top 10 warmest Cardinals games I'm sure.

[Chisox73]

McNeill tabbed AFC Offensive Rookie of Month
Thursday, Sep 28, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/mcneill-tabbed-afc.htm

In April’s NFL Draft, six offensive linemen and 21 offensive players were selected ahead of Marcus McNeill. According to the NFL, none of them had a better first month of professional football than the Chargers’ starting left tackle. On Thursday, the League will name McNeill its AFC Offensive Rookie of the Month for September.

“It’s a huge honor,� McNeill said. “Offensive linemen don’t receive a lot of awards like this, so it feels really good to get recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in since I got here. I’m fortunate that I’m getting a chance to play. I realize that has a lot to do with it.�

Through two games, McNeill and the offensive line have helped the Bolts rush for 435 yards as a team. The Chargers have yet to yield a sack. McNeill made sure to recognize his line mates.

“To be a good offense, you have to have five guys up front that are communicating and are on the same page,� McNeill said. “I’ve definitely got that, plus two great coaches who are getting me ready every week. It’s a good group. This (award) is as much about them as it is me.�

Like many of his teammates, McNeill will face his toughest test of the season Sunday. The rookie will regularly find himself matched up against Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs, who already has three sacks this year and had 30.5 in his first three professional seasons.

“I’ve studied him a lot, and the thing that jumps out is his speed around the corner,� McNeill said. “Everybody in this league is fast, but Suggs can really get off the ball. It’s going to be a good test.�

In a conference call with San Diego media Wednesday, Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick was very complementary of McNeill.

“You’re always looking for match ups,� Billick said. “You’re always looking to say, ‘We can beat this guy on the line or we can shut this receiver down. You don’t see those weaknesses across the board (with the Chargers). Obviously we have a great deal of faith in Terrell Suggs and his ability to play, but McNeill has shown that he’s beyond his rookie year. He’s a physical specimen. Even in that match up with it being a rookie, I don’t know that you can definitively say, ‘Okay this is where we’re going to attack.’�

Injury Report

The Chargers issued their first official injury report of the week Wednesday and listed seven players, four of whom did not practice. Safeties Bhawoh Jue (knee) and Terrence Kiel (personal reasons) will not play Sunday. Offensive tackle Leander Jordan (neck) and tight end Ryan Krause (hamstring) didn’t work but are both listed as questionable.

Wide receiver Keenan McCardell (hamstring), defensive end Igor Olshansky (knee) and guard Kris Dielman (hamstring) did work Wednesday but are listed as questionable.

Five Ravens missed the team’s first practice of the week Wednesday, four of whom are starters. Tight end Todd Heap (ankle), guard Edwin Mulitalo (arm), linebacker Bart Scott (foot), wide receiver Demetrius Williams (arm) and Suggs (thigh) are all listed as questionable.

In his conference call, Suggs’ injury was the only one Billick commented on, saying Suggs is “working through the week. We will see how he is on game day.�

Merriman to face another mentor

Last fall, linebacker Shawne Merriman beamed when he got to travel to his home state to compete against Lavar Arrington, a player he refers to as his “big brother.� Sunday, Merriman will be back in Maryland competing against another player who he’s looked up to and has the utmost respect for in Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

“There aren’t many guys left in the NFL who can come and play relentless football like Ray and I do,� Merriman said. “We’re warriors. Ray and I have a great relationship. I played with his younger brother in college and got the chance to be around him. We approach the game the same way, with the same intensity.�

Lewis has been very purposeful in mentoring Merriman. He said that they talk at least two or three times each week.

“I took him under my wing and from there, the relationship kind of blossomed,� Lewis said. “He has the same kind of heart and the same kind of passion I do. He’s a young lion. He’s really trying to come out and set his standard of what he wants to be in this league. Anything that I have, anything that I can do to make him a better player, I’m there for him.�

Titanic reunion

In Week 2, a pair of Chargers got an opportunity to play against their former team with the Tennessee Titans came to town. Sunday’s contest at Baltimore could be billed as a meeting of the Titans’ alumni association. Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal, linebacker Randall Godfrey and quarterback Billy Volek each spent time in Tennessee, as did Ravens quarterback Steve McNair, wide receiver Derrick Mason and cornerback Samari Rolle.

“It’s going to be great to see all those guys,� Neal said. “You talk about three quality players and quality people. I have a ton of respect for them. It’s going to be a real treat to compete against them.�

[Chisox73]

Kaeding connects with new deal
Tuesday, Sep 26, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/kaeding-connects-with.htm
http://www.chargers.com/assets/134/26928_282wh.JPG
Kicker Nate Kaeding (10) kicks a 28 yard field goal for the Chargers first score of the afternoon. The San Diego Chargers defeat the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on September 17, 2006. TEN 7 vs SD 40.

Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding has been so busy in the early part of this season that he couldn’t even get through the team’s bye week without some action.

On Monday, the Bolts signed Kaeding to a six-year contract extension that runs through the 2012 season.

“It’s exciting,� Kaeding said. “It happened pretty fast. We had the bye week, so it was important to get it done before the ball started flying. I was very happy with the speed (of negotiations) and the end result. It gives you the kind of security you look for, especially being here in this organization with these guys that I came in with. I couldn’t ask for anything better.�

Chargers General Manager committed to Kaeding three years ago when he used a third-round draft pick to select the Iowa Hawkeye. It proved to be a wise decision as Kaeding has been successful on 85.5 percent of his field goal attempts, hitting 47 of 55 kicks in his career. Kaeding’s success led Smith to work quickly to tie up his young kicker.

“We like to work from within and identify talent early,� Smith said. “Obviously Nate only been here a short time, but I just think he’s an outstanding talent. He has the whole package – the physical skills, the competitiveness, the mental approach to the game. I think he’s going to have a bright future.�

Kaeding’s 2006 season has started with a bang. Prior to the Chargers’ Week 3 bye, he was the league’s second-leading scorer with 25 points. He’d hit all six of his field goal attempts and each of his seven PAT’s.

“I really felt confident coming into last year,� Kaeding said. “I put together a really good year. I was hitting the ball as well as I ever have during this past offseason. It’s carried over into this season. I’m looking forward to doing it for 14 more weeks and, with this team, continuing it into the playoffs.�

The 24-year-old kicker’s previous contract was due to expire following this season, which would have made him a restricted free agent. Kaeding joins a host of Chargers that Smith has locked up in the past year, including Kaeding’s special teams partner and good friend, punter Mike Scifres.

“Your kicker is now locked up. Your punter is now locked up,� Smith said. “We’ve committed to them. We’ve got a lot of folks done. You know who the Chargers are. If you make the right choices, you’re going to be okay. We’ve got a lot of reasons to feel great about the future of this organization.�

[Chisox73]

S Bahwon Jue(knee); out
S Terrence Kiel(personal reasons); out
G Kris Dielman(hamstring); questionable
T Leander Jordan(neck); questionable
TE Ryan Krause(hamstring); questionable
WR Keenan McCardell(hamstring); questionable
DE Igor Olshansky(knee); questionable

[Chisox73]

http://www.chargers.com/assets/138/27382_282wh.jpg
On Sunday, the Chargers will pull out their popular “Power Blue� uniforms and take the field under the lights on national television against the defending Super Bowl champions.

[rockin500]

per ESPN reports, merriman was suspended 4 games sunday for some sort of steroid violation.

[Chisox73]

Report: Chargers' Merriman to be suspended 4 games for violating steroids policy
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AscREpYt5px7US5Wrt18zJhDubYF?slug=ap-chargers-merriman&prov=ap&type=lgns
October 23, 2006

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, according to a report posted Sunday night on ESPN.com.

The 22-year-old Merriman, last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was initially to be suspended last week alongside two other players, the Web site reported, citing people with knowledge of the suspension whom the report did not identify.

Guard Mark Lehr of the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers began serving their suspensions this week. But Merriman's suspension was delayed because he reserved the right to appeal, ESPN.com said.

The report did not specify when the suspension would begin, but Merriman would be eligible to return Nov. 26 against the Oakland Raiders if he sat out immediately.

"Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers aren't allowed to comment on reports or results involving the league's substance abuse policy," Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said Sunday night.

Merriman had seven tackles, one assist and no sacks in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City. The team was flying home Sunday night and messages left by The Associated Press for several Chargers officials, including head coach Marty Schottenheimer, were not immediately returned.

Merriman, who started in the Pro Bowl as a rookie, is second on San Diego with 5 1/2 sacks.

Besides Merriman's suspension, the Chargers have had five separate off-field issues dating back to April.

Outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times outside his suburban home on Sept. 3 by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and was charged with two counts of DUI.

Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested on five felony drug counts in September and has pleaded not guilty.

Cornerback Markus Curry, who had been demoted to the practice squad, was released on Oct. 9, just hours after he was arrested on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.

[Chisox73]

Lawyer: Merriman took tainted supplement
http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/SD/9747893
NFL.com wire reports

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 23, 2006) -- Shawne Merriman's attorney said the Chargers' outside linebacker failed a drug test because of a tainted supplement and will continue to play while appealing his four-game suspension.

Attorney David Cornwell said he believed Merriman tested positive for the steroid nandrolone, which is prohibited under the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Cornwell said the substance was in a supplement Merriman has been taking.

"He did not go into the back alley somewhere and put a needle in his butt for steroids," Cornwell said at a news conference Oct. 23, about two hours after Merriman practiced with the Chargers a day after their 30-27 loss at Kansas City.

Merriman said he spoke with teammates and coaches earlier in the day, and "apologized to them for this being a distraction, especially the critical time we're going through as a team."

"Hopefully, nobody makes any kind of judgment or anything that basically makes me guilty for anything, because nothing has been done wrong on my part," Merriman said. "And I will try to get it straightened out as soon as possible. As of right now, I'm not missing any time."

The 22-year-old Merriman was the 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and started in the Pro Bowl after leading the Chargers with 10 sacks. Nicknamed "Lights Out" because of his punishing hits, Merriman has 5 ½ sacks this season for the Chargers (4-2), who will play host to St. Louis on Oct. 29.

"I have no reason to do anything wrong, especially when I'm already in the spotlight and doing things and trying to present to people the right and wrong way to go about things," Merriman said. "This is obviously a mistake that has to be dealt with correctly."

If Merriman loses his appeal, it would be another blow to a defense that has been losing players since outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot by an off-duty Coronado police officer eight days before the season started. Shaun Phillips, who replaced Foley and has a team-high six sacks, injured his calf Oct. 23 and could be out for up to four weeks. End Igor Olshansky has been out with a knee injury.

Cornwell said the appeal could take anywhere from one week to months.

Nandrolone "is the primary culprit in tainted supplements," the lawyer said.

"I know that people get tired of hearing it, but it is a fact and it is not going to go away until the Congress of the United States deals with it," Cornwell said. "Supplements are not regulated and it is a dirty fact of this industry that many of them are tainted with prohibited substances and men like Shawne get hooked up and get penalized for taking something that they didn't know was present in the supplement.

"That's why this is such an evil process," the attorney said. "He has been playing, unwittingly, Russian roulette with his career because he's been taking the same supplements, and it has been subjected to testing, and hasn't yielded a positive test. So he thought the supplements that he was taking were safe."

Late in the 2004 season, Chargers fullback Andrew Pinnock was suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances. His agent said at the time that Pinnock accidentally took a supplement that contained a banned substance.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer and players said they were barred from commenting by the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement.

But defensive end Luis Castillo said he understands what Merriman is facing.

Castillo tested positive for androstenedione at the scouting combine in February 2005. He later said it was "a huge mistake" in taking the steroid to help his performance at the combine after he was slow to heal from an elbow injury sustained his senior year at Northwestern.

Castillo had a clause inserted in his contract stating he will forfeit his bonus money if he ever has another positive drug test.

"It's tough to deal with," Castillo said. "It tests your mental strength and it tests your support network with your family. We love the guy and we're sticking with him, and we told him that. Shawne's a mentally strong guy and he's going to come back from this and do great things for us."

Merriman and Castillo were first-round draft picks in 2005.

Besides Merriman's positive drug test, the Chargers have had five separate off-field issues dating back to April.

Foley was shot three times near his suburban home on Sept. 3 by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and was charged with two counts of DUI.

Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested on five felony drug counts in September and has pleaded not guilty.

Cornerback Markus Curry, who had been demoted to the practice squad, was released on Oct. 9, just hours after he was arrested on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Foley and Phillips were arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.

[Chisox73]

Chargers sign Gbaja-Biamila, waive Speegle
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/tuesday-roundup-chargers.htm
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

With Shaun Phillips out 2-4 weeks due to a strained calf, the Chargers were in need of depth at linebacker; preferably someone that knew their system. Enter Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.

The former San Diego State Aztec spent the entire offseason with the Chargers and was waived just prior to the start of the regular season. At the time, Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said that Gbaja-Biamila had had a good training camp but became a victim of numbers.

The Chargers started the season with 10 linebackers on their 53-man roster. With Phillips out and Steve Foley lost for the season, the Bolts turned to a familiar face.

In order to make room for Gbaja-Biamila, the Chargers released Nick Speegle who had been on the roster for only the past two weeks.

[Chisox73]

No place like home
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/no-place-like43543.htm

It was a point that was emphasized during the offseason and an area that has played out pretty well for the Chargers this season.

“The number-one thing that you have to do in order to be successful in the National Football League is to win your games at home,� Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said. “We’ve played pretty well at home to this point, but it is imperative that we keep that up.�

The Chargers begin what appears to be a crucial portion of their schedule this week when they host the St. Louis Rams. They’ll have back-to-back home games for the first time this season before traveling to AFC North-leading Cincinnati and AFC West-leading Denver.

“Every game is equally important as far as the win-loss column, but at home coming off a tough loss and having two at home, that’s big,� quarterback Philip Rivers said. “To get to 6-2 at the halfway mark, not to look ahead, but that would put us in a good position.�

Qualcomm Stadium has been kind to the Chargers this season, although they haven’t spent a ton of time there. The Bolts are 2-0 at home. They’re one of just three teams in the NFL that have yet to play three home games, with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants being the others.

“It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve played at home,� safety Marlon McCree said. “Our fans have been great to us in the two games that we’ve had at home. They’ve really created an advantage for us, and we need them to continue to do that.�

Nice to see ya’

Linebacker Steve Foley made an appearance at Chargers Park Thursday morning and spent some time visiting with his teammates. Foley was on crutches but was in good spirits.

“It was tough to see him like that, but he’s fighting just like we knew he would,� safety Clinton Hart said. “We all love that guy. It was great to have him back around.�

Goff returns

After sitting out Wednesday’s practice, guard Mike Goff was back on the field Thursday and is expected to play Sunday. Defensive end Igor Olshansky (knee) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (calf) were the only Chargers that missed practice Thursday. Olshansky will not play this week, while Phillips is listed as questionable.

Other Chargers on the injury report include wide receivers Vincent Jackson (groin) and Malcom Floyd (groin) and safety Bhawoh Jue (knee), who are all questionable, as well as wide receiver Greg Camarillo (knee) and tight end Antonio Gates (hip). Gates and Camarillo are probable.

The Rams, who are coming off their bye week, listed just two players on their injury report. Fullback Paul Smith (eye) and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (hand) are both probable.

Take it away

The Rams rank 24th in the NFL in total defense, 22nd against the pass and 23rd against the run. So how in the world are they 4-2, having lost two games by a combined nine points? They lead the NFL with a plus-11 turnover ratio.

“That’s the one factor in our game that has more impact on the outcome than any other,� Schottenheimer said. “If you protect the football and can take it away, you’re going to win a lot of games.�

St. Louis has just five turnovers on the season, and quarterback Marc Bulger has thrown only one interception. That didn’t come until the fourth quarter of their Week 6 loss to Seattle, meaning he opened the season with 23-consecutive quarters without throwing a interception.

Change of plans

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila knew he was going to have a busy weekend, and that was before the Chargers called him Tuesday and offered to resign him. Gbaja-Biamila, who wants to get into broadcasting when his football career comes to an end, was already scheduled to provide color commentary for the University of San Diego’s game against Morehead State Saturday.

“Fortunately, the game isn’t until 4:00, so we’ll be done with practice by then and I’m still going to do it,� Gbaja-Biamila said. “It’s been a crazy week. When I get home, I have to study my playbook and prepare for the broadcast.�

Gbaja-Biamila did have to cancel correspondent appointments with ESPN’s “Cold Pizza� and “Quite Frankly,� but he’s encouraged about his prospects. He’ll work with play-by-play man Steve Quis on Saturday’s USD broadcast, which will air on Channel 4 in San Diego.

It’s a sellout

Sunday’s contest against the Rams did sell enough tickets in time to lift the local television blackout. The game will be televised in Southern California on XETV (Fox, Channel 6) in San Diego and KTTV (Fox, Channel 11) in Los Angeles with Kenny Albert providing play-by-play and Daryl Johnston handling color commentary.

A limited number of Club Level tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased at the Chargers’ ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, online at www.Chargers.com or by calling (619) 220-TIXS (8497).

More than 1,500 tickets remain for the Chargers-Cleveland Browns game on Nov. 5 and more than 6,000 tickets still remain for the Chargers-Raiders game on Nov. 26. Tickets are still available for each of the Chargers’ five remaining home games.

[Chisox73]

St.Louis 0 7 3 14- 24
CHARGERS 14 0 10 14- 38
Records; Chargers 5-2, St.Louis 4-3

La Danian Tomlinson had one of those ho-hum games as he help lead the San Diego Chargers to a 38-24 romp over the visiting St.Louis Rams at sunny Qualcomm Stadium.

LT had 25 carries for 185 yards on the ground.he also had 3 catches for 57 yards and and had 3 TDs(2 rushing) on the day.

Philip Rivers went 15/23 for 206 yards in the air and threw for a TD.Antonio Gates had 5 catches for 66 yards.

Defensively,Shawn Merriman had 3 sacks in the game.

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 2 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 7:05. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 7:55.
SD- TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 38 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:33. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards in 1:37.

2ND QUARTER
STL-TD Steven Jackson, 3 Yd run (Jeff Wilkins kick is good), 12:26. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards in 6:07.

3RD QUARTER
SD-TD Marlon McCree, 79 Yd fumble return (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 8:56.
SD- FG Jeff Wilkins 34 Yd, 7:18. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards in 1:38.
FG Nate Kaeding 31 Yd, 3:17. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards in 4:01.

