The
2007The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
San Diego ChargersThe 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 began with the team trying to equal their
2006The 2006 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005. They finished the campaign as the #1 seed in the AFC ending the season at 14–2, best record in the NFL...
regular season success (14–2) and avoid another early departure in the playoffs. After a disappointing start under new head coach
Norv TurnerNorval Eugene Turner is the head coach for the National Football League's San Diego Chargers. He also has served as head coach of the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders, and as offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers...
(1–3), they finished the regular season strong, with six straight wins, an overall record of 11–5, and the AFC West title. More important, they went further in the playoffs than the previous year, but fell again to the
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, this time in the AFC Championship game.
For the second consecutive season, star
running backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
led the NFL in rushing with 1,474 yards.
Offseason
After a postseason loss to the
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, offensive and defensive coordinators
Cam Cameron-External links:...
and
Wade PhillipsWade Allen Phillips is the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and former head coach for the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills. He was also an interim head coach for the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons...
left for new coaching jobs with the
Miami DolphinsThe 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...
and
Dallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
respectively.
Marty SchottenheimerMartin Edward "Marty" Schottenheimer is the current head coach of the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. Over his career, he has served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers. He has the most wins of any NFL coach...
, after originally being told he would stay as head coach, was fired in February. Replacing Schottenheimer was
Norv TurnerNorval Eugene Turner is the head coach for the National Football League's San Diego Chargers. He also has served as head coach of the Washington Redskins and the Oakland Raiders, and as offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers...
, who was signed to take over the helm later in the month. Turner, who installed the Chargers current offensive set when he was the Chargers' offensive coordinator in
2001The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day...
, was selected to be the head coach largely due to the fact that he would maintain the offensive game plan that led the team to its best regular season record in team history. Turner also agreed with general manager A.J. Smith on the hiring of defensive coordinator
Ted CottrellTheodore John "Ted" Cottrell is the former head coach for the New York Sentinels of the United Football League...
, who had worked with Phillips when both were with the
Buffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and later was the defensive coordinator with the Bills.
Chicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
defensive coordinator
Ron RiveraRonald Eugene Rivera is the head coach of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Rivera was a linebacker on the 1985 Chicago Bears, who won Super Bowl XX. Rivera was the defensive coordinator for the 2006 Chicago Bears, who won the National Football Conference championship and competed in Super Bowl XLI...
, who interviewed for the Chargers' head coaching job, was hired to coach the Chargers' linebackers instead. Smith also re-signed Charger free agent offensive guard
Kris DielmanKristopher M. Dielman is an American football guard who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers.-High school and college career:...
to a six-year contract that will virtually guarantee him almost $17 million and put him around $40 million over the life of the deal.
LinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Donnie EdwardsDonnie Edwards is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
was not offered a contract and signed with his former team, the
Kansas City ChiefsThe 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...
. The Chargers released veteran
wide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Keenan McCardellKeenan Wayne McCardell is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League and current wide receivers coach for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Redskins in the 12th round of the 1991 NFL Draft...
during the offseason along with safety
Terrence KielTerrence Dewayne Kiel was an American safety in the National Football League. He played his entire career for the San Diego Chargers after being drafted by them in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:Kiel was born in Lufkin, Texas...
.
2007 NFL Draft
The Chargers started out by making the 30th overall pick in the
2007 NFL DraftThe 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
due to their 14–2 season in 2006. They selected Craig Davis out of
Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana 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...
. In the second round, the Chargers made a trade with the Bears in order to move up and select safety
Eric WeddleEric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
at slot 37#. He was selected as a possible replacement to
Terrence KielTerrence Dewayne Kiel was an American safety in the National Football League. He played his entire career for the San Diego Chargers after being drafted by them in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.-Early years:Kiel was born in Lufkin, Texas...
, who was released earlier in the off-season following his arrest on drug charges during the 2006 season. The Chargers exchanged their second round selection in 2007 as well as third round, fifth round and 2008 third round selection. The Chargers also selected linebacker
Anthony WatersAnthony D. Waters is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.-College career:Waters attended Clemson University for college...
from
Clemson UniversityClemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
, who missed his senior season due to a leg injury.
2007 San Diego Chargers Draft Selections
| Draft order |
Player name |
Position |
Height |
Weight |
College |
| Round |
Choice |
| 1 |
30 |
Craig "Buster" Davis |
WR A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
|
6 ft 1 in (1.88 m) |
207 lbs (94 kg) |
Louisiana StateLouisiana 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...
|
| 2 |
37 |
Eric Weddle Eric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
|
SS |
5 ft 11 in (1.83 m) |
200 lb (91 kg) |
UtahThe University of Utah, also known as the U or the U of U, is a public, coeducational research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it Utah's oldest...
|
| 3 |
96 |
Anthony Waters Anthony D. Waters is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.-College career:Waters attended Clemson University for college...
|
OLBA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
|
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
245 lb (111 kg) |
ClemsonClemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
|
| 4 |
129 |
Scott Chandler |
TEThe tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
|
6 ft 7 in (2.04 m) |
257 lb (116 kg) |
Iowa |
| 5 |
172 |
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...
|
WR A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
|
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
225 lb (102 kg) |
Boise State |
| 7 |
240 |
Brandon Siler |
LBA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
|
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
238 lb (107 kg) |
FloridaThe University of Florida is an American public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university located on a campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university traces its historical origins to 1853, and has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906...
|
Roster
| San Diego Chargers 2007 final roster |
Quarterbacks
- 17 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...
