2011 San Diego Chargers season

2011 San Diego Chargers season
Head coach	Norv Turner
General manager	A.J. Smith
Owner	Alex Spanos
Home field	Qualcomm Stadium
Results
Record	8–8
Division place	2nd AFC West
Playoff finish	did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	5 Philip Rivers, QB Antonio Gates, TE Eric Weddle, FS Vincent Jackson, WR Ryan Mathews, RB
AP All-Pros	Eric Weddle, S

The 2011 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. The team failed to improve on its 9–7 record from 2010, and finished in a three-way tie with the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders for the AFC West division title, with an 8–8 record, but lost the tiebreaker to the Broncos and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season. For Norv Turner, this was his fifth season as the head coach of the Chargers. The Chargers had the 18th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Offseason

Coaching changes

On January 11, defensive coordinator Ron Rivera became the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers.^[1] That same day, Rich Bisacchia was named the team's new special teams' coach, replacing Steve Crosby, whose contract was not renewed.^[2][3] Three days later (January 14), the team hired former San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator Greg Manusky to replace Rivera. Manusky previously served as the Chargers' linebackers coach from 2002–2006.^[4]

Arrivals

• Bob Sanders
• Takeo Spikes
• Travis LaBoy

Departures

• Darren Sproles

2011 draft board

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Signed	Notes
1	18	Corey Liuget	DT	Illinois	–
2	50	Marcus Gilchrist	CB	Clemson	–
2	61	Jonas Mouton	LB	Michigan	–	[dr 1]
3	82	Vincent Brown	WR	San Diego State	–
3	89	Shareece Wright	CB	USC	–	[dr 2]
4	–				–	[dr 3]
5	–				–	[dr 4]
6	183	Jordan Todman	RB	Connecticut	–
6	201	Stephen Schilling	G	Michigan	–	[dr 5]
7	234	Andrew Gachkar	LB	Missouri	–	[dr 6]

Draft notes

1. The team acquired this second-round selection in a March 2010 trade that sent CB Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets.
2. The team acquired this third-round selection as part of a March 2010 trade that sent QB Charlie Whitehurst to the Seattle Seahawks.
3. The team traded its fourth-round selection (#115 overall), a 2010 third-round selection and a 2010 sixth-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for its 2010 third-round selection (#79 overall; used to select LB Donald Butler).
4. The team traded its fifth-round selection (#149 overall) and a 2010 fifth-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for its 2010 fifth-round selection (#146 overall; used to select DT Cam Thomas).
5. Compensatory selection.
6. In September 2010, the team traded its seventh-round selection (#220 overall) to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for WR Patrick Crayton.

Preseason

Schedule

Week	Date	Kickoff	Opponent	Results		Game site	TV	NFL.com recap
				Final score	Team record
1	August 11	5:00 p.m. PDT	Seattle Seahawks	L 17–24	0–1	Qualcomm Stadium	ESPN	Recap
2	August 21	5:00 p.m. PDT	at Dallas Cowboys	W 20–7	1–1	Cowboys Stadium	NBC	Recap
3	August 27	7:00 p.m. PDT	at Arizona Cardinals	W 34–31	2–1	University of Phoenix Stadium		Recap
4	September 1	7:00 p.m. PDT	San Francisco 49ers	L 17–20	2–2	Qualcomm Stadium		Recap

Regular season

Kicker Nate Kaeding suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the year. He was replaced by Nick Novak, who set a Charger record making 11 kicks from 40 yards or longer.^[5]

