2009 San Diego Chargers season
Encyclopedia
The 2009
San Diego Chargers
season was the 50th season for the original American Football League
team, and its 40th in the NFL. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008
and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons. They finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, the second best winning percentage in franchise history but were eliminated in the Divisional Playoffs by the New York Jets. It was also Norv Turner's best regular season record as head coach.
, in the second game of an MNF doubleheader. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Raiders running back Michael Bush
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers would strike back in the second quarter as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 1-yard touchdown run. Oakland would respond with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
getting a 37-yard field goal. San Diego would close out the half with kicker Nate Kaeding
making a 47-yard field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Raiders would retake the lead in the fourth quarter as Janikowski nailed a 35-yard field goal. The Chargers would take the lead as quarterback Philip Rivers
completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
. Oakland would respond with quarterback JaMarcus Russell
completing a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Louis Murphy
, but San Diego came right back with a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Darren Sproles
.
With the win, the Chargers began their season at 1–0.
. San Diego would deliver the opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers
completed an 81-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles
. The Ravens would respond with running back Willis McGahee
getting a 5-yard touchdown run, yet the Chargers would regain the lead as kicker Nate Kaeding
got a 29-yard field goal. Baltimore would take the lead in the second quarter as McGahee got a 3-yard touchdown run. San Diego would pull within one as Kaeding made a 22-yard field goal, but the Ravens answered with quarterback Joe Flacco
completing a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kelley Washington
. The Chargers would end the half as Kaeding would make a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore would add onto their lead as Flacco completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Todd Heap
. San Diego would stay close as Rivers completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers got closer as Kaeding kicked a 25-yard field goal, but the Ravens would answer with kicker Steve Hauschka nailing a 33-yard field goal. San Diego would manage to get a late drive all the way to the Ravens' 15-yard line, but on 4th-&-2, Sproles was tackled behind the line of scrimmage by an unblocked Ray Lewis, ending any hope of a comeback.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–1.
. After a 1-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by the Dolphins, San Diego would strike in the second quarter with a 25-yard field goal from kicker Nate Kaeding
. The Dolphins would answer with a 24-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter
. In the third quarter, Miami extended the lead with Carpenter's 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers striked back with quarterback Philip Rivers
' 5-yard touchdown run. San Diego would then pull away in the fourth quarter with Kaeding nailing a 23-yard and a 26-yard field goal, followed by safety Eric Weddle
returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. The Dolphins tried to rally with running back Ricky Williams
' 14-yard touchdown run, yet the 'Bolts would hold on for the victory.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–1.
for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers
. San Diego found themselves in a huge deficit in the first half. In the first quarter, the Steelers opened the game with running back Rashard Mendenhall
getting a 1-yard touchdown run and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
completing a 19-yard touchdown pass to running back Mewelde Moore
. Pittsburgh would increase their lead in the second quarter with Mendenhall's 2-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Steelers continued to roll as Roethlisberger found tight end Heath Miller
on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego would strike back as quarterback Philip Rivers
threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers began to catch up with a key play on special teams as fullback Jacob Hester
stripped Stefan Logan
of the ball and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. Pittsburgh would answer with Roethlisberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Miller. Afterwards, San Diego continued its comeback run as Rivers completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Gates and a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Chambers
. However, the Steelers came right back with a 46-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. The 'Bolts tried to cap off their rally, but a sack and fumble by linebacker James Harrison led to a Pittsburgh recovery, effectively ending any hope of a comeback.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2–2.
on Monday night. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 20-yard field goal. The Broncos would immediately respond as wide receiver Eddie Royal
returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, yet the Chargers came back with quarterback Philip Rivers
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
. Denver would take the lead in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal from kicker Matt Prater
and Royal returning a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, San Diego closed out the half with Kaeding's 44-yard field goal and running back Darren Sproles
' 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Chargers would add onto their lead with Kaeding nailing a 50-yard field goal. However, the Broncos would take the lead with quarterback Kyle Orton
's 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler
. In the fourth quarter, Denver would increase their lead with Prater's 29-yard field goal and Orton finding wide receiver Brandon Stokley
on a 5-yard touchdown pass. San Diego tried to rally, but the Broncos' defense stood strong and held for the win.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2–3. This is also their 3rd straight season where after 5 games, the team has started 2–3.
, donned their throwbacks, and played a Week 7 AFL Legacy game with the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with quarterback Philip Rivers
competing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcom Floyd
and a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
. The Chargers would continue their dominance in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding
nailed a 20-yard and a 39-yard field goal.
The Chiefs would get on the board in the third quarter with quarterback Matt Cassel
completing a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe
, yet San Diego came right back with Rivers hooking up with running back Darren Sproles
on a 58-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Chargers would wrap up the game in the fourth quarter with Kaeding booting a 19-yard field goal and fullback Jacob Hester
recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.
