2008 San Diego Chargers season

2008 San Diego Chargers season
Owner	Alex Spanos
General manager	A. J. Smith
Head coach	Norv Turner
Home field	Qualcomm Stadium
Results
Record	8–8
Division place	1st AFC West
Playoff finish	Won Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Colts) 23–17 (OT) Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Steelers) 24–35
Pro Bowlers	2 G Kris Dielman TE Antonio Gates
AP All-Pros	1 G Kris Dielman (2nd team)

A dramatic conclusion in week 10: Clinton Hart stops the Kansas City Chiefs' last attempt at winning the game by knocking the ball into Quentin Jammer's arms

The 2008 season was the San Diego Chargers' 39th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 49th overall. While they completed the regular season with only an 8–8 record, they nonetheless captured their third consecutive AFC West championship. In the first round of the playoffs, the Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts 23–17. But they were eliminated the following week during their divisional round game on the road against the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers 35–24.

The Chargers became the first team to go 8–8 and win their division since the 1985 Cleveland Browns, and by winning their Wild Card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts, became the first team in NFL history to actually go an entire season without having a winning record until after the first round of the playoffs. They also became the first team in NFL history to start a season 4–8 and make the playoffs, and the only team to do so in a 16-game schedule.

Contract negotiations

• DB Clinton Hart was signed to a 5-year extension in April after being ranked 2nd on the team in Interceptions in his first full year as a starter.
• LS David Binn was signed to a 4-year extension in May. He was the only remaining member of the Chargers’ 1994 Super Bowl team.

Notable roster additions

• LB Derek Smith – Signed as a free agent.
• OL L. J. Shelton – Signed as a free agent.
• RB Michael Bennett – Signed off waivers.

Notable roster losses

• CB Drayton Florence – Left as a free agent. Signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
• RB Michael Turner – Left as a free agent. Signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
• SS Marlon McCree – Signed with the Denver Broncos.
• RT Shane Olivea – Signed with the New York Giants.
• FB Lorenzo Neal – Released. Signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
• LB Derek Smith – Released after Michael Bennett (American football) was signed.

NFL draft

2008 San Diego Chargers draft
Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	27	Antoine Cason	CB	Arizona
3	69	Jacob Hester	FB	LSU
5	166	Marcus Thomas	RB	UTEP
6	192	DeJuan Tribble	CB	Boston College
7	234	Corey Clark	OT	Texas A&M
Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

• Mike Tolbert, FB, Coastal Carolina
• Brandon Jackson, WR, North Texas
• Gary Banks, WR, Troy
• Greg Bracey, WR, Missouri
• Billy Pittman, WR, Texas
• Roy Betschart, H-back, Wyoming
• John Tereshinski, TE, Wake Forest
• Brandyn Dombrowski, G, San Diego State
• Andrew Crummey, G, Maryland
• Tyler Luellen, T, Missouri
• Keith Shologan, DT, Central Florida
• Lamar Divens, DT, Tennessee State
• Eric Bakhtiari, OLB, University of San Diego
• Josh Bell, CB, Baylor
• Stanley Franks, CB, Idaho
• Brian Bonner, S, TCU
• Billy Vinnedge, P/K, Wyoming

Roster

2008 San Diego Chargers roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 17 Philip Rivers  7 Billy Volek  6 Charlie Whitehurst Running backs (RB) 29 Michael Bennett 22 Jacob Hester 34 Billy Latsko FB 43 Darren Sproles KR/PR 35 Mike Tolbert FB 21 LaDainian Tomlinson Wide receivers (WR) 89 Chris Chambers 80 Malcom Floyd 83 Vincent Jackson 11 Legedu Naanee 81 Kassim Osgood Tight ends (TE) 85 Antonio Gates 86 Brandon Manumaleuna 88 Kris Wilson

Offensive linemen (OL) 75 Corey Clark T 66 Jeromey Clary T 68 Kris Dielman G 67 Kynan Forney G 79 Mike Goff G 61 Nick Hardwick C 73 Marcus McNeill T 63 Scott Mruczkowski G 62 Jeremy Newberry C 70 L. J. Shelton T Defensive linemen (DL) 97 Ryon Bingham DE 93 Luis Castillo DE 74 Jacques Cesaire DE 99 Igor Olshansky DE 98 Ian Scott NT 76 Jamal Williams NT

Linebackers (LB) 90 Antwan Applewhite OLB 54 Stephen Cooper ILB 51 Tim Dobbins ILB 92 Marques Harris OLB 95 Shaun Phillips OLB 59 Brandon Siler ILB 94 Jyles Tucker OLB 53 Anthony Waters ILB 57 Matt Wilhelm ILB Defensive backs (DB) 20 Antoine Cason CB 31 Antonio Cromartie CB 24 Cletis Gordon CB 28 Steve Gregory SS 42 Clinton Hart SS 23 Quentin Jammer CB 27 Paul Oliver FS 32 Eric Weddle FS Special teams 50 David Binn LS 10 Nate Kaeding K  5 Mike Scifres P

Practice squad 12 Gary Banks WR 30 Eldra Buckley RB 78 Andre Coleman DE 69 Brandyn Dombrowski T 36 Travis Key CB 48 Grant Mason CB (IR) 91 Ogemdi Nwagbuo NT  3 Marco Thomas WR 29 DeJuan Tribble CB Reserve 87 Scott Chandler TE (IR) 84 Craig Davis WR (IR) 96 Keith Grennan DE (IR) 56 Shawne Merriman LB (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 5 reserve, 8 practice squad

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 9	Dallas Cowboys	W 31–17	1–0	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
2	August 16	at St. Louis Rams	L 6–7	1–1	Edward Jones Dome	Recap
3	August 25	Seattle Seahawks	W 18–17	2–1	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
4	August 29	at San Francisco 49ers	W 20–17	3–1	Candlestick Park	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

In addition to their regular games with AFC West rivals, the Chargers played teams from the AFC East and NFC South as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games against the Colts and the Steelers based on divisional positions from 2007.

