Sproles returned the punt to the Indianapolis 38, Rivers connected twice over the middle with tight end Antonio Gates, Sproles ran up the gut for eight and, with 33 seconds left, kicker Nate Kaeding tied the game.

The Chargers won the toss and, for a team that had to scrap to get to 8-8 in part because of referee Ed Hochuli's bad call in Denver early in the year, moved downfield in part because of three Indy penalties. Payback, destiny, something.

From the Indianapolis 22, the Chargers called "30 iso," the ball going to Sproles on a running play to the left. "I saw the end slant in," Sproles said. "Once I saw the end slant in, I saw the green grass outside and I just went for the score."

Looking ahead, the Steelers should note this: While Sproles is more than capable and a healthy Tomlinson a force with which to be reckoned, the Chargers offensive has, with remarkably few noticing, undergone a significant transition. Two years ago, LT rushed for 28 touchdowns. This season, Rivers threw for 34.

Rivers didn't throw any scores Saturday but did spread the ball around to six receivers and, but for the one interception, showed veteran poise, throwing the ball away when he had to instead of forcing bad throws. "This thing comes down to competing and wanting to be at your best and play at your best and that's what Philip did," Turner said.

Meanwhile, since making a mid-season defensive change, Ron Rivera taking over as defensive coordinator in place of Ted Cottrell, the Chargers have stepped it up in defensive intensity — all the while without star linebacker Shawne Merriman, out with a knee injury.

The Chargers believe.

You can tell by the answer Tomlinson gave when asked about Sproles. LT offered the sort of words that don't get spoken regularly by a professional athlete, an answer that makes you wonder what is going on all the way out there in San Diego. If it's not destiny, then what?

He said, "There is a brotherhood and a love for the guy that you see come into this league and you've grown a relationship with.

"When he's running, it's like I'm running and that's kind of how I feel. It's never a doubt what Darren can do."

LT also said, "Nobody gave us much of a chance this game but the guys in this locker room believed. When you believe, you can get a lot of things accomplished. And I think we're going to continue to believe."

Also on NBCSports.com PFT: Packers president admits he’s ‘disappointed’ CFT: By the numbers spotlights McCoy  |    Images College hoops: North Carolina will be scary good   Video: Red card? Some rough play in women's soccer Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

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