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SDUT: Chargers know AFC West title lost after falling to Denver
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Robin Miller
Nov 19, 2012, 2:07:06 AM11/19/12
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Chargers know AFC West title lost after falling to Denver
By Michael Gehlken
Sunday, November 18, 2012
DENVER — Philip Rivers has seen the magic.
He's seen the Chargers fall three games behind the Broncos with three to
go. He's seen them close the gap, winning out while Denver lost out.
They were bailed out once.
Not even Rivers, the eternal competitor and optimist, can see that
happening again.
Any hopes San Diego had to win its first AFC West title since 2009
essentially ended Sunday, as it couldn't slow a Broncos team that
continues to roll. The Chargers fell 30-23 and must now make up four
games in six weeks.
Hope has not been lost for the season.
That much was clear in a post-game visitor's room where locker by locker
a different player was assuring this mess of five losses in the past six
games can be salvaged.
But to close the gap on these Broncos, who've won five straight, would
require a collapse similar to the 2008 version.
“They ain't gonna stumble,” Rivers said. “...We can't hang our hat on
Denver doing anything from a collapsing standpoint. We got to hang our
hat on us controlling what we can control and try to win one at a time
and chip away at it and see if nine or 10 (wins) ends up being enough.
Six games to go, they're not losing four of six; I can guarantee you that.
“That's not going to make us try any less harder, but we got to go out
and control what we can control, and that's trying to win a game against
the Baltimore Ravens (this Sunday). I think at this point, to talk
playoffs is not appropriate, really. We just got to try and win a game,
see if we can get win No. 5.”
This was a complete loss.
The offense was shut out in the first half, which ended with Mike
Scifres having nearly as many punts — seven — as Rivers had completions
— nine — behind an overpowered offensive line and a receiving corps that
struggled to find space.
The first-half running game also faltered with 11 carries for 8 yards.
San Diego's defense and special teams allowed big plays between them,
including a second-quarter blocked punt that led to a touchdown on the
next play.
The Chargers did Sunday as they tend and now hope to do.
They made things interesting.
It started in the third quarter when the offense awoke.
Rivers began the game 9-for-20 for 60 yards and an interception. The
offense's first 12 drives, with 10 punts and two turnovers, produced
zero points.
He finished by completing 15 of 20 passes for 198 yards and two
touchdowns with a pick.
The turnaround began on a 12-play, 80-yard drive in which he was 7-for-9
for 67 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown to wide receiver Danario
Alexander. That cut the Chargers' deficit to 24-16 with 58 seconds left
in the third.
Denver made field goals on its next two drives.
Down by 13, Rivers led his second 80-yard touchdown drive. Alexander
caught four passes for 65 yards, capped by a 21-yard touchdown with 89
seconds left in regulation.
An onside kick attempt failed, and that was it.
San Diego would get the ball again with 30 seconds to travel 83 yards.
Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil sacked Rivers on second down.
That ended the game.
It didn't end the season, tight end Randy McMichael said.
“Our season is not over,” McMichael said. “We know that. We still have a
lot of football left. But we can't lose anymore. We can't lose another
game — can't. We've got to go out and continue to fight. We fought our
ass off until the end, but we didn't get done what we needed to get done.
“Our season is far from over. We just can't lose anymore.”
By Michael Gehlken
Sunday, November 18, 2012
DENVER — Philip Rivers has seen the magic.
He's seen the Chargers fall three games behind the Broncos with three to
go. He's seen them close the gap, winning out while Denver lost out.
They were bailed out once.
Not even Rivers, the eternal competitor and optimist, can see that
happening again.
Any hopes San Diego had to win its first AFC West title since 2009
essentially ended Sunday, as it couldn't slow a Broncos team that
continues to roll. The Chargers fell 30-23 and must now make up four
games in six weeks.
Hope has not been lost for the season.
That much was clear in a post-game visitor's room where locker by locker
a different player was assuring this mess of five losses in the past six
games can be salvaged.
But to close the gap on these Broncos, who've won five straight, would
require a collapse similar to the 2008 version.
“They ain't gonna stumble,” Rivers said. “...We can't hang our hat on
Denver doing anything from a collapsing standpoint. We got to hang our
hat on us controlling what we can control and try to win one at a time
and chip away at it and see if nine or 10 (wins) ends up being enough.
Six games to go, they're not losing four of six; I can guarantee you that.
“That's not going to make us try any less harder, but we got to go out
and control what we can control, and that's trying to win a game against
the Baltimore Ravens (this Sunday). I think at this point, to talk
playoffs is not appropriate, really. We just got to try and win a game,
see if we can get win No. 5.”
This was a complete loss.
The offense was shut out in the first half, which ended with Mike
Scifres having nearly as many punts — seven — as Rivers had completions
— nine — behind an overpowered offensive line and a receiving corps that
struggled to find space.
The first-half running game also faltered with 11 carries for 8 yards.
San Diego's defense and special teams allowed big plays between them,
including a second-quarter blocked punt that led to a touchdown on the
next play.
The Chargers did Sunday as they tend and now hope to do.
They made things interesting.
It started in the third quarter when the offense awoke.
Rivers began the game 9-for-20 for 60 yards and an interception. The
offense's first 12 drives, with 10 punts and two turnovers, produced
zero points.
He finished by completing 15 of 20 passes for 198 yards and two
touchdowns with a pick.
The turnaround began on a 12-play, 80-yard drive in which he was 7-for-9
for 67 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown to wide receiver Danario
Alexander. That cut the Chargers' deficit to 24-16 with 58 seconds left
in the third.
Denver made field goals on its next two drives.
Down by 13, Rivers led his second 80-yard touchdown drive. Alexander
caught four passes for 65 yards, capped by a 21-yard touchdown with 89
seconds left in regulation.
An onside kick attempt failed, and that was it.
San Diego would get the ball again with 30 seconds to travel 83 yards.
Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil sacked Rivers on second down.
That ended the game.
It didn't end the season, tight end Randy McMichael said.
“Our season is not over,” McMichael said. “We know that. We still have a
lot of football left. But we can't lose anymore. We can't lose another
game — can't. We've got to go out and continue to fight. We fought our
ass off until the end, but we didn't get done what we needed to get done.
“Our season is far from over. We just can't lose anymore.”
Swillabrew
Nov 19, 2012, 3:47:06 PM11/19/12
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"Robin Miller" <compl...@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:k8clqq$nka$1...@dont-email.me...
The reality is this team is playing for pride the rest of the way. No way an
AFCW team gets a wildcard.
Go Bolts !
news:k8clqq$nka$1...@dont-email.me...
AFCW team gets a wildcard.
Go Bolts !
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