Bolstered by Volek's play, San Diego's defense stepped up twice. The unit stopped the Colts on fourth-and-goal with 2:06 remaining, and again with 1:03.

It was a defining moment for the Chargers organization, and for Turner, too.

When San Diego started the season 1-3, critics were already harping on the first-year head coach. When the Chargers were 5-5 and the playoffs were no sure thing, the catcalls grew louder. After all, this was the team that fired Marty Schottenheimer after a 14-2 regular season.

But the hysterics went away, and the Chargers stayed the course. They easily won the AFC West and earned a wild-card win over the Titans — their first playoff victory since 1994. But that was where it was supposed to end.

Few thought the Chargers could stay with the high-octane Colts, but it was the Chargers’ defense proved otherwise. Linebackers Shawne Merriman (5 tackles, 1 QB hurry and 1 pass defensed) and Stephen Cooper (16 tackles) played forcefully, and Antonio Cromartie (6 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble) and Drayton Florence (6 tackles and 2 forced fumbles) did the same from the secondary.

The best example came when both teams needed a big play. With just over a minute remaining, the Colts were trying to stage one last drive to preserve their season.

But once free safety Marlon McCree smashed Reggie Wayne on a third-and-5 from the Indy 37, it was all over. Manning’s pass and the onrushing McCree both hit Wayne at the same moment. The ball bounded away, and Wayne could not get up.

One play later, Manning's flip to Dallas Clark fluttered over the tight end's head and the game was over. Chargers advance.

“In this business it’s all about the next game,” Turner said. “We’ll take a minute to catch our breath and then we’ll move on. I said all year I want us to play our best game in January and perhaps it’s yet to come.”

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Turner's right about that. A trip to New England will be the toughest assignment his team's had this season. Nobody will give them a chance to win, especially with Rivers and Tomlinson both questionable with their injuries.

That may be playing right into Turner's hands. His team erased one perception against the Colts. It has another opportunity against the undefeated New England juggernaut. He wouldn’t say it, but that’s pretty close to redemption.

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