:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5823055/20121230_lbm_ar5_084.0.jpg)
Alexander Shines in Season Finale - Ryan Schuler
"I don’t think anybody expected it," Alexander said. "This was a great opportunity. Coach Norv Turner brought me in and gave me a good opportunity to come out here and make some plays. I tried to take advantage of every chance I got. It is the NFL. You have to prove what you can do each and every weekend. It’s what I’ve tried to stay focused on. It’s been a pretty good year for me. I’m pretty excited about it."
Takeo Spikes Ejected After Scuffle - Ryan Schuler
"Two players had locked up with grabbing the face masks, kept pulling, continued to pull after we tried to break it up," head referee John Parry said. "With the continuation of it and the amount of time that took place, that is why we disqualified them."
Rivers Sets Impressive Marks in Win - Ricky Henne
"We’ve played better and we’ve managed everything better," Rivers said of the team’s strong finish to the season, going 3-1 over their final four games. "There’s a small margin between us sitting here at 10-6 and us sitting here at 7-9. We’re talking about three or four plays, and we could pick from about 20, and then change three or four of them, and we’re setting here a different team."
Mailbag: Another Schottenheimer coming? -Bill Williamson
I think the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer would play well in both cities. I also think he fits each team’s philosophy and financial guidelines So, yes, I can see Schottenheimer being an option for both the Chiefs and the Chargers. But the reality is, Marty Schottenheimer still has a close relationship with Kansas City’s ownership, while he left San Diego on bad terms.
The Pro Bowl Matters - Sam Monson
Vikings center John Sullivan reportedly missed out on a cool $500k by getting snubbed for the Pro Bowl — despite being the best center in football this season. Now, you might say that it’s foolish to have money like that resting on a selection process as flawed as the Pro Bowl’s is, and that’s certainly true, but that’s hardly the point, right?
Video: Many firings expected Monday - ESPN.com staff
Adam Schefter expects to see many firings in the NFL after the regular season ends.
Schefter: Chargers don't want Andy Reid - Bill Williamson
The Spanos family will be busy. Turner and general manager A.J. Smith are expected to be fired. The team is expected to hire a general manager (in-house candidate Jimmy Raye is considered a favorite) and then the team will hire a coach.
Wrap-up: Chargers 24, Raiders 21 - Bill Williamson
San Diego receiver Micheal Spurlock took the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. He had a punt return last week. Along with receiver Danario Alexander, the Chargers have two building blocks on offense.