Chargers News: Game Balls Vs Jets, Gates Sets Record, Chargers Mourn
By Danny Cox
Out in San Diego, the Chargers are looking forward to the end of the 2012 season because it has been one of more downs than ups. Still, they'd like to finish the year out on a high note, and that got off to a pretty good start by defeating the New York Jets this past weekend. Having only one week to go in the season though, doesn't mean there is nothing going on.
Game balls awarded in bulk for Jets game
This past Sunday's 27-17 victory over the New York Jets was sparked by defense, and it is one that won't be quickly forgotten. Up until Sunday, the Chargers had a single-game record of nine sacks and that was set back in 2010. The new record is now 11 sacks, and they all came in a dominating fashion.
With that being said, coach Norv Turner turned to his defense to hand out a multitude of game balls. Every single player that racked up a sack against Greg McElroy and the Jets received a game ball:
- Kendal Reyes
- Corey Liuget
- Jarret Johnson
- Antonio Garay
- Donald Butler
- Shaun Phillips
- Larry English
- Brandon Taylor
- Melvin Ingram
One more game ball was handed out against the Jets, and that went to tight end Antonio Gates. There is a big reason that he received it too.
Antonio Gates becomes Chargers' touchdown receptions leader
Two weeks ago, Antonio Gates tied the franchise touchdown receptions record, but all he needed was one more week to break it. Against the Jets, Gates caught his 82nd career touchdown pass to put him atop the Chargers touchdown reception list ahead of Lance Alworth.
The record-breaking touchdown reception came late in the third quarter, and it was on a great play. Philip Rivers found Gates streaking across the field and connected with one of his primary targets. From there, Gates took things on himself and scored on a 34-yard touchdown.
Gates is also the all-time leader in receptions for the Chargers. He began his career with the Chargers back in 2003 as an undrafted free agent out of KentState. Gates never even played football in college.
Chargers franchise mourns passing of Isabelle Pernicano
The wife of Chargers minority owner George Pernicano, Isabelle "Belle" Pernicano, passed away this past week at her home in El Cajon, California. Belle was 95-years-old.
She is survived by George, her husband of 72 years, along with son Gary and Larry; grandchildren Tony, Michelle, Tina, Aimee, Andrew, and George; and 13 great grandchildren.
The franchise is truly going to miss Belle, and that is evidenced by the long statement released by the team. It is obvious that her happiness, heart, and spirit will be missed in San Diego, and that it is a sad day for the Chargers' organization.
Here is one small snippet from the statement:
Belle was an amazingly sweet and tender mother, sister, grandmother, friend, and support to all she ever touched. She never faltered in her demeanor or her stature. She was the explanation of Heaven on Earth. Not a day went by that she did not fight to her fullest. She never gave up her will to be the 20 year old she always felt inside. She shared her life, her love, her talents, her heartaches, her triumphs, her strife's and her accomplishments with everyone she met.
For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest Chargers news, see CBS Sports Los Angeles.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