With the win, San Diego improved to 3–3.
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 6-yard touchdown run. The Raiders would answer in the second quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Justin Fargas
, yet the Chargers stormed on as quarterback Philip Rivers
hooked up wide receiver Vincent Jackson
on an 8-yard touchdown pass, followed by Tomlinson getting a 10-yard touchdown run. Oakland would close out the half with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Sebastian Janikowski
.
In the second half, the Raiders would slowly try to rally as Janikowski nailed a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 41-yard field goal in the fourth. Afterwards, San Diego pulled away as kicker Nate Kaeding
booted a 28-yard field goal.
With their 13th-straight win over Oakland, the Chargers improved to 4–3.
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the New York Giants
in the much-hyped first-ever meeting between quarterbacks Philip Rivers
& Eli Manning
(Drew Brees
started for the Chargers when the teams met in 2005).
After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego would deliver the opening strike of the second quarter as Rivers completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
. The Giants would answer with Manning completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith. In the third quarter, the Chargers regained the lead as Rivers found tight end Kris Wilson
on a 1-yard touchdown pass. New York would take the lead in the fourth quarter as kicker Lawrence Tynes
nailed a 38-yard field goal, Manning hooked up with tight end Kevin Boss
on an 8-yard touchdown pass, and Tynes booted a 22-yard field goal. San Diego came right back as Rivers threw the game-winning 18-yard touchdown pass to Jackson.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–3 and kept their winning streak going by 3 games.
. In the first quarter, the Chargers took the early lead as quarterback Philip Rivers
got a 20-yard touchdown pass to fullback Mike Tolbert
. In the second quarter, San Diego increased their lead as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 3-yard touchdown run. The Eagles would close out the half as David Akers
kicked an 18-yard field goal and a 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Diego increased their lead as Tomlinson made a 20-yard touchdown run. Philadelphia tried to come back as Akers nailed another 25-yard field goal, but the Chargers increased their lead even further as Rivers hooked up with wide receiver Legedu Naanee
on a 20-yard touchdown pass. For the fourth quarter, the Eagles tried to close the margin as quarterback Donovan McNabb
passed to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin
on a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
, yet the Chargers hung on for the victory when kicker Nate Kaeding
got a 29-yard field goal.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 6–3 and their winning streak to 4 games.
LaDainian Tomlinson (24 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs) would surpass Marcus Allen
for third place in the NFL's All-Time career touchdown leaders with 146.
.
In the first half, the Chargers got off to a great start when QB Philip Rivers
got a 2-yard touchdown pass to WR Legedu Naanee
. Then kicker Nate Kaeding
hit a 28 and a 47-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Broncos scored their only points of the game when kicker Matt Prater
got a 23-yard field goal, yet the Chargers replied and started to rally with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, and in the fourth quarter Kaeding making a 28 then a 19-yard field goal, and finally FB Mike Tolbert
ran 8 yards to the end zone for a touchdown (With PAT kick blocked).
With the impressive win, the Chargers improve to 7–3
. In the first quarter the Chargers took control as QB Philip Rivers
got a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Antonio Gates
. The Chiefs would reply to tie the game with QB Matt Cassel
making a 7-yard touchdown pass to WR Chris Chambers
, until San Diego rallied with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, then Rivers hooking up with Gates again on a 15-yard touchdown pass, then DB Paul Oliver
returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter the Chargers dominance continued as RB LaDainian Tomlinson
got a 3-yard touchdown run. The Chiefs tried to come back with RB Jamaal Charles
getting a 2-yard touchdown run, but the Chargers would pull away with kicker Nate Kaeding
making a 55-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter a penalty on Matt Cassel
was enforced in the end zone for a safety, giving the Chargers 2 points. The final score was made when Kaeding booted a 23-yard field goal.
With the win, the Chargers improve to 8–3.
, who happened to be sitting up in a suite. When Tomlinson passed him in the all time rushing list, which made him number eight of all time rushers, he saluted the retired running back.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 9–3, and expanded their winning streak to seven games.
With the win, the chargers increased their win streak to 8, and gave them a 10–3 record.
.
The close win put the Chargers at 11–3. It marked their 9th straight win and 17th straight win in December. With this win and a 20–19 loss by Denver to Oakland the Chargers clinched the AFC West.
The Titans struck first with a Rob Bironas 46-yard field goal. Then 2 touchdown passes and a LT TD run put them up 21–10 at halftime. After the break the Chargers continued their demolition of the Titans with three straight TD runs. The game's final score was 42–17.
The Chargers grabbed a first round bye and the No. 2 seed along with their 10th straight win.
