CHARGERS NOTES: Rivers joins Fouts in rarefied air

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Sunday, December 28, 2008 10:35 PM PST ∞

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers celebrates the Chargers win over the Broncos for the AFC West championship at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. Photo Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer

SAN DIEGO ---- Scoot over, Dan Fouts. Philip Rivers is the new leader in Chargers history.

In the Chargers' 52-21 thumping of the Denver Broncos, Rivers threw two touchdown passes to give him 34 this season, one more than Fouts threw for in 1981.

What's next for Rivers? Sporting facial hair like the Hall of Famer?

"It would take me too long to grow a beard,'' Rivers said.

With his second-quarter scoring pass to Brandon Manumaleuna, Rivers tied Fouts. In the third quarter, Rivers connected with Darren Sproles for No. 34.

Rivers, who completed 15-of-20 attempts for 207 yards, was still passing after the game. With NBC ready for an on-field interview, Rivers passed until he could motion LaDainian Tomlinson over to join him.

Now Rivers has joined ---- and passed ---- Fouts among the most prolific Chargers quarterbacks.

"I'm grateful,'' Rivers said of being mentioned with Fouts. "I certainly know the type of player and the type of guy he was, and what he means to this organization and this town.

"It certainly is an honor to have that. Some of those linemen were saying congratulations but I said, 'Look, y'all are a part of it.''

With the record came a barb from coach Norv Turner.

"Norv gave me a hard time, saying a lot of them were little screens to Sproles and L.T. making long runs,'' Rivers said. "Those are the fun ones. You only have to throw it 3 yards and they run for 30.''

Fouts' record came in one of the Chargers' most memorable seasons. They defeated the Dolphins in an epic overtime playoff game, only to lose to Cincinnati in the AFC Championship Game, dubbed the Ice Bowl. It was the Chargers' last conference title game appearance until the 1994 Super Bowl season.

L.T. climbs list

When Tomlinson scored his first-quarter touchdown, it catapulted him into second place on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdowns list.

Tomlinson passed Marcus Allen with the 124th rushing score of his career. Emmitt Smith, whom Tomlinson grew up idolizing in Waco, Texas, is first with 164.

After returning to the bench, Tomlinson raised an index finger to fans in the northwest corner. He then shook hands with his offensive linemen.

But Tomlinson, who finished with three rushing touchdowns and 96 yards, spoke of the team accomplishment after the game.

"It's a tribute to the guys who kept believing and kept fighting ---- very prideful guys in that locker room,'' Tomlinson said.

Action Jackson

Vincent Jackson has made his mark this season, becoming the first Chargers wide receiver to reach the 1,000-yard mark since Curtis Conway in 2001.

Jackson was involved in the passing game, catching two balls for 47 yards. But he also rushed for 30 yards on two first-half reverses.

Jackson might have gained more, but Rivers' lead blocks didn't remind anyone of former Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal.

"I wanted him to scoot out the way,'' Jackson said with a laugh.

Spanos speaks

Chargers president Dean Spanos was wearing ---- if not a 2008 AFC West Champions hat ---- a wide smile in the locker room. The Chargers were sitting at 4-8 before their amazing run to their third straight division title.

"I think it says a lot about the resiliency of the team ---- they stuck together,'' Spanos said. "The catalyst and person who made it all happen was the head coach. I think Norv has done a tremendous job.

"We are fortunate to be where we are, there is no doubt about it. But we are 0-0 right now and starting all over. Just get in the playoffs ---- that is the whole thing.''

Hester contributes

Rookie FB Jacob Hester shows no signs of relinquishing the starting job he snagged when Michael Tolbert hurt his shoulder. Hester had eight carries for 37 yards and caught two passes for 19, including a long of 16.

"Each game gets a little more comfortable for me, and hopefully I will continue to grow,'' Hester said. "You find out techniques and what to look for. It's great to get the experience.''

Playoff tickets

Tickets for Saturday night's wild card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts will go on sale Monday.

Club tickets are available at 8 a.m., and general tickets will be offered at 6 p.m. All sales, which are restricted to six tickets per customer, will be through the Internet at www.chargers.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Season-ticket holders have until noon Monday to pay for their seats.

Injury report

-- Tomlinson suffered a strained groin and will undergo an MRI exam on Monday.

-- TE Antonio Gates sprained an ankle, but it isn't considered serious.