2010 San Diego Chargers season

2010 San Diego Chargers season
Head coach Norv Turner
General manager A.J. Smith
Owner Alex Spanos
Home field Qualcomm Stadium
Results
Record 9–7
Division place 2nd AFC West
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

The 2010 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. After a 13–3 record dissolved into a disappointing loss to the New York Jets in the divisional round of the 2009-10 NFL Playoffs, the Chargers had high hopes of winning their fifth consecutive AFC West division title and contending for a Super Bowl championship. However, they started the season with a 2–3 record for the fourth consecutive year.[1] After a Week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, they were eliminated from postseason contention, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

The Chargers used an NFL-record tying 74 players due to injuries.[2] Still, they finished with the #1 ranked offense and defense in the NFL. However, their special teams allowed four blocked punts (and had another deflected), three kickoff return touchdowns, and one punt return touchdown.[2] The San Diego Union-Tribune wrote, "[N]o team even came close to having all those special teams foibles in one season."[2] Football Outsiders calculated that the Chargers had the worst special teams in the league in 2010, and the fifth-worst from 1993–2010.[3] The Chargers also suffered their first home blackouts since 2004.

Offseason

On February 22, 2010, LaDainian Tomlinson requested and was released after nine seasons with the team, and went to the New York Jets.

2010 NFL Draft

Main article: 2010 NFL Draft

After finishing the season with the best record among teams exiting the playoffs in the divisional round, the Chargers picked 28th in the draft. They traded their sixth round pick in a trade that sent defensive tackle Travis Johnson to the Chargers.

San Diego Chargers 2010 NFL Draft selections
Draft order Player name Position Height Weight College Notes
Round Choice Overall
1 12 12 Ryan Mathews RB 6'0" 218 lbs. Fresno State Traded up with Miami Dolphins, (28).
2 8 40 Traded to the Miami Dolphins
3 15 79 Donald Butler LB 6'1" 245 lbs. Washington Traded up with San Francisco 49ers, (91).
4 12 110 Darrell Stuckey FS 5'11" 205 lbs. Kansas Traded up with Miami Dolphins, (126).
5 15 146 Cam Thomas DT 6'4" 330 lbs. North Carolina Traded up with Philadelphia Eagles, (159).
5 37 168 Jonathan Crompton QB 6'3" 222 lbs. Tennessee Compensatory Selection.
6 28 197 Traded to the Houston Texans
7 28 235 Dedrick Epps TE 6'3" 250 lbs. Miami

Staff and roster

Coaching staff

San Diego Chargers 2010 staff
Front Office
  • Owner – Alex Spanos
  • President/CEO – Dean Spanos
  • Executive Vice President – Michael Spanos
  • Executive Vice President/Executive Officer – A. G. Spanos
  • Executive Vice President/General Manager – A. J. Smith
  • Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Assistant General Manager – Ed McGuire
  • Senior Executive – Randy Mueller
  • Director of Player Personnel – Jimmy Raye
  • Director of Pro Scouting – Dennis Abraham
  • Director of College Scouting – John Spanos
  • Assistant Director of College Scouting – Mike Biehl

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Hurd
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Vernon Stephens

Final roster

2010 San Diego Chargers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 12 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 14 6:00 p.m. PDT Chicago Bears W 25–10 1–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
2 August 21 6:00 p.m. PDT Dallas Cowboys L 14–16 1–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
3 August 27 5:00 p.m. PDT at New Orleans Saints L 21–36 1–2 Louisiana Superdome CBS Recap
4 September 2 7:00 p.m. PDT at San Francisco 49ers L 14–17 1–3 Candlestick Park Recap

