With Charger’s superpower LaDainian Tomlinson sidelined due to a serious groin injury in the second half of the game last night, under-appreciated Darren Sproles had to step up to bring down the Colt’s powerhouse team headed up by NFL MVP Peyton Manning.

Sproles had 105 yards on 23 carries. He had 114 yards rushing last week against Denver. There is a strong chance Sproles will be needed for big yardage again next week. After the game, Tomlinson, who has a groin injury he suffered last week, would not commit either way when asked if he would be ready in the next round. He had five carries for 25 yards before it was decided he couldn’t play any longer.

“Sometimes, you have to trust your guys,” Tomlinson said.

The win puts the 2008 Chargers as the only team in NFL history to qualify for the playoffs after starting 4-8 and the first 8-8 division winner in 23 years.

[image: skysports]