The San Diego Chargers have readied the ship. It wasn't always pretty, but their 27-24 win over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday was a strong performance against a tricky opponent. Here's what you need to know from the game:
- Shaun Hill will have nightmares about this one for a while. He threw an interception on the goal line with under a minute to go, telegraphing his throw and forcing the ball into coverage on second-and-goal when the Rams were headed for overtime at worst.
Some folks will criticize offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for calling a pass in the situation, but you have to play to win. It's on Hill for making such a critical mistake.
- It's fitting the Chargers' defense made the play to win the game. The Rams' offense only scored 10 points on their own until late in the fourth quarter, and seven of those came on a short field after a turnover. On a day when it took the Chargers' offense a while to get going, defensive coordinator John Pagano's crew made enough plays.
- San Diego, now 7-4, were staring at their playoff mortality for a while. The Rams were briefly leading the game 17-3 before a penalty erased a long touchdown by Hill to Kenny Britt late in the first half. Philip Rivers ran a nice two-minute drive to cut the deficit to 10-6 before halftime, and then pulled off two touchdown drives in their first three possessions of the second half. San Diego beat St. Louis' talented defense with quick throws and a resurgent running game.
- Ryan Mathews' return makes a huge difference with the Chargers' offense. He topped 100 yards for the first time all season before leaving with a shoulder injury in the second half. He was able to return, so it doesn't appear serious.
- Janoris Jenkinshad a pick six of Rivers in the first half, the fifth of Jenkins' career. He's already tied for the most in Rams franchise history.
- This game had a little bit of everything. Huge special teams gaffes that led directly to touchdowns, a blocked field-goal attempt, six turnovers and Rams coach Jeff Fisher correctly explaining the rules to the officials late in the game.
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