2012 San Diego Chargers season

NFL team 53rd season November 2013 March 2026 2012 San Diego Chargers Norv Turner Alex Spanos A. J. Smith Qualcomm Stadium 7–9 2nd AFC West Did not qualify None 1 S Eric Weddle (2nd team) Chargers seasons The 2012 season was the San Diego Chargers' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall and their sixth and final season under head coach Norv Turner. The Chargers failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 2011 and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season, resulting in Turner's firing on December 31, 2012. General manager A. J. Smith was also fired after ten seasons. This was also the Chargers' first losing season since 2003 and the first losing season in the Philip Rivers era and the last team without Keenan Allen until the 2024 season. 2012 would mark the last season that the Chargers would start 2–0 until 2024. 3 Offseason Signings Position Player 2011 Team Contract WR Robert Meachem New Orleans Saints 4 years, $25.9 million OLB Jarret Johnson Baltimore Ravens 4 years, $19 million WR Eddie Royal Denver Broncos 3 years, $13.5 million FB Le'Ron McClain Kansas City Chiefs 3 years, $8.25 million QB Charlie Whitehurst Seattle Seahawks 2 years, $3.05 million S Atari Bigby Seattle Seahawks 2 years, $2.5 million RB Ronnie Brown Philadelphia Eagles 1 year, $1 million G Rex Hadnot Arizona Cardinals 1 year, $890,000 TE Dante Rosario Miami Dolphins 1 year, $700,000 Departures Position Player 2012 Team WR Vincent Jackson Tampa Bay Buccaneers FB Mike Tolbert Carolina Panthers S Steve Gregory New England Patriots WR Micheal Spurlock Jacksonville Jaguars OLB Everette Brown Detroit Lions NFL draft 2012 San Diego Chargers 1 18 Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina yes yes 2 49 Kendall Reyes DT Connecticut yes 3 73 Brandon Taylor S LSU from Carolina via Chicago and Miami Pick73Ref No. 73: multiple trades: No. 73: Carolina → Chicago (PD). Carolina traded this selection to Chicago for tight end Greg Olsen.https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/6811546/chicago-bears-trade-greg-olsen-carolina-panthers Bears trade Greg Olsen for pick ESPN Wright, Michael July 29, 2011 July 29, 2011 Pick73Trade2No. 73: Chicago → Miami (PD). Chicago traded this selection and a 2013 third-round selection (82nd) to Miami for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/7682163/2012-nfl-free-agency-miami-dolphins-trade-brandon-marshall-chicago-bears Bears trade for Brandon Marshall ESPN ESPN.com news services March 14, 2012 March 14, 2012 DolphinsChargersNo. 73: Miami → San Diego (D). Miami traded this selection to San Diego for their third (78th) and sixth round (183rd) selections.https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/keeping-emphasis-on-defense-chargers-trade-up-to-take-lsu-ss-taylor-in-3rd-round/2012/04/27/gIQAXr5UmT_story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20181211154604/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/keeping-emphasis-on-defense-chargers-trade-up-to-take-lsu-ss-taylor-in-3rd-round/2012/04/27/gIQAXr5UmT_story.html dead December 11, 2018 Keeping emphasis on defense, Chargers trade up to take LSU SS Taylor in 3rd round Washington Post April 27, 2012 "R3 -" yes yes 4 110 Ladarius Green TE Louisiana-Lafayette yes 5 149 Johnnie Troutman G Penn State yes 7 226 David Molk C Michigan yes 7 250 Edwin Baker RB Michigan State yes Draft notes source R3 - Staff 2012 San Diego Chargers #08214A white #EEC607 Owner – Alex Spanos Chairman/president – Dean Spanos Executive vice president – Michael Spanos Executive vice president/CEO – A. G. Spanos Executive vice president/general manager – A. J. Smith Executive vice president of football operations/assistant general manager – Ed McGuire Senior executive – Randy Mueller Director of player personnel – Jimmy Raye Director of pro scouting – Dennis Abraham Director of college scouting – John Spanos Assistant director of pro scouting – Bryan Cox Assistant director of college scouting – Mike Biehl Head coach – Norv Turner Offensive coordinator/offensive line – Hal Hunter Quarterbacks – John Ramsdell Running backs – Ollie Wilson Wide receivers – Charlie Joiner Tight ends – Jason Michael Offensive line – Mike Sullivan Senior offensive assistant/special assignments – Steve Fairchild Offensive assistant – Steve Gera Defensive coordinator – John Pagano Defensive line – Don Johnson Linebackers – Joe Barry Assistant linebackers – Greg Williams Secondary – Ron Meeks Assistant secondary – Cris Dishman Defensive assistant – Shane Steichen Assistant head coach/special teams – Rich Bisaccia Special teams assistant – Carlos Polk Special teams assistant – Byron Storer Strength and conditioning – Jeff Hurd Assistant strength and conditioning – Vernon Stephens Final roster 2012 San Diego Chargers 53 17 8 17 Philip Rivers  6 Charlie Whitehurst 27 Edwin Baker American football y 44 Jackie Battle 36 Curtis Brinkley 30 Ronnie Brown 33 Le'Ron McClain FB 84 Danario Alexander 12 Robert Meachem 11 Eddie Royal PR 87 Micheal Spurlock 83 Mike Willie y 85 Antonio Gates 89 Ladarius Green y 81 Randy McMichael 88 Dante Rosario 64 Colin Baxter C 66 Jeromey Clary T 69 Tyronne Green G 67 Rex Hadnot G 61 Nick Hardwick American football C 79 Michael Harris offensive lineman, born 1988 y T 70 Kevin Haslam American football player G 72 Stephen Schilling G 65 Louis Vasquez American football G 71 Antonio Garay NT 94 Corey Liuget DE 91 Kendall Reyes y DE 79 Damik Scafe DE 93 Cam Thomas defensive tackle NT 97 Bront Bird OLB/ILB 56 Donald Butler ILB 52 Larry English OLB 59 Andrew Gachkar ILB 53 Gary Guyton ILB 54 Melvin Ingram y OLB 96 Jarret Johnson OLB 57 Jonas Mouton ILB 95 Shaun Phillips OLB 51 Takeo Spikes ILB 58 Demorrio Williams ILB 22 Chris Carr American football CB 20 Antoine Cason CB 40 Sean Cattouse y SS 40 Gregory Gatson y CB 38 Marcus Gilchrist CB/FS 23 Quentin Jammer CB 41 Corey Lynch SS 32 Eric Weddle FS 29 Shareece Wright CB 42 Kyle Nelson gridiron football LS  9 Nick Novak K  5 Mike Scifres P 13 Seyi Ajirotutu WR IR 98 Antwan Barnes OLB IR 26 Atari Bigby SS IR 86 Vincent Brown wide receiver WR IR-DFR 62 Brandyn Dombrowski T NF-Inj. 80 Malcom Floyd WR IR 90 Aubrayo Franklin NT IR 78 Jared Gaither T IR 15 Richard Goodman American football WR IR 92 Vaughn Martin DE IR 24 Ryan Mathews American football RB IR 60 David Molk y C IR 25 Darrell Stuckey FS IR 28 Brandon Taylor American football y SS IR 63 Johnnie Troutman y G NF-Inj. 74 Reggie Wells American football G/T IR 47 Mike Windt LS IR 77 Charlie Bryant defensive lineman NT 50 Phillip Dillard LB 76 Logan Harrell y DE 37 Arthur Hobbs gridiron football y CB 73 Kevin Hughes American football T 48 Anthony Miller tight end y TE 82 Kashif Moore y WR Schedule Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 August 9 Green Bay Packers W 21–13 1–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 2 August 18 Dallas Cowboys W 28–20 2–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 3 August 24 at Minnesota Vikings W 12–10 3–0 Mall of America Field Recap 4 August 30 at San Francisco 49ers L 3–35 3–1 Candlestick Park Recap Regular season Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 10 Monday at Oakland Raiders W 22–14 1–0 O.co Coliseum Recap 2 September 16 Tennessee Titans W 38–10 2–0 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 3 September 23 Atlanta Falcons L 3–27 2–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 4 September 30 at Kansas City Chiefs W 37–20 3–1 Arrowhead Stadium Recap 5 October 7 at New Orleans Saints L 24–31 3–2 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap 6 October 15 Monday Denver Broncos L 24–35 3–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 7 Bye 8 October 28 at Cleveland Browns L 6–7 3–4 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 9 November 1 Thursday Kansas City Chiefs W 31–13 4–4 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 10 November 11 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 24–34 4–5 Raymond James Stadium Recap 11 November 18 at Denver Broncos L 23–30 4–6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap 12 November 25 Baltimore Ravens L 13–16 (OT) 4–7 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 13 December 2 Cincinnati Bengals L 13–20 4–8 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 14 December 9 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 34–24 5–8 Heinz Field Recap 15 December 16 Carolina Panthers L 7–31 5–9 Qualcomm Stadium Recap 16 December 23 at New York Jets W 27–17 6–9 MetLife Stadium Recap 17 December 30 Oakland Raiders W 24–21 7–9 Qualcomm Stadium Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: at Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary September 10 7:15 p.m. PDT Chargers 3 7 6 6 Raiders 3 3 0 8 O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California 61,896 67 F C, sunny Jim Core ESPN Chris Berman, Trent Dilfer and Rachel Nichols Box score First quarter OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 51-yard field goal, 4:56. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:55. SD – Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal, 1:00. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:56. Second quarter SD – Malcom Floyd 6-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:10. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 8:06. OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 19-yard field goal, 0:04. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 3:06. Third quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 6:01. Chargers 13–6. Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 2:42. SD – Nate Kaeding 19-yard field goal, 1:49. Chargers 16–6. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 2:31. Fourth quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 41-yard field goal, 12:48. Chargers 19–6. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 3:02. SD – Nate Kaeding 45-yard field goal, 5:06. Chargers 22–6. Drive: 8 plays, 15 yards, 4:46. OAK – Rod Streater 2-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Rod Streater pass from Carson Palmer), 0:54. Chargers 22–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:12. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 24/33, 231 yards, TD OAK – Carson Palmer – 32/46, 297 yards, TD Top rushers SD – Curtis Brinkley – 10 rushes, 12 yardsSD – Eddie Royal – 2 rushes, 12 yards OAK – Darren McFadden – 15 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers SD – Malcom Floyd – 4 receptions, 66 yards, TD OAK – Darren McFadden – 13 receptions, 86 yards The Chargers (1–0) won their season opener 22–14 against the Oakland Raiders after five field goals by Nate Kaeding and three botched punts by the Raiders. The Raiders Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo suffered a head injury in the second quarter. He was replaced by linebacker Travis Goethel, who had not snapped since high school. Goethel rolled two snaps to punter Shane Lechler, each giving the Chargers the ball in Raiders territory, and Lechler had another punt blocked by Dante Rosario. The Chargers scored their only touchdown in the second quarter after a 13-play, 90-yard drive resulted in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers to wide receiver Malcom Floyd.Gehlken Michael Philip Rivers finds time in Chargers win September 10, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/10/rivers-gets-time-win-over-raiders/?print&page=all November 15, 2012Chargers capitalize on Raiders' 3 botched punts to open with win September 10, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=320910013 November 14, 2012 The Chargers failed to score four out of five times in the red zone. San Diego led at halftime 10–6, and the Raiders did not scored a touchdown until 54 seconds remained in the game. Undrafted rookie Mike Harris made his first NFL start, filing in for left tackle for an injured Jared Gaither. San Diego protected Harris by having Rivers throw short passes; sixteen of Rivers' 24 completions were to running backs and tight ends, and he threw for 231 yards while only being sacked once. He did not have an interception after throwing 20 in 2011. The win was the Chargers' eighth in their previous nine games at Oakland. It improved Norv Turner's record to 4–2 in Chargers' season openers. Running back Ryan Mathews and receiver Vincent Brown missed the game with injuries. Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 16 1:25 pm. PDT Titans 0 3 7 0 Chargers 14 3 7 14 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 60,804 85 F C, sunny Bruce Hermanson CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts Box score First quarter SD – Dante Rosario 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:52. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 6:08. SD – Dante Rosario 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:15. Chargers 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 3:43. Second quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 26-yard field goal, 12:15. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 5:24. TEN – Rob Bironas 23-yard field goal, 4:42. Chargers 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:21. Third quarter SD – Dante Rosario 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:29. Chargers 24–3. Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 5:17. TEN – Kendall Wright 15-yard pass from Jake Locker (Rob Bironas kick), 2:20. Chargers 24–10. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 1:09. Fourth quarter SD – Jackie Battle 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:33. Chargers 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:47. SD – Jackie Battle 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:13. Chargers 38–10. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 8:29. Top passers TEN – Jake Locker – 15/30, 174 yards, TD, INT SD – Philip Rivers – 24/32, 284 yards, 3 TDs, INT Top rushers TEN – Jake Locker – 2 rushes, 21 yards SD – Jackie Battle – 14 rushes, 69 yards, 2 TDs Top receivers TEN – Craig Stevens – 1 reception, 46 yards SD – Malcolm Floyd – 6 receptions, 109 yards With the win, the Chargers improved to 2–0 and started with such a record for the first time since 2006. Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers – Game summary September 23 1:05 pm. PDT Falcons 6 14 0 7 Chargers 0 0 3 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 61,297 82 F C, sunny Jim Core Fox Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jaime Maggio (blacked out locally) Box score First quarter ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (run failed), 9:43. Falcons 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:17. Second quarter ATL – Tony Gonzalez 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 2:32. Falcons 13–0. Drive: 17 plays, 96 yards, 7:59. ATL – Julio Jones 9-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:54. Falcons 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 0:59. Third quarter SD – Nate Kaeding 41-yard field goal, 11:10. Falcons 20–3. Drive: 13 plays, 41 yards, 3:50. Fourth quarter ATL – Michael Turner 7-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 8:51. Falcons 27–3. Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 1:35. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 30/40, 275 yards, 3 TD, INT SD – Philip Rivers – 21/38, 173 yards, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Michael Turner – 14 rushes, 80 yards, TD SD – Jackie Battle – 3 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers ATL – Tony Gonzalez – 9 receptions, 91 yards, TD SD – Malcom Floyd – 3 receptions, 52 yards The Chargers lost 27–3 to the Atlanta Falcons, who remained one of three undefeated teams in the league. Rivers had one of his worst statistical performances, completing 21 of 38 passes for 173 yards, with two interceptions and a passer rating of 45.2. Running back Ryan Matthews made his season debut, and ran for 44 yards on 10 carries. However, he had a fumble inside the Falcons' 5-yard line. The Chargers had four turnovers to the Atlanta's one. The Chargers had not been held to three points since a 30–3 loss at Miami during the 2002 season. The Falcons improved to a perfect 3–0 all-time record in San Diego while the Chargers dropped to 2–1 on the season while suffering a television blackout in Southern California.Matt Ryan shines as Falcons defense shuts down Chargers September 23, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=320923024 https://web.archive.org/web/20120926032232/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=320923024 September 26, 2012 live mdy As of 2024, this is the Chargers last loss to Atlanta. Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Four: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary September 30 12:00 p.m. CDT/10:00 am. PDT Chargers 17 10 0 10 Chiefs 0 6 7 7 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 69,979 67 F C, cloudy Bill Leavy CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Box score First quarter SD – Eddie Royal 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 10:04. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:56. SD – Nick Novak 24-yard field goal, 6:26. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:13. SD – Jackie Battle 1 yard run (Nick Novak kick), 5:28. Chargers 17–0. Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:44. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 47-yard field goal, 8:09. Chargers 20–0. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 3:47. KC – Jamaal Charles 37-yard run (pass failed), 5:09. Chargers 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 2:19. SD – Donald Butler 21-yard interception return (Nick Novak kick), 2:51. Chargers 27–6. Third quarter KC – Jamaal Charles 13-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), 8:40. Chargers 27–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:20. Fourth quarter SD – Jackie Battle 4-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 7:59. Chargers 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:31. KC – Dwayne Bowe 29-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), 5:29. Chargers 34–20. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:25. SD – Nick Novak 45-yard field goal, 1:56. Chargers 37–20. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 3:33. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 18/23, 209 yards, 2 TD, INT KC – Matt Cassel – 24/42, 251 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews – 14 rushes, 61 yards KC – Jamaal Charles – 17 rushes, 88 yards, TD Top receivers SD – Antonio Gates – 3 receptions, 59 yards KC – Dwayne Bowe – 7 receptions, 108 yards, TD The Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 37–20 and started the season with a 3–1 record for the second consecutive year. San Diego forced the Chiefs into six turnovers, and they led 20–0 in the second quarter. Rivers completed 18 of 23 passes for 209 yards and two touchdown passes, but threw one interception in the red zone.Gehlken Michael Chargers in familiar spot after blowout win September 30, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/30/live-chargers-updates-san-diego-and-kansas-city-ha/?print&page=all https://web.archive.org/web/20130929162514/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/30/live-chargers-updates-san-diego-and-kansas-city-ha/?print&page=all September 29, 2013 dead Jackie Battle started at running back instead of Mathews. Battle was in 27 plays compared to Mathews' 21, and he had 15 carries for 39 yards with a team-high four catches for 42 yards. Most of Mathews work was in the fourth quarter when San Diego's victory was mostly already decided. U-T San Diego wrote that Mathews would have been expected to start were it not for his fumble against Atlanta the prior week.Gehlken Michael Chargers easing Ryan Mathews into action October 1, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/01/chargers-easing-ryan-mathews-action/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040750/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/01/chargers-easing-ryan-mathews-action/ January 6, 2014 live mdy Nick Novak filled in for kicker Nate Kaeding, who was out with a groin injury, and made all three of his field goals. Week 5: at New Orleans Saints San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary October 7 7:20 pm. CDT/5:20 pm. PDT Chargers 7 10 7 0 Saints 7 7 7 10 Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana 73,109 Played indoors (dome stadium) Carl Cheffers NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Box score First quarter SD – Robert Meachem 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 7:02. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:26. NO – Devery Henderson 40-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:05. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:58. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 20-yard field goal, 10:01. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:08. NO – Marques Colston 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 7:25. Saints 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:39. SD – Robert Meachem 44-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:44. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 86 yards, 1:12. Third quarter SD – Ryan Mathews 13-yard run (Nick Novak kick), 12:34. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19. NO – Marques Colston 16-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:16. Chargers 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:28. Fourth quarter NO – Marques Colston 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:55. Saints 28–24. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 5:49. NO – Garrett Hartley 26-yard field goal, 3:00. Saints 31–24. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:49. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 27/42, 354 yards, 2 TD, INT NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 370 yards, 4 TD, INT Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews – 12 rushes, 80 yards, TD NO – Pierre Thomas – 9 rushes, 30 yards Top receivers SD – Malcolm Floyd – 5 receptions, 108 yards NO – Marques Colston – 9 receptions, 131 yards, 3 TD San Diego led 24–14 in the third quarter before the New Orleans Saints rallied for a 31–24 victory. The Chargers' Melvin Ingram was called for roughing the passer, nullifying a Drew Brees interception returned for a touchdown that would have put the Chargers ahead 31–14. Rivers had two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter: an interception that led to a Saints field goal and a fumble as San Diego was driving to tie the score in the game's last minute.Second-half mistakes cost Chargers against Saints October 7, 2012 U-T San Diego Associated Press http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/07/second-half-mistakes-cost-chargers-against-saints/?print&page=all https://web.archive.org/web/20160315031117/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/07/second-half-mistakes-cost-chargers-against-saints/?print&page=all March 15, 2016 live With the loss, San Diego missed an opportunity to take a two-game lead over the Denver Broncos for the AFC West.Williamson Bill Turner watches latest unbelievable collapse November 25, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/51621/turner-watches-another-unbelievable-collapse November 26, 2012 The Chargers dropped to 3–2 while the Saints would get their first win of the season and improve to 1–4. Brees, a former Charger, broke an NFL record with his 48th straight game with a touchdown pass. During the celebration, a visibly frustrated Philip Rivers (Brees's former teammate) was shown on the sidelines. Brees finished with 370 yards and four touchdown passes. Rivers threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns, both to former Saint Robert Meachem; they were Meachem's first touchdowns of the season. Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos Los Angeles Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary October 15 5:30 pm. PDT Broncos 0 0 14 21 Chargers 10 14 0 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 68,604 78 F C, sunny Jeff Triplette ESPN Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters Box score First quarter SD – Nick Novak 32-yard field goal, 8:59. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:56. SD – Antonio Gates 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 8:16. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 2 plays, 19 yards, 0:40. Second quarter SD – Quentin Jammer 80-yard interception return (Nick Novak kick), 6:00. Chargers 17–0. SD – Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:24. Chargers 24–0. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 3:56. Third quarter DEN – Demaryius Thomas 29-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 10:56. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 4:04. DEN – Tony Carter 65-yard fumble return (Matt Prater kick), 4:41. Chargers 24–14. Fourth quarter DEN – Eric Decker 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 13:33. Chargers 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:14. DEN – Brandon Stokley 21-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 9:03. Broncos 28–24. Drive: 4 plays, 50 yards, 2:08. DEN – Chris Harris, Jr. 46-yard interception return (Matt Prater kick), 2:05. Broncos 35–24. Top passers DEN – Peyton Manning – 24/30, 309 yards, 3 TD, INT SD – Philip Rivers – 25/41, 241 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT Top rushers DEN – Willis McGahee – 17 rushes, 56 yards SD – Ryan Mathews – 22 rushes, 74 yards Top receivers DEN – Eric Decker – 6 receptions, 98 yards, TD SD – Antonio Gates – 6 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD The Chargers lost 35–24 to the Denver Broncos after leading 24–0 at halftime. The loss tied San Diego with Denver for the AFC West lead with a 3–3 record. Rivers had a career-high six turnovers, five in the second half. One of his interceptions and one of his fumbles were returned by the Broncos for touchdowns. He had four interceptions, including three in the fourth quarter.Gehlken Michael Chargers live, die by the big play October 15, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/15/live-chargers-updates-san-diego-leads-denver-early/ https://web.archive.org/web/20150118124920/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/15/live-chargers-updates-san-diego-leads-denver-early/ January 18, 2015 live mdy The Chargers built their first-half lead after two special teams fumble recoveries and an 80-yard touchdown return by Quentin Jammer off a Peyton Manning interception. It was the first score of Jammer's career. Rivers also threw two touchdowns to Antonio Gates in the first half. After the game, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that the Chargers used an "illegal stickum-type substance" during the game, and a Chargers equipment member was caught by the line judge hiding and handing out the substance to players, which was confiscated by the league.https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-allegedly-caught-using-sticky-substance-0ap1000000082614 Chargers allegedly caught using sticky substance National Football League October 21, 2012 October 22, 2012 Chargers head coach Norv Turner denied that the team cheated, and stated that the object was a towel with a substance that dries footballs.https://www.nfl.com/news/norv-turner-denies-san-diego-chargers-used-stickum-0ap1000000083906 Norv Turner denies San Diego Chargers used stickum National Football League October 22, 2012 October 22, 2012 The product was later identified as Gorilla Gold Grip Enhancer.Mike Holmgren starts to move on October 24, 2012 philly.com http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-24/sports/34709225_1_ceo-joe-banner-jimmy-haslam-randy-lerner/2 https://web.archive.org/web/20131208030334/http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-24/sports/34709225_1_ceo-joe-banner-jimmy-haslam-randy-lerner/2 December 8, 2013 dead mdy On November 7, the league stated that the Chargers did not cheat, but fined the team $20,000.https://www.nfl.com/news/san-diego-chargers-fined-20k-by-nfl-in-towel-case-0ap1000000091683 Chargers fined $20K by NFL for concealing towel usage National Football League November 7, 2012 November 7, 2012 Week 8: at Cleveland Browns San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary October 28 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 am. PDT Chargers 0 3 3 0 Browns 7 0 0 0 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 65,337 44 F C, cloudy and overcast Jerome Boger CBS Spero Dedes and Rich Gannon Box score First quarter CLE – Trent Richardson 26-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), 4:26. Browns 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:35. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 43-yard field goal, 0:03. Browns 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 1:48. Third quarter SD – Nick Novak 31-yard field goal, 2:36. Browns 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 4:36. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 18/34, 154 yards CLE – Brandon Weeden – 11/27, 129 yards Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews – 24 rushes, 95 yards CLE – Trent Richardson – 24 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top receivers SD – Ronnie Brown – 7 receptions, 85 yards CLE – Josh Gordon – 3 receptions, 46 yards San Diego (3–4) lost their third straight game, 7–6 on the road to the Cleveland Browns (2–6). After blowing second-half leads the past two games in consecutive losses, the Chargers never led in this game. Both offenses struggled with wind blowing to more than 40 mph on and rain falling throughout the entire game. Rivers was 18 of 34 for 154 yards, but had a touchdown pass dropped by Meachem in the third quarter. With the Chargers forced to run because of the bad weather, Mathews ran 24 times for 95 yards. The Browns' Trent Richardson ran for 122 yards and a touchdown. It was the second game of the year the Chargers did not score an offensive touchdown. The last time San Diego failed to score a touchdown in two or more games was in 2000, when it occurred three times.Rookie Trent Richardson (122 yds, TD) carries Browns past Chargers October 28, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321028005 https://web.archive.org/web/20121030081756/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321028005 October 30, 2012 live mdy With the Broncos' win that same week, the Chargers fell into a second place tie with the Raiders in the AFC West. Week 9: vs. Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 1 5:20 pm. PDT Chiefs 0 3 3 7 Chargers 7 3 0 21 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 55,831 63 F C, sunny Alberto Riveron NFLN Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan Box score First quarter SD – Antonio Gates 14-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 10:24. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:36. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 25-yard field goal, 9:10. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 8:08. KC – Ryan Succop 49-yard field goal, 2:51. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 6:19. Third quarter KC – Ryan Succop 41-yard field goal, 0:53. Chargers 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 6:16. Fourth quarter SD – Malcom Floyd 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 11:33. Chargers 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:20. SD – Shaun Phillips fumble recovery in end zone (Nick Novak kick), 10:39. Chargers 24–6. SD – Demorrio Williams 59-yard interception return (Nick Novak kick), 8:33. Chargers 31–6. KC – Shaun Draughn 6-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 4:26. Chargers 31–13. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:07. Top passers KC – Matt Cassel – 19/29, 181 yards, INT SD – Philip Rivers – 18/20, 220 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers KC – Jamaal Charles – 12 rushes, 39 yards SD – Ryan Mathews – 13 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers KC – Dwayne Bowe – 8 receptions, 79 yards SD – Danario Alexander – 3 receptions, 61 yards The Chargers (4–4) won 31–13 in a home game against Kansas City (1–7), their second win in the season against the Chiefs. San Diego's defense scored two touchdowns, and Rivers completed 90% (18–20) of his passes, the fifth highest completion percentage in NFL history. Rivers threw a touchdown to Gates in the opening drive of the game, and threw another to Floyd in the fourth quarter.Gehlken Michael Philip Rivers, Chargers roll through Chiefs November 1, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/01/chargers-chiefs-live-updates-san-diego-leads-early/?print&page=all https://web.archive.org/web/20140102050606/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/01/chargers-chiefs-live-updates-san-diego-leads-early/?print&page=all January 2, 2014 live Chargers score twice off turnovers, hand Chiefs fifth straight defeat November 1, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321101024 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102042148/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321101024 November 2, 2012 live mdy The defense followed with Jarret Johnson's sack of the Chiefs' Matt Cassel, which caused a fumble that was recovered by Shaun Phillips for a San Diego touchdown. On the next drive, Demorrio Williams intercepted Cassel's pass and returned it for a 59-yard touchdown. Rivers threw for 220 yards, but had an interception in the red zone to end the first half. Danario Alexander started at wide receiver for an injured Meachem, and receiver Eddie Royal also sat out the game. Nose tackle Antonio Garay played his first game of the year. Some fans at halftime held a sign that read "Mr. Spanos, please fire A.J. & Norv." Team president Dean Spanos in January had decided to bring back coach Norv Turner and general manager A. J. Smith despite having won only three playoff games in five seasons (first year 2007), failing to qualify in the previous two season. Norv had a 3–3 playoff record with the Chargers between 2007 and 2009, the only years the Chargers made the playoffs during Norvs tenure.Paris Jay Norv Turner remains safe after Chargers win November 1, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/02/paris-norv-turner-remains-safe-after-chargers-win/ https://web.archive.org/web/20131006183020/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/02/paris-norv-turner-remains-safe-after-chargers-win/ October 6, 2013 live mdy Week 10: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary November 11 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST Chargers 14 7 0 3 Buccaneers 7 10 7 10 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 54,813 80 F C, cloudy Bill Vinovich CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Box score First quarter SD – Danario Alexander 80-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 13:57. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:03. TB – Dallas Clark 3-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 8:57. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:00. SD – Antonio Gates 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 4:19. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:38. Second quarter TB – Connor Barth 40-yard field goal, 12:52. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:09. TB – Adam Hayward 29-yard blocked punt return (Connor Barth kick), 8:55. Buccaneers 17–14. SD – Malcom Floyd 3-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:27. Chargers 21–17. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:28. Third quarter TB – Tiquan Underwood 15-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), 4:07. Buccaneers 24–21. Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:32. Fourth quarter TB – Leonard Johnson 83-yard interception return (Connor Barth kick), 13:22. Buccaneers 31–21. SD – Nick Novak 34-yard field goal, 7:02. Buccaneers 31–24. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 6:20. TB – Connor Barth 45-yard field goal, 1:07. Buccaneers 34–24. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:02. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 29/37, 337 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT TB – Josh Freeman – 14/20, 210 yards, 2 TD Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews – 17 rushes, 54 yards TB – Doug Martin – 19 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers SD – Danario Alexander – 5 receptions, 134 yards, TD TB – Mike Williams – 2 receptions, 64 yards San Diego (4–5) lost 34–24 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5–4), dropping the Chargers two games behind division-leading Denver. The Chargers allowed touchdowns off a blocked punt and an interception after they led 21–17 at halftime. They had three touchdowns off 80-yard drives in the first half, when Rivers threw three touchdown while completing 16 of 18 passes for 218 yards and no interceptions. However, he three two interceptions in the fourth quarter, including one that was returned 83 yards for a touchdown that he threw heading out of bounds to avoid a sack.Gehlken Michael Big plays have bigger consequences in Chargers loss November 11, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/11/big-plays-carry-bigger-consequences-chargers-loss/?print&page=all November 14, 2012Streaking Bucs beat Chargers for third straight win November 11, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321111027 November 14, 2012 Alexander had five receptions for 134 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown. Vincent Jackson, who left the Chargers as a free agent for Tampa Bay, had five receptions for 59 yards in his first game against San Diego. Week 11: at Denver Broncos San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary November 18 2:25 p.m. MST/1:25 pm. PST Chargers 7 0 9 7 Broncos 0 17 7 6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado 76,769 62 F C, sunny Carl Cheffers CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Box score First quarter SD – Eric Weddle 23-yard interception return (Nick Novak kick), 6:52. Chargers 7–0. Second quarter DEN – Demaryius Thomas 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 13:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 2:20. DEN – Matt Prater 19-yard field goal, 11:33. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:14. DEN – Brandon Stokley 31-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Matt Prater kick), 1:44. Broncos 17–7. Drive: 1 play, 31 yards, 0:07. Third quarter SD – Safety, Peyton Manning sacked by Shaun Phillips in the end zone, 12:48. Broncos 17–9. DEN – Eric Decker 20-yard pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick, 7:23. Broncos 24–9. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:18. SD – Danario Alexander 8-yard pass from Philip Rivers Nick Novak kick, 0:58. Broncos 24–16. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:25. Fourth quarter DEN – Matt Prater 30-yard field goal, 10:43. Broncos 27–16. Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:15. DEN – Matt Prater 32-yard field goal, 4:14. Broncos 30–16. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:56. SD – Danario Alexander 21-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 1:24. Broncos 30–23. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:50. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 24/40, 258 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT DEN – Peyton Manning – 25/42, 270 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers SD – Ryan Mathews – 15 rushes, 47 yards DEN – Willis McGahee – 7 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers SD – Danario Alexander – 7 receptions, 96 yards, 2 TD DEN – Brandon Stokley – 4 receptions, 55 yards, TD The Chargers (4–6) fell three games behind Denver (7–3) for the division lead after losing to them, 30–23. Denver linebacker Von Miller had three sacks and forced two fumbles as the defense rattled Rivers. "This is the best defensive team they've had since I've been playing them," said Rivers.Peyton Manning, Von Miller lead Broncos to pivotal win over Chargers November 18, 2012 ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321118007 https://web.archive.org/web/20121121020612/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321118007 November 21, 2012 live mdy The Chargers offense was shut out in the first half. Their first 12 possessions resulted in 10 punts and two turnovers. Rivers was 9-for-20 for 60 yards and an interception, and the running game had only 8 yards on 11 attempts.Gehlken Michael Chargers know AFC West title lost after falling to Denver November 18, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/18/chargers-know-afc-west-title-lost/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130526170939/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/18/chargers-know-afc-west-title-lost/ May 26, 2013 live mdy The Chargers first 9 points of the game were scored by the defense—an interception returned for a touchdown by Eric Weddle, and a safety by Shaun Phillips. Rivers threw for 198 of his 258 yards in the second half while throwing two touchdowns. Manning finished the game with 270 yards and three touchdown for Denver. Denver swept the season series against the Chargers, giving them the advantage in a tiebreaker with San Diego if needed. "They're not losing four of six, I can guarantee you that", Rivers said in conceding the division. He was part of the 2008 team that trailed Denver by three games with three remaining before winning the division as the Broncos collapsed. Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens Los Angeles Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 25 1:05 pm. PST Ravens 0 0 3 10 3 Chargers 0 10 0 3 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 57,882 59 F C, partly cloudy Gene Steratore CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts (blacked out locally) Box score First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter SD – Malcom Floyd 21-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 9:48. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:02. SD – Nick Novak 47-yard field goal, 3:08. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:52. Third quarter BAL – Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal, 12:23. Chargers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 2:41. Fourth quarter SD – Nick Novak 30-yard field goal, 7:55. Chargers 13–3. Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 7:39. BAL – Dennis Pitta 4-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 4:23. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:32. BAL – Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal, 0:03. Tied 13–13. Drive: 12 plays, 40 yards, 3:09. Overtime BAL – Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal, 1:12. Ravens 16–13. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 3:49. Top passers BAL – Joe Flacco – 30/51, 355 yards, TD SD – Philip Rivers – 23/36, 228 yards, TD Top rushers BAL – Ray Rice – 22 rushes, 97 yards SD – Ryan Mathews – 19 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers BAL – Torrey Smith – 7 receptions, 144 yards SD – Danario Alexander – 5 receptions, 74 yards San Diego (4–7) led 13–3 with 7:51 remaining in the game before losing 16–13 in overtime to the Baltimore Ravens (9–2). The Ravens faced fourth-and-29 at their own 37 with 1:37 left when running back Ray Rice caught a pass one yard past the line of scrimmage.Late OT field goal pushes Ravens past Chargers November 25, 2012 ESPN.com Associated Press https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321125024 November 26, 2012 He ran to the 50-yard line, where he made three Chargers miss with a 90-degree cut to his left. Rice gained the 29 yards needed for a first down after escaping safety Eric Weddle, who received a concussion on the play as he was blocked by wide receiver Anquan Boldin.Krasovic Tom Ravens back Rice snatched victory from Chargers November 25, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/25/ravens-rice/ November 26, 2012 The Ravens kicked a 38-yard field goal to tie the game at the end of regulation, and made another 38-yarder to win with 1:07 left in overtime. Rivers threw a 21-yard touchdown to Floyd and Novak kicked two field goals for the Chargers' scores. Rivers was sacked six times, but did not have a turnover for only the third time in 11 games; he entered the contest with 14 interceptions and four lost fumbles. The Ravens' fourth-and-29 was the longest fourth-down conversion in the NFL since 2001. It was the third time the Chargers blew a double-digit lead in the second half, including the earlier back-to-back losses to the Saints and Broncos. After being 8–0 under Turner in November from 2009 to 2010, San Diego fell to 1–7, the second-worst November record in the league since 2011. Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 2 1:25 pm. PST Bengals 7 3 0 10 Chargers 0 13 0 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 54,980 66 F C, cloudy Walt Coleman CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon (blacked out locally) Box score First quarter CIN – Jermaine Gresham 19-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 7:39. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 16 plays, 91 yards, 7:21. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 20-yard field goal, 14:57. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 7:42. SD – Demorrio Williams 31-yard interception return (Nick Novak kick), 14:09. Chargers 10–7. CIN – Mike Nugent 19-yard field goal, 9:38. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 4:31. SD – Nick Novak 19-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 1:45. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter CIN – Andy Dalton 6-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:11. Bengals 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 55 yards, 7:42. CIN – Mike Nugent 24-yard field goal, 2:47. Bengals 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:07. Top passers CIN – Andy Dalton – 25/38, 211 yards, TD, 2 INT SD – Philip Rivers – 26/48, 280 yards, INT Top rushers CIN – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 25 rushes, 118 yards SD – Ryan Mathews – 9 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers CIN – A. J. Green – 9 receptions, 85 yards SD – Danario Alexander – 6 receptions, 102 yards The Cincinnati Bengals (7–5) scored the go-ahead touchdown with 4:51 remaining in the game and defeated the Chargers (4–8), 20–13.Andy Dalton's late TD run helps surging Bengals top Chargers December 2, 2012 Associated Press ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321202024 https://web.archive.org/web/20121204120904/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321202024 December 4, 2012 live mdy San Diego surrendered 10 points in the final five minutes of regulation for the second consecutive week, and they lost for the fourth straight week and seventh time in eight games.Gehlken Michael Another fatal finish for Chargers December 3, 2012 U-T San Diego http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/02/another-fatal-finish-chargers/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160306115147/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/02/another-fatal-finish-chargers/ March 6, 2016 live mdy The Chargers dropped to 0–5 in games decided by seven points or fewer. It was their fourth loss in a game when holding a fourth-quarter lead. Williams intercepted Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and returned it for a 31-yard touchdown, his second score of the season. Rivers had two turnovers in the final 3:54. A fumble set up a field goal for the Bengals, and he threw an interception on fourth-and-10 from Cincinnati's 17 with 49 seconds remaining. The Chargers' offense was held without a touchdown for the third time in the season. The Chargers' home crowd of 54,980 was their lowest since 2004. It was their second straight blackout and third of the season. Meachem did not have a pass thrown to him for the second straight week; it was his fifth game without a catch. Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary December 9 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST Chargers 3 10 14 7 Steelers 0 3 7 14 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 45 F C, cloudy Scott Green CBS Jim Nantz and Phil Simms Box score First quarter SD – Nick Novak 51-yard field goal, 3:06. Chargers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 6:09. Second quarter SD – Danario Alexander 39-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 3:40. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 1:38. SD – Nick Novak 39-yard field goal, 0:50. Chargers 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 1:08. PIT – Shaun Suisham 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Chargers 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 0:50. Third quarter SD – Malcolm Floyd 3-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 5:28. Chargers 20–3. Drive: 17 plays, 78 yards, 9:32. SD – Quentin Jammer fumble recovery in end zone (Nick Novak kick), 5:16. Chargers 27–3. PIT – Mike Wallace 40-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 2:33. Chargers 27–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:43. Fourth quarter SD – Danario Alexander 15-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 9:46. Chargers 34–10. Drive: 2 plays, 17 yards, 0:39. PIT – Mike Wallace 11-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 6:07. Chargers 34–17. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 3:39. PIT – Antonio Brown 1-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 0:58. Chargers 34–24. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 1:35. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 21/41, 200 yards, 3 TD PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 22/42, 285 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers SD – Ryan Matthews – 25 rushes, 65 yards PIT – Jonathan Dwyer – 8 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers SD – Danario Alexander – 7 receptions, 88 yards, 2 TD PIT – Mike Wallace – 7 receptions, 112 yards, 2 TD With a surprising road victory over the Steelers to save their playoff hopes after losing four straight games, the Chargers improved to 5–8 on the season and 1–14 all-time in Pittsburgh during the regular season. The Steelers became the only AFC North team that San Diego would defeat this season. Week 15: vs. Carolina Panthers San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Carolina Panthers at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 16 1:05 pm. PST Panthers 21 3 7 0 Chargers 0 0 0 7 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 53,832 59 F C, cloudy Terry McAulay Fox Sam Rosen, Heath Evans and Jill Savage (blacked out locally) Box score First quarter CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:29. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:31. CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 4:54. Panthers 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:36. CAR – DeAngelo Williams 45-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:58. Panthers 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:47. Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 0:06. Panthers 24–0. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 1:29. Third quarter CAR – Steve Smith Sr. 4-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:56. Panthers 31–0. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:44. Fourth quarter SD – Antonio Gates 9-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 14:02. Panthers 31–7. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:07. Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 19/33, 231 yards, 2 TD SD – Philip Rivers – 16/23, 121 yards, TD Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 22 rushes, 93 yards SD – Curtis Brinkley – 6 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 6 receptions, 57 yards, TD SD – Malcom Floyd – 2 receptions, 39 yards With the loss, the Chargers fell to 5–9 and were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third-straight year. The Chargers' home crowd of 53,832 was their lowest since 2004. It was their third-straight blackout at home and fourth of the season. San Diego's home finale against the Raiders sold out, thus ending the home blackout streak. The team finished the season 0–4 against NFC opponents and had their first losing season since 2003. Week 16: at New York Jets San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at New York Jets – Game summary December 23 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST Chargers 7 3 14 3 Jets 14 0 0 3 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 79,088 39 F C, sunny Pete Morelli CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon Box score First quarter SD – Micheal Spurlock 63-yard punt return (Nick Novak kick), 13:01. Chargers 7–0. NYJ – Shonn Greene 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 9:20. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 83 yards, 3:41. NYJ – Shonn Greene 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:13. Jets 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:28. Second quarter SD – Nick Novak 51-yard field goal, 8:32. Jets 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 6:54. Third quarter SD – Danario Alexander 37-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 11:11. Chargers 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:49. SD – Antonio Gates 34-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 1:34. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 1:41. Fourth quarter SD – Nick Novak 27-yard field goal, 14:07. Chargers 27–14. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:03. NYJ – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 11:08. Chargers 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 2:59. Top passers SD – Philip Rivers – 11/22, 165 yards, 2 TD NYJ – Greg McElroy – 14/24, 185 yards, INT Top rushers SD – Jackie Battle – 19 rushes, 49 yards NYJ – Shonn Greene – 14 rushes, 38 yards, 2 TD Top receivers SD – Danario Alexander – 3 receptions, 69 yards, TD NYJ – Clyde Gates – 3 receptions, 65 yards Week 17: vs. Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary December 30 1:25 pm. PST Raiders 0 7 0 14 Chargers 10 7 7 0 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 66,486 50 F C, cloudy John Parry CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker Box score First quarter SD – Micheal Spurlock 99-yard kickoff return (Nick Novak kick), 14:48. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12. SD – Nick Novak 30-yard field goal, 4:11. Chargers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 5:20. Second quarter OAK – Darrius Heyward-Bey 9-yard pass from Terrelle Pryor (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 12:11. Chargers 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 7:00. SD – Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:48. Chargers 17–7. Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 9:23. Third quarter SD – Danario Alexander 34-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 4:59. Chargers 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards, 2:11. Fourth quarter OAK – Terrelle Pryor 3-yard run (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 7:43. Chargers 24–14. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 5:19. OAK – Denarius Moore 5-yard pass from Terrelle Pryor (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:52. Chargers 24–21. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:53. Top passers OAK – Terrelle Pryor – 13/28, 150 yards, 2 TD, INT SD – Philip Rivers – 13/17, 151 yards, 2 TD Top rushers OAK – Darren McFadden – 19 rushes, 57 yards SD – Jackie Battle – 19 rushes, 37 yards Top receivers OAK – Rod Streater – 4 receptions, 77 yards SD – Eddie Royal – 4 receptions, 61 yards Standings References 30em External links http://www.chargers.com 2012 San Diego Chargers at pro-football-reference.com San Diego Category:San Diego Chargers seasons Category:2010s in San Diego San Diego