Chargers fall in another close game

by Don Coryell, Jr.

Blogger, San Diego Union-Tribune

The first four games of the season saw the Chargers' defense allow a minimum of 28 points over that span. Then Coach Winuvas called his defense out. Since then, they have allowed no more than 20 points over the last two games. However, the offense has not yet caught fire, as the Chargers fell in Foxboro to the New England Patriots 20-15.

Coming in with one of the top passers in the GFML, Alex Smith of the Patriots did something early they were not known for - running the ball. LeGarrette Blount had a few key early runs up the middle of the field and took the Patriots close enough for a Stephen Gostkowski field goal and a 3-0 lead.

The Chargers' offense sputtered after a few plays, and the Patriots contructed a drive ending with a LeGarrette Blount rushing touchdown and a 10-0 lead.

Finally the Chargers got a drive rolling, as Philip Rivers found a rhythm with tight end Delanie Walker and receiver Keenan Allen. A touchdown was not scored, however, as a Josh Lambo long field goal was the only reward.

A weird set of plays ensued near halftime, as Alex Smith threw an interception to cornerback Walter Thurmond III. Two plays later, Philip Rivers threw an interception trying to hit Delanie Walker over the middle of the field. During the return, the Patriots tried a lateral, which was recovered by the Chargers. The Chargers would put another field goal on the board, starting the second half at 10-6.

An exchange of field goals during the third quarter started the forth at 13-9. The Chargers' defense would play tough, harassing Alex Smith all day long and taking away his favorite target, tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots would get one last scoring drive together, however, as Smith would find Brandon Lafell for a big 43 yard pass play, and a short touchdown pass later in that drive to put the score at 20-9.

Rivers would engineer the best offensive drive of the game, running the hurry up to near perfection. He found Stevie Johnson on a 5 yard touchdown pass with less than 2 minutes to go. A failed two-point conversion put the score at 20-15, with a failed onside kick the only thing left for San Diego.

Philip Rivers had another solid but unspectacular outing, going 20 of 33 for 217 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 1 interception. Melvin Gordon again led the Chargers' rush attack with 11 carries for 44 yards. Tight end Delanie Walker led the Chargers' receivers with 5 catches for 80 yards, including 2 in the final drive that set up Stevie Johnson's touchdown catch (3 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD). Defensively, free agent rookie linebacker Latavien Greer led all Chargers with 4 tackles, while fellow rookie linebacker Sean Galvin had 3 tackles, an interception, and a sack. Cornerback Walter Thurmond III got an interception, while linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu contributed a sack and a forced fumble along with 2 tackles.

For the Patriots, Alex Smith was off all game, going 9 of 22 for 165 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 2 interceptions. LeGarrette Blount carried the ball 6 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. Julian Edelman led the Patriots' receivers with 3 receptions for 49 yards, while Brandon Lafell caught 2 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Donta Hightower led a balanced Patriots' defense with 3 tackles and a sack, while Jabaal Sheard (1 tackle and a sack), Logan Ryan (3 tackles and an interception), and Sean Elliott (2 tackles and 2 sacks) contributed mightily.

"We have to score points. If we score 3 and they score 7...you can't win too many games like that," Coach Winuvas said. "Our defense has stepped up. Now our offense needs to answer the bell. Period."

The Chargers (1-5) head back home to host the 5-1 Saints, while the Patriots (4-3) head to Indianapolis to take on the 3-2 Colts.

Can Coach Winuvas and Josh McDaniels get on the same page and get Rivers rolling? Or will the offense continue to sputter?