Jan 3rd 2009 9:35PM by Michael David Smith (author feed)
Filed under: Chargers, Colts
The best running back on the field as the Indianapolis Colts play the San Diego Chargers today in the AFC wild card playoffs isn’t Joseph Addai, and it isn’t LaDainian Tomlinson. It’s Darren Sproles, whose touchdown with 42 seconds left in the first half gave the Chargers a 14-10 lead at halftime.

Sproles has seven carries for 38 yards in the half and has looked as speedy and elusive as ever in relief of Tomlinson, who managed five carries for 25 yards but has been sidelined for most of the half with a groin injury. When the Colts had the ball, Addai has been largely held in check, although he did score the Colts’ touchdown.

Replay reviews played a key role in the first half. Colts coach Tony Dungy burned a challenge when the officials had correctly ruled that a Colts pass was incomplete, and then failed to challenge when the officials incorrectly ruled that a Chargers pass was complete. And with less than a minute to go before halftime, the officials ruled on the field — and then upheld on review — that Colts return man Chad Simpson was down before fumbling, on a play where the replay angles weren’t definitive enough to overrule whatever had been called on the field.

Other keys to the first half: Chargers punter Mike Scifres has been incredible, drilling all four of his punts inside the 20-yard line, with an average distance of 55 yards. Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri split the uprights on a 43-yard field goal. And Anthony Gonzalez has emerged as Peyton Manning’s favorite receiver, with six catches for 97 yards.