Good morning.
Ben Stockwell of Pro Football Focus takes a look back at the Chargers 38-35 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. Stockwell gives Philip Rivers and D.J. Fluker a thumbs up for their performance against the 49ers.
Here’s what Stockwell had to say about Fluker: “Fluker has struggled at times in his second season but came up with his best game last night, contributing most on the Chargers’ game-winning drive in overtime. Holding his own in pass protection, Fluker and backup right guard Jeremiah Sirles were the focus of the Chargers’ ground attack with some powerful double-team blocks on the game-winning drive to ensure Ronnie Brown kept San Diego chugging into field goal range for Nick Novak’s winning kick.”
John Breech of CBS Sports gives the Chargers a B-minus for the team’s performance against San Francisco. Breech: “Not everything Philip Rivers does is pretty and Saturday's win was a perfect example of that. Rivers threw three interceptions against the 49ers -- including a second quarter pick-six -- but he rebounded by throwing for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the second half and overtime combined. Overall, Rivers finished 33 of 54 for 356 yards and four touchdowns in the game.”
Nick Canepa of U-T San Diego has high praise for Rivers. Canepa: “About to fail his semifinal exam, Philip Rivers found himself, got into a rhythm, got the Niners on their heels and captained one of the more improbable victories in memory. Forget the picks. Forget everything. He really is a good football player, know that?”
Ricky Henne of Chargers.com writes that receiver Dontrelle Inman and others stepped up in San Diego’s win over San Francisco.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated places the Chargers at No. 11 in his Fine Fifteen. Rivers and Russell Wilson are his offensive players of the week. King: “Lost to Miami by 37. Scored 24 points, combined, in Weeks 14 and 15. Playing their 49th-string center in front of Philip Rivers. Who, by the way, probably needs back surgery. But be honest: If you’re Pittsburgh or Cincinnati or Indianapolis, you don’t want to see them on wild-card weekend in 12 or 13 days, do you?”
ESPN NFL Nation Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher outlines what Kansas City needs in order to make the postseason – a win over the Chargers, along with losses by Baltimore and Houston in the final week of the season.