Six Chargers see action in the Pro Bowl

By J.E.  |   Tuesday, February 14, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

San Diego Chargers
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The San Diego Chargers sent six players to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 1982, and all six saw significant playing time as the AFC all-stars lost to the NFC squad by a score of 23-17. Antonio Gates (TE), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Jamal Williams (DT), Shawne Merriman (OLB), and Hanik Milligan (special teams) were voted in as starters, while LaDainain Tomlinson (RB) played as a backup to the Colts' Edgerrin James. The only other teams who were better represented in Hawaii were the Colts (8 players, including one injury replacement) and the Seahawks (7 players, including two injury replacements).

Neither team was able to mount much of an offensive attack, so it's not surprising that the Bolts players didn't put up impressive numbers in the game. Tomlinson, making his third Pro Bowl appearance, was held to 13 rushing yards on 5 carries and 18 receiving yards on two catches. Despite the low production, he was instrumental during the AFC's lone scoring drive in the 2nd Quarter. Tomlinson made both of his receptions on that drive, including an 11-yarder that gave the AFC a first down on the NFC 37. He then pushed the ball up six more yards on an ensuing run to help keep the drive alive. The AFC would eventually settle for a 31 yard field goal from Cincinnati's Shayne Graham.

As expected, Gates drew extra defenders all day long. Although the ball was thrown his way five times, he was only able to make two catches for a total of 7 yards. The receptions came on consecutive plays in the 1st Quarter as the AFC drove for their first touchdown of the game.

Neal, who was the only fullback on the AFC roster, got plenty of playing time. He made key blocks on several running plays and caught a 6-yard pass from Trent Green early in the 3rd Quarter to get his name on the stat sheet. This was the second Pro Bowl of Neal's 13-year career. His first appearance came back in 2002 when he was a member of the Bengals.

Merriman, Milligan, and Williams were all playing in the first Pro Bowl of their careers. Merriman also had the distinction of being the only rookie on the AFC squad. He responded by recording three tackles and forcing Atlanta Falcons' tight end Alge Crumpler to fumble to ball early in the 4th Quarter. Unfortunately, the ball went out of bounds, allowing the NFC to retain possession. They took advantage of the lucky bounce by getting a field goal out of the drive to take a 20-17 lead.

Williams didn't get credit for any tackles, but was in the middle of several plays all game long. Meanwhile, Milligan was again a standout on special teams. He notched three tackles for the AFC to lead the team in that category.

Although none of the Chargers posted huge stats in the game, they represented the team well and showed that San Diego fans have a lot of look forward to in 2006.
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