The offensive lineman got some love from our readers this week.
The return of standout San Diego center Nick Hardwick after a 13-game layoff due to a serious ankle injury was the choice of the readers for the AFC West story of the week. The other candidates were San Diego clinches the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs and Denver losing its playoff destiny.
After agreeing with the readers for several weeks, I think I’m going to stray this week. I think San Diego clinching the No. 2 seed is enormous. Getting a first-round bye is a big deal and the Chargers are placed in a spot where they can do some damage in the postseason. Yes, the Hardwick development is big, but the overall team accomplishment is my choice.
But you’re the boss on this one, so the winner is it’s the Hardwick story. Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Marisa from New York: Hardwick coming back was the story of the week for the Chargers. They beat a deflating Titans team but seeing Nick out there and strong was a sight to see.
Rob from Houston: Hardwick returns: Being good doesn't get a team into the Super Bowl. Usually, there's a little luck involved along the way. The Chargers got a big break after Center Scott Mruczkowski went down with a season ending injury and Pro-Bowl calibur Center Nick Hardwick was ready to start the next week after being most of the year with an injury. Is this a sign of good things to come for the Chargers in the playoffs?
Steve Sibiski from Oceanside, Ca: The story of the week is Denver losing control of their post season destiny. When Denver was sitting at 6-0 with a 3.5 game lead over the Chargers they looked like a lock on winning the division and being in the playoffs. Even two weeks ago they looked like they should be able to lock up a playoff birth with two wins in the final 3 games. But back to back losses to the Eagle and Raiders has left them on the brink of another historic collapse. If the Broncos don't get into the playoffs they will need to look long and hard at what they need to do to prevent the second half slides they have been experiancing the last 3 years.
Dustin T. from San Diego: My vote goes to the return of Nick Hardwick. Hardwick is the leader and quarterback of the chargers offensive line. His presence was immediately felt as the chargers were able to rush for over 160 yards. Hardwick helps make the chargers offence more balanced. They can score at will but with the added run help they will be able to control the clock as well. With Hardwick back the chargers are going to be a nightmare for any opposing defense in the playoffs.
The return of standout San Diego center Nick Hardwick after a 13-game layoff due to a serious ankle injury was the choice of the readers for the AFC West story of the week. The other candidates were San Diego clinches the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs and Denver losing its playoff destiny.
After agreeing with the readers for several weeks, I think I’m going to stray this week. I think San Diego clinching the No. 2 seed is enormous. Getting a first-round bye is a big deal and the Chargers are placed in a spot where they can do some damage in the postseason. Yes, the Hardwick development is big, but the overall team accomplishment is my choice.
But you’re the boss on this one, so the winner is it’s the Hardwick story. Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Marisa from New York: Hardwick coming back was the story of the week for the Chargers. They beat a deflating Titans team but seeing Nick out there and strong was a sight to see.
Rob from Houston: Hardwick returns: Being good doesn't get a team into the Super Bowl. Usually, there's a little luck involved along the way. The Chargers got a big break after Center Scott Mruczkowski went down with a season ending injury and Pro-Bowl calibur Center Nick Hardwick was ready to start the next week after being most of the year with an injury. Is this a sign of good things to come for the Chargers in the playoffs?
Steve Sibiski from Oceanside, Ca: The story of the week is Denver losing control of their post season destiny. When Denver was sitting at 6-0 with a 3.5 game lead over the Chargers they looked like a lock on winning the division and being in the playoffs. Even two weeks ago they looked like they should be able to lock up a playoff birth with two wins in the final 3 games. But back to back losses to the Eagle and Raiders has left them on the brink of another historic collapse. If the Broncos don't get into the playoffs they will need to look long and hard at what they need to do to prevent the second half slides they have been experiancing the last 3 years.
Dustin T. from San Diego: My vote goes to the return of Nick Hardwick. Hardwick is the leader and quarterback of the chargers offensive line. His presence was immediately felt as the chargers were able to rush for over 160 yards. Hardwick helps make the chargers offence more balanced. They can score at will but with the added run help they will be able to control the clock as well. With Hardwick back the chargers are going to be a nightmare for any opposing defense in the playoffs.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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