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As little as a week ago, Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson said that he enjoys blending in on a team full of playmakers. That’s becoming harder and harder for him to do.

For the third time in his career, Jackson scored a game-winning touchdown in the final minute Sunday, and yet again, he responded in humility.  

“It’s a big win for this team,” Jackson said.  “That’s all it means for me.” 
 
Jackson attempted to deflect the attention Sunday, but it was an impossible task after yet another brilliant performance.  He scored two touchdowns, the game winner on and 18-yard catch with 21 seconds left and a 10-yard strike that gave the Chargers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. 

He also drew not one but two penalties on a third-quarter play that led to San Diego’s other score.  The Bolts accepted the 29-yard pass interference that came when Jackson was dragged to the ground in the end zone, and two plays later Kris Wilson hauled in a touchdown pass.  Jackson totaled five catches for 58 yards on the day, and each of his five receptions went for first downs. 

“Once again, he was huge,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.

Jackson, who is listed at 6-5 and 230 pounds, saved his best work of the day for last.  The game winner was hardly a situation where Rivers simply threw the ball up and let Jackson use his size advantage.  It involved an incredible display of athleticism and football intelligence. 

“The last route is how you would teach a guy to run that route against that coverage,” Head Coach Norv Turner said.  “It would be a training reel.  It’s as good as you can run that route.  He gave him a great move off the ball to get a release.  He ran up the field as fast as you can and when he came out of the break the ball was in the air and Philip made a perfect throw.” 

Rivers said that prior to the snap, his initial thought was to try to hit Antonio Gates in the middle of the field, but the coverage dictated he look elsewhere. 

“He came open,” Rivers said.  “When I was throwing it, he had him covered pretty decent.  Vincent really separated.  He runs a great route and I just wanted to give him a chance. As I let it go, I saw him separate.  It felt like it was in the air forever.”

Jackson’s big Sunday marked the fourth-consecutive game in which he’s scored a touchdown.  He’s tied for the league lead with seven on the season.

“I was just thankful for the opportunity,” Jackson said. 

Whether he’ll take the praise or not, Jackson become one of the league’s elite playmakers and he proved it again Sunday.