2010 San Diego Chargers season
Encyclopedia
The 2010
San Diego Chargers
season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League
, and their 51st overall. After a 13–3 record dissolved into a disappointing loss to the New York Jets
in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Chargers had high hopes of winning their fifth consecutive AFC West
division title and contending for a Super Bowl championship. However, they started the season with a 2–3 record for the fourth consecutive year. After a Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals
, they were eliminated from postseason contention, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005
.
The Chargers used an NFL-record tying 74 players due to injuries. Still, they finished with the #1 ranked offense and defense in the NFL. However, their special teams allowed four blocked punts (and had another deflected), three kickoff return touchdowns, and one punt return touchdown. The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, "[N]o team even came close to having all those special teams foibles in one season." Football Outsiders
calculated that the Chargers had the worst special teams in the league in 2010, and the fifth-worst from 1993–2010. The Chargers also suffered their first home blackouts
since 2004
.
requested and was released after nine seasons with the team, and went to the New York Jets
.
to the Chargers.
COLOR KEY AND NOTES:
for a division rivalry match against the Kansas City Chiefs
. In the first quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip Rivers
completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
. The Chiefs replied when RB Jamaal Charles
made a 56-yard TD run. In the 2nd quarter the Chargers fell behind when QB Matt Cassel
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Moeaki
. This was followed by WR Dexter McCluster
returning a punt 94 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Chargers cut the lead when QB Philip Rivers
threw a 59-yard TD pass to WR Legedu Naanee
. In the 4th quarter the Chiefs defense prevented any more scoring from the Chargers.
With the loss, San Diego began at 0–1.
made a 2-yard TD run. The Jaguars replied with kicker Josh Scobee
hitting a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers increased their lead as QB Philip Rivers
completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
. The Jaguars tried to cut the lead with Scobee nailing a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers continued to score with Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to Gates; followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding
getting a 41-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter the Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert
getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers completing a 54-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The lead was slightly narrowed when QB David Garrard
made a 3-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 1–1.
where they played their former division rival, the Seattle Seahawks
. In the second quarter San Diego trailed early when kicker Olindo Mare
made a 23-yard field goal. Then QB Matt Hasselbeck
completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE John Carlson. This was followed in the third quarter by RB Leon Washington
returning a kickoff 101 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers
getting a 3-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by Hasselbeck getting sacked by ILB Brandon Siler in the endzone for a safety. Then kicker Nate Kaeding
made a 29-yard field goal. The Seahawks increased their lead when Mare made a 23-yard field goal, but the Chargers replied and tied the game when Rivers found TE Antonio Gates
on a 12-yard TD pass. (With a successful 2-point conversion as Rivers found WR Legedu Naanee
). Before the clock struck zero Seattle took the winning score as RB Leon Washington
returned his second kickoff of the game into the endzone running 99 yards for a touchdown, giving the Chargers the loss.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 1–2.
completed a 33-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
, but had a problem maintaining this lead in the 2nd quarter when FS Kerry Rhodes
recovered a fumble and ran 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. After that, the Chargers went on a scoring rally with FB Mike Tolbert
making a 5-yard TD run, followed by Rivers making a 26-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
. Then OLB Shaun Phillips
successfully caught an interception and ran 31 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. This was followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding
making a 48-yard field goal. Then RB Ryan Mathews
got a 15-yard TD run. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to cut the lead, but only came away with kicker Jay Feely
's 53-yard field goal.
With the win, San Diego improved to 2–2.
' punt was blocked by RB Rock Cartwright
out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Then kicker Sebastian Janikowski
made a 50-yard field goal. Then Scifres' punt was blocked again and returned by FS Hiram Eugene
5 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers then fought back and took the lead with QB Philip Rivers
completing a 19-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
. Then RB Mike Tolbert
got a 4-yard TD run. Then the Chargers trailed with Janikowski making a 30-yard field goal. But they responded and got the lead back with kicker Nate Kaeding
making a 43-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by Rivers making a 41-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The Raiders replied with QB Jason Campbell
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller
. Followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding making a 34-yard field goal. The Chargers fell behind when RB Michael Bush
got a 3-yard touchdown run (with a failed 2-point conversion), followed by SS Tyvon Branch
recovering a fumble and running 64 yards to the endzone for a touchdown to give the Chargers a loss, for the first time against the Raiders since 2003.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–3 for the 4th straight season.
