Chargers Shock Colts to Advance in AFC, San Diego Subs Key Win Over Indianapolis
by 
David Kindervater on January 13th, 2008
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The San Diego Chargers had no business beating the defending Super Bowl Champs on their own turf, but that’s exactly what happened this afternoon as the Chargers went into Indianapolis and beat Peyton Manning and the Colts 28-24 to advance to the AFC Championship game. This was my lock of the weekend. Of all four Divisional Playoff games, this one I was most certain of. The rested and now healthy Colts would be ready. But, I failed to look at the success of San Diego in this building. It really did mean something. If any team was going to come into the RCA Dome for the Colts’ last game here and leave with a win, it would be these San Diego Chargers.
The Bolts won this game with depth. But they did it by substituting for their best players. Quarterback Phillip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson were out — Billy Volek and Michael Turner (and Darren Sproles) were in. Phillip played most of the game and played well (14 of 19 for 264 yards and three TDs). But late in the game, he left with a leg injury which allowed backup Billy Volek to finish the game. LT was not as fortunate. He left in the first half with a bruised knee after just seven carries for 28 yards. Led by those subs, though, San Diego went 78 yards on eight plays, with Billy V. sneaking in from the one with 4:50 remaining for the lead.
Outside of their opening drive, Indianapolis was a big disappointment today. Ironically, one of the best players in Colts history, WR Marvin Harrison, committed an unlikely turnover that, in my opinion, was the turning point of the football game. This was Marvin’s first game back from a knee injury since October, but with the Colts up 7-0 and driving (and looking dominant), Marvin fumbled after a catch, the Chargers took over, and Indy could never really get their groove back. Marvin would later leave the game and not return. He had two catches for 27 yards. But, Marvin didn’t lose this game. Without specifying blame (bad passes, dropped passes), the Colts turned the ball over three times in the red zone. And that’s certainly not a recipe for success.
San Diego has quietly won eight straight games. Sure, it’s not 17 straight like the team they’re playing next week, but it’s a major accomplishment in the NFL and the New England Patriots know this. The Chargers will absolutely need to get key players healthy if they’re going to have any chance against the Pats, though. Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates will not only need to play, they’ll need to play the best football of their lives if they’re going to do what no other team has done this year.
Tags: Billy-Volek, Darren-Sproles, Indianapolis Colts, LaDainian-Tomlinson, Marvin-Harrison, Michael-Turner, peyton-manning, Phillip-Rivers, San Diego Chargers| 2.5 |
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers
2 opinions for Chargers Shock Colts to Advance in AFC, San Diego Subs Key Win Over Indianapolis
Jan 14, 2008 at 5:19 pm
No one ever speaks about Dungy resting his players the last regular season game? They already had a bi-week coming into the Playoffs, how much rest do they need? I believe the Colts were out of sync and rusty and a step behind. Had they not taken the time off, they may have beat the Chargers!
Jan 14, 2008 at 5:38 pm
That’s a very good point. I think he (Coach Dungy) was “playing the percentages,” but just as if you play not to get hurt, you’ll probably get hurt. In this case, it came back to bite them. Plus, Marvin wasn’t 100% and certainly not in his usual sync with Peyton. Just not a good day for the Colts.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: