Chargers should have stayed aggressive

Updated: December 27, 2004, 10:48 AM ET
Scouts Inc.
Editor's note: Our scouts roll back the tape on Week 16 in the NFL:

  • The Colts' offensive line looked confused and outmatched by the Chargers' 3-4 defensive front – until the final drive. Peyton Manning was harassed all day, and not only was he uncomfortable, but he was visibly upset by his lack of protection.

    The Colts looked surprised by the Chargers' quickness, and San Diego's secondary did a good job of covering receivers and forcing Manning to hold the ball too long. However, the Chargers chose to play cover-2 schemes in the final minutes rather than blitz, and Manning picked apart the zone and drove the Colts to the tying touchdown.

    LaDainian Tomlinson
    Tomlinson

  • The Colts tried to cover Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson in man-to-man with MLB Rob Morris and were burned. Tomlinson caught five passes for 95 yards, including a 74-yard pass for a touchdown in the first quarter. Tomlinson is a huge mismatch for most any linebacker, especially middle linebackers.

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