4TH QUARTER
SD-TD Michael Turner, 14 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 11:44. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards in 4:12.
STL-TD Shaun McDonald, 7 Yd pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick is good), 6:39. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards in 5:05.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 25 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:58. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards in 2:41.
STL-TD Kevin Curtis, 6 Yd pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick is good), 1:31. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards in 2:27.

[I Are Baboon]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/smilies/plthumbsdown.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/smilies/plthumbsdown.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/smilies/plthumbsdown.gif

[Chisox73]

Chargers LB Shawn Merriman has dropped his appeal on his 4 game suspension for steroids and will begin his 4 game suspension immediately.

Read more here. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2644175)

[Chisox73]

Cleveland 3 9 0 13- 25
CHARGERS 3 7 7 15- 32

Records; CHARGERS 6-2,Cleveland 2-6
http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061105browns/KC_browns260204x699.jpg
On Chargers Alumni Day at Qualcomm,the Bolts pulled out the Power Blues and unleashed LT on the visiting Cleveland Browns and came away with a 32-25 win this afternoon.

LaDanian Tomlinson had 172 yards rushing in the game and scored 3 touchdowns.He also had 3 catches for 20 yards today.

Philip Rivers threw for 211 yards on 19 for 28 passing.

Eric Parker had 5 catchews for 65 yards,while Keenan McCardell had 5 catches for 64 yards.

The Chargers sacked Browns QB Charlie Frye 5 times in the game.

San Diego improves thier record to 6-2 on the season,remaining tied with Denver atop the AFC West,and are 1 game up on Kansas City.

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST QUARTER
SD- FG Nate Kaeding 29 Yd, 7:47. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards in 7:13.
CLE- FG Phil Dawson 37 Yd, 1:35. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards in 6:12.

2ND QUARTER
CLE-FG Phil Dawson 20 Yd, 13:47. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards in 1:36.
SD-TD Marques Harris, 0 Yd fumble return (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 5:49.
CLE-FG Phil Dawson 42 Yd, 2:44. Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards in 3:05.
CLEFG Phil Dawson 30 Yd, 0:01. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards in 1:51.

3RD QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 41 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 1:08. Drive: 1 play, 41 yards in 0:09.

4TH QUARTER
CLE-FG Phil Dawson 36 Yd, 14:19. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards in 1:49.
DS- TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 7 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 9:15. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards in 5:04.
CLE- FG Phil Dawson 35 Yd, 5:29. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards in 3:46.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 8 Yd run (Philip Rivers pass to Vincent Jackson for 2 Pt. Conversion), 3:53. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards in 1:36.
CLE-TD Braylon Edwards, 4 Yd pass from Charlie Frye (Phil Dawson kick is good), 1:11. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards in 2:42.

[Chisox73]

The NFL announced today that the November 19th game between the Chargers and Denver Broncos in Denver will be moved to Sunday night to accomodate NBC's Sunday Night Football telecast.

The game between Indianapolis and Dallas will now be moved to the late Sunday afternoon time slot on CBS.

[Durango53]

LaDanian Tomlinson called it “probably one of my most memorable Sundays,” and not just because he rushed for 172 yards on 18 carries or scored three touchdowns or the Chargers rallied to beat Cleveland. He met Jim Brown for the first time. “I will never forget the moment of meeting him,” said Tomlinson, adding that he was walking around a corner under the stadium when he realized, “My goodness, that's Jim Brown.” Said Tomlinson: “I've never met him before, so the first thing I did is just go to shake his hand, just to say, 'I appreciate you inspiring me to be a runner.' . . . To me he was the best combination of power and speed. He was phenomenal.” Tomlinson, who has film of Brown at home, said their conversation was mostly small talk, although he said Brown told him he's “had a great career so far.”

[Chisox73]

CHARGERS 0 7 21 21- 49
Cincinnati 21 7 10 3- 41

Records: Chargers 7-2, Cincinnati 4-5
http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061112bengals/SMHchargers260205x0016.jpg

In a good old fashioned AFL shootout,the San Diego Chargers overcame a 21-point deficit in the 1st half to stun the host Cincinnati Bengals 49-41 at Paul Brown Stadium.

Philip Rivers came of age in this game overcoming a 21-0 1st quarter deficit,and a 28-7 halftime hole as he led the Chargers to 42 2nd half points for the win.

Rivers was 24/36 for 337 yards and threw for 3 TDs,while All-World LaDanian Tomlinson scored 4 TDs carrying the ball 22 times for 104 yards.He also had 6 catches for 54 yards.LT scored 2 TDs in a 15 second span to start the 4th quarter to give San Diego the lead for good.He has scored 15 TDs in his last 5 games.

Malcolm floyd led San Diego recievers with 5 catches for 109 yards and a TD.Antonio Gates had 5 catches for 69 yards,while Keenan McCardell had 2 catches for 49 yards.TE Brandon Manumaleuna had 2 TD catches.

For the Bengals(4-5 in the AFC North),Carson Palmer passed for 440 yards on 31/42 passing.He threw for 3 TDs as he became the 1st Bengal to throw for 400 yards since Jon Kitna in 2001.

Cincinnati WR Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson caught 22 balls for a team record 260 yards and TD catches of 51 and 74 yards.

But at the end,it was a 4th and 10 pass from Carson Palmer at the Chargers 15 with 44 seconds left in the game that eluded a covered Glenn Holt that sealed the game in San Diego's favor.

This was the biggest come from behind win by the Chargers in 23 years and matches the franchise record for overcoming a 21-point deficit.The last time the Chargers came from 21 points down was on Oct.29,1983 when they came from behind to defeat Seattle 28-21.

The 49 points was thier highest single game output since a 50-28 pasting of Miami on Sept.7,1986.

Chargers WR Eric Parker left the game in the 2nd quarter with a neck injury.

[Chisox73]

1ST QUARTER
CIN-TD Jeremi Johnson, 3 Yd run (Shayne Graham kick is good), 9:57. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards in 3:10.
CIN- TD Rudi Johnson, 7 Yd run (Shayne Graham kick is good), 1:36. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards in 4:27.
CIN-TD Chad Johnson, 51 Yd pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick is good), 0:09. Drive: 1 play, 51 yards in 0:08.

2ND QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 9 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 5:27. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards in 2:36.
CIN-TD Chris Henry, 7 Yd pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick is good), 0:16. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards in 5:11.

3RD QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 4 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 10:47. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards in 2:28.
SD-TD Malcom Floyd, 46 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 9:08. Drive: 1 play, 46 yards in 0:07.
FG Shayne Graham 21 Yd, 6:27. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards in 2:41.
SD- TD Brandon Manumaleuna, 9 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:08. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards in 3:19.
CIN-TD Chad Johnson, 74 Yd pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick is good), 2:50. Drive: 1 play, 74 yards in 0:18.

4TH QUARTER
SD- TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 2 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 14:55. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards in 2:55.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 9 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 14:40. Drive: 1 play, 9 yards in 0:06.
CIN-FG Shayne Graham 44 Yd, 7:48. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards in 1:49.
SD-TD Brandon Manumaleuna, 5 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 2:29. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards in 5:19.

[Dward00]

Good win for San Diego. I'm a cincy supporter, but I picked San Diego to win this game. The WAY that they lost has left a shitty taste in my mouth. :(

[a_ndrew3000]

What a great game. :banana: :banana:

LT and Rivers were/are amazing.

[Astros]

Does anyone know what the supplement was that Merriman was a taking that was supposedly tainted? I have a cousin that plays for a small naia college and is taking a couple of different supplements. He is going to the NFL combine this year and I would hate to see him test positive inadvertently and not have a chance to shine. Does anyone know what Merriman was taking?

[a_ndrew3000]

Astros - You are really not funny.

[Chisox73]

'Ball security' key in Denver
Turnovers exact heavy toll on team
By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
November 17, 2006
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20061117-9999-1s17chnotes.html

It's not the altitude.

Everyone wants answers for why the Chargers have had such a hellish time in Denver. And beside the fact the Broncos are usually pretty good and the Chargers were for a time pretty bad, the answer largely lies in the number of turnovers.

Anyone with a rooting interest certainly remembers the Chargers leading 14-3 at halftime in September 2005 when Champ Bailey returned an interception for a touchdown on the first play of the second half.

“We were in pretty good shape, and then Champ Bailey has a pick . . . and the whole momentum of the game switches,� LaDainian Tomlinson said this week. “It's been different situations. They have made plays to really get themselves going, and then once their crowd gets behind them, it's really difficult to play there.�

During the Chargers' current six-game losing streak at Denver, they have committed 18 turnovers to the Broncos' 12. The Chargers have won the turnover battle just once in the streak.

“It virtually always come down to ball security,� Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said. The Chargers are second in the NFL with a plus-9 turnover ratio this season. Four of their six turnovers have come in their two losses.

“If we take care of the ball there's really not a team that can stop us,� right tackle Shane Olivea said. “You look at any time we have struggled (this season), we've turned the ball over. If we don't turn the ball over.