- 7 Billy Volek
John William Volek is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Fresno State.-Early years:Volek attended Clovis West High School in...
- 6 Charlie Whitehurst
Charles David Whitehurst is an American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
Running Backs
- 22 Tyronne Gross
Tyrone Gross is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Eastern Oregon.-Early years:...
- 41 Lorenzo Neal
Lorenzo LaVonne Neal is an American football fullback who played in the NFL from 1993–2009. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft...
FB
- 34 Andrew Pinnock
Andrew Pinnock is an American football fullback who last played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
FB
- 16 Germaine Race
Germaine Race is a free agent American football running back who most recently played for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
- 43 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...
KR/PR
- 21 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...
- 33 Michael Turner
Wide Receivers
- 89 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...
- 84 Craig Davis
- 80 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...
- 83 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....
- 40 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...
TE
- 88 Eric Parker
- 81 Kassim Osgood
Kassim A. Osgood is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
Tight Ends
- 87 Scott Chandler
- 85 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...
- 86 Brandon Manumaleuna
-St. Louis Rams:Manumaleuna was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed with the team on June 21, 2001. He agreed to a three-year $1.15 million contract including a $255,000 signing bonus. In 2001, Manumaleuna only had one reception on the season...
|
|
Offensive Linemen
66 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...
T
68 Kris DielmanKristopher M. Dielman is an American football guard who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers.-High school and college career:...
G
79 Mike GoffMichael J. Goff is a retired American football guard. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa....
G
61 Nick Hardwick C
73 Marcus McNeillMarcus 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
63 Scott MruczkowskiScott 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:*...
G
70 Shane Olivea-San Diego Chargers:Since being drafted in 2004, Olivea started 31 of 32 games in 2 seasons for the Chargers. In August 2006, The Chargers rewarded Olivea with a 6-year, $20 million extension. The deal made him the sixth highest-paid right tackle in the NFL at the time...
T
64 Erik RobertsonErik Robertson is an American football center for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at California.Robertson has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and New York...
G
65 Cory WithrowCory Withrow is an American football center for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Washington State.Withrow has also played for the San Diego Chargers and St...
C
Defensive Linemen
- 97 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
- 93 Luis Castillo DE
- 74 Jacques Cesaire
Jacques E. Cesaire is an American football defensive end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Southern Connecticut State.-Early years:Cesaire graduated from Gardner High School in...
DE
- 91 Brandon McKinney
Brandon McKinney is an American football nose tackle for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Michigan State.-San Diego Chargers:Brandon McKinney made his NFL debut for the...
NT
- 99 Igor Olshansky
Igor Olshansky is a Ukrainian-born American football defensive end free agent in National Football League. He last played for the Miami Dolphins....
DE
- 76 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 |
|
Linebackers
54 Stephen Cooper ILB
51 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
92 Marques HarrisMarques 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
56 Shawne MerrimanShawne 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
95 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
52 Carlos PolkCarlos Devonn Polk is a retired American football linebacker. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska. He has also played for the Dallas Cowboys...
OLB
59 Brandon Siler ILB
94 Jyles TuckerJyles 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
53 Anthony WatersAnthony D. Waters is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.-College career:Waters attended Clemson University for college...
ILB
57 Matt WilhelmMatthew Wilhelm is an American football linebacker who's currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
ILB
Defensive Backs
- 31 Antonio Cromartie
Antonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
CB
- 29 Drayton Florence
Drayton Florence, Jr. is an American football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
CB
- 24 Cletis Gordon
Cletis Gordon is an American football cornerback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
CB
- 28 Steve Gregory
Stephen C. Gregory is an American football defensive back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Syracuse...
CB/FS
- 42 Clinton Hart
Clinton Glenn Hart is an American football safety for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tallahassee Thunder as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He attended College of Central Florida.Hart has been a member of the Tampa Bay Storm, Philadelphia Eagles and San...
SS
- 23 Quentin Jammer
Quentin Tremaine Jammer is an American football player who currently plays cornerback for the San Diego Chargers of the NFL.- Early years :...
CB
- 20 Marlon McCree
Marlon Tarron McCree is an American football safety who is currently a free agent, as well as a mentor and coach. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the Seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
FS
- 25 Paul Oliver
Paul J. Oliver is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League...
CB
- 32 Eric Weddle
Eric Steven Weddle is an American football safety for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
SS
Special Teams
- 50 David Binn
David Aaron Binn is an American football long snapper who is currently a free agent.He played college football for the University of California, Berkeley. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 1994....
LS
- 10 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...
K
- 16 Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
K
- 5 Mike 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...