. After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego delivered the game's first strike in the second quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers
found fullback Kris Wilson
on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The Jets would respond in the third quarter with a 46-yard field goal from kicker Jay Feely
. Philip Rivers
threw two interceptions and the San Diego Chargers offense failed to get one first down as the Jets defense controlled the third quarter. Then, New York would take the lead in the fourth quarter as quarterback Mark Sanchez
completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller
, followed by a 53-yard touchdown run from running back Shonn Greene
. The Chargers unsuccessfully tried to rally as struggling quarterback Philip Rivers
got a 1-yard touchdown run. However, the Chargers failed to recover the onside kick giving the Jets the ball at the Chargers 28 yard line. The Chargers held the Jets to a 4th and 1 yard to go situation, but the Jets ran the ball converting the first down and kneeled the ball to end the game, finishing the Chargers' season
2009 NFL season
The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at...
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 50th season for the original American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
team, and its 40th in the NFL. The Chargers improved upon their regular season record of 8–8 in 2008
2008 San Diego Chargers season
The 2008 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 49th overall season and their 39th in the NFL. While they completed the regular season with only an 8–8 record, they nonetheless captured their third consecutive AFC West championship...
and won their division for the fourth straight year and fifth time in six seasons. They finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, the second best winning percentage in franchise history but were eliminated in the Divisional Playoffs by the New York Jets. It was also Norv Turner's best regular season record as head coach.
2009 NFL Draft
Many have speculated as to who the Chargers are likely to target early in the 2009 NFL Draft. Commonly noted areas of need include the safety positions, the right side of the offensive line, and inside linebacker. The Chargers are also expected to be in the hunt for a running back to eventually replace Tomlinson, who despite past excellence has faced more frequent injuries and declining production as he ages.| Draft order | Player | Position | Height | Weight | College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | |||||
| 1 | 16 | Larry English Larry English Larry English is an American football outside linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft... |
DE/OLB | 6 ft 3 in | 255 lb | Northern Illinois Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P... |
| 3 | 78 | Louis Vasquez Louis Vasquez (American football) Louis N. Vasquez is an Mexican-American football offensive guard for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for Texas Tech.-College awards and honors:*2007 All-Big 12 honorable mention... |
Guard | 6 ft 7 in | 354 lb | Texas Tech Texas Tech University Texas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the... |
| 4 | 113 | Vaughn Martin Vaughn Martin Vaughn Martin is a Jamaican-born Canadian professional gridiron football player, who currently plays defensive end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the first Canadian university football player... |
Defensive tackle | 6 ft 3 in | 331 lb | Western Ontario |
| 4 | 133 | Tyronne Green Tyronne Green Tyronne Darnell Green is an American football guard for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.-External links:**... |
Guard | 6 ft 2 in | 307 lb | Auburn Auburn University Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts... |
| 4 | 134 | Gartrell Johnson Gartrell Johnson Gartrell Godfrey Johnson, III is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
Runningback | 6 ft | 225 lb | Colorado State Colorado State University Colorado State University is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is the state's land grant university, and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System.The enrollment is approximately 29,932 students, including resident and... |
| 5 | 148 | Brandon Hughes Brandon Hughes Brandon D. Hughes is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback | 5 ft 10 in | 182 lb | Oregon State Oregon State University Oregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the... |
| 6 | 189 | Kevin Ellison Kevin Ellison (American football) Kevin Marcus Ellison is a Free Agent American football safety who last played for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
Safety | 6 ft 1 in | 220 lb | USC University of Southern California The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university... |
| 7 | 224 | Demetrius Byrd Demetrius Byrd Demetrius Byrd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... |
Wide receiver | 6 ft 2 in | 195 lb | LSU Louisiana State University Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name... |
Staff
| San Diego Chargers 2009 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Final roster
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Kris Dielman Kristopher M. Dielman is an American football guard who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers.-High school and college career:... G Brandyn Dombrowski Brandyn Dombrowski is a professional American football offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at San Diego State.-NFL career:Dombrowski spent his rookie season as a... T/G Eric Ghiaciuc Eric M. Ghiaciuc [GUY-check] is an American football offensive lineman of Romanian descent who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... C Tyronne Green Tyronne Darnell Green is an American football guard for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.-External links:**... G Marcus McNeill Marcus McNeill is a professional American football offensive tackle who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Chargers... T Dennis Norman Dennis M. Norman is an American football guard who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft... C/G Jon Runyan Jon Daniel Runyan is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a former American football offensive tackle in the National Football League, where he played for fourteen seasons. He was a participant in the 2003 Pro Bowl following the 2002 NFL season... T Louis Vasquez (American football) Louis N. Vasquez is an Mexican-American football offensive guard for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for Texas Tech.-College awards and honors:*2007 All-Big 12 honorable mention... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Kevin Burnett Kevin Bradley Burnett is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.... ILB Tim Dobbins Timothy L. Dobbins , an American football linebacker, signed with the Houston Texans of the National Football League in August 2011. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft as an inside linebacker for their 3/4 scheme... ILB Larry English Larry English is an American football outside linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft... OLB/DE Marques Harris Marques Harris is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chargers an undrafted free agent in 2005... OLB/DE Shawne Merriman Shawne DeAndre Merriman is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft. On November 2, 2010, the Chargers waived Merriman... OLB/DE Shaun Phillips - San Diego Chargers :As a rookie, Shaun Phillips played in all 16 games and was second on the team with four sacks. He continued to improve in his second season as he recorded seven sacks in 15 games, good for second on the team.... OLB/DE Dontarrious Thomas Dontarrious Dewayne Thomas is an American football linebacker for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... ILB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Antwan Applewhite Antwan Deandre Applewhite is an American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007... OLB (IR)  Ryon Bingham Ryon Jeffry Bingham was an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers. He attended Alta High School located in Sandy, Utah. Ryon Bingham graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Crimininal Justice. Bingham was released from the Chargers defensive line on Sept... DE/NT (IR) Curtis Brinkley Curtis Brinkley is an American football running back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Syracuse.-Early years:... RB (NF-Inj.) Demetrius Byrd Demetrius Byrd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft... WR (NF-Inj.) Jeromey Clary Jeromey W. Clary is an American football offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... OT (IR) James Holt (American football) James Holt is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Kansas.-External links:**... OLB (IR) Brandon Hughes Brandon D. Hughes is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft... CB (IR) Scott Mruczkowski Scott Allen Mruczkowski [merch-COW-ski] is an American football center for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Bowling Green.-External links:*... C/G (IR) Ogemdi Nwagbuo Ogemdi Sharron Nwagbuo is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Michigan State... NT/DE (IR) Jyles Tucker Jyles Christopher Tucker is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007... OLB/DE (IR) Jamal Williams Jamal Williams is an American football nose tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 1998 Supplemental Draft... NT (IR) Practice Squad
53 Active, 11 Inactive, 9 PS |
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Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 15 | 7pm PDT | Seattle Seahawks 2009 Seattle Seahawks season The 2009 Seattle Seahawks season was the 34th season for the team in the National Football League. The Seahawks improved in Jim Mora's first season as their head coach, after a disappointing 4–12 record and a 3rd place finish in what was Mike Holmgren's final season coaching the team... |
L 20–14 | 0–1 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
KFMB KFMB-TV KFMB-TV is the local CBS television affiliate in San Diego, California. Its studios are located on Engineer Road in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego along with its sister radio stations, AM 760 and FM 100.7... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 22 | 7pm PDT | at Arizona Cardinals 2009 Arizona Cardinals season The 2009 Arizona Cardinals season is the 90th season for the team in the National Football League and the 22nd season in Arizona. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10–6 record, an improvement from their 9–7 previous season record and the first time the team has won ten games since 1976 The... |
W 17–6 | 1–1 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
KFMB | Recap |
| 3 | August 29 | 5pm PDT | at Atlanta Falcons 2009 Atlanta Falcons season The 2009 Atlanta Falcons season was the 44th season for the team in the National Football League. The team looked to match or improve upon their 11–5 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs, however the Falcons were eliminated from contention in Week 15... |
L 27–24 | 1–2 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 4 | September 4 | 7pm PDT | San Francisco 49ers 2009 San Francisco 49ers season The 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator... |
W 26–7 | 2–2 | Qualcomm Stadium | KFMB | Recap |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game Site | TV | NFL Recap | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||||
| 1 | September 14 | 7:15 pm PDT | at Oakland Raiders 2009 Oakland Raiders season The 2009 Oakland Raiders season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL. On September 6, 2009, The Raiders traded a 2011 draft pick to the New England Patriots for 5x Pro Bowl Defensive Lineman Richard Seymour. With their loss to Dallas on November... † |
W 24–20 | 1–0 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | ESPN Monday Night Football Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series... |
Recap | |
| 2 | September 20 | 1:15 pm PDT | Baltimore Ravens 2009 Baltimore Ravens season The 2009 Baltimore Ravens season is the franchise's 14th season as a team in the National Football League . The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference Championship game against the eventual Super... |
L 26–31 | 1–1 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap | |
| 3 | September 27 | 1:15 pm PDT | Miami Dolphins 2009 Miami Dolphins season The 2009 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 40th season in the National Football League and 44th overall. The Dolphins entered the 2009 season as the reigning AFC East champions after posting an 11–5 record in 2008... |
W 23–13 | 2–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap | |
| 4 | October 4 | 5:20 pm PDT | at Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl... |
L 28–38 | 2–2 | Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively... |
NBC Sunday Night Football Sunday Night Football is a weekly American football game held throughout most of the season by the National Football League. Sunday night games have been played regularly since 1987 and have thus far aired on three different television outlets:... |
Recap | |
| 5 | Bye Week Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