Brees watches
Watching video this week of the New Orleans Saints' upcoming opponent was exciting for Drew Brees. The Saints play Cincinnati on Sunday, so Brees got to see his former team in action in last week's epic game.
“It's kind of fun, just because I'm sitting there calling out plays before they run them,� Brees told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “And you know, seeing old teammates and guys making plays, and seeing old teammates that you kind of knew were going to be good players but you never had a chance to play with them, it's kind of interesting.�


Nuts 'n' Bolts
All but two of the six Chargers who missed Wednesday's practice returned to work yesterday. Defensive end Luis Castillo continues to hobble and will almost certainly miss his second consecutive game with a sprained ankle. Receiver Eric Parker (neck) only did individual drills but “has a pretty good chance� of playing, Schottenheimer said.
Tomlinson is second in fan balloting for the Pro Bowl behind Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning. Fan voting will be combined with votes of players and coaches and announced Dec. 19. Fullback Lorenzo Neal, tight end Antonio Gates, linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding are the leading AFC vote-getters at their positions.

Tomlinson was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week for the fourth time this season. His selection means another $5,000 for the Rady Children's Hospital.

Marlon McCree left a phone message for T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday and heard back from the Bengals receiver Wednesday. As he did to the media earlier this week, Houshmandzadeh told McCree he had no problem with McCree's early hit on him that resulted in a pass-interference penalty and (along with Randall Godfrey's knee) knocked Houshmandzadeh from the game. McCree has not been notified of a fine from the league.

[Chisox73]

The great debate
By Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AoByIF8h7VWDZtcioxxHdrBDubYF?slug=cr-tomlinson111706&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061105browns/SMHchargers260203x0037.jpg
SAN DIEGO – Make room. It's a Monday afternoon and San Diego Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer is leaning against a wall in a hallway describing LaDainian Tomlinson's season in a nutshell. Superlatives flow. Gushing commences. He's even using sound effects. Wait long enough and there might be a laser-light show.

"He's as fresh as he has ever been at this point in a season," Schottenheimer says. "He gets the ball now and he's just – schoooom!"

Schoooom?

Schottenheimer skims a fist across the air.

"Schoooom!"

OK, not exactly the most technical analysis. Not that you really need it to be at this point. The outside world gets it. Tomlinson is good. Fifteen touchdowns in five games good. Record-setting scoring pace good. Best running back in the NFL good. And of course, as some now suggest, maybe even Jim Brown good.

"The finest running back I've ever seen," Schottenheimer says.

A visitor standing nearby raises an eyebrow.

"Now, I'm sure there are those who will debate it," he says. "Certainly my opinion is subjective. But I feel very comfortable in my position saying it."

It's no small statement. After all, Schottenheimer's expertise goes back to 1965, when he was drafted into both the AFL and NFL. That was also Jim Brown's last year as a professional football player. So when Schottenheimer talks about running backs, he's drawing from a pool of knowledge that includes Brown, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith. He's been around the block, so when Schottenheimer shares his opinion on the NFL's best-ever running back, it's like Moses talking about the most reliable sandals he's ever seen.

That the conversation is even taking place says something about how far Tomlinson has come. Considered one of the NFL's best running backs – if not the best – over the last few seasons, he's already begun to transcend his own era at only 27 years old. Like Payton, Sanders and Smith before him, his name is now beginning to enter the Jim Brown conversation.

"When you say those two words – Jim Brown – everybody knows who it is," says Tomlinson, who has scored 18 touchdowns and also thrown one this season. "You know who Jim Brown is. You know the respect his peers at the time had for him. Even people who watched him play [had it] and even us young people. To be mentioned as a player of his caliber, in the same sentence, it's almost unreal."

Unreal but certainly not unrealistic. In only 5½ seasons (88 games), Tomlinson has racked up 98 touchdowns rushing and receiving, and should shatter the record for fastest running back to 100. And that's not even counting his passing touchdowns, which don't count in the total. Brown and Emmitt Smith achieved the century mark in 93 games. Tomlinson could do it this Sunday against Denver in his 89th.

But what's truly frightening about his production: If Tomlinson finishes out the season holding true to his average this year of two touchdowns per game, he'll finish his 6th season with 112 – putting him 11th all time for touchdowns scored. And with some health and luck, he could be trailing only Smith (175) and Jerry Rice (207) by the end of 2008, at the age of 29.

"The numbers are mind-boggling," Chargers tight end Antonio Gates says. "But you know what's really amazing – if he only did one thing, he'd still be a great running back. That tells you how good he really is. If he only caught the ball out of the backfield like he was a third-down back, he could still make the Pro Bowl. Remember, this is a guy that had 100 catches just a few years ago [2003]. And if he only ran the ball like he was a first- and second-down back, he'd still be a Pro Bowler. He's the ultimate three-down back."

Some will scoff at Tomlinson's numbers and say he has yet to win a Super Bowl. But like Sanders before him, he likely won't need it to validate his existence among the best of all time. In fact, even Schottenheimer's insistence that he may be the best ever may not be far off. Clearly, Tomlinson has proven to have an amazing mixture of many great runners. He has some of the vision and cutting ability of Sanders. He has some of the power and blocking ability of Smith. He has the acceleration and catching ability of Marshall Faulk. And if you want to throw Payton's name out there when you talk about tough yardage, find some film of Tomlinson's stiff arm. It's quite possibly the best in the league today – a wrinkle that even the greatest ever, Jim Brown, can appreciate.

"He's so sneaky in his steps," Brown said. "And then I looked at a straight arm that he put on an individual when I was watching the film. If you're not careful, you miss that. He must have tremendous strength in his shoulders. He has things that are so subtle, if you're not careful, you miss them. The intelligence of knowing how to cut, how to accelerate and even how to conserve energy – those are the things I notice."

But not the only things. Two weeks ago when Tomlinson and Brown met before San Diego's game against Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Famer walked away feeling a sense of admiration for Tomlinson. In a league where so many young players measure pro football history only back to their own NFL draft day, Brown met a player whose humility ran deeper than his own stat line.

"To me, he's very much like Curtis Martin," Brown said. "Curtis is a fine human being and a great football player, but very unassuming. They are both people of value. [LaDainian] is centered. It's not an extraordinary thing. It's the way it should be. He's a gentleman in an era where you have individuals that are totally talking about themselves boorishly and are kind of buffoons.

"When I walked away, it was like walking away from Walter Payton because I had so much admiration for him as a young man. LaDainian's ability is what it is. But as a young man, the way he carries himself is impressive. It's so gratifying because when you listen to [Terrell Owens'] situation and so many of these situations, and you look at the teams today and the money – there's such an emphasis on money – you just don't run into people like this kid."

The Payton comparison is extremely flattering for Tomlinson, who grew up in Rosebud, Texas but chose his position only after seeing the Chicago star play.

"He was the reason why I wanted to play running back," Tomlinson says. "Seeing him at an early age, I think I was five years old or something, there was something about him that I was drawn to. Walter was able to do anything you asked him to do out on the football field. He was able to do it. So I tried to pattern my game after that the same way, saying that, you know, that's the way you play football. I'm a running back but yet still I can do anything that a coach asks me to do out on the football field."

With his sixth season nearing a close, and his name being spoken in the same conversation as his idols, Tomlinson has filled out that doctrine nicely. Like Payton and Brown before him, it’s hard for people to look at his game, and find something that he can’t do on a football field.


Charles Robinson is a national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Charles a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

[Dward00]

I knew San Diego would beat Denver. EVERYONE has been overlooking them. They're probably the true superbowl contender this year.

[Chisox73]

Chargers are totally legit.I believe that they are the top team in the AFC right now(sorry Indy).The defense will be more dangerous once Merriman comes back.

There are many callers on Chicago sports talk radio saying that if the Bears go to the Super Bowl,they would rather see anyone else but the Chargers.That's how scary good this team is.

[Chisox73]

CHARGERS 7 0 14 14- 35
Denver 0 14 10 3- 27
Records;Chargers 8-2,Denver 7-3

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061120/images/sp-rivers280.jpg
SEAN M. HAFFEY / Union-Tribune
Philip Rivers listens for 76,000 silenced fans in Denver after his fourth-quarter TD pass to Vincent Jackson put the Chargers ahead.


The San Diego Chargers pulled off another miracle last night as they came from 17 points down to stun the Denver Broncos 35-27 at Invesco Field Sunday Night.

The Chargers become the 1st team in NFL history to win back-to-back games when trailing by 17 or more points.It was also thier first win in Denver since 1999,and more importantly,puts the Bolts atop the AFC West all by themselves.

Once again,it was The LaDanian Tomlinson Show as he scored 3 of the 5 Charger TDs.That gives him an unreal 18 TDs in his last 6 games.He became the fastest player to 100 TDs in his career.His mark of 89 games passes Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith,who both scored thier 100th TDs in 93 games.

LT had 105 yards rushing on 20 carries and caught 3 passes for 74 yards.

Philip Rivers threw for 222 yards on 19/26 passing.He threw for 2 TDs and was picked twice.

The Chargers took the lead for good with 6:45 left in the 4th when Rivers hooked up with Vincent Jackson for a 5-yard catch to make it 28-27.

On Denver's ensuing drive,Jake Plummer was picked off by Drayton florence on thier own 23,and with the Chargers on offense,LT carried the ball 4 times,capping off with a 1-yard run to ice the game for San Diego.

