San Diego Chargers end season with 24-21 victory over AFC West rivals Oakland Raiders – NFL Recap
San Diego Chargers got some consolation in the 2012 season finale with a 24-21 win over Oakland Raiders in Week 17 game on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California.
This is almost certain to be the last game for Chargers under head coach Norv Turner who gave the indication after the game that the franchise is looking for a new coach.
Moreover, the team president Dean Spanos spoke to the media after the game and said that he has something big to announce on Monday, December 31.
Chargers general manager Norv Turner is also likely to be shown the door, meaning that there will be some new names coming in the Chargers administration next year.
In six seasons with the team, Turner has a 56-40 record, but managed to get a 24-24 record in last three seasons in which the team failed to reach the postseason. Giving his views about Turner’s era at Chargers, quarterback Philip Rivers said:
"It's tough. You've played quarterback for a guy for 102 games. That's a lot of time spent. A lot of fun, a lot of hard work, plenty of disagreements and aggravations. It's hard. Other than my dad, I don't know that there has been a coach that you've had
so much respect for and trust for.”
Meanwhile, Raiders gave their third-string quarterback Terrelle Pryor the starting post in place of injured quarterback Carson Palmer who was unavailable for the game.
Pryor threw first touchdown pass of his career and finished the game with 13 of 28 for 150 yards and two scores. According to the Associated Press, Pryor said:
"Just when I saw that punt blocked I was like, 'Geez, we're going to win this game. As ugly as it was on offense, we're going to win this game,' It didn't turn out that way. I just commend everybody for not stopping. Just keep going."
Chargers got to a fascinating start as wide receiver Micheal Spurlock returned the opening kickoff 99 yards to reach the end zone. This was followed by a field goal as Chargers ended the first quarter with a 10-0 score line.
The second quarter saw Raiders opening the score with Rivers throwing a touchdown pass. However, Chargers extended their lead later on with an 11-yard pass caught by tight end Antonio Gates for a touchdown as the first half finished with a 17-7 score line.
Chargers strengthened their lead with a touchdown by wide receiver Danario Alexander in the third quarter to take the score to 24-7.
Raiders tried to get back into the game in the final quarter and nearly levelled the score after scoring two touchdowns, but Chargers held on and won the game 24-21.
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