2004: Chargers Rally to Defeat Chiefs in Back-and-Forth Game

The fortunes of the San Diego Chargers had changed dramatically since the 4-12 finish of 2003 as they met the Kansas City Chiefs on November 28, 2004. Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer’s team had won four straight games and was at 7-3 and even with Denver atop the AFC West. QB Drew Brees (pictured at right), considered a disappointment following his first three seasons, was breaking out in a big way, as was second-year TE Antonio Gates, while RB LaDainian Tomlinson continued to be a top rusher and receiver out of the backfield. The coaching of first-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips brought about a significant improvement with the defense.  

The Chiefs were on an opposite trajectory. Having been a 13-3 playoff team in 2003, Kansas City had lost its last three games and was struggling with a 3-7 record. Under Head Coach Dick Vermeil, the offense was still productive, led by QB Trent Green and TE Tony Gonzalez, although star RB Priest Holmes was out with a knee injury. The defense was at the root of the club’s problems and ranked among the league’s least effective units.

There were 77,447 fans in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium on a 35-degree day. The Chargers had the first possession and put together a promising drive as WR Eric Parker gained 20 yards on a first-play end-around and Drew Brees completed three passes and had a 14-yard run. However, the drive stalled at the Kansas City 11 and Nate Kaeding’s 29-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful.

The Chiefs punted following a short series and San Diego struck quickly. Brees threw to Parker for a 55-yard gain to the KC two and, two plays later, LaDainian Tomlinson scored a touchdown from a yard out. Kaeding added the extra point and the visitors were in front by 7-0.

The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Chiefs starting field position at their 40, and they went 60 yards in six plays. Trent Green had passes to Tony Gonzalez (pictured below) for 12 and 27 yards and RB Derrick Blaylock, the stand-in for Priest Holmes, ran for a five-yard TD. Lawrence Tynes converted to tie the score at 7-7.

The Chargers punted following their next possession and a penalty on the return had the Chiefs starting from their own six yard line. As the game moved into the second quarter, consecutive carries by RB Larry Johnson picked up 18 yards and, with Green passing effectively and Johnson runs mixed in, Kansas City advanced methodically down the field. Green completed five of his passes, two of them to Gonzalez for 22 yards and the longest covering 16 yards to TE Jason Dunn. The 13-play, 94-yard drive culminated in Johnson’s six-yard touchdown run up the middle. Tynes added the point after and the home team had a 14-7 lead.

The Chargers responded with a long drive of their own that covered 70 yards in 12 plays. They converted three first downs, all on passes by Brees, including a 17-yard toss to Parker on third-and-seven that set up Tomlinson’s three-yard carry for a TD. Kaeding’s kick tied the score at 14-14.

Green passed Kansas City down the field on the next series and Tynes kicked a 28-yard field goal that put the Chiefs back in front by three. With time running out in the first half, Brees threw to WR Kassim Osgood for a 27-yard gain to the KC 43 and two short completions to Tomlinson picked up another nine yards, but Kaeding missed on a 52-yard field goal attempt and the home team took a 17-14 lead into halftime.

Kansas City WR Dante Hall started the third quarter off with a 77-yard kickoff return, but he fumbled at the end without being hit and the Chargers gained possession at their five yard line. They managed to reach their 45 before having to punt and the Chiefs punted it back following a three-and-out series. On San Diego’s first play from midfield, Parker took off for a 38-yard run to the KC 12 and, while the Chargers couldn’t reach the end zone, Kaeding tied the score with a 25-yard field goal.

The teams exchanged punts before the Chiefs began to move effectively in the closing minutes of the period. Green completed three straight passes, the first to WR Johnnie Morton for 18 yards, and a throw to Gonzalez in a third-and-nine situation gained 23 yards to the San Diego 31. On the second play of the fourth quarter, Blaylock broke away for a 22-yard touchdown. Tynes missed the extra point, but Kansas City was back in front at 23-17.

Brees passed the Chargers back down the field, completing six throws along the way. The longest was to WR Keenan McCardell for 23 yards and the last to Antonio Gates for an 18-yard TD. Kaeding added the extra point and San Diego was in the lead by a point at 24-23. It didn’t last long, however, as Hall returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, this time maintaining his grip on the football for the full distance. Green threw to WR Eddie Kennison for a two-point conversion and KC was back on top by 31-24.

The Chargers ran into problems with penalties on their next series, one of which wiped out a 51-yard pass play to Gates. However, backed up to their 19 and facing second-and-22, Brees threw to Osgood for a 65-yard pickup to the KC 16 and, three plays later, he connected with Gates for an 11-yard TD. Kaeding added the PAT and, with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, the score was again tied at 31-31.

San Diego got the ball back when a third-and-11 pass by Green was intercepted by LB Donnie Edwards, who returned it 13 yards to the Kansas City 32. The Chargers reached the 17 before Brees was sacked by CB William Bartee and LB Scott Fujita for a loss of seven yards on third down, but Kaeding kicked a 43-yard field goal and the visitors had a three-point lead.

