Darren Sproles of the Chargers scores the winning touchdown against the Colts after a 22yd td run depriving the Colts of a playoff berth in the divisional rounds...........
Chargers’ running back Darren Sproles scores the winning touchdown after a 22yd run into the endzone depriving the Colts of a berth in the divisional round of the playoffs. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Harry How ………………..
The unlikely hero in all of this wasn’t their Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson but the soon to be unrestricted free agent Darren Sproles. The player more than held his own against the Colts and if anything created a reason why he may well be one of the most sought after free agents once the postseason reaches its climax. Sproles would go on to garner over 328 all purpose yards in the game against Indianapolis.
Sproles gains some yardage in the game against the Colts. The player would gain in excess of 328 all purpose yards........................
Sproles gains some yardage against the Colts . The player would gain in excess of some 328 all purpose yards during the game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Harry How ………………………..
Three time league MVP Peyton Manning was his usual customary efficient self but it was all to no avail against a Chargers’ team that played with such voracity and passion. The fans in Indianapolis had to be disheartened seeing their team succumb to their AFC rivals. Phillip Rivers for his part was his counterpart’s equal and led his team with resolve.
Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning gives his postgame interview to the convened press waiting in attendance ...................
Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning gives his postgame interview to the convened press after his teama’s loss 23-17 loss in overtime to the San Diego Chargers . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Stephen Dunn …………………..
For coach Norv Turner this was a game that may well add some legitimacy to his resume’ as a coach. Being in the shadows of more recognized stalwarts such as Jimmy Johnson , Dave Wannstedt and others who were a part of the Dallas Cowboys’ success in the nineties. That was when the boys in Big D were running rampant across the league on their way to two successive Superbowls under Johnson’s guidance. Wherein the likes of Aikman, Irvin and Smith were laying the foundations to their Hall of Fame careers.
Phillip Rivers of the Chargers signals a call prior to the snap ............
Phillip Rivers of the Chargers signals a play call prior to the snap against the Indianapolis Colts . picture appears courtesy of ap/getty images / Stephen Dunn …………
While one can’t understate the success that the Chargers saw this season as winners of a rather mediocre AFC West division. Having waylaid the ambitions of a Denver Broncos’ team that was totally outplayed in their final regular season game. The San Diego Chargers found their way into the playoffs as wildcard entrant. The fact that their renewed rivalry would culminate in a heart pounding defeat of the Colts . If there was a team viewed as a dark horse within the conference it had to be the Indianapolis Colts. Their nine game regular season ending win streak bore this out. Having ended with a record of 12-4 and runners up in the AFC South to the Tennessee Titans. The team were playing perhaps the best of any of the AFC teams with postseason aspirations.
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Alan Parkins