Schedule

Week	Date	Kickoff	Opponent	Results		Game site	TV	NFL.com recap
				Final score	Team record
1	September 11	1:15 p.m. PDT	Minnesota Vikings	W 24–17	1–0	Qualcomm Stadium	Fox	Recap
2	September 18	1:15 p.m. PDT	at New England Patriots	L 21–35	1–1	Gillette Stadium	CBS	Recap
3	September 25	1:05 p.m. PDT	Kansas City Chiefs	W 20–17	2–1	Qualcomm Stadium	CBS	Recap
4	October 2	1:15 p.m. PDT	Miami Dolphins	W 26–16	3–1	Qualcomm Stadium	CBS	Recap
5	October 9	1:15 p.m. PDT	at Denver Broncos	W 29–24	4–1	Sports Authority Field at Mile High	CBS	Recap
6	Bye
7	October 23	10:00 a.m. PDT	at New York Jets	L 21–27	4–2	MetLife Stadium	CBS	Recap
8	October 31	5:30 p.m. PDT	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 20–23 (OT)	4–3	Arrowhead Stadium	ESPN	Recap
9	November 6	1:15 p.m. PST	Green Bay Packers	L 38–45	4–4	Qualcomm Stadium	Fox	Recap
10	November 10	5:20 p.m. PST	Oakland Raiders	L 17–24	4–5	Qualcomm Stadium	NFLN	Recap
11	November 20	1:15 p.m. PST	at Chicago Bears	L 20–31	4–6	Soldier Field	CBS	Recap
12	November 27	1:15 p.m. PST	Denver Broncos	L 13–16 (OT)	4–7	Qualcomm Stadium	CBS	Recap
13	December 5	5:30 p.m. PST	at Jacksonville Jaguars	W 38–14	5–7	EverBank Field	ESPN	Recap
14	December 11	1:15 p.m. PST	Buffalo Bills	W 37–10	6–7	Qualcomm Stadium	CBS	Recap
15	December 18	5:20 p.m. PST	Baltimore Ravens	W 34–14	7–7	Snapdragon Stadium	NBC	Recap
16	December 24	1:05 p.m. PST	at Detroit Lions	L 10–38	7–8	Ford Field	CBS	Recap
17	January 1	1:15. p.m. PST	at Oakland Raiders	W 38–26	8–8	O.co Coliseum	CBS	Recap

     Indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week One: Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	10	0	0	17
Chargers	7	0	7	10	24

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: September 11
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 74°F (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 66,716
• Referee: Terry McAulay
• TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Drea Avent

Game information

First quarter MIN – Percy Harvin 103 yd. kickoff return TD, R. Longwell XP good (MIN 7–0) SD – Matt Tolbert 1 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, M. Scifres XP good (Tie 7–7) Second quarter MIN – Ryan Longwell 33 yd. FG (MIN 10–7) MIN – Michael Jenkins 3 yd. TD reception from Donovan McNabb, R. Longwell XP good (MIN 17–7) Third quarter SD – Mike Tolbert 7 yd. TD run, M. Scifres XP good (MIN 17–14) Fourth quarter SD – Mike Scifres 40 yd. FG (Tie 17–17) SD – Mike Tolbert 19 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, M. Scifres XP good (SD 24–17) Top passers MIN – Donovan McNabb 7/15, 39 yards, TD, INT SD – Philip Rivers 33/48, 335 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson 16 attempts, 98 yards SD – Ryan Mathews 12 attempts, 45 yards Top receivers MIN – Michael Jenkins 3 receptions, 26 yards, TD SD – Antonio Gates 8 receptions, 74 yards Top tacklers MIN – Jamarca Sanford 8 tackles (1 ast) SD – Takeo Spikes 5 tackles (6 ast)

Coming off their special teams woes in 2010, the Chargers allowed a 103-yard opening kickoff return to Percy Harvin to start the season. Kicker Nate Kaeding suffered a season-ending injury on the play, and punter Mike Scifres assumed place kicking responsibilities for the game.^[6][7] The Chargers outscored the Vikings 10–0 in the fourth quarter to come back and win the game, 24–17. Fullback Mike Tolbert scored three touchdowns, and Phillip Rivers completed 33 of 48 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns. He was also intercepted twice. Scifres kicked a 40-yard field goal, the first of his NFL career, and kicked three PATs. With the win, the Chargers started their season out 1–0.^[7]

Week 2: at New England Patriots

Week Two: San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	0	0	14	21
Patriots	7	13	0	15	35

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 18
• Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 63°F (Wind)
• Game attendance: 68,756
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Game information