for an Interconference duel with the Rams. In the first quarter San Diego trailed early as kicker Josh Brown made a 39-yard field goal, followed by QB Sam Bradford
completing a 38-yard TD pass to WR Danario Alexander
. The Chargers struggled further in the 2nd quarter when RB Steven Jackson
got a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers replied with kicker Nate Kaeding
nailing a 41-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by FB Mike Tolbert
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the 4th quarter the Rams' lead increased when Josh Brown hit a 48-yard field goal, but was cut when QB Philip Rivers
made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Buster Davis.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–4 and surpassed their 2009 loss total.
made a 32-yard field goal, but they fell behind with QB Tom Brady
making a 1-yard TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski
; followed in the second quarter by kicker Stephen Gostkowski
getting a 40 and a 35-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Chargers continued to struggle with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter the Chargers replied with Brown making a 28-yard field goal, but the Patriots continued to score with a 35-yard field goal from Gostkowski. The Chargers tried to cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers
making a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
, and with FB Mike Tolbert
making a 1-yard TD run, but the Patriots defense prevented any more chances.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–5.
out of bounds for a safety. The Chargers replied with FB Mike Tolbert
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers fell behind with kicker Rob Bironas
nailing a 21-yard field goal, followed in the second quarter by QB Vince Young
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Craig Stevens
. The Chargers struggled further with RB Chris Johnson
getting a 29-yard TD run. The Chargers then went on a scoring rally with RB Ryan Mathews
making a 7-yard TD run, followed in the third quarter by kicker Kris Brown
making a 34-yard field goal. Then QB Philip Rivers
completed a 48-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
, and then Brown made a 36-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with Young finding WR Nate Washington
on a 71-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), but couldn't do anything after Rivers got a 13-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles
(PAT aborted).
With the win, the Chargers improve to 3–5.
for an AFC duel with the Texans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as RB Arian Foster
got an 8-yard TD run. They soon replied with QB Philip Rivers
making a 55-yard TD pass to WR Seyi Ajirotutu
. They trailed again with kicker Neil Rackers
nailed a 27-yard field goal, but took the lead after Rivers got an 11-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael
. They fell behind again in the second quarter as Foster made a 2-yard TD run, followed by Rackers hitting a 21 and a 25-yard field goal. The Chargers eventually pulled themselves in front again, with Rivers finding McMichael again on a 12-yard TD pass. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Rivers' 28-yard TD pass to Ajirotutu (With a successful 2-point conversion as FB Mike Tolbert
ran to the endzone).
With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–5.
on Monday night. San Diego trailed early in the first quarter as Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers answered with quarterback Philip Rivers
finding wide receiver Malcolm Floyd on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego took the lead in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from fullback Mike Tolbert
, followed by Rivers finding wide receiver Patrick Crayton
on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Rivers connected with running back Darren Sproles
on a 57-yard touchdown pass. San Diego continued its dominating night with Rivers' 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jacob Hester
. Denver would close out the game with quarterback Kyle Orton
completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd
.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–5.
. They trailed early in the first quarter after QB Peyton Manning
made a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme
. They eventually pulled ahead after kicker Nate Kaeding
made a 28-yard field goal, followed by ILB Kevin Burnett
returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, and then with Kaeding hitting a 33 and a 50-yard field goal. They lead was narrowed when Manning made a 6-yard TD pass to WR Blair White
, but the Chargers controlled the second half with Kaeding getting a 30-yard field goal, which was shortly followed by FS Eric Weddle
returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown, then with FB Mike Tolbert
getting a 3-yard TD run, and Kaeding making a 20-yard field goal, settling both teams records to 6–5.
scrambled 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by his 4-yard TD pass to WR Jacoby Ford
. They replied in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding
nailed a 39-yard field goal, but trailed further with RB Michael Bush
getting a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding hitting a 33-yard field goal, followed by QB Philip Rivers
completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates
. The Raiders would finish off with Darren McFadden
making a 7-yard TD run.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 6–6.
throwing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by FB Mike Tolbert
getting an 8-yard TD run. The lead was increased with Rivers finding Floyd again on a 9-yard TD pass. This was followed in the fourth quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding
nailing a 48-yard field goal, and then by RB Ryan Mathews
getting a 15-yard TD run.
