Sproles honored for Super September

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Wednesday, Oct 01, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

When Darren Sproles learned Wednesday that he’d been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September, his reaction was about what you’d expect.

He shrugged his shoulders, trying to play it off a little, but his ear-to-ear smile showed that the award meant something to him.

“It’s cool,” Sproles said, again playing coy. “I’ve worked really hard. It’s always nice to see people recognize that.”

During his special month, Sproles tied a team record with a 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was one of just two kicks returned for scores in the NFL during the first month. Dallas’ Felix Jones had the other.

Sproles currently ranks second in the NFL with a 32.4 average on kick returns. The Chargers were down 21-3 in Denver when his touchdown run sparked a rally and helped them overcome a large deficit. Last week in Oakland, the Raiders had just tied the game when his 67-yard return set up Nate Kaeding’s go-ahead field goal with 1:55 remaining.

Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano has certainly taken notice of the Bolts’ small but dangerous weapon.

“He’s so explosive,” Sparano said. “He’s one of these guys that can be running sideways, put his foot in the ground and as soon as he puts his foot in the ground, bang, he’s gone. You’ve got to be careful that way. He does hide behind some of those people in wedges and he hides behind some of those offensive linemen, and the next thing you know, he shows up.”

Five rest

Tight end Antonio Gates, fullback Mike Tolbert, defensive tackle Jamal Williams, linebacker Jyles Tucker and guard Mike Goff all missed Wednesday’s practice. Turner said he was only concerned about two missing Sunday’s game in Miami, although he wouldn’t specify which two.

Comeback kid

When quarterback Philip Rivers led the Chargers to victory Sunday, it marked the ninth time in just 36 starts that he’s given the Bolts a fourth-quarter lead. Even after a two-interception performance last week, Rivers ranks second in the NFL in passer rating (109.8) and touchdown passes (10).

Welcome back

Linebacker Stephen Cooper was on the field with his teammates Wednesday for the first time since the end of training camp. Cooper missed the first four games of the season while serving a suspension, but Turner was pleased with the way the six-year veteran performed after the long layoff.

“Stephen looked fast,” Turner said. “He looked quick. Obviously when you haven’t been practicing you’re going to be fresher. I thought he had great recall of what we’re trying to get done.”

Turner said that he won’t decide until after Friday’s practice whether or not Cooper will start Sunday in Miami, but the Bolts’ leading tackler from a year ago will see significant action.

Derek Smith started at the “Mike” position the first four weeks and currently leads the Chargers in tackles.

Familiar place

While much has been made this week about Chris Chambers’ return to Miami, two other Chargers also get to visit their former employer this week. Turner was the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator in 2002 and 2003, and offensive tackle L.J. Shelton started every game for Miami in 2006 and 2007.

Familiar face

Through three games, former Chargers wide receiver Greg Camarillo is tied for the Dolphins’ lead in receptions with 11 and is second in receiving yards with 146, trailing team-leader Anthony Fasano by just four yards.

Mike Nowak, Chargers.com

Chargers running back and return specialist Darren Sproles was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.

	Wednesday: Norv Turner Head Coach Norv Turner press conference after practice Wednesday Play
	Wednesday: Chris Chambers Wednesday press conference with WR Chris Chambers Play
	Wednesday: Philip Rivers QB Philip Rivers talks to the media after practice Wednesday. Play
	Wednesday: LaDainian Tomlinson RB LaDainian Tomlinson press conference after practice Wednesday. Play