Regular season

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 13 7:15 p.m. PDT at Kansas City Chiefs L 14–21 0–1 Arrowhead Stadium ESPN Recap
2 September 19 1:15 p.m. PDT Jacksonville Jaguars W 38–13 1–1 Qualcomm Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 26 1:15 p.m. PDT at Seattle Seahawks L 20–27 1–2 Qwest Field CBS Recap
4 October 3 1:15 p.m. PDT Arizona Cardinals W 41–10 2–2 Qualcomm Stadium Fox Recap
5 October 10 1:15 p.m. PDT at Oakland Raiders L 27–35 2–3 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
6 October 17 10:00 a.m. PDT at St. Louis Rams L 17–20 2–4 Edward Jones Dome CBS Recap
7 October 24 1:15 p.m. PDT New England Patriots L 20–23 2–5 Qualcomm Stadium CBS Recap
8 October 31 1:05 p.m. PDT Tennessee Titans W 33–25 3–5 Qualcomm Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 7 10:00 a.m. PST at Houston Texans W 29–23 4–5 Reliant Stadium CBS Recap
10 Bye
11 November 22 5:30 p.m. PST Denver Broncos W 35–14 5–5 Qualcomm Stadium ESPN Recap
12 November 28 5:20 p.m. PST at Indianapolis Colts W 36–14 6–5 Lucas Oil Stadium NBC Recap
13 December 5 1:05 p.m. PST Oakland Raiders L 13–28 6–6 Qualcomm Stadium CBS Recap
14 December 12 1:15 p.m. PST Kansas City Chiefs W 31–0 7–6 Qualcomm Stadium CBS Recap
15 December 16 5:20 p.m. PST San Francisco 49ers W 34–7 8–6 Qualcomm Stadium NFLN Recap
16 December 26 1:05 p.m. PST[4] at Cincinnati Bengals L 20–34 8–7 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
17 January 2 1:15 p.m. PST at Denver Broncos W 33–28 9–7 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap

COLOR KEY AND NOTES:

 #  Game played with the alternate powder blue jerseys.
     Indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.

Standings

AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Kansas City Chiefs 10 6 0 .625 2–4 6–6 366 326 L1
San Diego Chargers 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 441 319 W1
Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 .500 6–0 6–6 410 371 W1
Denver Broncos 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 344 471 L1

Regular season results

Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 7014
Chiefs 7 14 0021

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • KC – Tony Moeaki 2 yard pass from Matt Cassell (Ryan Succop kick), Chiefs 14–7, Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:26.
  • KC – Dexter McCluster 94 yard punt return (Ryan Succop kick), Chiefs 21–7.
Third quarter
  • SD – Legedu Naanee 59 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chiefs 21–14, Drive: 5 plays, 91 yards, 2:51.
Fourth quarter
  • No Scoring
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • SD – Legedu Naanee – 5 receptions, 110 yards, 1 touchdown
  • KC – Tony Moeaki – 3 receptions, 21 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers

The Chargers began their season at Arrowhead Stadium for a division rivalry match against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the first quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Chiefs replied when RB Jamaal Charles made a 56-yard TD run. In the 2nd quarter the Chargers fell behind when QB Matt Cassel completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Moeaki. This was followed by WR Dexter McCluster returning a punt 94 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. In the third quarter the Chargers cut the lead when QB Philip Rivers threw a 59-yard TD pass to WR Legedu Naanee. In the 4th quarter the Chiefs defense prevented any more scoring from the Chargers.

With the loss, San Diego began at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 3 3 0713
Chargers 7 14 31438

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
1st Quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 2 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 3:18.
  • JAC – Josh Scobee 44 yard field goal, Chargers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:33.
2nd Quarter
  • SD – Antonio Gates 9 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:10.
  • JAC – Josh Scobee 48 yard field goal, Chargers 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 3:42.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 4 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 21–6. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 1:45.
3rd Quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 41 yard field goal, Chargers 24–6. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:21.
4th Quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 31–6. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:18.
  • SD – Malcom Floyd 54 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 38–6. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 2:08.
  • JAC – Mike Sims-Walker 24 yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Chargers 38–13. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 2:34.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Chiefs, the Chargers played on home ground for and AFC duel with the Jaguars. In the 1st quarter, San Diego took the early lead as FB Mike Tolbert made a 2-yard TD run. The Jaguars replied with kicker Josh Scobee hitting a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers increased their lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Jaguars tried to cut the lead with Scobee nailing a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers continued to score with Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to Gates; followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 41-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter the Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers completing a 54-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The lead was slightly narrowed when QB David Garrard made a 3-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker.