With the easy win, San Diego improved to 7–6.
throwing a 58-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson
. The lead was extended in the second quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding
nailing a 25-yard field goal, followed by Rivers finding Jackson on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert
getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers connecting to Jackson on a 48-yard TD pass, then with Kaeding hitting a 39-yard field goal. The 49ers made their only score of the game with RB Brian Westbrook
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With the win, San Diego improved to 8–6.
for an AFC duel with the Bengals. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early with QB Carson Palmer
throwing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Gresham
. Then Palmer found WR Jerome Simpson
on a 10-yard TD pass (PAT failed, wide left). The Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding
hitting a 20-yard field goal, followed by RB Ryan Mathews
getting a 23-yard TD run, but went into more trouble as Palmer completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Jordan Shipley
. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding making a 28-yard field goal, but struggled to hold on after Palmer connected to Simpson on a 59-yard TD pass, followed by RB Bernard Scott
getting a 10-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to come back after QB Philip Rivers
made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kelley Washington
, but the Bengals defense prevented any more scoring chances.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 8–7. With Kansas City winning earlier in the day, the loss prevented the Chargers from making their sixth playoff appearance in seven years.
threw a 14-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Lloyd
. They eventually overcame this deficit with RB Ryan Mathews
getting a 27-yard TD run, followed by kicker Nate Kaeding
nailing a 42, 45 and 47-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 16–7. They extended their lead in the third quarter with Mathews getting a 12-yard TD run, followed by Kaeding hitting a 37-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with QB Tim Tebow
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Eric Decker
, but the Chargers increased their lead with Mathews getting a 31-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed further with Cassius Vaughn
returning the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, followed by Tebow scrambling 6 yards for a touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to hold on for the win. The Chargers finished the 2010–11 NFL season as the only team ever to rank first in overall offense (396 yds/g), "and" overall defense (272 yds/g) in terms of total yards gained and allowed... and NOT make the playoffs the same year. Since 1970, the previous four NFL teams to accomplish that statistical feat all qualified for the post-season in those respective years.
With the win against the Broncos, San Diego finished with a 9–7 record.
2010 NFL season
The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,...
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 franchise's 41st season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, and their 51st overall. After a 13–3 record dissolved into a disappointing loss to the New York Jets
New 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...
in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Chargers had high hopes of winning their fifth consecutive AFC West
AFC West
The AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
division title and contending for a Super Bowl championship. However, they started the season with a 2–3 record for the fourth consecutive year. After a Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals
2005 Cincinnati Bengals season
The 2005 Cincinnati Bengals season was the team's 38th year in professional football and its 36th with the National Football League.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Roster:-Schedule:-Postseason:...
, they were eliminated from postseason contention, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005
2005 San Diego Chargers season
The 2005 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 12–4 record in 2004. They finished the campaign 3rd in their division and as a result missed out on the playoffs. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was named rookie of the Year at the end of the season.-NFL...
.
The Chargers used an NFL-record tying 74 players due to injuries. Still, they finished with the #1 ranked offense and defense in the NFL. However, their special teams allowed four blocked punts (and had another deflected), three kickoff return touchdowns, and one punt return touchdown. The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, "[N]o team even came close to having all those special teams foibles in one season." Football Outsiders
Football Outsiders
Football Outsiders is a website started in July 2003 which focuses on advanced statistical analysis of the NFL. The site is run by a staff of regular writers, who produce a series of weekly columns using both the site's in-house statistics and their personal analyses of NFL games.In 2005 and 2006,...
calculated that the Chargers had the worst special teams in the league in 2010, and the fifth-worst from 1993–2010. The Chargers also suffered their first home blackouts
Blackout (broadcasting)
Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
since 2004
2004 San Diego Chargers season
The 2004 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 4–12 record in 2003. They finished the campaign 1st in their division and made the playoffs for the first time in nine years. In the playoffs they lost in overtime to the New York Jets...
.
Offseason
On February 22, 2010, LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
requested and was released after nine seasons with the team, and went to the New York Jets
New 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...
.
