This was probably the most complete game that the Chargers have played all season, they were solid in all phases of the game. Everyone pretty much contributed to this win. Though Rivers threw his season-low 233 yards, he threw touchdown passes to Patrick Crayton who scored on a 40-yard catch-and-run late in the second quarter, hurting his left wrist as he fell into the end zone, and speedy little Darren Sproles had a 57-yard catch-and-run early in the third. And San Diego's defense, led by linebacker Shaun Phillips, settled in and harassed Denver's Kyle Orton after he led an easy opening scoring drive. Denver was held to 235 yards and converted only one of 12 third downs.
The Chargers special team, who had taken most of the blame for their 5 losses this year, even pulled off a fake punt. Mike Scifres -- who's had five punts blocked this year -- waited for fullback Mike Tolbert to get open, then hit him with a 28-yard pass that set up Rivers' tying 6-yard scoring pass to Malcom Floyd in the first quarter.
"This is exactly what we set out to do when we were 2-5," said cornerback Antoine Cason, who intercepted Orton in the second quarter. "We wanted to get back in the division race to set us up for these games against division teams, and now our fate is in our own hands."
The Chargers had no trouble despite playing without star tight end Antonio Gates, who missed his second straight game with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, and rookie running back Ryan Mathews, still bothered by a high ankle sprain.
The Broncos looked to be up for an offensive showcase Monday night following their efficient opening drive. Unfortunately for Denver, it was all Chargers after that.
Late in the second quarter, Crayton caught a short screen pass, broke a tackle by Brian Dawkins and raced toward the end zone. He was being tackled as he ran into the end zone and fell awkwardly on his left wrist even as he gave the Chargers a 21-7 lead. He was taken to the locker room and was on the sideline in street clothes in the fourth quarter, his left arm in a sling. Turner said he hopes it's a strain.
Earlier, Crayton caught a deep pass from Rivers and stiff-armed the safety to gain extra yards, finishing with a 49-yard gain to the Denver 6. Tolbert scored on a 1-yard run two plays later for a 14-7 lead. Sproles' big touchdown catch capped the opening drive of the second half and extended San Diego's lead to 28-7. He cut inside, caught Rivers' short pass and outraced the Broncos to the end zone. Rivers' final scoring pass was a 3-yarder to fullback Jacob Hester early in the fourth.
Phillips had two sacks in the second quarter, including one when he chased down Orton as he tried to complete a flea-flicker.
The Chargers, coming off their bye, pulled into a second-place tie with Oakland, one game behind Kansas City. Denver fell to 3-7. Next up is Indy.
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