Chargers Win in OT Over Indy

Sunday, January 4, 2009 -- It was a rough and tumble game that saw Indy QB Peyton Manning use all of his wile and San Diego field general Phillip Rivers reveal his toughness and guts in this Wild-Card game that was a back-and-forth battle. Manning, who just a few days ago was named the league’s MVP, utilized all of his skill and football smarts to put the Chargers away. However, Phillip River and company would not give up.

Sproles

Darren Sproles had 328 all-purpose yards in the game. It included the game-winning run by Sproles on a second and 12 from just outside the Colts’ 20-yard line. Sproles’ touchdown resulted in a 23- 17 win for San Diego. Sproles, who has been LaDainian Tomlinson’s back up, was the Chargers’ go-to guy due to the fact that Tomlinson, the most talented rusher in the NFL, suffered a tendon tear in the groin area last week. In tonight's contest, Tomlinson played five downs, gaining 25 yards and crossing the goal line once.

Turnovers

Despite making two turnovers, the Chargers managed to win the game by containing the Colts offense, especially in the second half. Sproles fumbled at the Colts goal line, spoiling a scoring chance. Chargers’ QB Phillip Rivers (20/36 C/ATT, 56 COMP% 217 YDs, 0 TD, 1 INT) tossed one pick. The San Diego Chargers sacked Manning just once, but it was in the fourth quarter and the bring-down helped to set-up Nate Kaeding’s 26-yard game-tying field goal. Peyton Manning completed 60% of his passes for 310 yards and one touchdown. RB Joseph Addai scored the other Indy TD.

Major Stats

Sproles dominated the game. He made 23 carries, rushing for 105 yards and two scores. He also caught five passes for 45 yards and returned four kicks for 106 yards and three punts for 72 yards.

The Chargers won at 8:48 of OT. They will know next week's opponent after the AFC's second Wild-Card game that will be played on Sunday between the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.