2010 NFL Draft
After finishing the season with the best record among teams exiting the playoffs in the divisional round, the Chargers will pick 28th. They traded their sixth round pick in a trade that sent defensive tackle Travis JohnsonTravis Johnson
Travis Johnson is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
to the Chargers.
| Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | Overall | |||||||
| 1 | 12 | 12 | Ryan Mathews Ryan Mathews (American football) -San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed.... |
RB | 6'0" | 218 lbs. | Fresno State | Traded up with Miami Dolphins Miami 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... , (28). |
|
| 2 | 8 | 40 | Traded to the Miami Dolphins Miami 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... |
||||||
| 3 | 15 | 79 | Donald Butler Donald Butler Donald A. Butler is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football at the University of Washington... |
LB | 6'1" | 245 lbs. | Washington | Traded up with San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... , (91). |
|
| 4 | 12 | 110 | Darrell Stuckey Darrell Stuckey -Personal:Stuckey married Lacie Stuckey, previously Reed, a former manager for the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team and the older sister of former Jayhawks guard, Tyrel Reed on Saturday, April 9, 2011.-External links:**... |
FS | 5'11" | 205 lbs. | Kansas | Traded up with Miami Dolphins Miami 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... , (126). |
|
| 5 | 15 | 146 | Cam Thomas Cam Thomas Cam Thomas is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
DT | 6'4" | 330 lbs. | North Carolina | Traded up with Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia 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... , (159). |
|
| 5 | 37 | 168 | Jonathan Crompton Jonathan Crompton Jonathan David Crompton is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
QB | 6'3" | 222 lbs. | Tennessee | Compensatory Selection. | |
| 6 | 28 | 197 | Traded to the Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
||||||
| 7 | 28 | 235 | Dedrick Epps Dedrick Epps Dedrick Epps is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round, 253rd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft... |
TE | 6'3" | 250 lbs. | Miami | ||
Coaching staff
| San Diego Chargers 2010 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Final roster
Preseason
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 14 | 6:00 p.m. PDT Pacific Time Zone The Pacific Time Zone observes standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time . The clock time in this zone is based on the mean solar time of the 120th meridian west of the Greenwich Observatory. During daylight saving time, its time offset is UTC-7.In the United States... |
Chicago Bears 2010 Chicago Bears season The 2010 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 91st season overall in the National Football League. Coming off a disappointing 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on... |
W 25–10 | 1–0 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
Recap | |
| 2 | August 21 | 6:00 p.m. PDT | Dallas Cowboys 2010 Dallas Cowboys season The 2010 Dallas Cowboys season is the 51st season for the team in the National Football League, and the second season playing their home games at Cowboys Stadium... |
L 14–16 | 1–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap | |
| 3 | August 27 | 5:00 p.m. PDT | at New Orleans Saints 2010 New Orleans Saints season The 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints entered their season for the first time as defending Super Bowl and National... |
L 21–36 | 1–2 | Louisiana Superdome Louisiana Superdome The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA... |
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 2 | 7:00 p.m. PDT | at San Francisco 49ers 2010 San Francisco 49ers season The 2010 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 65th season, and the second full year with Mike Singletary as the head coach. The 49ers were looking to build upon their 8–8 season in 2009 that ended their streak of seven consecutive losing seasons and to get into the postseason for the... |
L 14–17 | 1–3 | Candlestick Park | Recap | |
Regular season
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 13 | 7:15 p.m. PDT Pacific Time Zone The Pacific Time Zone observes standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time . The clock time in this zone is based on the mean solar time of the 120th meridian west of the Greenwich Observatory. During daylight saving time, its time offset is UTC-7.In the United States... |
at Kansas City Chiefs 2010 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2010 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The team improved on its 4–12 record from 2009, and won their first AFC West division title... |
L 14–21 | 0–1 | Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.... |
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 19 | 1:15 p.m. PDT | Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars, who are in their second year of "rebuilding" under general manager Gene Smith, improved upon their 7–9 record from 2009, but narrowly missed the playoffs with an 8–8 record... |
W 38–13 | 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 26 | 1:15 p.m. PDT | at Seattle Seahawks 2010 Seattle Seahawks season The 2010 Seattle Seahawks season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League. Jim Mora was fired on January 8, 2010, leading the Seahawks to come to an agreement with Pete Carroll, instating him as head coach the following day. This marks the 9th season that the Seahawks will... |
L 20–27 | 1–2 | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
CBS | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | 1:15 p.m. PDT | Arizona Cardinals 2010 Arizona Cardinals season The 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15.... |
W 41–10 | 2–2 | 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 |
| 5 | October 10 | 1:15 p.m. PDT | at Oakland Raiders 2010 Oakland Raiders season The 2010 Oakland Raiders season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League and their 51st overall. It also marked the last full season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died in October 2011. The Raiders had improved from a five-win season, their first since 2002, and achieved... |
