Chargers’ Season Ends With Loss To NY Jets

SAN DIEGO – The most accurate placekicker in NFL history missed three field goals, costing the San Diego Chargers dearly in a 17-14 playoff loss to the New York Jets in the NFL playoffs.

All-Pro placekicker Nate Kaeding missed his last try with under 5 minutes left in the game.

It wasn’t all on Kaeding, though, as the Chargers were hit with penalties at key times, and quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked twice and tossed two interceptions.

Head coach Norv Turner said he was disappointed because you want to play your best game in January.

“Certainly, for whatever reason, we did not do that today,” Turner said.

Turner noted his team was one of the least-penalized in the NFL this season, but was flagged 10 times. He also said receivers several times tried to run before securing a pass.

They led a defensive struggle 7-3 late in the third quarter when Rivers threw an interception to Jim Leonhard of the Jets, who returned the ball deep into San Diego territory. One play later, linebacker Shaun Phillips was called for an illegal head-butt, and the Jets subsequently scored a touchdown to take the lead, 10-7.

New York extended the lead to 17-7 with a 53-yard Shonn Greene touchdown run.

A late touchdown by the Chargers tightened the score to 17-14, but they gave up field position by trying an onside kick, which failed, and the Jets were able to run out the clock when they converted on a fourth-and-one situation.

The loss knocked the Chargers out of the AFC Championship Game next week in Indianapolis.

Kaeding had a streak of 69 straight field goals under 40 yards before missing all three of his attempts today.