By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | ∞
Memorabilia from the 1963 AFL title game between the Chargers and New England that's on display in the front lobby of the Chargers Park facility in San Diego on Wednesday.
SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers returned to the practice field on Wednesday, save a Pro Bowler or four. 
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Those skipping the workout were LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), Philip Rivers (knee), tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and Shawne Merriman (illness).
But Tomlinson hopes to participate today as the Charges continue preparations for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
"Feeling better,'' Tomlinson said of his sprained knee. "Especially after a few days, and taking a day off today. I feel a lot better. I expect to practice (today)."
Tomlinson said he has "no concerns at all'' about playing on Sunday.
Rivers didn't sound quite as optimistic about practicing, although he hinted that he'd be shocked if doesn't play Sunday. He might practice Friday, but it's hardly a given.
"Obviously, the goal is to be ready to play on Sunday, and I'm optimistic I'll be able to do that," Rivers said.
Gates likely will be a game-time decision, as he was last Sunday. Merriman took a sick day but should practice today.
While Rivers' knee was a popular subject, his mouth was more of one. Much is being made of Rivers' love of jabbering during games to rivals, officials, fans and anyone else within earshot.
"I'm aware of it,'' he said. "I really don't get too caught up in it. It's kind of surprising, really, to be honest with you. I'm out there having a good time, as I did in the backyard since I was 5 years old.Ý I'm not saying anything out of line. There's no profanity being used.Ý I know what I'm about.Ý My teammates know, my family knows, and everything else I can't worry about.Ý
"When it stops being fun, that's when I'll stop playing it. If you're out in the backyard with a buddy and you're wearing them out, if you don't think you're going to let them (hear about it) ...ÝYou're not going to jab at them? If their parents walk outside, 'Hey, I'm killing them today!' That's all it is. If we can't do that, then I don't know. I really don't.''
Some are comparing the Alabama native to Ryan Leaf, a former chattering Chargers quarterback. Since Rivers got into a verbal exchange with some Broncos on Christmas Eve, he has acquired a reputation for being the Mouth of the South.
"Again, it's kind of unbelievable, to be honest with you,'' said Rivers, whom TV cameras caught shouting at Colts fans on two occasions Sunday. "I'm not going to sit here and put down Ryan Leaf. Sometimes you wonder what gives people the authority to make comparisons.ÝI really don't get caught up in it. Obviously, I have an opinion about it. As you can see, since that Denver week when things got blown out of proportion, I haven't changed since then.''
Igor Olshansky didn't slow his gums, either. The Chargers' defensive end raised some eyebrows when he said the Patriots should be worried about the Chargers rather than the other way around.
"I think, in a weak moment, Igor misspoke,'' coach Norv Turner said.
Olshansky said he doesn't regret his remarks.
"No, absolutely not,'' he said. "They caught me 30 minutes after the game, and it was an emotional time. I said what I felt."
The words will soon cease, and the real fun will start. Can the two-touchdown-underdog Chargers really knock off the 17-0 Patriots?
"We're up against a tough test,'' Tomlinson said. "To get to the Super Bowl, we have to face a team that's undefeated ... perhaps the greatest team to ever play. In my mind it's like David and Goliath. That's the way I look at this."
So will Tomlinson pack a slingshot with the rest of his gear?
"No, I don't have a slingshot," he said.
Still, he'll be asked to blast a run defense that allowed only 98 rushing yards per game in the regular season.
"They don't make mistakes,'' Tomlinson said of the Patriots' savvy front seven. "They don't get knocked off their feet. They're always where they are supposed to be ... in the right gap and very disciplined. That's what makes it tough to run against them.
"They're not going to get blown off the ball. They have veteran linebackers who have seen everything you can possibly see in this league. They're not fooled. They're physical, too. They get to their point and they're to hold their point and not get knocked off it. That's what makes them good."
Chargers note:
Stan Humphries will serve as the team's honorary captain for Sunday's game in New England. Humphries, the only quarterback to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl,Ýwill join Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman, Jamal Williams and Kassim Osgood for the pregame coin toss.
-- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
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keep talking wrote on Jan 17, 2008 9:48 AM:Keep it up Rivers, us real charger fans love it!!! let those fans and players were not afraid and we are ready to play the game!!! GO CHARGERS!!!
BoltDan wrote on Jan 17, 2008 9:51 AM:Good for Stan the Man Humphries... he was a great QB and what an arm... LETS BEAT THE PATSIES!!!
Gardiner wrote on Jan 17, 2008 11:31 AM:Hey,
Can we bring Stan out of retirement if Rivers cant go?
Just a thought.....go Bolts
Bolts 28
Patriots 27
oh soooo close!
