Chargers Beat Titans

The Chargers escaped this past Sunday's game with a win and broke a three game losing skid, but the Chargers couldn't win comfortably and had to hang on until the end...but primarily due to their own doing.

The game started like many typical Charger games of the 2010 season...with a special teams gaffe...a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.  The special teams of the Chargers have already reached historically bad levels and look to set new lows for specials team futility before the season ends.  On the bright side, Darren Sproles looked like his old self and was able to return some punts back for respectable gains...something that hasn't happened this year.

And before I go much further I really need to devote a section of every game recap to Antonio Gates.  This guy is simply awesome...so much so it is almost expected of him each and every week.  He has been playing with a toe injury for the last couple of games, likely reinjured a toe that kept him from playing some games a few years ago.  He was a game time decision but played through the pain and was a huge impact...even injured, you can tell how much better of an athlete he is then many others on the field.  Double and triple team him and he still finds a way to get open...it's too bad no other Charger receiver is even in his league.

Phillip Rivers continues to remain rock solid.  His one interception was a desperation throw that ended the first half, so only on the stat sheet does that one hurt.  Rivers set a new record for most yards passed in the first 8 games...but unfortunately, in all the stats I have seen, when a QB has to throw for record yardage, their team has basically stunk and is doing so out of necessity.

The Charger run game made an appearance this past Sunday.  Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert both had respectable games...both got dinged up but both returned to play.  Ryan Mathews is a rookie and is suppose to be the Chargers long term future at runningback...he has already missed a few games due to injury and does seem to be a bit injury prone...something that won't allow him to become a premiere runningback unless corrected.  Tolbert, to me, looked very impressive ... he reminded me of former Charger runningbacks Natrone Means and Marion Butts...big, powerful runningbacks that will punish the defense.  Unfotunately, history has shown that these type of powerbacks might have 2 seasons of use and then get injured or just taper off in production...regardless, if Tolbert is in his prime, he should be used while the chance is here.

I still remain very suspect of the defense.  Sure on paper the Charger defense is a top 10 defense...but watching them play I would never guess it.  The Chargers had blown coverage on more than one play, the Titans capitalized on one blown coverage but missed out on the others.  More savvy and opportunistic quarterbacks would have feasted on the Chargers mistakes.

The Chargers couldn't put the Titans out of their misery...even when scoring their last touchdown the Chargers needed an extra point to make the game a 9 point game a thus, a 2 score game with not much time remaining...the Charger's special teams makes another gaffe and they blow the extra point with a botched hold and the Titans will get the ball back, down by 8 with a chance to tie the game...the Titans get good field position and 2:48 left on the clock and are able to drive to the 15 of the Chargers but no further...the Charger defense had held and the Chargers hang on for a win.

The Titans helped the Chargers during this game a lot.  I do believe there was a couple of times the Titans committed a penalty on third down that gave the Chargers a first down and overall, the Titans.  And although the Charger defense still is prone to giving up big plays, they were able to keep the Titans out of the endzone on two possessions in the fourth quarter...something I was very surprised at.

Is this the turning point for the Chargers?  Most agree they can't afford too many more losses and going 5-3 in the second half of the season probably means you miss the playoffs.  The Chargers have a road game to Houston and then their bye week.  Houston just lost last night to Indy so they will be coming off a short week...but also hungry for a win.  Houston wants to prove its a legitimate AFC team and beating the Chargers would keep them in that discussion.  The Chargers haven't won a game on the road yet and are going to have to do so if they want to have any chance at the playoffs.