Chargers beat Jags in turnover-fest
The San Diego Chargers turned the ball over three times, but forced six turnovers of their own, running away from the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-13.
The Chargers rebounded from a disappointing loss to Kansas City on Monday night to win at home in a game that was never close.
Philip Rivers was 22/29, passing for 334 yards and three touchdowns, two to familiar target Antonio Gates. He also threw two interceptions, but the Jags were unable to capitalise.
"It was good that we were able to rebound and take control of the game," Rivers said. "But had the game been close, we would have looked back at those turnovers as having been key."
Rivers' counterpart, David Garrard, didn't have such a good day. Garrard was 15/23 for 173 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
"It was a terrible day at the office," said Garrard, who threw four interceptions. "It's a day that you don't want to have. Honestly, if I could erase my memory from today, I would, but we can't."
Two of those picks found their way into the hands of Antoine Cason, who also forced a fumble and blocked a punt.
"A lot of the time it takes the air out of the team and of course with the crowd behind us, it puts life into us," said Cason. "It changes momentum."
Garrard wasn't the only one with a tough day at the office. Ryan Mathews, the Chargers' rookie running back, left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle and did not return. X-rays came back negative and Mathews wanted to come back into the game
but was held back by coach Norv Turner.
His replacement, Mike Tolbert, was playing so well, Turner could afford to save Mathews for another day. Tolbert rumbled for 82 yards on just 16 carries and a career high two touchdowns.
On his way back from an ankle injury of his own, Maurice Jones-Drew struggled mightily in this game. Running for just 31 yards and no touchdowns, with a fumble, leaves Jones-Drew without a hundred-yard game, and more fumbles lost than touchdowns.
There's no question that Jones-Drew is not yet at 100%, but the Jags need him to get there fast it they're to have any success this season.
The Chargers' don't have that problem. Their depth of talent got them this win without two key players, who are still holding out, Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill.
"We've got a great group," Rivers said. "Backs, tight ends, receivers. We're going to use all of them. We need all of them. Any given week, it could be their week."
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