Life-long Chargers Fan wrote on Jan 17, 2008 12:39 PM:Too bad they can't put Humphries in the Lazarus pit from Batman and make him about 15-20 years younger. I sure hope Volek doesn't get nervous, because we'll probably be in need of his services. I'm not afraid of the Patriots. lol, David Garrard (Jacksonville) also said it was like David and Goliath, too bad the Jags lost, it would have been a more interesting matchup. Well for me it would have been. Oh well, let's go San Diego, we need a Championship and everyone else in the playoffs had theirs multiple times!
SEAN C. wrote on Jan 17, 2008 12:45 PM:Anyone comparing Rivers to Leaf is a complete idiot. Rivers has never lost his cool with the media during his time as a CHARGER. Rivers has a work ethic 2nd to none. To quote Lo Neal "Its sad, he brings it on himself, because he does it. But people are saying all these things because they don`t know him. The reality is he is a role model, a great father, a great husband, great Christian, great person. This guy should be the poster boy for the league." I for one love the fact that the man has a passion for the game Leaf couldn`t even begin to comprehend. He is OUR QB & WE should stand behind him 100%. I just hope he will be able to play at the same level he has for the past two playoff games. At least LT feels he`ll be close to 100%. If Rivers isn`t healthy enough Volek seems to be capable.
Born and raised in SD wrote on Jan 17, 2008 1:04 PM:Just like the NE... [woman] said when interviewed from a PB bar on the news last night "I am a Chargers fan until it comes to the Patriots". This perfectly illustrates why the Charger fan base sucks so bad and deserves every name they are called by fans form other cities. They all moved here from their crappy cities back east and then wear their old teams jersey underneath their Charger jersey so when the Chargers are not doing well they can change loyalties in an instant. The Chargers are winners no matter what happens this week, the fans described above will always suck and should go home.
Klaus & Rudolf wrote on Jan 17, 2008 1:15 PM:Good luck Chargers "ROCK THEM LIKE A HURRICANE" Bring home the AFC championship! Aufedersein to Seau`s last chance
keep talking wrote on Jan 17, 2008 1:19 PM:to born and raised...what the hell are you talking about? i would love to know how i suck as a charger fan. i also was born and raised in sd and never have a secret jersey under mine. i love the way you have assumed that all charger fans are from somewhere other then sd...before you make an ass of yourself maybe you should read the blogs a little better. GO CHARGERS!!!
Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 17, 2008 4:11 PM:I'm enjoying the week knowing that my team, the Chargers, are playing Sunday. Pretty cool when you think they are in the top four of 32 teams, and probably better than two. Certainly a better team than NY. Anyway, bombs away Bolts! Make us proud. C-1.
Jaque wrote on Jan 17, 2008 4:17 PM:Chargers win this game in the 2nd half with youth , shear determination & a whole lot of talent.
Rivers is a wrote on Jan 17, 2008 5:15 PM:jerk.
PAL52 wrote on Jan 17, 2008 7:11 PM:Ryan Leaf never played one good game, one good quarter, maybe not even one good series for the Chargers. He threw tantrums, yelled at journalists and his teammates, choked every time he stepped on the field. His teammates couldn't stand him. He played golf while he was supposed to be rehabbing.
Rivers yaks to the fans, yells at opposing players to knock off the dirty play, is afraid of no one, plays on bum ankles and bum knees, hates to leave the field, gets bored when he's off it, works his butt off, and now he's making big plays week in and week out.
Only an idiot could compare Leaf to Rivers.
Good to see Stan Humphries' name again. The only reason the Chargers drafted Leaf was because Humphries gave the team everything he had, including his health. Fans are in his debt.
Andrew wrote on Jan 17, 2008 7:48 PM:Thanks PAL52, couldn't have said it any better!
Riversofficialstalker wrote on Jan 17, 2008 10:14 PM:Philip is so dreamy ;)
Mr. Bolt wrote on Jan 17, 2008 10:41 PM:Chargers 38, Patriots 24.
This is a game of heart, will, and determination....the chargers showed it last week and they will do it again this Sunday...Where there's a will, there's a way...the saying goes, when no one give you a chance and when you are back up against the wall....you come out fighting...do not chase the dog to the dead end.
Eric wrote on Jan 17, 2008 11:31 PM:This game will be better because the Bolts will have 3 things they didn't have before in the last game:
1) Better chemistry between players & coaches. 2) WO Chambers and just better play from the receivers. 3) Mr. "10" Cromartie.
And the attitude of this team is eerily loose like that of the '94 squad. Now if they can just heal quickly. Go Chargers!!
longsufferingboltfan wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:41 AM:David use a sling against Goliath, not a slingshot. Rubber wasn't revolutionized until the mid 19th century.
Bolts 24 Patriots 21
Todd wrote on Jan 18, 2008 5:07 PM:I think the Bolts have domonstrated that they know how to win. They are playing great ball and they are loose,confident, and focused. I think they are the team that is going to throw a beat down on the Patriots. Also, Iam glad to see that I am not the only Chargers fan that feels like Stan Humphries was a great player and gave everything he had to the Chargers. Go Bolts!
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