[Chisox73]

1st Quarter
Chargers - 3-yard run by LaDainian Tomlinson. (Nate Kaeding extra point is good). 0:08 Time Remaining. (11 plays, 99 yards. Time of Drive: 6:19).

2nd Quarter
Denver- 3-yard run by Mike Bell. (Jason Elam extra point is good). 8:17 Time Remaining. (13 plays, 88 yards. Time of Drive: 6:51).
Denver - 3-yard run by Mike Bell. (Jason Elam extra point is good). 0:34 Time Remaining. (8 plays, 86 yards. Time of Drive: 3:42).

3rd Quarter
Denver- 42-yard FG by Jason Elam. 10:48 Time Remaining. (7 plays, 23 yards. Time of Drive: 4:12).
Denver- 31-yard interception return by Darrent Williams. (Jason Elam extra point is good). 9:25 Time Remaining.
Chargers - 3-yard run by LaDainian Tomlinson. (Nate Kaeding extra point is good). 5:10 Time Remaining. (7 plays, 60 yards. Time of Drive: 4:15).
Chargers - 51-yard pass from Philip Rivers to LaDainian Tomlinson. (Nate Kaeding extra point is good). 3:51 Time Remaining. (3 plays, 58 yards. Time of Drive: 0:50).

4th Quarter
Denver- 38-yard FG by Jason Elam. 11:13 Time Remaining. (13 plays, 60 yards. Time of Drive: 7:38).
Chargers - 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers to Vincent Jackson. (Nate Kaeding extra point is good). 6:45 Time Remaining. (7 plays, 55 yards. Time of Drive: 4:28).
Chargers - 1-yard run by LaDainian Tomlinson. (Nate Kaeding extra point is good). 1:14 Time Remaining. (5 plays, 23 yards. Time of Drive: 1:49).

[Chisox73]

L.T.: 'It's like I'm going along for the ride'
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-chargers-tomlinson&prov=ap&type=lgns
http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061119broncos/KC_Denver260209x3040.jpg
K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune
LaDainian Tomlinson scores his 100th career touchdown, the fastest to get there in NFL history.


SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson isn't about to start pondering his place in NFL history, and he's still trying to put into perspective what it means to have scored 100 touchdowns faster than any other player.

This much L.T. is certain of -- he's never been better.

"I would say yes. You guys are getting to see every aspect of my game, of what I can do on the football field," the San Diego Chargers' star running back said Monday.

"Obviously I'm in the prime of my career. I see things clearly out on the football field. It's kind of a thing like when you were in high school and you knew you can make plays for your team because you're seeing things clearly and you felt like you were on top of your game. That's the way I feel right now."

Tomlinson had another remarkable performance on Sunday night, scoring four more touchdowns to help the Chargers rally from a 17-point deficit to win 35-27 at Denver in a showdown for the AFC West lead.

At one point, Tomlinson thought he might be cursed in the Mile High City. Instead, he pushed his NFL lead to 22 touchdowns, a Chargers single-season record and just seven shy of breaking the NFL record of 28 set by Shaun Alexander during his MVP season of 2005.

Tomlinson had been 0-5 and never rushed for more than 75 yards in five previous trips to Denver. That changed when he ran for 105 yards and added 74 more yards on three passes from Philip Rivers, including a short toss that he turned into a 51-yard touchdown that pulled the Chargers within three points late in the third quarter.

Tomlinson kept the ball from his 100th touchdown, but said the significance had yet to sink in.

"It's a landmark. 100 touchdowns is triple digits -- one, zero, zero," he said with a laugh.

Tomlinson has 102 career TDs in 89 games. That's four fewer games than it took Hall of Famer Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith to score 100 touchdowns.

"I haven't given much thought to it," Tomlinson said. "Right now it hasn't set in on what it means because it's fresh. I'm caught up in the moment. It's like I'm going along for the ride."

Tomlinson has scored an NFL-record 19 touchdowns in six games and has topped 1,000 yards rushing for the sixth straight season.

"I'm focused on the present right now, and obviously the future ahead and I never really want to stop and look at what I've done or even to look back," he said. "I've got a one-track mind going forward, and that's to win and build something special, something that people can remember. When it's all done, then I think I'll look back on my place in history and say, 'You know what? I think I did something good or great.' We'll see what happens."

The Chargers (8-2), trying to get into the playoffs for just the second time in 11 seasons, have sole possession of the division lead going into Sunday's home game against the last-place Oakland Raiders.

"LaDainian is a remarkable, remarkable player," said San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer, who ranks Tomlinson as the best running back he's ever seen.

"He's as good as there is," Rivers said. "He's going to keep performing at that level. Now, is he going to keep having four touchdowns every game and having 150 yards? Maybe. I mean, he might. That was like when he had a couple of 70-yard games in a row and everybody was wondering what's the matter. And to us, nothing was the matter. He was still dominant. Certainly, he's a force."

Watching the game film on Monday reinforced Rivers' belief that some of Tomlinson's best runs are the ones that don't make the highlight shows.

"The big runs and those things are awesome, but to me, some of his three- and four-yard runs are unbelievable. They're runs where most backs may have a 1-yard loss or they get hit in the backfield. But he scrambles around and gets three. He can get you a second-and-seven or get you to third-and-two.

"To be the big-play back that he is, he understands that he's not going to bust it on every play. He knows when to take his four yards, take his two yards, take his no gain."

A week earlier, the Chargers scored 42 points in the second half to rally for a 49-41 win at Cincinnati.

"This team, we're never out of it," Tomlinson said. "We really feel like that. We've got a great group of guys that love to compete."

Tomlinson wouldn't mind it, though, if the Chargers got ahead and stayed there.

"If we could, we would, believe me," he said. "If it was our way, we'll have it where we got our hat on, our socks rolled down, eating sunflower seeds with six minutes to go."

[Dward00]

Chargers are totally legit.I believe that they are the top team in the AFC right now(sorry Indy).The defense will be more dangerous once Merriman comes back.

There are many callers on Chicago sports talk radio saying that if the Bears go to the Super Bowl,they would rather see anyone else but the Chargers.That's how scary good this team is.

Philip Rivers is asking to get his knee broken though. The last 2 games he's been talking up a big game.

Just the way he's been acting has been mildly un-sportsmanlike. I really didn't expect it from him.

[a_ndrew3000]

Philip Rivers is asking to get his knee broken though. The last 2 games he's been talking up a big game.

Just the way he's been acting has been mildly un-sportsmanlike. I really didn't expect it from him.

:confused:

Maybe you're thinking of chad johnson....

[Durango53]

Shawne Merriman is ready to return, to show he is still great and however those steroids got in his body they were not the reason he dominated. “I'll come back like I never left,� Merriman said by phone. “I'll just continue to show I'm one of the best players there is.� Merriman plans to be at the Chargers' complex early this morning, as his four-game suspension for testing positive for the steroid nandrolone is over. Merriman, who maintains the positive test was the result of a tainted over-the-counter supplement, has been working out once or twice a day. While no one could honestly have expected the Chargers to go 4-0 without him, Merriman said he was not surprised. “There is so much talent on that team,� he said. “They've fought through adversity all year. It hurt them that I was gone, but they obviously kept going.� Merriman was tied for the NFL lead with 8½ sacks when he left. He has fallen to fifth.
With as good as the Bolts have been looking getting this guy back will make them that much stronger.

[a_ndrew3000]

People also seem to forget that we have been missing Castillo....With him and Merriman back, the defense is much better.

[Chisox73]

Tomlinson leads 21-14 victory after bizarre play by Jackson appears to wake up Bolts
By Bernie Wilson
ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20061126-1643-fbn-raiders-chargers.html

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061126raiders/JBchgRaid265017x39.jpg
JIM BAIRD / Union-Tribune
LaDainian Tomlinson passes on halfback option to Antonio Gates for game-tying 19-yard touchdown in fourth quarter.


SAN DIEGO – LaDainian Tomlinson saved the day for the Chargers – again.
With both Tomlinson and the Chargers looking all too human against the Oakland Raiders, the star running back keyed yet another second-half rally to give the AFC West-leading Chargers a 21-14 win over their biggest rival Sunday, their fifth straight win.

Tomlinson, in the midst of an MVP season, rushed for two touchdowns and broke out a favorite San Diego trick by throwing for another. He has 24 touchdowns this season, and needs five in the last five games to break the NFL record of 28 set by Shaun Alexander during his MVP season of 2005.

Tomlinson threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates to tie the game at 14. The running back now has thrown for six scores in his career.

The latest came four plays after Vincent Jackson nearly gave the ball away.

With the Chargers (9-2) trailing 14-7 and facing fourth-and-two from the Raiders' 40, Jackson caught a 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers, rolled to the ground untouched, then stood up and spun the ball forward. Oakland's Fabian Washington jumped on the ball.

Referee Mike Carey originally signaled Oakland's possession, but then the Chargers were flagged for illegal forward pass. Even with the five-yard penalty, the Chargers still had a first down, at the 32.

While Gates got wide open, quarterback Philip Rivers tossed the ball to Tomlinson, who threw his second TD pass of the season.

After the Chargers forced the Raiders to punt, Tomlinson broke a 44-yard run on first down, starting up the middle before bouncing outside. He capped the drive with a 10-yard scoring run, easing up as he crossed the goal line untouched.
It was his 21st touchdown in seven games.

