2008 AFC West Champions - San Diego Chargers

I purposely did not post a blog entry after last weeks unbelievable events because I had predicted the opposite occoruance with such confidence ... there was no way the Chargers were beating Tampa Bay, in Tampa Bay and even if they did that, there was now way the Broncos were losing to the Bills, in Denver ... which would mean the week 17 matchup between the Chargers and the Broncos would be meaningless ... but no, instead, the Chargers beat the Bucs and the Bills beat the Broncos and that would mean a 1 game show down for the AFC West crown and the loser going home... 

No team in NFL history has ever lead from week 1 thru 16 and not make the playoffs.

No team in NFL history has ever lead by 3 games with 3 games to paly and not make the playoffs.

Well guess what, the Denver Broncos now hold the dubious distinction to both of the above honors ... and I know of no better team to hold those honors and it gives me such guilty pleasure in knowing the Chargers are responsible for the final blow in giving the Broncos both those honors tonight....

But WOW!

The Chargers, already penciled in as biggest disappointing team of 2008, destroy a pathetic Bronco's team, win the AFC West and avoid that moniker...likely to go to the Cowboys now...

Now it's time for the Chargers to Pride Up... being 8-8 and making the playoffs will have many thinking you are not worthy to even be in the playoffs, and even putting up a close game next week against Indy will mean nothing...

When it all came down, the Chargers got the best they could have hoped for this season if you looked at the standings after week 8... a one game show down with the Broncos with the AFC West title on the line...

And I don't think I need to regress to detail the Charger turmoils over the past few weeks, specifically against the Chiefs (and are you kidding me, the Queefs?) but my hope is that this season has instilled a mentality within the Charger team... that being, that the Chargers were once a team that some felt could make the Super Bowl and then as the season progressed were written off... 

Well, San Diego Chargers you have risen from the ashes ... now prove you deserve to be in playoffs, you got home field against the Colts ... after the way this season has gone for the Chargers, as a fan, I would be satisfied if the season ended tonight, but mainly because of the late season rally and essentially having the playoffs start tonight against the Broncos and winning the AFC West almost seems as redemption itself... but no, for some reason, being a lifelong Charger fan that I am I feel greedy. Yes, winning the AFC West does feel gratifying this season - the way the season has gone for the Chargers - but I am willing to bet that most "pundits" have the Colts already beating the Chargers ... and that is why the Chargers not only need to beat the Colts next week but also go to the Super Bowl ... earn some respect, something no one associated with the NFL is giving you these days...

GO CHARGERS!