The Chiefs regained possession with 2:15 left on the clock, but after Green threw to Blaylock for six yards on first down, the next three passes fell incomplete. San Diego held on for a 34-31 win.

“Everybody got their money’s worth today,” summed up San Diego’s Coach Schottenheimer. “It was quite an exciting game.”

The Chargers, in ending a seven-game losing streak at Kansas City, led in total yards (498 to 310), first downs (25 to 20), and time of possession (36:46 to 23:14). The Chiefs turned the ball over twice, to none suffered by San Diego, and while the Chargers were penalized more times (9 to 5), Kansas City’s infractions came at more inopportune times.

Drew Brees completed 28 of 37 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns while giving up no interceptions. With his two long carries, Eric Parker led the Chargers with 58 rushing yards and also caught three passes for another 78 yards. LaDainian Tomlinson (pictured at left) gained just 46 yards on 21 attempts that included two TDs but also had 10 pass receptions for 57 yards. Antonio Gates gained 92 yards on his 7 catches that included two for scores and, thanks to the one long gain, Kassim Osgood matched the yardage total on his two receptions.

For the Chiefs, Trent Green was successful on 21 of 34 throws for 208 yards with no TDs and one interception. Tony Gonzalez caught 8 passes for 105 yards. Derrick Blaylock rushed for 75 yards on 8 carries that included two touchdowns and Larry Johnson ran the ball 10 times for 43 yards and a TD. Dante Hall averaged 38.8 yards on six kickoff returns, one of which resulted in a touchdown and another that came close.

The Chargers went on to win their next three games, and four of their last five, to finish first in the AFC West with a 12-4 record. They lost their Wild Card playoff contest to the New York Jets in overtime. Kansas City reeled off four wins following the loss to the Chargers but lost the season finale in the rematch at San Diego to place third in the division at 7-9.

Drew Brees ranked second in the AFC with a 104.8 passer rating, gaining 3159 yards with 27 TD passes against just seven interceptions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl, as were both LaDainian Tomlinson, who ran for 1335 yards and a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns, and Antonio Gates, who caught 81 passes for 964 yards (11.9 avg.) and 13 TDs, and both of them also were consensus first-team All-NFL selections.

Tony Gonzalez topped the NFL with 102 pass receptions, which accounted for 1258 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl. Trent Green topped the league in pass attempts (556) and the conference in completions (369) and passing yards (4591). His 27 TD passes were a career high.

Highlighted Year: Drew Brees, 2006

Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Age:  27

6^th season in pro football, 1^st with Saints

College: Purdue

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 209

Prelude:

Chosen by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft, Brees spent a year as backup to veteran Doug Flutie before taking over as starting quarterback in ’02. A good first year as starter was followed by a season in which he had difficulties, and the Chargers swung the deal that brought rookie Philip Rivers to San Diego in 2004. Brees bounced back that year with a Pro Bowl season in which his passer rating was 104.8, but he badly injured his shoulder in the last game of the ’05 season, the final year of his contract, and with the team committing to Rivers, he signed with the New Orleans Saints.

2006 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 554 [5]

Most attempts, game – 52 vs. Cincinnati 11/19

Completions – 356 [4]

Most completions, game – 37 vs. Cincinnati 11/19

Yards – 4418 [1]

Most yards, game – 510 vs. Cincinnati 11/19

Completion percentage – 64.3 [5]

Yards per attempt – 8.0 [4]

TD passes – 26 [3, 1^st in NFC]

Most TD passes, game – 5 at Dallas 12/10

Interceptions – 11

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Baltimore 10/29, vs. Cincinnati 11/19
Passer rating – 96.2 [3, 1^st in NFC]

500-yard passing games – 1

300-yard passing games – 8

200-yard passing games – 10

Rushing

Attempts – 42

Most attempts, game – 6 (for 9 yds.) at Tampa Bay 11/5

Yards – 32

Most yards, game – 14 yards (on 4 carries) at Pittsburgh 11/12, (on 3 carries) vs. San Francisco 12/3

Yards per attempt – 0.8

TDs – 0

Postseason: 2 G

Pass attempts – 81

Most attempts, game – 49 at Chicago, NFC Championship

Pass completions – 47

Most completions, game – 27 at Chicago, NFC Championship

Passing yardage – 597

Most yards, game – 354 at Chicago, NFC Championship

TD passes – 3

Most TD passes, game – 2 at Chicago, NFC Championship

Interceptions – 1

Rushing attempts – 4

Most rushing attempts, game – 3 (for -2 yds.) vs. Philadelphia, NFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – 6

Most rushing yards, game – 8 at Chicago, NFC Championship

Average gain rushing – 1.5

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Saints went 10-6 to finish first in the NFC South while leading the NFL in total yards (6264) and passing yards (4503). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Philadelphia Eagles (27-24). Lost NFC Championship to Chicago Bears (39-14).

