Chargers Finally Turn the Corner
Vinnie Iyer - SportingNews.com
Dec 23, 2009
Who's the team to beat in the AFC? Clifton Brown picks the Colts, but Vinnie Iyer says it's the Chargers.
There's no question the Colts have been the AFC's most dominant team during the regular season, and their unblemished 14-0 mark proves that. The San Diego Chargers, however, are the AFC team best equipped to survive and advance to Super Bowl from the short, grueling stretch that is the playoffs.
Once San Diego got past some early stumbles against three playoff-caliber opponents -- Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Denver -- the team has been locked in at Indianapolis' level for months.
Let's look at the numbers. The Chargers have scored only five fewer points than the Colts. Philip Rivers has the AFC's highest passer rating (102.8), a notch ahead of Peyton Manning. Both teams are plus-7 in turnover margin.
The statistical differences are also negligible when it comes down to rushing offense, pass defense, sacks, run defense and total defense. So if the teams are playing the same brand of football, just why is San Diego, with three more losses, the team to beat in the AFC?
It's simple: Recent history not only shows the Chargers have had the Colts' number, but as a more confident and more explosive offensive team they should feel strong about their chances to maintain that trend.
The teams have played four times over the previous two years, with San Diego winning three. The Chargers have been responsible for Indianapolis' past two playoff exits, coming through in close games.
Now that his team has clinched the AFC West, running back LaDainian Tomlinson knows the Chargers must stay sharp and focused with a matchup with the perfect Colts looming in January.
"It's yet to be seen how good we really are," he told reporters Sunday.
Going into this season, it was said that Tomlinson, at 30, had little left in his tank. There was concern that Rivers, as productive and as efficient as he's been, tended to get outdueled at the end of close games.
Even since he took over for Marty Schottenheimer, many have doubted that coach Norv Turner ever could coach what many view as the league's most talented team to big things.
Tomlinson has been a TD machine in the second half.
Rivers is showing Manning-like proficiency in delivering in the clutch. Turner consistently has had the right game plans, showing off his acumen as one of the league's top offensive minds.
In Week 15, AFC North-leading Cincinnati found out firsthand how tough it is to beat San Diego, losing 27-24 on a last-second field goal.
"You've got to tip your hat to them," Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said after the game. "They're a well-coached team."
With Turner doing the best coaching of his career, expect the Chargers to finally turn the corner -- toward South Florida on Feb. 7.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
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