L 27–35 | 2–3 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | 10:00 a.m. PDT | at St. Louis Rams 2010 St. Louis Rams season -Schedule:-Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals:The St. Louis Rams began their season at home for an NFC West match against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams trailed in the 2nd quarter with Cardinals kicker Jay Feely nailing a 22-yard field goal, which was replied when Rams kicker Josh Brown made a 46-yard... |
L 17–20 | 2–4 | Edward Jones Dome Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was... |
CBS | Recap |
| 7 | October 24 | 1:15 p.m. PDT | New England Patriots 2010 New England Patriots season The 2010 New England Patriots season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League and 51st season overall. The Patriots improved on their 10–6 record from 2009 by finishing with a league-best 14–2 record and clinching the top seed in the AFC, before losing to the New York Jets... |
L 20–23 | 2–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | 1:05 p.m. PDT | Tennessee Titans 2010 Tennessee Titans season The 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee... |
W 33–25 | 3–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | 10:00 a.m. PST | at Houston Texans 2010 Houston Texans season The 2010 Houston Texans season was the team's 9th season in the National Football League. The Texans claimed their first winning season in franchise history, with a 9–7 record in 2009, but narrowly missed the playoffs. The Texans selected Kareem Jackson CB from Alabama, with the 20th overall all... |
W 29–23 | 4–5 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 10 | Bye 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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| 11 | November 22 | 5:30 p.m. PST | Denver Broncos 2010 Denver Broncos season The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High... |
W 35–14 | 5–5 | Qualcomm Stadium | ESPN | Recap |
| 12 | November 28 | 5:20 p.m. PST | at Indianapolis Colts 2010 Indianapolis Colts season The 2010 Indianapolis Colts season was the 58th season for the team in the National Football League, the 27th in Indianapolis, and the second under head coach Jim Caldwell... |
W 36–14 | 6–5 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
Recap |
| 13 | December 5 | 1:05 p.m. PST | Oakland Raiders | L 13–28 | 6–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 14 | December 12 | 1:15 p.m. PST | Kansas City Chiefs | W 31–0 | 7–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 15 | December 16 | 5:20 p.m. PST | San Francisco 49ers 2010 San Francisco 49ers season The 2010 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 65th season, and the second full year with Mike Singletary as the head coach. The 49ers were looking to build upon their 8–8 season in 2009 that ended their streak of seven consecutive losing seasons and to get into the postseason for the... |
W 34–7 | 8–6 | Qualcomm Stadium | NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | 1:05 p.m. PST | at Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League , and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division... |
L 20–34 | 8–7 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
CBS | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | 1:15 p.m. PST | at Denver Broncos | W 33–28 | 9–7 | 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 |
COLOR KEY AND NOTES:
- Indicates that the game was blacked outBlackout (broadcasting)Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
locally due to low ticket sales.
Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chargers began their season at Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a division rivalry match against 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 the Chargers took the early lead 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...
completed a 3-yard TD 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 replied when 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...
made a 56-yard TD run. In the 2nd quarter the Chargers fell behind when 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...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Moeaki
Tony Moeaki
Anthony "Tony" Moeaki is an American football tight end. He finished his senior season at Iowa with 30 catches for 387 yards and 4 touchdowns. Moeaki was considered one of the top tight end prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft....
. This was followed by WR Dexter McCluster
Dexter McCluster
Dexter Marquise McCluster is an American football wide receiver and running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, formerly of the Ole Miss Rebels. He was considered one of the top athlete prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft...
returning a punt 94 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Chargers cut the lead 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...
threw a 59-yard TD 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...
. In the 4th quarter the Chiefs defense prevented any more scoring from the Chargers.
With the loss, San Diego began at 0–1.
Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Chiefs, the Chargers played on home ground for and AFC duel with the Jaguars. In the 1st quarter, San Diego took the early lead as FB Mike TolbertMike 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...
made a 2-yard TD run. The Jaguars replied with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
hitting a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers increased their lead 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...
completed a 9-yard TD 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 Jaguars tried to cut the lead with Scobee nailing a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers continued to score with Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to Gates; followed in the 3rd quarter by 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 41-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter the Chargers continued to dominate with 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...
getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers completing a 54-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The lead was slightly narrowed when QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
made a 3-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 1–1.
Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their win over the Jaguars the Chargers flew to Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
where they played their former division rival, the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
. In the second quarter San Diego trailed early when kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
made a 23-yard field goal. Then QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE John Carlson. This was followed in the third quarter by RB Leon Washington
Leon Washington
Leon Washington is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State. He is married to Charity Washington with whom he has a son...
returning a kickoff 101 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers cut the lead with 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...
getting a 3-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by Hasselbeck getting sacked by ILB Brandon Siler in the endzone for a safety. 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...
made a 29-yard field goal. The Seahawks increased their lead when Mare made a 23-yard field goal, but the Chargers replied and tied the game when Rivers found 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...
on a 12-yard TD pass. (With a successful 2-point conversion as Rivers found 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...
). Before the clock struck zero Seattle took the winning score as RB Leon Washington
Leon Washington
Leon Washington is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State. He is married to Charity Washington with whom he has a son...
returned his second kickoff of the game into the endzone running 99 yards for a touchdown, giving the Chargers the loss.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 1–2.
Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Seahawks the Chargers played on home ground for an inter-conference duel with the Cardinals. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip RiversPhilip 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 33-yard TD 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...
, but had a problem maintaining this lead in the 2nd quarter when FS Kerry Rhodes
Kerry Rhodes
Kerry Rhodes is an American football safety for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
recovered a fumble and ran 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. After that, the Chargers went on a scoring rally with 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...
making a 5-yard TD run, followed by Rivers making a 26-yard TD 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...
. Then OLB Shaun Phillips
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....
successfully caught an interception and ran 31 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. This was followed in the 3rd quarter by 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 48-yard field goal. Then RB Ryan Mathews
Ryan Mathews (American football)
-San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed....
got a 15-yard TD run. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to cut the lead, but only came away with 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....
's 53-yard field goal.
With the win, San Diego improved to 2–2.
Week 5: at Oakland Raiders
Coming off their win over the Cardinals the Chargers flew to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for an AFC West division rivalry match against the Raiders. In the first quarter the Chargers' offense had problems when after a three-and-out Mike ScifresMike Scifres
Michael T. Scifres is a punter for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.-High school:Scifres attended Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana and lettered in football, soccer, and baseball. In football, he was an All-District selection...
' punt was blocked by RB Rock Cartwright
Rock Cartwright
Roderick Rashaun Cartwright is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Then 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...
made a 50-yard field goal. Then Scifres' punt was blocked again and returned by FS Hiram Eugene
Hiram Eugene
Hiram Eugene is an American football safety for the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
5 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers then fought back and took the lead with 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...
completing a 19-yard TD 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...
. Then RB 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...
got a 4-yard TD run. Then the Chargers trailed with Janikowski making a 30-yard field goal. But they responded and got the lead back 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 43-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by Rivers making a 41-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The Raiders replied with QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller
Zach Miller
Zachary Joseph Miller is an American football tight end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:Miller Attended Desert Vista High School in...
. Followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding making a 34-yard field goal. The Chargers fell behind when RB 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 3-yard touchdown run (with a failed 2-point conversion), followed by SS Tyvon Branch
Tyvon Branch
Tyvon A. Branch is an American football safety for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Connecticut.-Oakland Raiders:Branch was selected by the Raiders in the 4th round...
recovering a fumble and running 64 yards to the endzone for a touchdown to give the Chargers a loss, for the first time against the Raiders since 2003.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–3 for the 4th straight season.
Week 6: at St. Louis Rams
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers flew to Edward Jones DomeEdward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...
for an Interconference duel with the Rams. In the first quarter San Diego trailed early as kicker Josh Brown made a 39-yard field goal, followed by QB Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford
Samuel Jacob "Sam" Bradford is an American football quarterback for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and played college football at Oklahoma. In 2008, as a redshirt sophomore, Bradford became the second sophomore to win a...
completing a 38-yard TD pass to WR Danario Alexander
Danario Alexander
Danario Alexander is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. While considered by some to be a prime wide receiver prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft, Alexander was not drafted. On August 22, 2010, St...
. The Chargers struggled further in the 2nd quarter when RB Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
got a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers replied 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...
nailing a 41-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by 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...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the 4th quarter the Rams' lead increased when Josh Brown hit a 48-yard field goal, but was cut 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...
made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Buster Davis.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–4 and surpassed their 2009 loss total.
