Philip Rivers
The San Diego Chargers defeated the emotionally drained Cincinnati Bengals 27-24 on Sunday thanks to a 52-yard Nate Kaeding field goal with three seconds remaining in the game.
The Bengals were still hurting for their teammate Chris Henry who lost his life earlier in the week.
Chad Ochocinco paid tribute to Henry in the second quarter after catching a 49-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer. In non-flashy fashion, Ochocinco dropped to his knees and looked to the skies.
It would be the biggest of Ochocinco’s three catches of the day.
Palmer was 27 of 40 passing for 314 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Cedric Benson carried the ball 15 times for 53 yards.
But it was the relentless offense of the San Diego Chargers that would not give up and played to the victory.
Philip Rivers was 24 for 38 passing, good for 308 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Vincent Jackson caught five passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns for the Chargers.
Ladanian Tomlinson carried the ball 16 times for 59 yards.
The Chargers win, coupled with the Denver Broncos loss to the Oakland Raiders, secured the AFC West title for Norv Turner and company.