Aftermath:

Brees started poorly and the team didn’t do as well in 2007, but he recovered to lead the league in pass attempts (652) and completions (440) while throwing for another 4423 yards. He had another Pro Bowl year in ’08 in which he led the NFL in passing yards (5069), TD passes (34), pass attempts (635) and completions (413). Brees went to the Pro Bowl for the third straight year, and fifth overall, in 2010 after throwing for 4620 yards and 33 touchdowns and leading the NFL in completion percentage (68.1). However, he also threw a career-high 22 interceptions and, while the team qualified for the postseason as a wild card with an 11-5 record, the Saints were upset in the first round of the playoffs by Seattle. Brees set a new NFL record with 5476 passing yards in 2011 and topped the league in completions (468), completion percentage (71.2), and TD passes (46). He broke the record long held by Johnny Unitas for consecutive games with a touchdown pass in 2012, which finally ended with 54 straight, on his way to recording a third 5000-yard passing season (5177) and again topping the NFL in TD passes (43) although also in interceptions (19) in a difficult year for the club both on and off the field. New Orleans rebounded in 2013 and Brees led the NFC with 5162 passing yards and 39 TD passes. He topped the NFL in passing yards for the fifth time in 2014 (4952) and tossed over 30 TD passes for the seventh consecutive year (33). Overall through 2014, Brees has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 57,337 yards and 402 touchdowns and has been selected to nine Pro Bowls, including a string of seven straight.   

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

2007: McAllister Stars as Saints Edge Eagles in Divisional Playoff Game

The New Orleans Saints, just a year removed from being a team without a home on the way to a miserable 3-13 record, hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in a NFC Divisional Playoff contest on January 13, 2007. The Saints had a new head coach in Sean Payton and were back in the refurbished Louisiana Superdome, which had been badly damaged along with much of the rest of the city during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The offense was the NFL’s most productive, directed by QB Drew Brees. Power-running RB Deuce McAllister (pictured above) had come back from a knee injury in ’05 to form an excellent tandem with flashy first draft choice RB Reggie Bush. The less-known WR Marques Colston, a seventh round draft pick, also proved to be a valuable addition (70 catches, 1038 yards, 8 TDs). The defense had a bend-but-not-break quality and was strongest on the line that was anchored by ends Will Smith and Charles Grant. New Orleans topped the NFC South with a 10-6 record and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. They had beaten Philadelphia during the regular season.

The Eagles were in the playoffs for the sixth time in Head Coach Andy Reid’s eight-year tenure, having dipped to 6-10 in 2005 after reaching the Super Bowl in ’04. After getting off to a 5-6 start, they managed to win six games in a row to place first in the NFC East, also with a 10-6 tally, despite losing starting QB Donovan McNabb. Veteran backup QB Jeff Garcia performed capably in relief, however, and all-purpose RB Brian Westbrook gained 1916 yards from scrimmage while wide receivers Reggie Brown and Donte’ Stallworth were productive. The aggressive defense was especially strong in the backfield that featured FS Brian Dawkins. Philadelphia defeated the Giants in the Wild Card round to advance to the Divisional level.

There were 70,000 excited fans present at the Louisiana Superdome. The teams exchanged punts to start the game, with Reggie Bush taking a huge hit from Eagles CB Sheldon Brown on the second play from scrimmage that sent him briefly to the sidelines. The second possession for the Saints started off with Deuce McAllister running for a gain of 28 yards from midfield to the Philadelphia 22 and, after reaching the 15, John Carney kicked a 33-yard field goal.

The clubs resumed trading punts until, starting from their own 36 late in the opening period, the Saints again commenced a series with a long run. This time it was Bush reversing field and going around left end for 25 yards, and Drew Brees followed up with a pass to WR Devery Henderson that gained another 35 yards to the Philadelphia four. However, as the game moved into the second quarter, New Orleans lost a net total of a yard in the next three plays and settled for another Carney field goal, this time from 23 yards.

Down 6-0, the Eagles struck back three plays into their next series when Jeff Garcia threw to WR Donte’ Stallworth for a 75-yard touchdown (pictured at left). David Akers kicked the extra point to put the visitors in front by 7-6.

The Saints responded with a long drive of 78 yards in 14 plays. Brees threw to Marques Colston for 14 yards and McAllister ran three straight times for a total of 15 yards. After Bush was tackled by MLB Jeremiah Trotter for a loss of six yards to set up third-and-11, Brees connected with Bush for 14 yards to keep the drive going and then to Colston for another five. Bush lost two yards but then ran for the needed seven yards on third down and another third down at the Philadelphia 28 resulted in a Brees throw to Colston for 19 yards. Two plays later, Bush ran four yards for a TD and, with Carney’s conversion, New Orleans was ahead by 13-7.

The Eagles put together a long possession of their own, covering 80 yards in 11 plays. Garcia completed a pass to WR Reggie Brown (pictured below) for 32 yards to convert a third-and-11 situation and a third-and-six pass to WR Hank Baskett picked up 25 yards to the New Orleans 20. Garcia completed two more passes, to RB Correll Buckhalter for eight yards and TE L.J. Smith for another eight, and Brian Westbrook scored on a one-yard touchdown dive. Akers kicked the point after to put Philadelphia up by 14-13 with 54 seconds remaining in the first half, and that remained the score at halftime when a final-play throw into the end zone by Brees was pulled away from Colston by CB William James.

