Back-up quarterback Billy Volek's late touchdown saw San Diego edge out defending champions Indianapolis Colts 28-24.
Volek's late score sets up clash with New England
Back-up quarterback Billy Volek's late touchdown saw San Diego edge out defending champions Indianapolis Colts 28-24 in the NFL play-offs.
Volek's one-yard lunge with four minutes left saw the Chargers move within a game of Super Bowl 42 - with undefeated New England awaiting them in AFC Championship game.
"We're going to go into another big battle," said San Diego defender Shawne Merriman.
"We're got to go in there and do the same thing we did tonight. We played tough. We expected that battle we got out there."
San Diego must have feared the worst when Philip Rivers went down with an injury to his right leg - but Volek, who had only thrown 10 passes all season, stepped up to the plate.
The visitors also had to manage without the services of LaDainian Tomlinson, the league's leading rusher in the regular season, after he bruised his left knee in the first quarter.
Before going off injured Rivers had thrown three touchdown passes - Darren Sproles, Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson the recipients.
Advantage
However, three Peyton Manning touchdown passes had seen the Colts hold a 24-21 advantage at one stage.
Manning, who was 33-of-48 for 402 yards, found Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez for TDs, while Adam Vinatieri kicked a field goal for the Colts.
However Manning failed on two marches in the final four minutes as the Chargers defence snuffed out the threat.
"When you're playing somebody that great, you have to go out and make plays for your team," Merriman said.
"We have to show them a full arsenal. If we don't, a team like that can beat you."
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy - who could well retire in the off-season - paid credit to the tactics of San Diego.
He said: "We didn't get the pressure we needed, and they did a good job in the throwing game.
"We took away (rusher LaDainian) Tomlinson but to their credit they made the plays in the passing game."