On October 26, the Chargers had a game against the New Orleans Saints in London, England, where the Saints were the designated home team. i.e. They were playing their home game in London. This was the second NFL game played in London in as many years.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 7	Carolina Panthers	L 24–26	0–1	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
2	September 14	at Denver Broncos	L 38–39	0–2	Invesco Field	Recap
3	September 22	New York Jets	W 48–29	1–2	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
4	September 28	at Oakland Raiders	W 28–18	2–2	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	Recap
5	October 5	at Miami Dolphins	L 10–17	2–3	Dolphin Stadium	Recap
6	October 12	New England Patriots	W 30–10	3–3	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
7	October 19	at Buffalo Bills	L 14–23	3–4	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
8	October 26	at New Orleans Saints	L 32–37	3–5	Wembley Stadium	Recap
9	Bye
10	November 9	Kansas City Chiefs	W 20–19	4–5	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
11	November 16	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 10–11	4–6	Heinz Field	Recap
12	November 23	Indianapolis Colts	L 20–23	4–7	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
13	November 30	Atlanta Falcons	L 16–22	4–8	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
14	December 4	Oakland Raiders	W 34–7	5–8	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
15	December 14	at Kansas City Chiefs	W 22–21	6–8	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap
16	December 21	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 41–24	7–8	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
17	December 28	Denver Broncos	W 52–21	8–8	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 1: Carolina Panthers at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	9	7	10	26
Chargers	0	7	3	14	24

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: September 7
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 81 °F (27.2 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 67,115
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (FOX): Dick Stockton, Brian Baldinger and Laura Okmin
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CAR – John Kasay 44-yard field goal, 12:35. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:57. SDG – Chris Chambers 44-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:34. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:01. CAR – John Kasay 33-yard field goal, 4:23. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:11. CAR – John Kasay 30-yard field goal, 0:08. Panthers 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 2:45. Third quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 27-yard field goal, 5:10. Chargers 10–9. Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 7:10. CAR – Chris Gamble 31-yard fumble return (John Kasay kick), 1:29. Panthers 16–10. Fourth quarter CAR – John Kasay 24-yard field goal, 10:09. Panthers 19–10. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 4:34. SDG – Antonio Gates 17-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:45. Panthers 19–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:24. SDG – Vincent Jackson 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:27. Chargers 24–19. Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 2:29. CAR – Dante Rosario 14-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (John Kasay kick), 0:00. Panthers 26–24. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 2:27. Top passers CAR – Jake Delhomme – 23/41, 247 yards, TD SDG – Philip Rivers – 17/27, 217 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 18 rushes, 86 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 21 rushes, 97 yards Top receivers CAR – Dante Rosario – 7 receptions, 96 yards, TD SDG – Antonio Gates – 4 receptions, 61 yards, TD

The Chargers began their 2008 campaign at home against the Carolina Panthers. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers pounced first as kicker John Kasay got a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers would take the lead with QB Philip Rivers completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers, yet Carolina would take the halftime lead as Kasay nailed a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter, San Diego got the lead with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 27-yard field goal, yet the Panthers regained the lead with CB Chris Gamble returning a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Carolina increased its lead with Kasay nailing a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers got the lead again with Rivers completing a 24-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates and a 5-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson. Unfortunately for San Diego, Panthers QB Jake Delhomme threw the game-winning 14-yard TD pass to TE Dante Rosario as time expired.

Week 2: at Denver Broncos

Week 2: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	14	10	11	38
Broncos	7	24	0	8	39

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Date: September 14
• Game time: 2:15 p.m. MDT
• Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 75,915
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg and Randy Cross
• Box score

Game information

First quarter DEN – Michael Pittman 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 8:41. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 2:39. SDG – Nate Kaeding 34-yard field goal, 3:47. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 4:54. Second quarter DEN – Tony Scheffler 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Matt Prater kick), 13:48. Broncos 14–3. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:59. DEN – Tony Scheffler 14-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Matt Prater kick), 10:42. Broncos 21–3. Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 0:33. SDG – Darren Sproles 103-yard kickoff return (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:28. Broncos 21–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:14. DEN – Matt Prater 52-yard field goal, 5:53. Broncos 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:35. SDG – Chris Chambers 48-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:25. Broncos 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:28. DEN – Brandon Marshall 6-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Matt Prater kick), 0:02. Broncos 31–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 2:23. Third quarter SDG – Chris Chambers 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:44. Broncos 31–24. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:16. SDG – Nate Kaeding 21-yard field goal, 7:29. Broncos 31–27. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:01. Fourth quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 14:08. Broncos 31–30. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 6:15. SDG – Darren Sproles 66-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Legedu Naanee pass from Philip Rivers), 4:22. Chargers 38–31. Drive: 3 plays, 91 yards, 1:07. DEN – Eddie Royal 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Eddie Royal pass from Jay Cutler), 0:24. Broncos 39–38. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:58. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/33, 377 yards, 3 TD, INT DEN – Jay Cutler – 36/50, 350 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers SDG – Darren Sproles – 7 rushes, 53 yards DEN – Selvin Young – 8 rushes, 78 yards Top receivers SDG – Chris Chambers – 4 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TD DEN – Brandon Marshall – 18 receptions, 166 yards, TD

Hoping to rebound from their last-second home loss to the Panthers, the Chargers flew to Invesco Field at Mile High for a Week 2 AFC West duel with the Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as FB Michael Pittman getting a 1-yard TD run, after a Philip Rivers pass to Chris Chambers was ruled an interception on the field. The Chargers challenged the ruling, but the replay system was inoperative to the officials, so the ruling on the field stood. The 'Bolts would respond with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 34-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver increased its lead with QB Jay Cutler completing a 3-yard and a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler. San Diego would immediately respond with RB Darren Sproles returning a kickoff 103-yard for a touchdown, yet the Broncos replied with kicker Matt Prater getting a 52-yard field goal. The Chargers would strike at Denver's lead as QB Philip Rivers completing a 48-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers, yet the Broncos would end the half with Cutler completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall.

