Backup players shine as San Diego Chargers outclass Tennessee Titans 38-10 – NFL Recap
San Diego Chargers have a stunning start to the 2012 season as they got their second win in a row on Sunday, September 16, 2012, after they beat Tennessee Titans 38-10 in Week 2 game at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Texas.
Chargers passing game was predicted to be below par in absence of their star tight end Antonio Gates. However, that was not the case as his backup Dante Rosario put up a remarkable performance.
Rosario gave his career-best performance with three touchdowns. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said:
“It was nice to have some guys we brought in this spring contribute early in the year. Obviously we talk about our depth. Unfortunately for the guys injured we are challenging that depth early, but what we’ve found out about it is it’s held up.”
Chargers backup running back Jackie Battle also started the game in place of Ryan Mathews. Battle also scored touchdowns in the final quarter.
Titans, on the other hand, gave a woeful performance on both sides of the field. The offence managed to score just one touchdown during the entire game as Jake Locker failed to reach the end zone up until the third quarter. They also gave away possession
many times during the game.
Their defence looked vulnerable against Rosario and Rivers. They did not apply the strategy of double covering Rosario, which cost them massively.
Titans coach Mike Munchak was not impressed with his team’s performance. However, he praised Chargers offence for putting up a good show. The Associated Press quoted Munchak as saying:
"When you have a quarterback like Rivers who is very good, he makes guys look good. He puts the ball where it's supposed to be. Believe me, there was not a letdown when we knew Gates wasn't playing. We knew they still had some great weapons and we saw that
again today."
Rivers completed 24 out of 32 passes and covered 284 yards. Chargers scored in their first two possessions, thanks to 11 and four-yard passes respectively by Rivers to the sparkling Rosario, who converted them into touchdowns, ending the first quarter 14-0.
In the second quarter, Chargers offence followed their good run with a 26-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding.
Titans finally opened their scoring chart with a 23-yard field goal by kicker Rob Bironas. The first half ended with Chargers leading 17-3.
In the third quarter, Chargers scored another touchdown with Rosario in the limelight again.
Then Locker gave Titans their first touchdown as he threw a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Kendall Wright who reached the end zone to take the score 24-10.
Chargers dominated the final quarter with two touchdowns by Battle, who made a one-yard run on both occasions.
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