leftcoastsports

Last month I wrote an article that made note of the improbable playoff quest by the Chargers and how at 6-8 it was less a testament to their talent than the ugliness of their division that they were still in the playoff hunt.

Like the Giants last year and the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to that, teams on a serious roll prior to the playoffs, those that find their comfortable speed and the right formula of players reaching a peak plus play-calling have the uncanny ability to defy logic.

Without an LT who was 100% and the defensive leadership of Shawne Merriman, the offense and defense of the Chargers looked lost for most of the season. LT had a poor season for him, Philip Rivers took time to get into the swing and the defense was no where near the level it had been last season. The Chargers got a bum call in week 2 and seemed to lose suddenly at the last moment in multiple games. They cratered to 4-8 and then rose from the proverbial dead.

Darren Sproles who was a spark plug on special teams and who had looked like a situational runner at best came alive in week 16 and then added to his highlight reel against Indy in the Wild Card game on Saturday. He gained more all purpose yardage in a playoff game than only two other men in NFL history. He was the Chargers offense along with Antonio Gates. But you can’t minimize the importance of not just Gates but also LT coming out in obvious pain and putting it right to the Colts. They both seemed to say, “go ahead, try and take me out” to their opponents. They didn’t and both men handled their business leading their team to a quick score.

Will the Chargers offense come back to earth after defensive coordinators realize who they are planning for? It’s likely but remember how long it took for the Dolphins’ opponents to cut off the Wildcat fury?  How far can San Diego go? Maybe only one more week but what a story it would be if they go on and on and on. Look out Steelers and Titans.

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