First quarter NE – Aaron Hernandez 14-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 7–0) SD – Ryan Matthews 10-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (Tied 7–7) Second quarter NE – Stephen Gostowski 22-yard field goal, (NE 10–7) NE – Rob Gronkowski 10-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 17–7) NE – Stephen Gostowski 47-yard field goal, (NE 20–7) Third quarter No Scoring Fourth quarter SD – Vincent Jackson 3-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (NE 20–14) NE – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Danny Woodhead run), (NE 28–14) SD – Vincent Jackson 26-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (NE 28–21) NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 16-yard run (Stephen Gostowski kick), (NE 35–21) Top passers SD – Phillip Rivers – 29/40, 378 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions NE – Tom Brady – 31/40, 423 yards, 3 touchdowns Top rushers SD – Ryan Matthews – 12 carries, 64 yards, 1 touchdown NE – BenJarvus Green Ellis – 17 carries, 70 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers SD – Vincent Jackson – 10 receptions, 172 yards, 2 touchdowns NE – Deion Branch – 8 receptions, 129 yards Top tacklers SD – Eric Weddle – 8 tackles, 3 assists NE – Jerod Mayo – 8 tackles, 3 assists

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 1–1.

Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Three: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	0	7	10	17
Chargers	0	10	7	3	20

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: September 25
• Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 67°F (Partly Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 62,236
• Referee: Walt Coleman
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

Game information

First quarter No Scoring Second quarter SD – Ryan Matthews 2-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 7–0) SD – Nick Novak 35-yard Field Goal, (SD 10–0) Third quarter KC – Dewayne Bowe 4-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), (SD 10–7) SD – Ryan Matthews 4-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 17–7) Fourth quarter KC – Ryan Succop 33-yard Field Goal, (SD 17–10) SD – Nick Novak 41-yard Field Goal, (SD 20–10) KC – Leonard Pope 1-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), (SD 20–17) Top passers KC – Matt Cassel – 17/24, 176 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception SD – Philip Rivers – 24/38, 266 yards, 2 interceptions Top rushers KC – Dexter McCluster – 9 receptions, 45 yards SD – Ryan Matthews – 21 carries, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns Top receivers KC – Dexter McCluster – 5 receptions, 17 yards SD – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 63 yards Top tacklers KC – Jovan Belcher – 8 tackles, 2 assists SD – Takeo Spikes – 2 tackles, 4 assists

With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–1.

Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Four: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	3	3	3	16
Chargers	7	6	10	3	26

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: October 2
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 84°F (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 63,002
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts (blacked out locally)

Game information

First quarter MIA – Lex Hilliard 1-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), (MIA 7–0) SD – Vincent Jackson 55-yard pass from Phillip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), (Tied 7–7) Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 27-yard Field Goal, (SD 10–7) MIA – Dan Carpenter 41-yard Field Goal, (Tied 10–10) SD – Nick Novak 48-yard Field Goal, (SD 13–10) Third quarter SD – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Nick Novak kick), (SD 20–10) MIA – Dan Carpenter 37-yard Field Goal, (SD 20–13) SD – Nick Novak 23-yard Field Goal, (SD 23–13) Fourth quarter MIA – Dan Carpenter 51-yard Field Goal, (SD 23–16) SD – Nick Novak 38-yard Field Goal, (SD 26–16) Top passers MIA – Matt Moore – 17/26, 167 yards, 1 interception SD – Phillip Rivers – 21/31, 307 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers MIA – Reggie Bush – 13 carries, 50 yards SD – Ryan Matthews – 16 carries, 81 yards Top receivers MIA – Brandon Marshall – 5 receptions, 52 yards SD – Ryan Matthews – 5 receptions, 68 yards Top tacklers MIA – Yeremiah Bell – 14 tackles SD – Eric Weddle – 6 tackles, 2 assists

With the win, the Chargers improved to 3–1.

Week 5: at Denver Broncos

Week Five: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	6	17	0	6	29
Broncos	7	3	0	14	24

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

• Date: October 9
• Game time: 2:15 p.m. MDT/1:15 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 52°F (Mostly Sunny)
• Game attendance: 74,895
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon

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 –

With the win, the Chargers went into their bye week at 4–1. The team also managed to get their best start after 5 games under head coach Norv Turner.

Week 7: at New York Jets

Week Seven: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	14	0	0	21
Jets	3	7	7	10	27

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: October 23
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT
• Game weather: 58°F (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 79,088
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Game information

First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers SD – Philip Rivers- 16/32, 179, 1TD 2INT NYJ – Mark Sanchez- 18/33, 172, 3TD 1INT Top rushers SD – Mike Tolbert- 11 rushes, 58 yards, 1TD NYJ – Shonn Greene- 20 rushes, 112 yards Top receivers SD – Antonio Gates- 5 receptions, 54 yards, 1TD NYJ – Dustin Keller- 4 receptions, 53 yards Plaxico Burress- 4 receptions, 25 yards, 3TD Top tacklers SD – Donald Butler- 9 tackles, 1TD NYJ – Eric Smith- 10 tackles

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–2.

Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Chargers	0	3	9	8	0	20
Chiefs	10	3	0	7	3	23

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: October 31
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT/5:30 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 63°F (Clear)
• Game attendance: 72,733
• Referee: Alberto Riveron
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Rachel Nichols

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

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–3.

Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Nine: Green Bay Packers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	21	7	3	14	45
Chargers	7	10	7	14	38

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 6
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 53°F (Rain)
• Game attendance: 68,908
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, & Laura Okmin

Game information

First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers – 21/26, 247 yards, 4 TD SD – Philip Rivers – 26/46, 385 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT Top rushers GB – James Starks – 13 rushes, 66 yards SD – Mike Tolbert – 19 rushes, 83 yards, TD Top receivers GB – Jordy Nelson – 5 receptions, 105 yards, TD SD – Vincent Jackson – 7 receptions, 141 yards, 3 TD Top tacklers GB – Desmond Bishop – 11 tackles SD – Marcus Gilchrist – 8 tackles

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–4.

Week 10: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Ten: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	10	7	0	24
Chargers	3	0	14	0	17

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 10
• Game time: 5:20 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 69°F (Clear)
• Game attendance: 68,109
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan

Game information

First quarter SD – Nick Novak 20 yd. FG (SD 3–0) OAK – Michael Bush 2 yd. TD run, S. Janikowski XP good (OAK 7–3) Second quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 23 yd. FG (SD 10–3) OAK – Denarius Moore 3 yd. TD reception from Carson Palmer, S. Janikowski XP good (OAK 17–3) Third quarter SD – Vincent Brown 30 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (OAK 17–10) OAK – Denarius Moore 26 yd. TD reception from Carson Palmer, S. Janikowski XP good (OAK 24–10) SD – Jacob Hester 7 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (OAK 24–17) Fourth quarter No Scoring Top passers OAK – SD – Top rushers OAK – SD – Top receivers OAK – SD – Top tacklers OAK – SD –

Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Chargers stayed at home for a Week 10 AFC West duel with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night. San Diego struck first in the opening quarter with a 20-yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak, but the Raiders answered with running back Michael Bush getting a 2-yard touchdown run. Oakland added onto their lead in the second quarter with kicker Sebastian Janikowski getting a 23-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer completing a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Denarius Moore.

The Chargers began the third quarter with quarterback Philip Rivers finding rookie wide receiver Vincent Brown on a 30-yard touchdown pass, but the Raiders struck back with Palmer completing a 26-yard touchdown pass to Moore. Afterwards, San Diego closed out the quarter with Rivers hooking up with fullback Jacob Hester on a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Chargers tried to rally in the fourth quarter, but Oakland's defense held on to preserve the win.

Win the loss, not only did San Diego fall to 4–5, but it marked the first time since 2003 that the Chargers had lost four-straight.

Week 11: at Chicago Bears

Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	7	7	3	20
Bears	3	14	14	0	31

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: November 20
• Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST/1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 42°F (Cloudy, winds gusting to 20 mph)
• Game attendance: 62,344
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

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

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 4–6 and lost 5 in a row for the first time since 2003.

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Broncos	0	7	3	3	3	16
Chargers	3	7	3	0	0	13

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: November 27
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 84°F (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 64,436
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

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

The loss was the sixth consecutive for the Chargers, their longest such streak in 10 years which took their record down to 4–7.^[8]

Week 13: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	10	14	7	7	38
Jaguars	0	14	0	0	14

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

• Date: December 5
• Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 67°F (Clear)
• Game attendance: 62,743
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden and Sal Paolantonio