The Eagles had the first possession in the third quarter and struck quickly when Westbrook broke away for a 62-yard TD on the third play from scrimmage. Akers extended the lead to 21-13 with the PAT. Following a 36-yard kickoff return by WR Michael Lewis, the Saints responded with a seven-play, 63-yard drive. McAllister ran effectively and Brees completed passes to TE Billy Miller for 15 and 29 yards. McAllister ran for a five-yard touchdown and Carney’s extra point put New Orleans just a point behind at 21-20.

On the ensuing kickoff, RB Reno Mahe returned 11 yards and then lateraled to WR Jason Avant for another 28 yards to give the Eagles good starting field position at their 46. Westbrook had a run for 18 yards, but Garcia was unsuccessful on all three of his passes, forcing a punt. Starting from their 16, the Saints advanced methodically. Brees completed passes to McAllister for 10 yards and Miller for 13 and, when Bush fumbled following a 10-yard carry, WR Terrance Copper recovered at the Philadelphia 49. Brees threw to TE John Owens for 21 yards and, after a gain by Bush was negated by a holding penalty, a sack by DE Trent Cole was also nullified due to illegal contact. With a first down at the 34, McAllister ran for a 23-yard gain and that set up a Brees throw to McAllister for an 11-yard TD. Carney converted and New Orleans was back in the lead by a 27-21 score.

Garcia closed out the period with pass completions to Smith for 15 yards and Stallworth for 11 and, after a holding penalty backed the Eagles up to start the fourth quarter, he connected with Brown for a gain of 24 yards to the New Orleans 28. Westbrook carried twice for 24 yards to give Philadelphia second-and-one at the four. But in a pivotal set of plays, Westbrook was stopped for no gain and a pass to FB Thomas Tapeh lost two yards. The Eagles were forced to settle for a 24-yard Akers field goal.

The Saints punted following their next series and Philadelphia went three-and-out and did likewise. On a drive that consisted primarily of McAllister running the ball, New Orleans advanced to the Philadelphia 32, but Bush couldn’t handle a high pitchout from Brees and the loose ball was recovered by DE Darren Howard to give the Eagles possession at their 44 with 3:18 remaining on the clock.

Once again the visitors were unable to move the ball on offense and opted to punt after three plays. They never regained possession as, with all of Philadelphia’s timeouts expended, McAllister ran for five yards on a third-and-one play with 1:37 left. New Orleans won by a final score of 27-24.  

The Saints led in total yards (435 to 355) and first downs (27 to 14), with 208 of their yards coming on the ground. New Orleans also suffered the only turnover and the Eagles recorded three sacks, to one by the Saints. 

Deuce McAllister became the first player in franchise history to run for over a hundred yards in a postseason game as he gained 143 yards on 21 carries. He also caught four passes for 20 yards and scored a touchdown apiece by running and receiving. Drew Brees completed 20 of 32 passes for 243 yards and a TD with no interceptions. Reggie Bush (pictured below) contributed 52 yards on 12 rushing attempts that included a score and gained another 22 yards on three catches. Marques Colston had 5 pass receptions for 55 yards and Billy Miller accumulated 64 yards on his four catches.

For the Eagles, Jeff Garcia was successful on 15 of 30 throws for 240 yards and a touchdown while giving up no interceptions. Brian Westbrook rushed for 116 yards on 13 attempts that included two TDs. Donte’ Stallworth gained 100 yards on three catches that included the one long touchdown and Reggie Brown had 76 yards on his three receptions. On defense, DT Darwin Walker recorded two of the team’s sacks.

“Deuce was fantastic tonight and they weren’t going to stop him,” said Coach Sean Payton of McAllister’s performance. “He ran his heart out.”

New Orleans reached the NFC Championship game for the first time ever, but lost to the Chicago Bears by a 39-14 score. With heightened expectations, the Saints dropped to 7-9 in 2007 and didn’t reach the playoffs again until 2009, although with better results. The Eagles dropped to 8-8 in ‘07 but returned to the playoffs in 2008, advancing to the NFC Championship game. 

MVP Profile: Drew Brees, 2011

Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Age:  32

11^th season in pro football, 6^th with Saints

College: Purdue

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 209

Prelude:

Chosen by the San Diego Chargers in the 2^nd round of the 2001 draft, Brees spent a year as backup to veteran Doug Flutie before taking over as starting quarterback in ’02. A good first year as starter was followed by a season in which he had difficulties, and the Chargers swung the deal that brought rookie Philip Rivers to San Diego in 2004. Brees bounced back that year with a Pro Bowl season in which his passer rating was 104.8. He badly injured his shoulder in the last game of the ’05 season, the final year of his contract, and with the team committing to Rivers, Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints and was a consensus first-team All-Pro who was selected to the Pro Bowl in ’06, leading the NFL with 4418 passing yards and guiding the Saints, with a high-powered offense, to the NFC Championship game. In 2007, Brees started poorly and the team didn’t do as well, but he recovered to lead the league in pass attempts (652) and completions (440) while throwing for another 4423 yards. He had another Pro Bowl year in ’08 in which he led the NFL in passing yards (5069), TD passes (34), pass attempts (635) and completions (413) and the Saints reached the top in 2009, with the quarterback leading the league in TD passes (34), completion percentage (70.6), and passing overall (109.6) while the club won the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. Brees threw for 4620 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2010 and led the NFL in completion percentage (68.1). However, he also threw a career-high 22 interceptions and, while the team qualified for the postseason as a Wild Card with an 11-5 record, the Saints were upset in the first round of the playoffs by Seattle.

