Entering the fourth quarter, the Giants trailed 14-7. Then, they got hot. Lawrence Tynes hit two field goals and Eli Manning had a TD strike to tight end Kevin Boss. But with 21 seconds remaining in the game, Philip Rivers connected with Vincent Jackson to give the Chargers the the one-point win.

On the game, Rivers had three touchdown passes — two of which went to Jackson. Manning had two touchdown passes — one to Boss and one to Steve Smith.

While the Giants are plummeting, the Chargers are playing extremely well. They’ve won three straight games. Although LaDainian Tomlinson appears to be a shadow of his former self, the rest of the team is coming together nicely — especially the defense.

Next week, the Giants take on the Atlanta Falcons while the Chargers take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eli Manning and the Giants are struggling (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Giants Lose Again, This Time to Chargers

In the first quarter, Royal put the Broncos up 7-3 by returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Royal gave his team a 17-10 lead after returning a punt 71 yards for a touchdown.

In the second half, the Chargers built a 23-17 lead with less than eight minutes to remain in the third quarter. But the Broncos then clamped down on defense and scored the final 17 points of the game to win by a final score of 34-23.

With the win, the surprising Broncos are 6-0. Few experts thought the Broncos would make the playoffs — much less be undefeated after six weeks.

For the Chargers, it was another disappointing loss. San Diego is only 2-3 and they seem to be headed to yet another disappointing season.

Eddie Royal - Denver Broncos

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Eddie Royal Runs Broncos Past Chargers

While a protective boot usually signals a serious injury, Tomlinson doesn’t sound too concerned.

“I’ve had it before,” explained Tomlinson. “It’s very common.”

Last season, Tomlinson rushed for 1,110 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He also had 52 receptions for 426 yards and a touchdown.

In Week 1 against the Raiders, the 30-year-old running back rushed 13 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. At the end of the game, Tomlinson was forced to watch the game from the sidelines. In his pace, backup running back Darren Sproles scored the game’s winning touchdown.

Keep an eye on whether Tomlinson will practice prior to Week 2. As it sounds now, he thinks he’s going to play. If Tomlinson doesn’t, Sproles would be the starter.

LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers

Post from: EveryJoe

LaDainian Tomlinson Injury Update

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the reigning Super Bowl champions and did nothing in the offseason to hurt their chances. As long as this team stays healthy and focus, sky is the limit.

2. New England Patriots
Another season, another very good year forthcoming for the Patriots. Tom Brady is back and both sides of the ball are very strong. As long as the offense finds a running back, they should flow.

3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had a lot of offseason losses but Peyton Manning is still around and he’ll make sure that this team stays on course. This is the year where Reggie Wayne could emerge as a superstar.

4. New York Giants
Eli Manning has a giant contract to go along with a Super Bowl championship ring. However, without Plaxico Burress, Manning is going to have to find a new favorite target.

5. San Diego Chargers
This season, the Chargers are either going to boom or bust. Their fate will depend a lot of LaDainian Tomlinson and the overall health of their defensive unit.

Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

NFL Power Rankings – August Edition

Rodney Harrison of the Patriots to Retire? (Image: Zuma Press)

The 36-year-old safety had a very successful run since he broke into the league with the San Diego Chargers in 1994. After playing with the Chargers until 2002, he joined the Patriots. Throughout his career, he was a physical player who was never afraid of pushing the rules to their limits. While some said Harrison was a dirty player, no one said that he didn’t play hard. And while he probably won’t make the Hall of Fame, he’ll at the very least go down as a memorable player.

The Patriots will miss him but it might end up better for New England in the long run. Since 2005, Harrison hasn’t been able to play more than 12 games in a season. With injuries slowing him down, he was no longer a dependable asset.

Post from: EveryJoe

Rodney Harrison Planning to Retire?

The 38-year-old Neal has 17 years of experience in the NFL. Last season, he played for the Baltimore Ravens. In the previous five seasons, Neal blocked for LaDainian Tomlinson while with the San Diego Chargers. Other stops in his career include the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Neal has been amazing consistent in his career. In the last 15 seasons, Neal has played in all 16 games each year — except for missing three games while with the Chargers in 2007. Although he hasn’t gotten many carries in his career, he’s a great lead blocker who can open gaping holes for running backs.

In Oakland, Neal will be blocking for the three-headed backfield of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas. Don’t be surprised if the 38-year-old can find enough gas in his tank to lead the way to another successful running attack.

Lorenzo Neal, Oakland Raiders (Image: Flickr)

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Oakland Raiders Add Fullback Lorenzo Neal

3. Minnesota Vikings
Outside of Adrian Peterson, the Vikings don’t really scare many teams. Their quarterback play is iffy to say the least and their defense is overrated. Even though they are going up against the 9-6-1 Eagles in the first round, they will be shown the door.

2. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers made the playoffs despite being 8-8. That tells almost the entire story. LaDainian Tomlinson is a shell of his former self and their defense is horrible. The only reason they made the playoffs was due to a massive choke job by the Denver Broncos.

1. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals don’t see the playoffs very often. This year, they better enjoy their opening game because that is all they will see. The Cardinals have been playing horrible football as of late and should lose in the first round to the Atlanta Falcons.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Worst 2008 NFL Playoff Teams

Norv Turner is the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. The man who took over the reigns after Marty Schottenheimer and his 14-2 regular season record. But hey Marty, if you can’t win the big game 14-2 means nothing. But we aren’t here to discuss you. Back to Norv.

He started the season off on a slow start with the Chargers but ended the regular season at 11-5. The Chargers then beat the Tennessee Titans and the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts on the road. But then lost in the AFC championship game to the then undefeated New England Patriots. Not bad for his first year, right? Let’s just see if he can repeat.

Post from: EveryJoe

Coaching Approval Ratings: Norv Turner