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| 6 | October 19 | 5:30 pm PDT | Denver Broncos 2009 Denver Broncos season The 2009 Denver Broncos season was their 40th season in the NFL and 50th season overall. The Broncos matched their 8–8 regular season record from 2008 but did not make the playoffs. The Broncos welcomed many new defensive players signed during free agency, including veteran Eagles safety Brian... † |
L 23–34 | 2–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | ESPN | Recap | |
| 7 | October 25 | 10am PDT | at Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 50th season, and first with head coach Todd Haley at the helm. It was also the first season with Scott Pioli as the team's general manager. The Chiefs attempted to improve on their 2–14 record from 2008 with the third overall selection in the... † |
W 37–7 | 3–3 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
CBS | Recap | |
| 8 | November 1 | 1:05 pm PST | Oakland Raiders | W 24–16 | 4–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap | |
| 9 | November 8 | 1:15 pm PST | at New York Giants 2009 New York Giants season The 2009 New York Giants season was the 85th season for the team in the National Football League. It was the team's final season in Giants Stadium; In 2010, the Giants moved into New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants hoped to improve upon their 12–4 record, avenge their divisional round loss to the... |
W 21–20 | 5–3 | Giants Stadium Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
CBS | Recap | |
| 10 | November 15 | 1:15 pm PST | Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles season was the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. After advancing to their fifth NFC Championship game in eight years, the Eagles improved upon their 9–6–1 record and second-place finish in the NFC East in their 2008 campaign... |
W 31–23 | 6–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap | |
| 11 | November 22 | 1:15 pm PST | at Denver Broncos | W 32–3 | 7–3 | INVESCO Field at Mile High INVESCO Field at Mile High Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001... |
CBS | Recap | |
| 12 | November 29 | 1:05 pm PST | Kansas City Chiefs | W 43–14 | 8–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap | |
| 13 | December 6 | 1:05 pm PST | at Cleveland Browns 2009 Cleveland Browns season The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 63rd season as a professional sports franchise and its 59th season as a member of the National Football League . The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12... |
W 30–23 | 9–3 | Cleveland Browns Stadium Cleveland Browns Stadium -See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity... |
CBS | Recap | |
| 14 | December 13 | 1:15 pm PST | at Dallas Cowboys 2009 Dallas Cowboys season The 2009 Dallas Cowboys season is the 50th season for the team in the National Football League. It is the team's first season playing at Cowboys Stadium. Their victory over the Oakland Raiders on November 26 extended their Thanksgiving winning streak to four in a row and also ended a three game... |
W 20–17 | 10–3 | Cowboys Stadium | CBS | Recap | |
| 15 | December 20 | 1:05 pm PST | Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2009 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 40th season for the team in the National Football League and their 42nd overall. They finished the season at 10–6–0, and sweeping the entire AFC North division, they improved on their 2008 record of 4–11–1, winning the AFC North Division and making the... |
W 27–24 | 11–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap | |
| 16 | December 25 National Football League Christmas games The National Football League occasionally schedules matchups on Christmas, December 25 or Christmas Eve, December 24.Unlike their November holiday counterparts, the Thanksgiving Classic games, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve games in the National Football League are not a regular annual part of the... |
4:30 pm PST | at Tennessee Titans 2009 Tennessee Titans season The 2009 Tennessee Titans season is the 50th season for the original American Football League team, their 40th in the NFL, and 13th in Tennessee. The Titans aimed to equal or improve on their 2008 NFL best 13–3 record; however, they lost the first 6 games of that season... |
W 42–17 | 12–3 | LP Field LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.... |
NFLN Run to the Playoffs Thursday Night Football is the brand name used by NFL Network for its schedule of live regular season telecasts of National Football League games on Thursday nights. Also included in the package are some Saturday specials.... |
Recap | |
| 17 | January 3 | 1:15 pm PST * | Washington Redskins 2009 Washington Redskins season The 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:... |
W 23–20 | 13–3 | Qualcomm Stadium | Fox | Recap | |
| NOTES: Division games are in bold text. An asterisk (*) indicates that gametime is subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling † These three games were among the 16 that the NFL designated as "AFL Legacy Games", in honor of the 50th anniversary of the AFL. The Chargers wore their throwback uniforms during those three games, as did the Chiefs (formerly the Dallas Texans), Broncos and Raiders. |
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Week 1: at Oakland Raiders
The Chargers began their season at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 1 AFL Legacy duel with their AFC West rival, the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, in the second game of an MNF doubleheader. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Raiders running back Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers would strike back in the second quarter as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 1-yard touchdown run. Oakland would respond with kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
getting a 37-yard field goal. San Diego would close out the half with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
making a 47-yard field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Raiders would retake the lead in the fourth quarter as Janikowski nailed a 35-yard field goal. The Chargers would take the lead as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. Oakland would respond with quarterback JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Russell
JaMarcus Trenell Russell is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Russell played college football for the LSU Tigers where he finished 21–4 as a starter and was named MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl. The Oakland Raiders selected Russell with the first overall pick of the 2007...