2011 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 657 [2]

Most attempts, game – 49 at Green Bay 9/8

Completions – 468 [1]

Most completions, game – 36 at Tennessee 12/11

Yards – 5476 [1]

Most yards, game – 419 at Green Bay 9/8

Completion percentage – 71.2 [1]

Yards per attempt – 8.3 [6]

TD passes – 46 [1]

Most TD passes, game – 5 vs. Indianapolis 10/23, at Minnesota 12/18, vs. Carolina 1/1

Interceptions – 14 [10, tied with four others]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Tampa Bay 10/16

Passer rating – 110.6 [2]

400-yard passing games – 2

300-yard passing games – 13

200-yard passing games – 16

Rushing

Attempts – 21

Most attempts, game - 4 (for -1 yds.) vs. Houston 9/25

Yards – 86

Most yards, game – 21 yards (on 3 carries) at Tampa Bay 10/16

Yards per attempt – 4.1

TDs – 1

Scoring

TDs – 1

2-pt PAT – 3 [1]

Points – 12

Postseason: 2 G

Pass attempts – 106

Most attempts, game - 63 at San Francisco, NFC Divisional playoff

Pass completions – 73

Most completions, game - 40 at San Francisco, NFC Divisional playoff

Passing yardage – 928

Most yards, game – 466 vs. Detroit, NFC Wild Card playoff

TD passes – 7

Most TD passes, game - 4 at San Francisco, NFC Divisional playoff

Interceptions – 2

Most interceptions, game – 2 at San Francisco, NFC Divisional playoff

Rushing attempts – 5

Most rushing attempts, game – 4 vs. Detroit, NFC Wild Card playoff

Rushing yards – 4

Most rushing yards, game - 5 at San Francisco, NFC Divisional playoff

Average gain rushing – 0.8

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: AP

2^nd team All-NFL: AP, Pro Football Focus

Pro Bowl

Saints went 13-3 to finish first in the NFC South while leading the NFL in total yards (7474) and passing yards (5347). Won NFC Wild Card playoff over Detroit Lions (45-28). Lost NFC Divisional playoff to San Francisco 49ers (36-32).

Aftermath:

After setting a new single-season record in 2011, Brees had another 5000-yard passing season (5177) in 2012 and again topped the NFL in TD passes (43). He also broke the record long held by Johnny Unitas for consecutive games with a touchdown pass, a streak which finally ended at 54. However, he also led in interceptions (19) over the course of a difficult year for the club both on and off the field. New Orleans rebounded in 2013 and Brees led the NFC with 5162 yards and 39 TD passes. Through 2013, he had completed 65.9 percent of his career passes for 51,081 yards and 363 TDs and had been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times, including a current string of six straight.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

2005: Jets Beat Chargers in Overtime of AFC Wild Card Playoff

The AFC Wild Card playoff game at San Diego on January 8, 2005 featured the San Diego Chargers hosting the New York Jets. The Chargers had won nine of their last ten games to finish atop the AFC West with a 12-4 record while New York lost three of its last four contests to end up in second place in the AFC East at 10-6 and needed help to get into the playoffs (a Buffalo loss in the final week).

San Diego, coached by Marty Schottenheimer, had turned around very quickly from a 4-12 record in 2003 and was in the postseason for the first time since 1995. QB Drew Brees had dramatically improved in his fourth year while TE Antonio Gates emerged as an outstanding receiver. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, also in his fourth season, was already established as one of the league’s best all-around backs. The defense had improved as well under the tutelage of coordinator Wade Phillips.

The Jets, coached by Herman Edwards, had the league’s leading rusher in 31-year-old RB Curtis Martin (1697 yards). QB Chad Pennington (pictured at top) was smart, efficient, and a good leader, but was troubled by a torn rotator cuff (he would have surgery in the offseason). Rookie MLB Jonathan Vilma was a good addition to the defense, but star DE John Abraham had gone down with a knee injury late in the season.

There were 67,536 fans in attendance at Qualcomm Stadium for the Saturday night game with rain falling. The Jets took the opening kickoff and drove 57 yards in 11 plays. Chad Pennington converted a third-and-nine situation with a completion to WR Santana Moss for 16 yards and, later facing third-and-eight at his own 45, threw to WR Justin McCareins, also for 16 yards. A 16-yard run by RB LaMont Jordan got the ball to the San Diego 23 and the series finally stalled at the 14. However, the visitors came up empty when Doug Brien missed a 33-yard field goal attempt.

