"Three of the Chargers are still going to a postseason game of sorts, namely, the Pro Bowl.

Pro Bowl perennials Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates were picked again for the NFL's all-star game -- it's the eighth invitation for the latter, the fourth for the quarterback -- and the newcomer joining them will be free safety Eric Weddle. The Chargers second-leading tackler, Weddle made his first Pro Bowl as one of three defensive backs atop the NFL with seven interceptions, one more than Weddle's total of his first four seasons.

"The season we've had puts a little damper on it," said Weddle in a statement issued by the Chargers, "but I put a lot into it and worked my tail off this offseason to make that next jump and become an elite player in this league. I think I've done that. Now it's all about consistency and continuing a high level of play and help my team win.""