With the win, the Chargers improved to 1–1.

Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 12820
Seahawks 0 10 71027

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information
First quarter
  • No scoring
Second quarter
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 23 yard field goal, Seahawks 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:38.
  • SEA – John Carlson 9 yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Seahawks 10–0, Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:22.
Third quarter
  • SEA – Leon Washington 101 yard kickoff return (Olindo Mare kick), Seahawks 17–0, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
  • SD – Malcom Floyd 3 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Seahawks 17–7, Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:14.
  • SD – Matt Hasselbeck sacked in end zone by Brandon Siler for a Safety, Seahawks 17–9.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 29 yard field goal, Seahawks 17–12, Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:54.
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Olindo Mare 23 yard field goal, Seahawks 20–12, Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:59.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 12 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Philip Rivers – Legedu Naanee pass), Tied 20–20, Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:48.
  • SEA – Leon Washington 99 yard kickoff return (Olindo Mare kick), Seahawks 27–20, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:15.
Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 29/53, 455 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 19/32, 220 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • SD – Antonio Gates – 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SEA – John Carlson – 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers

Coming off their win over the Jaguars the Chargers flew to Qwest Field where they played their former division rival, the Seattle Seahawks. In the second quarter San Diego trailed early when kicker Olindo Mare made a 23-yard field goal. Then QB Matt Hasselbeck completed a 9-yard TD pass to TE John Carlson. This was followed in the third quarter by RB Leon Washington returning a kickoff 101 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers getting a 3-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by Hasselbeck getting sacked by ILB Brandon Siler in the endzone for a safety. Then kicker Nate Kaeding made a 29-yard field goal. The Seahawks increased their lead when Mare made a 23-yard field goal, but the Chargers replied and tied the game when Rivers found TE Antonio Gates on a 12-yard TD pass. (With a successful 2-point conversion as Rivers found WR Legedu Naanee). Before the clock struck zero Seattle took the winning score as RB Leon Washington returned his second kickoff of the game into the endzone running 99 yards for a touchdown, giving the Chargers the loss.

With the loss, San Diego fell to 1–2.

Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 4: Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 0310
Chargers 7 21 10341

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • ARI – Kerry Rhodes 42 yard fumble return (Jay Feely kick), Tied 7–7.
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 5 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 14–7, Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 3:03.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 26 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 21–7, Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
  • SD – Shaun Phillips 31 yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 28–7.
Third quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 48 yard field goal, Chargers 31–7, Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:41.
  • SD – Ryan Mathews 15 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 38–7, Drive: 1 plays, 15 yards, 0:07.
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 47 yard field goal, Chargers 41–7, Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:11.
  • ARI – Jay Feely 53 yard field goal, Chargers 38–10, Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:05.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Seahawks the Chargers played on home ground for an inter-conference duel with the Cardinals. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the early lead as QB Philip Rivers completed a 33-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, but had a problem maintaining this lead in the 2nd quarter when FS Kerry Rhodes recovered a fumble and ran 2 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. After that, the Chargers went on a scoring rally with FB Mike Tolbert making a 5-yard TD run, followed by Rivers making a 26-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. Then OLB Shaun Phillips successfully caught an interception and ran 31 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. This was followed in the 3rd quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding making a 48-yard field goal. Then RB Ryan Mathews got a 15-yard TD run. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding nailing a 47-yard field goal. The Cardinals tried to cut the lead, but only came away with kicker Jay Feely's 53-yard field goal.

With the win, San Diego improved to 2–2.

