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CHARGERS: Rivers runs dry
Quarterback's three turnovers costly as Chargers fall to 3-4
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, fumbles the football during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday. (AP Photo/Don Heupel) ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. ---- While his team struggled to a .500 record through six games, Philip Rivers played at a much higher clip and was the NFL's most efficient quarterback, passing the ball crisply and avoiding costly mistakes.
Yet Rivers will awake Monday as quarterback of a below-.500 team after committing three costly turnovers, including two in a three-play span in the final quarter, as the Chargers fell to the Buffalo Bills 23-14 on Sunday before 71,602 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Rivers was intercepted by Kawika Mitchell with just over six minutes left as the Chargers were driving toward a possible game-winning score. He later lost his second fumble of the contest when Mitchell sacked him with just over three minutes to play.
"It's tough," Rivers said. "I can't turn the ball over three times."
Bingo.
Not if the Chargers are serious about ending their early-season malaise that sees them carting a 3-4 record to London for next Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints.
On an afternoon in which the game was briefly delayed by a power outage, Buffalo's most electric plays were achieved with help from the opposing quarterback.
And Rivers knew exactly where to point the finger after Sunday's game ---- right at himself.
"No question," Rivers said. "If we win there, the quarterback gets a lot of the credit and again, that's part of the position and that's why it's such a fun one to play. Rightfully so, I should shoulder a lot of blame this game. I was playing pretty good and then you have the three turnovers."
The biggest turnover occurred with the Chargers facing first-and-goal at the Buffalo 9-yard line and threatening to overtake Buffalo's six-point lead.
Rivers dropped back to pass and looked for tight end Antonio Gates. Though Gates was well-covered, Rivers threw the pass anyway, and the throw was to the right of Gates, who was cutting toward the center of the end zone.
Standing in the vicinity was Mitchell, Buffalo's strongside linebacker. He intercepted the pass a yard deep in the end zone and returned it 32 yards. The Bills (5-1) then tacked on a field goal to all but clinch the victory.
"If we ran it 10 more times, I'd throw it 10 times and probably have it intercepted 10 times," Rivers said. "It was the back side linebacker, which is a guy you usually don't have to worry about when you're throwing it that far to the right. He just flew over there.
"I kind of caught it on the JumboTron. I don't know if there's any way I would've seen him. He just made a heck of a play and kept flowing with my eyes and he got there."
After the Chargers got the ball back with 3:17 left, trailing by nine, Mitchell made another big play on a second-down play. His helmet crushed into Rivers' right elbow as he was closing in for the sack and the ball fell out of Rivers' hands and was recovered by defensive end Copeland Bryan. The Bills then ran out the clock.
Rivers' first turnover, of the fluke variety, was also costly.
The Chargers were leading 7-3 and had the ball on their own 49 with just over 10 minutes to play in the first half when Rivers dropped back to pass. But as he prepared to throw, the ball slipped out of his hands backwards and Buffalo defensive tackle Marcus Stroud fell on it at the Chargers' 38.
Seven plays later, Trent Edwards (25-of-30 passing) hit Lee Evans on a 2-yard scoring pass to give the Bills a 10-7 lead.
"It slipped out," Rivers said. "There's really no explanation for it. It happens every now and then. The last time it happened was here two years ago, almost the same spot on the field. There's really no explanation for it and no excuse."
The costly mistakes negated what would normally be a tremendous game for a quarterback ---- 22-of-29 passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Rivers connected with Malcom Floyd (14 yards in the first quarter) and Vincent Jackson (12 yards in the third) to increase his season-touchdown total to 16.
But the important stat on this sunny autumn afternoon was three ---- Rivers' turnover count.
"To me, I thought the difference in the game was when we had the ball at midfield and the ball slipped out of Philip's hand and gives them a short field," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "Obviously, the interception down there around the (goal line). Those two plays were significant plays in the game."
There were certainly other factors why the Chargers lost. Edwards didn't face any pressure while carving up the Chargers for 261 passing yards and the Bills held the ball for 35 minutes, 29 seconds, nearly 11 full minutes longer than the Chargers.
Buffalo drove 78 yards on nine plays late in the third quarter to take the lead for good on Marshawn Lynch's 5-yard scoring run with 33 seconds remaining.
Also, the Chargers failed to run the ball with any authority with LaDainian Tomlinson being held to 41 yards on 14 carries.
But despite all the other things the Chargers didn't do well, there they were marching toward a possible game-winning score with just over six minutes to play.
"Obviously, the turnover in the red zone really hurt us," Tomlinson said.
And Rivers felt worse than anyone.
"Obviously, you wish you wouldn't have done it," Rivers said. "I'm not taking the blame off myself. It's an important play in the red zone and a turnover, maybe the first one we've had all year.