The Chargers were unable to get anything going on offense and the teams traded punts until San Diego started a 13-play, 88-yard drive that extended into the second quarter. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 13 yards on the first two plays, on the way to seven attempts for 39 yards for the series, and Drew Brees completed all five of his passes, the last to WR Keenan McCardell, who made an outstanding catch for a 26-yard touchdown that was initially ruled incomplete but was overturned on replay. Nate Kaeding added the extra point to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead.

The teams again exchanged punts until the Jets, helped by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Coach Schottenheimer for running onto the field to protest the lack of a roughing-the-kicker flag on the punt, put together a five-play, 52-yard possession that included a Pennington pass to McCareins that picked up 21 yards to the San Diego 15. Two plays later, Pennington connected with TE Anthony Becht for a 13-yard TD and, with Brien adding the extra point, the game was tied with less than three minutes remaining in the first half.

The Chargers again drove into New York territory as Brees completed passes of nine yards to McCardell, 16 yards to WR Eric Parker, and 15 yards to Antonio Gates. But after advancing to the 37, a Brees pass was intercepted by SS Reggie Tongue. Thus ended the last scoring opportunity of the half, and the game remained tied at the midpoint.

Following a San Diego punt that ended the first series of the third quarter, the Jets moved 75 yards in five plays to take the lead. Pennington completed passes to McCareins of 11 and 10 yards, and then connected with Moss, who outran FS Jerry Wilson and CB Quentin Jammer for a 47-yard touchdown. Brien added the PAT and New York was up by 14-7.

The Chargers reached their 43 on the ensuing series before punting, and the Jets again put together a scoring drive of eight plays and 42 yards. The highlight was a Pennington screen pass to Curtis Martin that picked up 23 yards to the San Diego 31. However, a penalty backed the Jets up and they ultimately had to settle for a 42-yard field goal by Brien, which bounced off the crossbar before going through, but they now led by a ten-point margin.

San Diego had the ball heading into the fourth quarter, on the way to a 54-yard possession in 12 plays. Most were passes by Brees, as he hit Parker twice for 14 and 12 yards, and Tomlinson for a total of 15 yards. Kaeding kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it a 17-10 game.

The Jets mounted a long drive in response, with Pennington chipping away on short passes and a five-yard penalty on the Chargers for having 12 men on the field allowing New York to convert a fourth-and-three play at the San Diego 40. The visitors reached the 34 before punting, passing up a long field goal attempt, having used up over five-and-a-half minutes.

The Chargers took over at their 20 with 4:46 remaining in regulation. It looked bad for them when Brees was sacked on the first play for a six-yard loss. However, he threw to Gates for 21 yards and a first down and then, after tossing an incomplete pass, connected with Gates again for a 44-yard gain to the New York 21. Tomlinson ran for 12 yards to give the Chargers first-and-goal at the nine. Tomlinson carried again, for a yard, and Brees went seven yards up the middle to the one. On third down, Tomlinson lost a yard and, with the clock down to 24 seconds, it was a fourth-and-two situation. Under hot pursuit, Brees faded back 20 yards before launching a pass that was knocked down in the end zone, but LB Eric Barton was penalized for roughing the passer when he hit the quarterback in the head with his right forearm. With a first down and a half-the-distance penalty on New York that moved the ball to the one, Brees then tossed to Gates for a touchdown (pictured below). Kaeding’s vital extra point was good and the game headed into overtime with the score tied at 17-17.

San Diego had the first possession but punted, and the Jets went three-and-out and kicked it back. Starting at their 30, the Chargers put together a 14-play, 48-yard drive. Brees threw to Parker for eight yards in a third-and-five situation and converted another third down near midfield with a three yard carry. A pass to Tomlinson gained 10 yards to the New York 33 and Tomlinson then ran around left end for a nine-yard gain. With the ball inside the New York 25, the Chargers played conservatively to line up for a field goal, and Kaeding came on to try from 40 yards. However, the kick was wide to the right and the game continued.

Following a four-yard carry by Martin, Pennington threw to Moss for 18 yards and, two plays later, he connected with McCareins for 11 yards to the San Diego 34. Jordan ran for 19 yards and now it was time for the visitors to maneuver for a field goal. Brien’s kick was good from 28 yards out and the Jets came away with a 20-17 win.

The Chargers had the edge in total yards (408 to 396) and first downs (24 to 20). Each team recorded two sacks apiece and there was just one turnover, which was by San Diego. The Chargers were also penalized nine times, at a cost of 75 yards, to eight penalties for 49 yards on New York.

Chad Pennington completed 23 of 33 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Curtis Martin ran for 66 yards on 18 carries and caught four passes for 47 yards. LaMont Jordan contributed 50 yards on 7 rushing attempts. Justin McCareins had 8 pass receptions for 87 yards while Santana Moss gained an even 100 yards on his four catches that included the one long TD.

For the Chargers, Drew Brees (pictured at right) was successful on 31 of 42 throws for 319 yards and two TDs with one interception. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 80 yards on 26 attempts and had 9 pass receptions for another 53 yards. Eric Parker also had 9 catches, for a team-leading 93 yards, and Antonio Gates compiled 89 yards on 6 receptions that included a score.