Week 7: vs. New England Patriots
Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Patriots. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the lead as kicker Kris BrownKris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
made a 32-yard field goal, but they fell behind with QB Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
making a 1-yard TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
; followed in the second quarter by kicker Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Gostkowski
Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
getting a 40 and a 35-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Chargers continued to struggle with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Jeremy Green-Ellis is an American football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008. After playing college football his freshman and sophomore seasons at Indiana University, Green-Ellis...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter the Chargers replied with Brown making a 28-yard field goal, but the Patriots continued to score with a 35-yard field goal from Gostkowski. The Chargers tried to cut the lead with 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...
making a 4-yard TD 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...
, and with 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...
making a 1-yard TD run, but the Patriots defense prevented any more chances.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–5.
Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans
Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Titans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early when the Chargers' punt was blocked by Nick SchommerNick Schommer
Nicholas James Schommer is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State.-College career:Schommer attended North Dakota State University after attending...
out of bounds for a safety. The Chargers replied with 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...
getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers fell behind with kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
nailing a 21-yard field goal, followed in the second quarter by QB Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Craig Stevens
Craig Stevens (American football)
Craig Chase Stevens is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at California....
. The Chargers struggled further with RB Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson (running back)
Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
getting a 29-yard TD run. The Chargers then went on a scoring rally with RB Ryan Mathews
Ryan Mathews (American football)
-San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed....
making a 7-yard TD run, followed in the third quarter by kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
making a 34-yard field goal. Then 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...
completed a 48-yard TD 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...
, and then Brown made a 36-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with Young finding WR Nate Washington
Nate Washington
Nate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
on a 71-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), but couldn't do anything after Rivers got a 13-yard TD pass to RB 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...
(PAT aborted).
With the win, the Chargers improve to 3–5.
Week 9: at Houston Texans
Hoping to increase their winning streak the Chargers moved to Reliant StadiumReliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
for an AFC duel with the Texans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as RB Arian Foster
Arian Foster
Arian Foster , is an American football running back for the Houston Texans. He was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and was added to their active roster from the practice squad on November 17, 2009. He played college football at Tennessee...
got an 8-yard TD run. They soon replied with 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...
making a 55-yard TD pass to WR Seyi Ajirotutu
Seyi Ajirotutu
Seyi Ajirotutu is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
. They trailed again with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
nailed a 27-yard field goal, but took the lead after Rivers got an 11-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael
Randy McMichael
-Miami Dolphins:McMichael was selected in the fourth round in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The pick used by Dolphins to select him was originally acquired from the New Orleans Saints in the deal that sent running back Ricky Williams to the Miami Dolphins.McMichael made his NFL debut...
. They fell behind again in the second quarter as Foster made a 2-yard TD run, followed by Rackers hitting a 21 and a 25-yard field goal. The Chargers eventually pulled themselves in front again, with Rivers finding McMichael again on a 12-yard TD pass. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Rivers' 28-yard TD pass to Ajirotutu (With a successful 2-point conversion as 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 to the endzone).
With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–5.
Week 11: Denver Broncos
Coming off their bye week, the Chargers went home for a Week 11 AFC West 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. San Diego trailed early in the first quarter as Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Moreno
Knowshon Rockwell Moreno is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was selected 12th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Broncos. He played college football at the University of Georgia.-Early years:Moreno grew up in Belford, a neighborhood in...
got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers answered 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...
finding wide receiver Malcolm Floyd on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego took the lead in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from 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...
, followed by Rivers finding wide receiver Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton
Patrick Jamel Crayton is an American football wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was a originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys...
on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Rivers connected 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 57-yard touchdown pass. San Diego continued its dominating night with Rivers' 3-yard touchdown pass to 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...
. Denver would close out the game 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...
completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–5.
Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts
The Chargers' eleventh game was an AFC duel against the Colts at Lucas Oil StadiumLucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to...
. They trailed early in the first quarter after QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
made a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme
Jacob Tamme
Jacob Tamme is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.-High school:...
. They eventually pulled ahead after 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...
made a 28-yard field goal, followed by ILB Kevin Burnett
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....
returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, and then with Kaeding hitting a 33 and a 50-yard field goal. They lead was narrowed when Manning made a 6-yard TD pass to WR Blair White
Blair White
Blair White is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Michigan State.-Early years:...
, but the Chargers controlled the second half with Kaeding getting a 30-yard field goal, which was shortly followed by FS 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 41 yards for a touchdown, then with 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...
getting a 3-yard TD run, and Kaeding making a 20-yard field goal, settling both teams records to 6–5.
Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders
Coming off their win over the Colts the Chargers played on home ground for a rematch against the Raiders. The Chargers trailed early as QB Jason CampbellJason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
scrambled 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by his 4-yard TD pass to WR Jacoby Ford
Jacoby Ford
Jacoby Ford is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He is also an accomplished track and field athlete. He played college football as a wide receiver and return specialist for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University...
. They replied 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 39-yard field goal, but trailed further with RB 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...
getting a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding hitting a 33-yard field goal, followed by 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...
completing a 4-yard TD 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 Raiders would finish off with Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
making a 7-yard TD run.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 6–6.
Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC West rivalry rematch against the Chiefs. The Chargers took control of the game with QB Philip RiversPhilip 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...
throwing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by 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...
getting an 8-yard TD run. The lead was increased with Rivers finding Floyd again on a 9-yard TD pass. This was followed in the fourth quarter by 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...
nailing a 48-yard field goal, and then by RB Ryan Mathews
Ryan Mathews (American football)
-San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed....
getting a 15-yard TD run.
With the easy win, San Diego improved to 7–6.
Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Chargers' fourteenth game was an interconference duel with the 49ers which was played on Thursday Night. The Chargers took a quick lead with QB Philip RiversPhilip 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...
throwing a 58-yard TD pass to WR 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 lead was extended in the second quarter by 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...
nailing a 25-yard field goal, followed by Rivers finding Jackson on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers continued to dominate with 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...
getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers connecting to Jackson on a 48-yard TD pass, then with Kaeding hitting a 39-yard field goal. The 49ers made their only score of the game with RB Brian Westbrook
Brian Westbrook
Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...
getting a 1-yard TD run.
With the win, San Diego improved to 8–6.
Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals
Hoping to make it three straight the Chargers flew to Paul Brown StadiumPaul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
for an AFC duel with the Bengals. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early with QB Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
throwing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted by the Bengals with the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, despite the fact that he had missed all of the previous season with a knee injury....
. Then Palmer found WR Jerome Simpson
Jerome Simpson
Jerome Louis Simpson is an American football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
on a 10-yard TD pass (PAT failed, wide left). The Chargers got on the board 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...
hitting a 20-yard field goal, followed by RB Ryan Mathews
Ryan Mathews (American football)
-San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed....
getting a 23-yard TD run, but went into more trouble as Palmer completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Jordan Shipley
Jordan Shipley
Jordan Shipley is an American football player who currently plays wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League . He was drafted by Cincinnati in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding making a 28-yard field goal, but struggled to hold on after Palmer connected to Simpson on a 59-yard TD pass, followed by RB Bernard Scott
Bernard Scott
-Cincinnati Bengals:Following training camp, Scott made the active roster as a kick returner and as a backup to running back Cedric Benson. On November 15, 2009, Scott returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week...
getting a 10-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to come back after 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...
made a 5-yard TD pass to WR 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...
, but the Bengals defense prevented any more scoring chances.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 8–7. With Kansas City winning earlier in the day, the loss prevented the Chargers from making their sixth playoff appearance in seven years.
Week 17: at Denver Broncos
The Chargers' final game was a division rivalry rematch against the Broncos. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as QB Tim TebowTim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
threw a 14-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. They eventually overcame this deficit with RB Ryan Mathews
Ryan Mathews (American football)
-San Diego Chargers:On August 1, 2010, Mathews signed a five-year, $26.65 million contract with the Chargers. The deal includes $15 million guaranteed....
getting a 27-yard TD run, followed by 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...
nailing a 42, 45 and 47-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 16–7. They extended their lead in the third quarter with Mathews getting a 12-yard TD run, followed by Kaeding hitting a 37-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with QB Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow
Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow is an American football player who is currently the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos as the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Eric Decker
Eric Decker
Eric Decker is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
, but the Chargers increased their lead with Mathews getting a 31-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed further with Cassius Vaughn
Cassius Vaughn
Cassius M. Vaughn is an American football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
returning the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, followed by Tebow scrambling 6 yards for a touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to hold on for the win. The Chargers finished the 2010–11 NFL season as the only team ever to rank first in overall offense (396 yds/g), "and" overall defense (272 yds/g) in terms of total yards gained and allowed... and NOT make the playoffs the same year. Since 1970, the previous four NFL teams to accomplish that statistical feat all qualified for the post-season in those respective years.
With the win against the Broncos, San Diego finished with a 9–7 record.