In the third quarter, the 'Bolts began to rally as Rivers completed a 15-yard TD pass to Chambers, along with Kaeding nailing a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Diego took the lead with Kaeding's 28-yard field goal and Rivers’ 66-yard TD pass to Sproles. However, Denver responded with a 12-play, 80-yard drive (which included a second controversial officiating call that turned a game-winning fumble into an incomplete pass) that concluded with Cutler completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal, including Cutler's 2-point conversion pass to Royal.

Week 3: vs. New York Jets

Week 3: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	7	7	0	15	29
Chargers	10	21	7	10	48

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: September 22
• Game time: 5:40 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 68,922
• Referee: Peter Morelli
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser, Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber
• Box score

Game information

First quarter NYJ – David Barrett 25-yard interception return (Jay Feely kick), 11:27. Jets 7–0. SDG – Nate Kaeding 36-yard field goal, 5:40. Jets 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 5:47. SDG – Mike Tolbert 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:03. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, 1:54. Second quarter SDG – Antonio Cromartie 52-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 14:48. Chargers 17–7. NYJ – Laveranues Coles 3-yard pass from Brett Favre (Jay Feely kick), 13:50. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:58. SDG – Chris Chambers 27-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:17. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:33. SDG – Antonio Gates 6-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:17. Chargers 31–14. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:50. Third quarter SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:36. Chargers 38–14. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 4:24. Fourth quarter NYJ – Chansi Stuckey 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (run failed), 10:30. Chargers 38–20. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 5:28. NYJ – Jay Feely 32-yard field goal, 8:21. Chargers 38–23. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 2:09. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 2-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:55. Chargers 45–23. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:26. NYJ – Dustin Keller 13-yard pass from Brett Favre (pass failed), 3:09. Chargers 45–29. Drive: 2 plays, 19 yards, 0:46. SDG – Nate Kaeding 49-yard field goal, 2:03. Chargers 48–29. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:06. Top passers NYJ – Brett Favre – 30/42, 271 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT SDG – Philip Rivers – 19/25, 250 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers NYJ – Thomas Jones – 10 rushes, 37 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 26 rushes, 67 yards, 2 TD Top receivers NYJ – Jerricho Cotchery – 10 receptions, 76 yards SDG – Vincent Jackson – 3 receptions, 74 yards

Hoping to avoid an 0–3 start, the Chargers went home for a Week 3 Monday night duel with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Jets CB David Barrett returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown on QB Philip Rivers' first attempted pass of the game. The Chargers responded with kicker Nate Kaeding’s 36-yard field goal and a Rivers 1-yard TD pass to rookie FB Mike Tolbert. In the second quarter, the 'Bolts increased their lead as CB Antonio Cromartie returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown. New York tried to answer as QB Brett Favre completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Laveranues Coles, yet the Chargers replied with Rivers completing a 27-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers and a 6-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates.

In the third quarter, San Diego continued its march as RB LaDainian Tomlinson got a 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Jets tried to rally as Favre completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chansi Stuckey (with a failed 2-point conversion) and kicker Jay Feely got a 32-yard field goal. San Diego would answer with Tomlinson's 2-yard TD run. New York tried to make another rally as Favre completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Dustin Keller (with another failed 2-point conversion), yet the 'Bolts pulled away as Kaeding nailed a 49-yard field goal.

Week 4: at Oakland Raiders

Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	3	25	28
Raiders	5	10	0	3	18

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: September 28
• Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 78 °F or 25.6 °C (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 61,808
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz & Phil Simms
• Box score

Game information

First quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 22-yard field goal, 10:57. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 0:38. OAK – Safety, Gibril Wilson sacked Philip Rivers in end zone, 7:17. Raiders 5–0. Drive: 3 plays, 35 yards, 1:14. Second quarter OAK – Zach Miller 63-yard pass from JaMarcus Russell (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 11:22. Raiders 12–0. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 0:38. OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 28-yard field goal, 5:26. Raiders 15–0. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 0:38. Third quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 7:34. Raiders 15–3. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:09. Fourth quarter SDG – Antonio Gates 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 14:12. Raiders 15–10. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:55. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 13-yard run (Darren Sproles pass from Philip Rivers), 12:47. Chargers 18–15. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:55. OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 32-yard field goal, 2:47. Tied 18–18. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 0:38. SDG – Nate Kaeding 47-yard field goal, 1:51. Chargers 21–18. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:43. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 41-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:04. Chargers 28–18. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:55. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 14/25, 180 yards, TD, 2 INT OAK – JaMarcus Russell – 22/37, 277 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 20 rushes, 106 yards, 2 TD OAK – Michael Bush – 14 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers SDG – Antonio Gates – 5 receptions, 58 yards, TD OAK – Zach Miller – 5 receptions, 95 yards, TD

Coming off their home win over the Jets, the Chargers flew to Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 4 AFC West duel with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, the 'Bolts trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 22-yard field goal, along with safety Gibril Wilson sacking QB Philip Rivers in his endzone for a safety. In the second quarter, San Diego continued to trail as QB JaMarcus Russell completed a 63-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller, along with Janikowski's 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter the Chargers began to rally as kicker Nate Kaeding made a 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 'Bolts continued their rally as Rivers completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 13-yard TD run (with a successful 2-point conversion pass from Rivers to RB Darren Sproles). Oakland tried to respond as Janikowski got a 32-yard field goal, yet San Diego completed its comeback with Kaeding making a 47-yard field goal and Tomlinson rushing for a 41-yard TD run.

Through 15 games against a single opponent, LaDainian Tomlinson set a new record in touchdowns and yards against an opponent previously held by Barry Sanders, 1,763 yards, and Marcus Allen, 20 touchdowns, respectively, by totaling 1,815 yards and 21 touchdowns. In this game, Janikowski attempted and failed a 76-yard field goal.