Aaron Brooks, who had led the Raiders (2-9) to a 14-7 lead midway through the third quarter, was intercepted deep in Chargers territory by Drayton Florence with 1:48 left in the game. Brooks was sacked five times.

The Chargers have won seven straight against the Raiders, their longest winning streak in a rivalry that dates to the birth of the AFL in 1960.

The home comeback from a 14-7 deficit followed the Chargers' 42-point performance in the second half two weeks ago in a 49-41 win at Cincinnati, and their rally from 17 points down at Denver last week.

Tomlinson recorded his fifth straight 100-yard game, finishing with 109 yards on 19 carries. It was just the second time in six home games against the Raiders that he broke 100 yards.

Rivers had his worst game as a starter, going 14-of-31 for 133 yards, with one interception and no touchdowns, for a rating of 44.2.

The Chargers' offense, the highest-scoring in the NFL, was a no-show in the first half.

San Diego likely would have trailed at halftime if not for a 91-yard kickoff return by rookie Antonio Cromartie. That set up a 4-yard scoring run early in the second quarter by Tomlinson, who got a nice block by fullback Lorenzo Neal to tie the game at 7.

Cromartie's long return came after Raiders fullback ReShard Lee scored from a yard out to cap a 70-yard drive. The big gain was a pass interference call against Quentin Jammer, who knocked down Madsen before the ball arrived.

Brooks threw a 2-yard TD pass to wide-open tight end John Madsen midway through the third quarter to put the Raiders up 14-7. It came one play after Madsen stepped out of bounds after a 56-yard reception.

Brooks was 17-of-30 for 187 yards and one TD, with two interceptions.

[Chisox73]

Oakland 0 7 7 0- 14
CHARGERS 0 7 0 14- 21

Records;Chargers 9-2 Oakland 2-9

SCORING SUMMARY

1ST QUARTER
None

2ND QUARTER
OAK-TD ReShard Lee, 1 Yd run (Sebastian Janikowski kick is good), 14:14. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards in 3:19.
SD- TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 4 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 13:27. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards in 0:47.

3RD QUARTER
OAK-TD John Madsen, 2 Yd pass from Aaron Brooks (Sebastian Janikowski kick is good), 7:40. Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards in 1:39.

4TH QUARTER
SD TD Antonio Gates, 19 Yd pass from LaDainian Tomlinson (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 9:46. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards in 3:40.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 10 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:39. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards in 3:15.

[Chisox73]

Merriman welcomed back
Monday, Nov 27, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/merriman-welcomed-back.htm

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061008steelers/JM_steelersx03x260196x480.jpg
Shawn Merriman(56) drops Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger earlier this season.

A day after the Chargers celebrated their ninth win of the season, they were given another reason to cheer Monday morning. Sunday’s victory over Oakland also marked the end of linebacker Shawne Merriman’s four-game suspension.

“There was a big applause,� Merriman said as he described the start of Monday’s team meeting. “I got a chance to come in and see my coaches and talk to the players and everything. It was just total enjoyment being back in the building.�

Teammates welcomed the reining Defensive Rookie of the Year by teasing him for his apparel and his new haircut, which featured the words “Lights Out� shaved into the side of his head.

“He wore a tight shirt this morning, and we were messing with him about that,� running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. “Just how good he looks. He’s been on vacation. He looks fresh.�

They hope that freshness turns into a big outing in his return to the field Sunday at Oakland. Merriman has 8.5 sacks on the year, which was tied for the league lead when he left. He’s now tied for seventh.

“I’m glad I’m not on the opposing team for his first game back,� quarterback Philip Rivers said. “He’s going to be fresh and ready to go. I’m sure his mindset will be him trying to make up for lost time. He’ll have a huge impact as always.�

Throughout his time away, Merriman stayed true to his intense workout schedule that generally included two sessions per day in the gym. He believes his physical conditioning will help him jump right back in successfully.

“I don’t think I’ll be rusty at all,� Merriman said. “I think you’ve got to get back in the groove of things. You don’t be off for a month in football and just come back. I’ve been working the whole time, working out and doing my boxing and just really staying in shape. Nothing can ever emulate the football work that you have, but I’ll be okay.�

Merriman kept in close touch with several of his teammates during his absence but admitted to having a difficult time watching Charger games on television, even though the team went 4-0 while he was away.

“There was no doubt in my mind that they were going to win the games when I was out,� Merriman said. “I was proud of those guys. I got a chance to talk to them each and every week. A lot of people said that they’d go 2-2 without me or 3-1. I said, ‘No, you guys are going to win it all.’ I told them that when I left, and they did. I can just be nothing but proud of how they played in my absence.�

Not only will the Chargers benefit from his talent, they’re also sure to get a pick-me-up from Merriman’s presence. His return is welcomed for what he brings to the defense as well as the locker room.

“He’s certainly a factor out there on the field, but I think even more than that, his presence in the locker room,� Rivers said. “He plays with a lot of emotion and enthusiasm. That will certainly have an affect on us as a team.�

[Chisox73]

CHARGERS 10 7 0 7- 24
Buffalo 0 0 14 7- 21
Records; San Diego 10-2,Buffalo 5-7

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/images/061203merriman-losman.jpg
In his first game back from a steroid suspension, Chargers defender Shawne Merriman pressures Bills quarterback J.P. Losman into throwing a first-half interception.


http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap;_ylt=AoCW3E615p9SfyBIwxQpjC5DubYF?gid=200612 03002

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson was the ideal tonic for a blustery winter afternoon in Buffalo. The San Diego Chargers' defense was pretty hot, too, holding off the Bills' second-half comeback bid on Sunday.

Tomlinson had 178 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns in a 24-21 victory, helping the Chargers (10-2) extend their winning streak to six. It was Tomlinson's sixth straight 100-yard game and seventh of the season.

With a 51-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, Tomlinson joined Eric Dickerson as the second NFL player to reach 1,200 yards rushing in each of his first six NFL seasons. The two scores gave Tomlinson 26 for the year, inching him within two of matching the single-season record set by Seattle's Shaun Alexander last year.

The Chargers' defense then did the rest in linebacker Shawne Merriman's first game back from a four-game steroid suspension. In a game San Diego never trailed, Merriman finished with six tackles and two sacks, while the defense forced three turnovers in the first half and four overall.

The Bills (5-7) were limited to 231 yards offense, and only had one drive in which they produced three first downs. Buffalo's first two scores came as result of short fields set up by San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers' fumble and a 32-yard punt return by Jim Leonhard.

Buffalo's final score came with Peerless Price's 6-yard catch with 30 seconds left. The Bills' bid to produce a third straight last-minute comeback ended when Buffalo failed on an onside kickoff attempt.

[Chisox73]

1ST QUARTER
SD-FG Nate Kaeding 42 Yd, 9:12. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards in 3:52.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 51 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 1:06. Drive: 2 plays, 59 yards in 0:34.

2ND QUARTER
SD-TD Antonio Gates, 11 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 0:24. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards in 0:30.

3RD QUARTER
BUF-TD Robert Royal, 5 Yd pass from J.P. Losman (Rian Lindell kick is good), 11:33. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards in 2:00.
BUF-TD Willis McGahee, 2 Yd run (Rian Lindell kick is good), 8:09. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards in 1:55.

4TH QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 2 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:26. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards in 8:06.
BUF-TD Peerless Price, 6 Yd pass from J.P. Losman (Rian Lindell kick is good), 0:30. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards in 1:56.

[Chisox73]

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061203bills/KC_Bills260213x1018.jpg
K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune
Chargers fan against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

[Chisox73]

L.T. closes in on TD mark, Chargers on playoff berth
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ahimh0fZHMp1pIFC4WTtY2RDubYF?slug=ap-chargers-ltstds&prov=ap&type=lgns
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
December 4, 2006

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson's touchdown binge has carried him to the cusp of NFL history and the San Diego Chargers to the verge of returning to the playoffs.

It's also practically rendered his coach speechless, and that's saying something.

Marty Schottenheimer, who was an English major at Pitt and loves to talk, doesn't know what to say anymore about Tomlinson's TDs, which now total 26 with a quarter of the season still to play.

"His achievements, I've run out of superlatives," Schottenheimer said Monday. "It's what he does. I'm going to tell you what -- I stand on the sideline and I watch him like a fan. It's amazing."

The Chargers (10-2) host the reeling Denver Broncos (7-5) on Sunday. By game's end, Tomlinson could share or own the NFL's single-season touchdown record, and the Chargers could have a playoff spot locked up. Maybe Schottenheimer will have found a moment before then to pull out a thesaurus or log on to dictionary.com to figure out something new to say about Tomlinson.

The star running back scored two more touchdowns in San Diego's 24-21 win at Buffalo on Sunday, the Chargers' sixth straight win. He's three shy of breaking the record of 28 set last year by league MVP Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks.

Tomlinson has scored 23 touchdowns in the last eight games. He scored four times at Denver on Nov. 19, a week after he scored four TDs at Cincinnati. The week before that, he scored three against Cleveland.

Tomlinson is more concerned with getting to the Super Bowl than setting records. He is aware, though, that the single-season touchdown record has fallen three times since his boyhood idol, Emmitt Smith, scored 25 in 1995. Marshall Faulk had 26 in 2000, Priest Holmes 27 in 2003 and then Alexander 28 last year.