P |
|
Reserve Lists
26 Anthony Arline CB (Did Not Report)
Rookies in italics
|
Preseason schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
Result |
Host Stadium |
NFL Recap |
| August 12, 2007 |
Seattle Seahawks The 2007 Seattle Seahawks season was the 32nd season for the team in the National Football League. The team has improved upon its 9-7 record in 2006 and secured its fourth consecutive NFC West division title and its fifth consecutive playoff appearance...
|
L 16 – 24 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
Gamebook |
| August 18, 2007 |
St. Louis Rams The 2007 St. Louis Rams season was the 70th season for the team in the National Football League and their 13th in St. Louis, Missouri. This was the worst season for the Rams during their time in St. Louis up to this year, and their worst overall since 1991, when the Rams were in Los Angeles,...
|
W 30 – 13 |
Edward Jones DomeThe 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...
|
Gamebook |
| August 25, 2007 |
Arizona CardinalsThe 2007 Arizona Cardinals season was the 88th season for the team in the National Football League, and their 20th season in Arizona. They improved upon their 5–11 record in 2006 after finishing last place in the NFC West, by finishing 8–8, but the failure of the Cardinals to qualify for the Super...
|
W 33 – 31 |
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...
|
Gamebook |
| August 30, 2007 |
San Francisco 49ers Game summaryComing off a fierce divisional road win over the Rams, the 49ers flew to Heinz Field for an interconference duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, the Niners struck first with kicker Joe Nedney getting a 32-yard field goal. The Steelers would immediately respond with...
|
W 16 – 13 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
Gamebook |
Schedule
| Week |
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
Record |
Host Stadium |
NFL Recap |
| 1 |
September 9, 2007 |
Chicago BearsThe 2007 Chicago Bears season was the team's 88th regular season in the National Football League. The season officially began on September 9, 2007 against the San Diego Chargers, and concluded on December 30 against the New Orleans Saints...
|
W 14–3 |
1–0 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
|
| 2 |
September 16, 2007 |
New England PatriotsThe 2007 New England Patriots season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League and 48th season overall. They finished with a perfect 16–0 regular season record but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII....
|
L 38–14 |
1–1 |
Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
|
|
| 3 |
September 23, 2007 |
Green Bay PackersThe 2007 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 89th overall and 87th season in the National Football League. The Packers finished the regular season with an impressive 13-3 record. They received a bye for the first round of the playoffs, won their divisional round playoff game, and lost in...
|
L 31–24 |
1–2 |
Lambeau FieldLambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
|
|
| 4 |
September 30, 2007 |
Kansas City ChiefsThe 2007 Kansas City Chiefs season began with the team looking to improve on their 9-7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4-12 record...
|
L 30–16 |
1–3 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
|
| 5 |
October 7, 2007 |
Denver Broncos The 2007 Denver Broncos season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League. A loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15 and a win by the San Diego Chargers the following Sunday knocked them out of playoff contention, marking the second year in a row they failed to make the playoffs...
|
W 41–3 |
2–3 |
INVESCO Field at Mile HighSports 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...
|
|
| 6 |
October 14, 2007 |
Oakland RaidersThe 2007 Oakland Raiders season was the team's forty-eight season overall. The team finished the season with a 4–12 record. It began with the team's fourth head coach in six seasons. By virtue of the team's 2–14 finish in 2006 , they acquired the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
|
W 28–14 |
3–3 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
|
| 7 |
Bye |
| 8 |
October 28, 2007 |
Houston Texans The 2007 Houston Texans season began with the team trying to improve on their 6–10 record in 2006. This season marks the sixth year of existence for the Texans franchise as well as Reliant Stadium.-Offseason:...
|
W 35–10 |
4–3 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
|
| 9 |
November 4, 2007 |
Minnesota VikingsThe 2007 Minnesota Vikings season was the team's 47th season in the National Football League. The Viking's 8-8 record under second year head coach Brad Childress was an improvement on their 6-10 record in 2006; nonetheless, for the third straight year, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs...
|
L 35–17 |
4–4 |
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
|
|
| 10 |
November 11, 2007 |
Indianapolis ColtsThe 2007 Indianapolis Colts season was the 55th season for the team in the National Football League and 24th in Indianapolis. The 2007 Indianapolis Colts improved upon their 12–4 record from 2006 as well as winning their 5th straight AFC South Championship. They finished the season 13–3 and lost to...
|
W 23–21 |
5–4 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
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| 11 |
November 18, 2007 |
Jacksonville Jaguars -Final roster:-Schedule:The Jacksonville Jaguars pre-season schedule was announced on April 11, 2007.-Schedule:-Week 1: vs. Tennessee Titans:-Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons:-Week 3: at Denver Broncos:-Week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs:...
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L 24–17 |
5–5 |
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium |
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| 12 |
November 25, 2007 |
Baltimore Ravens -Game summary:The Ravens began their 2007 campaign on the road against their AFC North foe, the Cincinnati Bengals, in the first game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader. In the first quarter, Baltimore lost two fumbles early on, with the Bengals turning the second fumble into QB Carson...
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W 32–14 |
6–5 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
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| 13 |
December 2, 2007 |
Kansas City ChiefsThe 2007 Kansas City Chiefs season began with the team looking to improve on their 9-7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4-12 record...
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W 24–10 |
7–5 |
Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
|
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| 14 |
December 9, 2007 |
Tennessee Titans The 2007 Tennessee Titans season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League, and their eleventh in Tennessee. They entered the season in an attempt to improve on their 8–8 record from 2006, along with attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since...
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W 23–17 (OT) |
8–5 |
LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
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| 15 |
December 16, 2007 |
Detroit Lions The 2007 Detroit Lions season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League. After starting the 2007 season with a 6-2 record, the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games. They finished with a 7-9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season...
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W 51–14 |
9–5 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
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| 16 |
December 24, 2007 |
Denver Broncos The 2007 Denver Broncos season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League. A loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15 and a win by the San Diego Chargers the following Sunday knocked them out of playoff contention, marking the second year in a row they failed to make the playoffs...
