CHARGERS: Weddle's record return not enough for Chargers

By LOREN NELSON - Staff Writer | Sunday, November 30, 2008 7:59 PM PST ∞

Spotlight on: Safety Eric Weddle, who was coveted so much by the Chargers in the 2007 NFL draft that they moved up 25 spots to nab the former Utah star in the second round.

Why Weddle?: He returned a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, allowing the Chargers to pull within two points in their 22-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Qualcomm Stadium.

Into the record books: Weddle's fumble return was the longest in team history. Former linebacker Donnie Edwards, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, had the previous long fumble return, an 82-yarder for a touchdown at St. Louis on Nov. 10, 2002. Vencie Glenn is the only other player in Chargers history to have returned a fumble for more than 80 yards.

Setting up the play: Quentin Jammer forced the fumble when he tackled a spinning Brian Finneran on a 7-yard completion. It was one of two fumbles forced by Jammer.

Under review: Replays showed that Finneran was juggling the ball as he fell to the turf, and the Falcons challenged the ruling that the pass was a completion. Officials ruled that Finneran caught the ball and took two steps before he lost control of it.

What he said: "I thought it was going to get overturned for sure. I was like, 'Ah I've got to get ready for defense.' And then they didn't," Weddle said.

The stat line: Weddle led the Chargers with 10 tackles and had the fumble recovery for the team's second defensive touchdown of the season (Antonio Cromartie has the other).

What he said, Part II: "I kept telling myself, I've been in position all game long, it's going to come. I'm going to make a big play, just keep doing what you are doing. It just wasn't enough," Weddle said.

Not perfect: During the same Falcons' drive as his fumble recovery, Weddle was called for a 40-yard pass interference penalty. The Chargers were whistled for nine penalties for 84 yards. "I think everyone has just got to play better, including myself," Weddle said.

What they said: "We came up with stops, we came up with turnovers, we made plays, but it wasn't enough to win," Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips said.

Last word: "We're just trying our hearts out. Obviously it's not enough. We've got to just keep working and stick together. Everyone is counting us out. No one is going to quit in this locker room. We're not quitters," Weddle said.

---- Loren Nelson

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

BoltsFaninPA wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:29 AM:I've written it elsewhere: when Norv got hired a longtime 'Skins fan told me: "Just watch, you'll lose lots of close games. Norv is chicken -- he's afraid to finish third, so he accepts second gladly. He's afraid to hang it all out to get a win." Sound familiar? Uncreative offense. Few go-for-broke blitzes ("but he's not the defensive coordinator"" -- um, yes, but he's the HEAD COACH, aka, where the buck stops, the decider, etc.). Lot of losses in close games. Simple question: Would Belichick be losing with this team? Would Cowher? Would Marty? Would Bobby Ross? Would Coryell? Would Gruden? Would Dungy? Would Parcells? I doubt it. We'll never know. But hey, at least AJ has a coach he's confident in. I wonder if the players do ...

Chargerdiehard wrote on Dec 1, 2008 4:03 PM:I say fire the Head coach. He's a proven loser and will never be a winner unless it's handed to him in a silver platter, even then he loses those too. Good coaches win close games, need I say more?

Northeastchargerdiehard wrote on Dec 1, 2008 6:21 PM:It's so painful to see the progress of a winning team with so much talent fall so short! I think back over the years with so many ups and downs (mainly downs) to see this team rise to being an elite team, a top 6 contender and superbowl favorite in 08...Now sitting with the same losing records as some of the worst teams in the league. Think about that! Can somebody put out a missing's report on our offense! WHERE ARE THEY?

topknotchtom wrote on Dec 1, 2008 7:29 PM:I have been a fan for 27 years and seen a few ups and a boat load of downs.I am so disheartened that a talented team is consistantly losing with little hope of turning it around.How sad that we are looking forward to playing a worse team ( raiders)to secure a win.....maybe.AJ shot the team in the foot when he fired Marty, and he is responceable for hiring Norv who is responceable for a losing season.

Matthew666 wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:36 PM:All I have to say is 4-12???? Do I hear 4-12?????? Or Maybe 6-10 if we are lucky??? I've said it before I'll say it again, get rid of Norv ASAP. Now I wonder why San Diego did not wanted to spend money for a new stadium????

Gman wrote on Dec 2, 2008 5:23 PM:John Madden said L.T. has lost Something.Could it be heart?Acts like he is ready to move on.He's going to hurt more lineman running up and falling on their legs.Sproles has more heart,desire,and fight.

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