Week 5: at Oakland Raiders

Week 5: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 17 7327
Raiders 12 3 71335

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information
First quarter
  • OAK – Punt blocked by Rock Cartwright out of bounds in end zone for a Safety, Raiders 2–0.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 50 yard field goal, Raiders 5–0, Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:53.
  • OAK – Hiram Eugene 5 yard return of blocked punt (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Raiders 12–0.
Second quarter
  • SD – Antonio Gates 19 yard pass of Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Raiders 12–7, Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:01.
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 4 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 14–12, Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:08.
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 30 yard field goal, Raiders 15–14, Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 3:51.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 43 yard field goal, Chargers 17–15, Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 0:57.
Third quarter
  • SD – Malcom Floyd 41 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 24–15, Drive: 2 plays, 63 yards, 0:42.
  • OAK – Zach Miller 1 yard pass from Jason Campbell (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Chargers 24–22, Drive: 12 plays, 97 yards, 6:26.
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 34 yard field goal, Chargers 27–22, Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:12.
  • OAK – Michael Bush 3 yard run (pass failed), Raiders 28–27, Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 8:21.
  • OAK – Tyvon Branch 64 yard fumble return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Raiders 35–27.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • SD – Malcom Floyd – 8 receptions, 213 yards, 1 touchdown
  • OAK – Zach Miller – 6 receptions, 62 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • SD – Paul Oliver – 6 tackles, 2 assists
  • OAK – Michael Huff – 9 tackles, 2 assists, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Coming off their win over the Cardinals the Chargers flew to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for an AFC West division rivalry match against the Raiders. In the first quarter the Chargers' offense had problems when after a three-and-out Mike Scifres' punt was blocked by RB Rock Cartwright out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Then kicker Sebastian Janikowski made a 50-yard field goal. Then Scifres' punt was blocked again and returned by FS Hiram Eugene 5 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. The Chargers then fought back and took the lead with QB Philip Rivers completing a 19-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. Then RB Mike Tolbert got a 4-yard TD run. Then the Chargers trailed with Janikowski making a 30-yard field goal. But they responded and got the lead back with kicker Nate Kaeding making a 43-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by Rivers making a 41-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd. The Raiders replied with QB Jason Campbell completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller. Followed in the 4th quarter by Kaeding making a 34-yard field goal. The Chargers fell behind when RB Michael Bush got a 3-yard touchdown run (with a failed 2-point conversion), followed by SS Tyvon Branch recovering a fumble and running 64 yards to the endzone for a touchdown to give the Chargers a loss, for the first time against the Raiders since 2003.

With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–3 for the 4th straight season.

Week 6: at St. Louis Rams

Week 6: San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 7717
Rams 10 7 0320

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information
First quarter
  • STL – Josh Brown 39 yard field goal, Rams 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 2:39.
  • STL – Danario Alexander 38 yard pass from Sam Bradford (Josh Brown kick), Rams 10–0, Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:31.
Second quarter
  • STL – Steven Jackson 7 yard run (Josh Brown kick), Rams 17–0, Drive: 17 plays, 67 yards, 7:58.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 41 yard field goal, Rams 17–3, Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 1:16.
Third quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Rams 17–10, Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:48.
Fourth quarter
  • STL – Josh Brown 48 yard field goal, Rams 20–10, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:15.
  • SD – Buster Davis 5 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Rams 20–17, Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 0:40.
Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 22/37, 249 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • STL – Sam Bradford – 18/31, 198 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers flew to Edward Jones Dome for an Interconference duel with the Rams. In the first quarter San Diego trailed early as kicker Josh Brown made a 39-yard field goal, followed by QB Sam Bradford completing a 38-yard TD pass to WR Danario Alexander. The Chargers struggled further in the 2nd quarter when RB Steven Jackson got a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers replied with kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 41-yard field goal, followed in the third quarter by FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run. In the 4th quarter the Rams' lead increased when Josh Brown hit a 48-yard field goal, but was cut when QB Philip Rivers made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Buster Davis.

With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–4 and surpassed their 2009 loss total.

Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

Week 7: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 6 7323
Chargers 3 0 01720

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40 yard field goal, Patriots 10–3, Drive: 4 plays, −14 yards, 1:54.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35 yard field goal, Patriots 13–3, Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
  • NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 1 yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), Patriots 20–3, Drive: 17 plays, 79 yards, 8:35.
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Kris Brown 28 yard field goal, Patriots 20–6, Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:29.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35 yard field goal, Patriots 23–6, Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:29.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 4 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), Patriots 23–13, Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 4:06.
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Kris Brown kick), Patriots 23–20, Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:20.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 19/32, 159 yards, 1 touchdown
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 34/50, 336 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Patriots. In the 1st quarter the Chargers took the lead as kicker Kris Brown made a 32-yard field goal, but they fell behind with QB Tom Brady making a 1-yard TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski; followed in the second quarter by kicker Stephen Gostkowski getting a 40 and a 35-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Chargers continued to struggle with RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis getting a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter the Chargers replied with Brown making a 28-yard field goal, but the Patriots continued to score with a 35-yard field goal from Gostkowski. The Chargers tried to cut the lead with QB Philip Rivers making a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, and with FB Mike Tolbert making a 1-yard TD run, but the chargers got called for false start which turned a 45yd fg into a 50yd, and kris brown missed on the final play.

With the loss, San Diego fell to 2–5.

Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 8: Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 5 14 0625
Chargers 7 7 10933

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
1st quarter
  • TEN – Punt blocked by Nick Schommer out of bounds in end zone for a Safety, Titans 2–0.
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Kris Brown kick), Chargers 7–2, Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 7:27.
  • TEN – Rob Bironas 21 yard field goal, Chargers 7–5, Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:16.
2nd quarter
  • TEN – Craig Stevens 1 yard pass from Vince Young (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 12–7, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:10.
  • TEN – Chris Johnson 29 yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Titans 19–7, Drive: 3 plays, 74 yards, 1:38.
  • SD – Ryan Mathews 7 yard run (Kris Brown kick), Titans 19–14, Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:48.
3rd quarter
  • SD – Kris Brown 34 yard field goal, Titans 19–17, Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 6:04.
  • SD – Antonio Gates 48 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), Chargers 24–19, Drive: 4 plays, 91 yards, 1:52.
4th quarter
  • SD – Kris Brown 36 yard field goal, Chargers 27–19, Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:51.
  • TEN – Nate Washington 71 yard pass from Vince Young (pass failed), Chargers 27–25, Drive: 1 plays, 71 yards, 0:18.
  • SD – Darren Sproles 13 yard pass from Philip Rivers (kick aborted), Chargers 33–25, Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:52.
Top passers
  • TEN – Vince Young – 10/21, 253 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 27/36, 305 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to break their current losing streak the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Titans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early when the Chargers' punt was blocked by Nick Schommer out of bounds for a safety. The Chargers replied with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run. The Chargers fell behind with kicker Rob Bironas nailing a 21-yard field goal, followed in the second quarter by QB Vince Young completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Craig Stevens. The Chargers struggled further with RB Chris Johnson getting a 29-yard TD run. The Chargers then went on a scoring rally with RB Ryan Mathews making a 7-yard TD run, followed in the third quarter by kicker Kris Brown making a 34-yard field goal. Then QB Philip Rivers completed a 48-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates, and then Brown made a 36-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with Young finding WR Nate Washington on a 71-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), but couldn't do anything after Rivers got a 13-yard TD pass to RB Darren Sproles (PAT aborted).

With the win, the Chargers improve to 3–5.

