2008 San Diego Chargers season
| 2008 San Diego Chargers season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Norv Turner |
| General manager | A.J. Smith |
| Owner | Alex Spanos |
| Home field | Qualcomm Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 8–8 |
| Division place | 1st AFC West |
| Playoff finish |
Won Wild Card Playoffs (Colts) 23–17 (OT) Lost Divisional Playoffs (Steelers) 35–24 |
| Pro Bowlers | 2 |
Won Wild Card Playoffs (Colts) 23–17 (OT)
The 2008 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 49th overall season and their 39th in the NFL. While they completed the regular season with only an 8–8 record, they nonetheless captured their third consecutive AFC West championship. In the first round of the playoffs, the Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts, but they were eliminated the following week during their divisional round game on the road against the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Chargers became the first team to go 8–8 and win their division since 1985, and by winning their Wild Card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts, became the first team in NFL history to actually go an entire season without having a winning record until after the first round of the playoffs. They also became the first team in NFL history to start the season 4–8, yet make the playoffs.
On October 26, the Chargers had a game against the New Orleans Saints in London, England, where the Saints were the designated home team. i.e. They were playing their home game in London. This was the second NFL game played in London in as many years.
* NFL overseas game in England. New Orleans is the designated home team.
** Game time changed due to NBC's flex scheduling.
The Chargers began their 2008 campaign at home against the Carolina Panthers. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers pounced first as kicker John Kasay got a 44-yard field goal. The Chargers would take the lead with QB Philip Rivers completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers, yet Carolina would take the halftime lead as Kasay nailed a 33-yard and a 30-yard field goal. In the third quarter, San Diego got the lead with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 27-yard field goal, yet the Panthers regained the lead with CB Chris Gamble returning a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Carolina increased its lead with Kasay nailing a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers got the lead again with Rivers completing a 24-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates and a 5-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson. However, Panthers QB Jake Delhomme threw the game-winning 14-yard TD pass to TE Dante Rosario.
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