Week 5: at Miami Dolphins

Week 5: San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	0	7	0	10
Dolphins	3	14	0	0	17

at Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: October 5
• Game time: 1:03 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 86 °F (30 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 65,063
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 34-yard field goal, 7:42. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 7:18. MIA – Dan Carpenter 47-yard field goal, 2:48. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:54. Second quarter MIA – Greg Camarillo 17-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Dan Carpenter kick), 5:25. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 5:13. MIA – Ronnie Brown 5-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 0:41. Dolphins 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 3:40. Third quarter SDG – Chris Chambers 17-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:13. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:52. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 13/28, 159 yards, TD MIA – Chad Pennington – 22/29, 228 yards, TD Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 12 rushes, 35 yards MIA – Ronnie Brown – 24 rushes, 125 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Vincent Jackson – 2 receptions, 56 yards MIA – Greg Camarillo – 6 receptions, 68 yards, TD

Coming off their divisional road win over the Raiders, the Chargers flew to Dolphin Stadium for a Week 5 duel with the Miami Dolphins. In the first quarter, the 'Bolts struck first with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 34-yard field goal. The Dolphins would respond with kicker Dan Carpenter nailing a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Miami took the lead as QB Chad Pennington completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Greg Camarillo, along with RB Ronnie Brown getting a 5-yard TD run. In the third quarter, San Diego tried to rally as QB Philip Rivers completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers (a former Dolphin). However, Miami's defense prevented the 'Bolts from striking again.

Week 6: vs. New England Patriots

Week 6: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	3	0	7	10
Chargers	10	7	10	3	30

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: October 12
• Game time: 5:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 69 °F or 20.6 °C (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 68,704
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), & Andrea Kremer (sideline reporter)
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 25-yard field goal, 10:41. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:19. SDG – Malcom Floyd 49-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:58. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:55. Second quarter NE – Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard field goal, 7:13. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 3:30. SDG – Vincent Jackson 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:07. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:15. Third quarter SDG – Antonio Gates 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:07. Chargers 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 98 yards, 2:05. SDG – Nate Kaeding 35-yard field goal, 4:20. Chargers 27–3. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:35. Fourth quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal, 10:50. Chargers 30–3. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:50. NE – Sammy Morris 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:18. Chargers 30–10. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:41. Top passers NE – Matt Cassel – 22/38, 203 yards, INT SDG – Philip Rivers – 18/27, 306 yards, 3 TD Top rushers NE – Kevin Faulk – 8 rushes, 48 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 20 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers NE – Wes Welker – 9 receptions, 73 yards SDG – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 134 yards, TD

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Dolphins, the Chargers went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and played a Week 6 Sunday night duel with the New England Patriots, in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game.

In the first quarter, the 'Bolts struck first as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 25-yard field goal, along with QB Philip Rivers completing a 49-yard TD pass to WR Malcom Floyd. In the second quarter, the Patriots got on the board as kicker Stephen Gostkowski got a 47-yard field goal. San Diego closed out the half with Rivers completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson.

In the third quarter, the Chargers continued its victory march as Rivers completed a 1-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, along with Kaeding kicking a 35-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the 'Bolts closed out the night with Kaeding nailing a 35-yard field goal. New England would respond with RB Sammy Morris getting a 1-yard TD run, yet San Diego was too much for them.

Week 7: at Buffalo Bills

Week 7: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	0	7	0	14
Bills	3	10	7	3	23

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: October 7
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 51 °F or 10.6 °C (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 71,602
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Box score

Game information

First quarter BUF – Rian Lindell 38-yard field goal, 6:46. Bills 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:44. SDG – Malcom Floyd 14-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:21. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 6:25. Second quarter BUF – Lee Evans 2-yard pass from Trent Edwards (Rian Lindell kick), 5:20. Bills 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 4:05. BUF – Rian Lindell 27-yard field goal, 0:16. Bills 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 3:17. Third quarter SDG – Vincent Jackson 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:28. Chargers 14–13. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:17. BUF – Marshawn Lynch 9-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 0:33. Bills 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 5:55. Fourth quarter BUF – Rian Lindell 44-yard field goal, 3:17. Bills 23–14. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 2:48. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 22/29, 208 yards, 2 TD, INT BUF – Trent Edwards – 25/30, 261 yards, TD Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 14 rushes, 41 yards BUF – Marshawn Lynch – 19 rushes, 70 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Malcom Floyd – 4 receptions, 65 yards, TD BUF – Lee Evans – 8 receptions, 89 yards, TD

Week 8: at New Orleans Saints

Week 8: San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	14	3	12	32
Saints	3	20	7	7	37

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

• Date: October 26
• Game time: 5:00 p.m. GMT
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C) (Mostly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 83,226
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Box score

Game information

First quarter NO – Taylor Mehlhaff 23-yard field goal, 6:34. Saints 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 8:26. SDG – Nate Kaeding 33-yard field goal, 3:30. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:04. Second quarter NO – Devery Henderson 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (kick failed), 11:02. Saints 9–3. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 4:06. NO – Deuce McAllister 1-yard run (Taylor Mehlhaff kick), 8:52. Saints 16–3. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:00. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:35. Saints 16–10. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:17. NO – Lance Moore 30-yard pass from Drew Brees (Taylor Mehlhaff kick), 3:29. Saints 23–10. Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 2:06. SDG – Antonio Gates 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:08. Saints 23–17. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:21. Third quarter NO – Mark Campbell 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Taylor Mehlhaff kick), 10:15. Saints 30–17. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 3:43. SDG – Nate Kaeding 24-yard field goal, 3:25. Saints 30–20. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:50. Fourth quarter NO – Mike Karney 1-yard run (Taylor Mehlhaff kick), 14:49. Saints 37–20. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:36. SDG – Nate Kaeding 31-yard field goal, 9:35. Saints 37–23. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:14. SDG – Vincent Jackson 14-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:21. Saints 37–30. Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:14. SDG – Safety, Drew Brees fumbled out of end zone, 0:08. Saints 37–32. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 25/40, 341 yards, 3 TD, INT NO – Drew Brees – 30/41, 339 yards, 3 TD Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 19 rushes, 105 yards NO – Deuce McAllister – 18 rushes, 55 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD NO – Lance Moore – 6 receptions, 90 yards, TD

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bills, the Chargers flew to Wembley Stadium for the 2008 International Series game with the New Orleans Saints.