completing a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Louis Murphy
Louis Murphy
Louis Morris Murphy, Jr. is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver in the National Football League . Murphy played college football for the University of Florida, and now plays professionally for the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.- Early years :Murphy was born in St...
, but San Diego came right back with a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, the Chargers began their season at 1–0.
Week 2: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their road win over the Raiders, the Chargers would play their Week 2 home opener against the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. San Diego would deliver the opening strike in the first quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completed an 81-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The Ravens would respond with running back Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a 5-yard touchdown run, yet the Chargers would regain the lead as kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
got a 29-yard field goal. Baltimore would take the lead in the second quarter as McGahee got a 3-yard touchdown run. San Diego would pull within one as Kaeding made a 22-yard field goal, but the Ravens answered with quarterback Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completing a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kelley Washington
Kelley Washington
James Kelley Washington is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. The Chargers would end the half as Kaeding would make a 23-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore would add onto their lead as Flacco completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Todd Heap
Todd Heap
Todd Benjamin Heap is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State-Early years:At Mountain View High School, in Mesa, Arizona,...
. San Diego would stay close as Rivers completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers got closer as Kaeding kicked a 25-yard field goal, but the Ravens would answer with kicker Steve Hauschka nailing a 33-yard field goal. San Diego would manage to get a late drive all the way to the Ravens' 15-yard line, but on 4th-&-2, Sproles was tackled behind the line of scrimmage by an unblocked Ray Lewis, ending any hope of a comeback.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins
Hoping to rebound from their tough loss to the Ravens, the Chargers stayed at home for a Week 3 duel with the Miami DolphinsMiami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a 1-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by the Dolphins, San Diego would strike in the second quarter with a 25-yard field goal from kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
. The Dolphins would answer with a 24-yard field goal from kicker Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
. In the third quarter, Miami extended the lead with Carpenter's 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers striked back with quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
' 5-yard touchdown run. San Diego would then pull away in the fourth quarter with Kaeding nailing a 23-yard and a 26-yard field goal, followed by safety Eric Weddle
Eric Weddle
Eric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
returning an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. The Dolphins tried to rally with running back Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams
Errick Lynne "Ricky" Williams, Jr. is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints fifth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft...
' 14-yard touchdown run, yet the 'Bolts would hold on for the victory.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–1.
Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off their home win over the Dolphins, the Chargers flew to Heinz FieldHeinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. San Diego found themselves in a huge deficit in the first half. In the first quarter, the Steelers opened the game with running back Rashard Mendenhall
Rashard Mendenhall
Rashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
getting a 1-yard touchdown run and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completing a 19-yard touchdown pass to running back Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. Pittsburgh would increase their lead in the second quarter with Mendenhall's 2-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Steelers continued to roll as Roethlisberger found tight end Heath Miller
Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego would strike back as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers began to catch up with a key play on special teams as fullback Jacob Hester
Jacob Hester
Jacob Troy Hester is a fullback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
stripped Stefan Logan
Stefan Logan
Stefan Logan is a wide receiver, running back and return specialist for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
of the ball and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. Pittsburgh would answer with Roethlisberger's 6-yard touchdown pass to Miller. Afterwards, San Diego continued its comeback run as Rivers completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Gates and a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
. However, the Steelers came right back with a 46-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. The 'Bolts tried to cap off their rally, but a sack and fumble by linebacker James Harrison led to a Pittsburgh recovery, effectively ending any hope of a comeback.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2–2.
Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos
Coming off their bye week, the Chargers went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 6 AFL Legacy duel with the Denver BroncosDenver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
on Monday night. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
getting a 20-yard field goal. The Broncos would immediately respond as wide receiver Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, yet the Chargers came back with quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. Denver would take the lead in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal from kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
and Royal returning a punt 71 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, San Diego closed out the half with Kaeding's 44-yard field goal and running back Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
' 77-yard punt return for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Chargers would add onto their lead with Kaeding nailing a 50-yard field goal. However, the Broncos would take the lead with quarterback Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
's 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. In the fourth quarter, Denver would increase their lead with Prater's 29-yard field goal and Orton finding wide receiver Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley
Brandon Stokley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
on a 5-yard touchdown pass. San Diego tried to rally, but the Broncos' defense stood strong and held for the win.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 2–3. This is also their 3rd straight season where after 5 games, the team has started 2–3.
