Chargers Win First Playoff Game in 13 Years

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

It had been 13 years since the San Diego Chargers won a playoff game. Lucky 13 as it turns out. After sleepwalking through the first half of their Wild Card game against the Tennessee Titans this afternoon, the Bolts scored 17 unanswered points to win 17-6. The playoff win was a long time coming for running back LaDainian Tomlinson, too. I can’t believe LT’s been in the league seven years already, but he ended his own postseason frustration as well despite being bottled up (21 carries for 42 yards) by a typically aggressive Titans defense:

“It didn’t come easy, but I tell you, I’m just happy to get that first one. It’s a relief, but at the same time, it’s not like we’re saying, ‘OK, we won a playoff game, so let’s get ready to lose,’ you know what I mean? I’m already thinking about next week and how tough of a game we’re going to have going to Indianapolis, facing the champs.”

Credit the Chargers for pulling themselves together and making plays when they had to because the Titans’ game plan was to erase LT. And they pretty much did just that. I would’ve done the same thing. If the San Diego Chargers are going to beat you, don’t let LT be the one to do it. That’s my thinking. The Titans challenged QB Phillip Rivers to beat them and with the help of his top two wideouts, Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, he did just that. And this was no dink and dunk West Coast affair. Phillip had six completions over 20 yards and both Vincent (five catches for 114 yards) and Chris (six catches for 121 yards) had big-time games when they knew they had to step up for LT’s coverage and TE Antonio Gates who left the game in the first half with a foot injury.

This playoff win will go a long way for boosting Phillip Rivers’ confidence. And the Chargers know they don’t need to rely on LT for every win. That makes San Diego a dangerous team.