Game information

First quarter SD – Mike Tolbert 13 yd. TD run, N. Novak XP good (SD 7–0) SD – Nick Novak 29 yd. FG (SD 10–0) Second quarter JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew 9 yd. TD reception from Blaine Gabbert, J. Scobee XP good (SD 10–7) JAC – Cecil Shorts 5 yd. TD reception from Blaine Gabbert, J. Scobee XP good (JAC 14–10) SD – Vincent Brown 22 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (SD 17–14) SD – Vincent Jackson 35 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (SD 24–14) Third quarter SD – Malcom Floyd 52 yd. TD reception from Philip Rivers, N. Novak XP good (SD 31–14) Fourth quarter SD – Ryan Matthews 31 yd. TD run, N. Novak XP good (SD 38–14) Top passers SD – Philip Rivers JAC – Blaine Gabbert Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew Top receivers SD – Malcom Floyd JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew Top tacklers SD – Takeo Spikes JAC – Paul Posluszny

Hoping to snap a six-game losing streak, the Chargers flew to EverBank Field for a Week 13 Monday night duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. San Diego delivered the game's opening punch with a 13-yard touchdown run from running back Mike Tolbert, followed by a 29-yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak. The Jaguars would answer in the second quarter with quarterback Blaine Gabbert completing a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Maurice Jones-Drew and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cecil Shorts, yet the Chargers replied with quarterback Philip Rivers connecting with rookie wide receiver Vincent Brown on a 22-yard touchdown pass and a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

San Diego added onto its lead in the third quarter with Rivers hooking up with wide receiver Malcom Floyd on a 52-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the 'Bolts would pull away in the fourth quarter with a 31-yard touchdown run from running back Ryan Matthews.

With the win, the Chargers improved to 5–7.

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Fourteen: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	0	0	10	0	10
Chargers	7	9	14	7	37

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: December 11
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 59°F (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 62,494
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots (blacked out locally)

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

With the win, the Chargers improved to 6–7.

Week 15: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Fifteen: Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	0	7	0	7	14
Chargers	7	10	14	3	34

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: December 18
• Game time: 5:20 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 58°F (Cloudy)
• Game attendance: 67,242
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya

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

With the win, the Chargers improved to 7–7.

Week 16: at Detroit Lions

Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	10	0	10
Lions	10	14	7	7	38

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,469
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Recap
  Gamebook

Game information

First quarter DET – Brandon Pettigrew 7-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 7–0, Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:08. DET – Jason Hanson 50-yard field goal, Lions 10–0, Drive: 13 plays, 65 yards, 6:30. Second quarter DET – Kevin Smith 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 17–0, Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 5:16. DET – Calvin Johnson 14 Yd pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 24–0, Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 4:22. Third quarter SD – Malcom Floyd 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), Lions 24–7, Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 2:04. SD – Nick Novak 22-yard field goal, Lions 24–10, Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:45 DET – Kevin Smith 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 31–10, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4;37. Fourth quarter DET – Cliff Avril 4-yard interception return (Jason Hanson Kick), Lions 38–10, Drive: 1 play, 4 plays, 0:00. Top passers SD – Phillip Rivers – 28/53, 299 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions DET – Matthew Stafford – 29/36, 373 yards, 3 touchdowns Top rushers SD – Ryan Matthews – 11 carries, 58 yards DET – Kevin Smith – 15 carries, 49 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers SD – Malcolm Floyd – 6 receptions, 95 yards, 1 touchdown DET – Calvin Johnson – 4 receptions, 102 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers SD – Steve Gregory – 7 tackles, 1 assist DET – Justin Durant – 8 tackles, 3 assists

With the loss, the Chargers fell to 7–8.

Week 17: at Oakland Raiders

Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	17	7	7	38
Raiders	7	6	6	7	26

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: January 1
• Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 56°F (Clear)
• Game attendance: 58,721
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert & Rich Gannon

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

With the win, the Chargers wrapped up their season at 8–8 and snapped their 3-game losing streak against the Raiders.

