Chargers' rally falls short

by Don Coryell, Jr.

Blogger, San Diego Union-Tribune

The San Diego Chargers apparently finally located their defense, as they showed up and proved stout against a game Indianapolis Colts squad. However, the offense could never get in gear, losing 17-15.

Both offenses would struggle early, exchanging punts. The Chargers would move the ball well on their second series, but ultimately bog down around the 35 yard line, resulting in a long Josh Lambo field goal and a 3-0 lead.

A rare turnover caused by the Chargers, courtesy of a Brandon Flowers interception, set the offense up with prime position. However, the Chargers could again only muster another Lambo field goal, upping the lead to 6-0 midway through the second quarter.

The Colts would finally put together a solid drive, finding slot receiver Earl Bennett multiple times, including in the end zone to take the lead at 7-6.

Getting the ball back with under 2 minutes in the half, Philip Rivers got the team moving again, and got a little luck with some laundry on the field with no time remaining. A pass interference call against Darius Butler of the Colts set up an untimed down in field goal range, and Josh Lambo again cashed in, taking the lead back at 9-7 going into halftime.

Both defenses would continue to hold serve well into the third quarter, with neither team getting any real groove running or passing the ball. The Colts would get some movement late in the third quarter, getting a solid drive together with a good mix of pass and run, ending with a Josh Robinson 3 yard touchdown run and a lead of 14-9.

A costly fumble by Keenan Allen early in the fourth killed a Chargers' promising drive, but the defense came right out and held the Colts to a long field goal attempt, making the score 17-9 with less than 5 minutes left to go.

Philip Rivers then engineered a drive that was masterful, taking up every bit of the remaining time and ending with a 3 yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson.

Needing a 2 point conversion, the Chargers called a solid play, but a poor Rivers decision led to a pick, ending the game and any chance for overtime for the Chargers.

Philip Rivers was solid, going 23 of 36 for 209 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Gordon was held in check, getting 50 yards on 11 carries along with 4 catches for 29 yards in the passing game. Keenan Allen led all Chargers' receivers with 6 catches for 66 yards, while Stevie Johnson had 3 catches for 13 yards and the important touchdown. Rookie linebacker Sean Galvin had 5 tackles, while defensive tackle Corey Liuget had 2 tackles and a sack. Safety Brandon Flowers had 4 tackles and an interception also in a losing effort.

Andrew Luck had a rough day yardage wise, going 10 of 17 for only 109 yards and a touchdown to go with an interception. Rookie running back Trey Green was held in check, getting 16 touches for only 40 yards. Earl Bennett led the Colts' pass catchers with 3 catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Sio Moore led all Colts' defenders with 5 tackles and a sack.

"We did as much as we could do on defense," Coach Winuvas said after the game. "We schemed well, we played well. By far the best game on defense we played this season. We have to do a better job up front pushing guys around on offense. We have to be meaner and have that mean streak to run the ball. (Philip) Rivers can't do it by himself."

At 1-4, the Chargers get no respite, going up to Foxboro to face the Patriots (3-2). The Colts (3-2) head to Chicago to face the Bears (3-2).

Can Coach Winuvas get both sides of the ball to show up at the same game? He's still waiting on that game.