Well, this one didn't start pretty and it didn't end pretty. The Chargers took the opening kickoff for a touchdown, then scored on their second possession on a short field after an ugly Jake Locker overthrown interception. A three-and-out later, the Chargers were up 17-0 and it was a long day for the Tennessee Titans in their first regular season visit to San Diego since a 40-7 blowout loss six years ago this week.
The Titans managed to stop the bleeding there, and showed signs of life in cutting the lead to 24-10 late in the third quarter. A long kickoff return by Lavelle Hawkins, playing after Darius Reynaud and penalties gave the Titans the ball at the 11 and 5 after he took kickoffs out of the end zone in the first half, set up the score, and Kendall Wright took the ball in the end zone for his first NFL touchdown on a catch and run. From that point, though, the Chargers called 19 more runs over game's final two drives and produced two more touchdowns.
It's hard to find too many positives in this game. Chris Johnson didn't find much running room. Jake Locker badly underthrew two receivers five yards downfield right before the Titans' field goal and needed completions on two late throws to get to 15-30 overall and over 10 yards per completion. No receiver had more than 30 yards receiving until the final drive. Michael Griffin was one of the culprits in TE Dante Rosario's three touchdowns and was inconsistent tackling. Jason McCourty struggled at times with Malcom Floyd. The defensive line got their hand handed to them at the end of the game. Pass protection was faulty early, though the Chargers didn't end up with a sack. I'm sure I'll find something nice to write about later (Jake Locker is fast!), but right now I'm not seeing anything.
Take 24 hours, be mad, then get over it and think about beating the Lions next week.
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