"Obviously, it kills you and it hurts you but it's one of those deals where (Mitchell) made an unbelievable play. Maybe if I watch it I'll see if differently and I'll know if I should've felt him there. I just totally didn't see him."
Just as nobody foresaw one of the NFL's hottest quarterbacks being the reason for an up-and-down team's latest defeat.
Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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Me wrote on Oct 19, 2008 4:51 PM:All those bandwagon fans and true fans for the chockers, you can't tell me that you guys wouldn't miss Merrriam this is another game that proved it!!!! And I am by far not a choker fan!!! no rush on Edwards I hope he get's out of there quick will never win a super bowl w/ the chokers I feel sorry for L.T also wasted talent in San Diego!!!
Richard wrote on Oct 19, 2008 4:56 PM:well the power went out in buffalo as does the chagers play. ive have said in all my comments since turner became head coach that was the wrong decision. anyone that says he took the team to the AFC campionshie game better look carefully it was martys team last year know its turners and look at what we have . i still call on A>J> Siith and the Spanos family to fire turner and catrell as soon as they get back from London. other wise we will continue this free fall. does anyone realize turner is not a motovational coach look at all the great/winning coaches there ever was and you would see winners. were we not suppose to go to the super bowl this year we have more talent then any nfl team if you cant motovate them to win you become Norv Turner with a history as a losing coach. fire him now dont wait we may have a chance for a playoff spot this needs to be done no. why dont the Spanoss offer a large contract to Bill Cower to take over we need someone who will motovate this team
richard wrote on Oct 19, 2008 5:17 PM:was my comment to strong for your paper ther was no foul languge just fair critizism.
d. stroy wrote on Oct 19, 2008 5:42 PM:well folks, no super bowl or playoffs this year... maybe NOW we can get Bill Cowher??
Umm.. wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:24 PM:The Norv of them to think they could.. Go Chargers! Go! I knew you could (not) do it! Go! All the way to Chula Vista! Wooohooo!!!
powderblueblood wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:39 PM:for those of you that hit the panic button after the power went out... calm down. The chargers can still make the playoffs this means that we unfortunately need to root for the patriots tomorrow night. It was a tough game. LT is not washed up or a wasted talent he has yet to start playing to his full potential and i dont think that will happen unless he changes his pissy attitude. Pick your head up LT your are a freaking stud so many up and act like one. Bolts will take care of business in london. Go chargers!
Sean C. wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:11 PM:Our division is still up for grabs ... Raidermann. See you in December. Sure we miss Merriman but we`ll have to make do. New Orleans scored 7 pts today. ...
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 19, 2008 8:40 PM:How appropriate was that power outage?
If that doesnt sum things up then nothing does.
What an omen.
Now you get to face a hungry Drew Brees that will carve you up next week pulling the plug on the Charger season.
The worst team in the last 40 years comes up empty again.
Bummer Boltheads!
fed up wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:29 PM:NC times better roast these lite weights in London and not let them party all week long
SoCalBall wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:52 PM:My god. What an abomination. Not today's game; your grammar, people. Do any of you Mensa members ever take the time to read your own incoherent drivel before impulsively pounding the 'post comment' button like a lab rat after drugs? By the way, don't get mad at me, I didn't make the rules. But they're out there, hanging in space, literal and specific. Check it out. It really discredits your argument when you scribble things like "critzism." Somebody get on the blower to 'W'...apparently there were more than a few children left behind.
Jaque to SoCalBall wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:13 AM:What was that diatribe all about? Who cares when posting comments on "games."
BTW, Fire Cottrell.
MeanGene wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:08 AM:Here come da raidahs! only one game back of the san diego super chockers. You still think you are going to represent the AFC for the title game???
Are you Norvous??? WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINERS!!!47 years without a title....see you in Decemeber in the other black hole..GO RAIDERS
SDBroncoFan wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:09 AM:What is the sense piling on? Rivers is a good QB and who knows what could have been if the Spanos' weren't so snowed by AJ. They should have kept Marty, Brees, Edwards, and Neal. Does anyone seem to see how LT is nothing without him? Bad personnel and coaching moves perpetrated by the GM. AJ must go and bring back Marty. He had them at the pinnacle until someone named AJ thought they could carry them over it without him. You lost the team when you let go of their leader. Bad Show GM.
Gina wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:21 AM:It was a GREAT day yesterday. The Raiders won and Philip "CRY ME A RIVER"s choked as usual. Did anyone see him hit himself in the helmet when he got sacked? Typical of a kindergartner. HILARIOUS!!!!! Waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! Cry for me Philip, c'mon, cry, cry cry!