In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as kicker Taylor Mehlhaff got a 23-yard field goal. The 'Bolts would respond with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, New Orleans regained the lead as QB Drew Brees (a former Charger) completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Devery Henderson (with a failed PAT) and RB Deuce McAllister getting a 1-yard TD run. San Diego answered as QB Philip Rivers completed a 12-yard TD pass to RB LaDainian Tomlinson, but the Saints replied with Brees completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore. The Chargers closed out the half with Rivers completing a 12-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates.

In the third quarter, New Orleans increased its lead Brees completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Mark Campbell, after a very controversial pass interference call on cornerback Cletis Gordon put the Saints on the 1-yard line. The 'Bolts would answer with Kaeding getting a 24-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints continued to build its lead as FB Mike Karney got a 1-yard TD run. San Diego tried to rally as Kaeding nailed a 31-yard field goal, Rivers completed a 14-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson, and Brees giving the 'Bolts a safety via an incomplete pass thrown into the back of his own endzone. However, New Orleans’ defense stiffened for the win.

Week 10: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	6	0	6	19
Chargers	0	6	7	7	20

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: October 26
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C) (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 67,510
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker
• Box score

Game information

First quarter KAN – Mark Bradley 30-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen (Connor Barth kick), 3:15. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:41. Second quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 34-yard field goal, 14:03. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:41. SDG – Nate Kaeding 26-yard field goal, 6:47. Chiefs 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:20. KAN – Tony Gonzalez 34-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen (pass failed), 3:11. Chiefs 13–6. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:55. Third quarter SDG – Malcom Floyd 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:43. Tied 13–13. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:20. Fourth quarter SDG – Antonio Gates 8-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:55. Chargers 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:20. KAN – Tony Gonzalez 3-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen (pass failed), 0:23. Chargers 20–19. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:55. Top passers KAN – Tyler Thigpen – 27/41, 266 yards, 3 TD SDG – Philip Rivers – 27/36, 316 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers KAN – Dantrell Savage – 12 rushes, 44 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 22 rushes, 78 yards Top receivers KAN – Tony Gonzalez – 10 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TD SDG – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 83 yards

Shawne Merriman participates in the Chargers’ pregame huddle at Kansas City, week 10

Coming off their bye week, the Chargers went home for a Week 10 AFC West duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen completed a 30-yard TD pass to WR Mark Bradley. In the second quarter, the 'Bolts got on the board as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 34-yard and a 26-yard field goal. Kansas City would close out the half as Thigpen completed a 34-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez (with a failed 2-point conversion).

In the third quarter, the Chargers tied the game as QB Philip Rivers completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Malcom Floyd. In the fourth quarter, San Diego took the lead as Rivers completed an 8-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Chiefs tried to rally as Thigpen completed a 3-yard TD pass to Gonzalez after a controversial pass interference call on safety Clinton Hart. Fortunately, the Chargers’ defense stopped both the 2-point conversion and the ensuing onside kick to preserve their much-needed victory.

Week 11: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 11: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	0	0	3	10
Steelers	0	5	3	3	11

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: November 16
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C) (Snowy)
• Game attendance: 62,051
• Referee: Scott Green
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:46. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:30. Second quarter PIT – Safety, Marcus McNeill tackled in the end zone by James Harrison, 14:46. Chargers 7–2. PIT – Jeff Reed 21-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 7–5. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 1:23. Third quarter PIT – Jeff Reed 41-yard field goal, 8:41. Steelers 8–7. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 6:19. SDG – Nate Kaeding 22-yard field goal, 6:41. Chargers 10–8. Drive: 17 plays, 78 yards, 7:34. Fourth quarter PIT – Jeff Reed 32-yard field goal, 0:11. Steelers 11–10. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:30. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 15/26, 164 yards, 2 INT PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 31/41, 308 yards Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 18 rushes, 57 yards, TD PIT – Willie Parker – 25 rushes, 115 yards Top receivers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 3 receptions, 45 yards PIT – Hines Ward – 11 receptions, 124 yards

Coming off their divisional home win over the Chiefs, the Chargers flew to Heinz Field for a Week 11 duel with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first quarter, the 'Bolts struck first as RB LaDainian Tomlinson got a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Steelers slowly responded as LB James Harrison forced a fumble from QB Philip Rivers in his own endzone, which was picked up by OT Marcus McNeill, who got tackled by Harrison in the endzone for a safety. Pittsburgh would end the half as kicker Jeff Reed got a 21-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Steelers took the lead as Reed made a 22-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Diego regained the lead as kicker Nate Kaeding made a 22-yard field goal. However, Pittsburgh got the lead as Reed nailed a 32-yard field goal.

Week 12: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 12: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	3	7	7	6	23
Chargers	0	10	0	10	20

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 23
• Game time: 5:20 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C) (Clear)
• Game attendance: 68,428
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator), and Andrea Kremer (field reporter)
• Box score

Game information

First quarter IND – Adam Vinatieri 23-yard field goal, 1:42. Colts 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 5:40. Second quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 35-yard field goal, 11:43. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:59. SDG – Vincent Jackson 39-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:56. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 89 yards, 4:35. IND – Anthony Gonzalez 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:38. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:18. Third quarter IND – Dominic Rhodes 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), 3:51. Colts 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 7:10. Fourth quarter IND – Adam Vinatieri 38-yard field goal, 11:48. Colts 20–10. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 4:10. SDG – Jacob Hester 1-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:36. Colts 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 6:12. SDG – Nate Kaeding 47-yard field goal, 1:30. Tied 20–20. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 1:45. IND – Adam Vinatieri 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 1:30. Top passers IND – Peyton Manning – 32/44, 255 yards, 2 TD, INT SDG – Philip Rivers – 24/31, 288 yards, 2 TD Top rushers IND – Joseph Addai – 16 rushes, 70 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 21 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers IND – Anthony Gonzalez – 6 receptions, 95 yards, TD SDG – Chris Chambers – 6 receptions, 61 yards

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Steelers, the Chargers went home for a Week 12 Sunday Night game with the Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri made a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 'Bolts took the lead as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 35-yard field goal, while QB Philip Rivers completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson. Indianapolis would tie the game with QB Peyton Manning completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Anthony Gonzalez.