Week 7: at Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Broncos, the Chargers flew to Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
, donned their throwbacks, and played a Week 7 AFL Legacy game with the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
competing a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcom Floyd
Malcom Floyd
Malcom Floyd is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Wyoming...
and a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. The Chargers would continue their dominance in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
nailed a 20-yard and a 39-yard field goal.
The Chiefs would get on the board in the third quarter with quarterback Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
, yet San Diego came right back with Rivers hooking up with running back Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles
Darren Lee Sproles is an American football running back of the NFL who plays for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
on a 58-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Chargers would wrap up the game in the fourth quarter with Kaeding booting a 19-yard field goal and fullback Jacob Hester
Jacob Hester
Jacob Troy Hester is a fullback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.
With the win, San Diego improved to 3–3.
Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders
Coming off their road win over the Chiefs, the Chargers went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 8 divisional rematch with the Oakland RaidersOakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 6-yard touchdown run. The Raiders would answer in the second quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas
Justin Fargas is an American football running back who is a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
, yet the Chargers stormed on as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
hooked up wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
on an 8-yard touchdown pass, followed by Tomlinson getting a 10-yard touchdown run. Oakland would close out the half with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
.
In the second half, the Raiders would slowly try to rally as Janikowski nailed a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 41-yard field goal in the fourth. Afterwards, San Diego pulled away as kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
booted a 28-yard field goal.
With their 13th-straight win over Oakland, the Chargers improved to 4–3.
Week 9: at New York Giants
Coming off their divisional home win over the Raiders, the Chargers flew to Giants StadiumGiants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the much-hyped first-ever meeting between quarterbacks Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
& Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
(Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
started for the Chargers when the teams met in 2005).
After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego would deliver the opening strike of the second quarter as Rivers completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. The Giants would answer with Manning completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith. In the third quarter, the Chargers regained the lead as Rivers found tight end Kris Wilson
Kris Wilson (American football)
Kristopher "Kris" Wilson is an American football tight end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh...
on a 1-yard touchdown pass. New York would take the lead in the fourth quarter as kicker Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence Tynes
Lawrence James Henry Tynes is an American football placekicker for the New York Giants. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2001.-Early years:...
nailed a 38-yard field goal, Manning hooked up with tight end Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss
Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass, and Tynes booted a 22-yard field goal. San Diego came right back as Rivers threw the game-winning 18-yard touchdown pass to Jackson.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–3 and kept their winning streak going by 3 games.
Week 10: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off their road win against the Giants, the Chargers went home for an interconference Duel with the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, the Chargers took the early lead as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
got a 20-yard touchdown pass to fullback Mike Tolbert
Mike Tolbert
Mike Tolbert is an American football Running Back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
. In the second quarter, San Diego increased their lead as running back LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 3-yard touchdown run. The Eagles would close out the half as David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
kicked an 18-yard field goal and a 25-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Diego increased their lead as Tomlinson made a 20-yard touchdown run. Philadelphia tried to come back as Akers nailed another 25-yard field goal, but the Chargers increased their lead even further as Rivers hooked up with wide receiver Legedu Naanee
Legedu Naanee
Legedu A. Naanee is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
on a 20-yard touchdown pass. For the fourth quarter, the Eagles tried to close the margin as quarterback Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
passed to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin
Jeremy Maclin
-2009 NFL Draft:Maclin was considered a top National Football League prospect following his second season, and roommate Sean Weatherspoon hoped to convince Maclin to return for his junior year instead of leaving Missouri for the 2009 NFL Draft. Weatherspoon’s efforts were unsuccessful, and on...
on a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brent Celek
Brent Celek
Brent Steven Celek is an American football tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Cincinnati.-Early years:...
, yet the Chargers hung on for the victory when kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
got a 29-yard field goal.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 6–3 and their winning streak to 4 games.
LaDainian Tomlinson (24 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs) would surpass Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen
Marcus LeMarr Allen is a former American football player and, until recently, was affiliated with CBS as a game analyst. As a professional, Allen ran for 12,243 yards and caught 587 passes for 5,412 yards during his career for both the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs from 1982 to 1997...
for third place in the NFL's All-Time career touchdown leaders with 146.
