Philip Rivers struggles behind Chargers' shaky O-line

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has been bandied about as a possible comeback candidate this season under new coach Mike McCoy. Don't bank on it.

Not behind this offensive line; not unless the Chargers pull it together over the next two weeks.

Rivers grew visibly frustrated during Thursday night's 33-28 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears. Connecting on 5 of 9 passes, Rivers was battered in the process, sacked three times in four drives. One of those takedowns led to a fumble when left tackle Max Starks allowed Bears defensive end Shea McClellin to blow by untouched.

Rivers, after the third sack, spiked the ball to the turf in frustration. Twitter predictably sparked to life with a steady stream of anti-Chargers hyperbole. But CBSSports.com's Will Brinson put it all into perspective here in mid-August:

McCoy acknowledged the "lack of protection at certain times" was an issue, telling reporters, via U-T San Diego, "That was very disappointing, the turnovers we had."

The Chargers coughed up four turnovers in 25 minutes, leading to 20 Bears points. Afterward, Rivers told reporters: "We can't turn the ball over."

Indeed. The Chargers have been sold to us this offseason as a new creation. Last night's disaster doesn't count, but these games soon will, and too much of what we witnessed against the Bears conjures images of a season ago.

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