In the third quarter, the Colts took the lead with Manning's 1-yard TD pass to RB Dominic Rhodes. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis increased their lead as Vinatieri got a 38-yard field goal. San Diego would rally to tie the game as Rivers completed a 1-yard TD pass to rookie FB Jacob Hester, while Kaeding made a 47-yard field goal. However, the Colts came out on top as Vinatieri nailed the game-winning 51-yard field goal.

Week 13: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 13: Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	6	9	0	7	22
Chargers	7	0	6	3	16

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

• Date: November 30
• Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 67,200
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV announcers (FOX): Matt Vasgersian, J. C. Pearson and Nischelle Turner
• Box score

Game information

First quarter ATL – Jason Elam 35-yard field goal, 5:56. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 4:24. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:41. Chargers 7–3. Drive: 4 plays, 20 yards, 1:28. ATL – Jason Elam 40-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 1:41. Second quarter ATL – Justin Peelle 18-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Jason Elam kick), 9:24. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:31. ATL – Safety, Philip Rivers penalized for intentional grounding in end zone, 7:54. Falcons 15–7. Third quarter SDG – Eric Weddle 86-yard defensive fumble return (run failed), 12:08. Falcons 15–13. Fourth quarter ATL – Harry Douglas 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Jason Elam kick), 14:56. Falcons 22–13. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 5:46. SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 5:15. Falcons 22–16. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 3:50. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 17/23, 207 yards, 2 TD SDG – Philip Rivers – 17/30, 149 yards Top rushers ATL – Michael Turner – 31 rushes, 120 yards SDG – Jacob Hester – 1 rush, 28 yards Top receivers ATL – Roddy White – 6 receptions, 112 yards SDG – Malcom Floyd – 5 receptions, 59 yards

Hoping to rebound from their last-second loss to the Colts, the Chargers stayed at home for a Week 13 interconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons. In the first quarter, San Diego trailed early as Falcons kicker Jason Elam got a 35-yard field goal. The 'Bolts would strike back as RB LaDainian Tomlinson got a 3-yard TD run (which was his 136th career TD, tying him with Marshall Faulk for fifth all-time). Atlanta answered with Elam making a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Falcons took the lead as QB Matt Ryan completed an 18-yard TD pass to former Chargers TE Justin Peelle, along with Atlanta's defense forcing QB Philip Rivers to commit intentional grounding from his own endzone, giving the Falcons a safety.

In the third quarter, San Diego began to charge back as safety Eric Weddle returned a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown (with a failed two-point conversion). In the fourth quarter, Atlanta began to pull away as Ryan completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Harry Douglas. The Chargers tried to come back as kicker Nate Kaeding nailed a 28-yard field goal. However, the Falcons’ defense prevented any possible comeback.

Week 14: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 14: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	7	0	0	7
Chargers	10	17	0	7	34

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: December 4
• Game time: 5:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C) (Clear)
• Game attendance: 68,097
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (NFLN): Bob Papa and Cris Collinsworth
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 20-yard field goal, 11:47. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:13. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:43. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:24. Second quarter SDG – Darren Sproles 8-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:58. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 96 yards, 8:29. SDG – Vincent Jackson 59-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:02. Chargers 24–0. Drive: 3 plays, 63 yards, 0:49. SDG – Nate Kaeding 39-yard field goal, 0:23. Chargers 27–0. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 1:19. OAK – Justin Miller 92-yard kickoff return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:10. Chargers 27–7. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter SDG – Darren Sproles 18-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:19. Chargers 34–7. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:50. Top passers OAK – JaMarcus Russell – 9/13, 68 yards, 2 INT SDG – Philip Rivers – 10/22, 214 yards, 3 TD Top rushers OAK – Justin Fargas – 12 rushes, 50 yards SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 25 rushes, 91 yards, TD Top receivers OAK – Zach Miller – 8 receptions, 54 yards SDG – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 148 yards, TD

Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Chargers stayed at home, donned their alternate uniforms again, and played a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, the 'Bolts struck first as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 20-yard field goal, along with RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 3-yard TD run. In the second quarter, San Diego increased their lead as QB Philip Rivers completed an 8-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles and a 59-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson, while Kaeding made a 39-yard field goal. Oakland would close out the half with CB Justin Miller returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. After a scoreless third quarter, the 'Bolts pulled away in the fourth quarter as Rivers hooked up with Sproles again on an 18-yard TD pass.

Week 15: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 15: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	3	7	12	22
Chiefs	7	7	7	0	21

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: December 14
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 36 °F (2 °C) (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 72,842
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
• Box score

Game information

First quarter KAN – Tony Gonzalez 4-yard pass from Larry Johnson (Connor Barth kick), 4:59. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 96 yards, 7:56. Second quarter KAN – Dwayne Bowe 1-yard pass from Tyler Thigpen (Connor Barth kick), 2:53. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:09. SDG – Nate Kaeding 25-yard field goal, 0:11. Chiefs 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 2:42. Third quarter KAN – Tyler Thigpen 3-yard run (Connor Barth kick), 12:35. Chiefs 21–3. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:04. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:29. Chiefs 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:06. Fourth quarter SDG – Malcom Floyd 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (pass failed), 1:13. Chiefs 21–16. Drive: 15 plays, 89 yards, 3:42. SDG – Vincent Jackson 10-yard pass from Philip Rivers (pass failed), 0:36. Chargers 22–21. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 0:37. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 34/48, 346 yards, 2 TD, INT KAN – Tyler Thigpen – 19/28, 171 yards, TD, INT Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 15 rushes, 39 yards, TD KAN – Larry Johnson – 17 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers SDG – Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 89 yards, TD KAN – Tony Gonzalez – 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD

Hoping to get a second straight win and stay alive for the playoffs, the Chargers went to Kansas City for a divisional road game vs. the Chiefs. The 'Bolts trailed early as RB Larry Johnson threw a 4-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. The Chiefs extended the lead to 14–0 when QB Tyler Thigpen completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe. The 'Bolts closed out the half with Nate Kaeding getting a 32-yard field goal. The Chiefs started the second half by Thigpen scrambling for a 3-yard TD. The Chargers started to rally as RB LaDainian Tomlinson ran for a 6-yard touchdown, while QB Philip Rivers completed a 4-yard TD pass to Malcom Floyd (with a failed 2-pt conversion) with 1:19 left in the game. The 'Bolts recovered the onside kick and Rivers threw a 10-yard TD to WR Vincent Jackson with 40 seconds left (with another failed 2-pt try) to take a 22–21 lead. The Chiefs’ only answer was kicker Connor Barth's 50-yard field goal try sailing wide left as time expired.

