For Chargers, the next game is still the biggest

Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006
By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com

Three games ago the Chargers knew they could clinch the AFC West title or at least a Wild Card playoff berth with a win at home over a Denver Broncos team motivated by its own playoff hopes. The Bolts won the big game, 48-20.

Two weeks ago the Chargers needed to beat the Kansas City Chiefs to maintain their one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs were desperate to keep alive their own playoffs chances, but San Diego again won a crucial game, 20-9.

And last week the Chargers were aware they could clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with at win at the Seattle Seahawks, a team with its own motivation to win to clinch the NFC West title. The Bolts won with a dramatic comeback, 20-17.

But after nine straight wins and all those big and bigger games, now comes the biggest.

At least that’s how the AFC West champions (13-2) say they are approaching Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals (5-10) at Qualcomm Stadium. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said facing a Cardinals team that was long ago eliminated from the playoffs isn’t reason to suspect a letdown from the Bolts.

“I think for the simple fact that you’re playing for an opportunity to be at home, and hopefully that consists of two (AFC) playoff games,” Rivers said. “There is plenty more to play for. This game, as they all are late in the year, is bigger than last week. You look at last week and it was a huge win for us, but based on the bye, which is what we were playing for, we had it anyway.”

When the Colts were upset last week by the Houston Texans, that guaranteed the Chargers a first-round bye at home before the Bolts rallied to beat Seattle. But the Ravens, who hold the No. 1 tiebreaker over the Chargers by virtue of their 16-13 win over San Diego on Oct. 1, remain only one game back. The Ravens (12-3) play at home Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (7-8).

“Now it’s one game to determine if everything is coming through San Diego,” Rivers said. “I don’t think there is any reason for a letdown. We’re playing at home and obviously the place will be cranked up.”

Two years ago when the Chargers won the AFC West title, they entered the regular-season finale knowing that they would play at home in the first round no matter the result against Kansas City. Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer held out quarterback Drew Brees, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates and wide receiver Keenan McCardell, and the Bolts won anyway.

But the Chargers don’t enjoy that luxury this year.

“Be assured this is not one of those games we’re going to hold this guy or that guy out,” Schottenheimer said. “We’re here to play and win.”

With a win that would earn home-field advantage, it would mean the Chargers won’t have to travel to winter weather conditions or play before a hostile opposing crowd. They’ll play their first game in the Divisional round on Jan. 13 or 14. If they win, the AFC Championship game would be Jan. 21. If they win again, the Super Bowl against the NFC Champion is in Miami.

“We’re playing this like it’s the opening game of the season,” Schottenheimer said. “We have got to win. That’s what we’re trying to get done. The numbers indicate that (the Cardinals) are playing pretty good right now. When you’ve had a rough season like that, a lot of guys are trying to make sure they leave a positive taste in the mouth of the people making the personnel decisions. I would expect we’ll get there best shot. They are much improved over the beginning of the season.”

Just ask the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers were clinging to playoff hopes when they hosted the Cardinals Sunday, but Arizona won the game, 26-20. It was Arizona’s third win in its last four and fourth in its last six.

In addition to beating San Francisco for the second time this year, the Cardinals four wins in their last six games include victories over the Detroit Lions, 17-10; St. Louis Rams, 27-21; and Seattle, 27-21.

“I’m sure (Arizona Head Coach) Denny (Green) will have them ready to play, and they‘ll want to play well against a contending team,” Schottenheimer said. “I think pride is one of the greatest motivators in the world for you. I’m sure they’ll try their best to put a dent in our plans.”

From here on out, no matter how many big games the Chargers have already won, the next game is the biggest.