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Chargers skip past Colts in OT nailbiter
Source: Agencies |
January 5, 2009, Monday
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THE San Diego Chargers scored a heart-pounding 23-17 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their AFC wildcard clash on Saturday in California.
Darren Sproles took a hand-off from quarterback Philip Rivers and scampered 22 yards for the winning touchdown with 6:20 elapsed in overtime. The Chargers' 75-yard drive was the only possession of overtime.
"I just saw the green grass outside and I just went for the score," Sproles said after the game in which he carried 23 times for 105 yards.
Sproles became the Chargers' main running back when LaDainian Tomlinson left the game with a groin injury after scoring a touchdown early in the second quarter.
During the 16-game regular season, Sproles averaged less than four carries from scrimmage per game largely filling in for Tomlinson. "I just needed a chance," Sproles added. "I knew I could do it."
The diminutive Sproles, who is just 1.65 meters tall and weighs 82 kilograms, also had 178 yards on four kickoff and three punt returns.
He had five pass receptions for 45 yards and scored a touchdown on a nine-yard run just before halftime that gave the Chargers a 14-10 lead.
It was his 26-yard punt return with two minutes remaining in regulation and the Chargers trailing, 17-14, that gave San Diego outstanding field position on the Colts 38 yard line.
Two key passes from Rivers to All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates led to a game-tying field goal by Nate Kaeding with only 31 seconds left.
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, recently named the NFL's MVP, caught the Chargers off guard after an incomplete pass midway through the third period.
Lining up without going to a huddle first, Manning called a quick count and receiver Reggie Wayne was wide open for a lob. Wayne ran uncontested into the end zone for a 72-yard score and a 17-14 lead.
Both teams entered the season as likely contenders for the Super Bowl but had to surge late in the season after poor starts.
Indianapolis was 3-4 before winning nine straight to come to Saturday's game 12-4. San Diego became the only NFL team to win a division after starting the season 4-8. They were 8-8.
Chargers coach Norv Turner said: "This was a hard game. It ranks up there with as good a win as we've had."
Darren Sproles took a hand-off from quarterback Philip Rivers and scampered 22 yards for the winning touchdown with 6:20 elapsed in overtime. The Chargers' 75-yard drive was the only possession of overtime.
"I just saw the green grass outside and I just went for the score," Sproles said after the game in which he carried 23 times for 105 yards.
Sproles became the Chargers' main running back when LaDainian Tomlinson left the game with a groin injury after scoring a touchdown early in the second quarter.
During the 16-game regular season, Sproles averaged less than four carries from scrimmage per game largely filling in for Tomlinson. "I just needed a chance," Sproles added. "I knew I could do it."
The diminutive Sproles, who is just 1.65 meters tall and weighs 82 kilograms, also had 178 yards on four kickoff and three punt returns.
He had five pass receptions for 45 yards and scored a touchdown on a nine-yard run just before halftime that gave the Chargers a 14-10 lead.
It was his 26-yard punt return with two minutes remaining in regulation and the Chargers trailing, 17-14, that gave San Diego outstanding field position on the Colts 38 yard line.
Two key passes from Rivers to All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates led to a game-tying field goal by Nate Kaeding with only 31 seconds left.
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, recently named the NFL's MVP, caught the Chargers off guard after an incomplete pass midway through the third period.
Lining up without going to a huddle first, Manning called a quick count and receiver Reggie Wayne was wide open for a lob. Wayne ran uncontested into the end zone for a 72-yard score and a 17-14 lead.
Both teams entered the season as likely contenders for the Super Bowl but had to surge late in the season after poor starts.
Indianapolis was 3-4 before winning nine straight to come to Saturday's game 12-4. San Diego became the only NFL team to win a division after starting the season 4-8. They were 8-8.
Chargers coach Norv Turner said: "This was a hard game. It ranks up there with as good a win as we've had."
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