Week 9: at Houston Texans

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 14 0 7829
Texans 10 10 3023

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information
Scoring
1st quarter
  • HOU – Arian Foster 8 yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 7–0, Drive: 1 plays, 8 yards, 0:04.
  • SD – Seyi Ajirotutu 55 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:38.
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 27 yard field goal, Texans 10–7, Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:41.
  • SD – Randy McMichael 11 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), Chargers 14–10, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:39.
2nd quarter
  • HOU – Arian Foster 2 yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 17–14, Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:49.
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 21 yard field goal, Texans 20–14, Drive: 12 plays, 87 yards, 6:16.
3rd quarter
  • HOU – Neil Rackers 25 yard field goal, Texans 23–14, Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:05.
  • SD – Randy McMichael 12 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Kris Brown kick), Texans 23–21, Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:07.
4th quarter
  • SD – Seyi Ajirotutu 28 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Mike Tolbert run), Chargers 29–23, Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
Stats
Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 17/23, 295 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • HOU – Matt Schaub – 21/32, 267 yards, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to increase their winning streak the Chargers moved to Reliant Stadium for an AFC duel with the Texans. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as RB Arian Foster got an 8-yard TD run. They soon replied with QB Philip Rivers making a 55-yard TD pass to WR Seyi Ajirotutu. They trailed again with kicker Neil Rackers nailed a 27-yard field goal, but took the lead after Rivers got an 11-yard TD pass to TE Randy McMichael. They fell behind again in the second quarter as Foster made a 2-yard TD run, followed by Rackers hitting a 21 and a 25-yard field goal. The Chargers eventually pulled themselves in front again, with Rivers finding McMichael again on a 12-yard TD pass. This was followed in the 4th quarter by Rivers' 28-yard TD pass to Ajirotutu (With a successful 2-point conversion as FB Mike Tolbert ran to the endzone).

With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–5.

Week 11: Denver Broncos

Week 11: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 0714
Chargers 7 14 7735

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 14–7, Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:38.
  • SD – Patrick Crayton 40 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 21–7, Drive: 2 plays, 54 yards, 0:54.
Third quarter
  • SD – Darren Sproles 57 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 28–7, Drive: 5 plays, 72 yards, 2:24.
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Jacob Hester 3 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 35–7, Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:29.
  • DEN – Brandon Lloyd 13 yard pass from Kyle Orton (Matt Prater kick), Chargers 35–14, Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:39.
Top passers
  • DEN – Kyle Orton – 24/38, 217 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 15/24, 233 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Coming off their bye week, the Chargers went home for a Week 11 AFC West duel with the Denver Broncos on Monday night. San Diego trailed early in the first quarter as Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno got a 4-yard touchdown run. The Chargers answered with quarterback Philip Rivers finding wide receiver Malcolm Floyd on a 6-yard touchdown pass. San Diego took the lead in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from fullback Mike Tolbert, followed by Rivers finding wide receiver Patrick Crayton on a 40-yard touchdown pass.

The Chargers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Rivers connected with running back Darren Sproles on a 57-yard touchdown pass. San Diego continued its dominating night with Rivers' 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jacob Hester. Denver would close out the game with quarterback Kyle Orton completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.

With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–5.

Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 12: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 10 6 101036
Colts 7 7 0721

at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information
First quarter
  • IND – Jacob Tamme 4 yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:44.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 28 yard field goal, Colts 7–3, Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:54.
  • SD – Kevin Burnett 29 yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 10–7, Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:22.
Second quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 33 yard field goal, Chargers 13–7, Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:46.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 50 yard field goal, Chargers 16–7, Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:27.
  • IND – Blair White 6 yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Chargers 16–14, Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:14.
Third quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 30 yard field goal, Chargers 19–14, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:42.
  • SD – Eric Weddle 41 yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 26–14
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 3 yard ryn (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 33–14, Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 6:01.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 20 yard field goal, Chargers 19–14, Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 5:12.
Leading passers
Leading rushers
Leading receivers
Leading tacklers

The Chargers' eleventh game was an AFC duel against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. They trailed early in the first quarter after QB Peyton Manning made a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme. They eventually pulled ahead after kicker Nate Kaeding made a 28-yard field goal, followed by ILB Kevin Burnett returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, and then with Kaeding hitting a 33 and a 50-yard field goal. Their lead was narrowed when Manning made a 6-yard TD pass to WR Blair White, but the Chargers controlled the second half with Kaeding getting a 30-yard field goal, which was shortly followed by FS Eric Weddle returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown, then with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 3-yard TD run, and Kaeding making a 20-yard field goal, settling both teams records to 6–5.