"It seems like each time this thing continues to grow, guys score more touchdowns," Tomlinson said. "It's no different here. I think it's been since Emmitt, it's been more guys really getting close to the record. Before that time, it was kind of a big deal to surpass the touchdown record. I don't know who had it before Emmitt, but once he did it, then it seemed like Marshall and Priest and Shaun, it seems like it's continuing. And so it's just another milestone."

Before Smith, John Riggins had 24 in 1983.

Tomlinson leads the NFL with 1,324 rushing yards and with 1,794 yards from scrimmage.

He seems to be as amazed as everyone else.

"It's been a little bit of everything, fun and kind of surreal, I think, all in one," Tomlinson said. "Because there's times where it's just really fun, and there's times where it's amazing. You're like, 'No way, this didn't just happen.' So I think it's a little bit of everything."

Barring a complete collapse, the Chargers are about to clinch just their second playoff berth in 11 seasons.

If the Chargers beat Denver, they'll be assured of at least a wild-card spot. If they win and the Kansas City Chiefs lose or tie at home against Baltimore, the Chargers will win the AFC West.

"We certainly can't overlook Denver," Tomlinson said. "These are big weeks we've got coming up, so there's no need for us to look toward the playoffs yet."

Not only have the Chargers opened a three-game lead in the AFC West, but they don't have to leave the Pacific Time Zone the rest of the regular season. Their only remaining road game is at Seattle on Dec. 24.

The Chargers caught Indianapolis in the race for the AFC's best record, although the Colts hold the tiebreaker based on a better conference record.

[Chisox73]

The Chargers will get thier 3rd Sunday night game this season as the NFL announced that the December 17th home game against Kansas City will be moved to 5:15pm San Diego time to accomodate NBC's Sunday Night Football.

[a_ndrew3000]

10-2

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[Chisox73]

An Historic Day in San Diego
Chargers Win West!


Denver 0 3 17 0- 20
CHARGERS 14 14 0 20- 48
Records; Chargers 11-2,Broncos 7-6
Chargers win AFC West!
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/images/061210gates-td.jpg
Associated Press
Antonio Gates outmaneuvers Denver's Champ Summers (27) and Darrent Williams for the first of his two first-half touchdowns.

LaDanian Tomlinson rushed for 103 yards,scored 3 TDs to establish a new single season touchdown record to help the Chargers smoke the visiting Denver Broncos 48-20 to clinch the AFC West title for the 2nd time in 3 seasons.

Philip Rivers was 15/23 passing for 279 yards and 2 TDs in the rout.

After a slow start midway through the 1st quarter,the Chargers got on the board on a Rivers' 12 yard strike to TE Antonio Gates,and the Bolts never looked back as they scored 14 points in the opening quarter.

Thier 2nd TD in the 1st quarter came on the old "Fumblerooski" play as Rivers "fumbled" the snap and Lorenzo Neal scooped the ball up and took it in for a 4-yard run.

The Bolts really pulled away in the 2nd when LT scored his 1st TD on a 1-yard run.They made it 28-3 on another TD pass to Gates with 23 seconds left in the half.

Denver and thier rookie QB Jay Cutler showed life in the 3rd quarter as they cut into the Chargers lead by scoring 17 points in the 3rd quarter,thanks to 2 TD passes to Tony Scheffler in a span of 48 seconds to make it 28-17 Chargers.A Jason Elam late FG in the 3rd cut the bolts lead to 28-20.That would be as close as the Broncos would get.

It was all Chargers in the 4th quarter as the Chargers put up 20 points in the frame,thanks to 2 FGs by Nate Kaeding and 2 TDs by LT.

LTs record-tying 28th TD came with 3:57 remaining on a 6-yard run to ice the game.Then,after a Jay Cutler fumble on the ensuing drive on the Denver 7,LT scampered around to his left and down the sideline for a 7-yard record setting touchdown to break Shaun Alexander's previous record of 28.

With the win,the Chargers are the 2006 AFC West Champions,and coupled with Jacksonville's rout of Indianapolis,the Chargers move into the top seed in the AFC playoff picture.

As for the individual accolades,TE Antonio Gates led Charger recievers with 7 catches for 104 yards and 2 TDs.WR Vincent Jackson had 3 catches for 95 yards.He had 2 catches that set up Charger scores including a 55-yard catch in the 1st quarter to set up Gatyes' 1st TD.

Defensively,Shawn Merriman had 2 sacks and forced 2 fumbles and recoverd another in this game.

Just a great all-around effort by the Chargers in this game despite having a bad 3rd quarter in which they turned the ball over once,and was penalized 4 times for 33 yards.

[Chisox73]

1ST QUARTER
SD-TD Antonio Gates, 12 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 4:50. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards in 2:17.
SD-TD Lorenzo Neal, 4 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 0:05. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards in 2:57.

2ND QUARTER
DEN-FG Jason Elam 34 Yd, 12:49. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards in 2:16.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 1 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 10:15. Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards in 2:34.
SD-TD Antonio Gates, 7 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 0:23. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards in 6:19.

3RD QUARTER
DEN- TD Tony Scheffler, 28 Yd pass from Jay Cutler (Jason Elam kick is good), 10:35. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards in 3:26.
DEN-TD Tony Scheffler, 11 Yd pass from Jay Cutler (Jason Elam kick is good), 9:47. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards in 0:40.
DEN-FG Jason Elam 33 Yd, 1:02. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards in 5:08.

4TH QUARTER
SD- FG Nate Kaeding 34 Yd, 12:52. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards in 3:10.
SD-FG Nate Kaeding 35 Yd, 8:15. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards in 2:43.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 6 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:57. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards in 2:54.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 7 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:10. Drive: 1 play, 7 yards in 0:05.

[a_ndrew3000]

Swept the Broncos for the first time since 1982....Errr ...At least I think thats what they said.



11-2

[Chisox73]

Bolts sign Hakim; place Floyd on IR
Thursday, Dec 14, 2006
http://www.chargers.com/news/press-releases/press-release-20061214.php

The San Diego Chargers have signed NFL veteran and former San Diego State wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim to a one-year contract. To make room on the roster for Hakim, the team placed fellow wide receiver Malcom Floyd on the “Reserve-Injured” list with an ankle injury.

Hakim, 5-10, 189 pounds, is in his eighth NFL season. His career receiving totals include 316 catches for 4,191 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s also rushed 30 times for 197 yards and a score; returned 165 punts for 1,773 yards and three scores; and returned 12 kickoffs for 208 yards.

“Az provides the Chargers with valuable depth at receiver as well as punt and kickoff returner,” said General Manager A.J. Smith. “He also brings a wealth of experience in both regular season and postseason play.”

Hakim was a fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 1998 with the 96th overall selection. He spent four seasons in St. Louis (1998-2001) where he played in two Super Bowls (XXXIV and XXXVI), winning a championship ring in 1999 when the Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans. Hakim has played in a total of seven postseason games, catching 21 passes for 284 yards and returning 11 punts for 149 yards.

Hakim left St. Louis following the 2001 season and signed with Detroit (2002-04). He played three seasons in the Motor City before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2005. He re-signed with Detroit in 2006 and played in six games before he was released on Oct. 31.

Hakim was born June 3, 1977 in Los Angeles. His full name Az-Zahir Ali Hakim stands for “the appearance of a high, wise counselor” in Muslim. He prepped at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles where he competed in football, basketball and track. Hakim was a four-year letterman at San Diego State.

Floyd played in 12 games this season. He caught 15 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns.

[Chisox73]

Follow the leader
Tomlinson scores twice, breaks Hornung's season record
By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20061218-9999-1s18chargers.html


http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061218/images/sp-ltrun280.jpg
SEAN M. HAFFEY / Union-Tribune
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson races from Chiefs' Derrick Johnson (56) and Greg Wesley on this 85-yard TD run in second quarter, the longest of his career.

From a hush to pandemonium, LaDainian Tomlinson led his team and a stadium, along with a national television audience, down the sideline and further into the realm of the unprecedented and unbelievable.

“Impossible,” is the word tight end Antonio Gates used to describe his teammate, the one who has time and again done what seems just that.

Tomlinson kept running away with history, the defense was as dominating as it had been all season, and the Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 20-9 at Qualcomm Stadium last night.

A game that seemed about to slip away came back to the Chargers in the second quarter with a play that, should this season end as the Chargers hope, will be remembered alongside Vincent Jackson's “forward pass” against the Raiders.

“A year ago that wouldn't have gone our way,” linebacker Randall Godfrey said of a blocked punt that became a muffed punt. “Everything is going our way this year.”

That play led to another handful of records by Tomlinson and – with a defense that refused to allow the Chiefs' weapons to be dangerous – another victory by the Chargers.

“The defense played lights out,” said Tomlinson, who hurt his jaw late in the game and was to undergo what he termed “precautionary” X-rays. “To hold that team to three field goals and not allow them to score touchdowns was big,” Tomlinson said. “We struggled at times, but we ran the ball well. We did what it took to get a victory.”

In winning their eighth straight game, the Chargers (12-2) avenged their last loss, Oct. 22 in Kansas City, and increased the likelihood they can delay their first playoff game a week.