The Jets lost to Pittsburgh in the Divisional playoff round, again in overtime and on the other end of an identical 20-17 score. Doug Brien, who kicked the winning field goal against the Chargers, was the goat against the Steelers, missing two field goal attempts in the final minutes that could have won the game. New York fell to 4-12 in ’05, leading to the dismissal of Coach Edwards, and returned to the postseason in 2006 under a new head coach, Eric Mangini.

As for San Diego, it was the fifth straight playoff loss for Coach Marty Schottenheimer, an unfortunate blot on an otherwise solid coaching career. The Chargers went 9-7 in 2005 and placed third in the AFC West, but bounced back in 2006 with a conference-best 14-2 record. They lost their first postseason contest once again, this time at the Divisional level, and Schottenheimer was let go.

2010: Browns Intercept Brees Four Times on Way to Upset of Saints

The game between the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns on October 24, 2010 looked to be a classic mismatch. The Saints, playing at home, were the defending NFL Champions and, while not as dominating as in ’09, were still 4-2. Head Coach Sean Payton’s team again had a high-powered offense that was led by outstanding QB Drew Brees throwing to a fine group of receivers, although injuries were affecting the running game.

Meanwhile, the visiting Browns, coached by Eric Mangini, were 1-5 and starting a rookie, Colt McCoy, at quarterback. Hard-running Peyton Hillis was a capable running back, but there was little else going for Cleveland. They had added LB Scott Fujita in the offseason, who had been a key defensive player with the Saints, and he would prove helpful in facing his former team’s offense.

There were over 70,000 fans filling the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints had the first possession and punted, which provided plenty of excitement when WR Josh Cribbs returned the kick seven yards and then lateraled to DB Eric Wright, who went another 62 yards to the New Orleans 19. Six plays later, Phil Dawson kicked a 23-yard field goal to give the Browns the early lead.

New Orleans was held to a three-and-out possession and punted, with Cribbs returning it 17 yards to his own 44. Two carries by Peyton Hillis yielded 14 yards and a pass interference call on the Saints added 38 more. Hillis ran for a four-yard touchdown and, with Dawson’s extra point, the visitors were ahead by 10-0.

The Saints followed up with a long and methodical drive that featured Drew Brees completing short passes and RB Chris Ivory picking up yardage on the ground. However, an apparent Brees scoring throw to WR Lance Moore was nullified by a penalty and, two plays into the second quarter, the ex-Saint Scott Fujita intercepted a Brees pass at his own three yard line and returned it 16 yards.

The teams traded punts, with neither offense able to move, until New Orleans put together a 10-play scoring drive. Brees completed three passes and Garrett Hartley finally got the home team on the board with a 32-yard field goal.

The Browns responded by going 75 yards in eight plays, although the biggest was a fake punt by Reggie Hodges that he turned into a 68-yard run to the New Orleans nine (pictured below; the longest carry by a NFL punter in  forty years). Cleveland was unable to reach the end zone from there but came away with more points on a 21-yard Dawson field goal to extend the lead to 13-3.

On the second play of the following series, Cleveland’s margin got larger when a Brees pass was picked off by LB David Bowens (pictured at top), who returned it 30 yards for a TD. Dawson added the PAT and the Browns had an improbable 20-3 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. For emphasis, CB Sheldon Brown intercepted another Brees pass before the teams headed for the locker rooms, with the home crowd booing the defending champs as they left the field.

The clubs traded punts through a scoreless third quarter, although the game was delayed for ten minutes after one in which a sideline chain holder was injured when the punt return went out of bounds. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Saints scored when Brees connected with TE David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown. Adding the extra point, Cleveland’s lead was cut to 20-10 with plenty of time remaining.

The Browns put together a long series of 13 plays that covered 61 yards and burned up 7:34 off the clock. They converted two third downs while keeping the ball on the ground as Hillis carried eight times and even completed an option pass to Colt McCoy for 13 yards. Dawson capped the drive with a 48-yard field goal for a 13-point lead.

Brees came out throwing on the next possession, with passes to RB Ladell Betts for 16 yards and TE Jeremy Shockey for 19. But after reaching the Cleveland 34, a short pass intended for Betts was intercepted by Bowens, who scored for a second time with a 64-yard return. It was the key play of the game and effectively finished off the Saints. While New Orleans scored another touchdown on an eight-yard pass from Brees to Colston, it came with less than two minutes to play. The Browns won in a stunning 30-17 upset.

The Saints easily outgained Cleveland (394 yards to 210) and had far more first downs (25 to 12). However, New Orleans also had the four big turnovers, two of which directly led to scores, while the Browns didn’t turn the ball over at all, and big plays on special teams helped the visitors as well.

Colt McCoy (pictured at left) completed just 9 of 16 passes for 74 yards, but while he didn’t throw for any touchdowns, he also didn’t give up any interceptions. Peyton Hillis ran for 69 yards on 16 carries that included a TD and also completed a pass for 13 yards, while Reggie Hodges had the one 68-yard carry out of punt formation. WR Brian Robiskie was Cleveland’s top receiver with three catches for 25 yards.

