Bolts more lucky than good; game more loony than good

SAN DIEGO -- Ohmygod. What the hell was that?

Was Indianapolis vs. San Diego a football game or did everyone watching inhale too many drugs and imagine the whole thing?

You'd figure Pacman Jones would swear off strippers before the always-reliable Adam Vinatieri missed a game-clinching, 29-yard field-goal attempt as he did, giving the Chargers a stunning 23-21 victory.

"It was probably the weirdest game I've ever been in," said Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers.

Adam Vinatieri is as shocked as anyone about missing a 29-yard FG that could have won it. (AP)

"It was a very emotional, crazy ballgame," said LaDainian Tomlinson.

"I don't know how to explain it," said San Diego coach Norv Turner, "but I'll take it."

This is how you explain it: damn lucky. Hitting-the-lottery lucky. Dating Halle Berry lucky.

Impossible is how you describe this screwy, unbelievable, implausible, monstrosity of a game that was part science fiction, part action flick and all prime example of the big heart of the Indianapolis Colts. Not to mention the puzzling nature of the Chargers, who can display greatness and shrunken gonads all in one game.

Let's be straight: Saying the Chargers were fortunate is an understatement. The San Diego defense showed extraordinary courage and ability in initially shutting down Peyton Manning, but it allowed the Colts to later score 21 unanswered points. And if Vinatieri lines up for that kick 100 more times, he'll make it 100 times.

"We're going to do everything we can to use this to jump-start us," said Turner.

Begin with counting your lucky, supercharged stars, Norv.

Oh, and by the way. You have a running back named LaDainian. It's only a suggestion but you might, you know, use him. It's LaDainian. L-a-D-a-i-n-i-a-n. Rhymes with "you're insan-ian."

This could have been a horribly ugly loss for San Diego. Late in the game when the big screen in Qualcomm Stadium showed Turner's face, thousands of fans booed.