• 
  Action in the week 15 clash
• 
  The Chiefs’ defense takes on the Chargers offense
• 
  A passing play by Kansas City
• 
  Empty seats at Arrowhead Stadium

Week 16: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	13	0	21	41
Buccaneers	7	3	14	0	24

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: December 21
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C), relative humidity 82%, wind 10 mph
• Game attendance: 64,778
• Referee: Peter Morelli
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Brandon Manumaleuna 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:04. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:56. TB – B. J. Askew 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 2:39. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 2:25. Second quarter SDG – Antonio Gates 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 13:26. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:13. SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 5:32. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:13. TB – Matt Bryant 49-yard field goal, 0:17. Chargers 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 1:39. SDG – Nate Kaeding 57-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 25 yards, 0:17. Third quarter TB – Jeff Garcia 7-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:41. Chargers 20–17. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:19. TB – Antonio Bryant 71-yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Matt Bryant kick), 5:05. Buccaneers 24–20. Drive: 3 plays, 82 yards, 1:15. Fourth quarter SDG – Antonio Gates 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 14:53. Chargers 27–24. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:12. SDG – Darren Sproles 32-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:18. Chargers 34–24. Drive: 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:06. SDG – Antoine Cason 59-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:00. Chargers 41–24. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/31, 287 yards, 4 TD TB – Jeff Garcia – 21/34, 232 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 21 rushes, 90 yards TB – Jeff Garcia – 6 rushes, 45 yards, TD Top receivers SDG – Vincent Jackson – 7 receptions, 111 yards TB – Antonio Bryant – 6 receptions, 127 yards, TD

Coming off their season-sweep of the Chiefs, the Chargers flew to Raymond James Stadium for a Week 16 interconference duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, San Diego struck first as quarterback Philip Rivers completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. The Buccaneers would respond with fullback B.J. Askew getting a 1-yard touchdown run. The Chargers would answer in the second quarter Rivers completing a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates, followed by kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 28-yard field goal. Tampa Bay would answer with kicker Matt Bryant getting a 49-yard field goal. San Diego would close out the first half with Kaeding's 57-yard field goal.

The Buccaneers would take the lead in the third quarter with quarterback Jeff Garcia getting a 7-yard touchdown run and completing a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Bryant. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, the Chargers rallied to victory with Rivers completing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Gates and a 32-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles, followed by cornerback Antoine Cason returning an interception 59 yards for a touchdown.

Week 17: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 17: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	6	0	7	8	21
Chargers	10	14	14	14	52

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: December 28
• Game time: 5:23 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), relative humidity 46%, wind 8 mph
• Game attendance: 69,131
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden, and Andrea Kremer
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 11:41. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:19. DEN – Tatum Bell 26-yard run (kick failed), 7:36. Broncos 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:05. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:52. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 4:44. Second quarter SDG – Brandon Manumaleuna 12-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:30. Chargers 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:12. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 4-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:32. Chargers 24–6. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 6:10. Third quarter DEN – Tatum Bell 37-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 12:47. Chargers 24–13. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 2:13. SDG – Darren Sproles 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:59. Chargers 31–13. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:48. SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 14-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:41. Chargers 38–13. Drive: 1 play, 14 yards, 0:07. Fourth quarter DEN – Tony Scheffler 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Jay Cutler run), 13:01. Chargers 38–21. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:49. SDG – Darren Sproles 2-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:47. Chargers 45–21. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 3:14. SDG – Jacob Hester 4-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:15. Chargers 52–21. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 7:03. Top passers DEN – Jay Cutler – 33/49, 316 yards, TD, 2 INT SDG – Philip Rivers – 15/20, 207 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers DEN – Tatum Bell – 8 rushes, 86 yards, 2 TD SDG – Darren Sproles – 14 rushes, 115 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Eddie Royal – 11 receptions, 76 yards SDG – Chris Chambers – 3 receptions, 50 yards

Coming off their road win over the Buccaneers, the Chargers went home for a crucial Week 17 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos, with the division crown on the line.

In the first quarter, San Diego struck first as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 28-yard field goal. The Broncos would respond with running back Tatum Bell getting a 26-yard touchdown run (with a failed PAT), yet the Chargers answered with running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s 1-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, San Diego would jump out to a big lead as quarterback Philip Rivers completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, followed by Tomlinson's 4-yard touchdown run.

Denver would try to rally in the third quarter as Bell got a 37-yard touchdown run, yet the Chargers struck back with Rivers completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles, followed by a 14-yard touchdown run by Tomlinson. The Broncos would try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler (followed by Cutler's 2-point conversion run), yet San Diego pulled away with Sproles’ 2-yard touchdown run and ending with rookie fullback Jacob Hester’s 4-yard touchdown run.

With the win, not only did the Chargers finish their season at 8–8, but they also won the AFC West title and clinched the AFC's #4 seed.

