LaDainian Tomlinson ran for three touchdowns, the San Diego Chargers scored on their first four possessions, and defeated the Denver Broncos 52-21 to clinch the AFC West.
The Chargers (8-8) won four in a row, and became the first team to start 4-8 and make the playoffs. The 52 points was the most the Chargers scored since December 8, 1985, when they scored 54 in a victory over the Steelers.
The Chargers received the ball first, and Phillip Rivers led San Diego on a six-play 60-yard drive. Vincent Jackson started the drive by gaining 17 yards on a reverse to the San Diego 47. On second down and 20 from the Chargers own 37, Rivers threw an incomplete pass to Jackson. However, Nate Webster was called for pass interference that gave the Chargers a first down at the Broncos 11.
The Denver defense was able to stop the Chargers and Nate Kaeding kicked a 28-yard field to give San Diego a 3-0 lead.
The Broncos answered back on their first possession. Jay Cutler picked up a first down with a 16-yard completion to Tony Scheffler at the Broncos 40. Tatum Bell picked up another first down with a three-yard run to the San Diego 48. Brandon Stokley caught a 15-yard pass that gave the Broncos a first down at the San Diego 35.
Bell finished off the drive with a 26-yard run up the middle giving Denver their only lead of the game at 6-3. Matt Prater missed the extra point.
The Chargers would only need eight plays to go 73 yards. Rivers completed two passes including a 37-yard pass to Jackson that gave the Chargers a first down at the Denver 26. Rivers picked up another first down with a two-yard run on third-and-one from the Denver 17.
The Chargers gained more yards when D.J. Williams was called for unnecessary roughness, giving them a first down at the eight-yard-line. Tomlinson gave the Chargers the lead for good with a one-yard touchdown run making it 10-6.
After Denver had to punt, the Chargers got the ball at their own 28. Rivers led San Diego on an eight-play 72-yard drive. The drive started with a 34-yard pass to Antonio Gates, which moved the ball to the Denver 38.
We'd like to send you the most entertaining San Diego Chargers articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete