San Diego Chargers Team Review & Playoff Preview

Not even a rash of injuries could slow down the explosive San Diego Chargers as they stormed to the top of the AFC West.

San Diego Chargers: 2008 Overview
Unfortunately for fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets, the only team hotter than the Bolts in the 2007-08 season was the New England Patriots. One loss away from the Super Bowl, it was expected that the San Diego Chargers would dominate the NFL once again on the road to a ring. A season-ending injury to OLB Shawne Merriman and nagging injuries to all-world players LaDanian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates turned the engine of the San Diego Chargers from a Hemi to a Hugo.

The rash of injuries forced the San Diego Chargers to fight like never before, and many players stepped up to fill the gaps left by the Pro Bowlers. What resulted was a roster closer than ever and a cast of players doing their part instead of a few superstars making all the plays. Fans with San Diego Chargers tickets watched this new-look team fight its way into the NFL Playoffs with an 8-8 record and another AFC West Championship.

San Diego Chargers: Offense
Quarterback Philip Rivers earned the respect of fans with San Diego Chargers tickets and showed that he did a lot more than ride the coattails of LaDanian Tomlinson with a brilliant season. WRs Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, and Malcolm Floyd all stepped up when TE Antonio Gates went down. With Antonio Gates back in the lineup and a solid receiving corps established, it is no wonder Philip Rivers tossed for 32 touchdowns in the regular season.

The legend of RB LaDanian Tomlinson was given a few hurdles to clear as injuries mounted up on L.T. throughout the season. Even with many injuries sapping his strength and speed, LaDanian Tomlinson still tallied 1,500 combined yards and 12 touchdowns. His troubles forced RB Darren Sproles to become a more complete back and also allowed the San Diego Chargers offense to grow into its own. Fans with San Diego Chargers tickets know that L.T. will bring everything he has to the playoffs.

San Diego Chargers: Defense
The feared monster that is the 3-4 defense of the San Diego Chargers lost a huge tooth with the injury to Pro Bowl OLB Shawne Merriman. Like the offense, however, the San Diego Chargers found small pieces to take the place of great players. OLB Shaun Philips established himself as the best pass rusher on the team, with NT Jamal Williams clogging the middle. CBs Antonio Cromartie, Antoine Cason, and Quentin Jammer are seen by fans with San Diego Chargers tickets as the best secondary in the NFL and few can argue that.

San Diego Chargers: Special Teams
Running back Darren Sproles is short on size, but his talent and heart could make an entire offensive line. When he is not busy spelling LaDanian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles is returning kicks and punts for the San Diego Chargers. Fans with San Diego Chargers tickets know that Darren Sproles will get great field position with every touch and can take any kick to the house. It is hard to find a duo more consistent than K Nate Kaeding and P Mike Scifres.

San Diego Chargers: Playoffs
For the first time in years, fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets are seeing their team take the hard road into the NFL Playoffs. They may not be the ultimate collection of NFL talent, but the San Diego Chargers earned the respect of teams everywhere with a four-game winning streak at the end of the season to earn their playoff spot. A 52-21 blowout of the Denver Broncos for the AFC West Championship was a gift in momentum.

The NFL Playoffs will begin with the rival Indianapolis Colts as Peyton Manning and company come to Qualcomm Stadium. The sun will be shining down on both teams, and fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets will see the best Wild Card game live. With a ton of pride and history on the line and expectations to meet, the San Diego Chargers look to make another deep playoff run and reward fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets for their loyalty through the lean times.