Week 13: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 13: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Raiders 14 7 0728
Chargers 0 3 3713

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First Quarter
  • OAK – (8:35) J.Campbell 9 yd. run (S.Janikowski kick), Raiders 7–0, (4 plays, 18 yards; 2:10)
  • OAK – (0:30) J.Ford 4 yd. pass from J.Campbell (S.Janikowski kick), Raiders 14–0, (11 plays, 41 yards; 6:36)
Second Quarter
  • SD – (11:05) N.Kaeding 39 yd. Field Goal, Raiders 14–3, (9 plays, 48 yards; 4:25)
  • OAK – (4:07) M.Bush 7 yd. run (S.Janikowski kick), Raiders 21–3, (11 plays, 80 yards; 6:58)
Third Quarter
  • SD – (0:44) N.Kaeding 33 yd. Field Goal, Raiders 21–6, (9 plays, 68 yards; 3:21)
Fourth Quarter
  • SD – (9:59) A.Gates 4 yd. pass from P.Rivers (N.Kaeding kick), Raiders 21–13, (6 plays, 80 yards; 2:45)
  • OAK – (4:35) D.McFadden 7 yd. run (S.Janikowski kick), Raiders 28–13, (7 plays, 62 yards; 5:24)
Game leaders
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Tackling
  • OAK – R. McClain – 7 tackles
  • SD – Brandon Siler – 9 tackles, 3 assists
  • Scoring Leader: J. Campbell (OAK) – 14 PTS

Coming off their win over the Colts the Chargers played on home ground for a rematch against the Raiders. The Chargers trailed early as QB Jason Campbell scrambled 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by his 4-yard TD pass to WR Jacoby Ford. They replied in the second quarter as kicker Nate Kaeding nailed a 39-yard field goal, but trailed further with RB Michael Bush getting a 7-yard TD run. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding hitting a 33-yard field goal, followed by QB Philip Rivers completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates. The Raiders would finish off with Darren McFadden making a 7-yard TD run.

With the loss, San Diego fell to 6–6 and were swept by the Raiders for the first time since 2001.

Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 0 000
Chargers 7 14 01031

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 8 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 14–0, Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:04.
  • SD – Malcom Floyd 9 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 21–0, Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 2:58.
Third quarter
  • No scoring
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 48 yard field goal, Chargers 24–0, Drive: 10 plays, 42 yards, 5:38.
  • SD – Ryan Mathews 15 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 31–0, Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 3:47.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Raiders the Chargers played on home ground for an AFC West rivalry rematch against the Chiefs. The Chargers took control of the game with QB Philip Rivers throwing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Malcolm Floyd, followed by FB Mike Tolbert getting an 8-yard TD run. The lead was increased with Rivers finding Floyd again on a 9-yard TD pass. This was followed in the fourth quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 48-yard field goal, and then by RB Ryan Mathews getting a 15-yard TD run.

With the easy win, San Diego improved to 7–6.

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 077
Chargers 7 10 71034

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 25 yard field goal, Chargers 10–0, Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 7:00.
  • SD – Vincent Jackson 11 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 17–0, Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 2:49.
Third quarter
  • SD – Mike Tolbert 1 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 24–0, Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 8:12.
Fourth quarter
  • SD – Vincent Jackson 21 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 31–0, Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:16.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 39 yard field goal, Chargers 34–0, Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:56.
  • SF – Brian Westbrook 3 yard run (Jeff Reed kick), Chargers 34–3, Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:12.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Chargers' fourteenth game was an interconference duel with the 49ers which was played on Thursday Night. The Chargers took a quick lead with QB Philip Rivers throwing a 58-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson. The lead was extended in the second quarter by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 25-yard field goal, followed by Rivers finding Jackson on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers continued to dominate with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by Rivers connecting to Jackson on a 48-yard TD pass, then with Kaeding hitting a 39-yard field goal. The 49ers made their only score of the game with RB Brian Westbrook getting a 1-yard TD run.