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W 23–3 |
10–5 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
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| 17 |
December 30, 2007 |
Oakland RaidersThe 2007 Oakland Raiders season was the team's forty-eight season overall. The team finished the season with a 4–12 record. It began with the team's fourth head coach in six seasons. By virtue of the team's 2–14 finish in 2006 , they acquired the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
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W 30–17 |
11–5 |
McAfee ColiseumO.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
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|
Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears
The Chargers began their 2007 campaign at home as they matched up their offensive firepower against the
Chicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and their rock-hard defense. In this defensive slugfest, the Bears would hold RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
(last year's league MVP) to just 12 yards rushing on 11 attempts, while getting a 27-yard field goal by kicker
Robbie GouldRobert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
in the second quarter. This game would also mark the first time since 2001 that the Chargers were shut out in the first half. In the third quarter, San Diego started to bounce back as Tomlinson threw his 7th career touchdown pass to TE
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...
from 17 yards out. In the fourth, LT delivered the final blow with getting a 7-yard TD run.
With the win, the Chargers began their season at 1–0.
Scoring summary
- Q2 – CHI – 14:13 – Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
27 yard FG (CHI 3–0)
- Q3 – SD – 0:45 – 17 yard TD pass from 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...
to 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...
(Nate KaedingNathaniel 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...
kick) (SD 7–3)
- Q4 – SD – 9:09 – LaDainian Tomlinson 7 yard TD run (Kaeding kick) (SD 14–3)
Week 2: at New England Patriots
Following their low-scoring home win over the Bears, the Chargers flew to
Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
for a Week 2 Sunday night fight against the
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, in a rematch of last year's AFC Divisional game. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as the Patriots took their opening drive and ended it with QB
Tom BradyThomas 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,...
completing a 7-yard TD pass to TE
Benjamin WatsonBenjamin Watson is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South...
. Afterwards, New England continued its opening assault as Brady completed a 23-yard TD pass to WR
Randy MossRandy Gene Moss is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, the Chargers continued to show last week's first half struggles as Patriots kicker
Stephen GostkowskiStephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
getting a 24-yard field goal, while LB
Adalius ThomasAdalius Donquail Thomas is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern Mississippi.-Early years:...
intercepted one of QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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...
' passes and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown.
In the third quarter, the 'Bolts finally managed to score as Rivers completed a 1-yard TD pass to FB
Lorenzo NealLorenzo LaVonne Neal is an American football fullback who played in the NFL from 1993–2009. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft...
, but New England responded with Brady and Moss hooking up with each other again on a 24-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, San Diego tried to fight back with Rivers completing a 12-yard TD pass to TE
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 the Patriots ended the game with RB
Sammy MorrisSamuel "Sammy" Morris III is an American football running back who is a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 3-yard TD run.
RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
was a non-factor, as he was only able to muster 43 yards on 18 carries. At this point, he was off to a rough start, totalling only 68 rushing yards in the first two games.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–1.
Week 3: at Green Bay Packers
Trying to rebound from their primetime road loss to the Patriots, the Chargers flew to
Lambeau FieldLambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
for Week 3, as they played an interconference game with the
Green Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 27-yard TD pass to WR
Vincent JacksonVincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
. The Packers would respond with kicker
Mason CrosbyMason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
getting a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Green Bay took the lead with QB
Brett FavreBrett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
completing a pair of 5-yard TD passes, one to WR
Donald DriverDonald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
and one to TE
Bubba FranksDaniel Lamont "Bubba" Franks is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 14th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
. The 'Bolts responded with Rivers completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Craig Davis.
In the third quarter, the Chargers took the lead with Rivers completing a 21-yard TD pass to RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, the Packers retook the lead with Favre's record-tying 57-yard TD pass to WR
Greg JenningsGregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
, along with RB Brandon Jackson getting a 1-yard TD run. San Diego tried to come back, as kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 44-yard field goal. However, the onside kick failed with Green Bay holding on to win.
Notable:
Philip RiversPhilip 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...
broke a Chargers record completing 15 consecutive passes in the first half.
With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–2.
Week 4: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Chargers went home for an AFC West duel with the
Kansas City ChiefsThe 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's struggling offense found some life with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 24-yard field goal, while RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 5-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chargers increased its lead with Kaeding kicking a 51-yard field goal. The Chiefs would answer with kicker
Dave RaynerDavid Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 25-yard field goal. Afterwards, San Diego ended the half with Kaeding getting a 38-yard field goal. Unfortunately, in the third quarter, the Chargers lost their lead Kansas City getting a 41-yard field goal from Rayner and QB
Damon HuardDamon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
completing a 22-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. Even worse, San Diego ended up losing in the fourth quarter with Huard completing a 51-yard TD pass to WR
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...
, along with CB
Tyron BrackenridgeTyron Lyle Brackenridge is an American football cornerback who is currently a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
returning a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown.
With their third-straight loss, the Chargers fell to 1–3.
One of the few positives from the game, Tomlinson would finally get his first 100-yard game of the year. He would get 132 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Week 5: at Denver Broncos
Hoping to rebound from their embarrassing divisional home loss to the Chiefs, the Chargers flew to
INVESCO Field at Mile HighSports 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...
for a Week 5 divisional duel with the
Denver BroncosThe 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 quarter, San Diego got off to a fast start with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 2-yard TD run. Immediately afterwards on the ensuing kickoff, rookie LB
Brandon Siler returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Chargers increased its lead with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 26-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Broncos got their only score of the game with kicker
Jason ElamJason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
getting a 30-yard field goal. San Diego would end the half with Kaeding nailing 45-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Chargers continued their offensive revival with Rivers completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE
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 a 15-yard TD pass to WR
Vincent JacksonVincent 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, RB Michael Turner helped San Diego seal their easy victory with a 74-yard TD run.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–3. The win also marked San Diego's first back-to-back wins in Denver since '67–'68.
Week 6: vs. Oakland Raiders
Coming off of their blowout divisional road win over the Broncos, the Chargers went home for a Week 6 divisional duel with the
Oakland RaidersThe 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, the 'Bolts came out striking with RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 and a 27-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Raiders managed to get on the board with LB Thomas Howard returning an interception 66 yards for a touchdown, along with the only score of the period. In the third quarter, San Diego went back to work with Tomlinson getting a 13-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Oakland tried to salvage a comeback as QB
Daunte CulpepperDaunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
threw a 1-yard TD pass to TE
Zach MillerZachary 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...
. Instead, however, the 'Bolts sealed the victory with Tomlinson getting a 41-yard TD run.
With the win, the Chargers entered their bye week at 3–3.
Week 8: vs. Houston Texans
After speculation of where the game would be played due to the California wildfires, it was confirmed on October 26, 2007 that Qualcomm Stadium would be discontinued as an evacuation site for San Diego residents (with most of the evacuees moved to
Del Mar- Places :In the United States* Del Mar, California* Del Mar, Texas* Del Mar High School, located in San Jose, California* Del Mar Racetrack, located in Del Mar, California* Del Mar Fairgrounds located in Del Mar, California- People :...
). Before, sites in the
PhoenixPhoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
area were being considered to host the game, as well as Houston's
Reliant StadiumReliant 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....
, and also the
Dallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
'
Texas StadiumTexas Stadium was a football stadium in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The stadium opened on September 17, 1971.Built to replace the aging Cotton Bowl, it was the home field of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and had a seating capacity of 65,675...
. Before the game a special tribute was paid to at the stadium for the fire fighters, National Guard, and volunteers who assisted in fighting the fires and helping the evacuees. Governor
Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
attended the game and
flipped the coinCoin flipping or coin tossing or heads or tails is the practice of throwing a coin in the air to choose between two alternatives, sometimes to resolve a dispute between two parties...
, which the Chargers won. With an emotional charge from both the players and fans, as well as some victims, the Chargers played one of the best games of their season. Philip Rivers threw 3 touchdown passes despite only throwing 11 passes. Two TDs went to tight end
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 the remainder went to newly acquired wideout
Chris ChambersChristopher 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...
, who was just traded from the
Miami DolphinsThe 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...
a two weeks earlier and played his first game as a Charger (due to San Diego's bye week). However, that performance was second to second-year corner
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
, who performance included two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. He had a 70 yard INT return for a score, and the other was a complicated snap where the Texans snapped the ball over punter
Matt TurkMatthew Edward Turk is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1993...
's head, and the ball fell into the end zone. Quickly having to recover, Turk missed grabbing the ball and it fell into the hands of Cromartie, easily scoring. The Chargers won, 35–10 in a home blowout, which was, in the quote of
Ladainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
, "one for the fans."
Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings
After an emotional home win over the Texans, the Chargers flew to the
Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeThe Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 9 interconference duel with the
Minnesota VikingsThe Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first with RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 TD run. The Vikings would respond with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, no scoring would come until the final play of the half, as CB
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown, the longest play in NFL history.
In the third quarter, things started to get grim for San Diego as Minnesota took the lead with Peterson getting a 64-yard TD run and QB
Brooks BollingerBrooks Bollinger is a retired American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
completing a 40-yard TD pass to WR
Sidney Rice-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers tried to come back as kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 36-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the Vikings sealed the win with Peterson getting a 46-yard TD run, along with RB
Chester TaylorChester Lamar Taylor also known as "Che Tay" is an American football running back of the National Football League who is currently on the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard TD run. LaDainian Tomlinson, despite getting only 1 rushing touchdown, managed to surpass
Jim BrownJames 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...
for most career rushing touchdowns with his 107th TD.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 4–4.
During the game, Minnesota rookie running back Adrian Peterson broke the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards rushing on 30 carries.
Week 10: vs. Indianapolis Colts
After an upset loss to the Vikings, the Chargers faced the defending Super Bowl champions in San Diego following their first loss of the season to the
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Darren Sproles return the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. After a Nate Kaeding field goal, Sproles returned a punt 45 yards for his second special teams touchdown of the game with less than 6 minutes left in the first quarter. The PAT snap wasn't held and the PAT failed.
Peyton ManningPeyton 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...
threw four interceptions in the first quarter alone. In the second quarter the Chargers put together a 45-yard drive resulting in a 4-yard touchdown run by LaDainian Tomlinson. Manning was able to score a touchdown to Reggie Wayne leaving the score 23–7 at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter Manning threw a touchdown to
Kenton KeithKenton Jermaine Keith is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
and the Colts were able to complete the two-point conversion. On third and 10 from the Chargers 8 yard line, Philip Rivers went back to pass and the ball slipped out of his hand and into the end zone. Colts linebacker
Gary BrackettGary Lawrence Brackett is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Rutgers.-Early years:Brackett attended Glassboro High School in Glassboro, New Jersey....
picked up the ball for a touchdown with 14:28 to play. The Colts failed the two-point conversion. With six minutes left in the game Rivers threw an interception to rookie Clint Session. In the red zone the Colts picked up the first down, but the booth reviewed the play and it was determined to be fourth and inches. The Colts intended to go for the first down, but a false start penalty by
Ben UtechtBenjamin Jeffrey Utecht is a former American football tight end who played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Minnesota...
moved them five yards back, and instead they went for the field goal. With 1:31 left the Colts lined up the kicking team for a game-winning field goal, but
Adam VinatieriAdam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
's 29-yard kick was wide right. The Chargers ran down the clock and the Colts had 22 seconds to score, but the game ended with Clinton Hart intercepting the ball with time expiring for the Chargers win. Manning set a franchise record by throwing six interceptions in one game (3 to Antonio Cromartie and one apiece to Clinton Hart, Matt Wilhelm, and Shaun Philips).
Both team had significant injuries coming into the game. For the Chargers CB
Quentin JammerQuentin Tremaine Jammer is an American football player who currently plays cornerback for the San Diego Chargers of the NFL.- Early years :...
and DE Luis Castillo were out of the game. The Colts had 10 players out of the game including TE
Dallas ClarkDallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
, WR
Marvin HarrisonMarvin Daniel Harrison is a former American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse...
, and OT
Tony UgohAnthony Ike "Tony" Ugoh, Jr. is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas....
.
Dwight FreeneyDwight Jason Freeney is an American football defensive end who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse University.-Early years:Freeney attended Bloomfield High School...
left the game with an injured foot.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–4. With Kansas City losing to Denver, San Diego retained first place in the AFC West.
Week 11: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Coming off their home upset over the Colts, the Chargers flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 11 intraconference duel with the
Jacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Jaguars kicker
Josh ScobeeJoshua 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...
managed to get a 48-yard field goal, along with RB
Maurice Jones-DrewMaurice Christopher Jones-Drew is a professional American football player who currently plays running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chargers got on the board with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 23-yard field goal. However, Jacksonville responded with QB
David GarrardDavid 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...
completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie WilliamsReginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
.
In the third quarter, San Diego responded with RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 6-yard TD run, yet the Jaguars answered with Garrard completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE
Marcedes LewisMarcedes Alexis Lewis is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted from UCLA as the 28th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers tried to make a comeback as QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 24-yard TD pass to TE
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 it was too-little too-late, as Jacksonville's defense held on to win.
With the loss, San Diego fell to 5–5.
Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Jaguars, the Chargers went home for a Week 12 duel with the
Baltimore RavensThe 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...
. After a scoreless first quarter, San Diego struck first with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 27-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Ravens took the lead with RB
Willis McGaheeWillis 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 1-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Chargers regained the lead with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 35-yard TD pass to TE
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...
(with a failed PAT), Kaeding kicking a 46-yard field goal, Rivers completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Chris ChambersChristopher 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...
, and Kaeding kicking a 41-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, San Diego increased its lead with Rivers and Gates hooking up with each other again on a 25-yard TD pass. Baltimore would manage to one final score as Ravens QB
Kyle BollerKyle Bryan Boller is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at The University of California.Boller has also played for the St...
completed a 13-yard TD pass to FB
Le'Ron McClain- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the 'Bolts sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 41-yard field goal.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 6–5.
RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
(24 carries for 77 yards) became the fourth-fastest player and the 23rd player in NFL history to get 10,000 career rushing yards.
Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off their home win over the Ravens, the Chargers flew to
Arrowhead StadiumArrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri and home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs....
for a Week 13 AFC West rematch with the
Kansas City ChiefsThe 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 trailed early as Chiefs kicker John Carney managed to get a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers got on the board with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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. In the second quarter, Kansas City regained the lead as QB
Damon HuardDamon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
completed a 2-yard TD pass to DE
Jared Allen-Kansas City Chiefs:Allen was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and signed for a one-year, $100,000 contract. On May 21, 2007, Allen, as a restricted free agent, signed the Chiefs' one-year tender offer of $2.35 million for the 2007 season. Allen credited his early...
. Afterwards, San Diego tied the game again as QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 38-yard TD pass to WR
Vincent JacksonVincent 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 second quarter, the Chargers pulled away as RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 31-yard TD run in the third quarter and a 28-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. His two rushing touchdowns helped him surpass
Walter PaytonWalter Jerry Payton was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football...
for third place on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdowns list. The game also gave him his 3rd-straight 100-yard game against the Chiefs. Also, CB
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
recorded 2 INT to bring his league leading total to 8.
With the win, San Diego improved to 7–5.
Week 14: at Tennessee Titans
Coming off their divisional road win over the Chiefs, the Chargers flew to
LP FieldLP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the
Tennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Titans kicker
Rob BironasJames 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...
managed to get a 44-yard field goal for the only score of the half.
In the third quarter, the Chargers would get on the board as kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 field goal, yet Tennessee responded with RB
Chris BrownChristopher Rejean Brown is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a 7-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Titans increased their lead with RB
LenDale WhiteLenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
getting a 7-yard TD run. Fortunately, San Diego tied the game with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 7-yard TD pass to RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
and a 2-yard TD pass to TE
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 overtime, the 'Bolts got the win with Tomlinson getting the game-winning 16-yard TD run.
With the win, the Chargers improved to 8–5.
For Tomlinson, it was his 3rd overtime touchdown (the most in NFL history).
For CB
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
, his lone interception gave him 9 on the year, tying the franchise single-season record set by
Charlie McNeilCharles Edis McNeil was a former American collegiate and Professional Football player. He was a defensive back who played for the American Football League's Los Angeles and San Diego Chargers...
in 1961.
Week 15: vs. Detroit Lions
Coming off their overtime road win over the Titans, the Chargers went home for a Week 15 interconference duel with the
Detroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. In the first quarter, the 'Bolts struck first with RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 6-yard TD run, Kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 22-yard field goal, and Tomlinson getting a 2-yard TD run. In the second quarter, San Diego continued its domination with Kaeding getting a 22-yard field goal and LB
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....
returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. The Lions would get on the board with QB
Jon KitnaJon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR
Brandon MiddletonBrandon Anthony Middleton is a professional gridiron football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Houston....
. The Chargers would end the half with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 1-yard TD run to TE
Brandon Manumaleuna-St. Louis Rams:Manumaleuna was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He signed with the team on June 21, 2001. He agreed to a three-year $1.15 million contract including a $255,000 signing bonus. In 2001, Manumaleuna only had one reception on the season...
.
In the third quarter, San Diego continued its annihilation with RB
Darren SprolesDarren 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...
getting a 1-yard TD run and Kaeding nailing a 45-yard field goal. Detroit would get its final points of the game as Kitna completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR
Shaun McDonaldShaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers ended its day with Sproles getting an 11-yard TD run.
With the win, not only did the Chargers improve to 9–5, but they also clinched their second-straight AFC West title.
For Darren Sproles (25 attempts for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns) and LaDainian Tomlinson (15 attempts for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns), they became the first RB duo in franchise history to both get 100 rushing yards in the same game. Also, Tomlinson ended this part of his career with 127 career touchdowns, surpassing
Jim BrownJames 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...
for 7th All-Time.
Also, CB
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
received his 10th interception.
Week 16: vs. Denver Broncos
Trying to make it 5 straight wins and stay in contention for the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, the Chargers continued their domination over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. Not only did they stop them from scoring a touchdown for the second time this season they also made it 4 straight victories over Denver.
The game started off inauspiciously for the Broncos when Denver QB
Jay CutlerJay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
fumbled the ball leading to a 40-yard K
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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...
field goal for San Diego, and after a 3 and out, the Chargers gave the ball to RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
for a 17-yard TD run.
The second quarter was relatively quiet as 2 Kaeding Field goals (23-yards & 29-yards) gave the Bolts a 16 point lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter San Diego QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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...
and WR
Chris ChambersChristopher 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...
hooked up on a 14-yard pass and catch to make the score 23–0. Denver finally began to move offensively until a tipped pass was intercepted by San Diego SS
Clinton HartClinton Glenn Hart is an American football safety for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tallahassee Thunder as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He attended College of Central Florida.Hart has been a member of the Tampa Bay Storm, Philadelphia Eagles and San...
, but some defensive miscues including a San Diego QB
Billy VolekJohn William Volek is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Fresno State.-Early years:Volek attended Clovis West High School in...
fumble led to a 23-yard field goal by Denver K
Jason ElamJason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
.
In the fourth quarter the defense stepped up for the Bolts on 2 fourth down plays and a San Diego CB
Quentin JammerQuentin Tremaine Jammer is an American football player who currently plays cornerback for the San Diego Chargers of the NFL.- Early years :...
interception sealed the victory for San Diego.
The result guaranteed that a San Diego win at Oakland would secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs.
The win in Denver at home made San Diego only the second team in NFL history to shut out every opponent at home in the first quarter, outscoring opponents 81–0.
Week 17: at Oakland Raiders
Coming off their Christmans Eve victory of the Broncos, the Chargers ended the regular season at
McAfee ColiseumO.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
for a Week 17 AFC West rematch with the
Oakland RaidersThe 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 QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 7-yard TD pass to RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
. The Raiders would respond with RB
Dominic RhodesDominic Dondrell Rhodes is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001...
getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the 'Bolts regained the lead with Rivers completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR
Chris ChambersChristopher 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...
. Oakland would end the half with kicker
Sebastian JanikowskiSebastian 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 53-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Chargers increased their lead with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 36-yard field goal, along with rookie LB
Jyles TuckerJyles 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...
recovering a Raider fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. Oakland would respond with QB
JaMarcus RussellJaMarcus 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 32-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter. In the fourth quarter, San Diego sealed the win with Kaeding nailing a 31-yard and a 24-yard field goal.
With the win, not only did the Chargers close out their regular season at 11–5, but they also secured the AFC's No. 3 seed.
Schedule
| Playoff Round |
Date |
Opponent (seed) |
Team |
Opponent |
Game Site |
NFL Recap |
| Wild Card |
January 6, 2008 |
Tennessee Titans The 2007 Tennessee Titans season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League, and their eleventh in Tennessee. They entered the season in an attempt to improve on their 8–8 record from 2006, along with attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since...
(6) |
17 |
6 |
Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
|
Gamebook |
| Division Playoff |
January 13, 2008 |
Indianapolis ColtsThe 2007 Indianapolis Colts season was the 55th season for the team in the National Football League and 24th in Indianapolis. The 2007 Indianapolis Colts improved upon their 12–4 record from 2006 as well as winning their 5th straight AFC South Championship. They finished the season 13–3 and lost to...
(2) |
28 |
24 |
RCA Dome RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons ....
|
Gamebook |
| AFC Championship Game |
January 20, 2008 |
New England PatriotsThe 2007 New England Patriots season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League and 48th season overall. They finished with a perfect 16–0 regular season record but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII....
(1) |
12 |
21 |
Gillette StadiumGillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...
|
Gamebook |
AFC Wild Card Playoff (Sunday January 6, 2008): vs. Tennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
Entering the playoffs as the AFC's No. 3 seed, the Chargers began their playoff run at home against the sixth-seeded
Tennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
, in a rematch of Week 14, which saw San Diego trail early, then rally to tie the game in the fourth quarter and win in overtime.
In the first half, the Chargers trailed early as Titans kicker
Rob BironasJames 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...
managed to get a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the 'Bolts rallied to take the lead with kicker
Nate KaedingNathaniel 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 20-yard field goal, along with QB
Philip RiversPhilip 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 25-yard TD pass to WR
Vincent JacksonVincent 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, San Diego pulled away with RB
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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 TD run. However, San Diego Chargers tight end
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...
had to leave the game with a right toe injury earlier in the game, and never returned.
With the win, not only did the Chargers improve their overall record to 12–5, but they also gave the franchise its very first playoff win since the 1994–95 AFC Championship Game which led them to
Super Bowl XXIXSuper Bowl XXIX was an American football game played on January 29, 1995 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 1994 regular season...
. The team advanced to the AFC Divisional Playoff.
AFC Divisional Playoff (Sunday, January 13, 2008): at Indianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
Coming off their wild card home win over the Titans, the Chargers flew to the
RCA DomeRCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons ....
for their AFC Divisional duel with the second-seeded/defending Super Bowl champion
Indianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
, in a rematch of Week 10. In the first scoring play,
Peyton ManningPeyton 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...
threw a TD to
Dallas ClarkDallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
for 25 yards.
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
was injured on a running play and despite an attempt to return to action later in the first half, he did not return to the game.
Philip RiversPhilip 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...
then threw a pass to
Vincent JacksonVincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....
for San Diego's first TD of the game.
Adam VinatieriAdam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
made a 46 yard FG to put the Colts up 10–7.
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
intercepted
Peyton ManningPeyton 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...
at the end of the first half and ran it 89 yards for a touchdown; however, the play was called back on a dubious holding call by Phil Luckett, who has a reputation for inaccurate and questionable calls. The second half began with Rivers tossing a pass to
Chris ChambersChristopher 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...
for 30 yards. At 3:19 of the third quarter, Manning completed a pass for
Reggie WayneReginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...
for 9 yards. Rivers would manage to complete a 56 yard pass to
Darren SprolesDarren 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...
for a touchdown. On that play, Rivers injured his leg and would not return to the game.
Billy VolekJohn William Volek is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Fresno State.-Early years:Volek attended Clovis West High School in...
replaced Rivers at quarterback. Starting the fourth quarter, Manning threw a TD pass to
Anthony GonzalezAnthony E. Gonzalez is an American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.-Early years:Gonzalez attended St...
for 55 yards. Volek engineered a long drive culminating in a 1 yard sneak for a TD putting the Chargers up for good.
The Colts had two late opportunities to score on separate drives. On the first drive, the Colts faced a 4th down from inside the Charger 20 yard line. They decided against a field goal which still would have left them down by 1 point. Trying for the score,
Peyton ManningPeyton 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...
was hurried by a blitzing
Shawne MerrimanShawne 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...
as his throw came up short. The Chargers took over on downs but failed to get a first down. After a long punt by
Mike ScifresMichael 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...
, the Colts had less than 2 minutes to try to win the game. Once again, the Chargers defense stifled the Colts, taking over on downs with seconds to play.
With the win, the team's improved their overall record to 13–5. The team advanced to the AFC Championship Game. There were a total of 7 lead changes throughout the game.
AFC Championship Game (Sunday, January 20, 2008) at New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
The Patriots were undefeated in the regular season going into this game, at 17–0. Philip Rivers played through a torn ACL. LaDanian Tomlinson left early in the 1st quarter with another injury, never to return.
2008 Pro Bowl
In the
2008 Pro BowlThe 2008 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2007 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 10, 2008. The game was televised in the United States by Fox and began shortly after 11:40am local time . The NFC won, 42–30, despite a 17-point first half AFC...
, the team has elected 8 players who are
LaDainian TomlinsonLaDainian 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...
(fifth appearance),
Lorenzo NealLorenzo LaVonne Neal is an American football fullback who played in the NFL from 1993–2009. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft...
(fourth appearance),
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...
(fourth appearance),
Kris DielmanKristopher M. Dielman is an American football guard who currently plays for the San Diego Chargers.-High school and college career:...
(first appearance),
Jamal WilliamsJamal 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...
(third appearance),
Shawne MerrimanShawne 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...
(third appearance),
Antonio CromartieAntonio Cromartie is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers 19th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
(first appearance), and
Kassim OsgoodKassim A. Osgood is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
(second appearance, for Special Teams).
See also
- 2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....