Five Chargers earn Pro Bowl honors

Quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman, kicker Nate Kaeding and special teamer Kassim Osgood were named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad Tuesday.

The Chargers’ high-scoring offense saw three players recognized with Pro Bowl honors Tuesday, and one of the NFL’s top special teams units was also well represented when the NFL announced its All Star squads.

Quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman, kicker Nate Kaeding and special teams ace Kassim Osgood were named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad. Each of the five players has previously earned Pro Bowl honors.

Rivers’ career-high 4,155 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and just nine interceptions earned him Pro Bowl recognition for the second time in his career. The Chargers’ starting quarterback ranks second in the NFL with a 104.5 passer rating. He’s been particularly impressive during the team’s current 10-game win streak, completing 69.4% of his passes (200-of-288) for 2,636 yards and a rating of 112.6 while throwing 20 touchdown passes and only six interceptions during that span. Rivers’ passer rating over the last 10 weeks is highest in the NFL, while his completion percentage is third.

“It’s an honor,” Rivers said. “Any time you’re a part of the Pro Bowl team and in company with the other great quarterbacks is a big honor. However, me being named to the Pro Bowl is as much about the guys around me as anything. It takes a lot of guys for individuals to get recognized. The quarterback position, more than any other, needs every other guy playing at a high level to make it. If I can’t get the ball off because of pressure or if nobody’s making great catches, I’m not going to have the success I’ve had this season and throughout my career.”

In addition to his teammates, Rivers also credits Head Coach Norv Turner with much of the success he’s enjoyed.

“He’s been huge in my progress. I knew very early on when we first met that we thought a lot alike and have similar approaches to the game. That helped immediately because we were able to understand how each other thinks. Running this system and his ability to coach the position is exceptional. It’s been a great fit.”

Gates earned Pro Bowl honors for the sixth-consecutive year after setting a new career high with 1,145 receiving yards. He leads all NFL tight ends in the category. His 78 catches lead the Chargers, and he’s scored seven touchdowns.

Dielman received his third Pro Bowl nod of his career thanks to a season in which his physical presence once again set the tone for the Chargers along the offensive line. The seventh-year pro has started all 15 games and has played a major role in the NFL’s second-highest scoring offense.

“It’s always an honor,” Dielman said. “I’m lucky to have a lot of great teammates around me that help me. Playing next to Marcus (McNeill) and Scott (Mruczkowski) and Nick (Hardwick), having Philip (Rivers), I know I benefit a lot from those guys. (Offensive line coach) Hal Hunter is another guy that’s really helped me get to this point in my career.”

Kaeding ranks second in the NFL with 135 points scored and is tied for the AFC lead with 29 field goals. He needs just one point to break his franchise record for points in a season by a kicker. Kaeding is a Pro Bowler for the second time. In 2007, he kicked the game-winning field goal on the last play of the game in an AFC victory.


Osgood’s gritty, unselfish play earned him a third trip to the Pro Bowl. He also went following the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Osgood is tied for second on the Chargers with 12 special teams tackles. When he’s not making the tackle himself, he regularly absorbs double and triple teams that free up his teammates to help the Bolts secure strong field position.

In addition to the five players recognized Tuesday, five Chargers were named Pro Bowl alternates. Darren Sproles is the first alternate at kick returner, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie, wide receiver Vincent Jackson, tackle Marcus McNeill and punter Mike Scifres are third alternates.

While happy for his teammates that were honored Tuesday, Rivers was a little disappointed that weren’t more Chargers recognized.

“We had more (players) that are as deserving that didn’t get that call today and I’m disappointed for those guys,” Rivers said. “We’ve got a lot of guys on both sides of the ball and on special teams that I believe are Pro Bowl worthy.”

Dielman shared Rivers’ sentiments.

“There are other guys that should be going,” Dielman said. “With Vincent and Marcus, the proof is in the pudding. They’ve both damn good players. Vincent gets lost in the shuffle because there are so many great receivers in the AFC, but if you’re going to tell me he’s not one of the top three I think you’re sorely mistaken. Marcus gets lost in the shuffle. There’s no one else I’d rather play next to. I think he’s the best left tackle in the league. He makes my job easier and I love playing with him.”

SOURCE: Chargers.com