Week 11: at Denver Broncos
Coming off their win against the Eagles, the Chargers flew to INVESCO Field at Mile High for an AFC West rivalry rematch against the Denver BroncosDenver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
In the first half, the Chargers got off to a great start when QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
got a 2-yard touchdown pass to WR Legedu Naanee
Legedu Naanee
Legedu A. Naanee is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. Then kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
hit a 28 and a 47-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Broncos scored their only points of the game when kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
got a 23-yard field goal, yet the Chargers replied and started to rally with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, and in the fourth quarter Kaeding making a 28 then a 19-yard field goal, and finally FB Mike Tolbert
Mike Tolbert
Mike Tolbert is an American football Running Back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
ran 8 yards to the end zone for a touchdown (With PAT kick blocked).
With the impressive win, the Chargers improve to 7–3
Week 12: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Looking to increase their win streak, the Chargers went home for an AFC West rivalry rematch against the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. In the first quarter the Chargers took control as QB Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
got a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
. The Chiefs would reply to tie the game with QB Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
making a 7-yard touchdown pass to WR Chris Chambers
Chris Chambers
Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, until San Diego rallied with RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, then Rivers hooking up with Gates again on a 15-yard touchdown pass, then DB Paul Oliver
Paul Oliver (American football)
Paul J. Oliver is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League...
returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter the Chargers dominance continued as RB LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
got a 3-yard touchdown run. The Chiefs tried to come back with RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles
Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard touchdown run, but the Chargers would pull away with kicker Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
making a 55-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter a penalty on Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan "Matt" Cassel is a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
was enforced in the end zone for a safety, giving the Chargers 2 points. The final score was made when Kaeding booted a 23-yard field goal.
With the win, the Chargers improve to 8–3.
Week 13: at Cleveland Browns
LaDanian Tomlinson had a game he would not soon forget. He passed Jim BrownJim Brown
James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
, who happened to be sitting up in a suite. When Tomlinson passed him in the all time rushing list, which made him number eight of all time rushers, he saluted the retired running back.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 9–3, and expanded their winning streak to seven games.
Week 14: at Dallas Cowboys
San Diego came in with an 15–0 December record dated to 2005. San Diego gave up a field goal, then went on a 10 point streak.At the end of the 3rd Dallas managed to tie the game 10–10.Then the chargers piled up 10 more points, eating up the clock. By the time Dallas struck back, it was too late.With the win, the chargers increased their win streak to 8, and gave them a 10–3 record.
Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Chargers took a 14–13 lead in the first half. During halftime, a piece was shown about the life of the Bengal's wide receiver Chris Henry. The Chargers were up in the 4th quarter 24–13 before the Bengals score a TD with a 2-Point conversion and a field goal tying the game. The Chargers won in the end with a 52-yard field goal by Nate KaedingNate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
.
The close win put the Chargers at 11–3. It marked their 9th straight win and 17th straight win in December. With this win and a 20–19 loss by Denver to Oakland the Chargers clinched the AFC West.
Week 16: at Tennessee Titans
The Chargers came in to the game looking to clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed and a first round bye.The Titans struck first with a Rob Bironas 46-yard field goal. Then 2 touchdown passes and a LT TD run put them up 21–10 at halftime. After the break the Chargers continued their demolition of the Titans with three straight TD runs. The game's final score was 42–17.
The Chargers grabbed a first round bye and the No. 2 seed along with their 10th straight win.
Week 17: vs. Washington Redskins
AFC Divisional Game: vs. New York Jets
Entering the playoffs as the AFC's No. 2 seed, the Chargers began their playoff run at home in the AFC Divisional Round against the No. 5 New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego delivered the game's first strike in the second quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
found fullback Kris Wilson
Kris Wilson (American football)
Kristopher "Kris" Wilson is an American football tight end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh...
on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The Jets would respond in the third quarter with a 46-yard field goal from kicker Jay Feely
Jay Feely
Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
. Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
threw two interceptions and the San Diego Chargers offense failed to get one first down as the Jets defense controlled the third quarter. Then, New York would take the lead in the fourth quarter as quarterback Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez
Mark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller
Dustin Keller
-New York Jets:Keller was drafted by the New York Jets 30th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Keller was slowly phased into the offense and eventually finished with productive numbers in part of the presence of the veteran Brett Favre. Keller finished a strong rookie season with 48 receptions, 535...
, followed by a 53-yard touchdown run from running back Shonn Greene
Shonn Greene
-New York Jets:On April 26, 2009 the New York Jets traded up 12 spots to select Greene in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. On August 30 Greene made an appearance in the Jets preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. He rushed twice for six yards as well as catching an 85-yard pass...
. The Chargers unsuccessfully tried to rally as struggling quarterback Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
got a 1-yard touchdown run. However, the Chargers failed to recover the onside kick giving the Jets the ball at the Chargers 28 yard line. The Chargers held the Jets to a 4th and 1 yard to go situation, but the Jets ran the ball converting the first down and kneeled the ball to end the game, finishing the Chargers' season