If the Indianapolis Colts lose tonight against Cincinnati, the Chargers are guaranteed a first-round bye. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Chargers hold the AFC's top seed by a game over Baltimore and 1½ games over the Colts.

“If the Super Bowl has to come through San Diego,” safety Marlon McCree said, “you might as well book your hotel rooms now.”

The Chargers are 7-0 at home for the second time in their history, thanks in large part to the ignition from an alert fumble recovery by long snapper David Binn and the longest run of Tomlinson's career on back-to-back plays.

While not nearly as bizarre as the Nov. 26 play in which Jackson spiked the ball thinking he was down and was fortunate to have the ball bounce forward, the Chargers' fortunes turned last night on another gracious bounce.
Early in the second quarter, the Chargers were forced to punt from their 13, and a nice play by Kansas City became a gigantic break for the Chargers.

On the punt, Bernard Pollard raced around Clinton Hart and got a hand on Mike Scifres' kick. But the ball continued sailing forward, where it was touched by Derrick Ross at the 17, making it the property of whichever team recovered it. After the ball bounced, Binn fell on it, and the Chargers were awarded the ball at the 15.

“I felt like a football player again for a little bit,” said Binn, whose primary duty is to snap the ball a half-dozen or so times each game.

From there, with those watching the game still not sure what had just happened, Tomlinson did what he does best. He scored.

On first down, Tomlinson ran around left tackle and then 85 yards down the sideline to give the Chargers a 14-3 lead with 12:19 remaining in the first half.

The touchdown was his 31st of the season, furthering his NFL record and also giving him an NFL-record eight straight games with at least two touchdowns. It was also his league-record 28th rushing touchdown of the season.

He would finish with 199 rushing yards before leaving late in the game to have the team's medical personnel tend to his jaw, which was initially injured on a run near the goal line in the fourth quarter and hit on a later play as well.

“I think it's going to be fine,” he said. “I'll still play with it.”

Tomlinson's 15-yard run to the end zone in the first quarter was his first record of the night, giving him 180 points, breaking Paul Hornung's 46-year-old league record of 176 in a season.

“It stood 40-something years,” Tomlinson said. “It's mind-boggling to me . . . Some records seem untouchable. To me, out of all of them, that's a tremendous accomplishment.”

It was the second TD that went a long way toward breaking the Chiefs.

On the sideline, as Tomlinson's teammates mobbed him in the end zone after he had sprinted to the third-longest running score in team history, the Chiefs looked up at the heavens and shook their heads.

“They were getting frustrated,” McCree said.

Still, the Chargers' lead was just eight points to start the fourth quarter and again midway through the fourth, but Nate Kaeding made field goals from 30 yards and 22 yards to keep pushing the Chiefs two scores down.

While Philip Rivers, sometimes pressured and sometimes simply off-target, had his worst game in his first season as an NFL starter, Tomlinson not only ran wild but the Chargers' defense continually held firm.

The Chargers sacked Trent Green six times and mostly stopped running back Larry Johnson (84 yards) and tight end Tony Gonzalez (six catches, 53 yards).

The Chiefs had just 241 yards total offense, and the Chargers held an opponent without a touchdown for the first time since shutting out Oakland in the season opener. It was the first time since 1994 they held the Chiefs without a touchdown.

“Wade Phillips and the defensive coaching staff made it a big point we were going to stop (Johnson and Gonzalez),” said linebacker Donnie Edwards, who had an interception and a sack. “Those two guys are 75 percent of their offense. It's extra special for us because they were the last team to beat us.”

[Chisox73]

Kansas City 0 3 3 3- 9
CHARGERS 7 7 0 6- 20
Records; Chargers(12-2),Chiefs(7-7)

http://images.nfl.com/images/gamecenter2002/icons/SD.gif http://images.nfl.com/images/gamecenter2002/icons/KC.gifSCORING SUMMARY

1ST QUARTER
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 15 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 9:15. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards in 3:42.

2ND QUARTER
KC-FG Lawrence Tynes 45 Yd, 13:01. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards in 1:44.
SD-TD LaDainian Tomlinson, 85 Yd run (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 2:41. Drive: 1 play, 85 yards in 0:12.

3RD QUARTER
KC-FG Lawrence Tynes 52 Yd, 2:22. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards in 5:48.

4TH QUARTER
SD- FG Nate Kaeding 30 Yd, 12:18. Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards in 5:04.
KC- FG Lawrence Tynes 24 Yd, 7:01. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards in 3:07.
SD-FG Nate Kaeding 22 Yd, 4:40. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards in 2:21.

[Chisox73]

The Chargers made team history as they are sending a record 9 players to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

Among the 9 starters,5 of those will start in the game.

The starters include MVP candidate LaDanian Tomlinson,who is going to his 4th Pro Bowl,FB Lorenzon Neal,TE Antonio Gates,and C Nick Hardwick.

Defensively,LB Shawn Merriman and DT Jamal Williams was selected as starters.

Among other Chargers to be represented in Hawaii are QB Philip Rivers,K Nate Kaeding,and Special teams player Kassim Osgood.

Congrats to those 9 players on thier Pro Bowl selections.:clap:

[Chisox73]

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061224seahawks/JBchgSea260225x217.jpg
JIM BAIRD / Union-Tribune
Vincent Jackson celebrates with LaDainian Tomlinson after scoring the game-winning touchdown.


Vincent Jackson scored 2 TDs including a 37-yard strike from Philip Rivers with 37 secons remaining to lift the Chargers to a 20-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Quest Field.

With the win,the Chargers extend thier franchise record winning streak to 9 games,set a franchise record for most wins in a season(13),and more importantly,clinch a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs.

LaDainian Tomlinson did not score in the game,but rushed for 123 yards on 22 carries.Philip Rivers went 10/30 for 181 yards and 2 TDs.

[Chisox73]

CHARGERS 0 7 6 7- 20
Seattle 0 0 7 10- 17
Records; Chargers (13-2),Seattle(8-7)
Chargers clinch 1st round bye.

SCORING SUMMARY
1ST QUARTER
None

2ND QUARTER
SD- TD Vincent Jackson, 9 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 3:18. Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards in 2:56.

3RD QUARTER
SD- FG Nate Kaeding 46 Yd, 12:12. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards in 2:48.
SEA-TD Shaun Alexander, 33 Yd run (Josh Brown kick is good), 6:10. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards in 1:56.
SD-FG Nate Kaeding 40 Yd, 2:24. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards in 3:46.

4TH QUARTER
SEA-TD Shaun Alexander, 9 Yd run (Josh Brown kick is good), 12:58. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards in 1:55.
SEA- FG Josh Brown 33 Yd, 5:07. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards in 6:09.
SD-TD Vincent Jackson, 37 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 0:29. Drive: 5 plays, 59 yards in 1:31.

[Chisox73]

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/061231cardinals/KC_Cardinals260226x497c.jpg
K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune
Shawne Merriman and Roman Oben dunk coach Marty Schottenheimer after a win against the Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium.


Philip Rivers and LaDanian Tomlinson got banged up,but that didn't stop them from pacing the Chargers to a 27-20 win over the viasiting Arizona Cardianls at Qualcomm.

The win by the chargers wraps up home field advantage throughout the playoffs,and at 14-2,wraps up the best win total in franchise history.The Bolts also go 8-0 at home for the 1st time ever.The only other time that the Chargers went undefeated at home in a season was in 1963 when they went 7-0 en route to their only AFL Championship.

Rivers was 19/24 for 231 yards with 2 TDs and an INT.Tomlinson carried the ball 16 times for 66 yards.

LT finished his record season with 1,815 yards,an NFL record 31 touchdowns and 186 points.He also becomes the 1st player in Charger history to win the rushing title.

Also,coach Marty Schottenhiemer collected his 200th regular season win,becoming only the 5th coach in NFL history to reach the 200 win plateau.He joins Don Shula,George Halas,Tom Landry,and Curly Lambeau in this exclusive fraternity.

[Chisox73]

Arizona 7 0 3 10- 20
CHARGERS 3 14 10 0- 27
Records; Chargers(14-2),Cardianls(5-11)
Chargers clinch home foeld advantage

1ST QUARTER
AZ-TD Edgerrin James, 8 Yd run (Neil Rackers kick is good), 6:21. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards in 3:59.
ADFG Nate Kaeding 47 Yd, 2:23. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards in 3:58.

2ND QUARTER
SD- TD Antonio Gates, 33 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 10:25. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards in 4:57.
SD- TD Vincent Jackson, 14 Yd pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 1:49. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards in 5:09.

3RD QUARTER
AZ- TD Tim Dobbins, 0 Yd fumble return (Nate Kaeding kick is good), 12:25.
SD-FG Nate Kaeding 35 Yd, 6:23. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards in 4:25.
AZ-FG Neil Rackers 28 Yd, 1:31. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards in 4:52.

4TH QUARTER
AZ- TD Larry Fitzgerald, 9 Yd pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick is good), 9:06. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards in 3:41.
AZ- FG Neil Rackers 20 Yd, 3:23. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards in 4:02.

[HitAndRun]

wow in 2007 this team has by far been the most dissapointing team. They are off to a terrible start, but i think they will be able to get back into it.