Week 15

Chargers Report Card

Chargers (11-3)

By winning their ninth straight Sunday, the Chargers wrapped up the AFC West after their 27-24 victory over the Bengals (9-5). The Broncos’ stunning last-second loss to the Raiders on Sunday allowed San Diego to capture the division title for the fourth consecutive season. Much of the credit goes to kicker Nate Kaeding, whose 52-yard field goal with three seconds remaining was the game-winner. But there was plenty of praise to pass around on the Chargers’ side.

Offense: A-

Philip Rivers likely won’t win the league MVP award, but he showed again why he should be a prominent part of the. Rivers, who has been one of the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks despite operating practically all season with no running game, completed 24 of 38 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions. Rivers connected with wide receiver Vincent Jackson, whose star has shined bright much of the season, for two touchdowns. Jackson finished with 5 catches for 108 yards. As mentioned, the running game hasn’t been anything to write home about. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 59 yards on 16 carries (3.7 average), but he was more effective in the passing game with four catches for 58 yards, including one for 36 yards. Overall, the Chargers managed just 70 yards rushing, but like previous outings, it didn’t affect the outcome.

Defense: B-

The Chargers, who gave up 407 yard in total offense, were able to keep the Bengals out of the end zone late in the game, forcing Cincinnati to settle for a 34-yard field goal by Shayne Graham with 51 seconds remaining to tie the score. But the Bengals, with the exception of a scoring drought in the third quarter, had little trouble moving the ball and rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Carson Palmer passed for 314 yards and two touchdowns. He burned San Diego’s secondary on a 49-yard scoring strike to Chad Ochocinco in the second quarter to give Cincinnati a lead and consistently hit tight end J.P. Foschi, who had his best game with 7 catches for 82 yards. Still, the Chargers’ defense came up big when it mattered most. Linebacker Ted Dobbins continued his stellar play with 11 tackles, 10 of them solo. In the secondary, Eric Weddle played well and safety Kevin Ellison had one of the team’s two sacks.

Special teams: A

When your kicker, one of the league’s best, comes through with a game-winner, it enhances the performance in this area. Darren Sproles also provided a spark, returning two kicks for 73 yards, including a 45-yarder.

Coaching: A

Norv Turner’s offensive game plan has been one of the reasons the Chargers remain on a roll. Against the Bengals, it allowed Rivers to spread out the offensive attack. In addition to Jackson and Tomlinson, wide receiver Malcolm Floyd was a key contributor (4 catches for 63 yards) as well as tight end Antonio Gates. Though Gates had only 4 catches for 33 yards, he capped the Chargers’ initial scoring drive with a 3-yard touchdown reception from Rivers.

Overall:

With the division title clinched, the Chargers can focus more on capturing the No. 2 seed in the AFC. They will encounter a tough opponent on Christmas Day at Tennessee, a club that has won seven of its past eight contests. A victory over the Titans (or a loss by the Patriots) would allow the Chargers to accomplish their goal and secure a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

---FORREST LEE.