Standings

AFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(4) San Diego Chargers	8	8	0	.500	5–1	7–5	439	347	W4
Denver Broncos	8	8	0	.500	3–3	5–7	370	448	L3
Oakland Raiders	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	263	388	W2
Kansas City Chiefs	2	14	0	.125	2–4	2–10	291	440	L4

Conference standings

AFC
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	Tennessee Titans	South	13	3	0	.813	4–2	9–3	.459	.425	L1
2	Pittsburgh Steelers	North	12	4	0	.750	6–0	10–2	.525	.458	W1
3	Miami Dolphins	East	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	.461	.398	W5
4	San Diego Chargers	West	8	8	0	.500	5–1	7–5	.516	.398	W4
Wild Cards
5	Indianapolis Colts	South	12	4	0	.750	4–2	10–2	.498	.492	W9
6	Baltimore Ravens	North	11	5	0	.688	4–2	8–4	.521	.412	W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7	New England Patriots	East	11	5	0	.688	4–2	7–5	.480	.403	W4
8	New York Jets	East	9	7	0	.563	4–2	7–5	.471	.462	L2
9	Houston Texans	South	8	8	0	.500	2–4	5–7	.518	.410	W1
10	Denver Broncos	West	8	8	0	.500	3–3	5–7	.457	.438	L3
11	Buffalo Bills	East	7	9	0	.438	0–6	5–7	.453	.304	L1
12	Oakland Raiders	West	5	11	0	.313	2–4	4–8	.520	.450	W2
13	Jacksonville Jaguars	South	5	11	0	.313	2–4	3–9	.537	.425	L2
14	Cincinnati Bengals	North	4	11	1	.281	1–5	3–9	.553	.297	W3
15	Cleveland Browns	North	4	12	0	.250	1–5	3–9	.572	.445	L6
16	Kansas City Chiefs	West	2	14	0	.125	2–4	2–10	.537	.406	L4
Tiebreakers

Postseason

Main article: 2008–09 NFL playoffs

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
Wildcard	January 3, 2009	Indianapolis Colts (5)	W 23–17 (OT)	1–0	Qualcomm Stadium	Recap
Divisional	January 13, 2009	at Pittsburgh Steelers (2)	L 24–35	1–1	Heinz Field	Recap

Game summaries

AFC wildcard playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts

AFC wildcard playoffs: (#5) Indianapolis Colts at (#4) San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Colts	7	3	7	0	0	17
Chargers	0	14	0	3	6	23

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: January 3
• Game time: 5:08 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), relative humidity 77%, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
• Game attendance: 68,082
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden, and Andrea Kremer
• Box score

Game information

First quarter IND – Joseph Addai 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:59. Colts 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 5:02. Second quarter SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:15. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 2:18. IND – Adam Vinatieri 43-yard field goal, 6:46. Colts 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 3:29. SDG – Darren Sproles 9-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:42. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:19. Third quarter IND – Reggie Wayne 72-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), 8:10. Colts 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 1:32. Fourth quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 26-yard field goal, 0:31. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 1:15. Overtime SDG – Darren Sproles 22-yard run, 8:40. Chargers 23–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:20. Top passers IND – Peyton Manning – 25/42, 310 yards, TD SDG – Philip Rivers – 20/36, 217 yards, INT Top rushers IND – Joseph Addai – 16 rushes, 44 yards, TD SDG – Darren Sproles – 22 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD Top receivers IND – Reggie Wayne – 4 receptions, 129 yards, TD SDG – Antonio Gates – 8 receptions, 87 yards

Entering the postseason as the AFC's fourth seed, the Chargers began their playoff run at home in the AFC Wild Card round against the #5 Indianapolis Colts, in a rematch of their Week 12 contest. San Diego trailed in the first quarter after Colts running back Joseph Addai got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Chargers responded in the second quarter as running back LaDainian Tomlinson got a 3-yard touchdown run. Indianapolis answered with a 43-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri, yet San Diego got the halftime lead with running back Darren Sproles' 9-yard touchdown run.

The Colts took the lead in the third quarter when quarterback Peyton Manning hiked the ball while the Chargers weren't paying attention and completed a 72-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne, but then San Diego tied the game in the fourth quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding nailed a 26-yard field goal. In overtime, the Chargers delivered the final strike as Sproles got the game-winning 22-yard touchdown run.

AFC divisional playoffs: at Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC divisional playoffs: (#4) San Diego Chargers at (#2) Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	3	0	14	24
Steelers	7	7	7	14	35

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

• Date: January 11
• Game time: 4:45 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 26 °F (−3 °C) (Light Snow)
• Game attendance: 63,899
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SDG – Vincent Jackson 41-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:59. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:01. PIT – Santonio Holmes 67-yard punt return (Jeff Reed kick), 7:41. Tied 7–7. Second quarter SDG – Nate Kaeding 42-yard field goal, 1:56. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:09. PIT – Willie Parker 3-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), 0:40. Steelers 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 1:16. Third quarter PIT – Heath Miller 8-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick), 7:04. Steelers 21–10. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:56. Fourth quarter PIT – Gary Russell 1-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), 12:52. Steelers 28–10. Drive: 2 plays, 49 yards, 0:49. SDG – Legedu Naanee 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:09. Steelers 28–17. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 3:43. PIT – Willie Parker 16-yard run (Jeff Reed kick), 4:11. Steelers 35–17. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:58. SDG – Darren Sproles 62-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:53. Steelers 35–24. Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 0:50. Top passers SDG – Philip Rivers – 21/35, 308 yards, 3 TD, INT PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 17/26, 181 yards, TD Top rushers SDG – Darren Sproles – 11 rushes, 15 yards PIT – Willie Parker – 27 rushes, 146 yards, 2 TD Top receivers SDG – Darren Sproles – 5 receptions, 91 yards, TD PIT – Hines Ward – 4 receptions, 70 yards

Coming off their impressive wild card home win over the Colts, the Chargers flew to Heinz Field for their AFC Divisional round duel with the #2 Pittsburgh Steelers, in a rematch of their Week 11 contest.

San Diego got off to a fast start in the first quarter as quarterback Philip Rivers completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson. The Steelers responded with wide receiver Santonio Holmes returning a punt 67 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers answered in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding got a 42-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh struck back with running back Willie Parker’s 3-yard touchdown run.

The Steelers would add to their lead in the third quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller. The San Diego Chargers ran exactly one offensive play in the third quarter, which resulted in a Philip Rivers interception off a deflection. In the fourth quarter, San Diego tried to rally as Rivers completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Legedu Naanee, but Pittsburgh answered with Parker's 16-yard touchdown run. The Chargers tried to come back as Rivers completed a 62-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles, but San Diego's onside kick attempt failed, allowing the Steelers to seal the win.