San Diego Chargers Daily Links: December 18, 2012

Audibles at the Line: Week 15 - Rivers McCown
Tom Gower: Mike "I took less money to play close to my family, but feel free to call it a revenge game anyway" Tolbert has two early scores for the Panthers, who take a quick 14-0 lead.

The NFL playoffs, if there was a bowl system - Spencer Hall
No more will your team have to endure the travesty of a 13-3 season ruined because your kicker cannot make a simple 30-yard field goal, or because your franchise quarterback picked the worst day imaginable to throw four interceptions to a hapless 7-9 team's secondary.

Chargers Weigh Options with Mathews Out for Season - Ricky Henne
"It’s crazy to me to be around one guy who had one (hurt) clavicle, much less two," said head coach Norv Turner. "And obviously the way he fell and landed going sideways was very similar to the way he fell (when he first broke his clavicle). I don’t know how to describe it in terms of what you call tough luck or circumstances, but hopefully he can put them behind him because he is a tough player. "

Lessons From Week 15 - Ricky Henne
In large part due to the offensive line’s struggles, the Chargers were unable to connect on any big offensive plays. Besides the one 30-yard reception by Malcom Floyd, they didn’t manage any throws over nine yards. A key to the Bolts offensive success this year has been when Philip Rivers has enough time to throw the ball down field to his big, physical receivers. Without that weapon at play, the team was forced to throw short underneath throws the entire game.

More than two changes coming for Chargers - Kevin Acee
Expect that a number of big names and longtime Chargers won’t be around in 2013. In fact, given the state of the team and status of so many contracts, it is likely the makeover will rival that of 2004, when A.J. Smith remade the roster in his second spring in charge.

Will Mathews ever justify draft hype? - Tom Krasovic
The Chargers weren't alone. Bill Polian, then the Colts’ GM, described Mathews as a "complete back." A consensus first-round talent, Mathews was coming off a smashing junior year – 6.6 yards per carry, 1,808 yards and 19 touchdowns. He tested out well, running 40 yards in 4.43 seconds.

AFC West Spin cycle: Broncos pass test, Raiders shut out Chiefs - Yahoo! Sports
Flexed out of the Sunday nighter, the Chargers play a 1 p.m. ET game in MetLife Stadium against the Jets, who, based on their result in Week 15, could be fighting for a playoff spot. Last season, the Jets beat the Chargers 27-21 in Week Seven, starting a six-game losing streak for San Diego. Stopping the run will be key for San Diego.