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Chambers reminded how other half lives

By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Monday, October 29, 2007 12:11 AM PDT ∞

The Chargers' Chris Chambers leaps over the goal line for a touchdown after making a reception during the 2nd quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday.
HAYNE PALMOUR IV Staff Photographer
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SAN DIEGO ---- Chris Chambers was in the midst a nine-game losing streak, lasting more than 10 months.

That's an eternity for an NFL player, whose primary job is to win, win, win.

The standout wide receiver's seemingly never-ending slide was largely due the Miami Dolphins' ongoing ineptitude. Recently, however, optimism resurfaced with a trade to the surging Chargers for a second-round draft pick.

That transaction quickly paid dividends for both parties. The Chargers benefited from an extra offensive weapon and, at long last, Chambers got a "W."

"I was hoping somebody would pour a bucket of Gatorade on my head," Chambers said after Sunday's 35-10 victory over the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium. "It truly feels good. It's really going to hit me later on. All I know right now is that this is a good place for me."

The feeling is mutual. Quarterback Philip Rivers loved having an extra weapon to throw to, and tight end Antonio Gates reveled in diverted focus.

"Chris draws some serious attention," Gates said. "It doesn't matter what formation we're in. When Chris is on the field, he commands respect."

He may command immediate respect, but making an immediate impact seemed difficult for a player learning on the fly.

He managed to do both. Chambers caught a few passes and snapped another streak, one that lasted much longer than his losing skid. Chambers scored his first touchdown since November 2006 on a 14-yard strike from Rivers in the second quarter.

"I told (head coach Norv Turner) that I hadn't scored all year and that I needed to get in the end zone," said Chambers, who had two receptions for 35 yards. "I'm pretty streaky and, once I get in, I seem to find my way back. It felt great. It made me feel like a part of the team right away."

Chambers also cites the team's practices in Arizona last week for his seamless transition.

"It was like a mini training camp," Chambers said. "You had to stay in a hotel and travel back and forth to practice with the fellas. I got a chance to hang out with a different group of guys every day, so I was able to bond a lot faster and build some chemistry."

Contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com.