Standings

AFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(4) Denver Broncos	8	8	0	.500	3–3	6–6	309	390	L3
San Diego Chargers	8	8	0	.500	3–3	7–5	406	377	W1
Oakland Raiders	8	8	0	.500	3–3	6–6	333	395	L1
Kansas City Chiefs	7	9	0	.438	3–3	4–8	212	338	W1

Staff

San Diego Chargers 2011 staff
	Front Office Owner – Alex Spanos Chairman/President – Dean Spanos Executive Vice President – Michael Spanos Executive Vice President/CEO – 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 Pro Scouting – Bryan Cox Assistant Director of College Scouting – Mike Biehl Head Coaches Head Coach – Norv Turner Assistant Head Coach/Secondary – Steven Wilks Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator – Clarence Shelmon Quarterbacks – John Ramsdell Running Backs – Ollie Wilson Wide Receivers – Charlie Joiner Tight Ends – Jason Michael Offensive Line – Hal Hunter Offensive Line – Mike Sullivan			Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator – Greg Manusky Defensive Line – Don Johnson Linebackers – John Pagano Assistant Linebackers – Greg Williams Assistant Secondary – Cris Dishman Special Teams Coaches Special Teams – Rich Bisaccia Special Teams Assistant – Carlos Polk Strength and Conditioning Strength and Conditioning – Jeff Hurd Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Vernon Stephens

Final roster

2011 San Diego Chargers final roster
	Quarterbacks 17 Philip Rivers  7 Billy Volek Running backs 44 Curtis Brinkley 22 Jacob Hester FB/RB 24 Ryan Mathews 35 Mike Tolbert RB/FB Wide receivers 86 Vincent Brown 12 Patrick Crayton PR 80 Malcom Floyd 15 Richard Goodman KR 83 Vincent Jackson 13 Bryan Walters Tight ends 85 Antonio Gates 81 Randy McMichael 82 Kory Sperry		Offensive linemen 64 Colin Baxter C 66 Jeromey Clary T 62 Brandyn Dombrowski T 78 Jared Gaither T 69 Tyronne Green G/T 61 Nick Hardwick C 75 Tony Moll G/T 70 Stephen Schilling T 65 Louis Vasquez G Defensive linemen 74 Jacques Cesaire DE 71 Antonio Garay NT 90 Tommie Harris DE 94 Corey Liuget DE 92 Vaughn Martin DE 76 Cam Thomas NT		Linebackers 98 Antwan Barnes OLB/DE 91 Everette Brown OLB/DE 56 Donald Butler ILB 58 Na'il Diggs ILB 59 Andrew Gachkar OLB 53 Darryl Gamble ILB 99 Travis LaBoy OLB/DE 95 Shaun Phillips OLB/DE 51 Takeo Spikes ILB 96 Nathan Triplett ILB Defensive backs 20 Antoine Cason CB 38 Marcus Gilchrist CB/FS 28 Steve Gregory SS 33 Dante Hughes CB 23 Quentin Jammer CB 27 Paul Oliver SS 25 Darrell Stuckey SS 32 Eric Weddle FS 29 Shareece Wright CB Special teams  9 Nick Novak K  5 Mike Scifres P 47 Mike Windt LS		Reserve lists 97 Bront Bird ILB (IR) 93 Luis Castillo DE (IR) 54 Stephen Cooper ILB (IR) 68 Kris Dielman G (IR) 48 Patrick DiMarco FB (IR) 52 Larry English OLB/DE (IR) 10 Nate Kaeding K (IR) 73 Marcus McNeill OT (IR) 57 Jonas Mouton ILB (IR) 63 Scott Mruczkowski C (IR) 41 Nick Polk FS (IR) 31 Bob Sanders SS (IR) Practice squad 77 Charlie Bryant NT -- Shawnbrey McNeal RB 79 Damik Scafe DE 37 Traye Simmons CB 34 Frank Summers FB 46 Brad Taylor TE  8 Drew Willy QB 72 Eric Young OT Rookies in italics 52 Active, 12 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Notes and references

1. Turner, Chargers begin search for new defensive coordinator
2. Crosby's contract not renewed for 2011
3. Bisaccia agrees to become special teams coach
4. Manusky named defensive coordinator
5. Heilbrunn, Annie; Krasovic, Tom (September 28, 2012). "Chargers sign Novak". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
6. "Chargers kicker Kaeding out for season with likely torn ACL". Nfl.com. September 11, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
7. "Chargers complete comeback victory on Tolbert's third TD". Nfl.com. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
8. Williamson, Bill (December 3, 2011). "San Diego no longer an elite program". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2012. The Chargers – widely considered as a Super Bowl contender going into this season – stagger into a Monday night game at Jacksonville on a six-game losing skid. It is the Chargers’ longest such streak in 10 years.