For the Saints, Drew Brees went to the air 56 times and completed 37 for 356 yards and two TDs, but also had the four interceptions. Marques Colston had 10 pass receptions for 112 yards and a score and Ladell Betts contributed 8 catches for 48 yards out of the backfield. Chris Ivory led the ground game with 48 yards on 15 attempts.

“They say I’m the oldest guy to score two touchdowns since Larry Csonka,” joked 33-year-old David Bowens, who had the two big scoring returns of interceptions. In 11 previous seasons, he had scored one TD that came on a blocked punt.

The Browns pulled off an upset of the Patriots following their bye week but returned to earth with just two more wins in their last eight games to end up third in the AFC North at 5-11. New Orleans recovered to win six consecutive games and placed second in the NFC South with an 11-5 record. Qualifying for a Wild Card berth in the playoffs, they were upset by the Seattle Seahawks – who had won the weak NFC West with a mediocre 7-9 tally – in the first postseason round.

The win was Colt McCoy’s first as a starting pro quarterback. In eight games, he completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 1576 yards and six touchdowns with nine intercepted. Peyton Hillis rushed for 1177 yards on 270 carries (4.4 avg.) and caught 61 passes for 477 more yards, leading the club with 13 total touchdowns. Neither would prove to be a long-term solution for the Browns, however.

Drew Brees, who threw 11 interceptions in all of 2009, was up to 10 in seven games after the loss to the Browns and went on to toss 22 for the year, which ranked second in the NFL. However, he also led league in completion percentage (66.3) and the NFC with 33 touchdown passes and 4620 passing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third straight year (and fifth time overall).

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(NOTE TO READERS: Today’s post marks the fourth anniversary of the launch of Today in Pro Football History. For regular readers, thank you, I hope you have enjoyed it and will continue to do so. For newcomers, I encourage you to take a look at the archived material. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome – there is an email link on my profile page.)

MVP Profile: Drew Brees, 2008

Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Age:  29

8th season in pro football, 3^rd with Saints

College: Purdue

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 209

Prelude:

Chosen by the San Diego Chargers in the 2^nd round of the 2001 draft, Brees spent a year as backup to veteran Doug Flutie before taking over as starting quarterback in ’02. A good first year as starter was followed by a season in which he had difficulties, and the Chargers swung the deal that brought rookie Philip Rivers to San Diego in 2004. Brees bounced back that year with a Pro Bowl season in which his passer rating was 104.8. Brees badly injured his shoulder in the last game of the ’05 season, the final year of his contract, and with the team committing to Rivers, he signed with the New Orleans Saints. He was a consensus first-team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl in ’06, leading the NFL with 4418 passing yards and guiding the Saints, with a high-powered offense, to the NFC Championship game. Brees started poorly and the team didn’t do as well in 2007, but he recovered to lead the league in pass attempts (652) and completions (440) while throwing for another 4423 yards.

2008 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 635 [1]

Most attempts, game – 58 at Atlanta 11/9

Completions – 413 [1]

Most completions, game – 39 at Denver 9/21

Yards – 5069 [1]

Most yards, game – 422 at Atlanta 11/9

Completion percentage – 65.0 [9]

Yards per attempt – 8.0 [3]

TD passes – 34 [1, tied with Philip Rivers]

Most TD passes, game – 4 vs. Green Bay 11/24, vs. Carolina 12/28

Interceptions – 17 [3]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Atlanta 11/9, at Tampa Bay 11/30

Passer rating – 96.2 [4]

400-yard passing games – 2

300-yard passing games – 10

200-yard passing games – 16

Rushing

Attempts – 22

Most attempts, game - 3 (for -2 yds.) vs. Tampa Bay 9/7, (for 6 yds.) vs. Minnesota 10/6, (for -2 yds.) at Kansas City 11/16, (for -3 yds.) at Detroit 12/21

Yards – -1

Most yards, game – 10 yards (on 2 carries) at Atlanta 11/9

Yards per attempt – 0.0

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: Sporting News

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

Pro Bowl

Saints went 8-8 to finish fourth in the NFC South while leading the NFL in total offense (6571 yards), passing offense (4977 yards), scoring (463 points), and touchdowns (57).

Aftermath:

Brees and the Saints reached the top in 2009, with the quarterback leading the league in TD passes (34), completion percentage (70.6), and passing overall (109.6) while the club won the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. In 2010, Brees threw for 4620 yards and 33 touchdowns and led the NFL in completion percentage (68.1). However, he also threw a career-high 22 interceptions and, while the team qualified for the postseason as a wild card with an 11-5 record, the Saints were upset in the first round of the playoffs by Seattle. Brees set a new NFL record with 5476 passing yards in 2011 and topped the league in completions (468), completion percentage (71.2), and TD passes (46). He broke the record long held by Johnny Unitas for consecutive games with a touchdown pass in 2012, which finally ended at 54 straight, on his way to recording a third 5000-yard passing season (5177) and again topping the NFL in TD passes (43) although also in interceptions (19) in a difficult year for the club both on and off the field. Through 2012, he had completed 65.6 percent of his career passes for 45,919 yards and 324 TDs and had been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times.

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MVP Profiles features players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club - Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

[Updated 2/6/14]