Chargers Playoff Preview vs. Colts

San Diego Chargers (12-5) at Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
RCA Dome, Sunday, 10:00 a.m., CBS

Coaches' playoff records:
Norv Turner, San Diego, 2-1 Tony Dungy, Indianapolis 9-8

Last meeting:
November 11, 2007 at San Diego. Darren Sproles returned both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown as the Chargers scored the first 23 points and held on for a 23-21 victory over the Colts. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown, but San Diego's defense was the story of the game, forcing a career-high six interceptions by Peyton Manning. Still, the Colts rallied and had a chance to win, but kicker Adam Vinatieri missed a potential go-ahead 29-yard field goal with 1:31 to play.

Chargers offense against Colts defense ---------------------------------------
Key Matchups:
RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. NFL's 15th-ranked run defense
QB Philip Rivers vs. NFL's 2nd-ranked pass defense
WR Chris Chambers vs. CB Marlin Jackson
FB Lorenzo Neal vs. LB Gary Brackett
TE Antonio Gates vs. SS Bob Sanders

Despite beating the Colts earlier in the season, San Diego's offense, and Philip Rivers in particular, was dreadful in the first meeting. Rivers completed 13-of-24 passes for 104 yards and no touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Playing with a big lead, Tomlinson was held in check for the most part as the Chargers' last six possessions resulted in four punts, a fumble and an interception. After a slow start against Tennessee in last weekend's wild card game, Rivers played splendidly in the second half, completing 10-of-11 passes for 132 yards in the third quarter alone to rally San Diego. With Antonio Gates questionable at best, Tomlinson must have a big game to keep the ball out out the hands of Peyton Manning. And Rivers cannot afford anything close to a repeat of the first meeting.

Colts offense against Chargers defense --------------------------------------
Key Matchups:
QB Peyton Manning vs. NFL's 14th-ranked pass defense
RB Joseph Addai vs. NFL's 16th-ranked run defense
WR Reggie Wayne vs. CB Antonio Cromartie
TE Dallas Clark vs. SS Clinton Hart
LT Tony Ugoh vs. LB Shawne Merriman
Manning certainly won't throw four interceptions on the first five possessions, as he did against the Chargers during the regular season. That also was a classic letdown game for Indy, which was forced to go on the road one week after a titanic showdown with the New England Patriots. The Colts are much healthier this time around, with tight end Dallas Clark available and Marvin Harrison a possible go. Indy should also be able utilize Joseph Addai more effectively. Manning was forced to throw 56 times in Week 10 but the Colts won't be so one-dimensional this time. One thing the Colts must do is protect Manning. In 2005, the 13-0 Colts hosted the Chargers and saw their bid for a perfect season slip away as Manning was sacked four times and threw two picks.

Three keys to the game ----------------------
1) Peyton's place: Despite all the accolades, Manning is not at his best in the postseason. In 13 playoff games, he is just 7-6 with 18 TD passes and 15 interceptions.
2) Running start: Tomlinson has to have a huge game to alleviate the pressure on Rivers and keep Manning and the Indianapolis offense on the sideline.
3) What about Bob: If Gates is able to play, strong safety Bob Sanders is somewhat neutralized. If Gates sits, Sanders will be free to zero in on Tomlinson.