With the win, San Diego improved to 8–6.

Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 71020
Bengals 7 6 02134

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information
1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • CIN – Jerome Simpson 10 yard pass from Carson Palmer (kick failed, wl), Bengals 13–0, Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:47.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 20 yard field goal, Bengals 13–3, Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:19.
3rd quarter
  • SD – Ryan Mathews 23 yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), Bengals 13–10, Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:47.
4th quarter
  • CIN – Jordan Shipley 3 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 20–10, Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 2:00.
  • SD – Nate Kaeding 28 yard field goal, Bengals 20–13, Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:42.
  • CIN – Jerome Simpson 59 yard pass from Carson Palmer (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 27–13, Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 0:53.
  • CIN – Bernard Scott 10 yard run (Clint Stitser kick), Bengals 34–13, Drive: 3 plays, 26 yards, 1:33.
  • SD – Kelley Washington 5 yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), Bengals 34–20, Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 2:27.
Top passers
  • SD – Philip Rivers – 27/40, 256 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • CIN – Carson Palmer – 16/21, 269 yards, 4 touchdowns
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to make it three straight the Chargers flew to Paul Brown Stadium for an AFC duel with the Bengals. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early with QB Carson Palmer throwing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jermaine Gresham. Then Palmer found WR Jerome Simpson on a 10-yard TD pass (PAT failed, wide left). The Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding hitting a 20-yard field goal, followed by RB Ryan Mathews getting a 23-yard TD run, but went into more trouble as Palmer completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Jordan Shipley. The Chargers cut the lead with Kaeding making a 28-yard field goal, but struggled to hold on after Palmer connected to Simpson on a 59-yard TD pass, followed by RB Bernard Scott getting a 10-yard TD run. The Chargers tried to come back after QB Philip Rivers made a 5-yard TD pass to WR Kelley Washington, but the Bengals defense prevented any more scoring chances.

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 8–7. With Kansas City winning earlier in the day, the loss prevented the Chargers from making their sixth playoff appearance in seven years.

Week 17: at Denver Broncos

Week 17: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 16 10733
Broncos 7 0 71428

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • SD –
  • DEN –
Top rushers
  • SD –
  • DEN –
Top receivers
  • SD –
  • DEN –
Top tacklers
  • SD –
  • DEN –

The Chargers' final game was a division rivalry rematch against the Broncos. In the first quarter the Chargers trailed early as QB Tim Tebow threw a 14-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Lloyd. They eventually overcame this deficit with RB Ryan Mathews getting a 27-yard TD run, followed by kicker Nate Kaeding nailing a 42, 45 and 47-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 16–7. They extended their lead in the third quarter with Mathews getting a 12-yard TD run, followed by Kaeding hitting a 37-yard field goal. The lead was narrowed with QB Tim Tebow completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Eric Decker, but the Chargers increased their lead with Mathews getting a 31-yard TD run. The lead was narrowed further with Cassius Vaughn returning the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, followed by Tebow scrambling 6 yards for a touchdown, but the Chargers still managed to hold on for the win. The Chargers finished the 2010–11 NFL season as the only team ever to rank first in overall offense (396 yds/g), "and" overall defense (272 yds/g) in terms of total yards gained and allowed... and NOT make the playoffs the same year. Since 1970, the previous four NFL teams to accomplish that statistical feat all qualified for the post-season in those respective years.

With the win against the Broncos, San Diego finished with a 9–7 record.

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Judge, Clark (August 20, 2011). "Another slow start for Chargers? After lockout, maybe not". CBSSports.com (CBS Interactive). Archived from the original on September 13, 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 Acee, Kevin (August 1, 2011). "Bolts kick teams get new name". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on September 13, 2011.
  3. ↑ Final 2010 DVOA Ratings
  4. ↑ Eagles-Vikings moves to primetime in Week 16

External links

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