The 2005 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 12–4 record in 2004. They finished the campaign 9-7 and 3rd overall in their division, missing out on the playoffs. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was named rookie of the Year at the end of the season. Despite missing the playoffs the Chargers humiliated some of the best teams in the NFL such as the defending Super Bowl champions New England Patriots (41–17) and the Indianapolis Colts (26–17) (also ended their almost perfect season).