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:17 AM:Where do I start! I see that the Chokers lost, because of lack of good players. Rivers is being himself, Lt is shooting to many TV ads, And you're DB's are looking at each and saying
" Which way did they go!" You're sorry team beat the Pats last week was a FLUKE, Now you can all jump on the Rivers a float away. Breeze will cut and slice your DB's apart. So, how many yds was that Lt got? 22 carries for 31 yds. Lets think about this, ok thats long enough "LAUGHING SO HARD" Now I know way my pizza was cold from Oggies!Can't deliver using Lt's speed. I don't see any smurf blue flags,hats,shirts here at work, BANDWAGON FANS. The only wearing Chokers stuff are the inmates with tattoos. Oh! Did you see that 57yd field goal. Go RAIDERS!!!!!
SoCalBall wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:34 AM:Hey french guy, shut up. We're trying to have a civilization here.
Bolt Believer wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:59 AM:Reggie is out, Schockey pobably out. Chargers should win against New Orleans And then play the Chiefs in SD after the bye. Keep the faith. Go Patriots !
NorCal Charger wrote on Oct 20, 2008 1:49 PM:To Gina
You guys win one game, an average of what? one every three months or so and you have the nerve to comment on SD? I would take Rivers over Jamariqui Russell anyday..and can't forget Darren McMuffin, come on Raider fans, you should get another win right before Xmas..Go Bolts!
James wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:06 PM:Blah blah blah Raiderwoman...The Chargers will still be their in the end.
Nice of your team to have to go to overtime to beat the Jets at home. Glad they came out to play for their new coach after last week's 34-3 beatdown...
Enjoy being dominated by the Ravens in Baltimore.
Jaque to SoCalBall wrote on Oct 20, 2008 2:30 PM:Your trying to have a syvilization here? Funny how those that criticize others grammar end up screwing it up themselves. Helps to graduate from HS too.
BTW Faidermann, your coach could have blown that win for you. Did notice that? And, you continue to dodge the question about which Charger jersey you wore for the week after losing to the Bolts. Come on dudette, stand up!
Lourdes wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:13 PM:To Rendizzle
That is a good one, this one goes to all the Faders fans,, , ,ooops, , sorry my spelling Raiders fans.
Loose 34-3 what a shame! ! ! ! !
RAIDERMANN wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:15 PM:It's funny you say we "WIN" a game and start posting on this blog. We have been posting here since the beginning. And we have a "WIN" and the SUPER CHOKERS have a loss (L) So, keep floating down on Rivers DORK style of hot and cold.When comes to Dec. 4th at the MURRF. The RAIDER NATION will help sell out your stadium again. Since, there's more RAIDER FANS in S.D. then there are "REAL" Bolt fans. Nobody was flying flags on thier cars or trucks today. "renddizzle" what are some sort of rapper. Why do the Chokers get to stay in the NFL, they never "WON" anything!!!! For SHizzle my nizzzlllee
Take a pill for this wrote on Oct 20, 2008 3:30 PM:NORVACAIN:
Pronunciation: NOR-VA-CAIN
Norvacain is a fast working drug. Norvacain is injected into the heart of a football team in an attempt to replace a Motivational Coach with an Offensive Coordinator with the intensity of a librarian. Though it may be worth trying, this injection alone is enough to make Fans nervous about any football game where player intensity may be required. The risk is that usually one season of Norvacain could potentially be dangerous to the health of the team by numbing the team for the duration of any football Championship window.
Along with its known effects, Norvacain may cause some unwanted effects, such as ,passive, unmotivated play, lack of focus and intensity, fatigue, playing under players potential, demise of leadership, breakdown of the team unit, loss of team character, emotionless and unprepared gameplanning, becoming injury prone.
Team Captains will attempt to call team meetings in an effort to bolster the troops in an effort to ward off this invasion, however, continued exposure to the Norvacain soon proves fatal to the Team chemistry and players frustration soon begin to fester.
Early warning signs are when the Defensive Captain states:
It took me a while,” Merriman conceded Monday. “I kind of get rowdy, get up for a game by yelling and screaming and everything else, and Norv wasn’t like that.” He added, “I’m waiting to hear him tell me to get up and run through that wall over there, and it never happened.”
Fans being exposed to literally watching their team transition from being a perennial Championship team to a team best remembered for playing at a waterpark, soon experience any of the following side affects,
loss of Appetite,high blood Pressure, Bluish lips and fingernails; breathing problems; chest pain; convulsions (seizures); dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; fever; headache; irregular heartbeat; itching; nausea and/or vomiting; pale skin; raised red swellings on the skin lips tongue or in the throat; rapid heart rate; restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness; Back pain; constipation; difficulty in opening the mouth; inability to hold bowel movement and/or urine; loss of sexual function; paralysis of legs; persistent numbness; prolonged numbness or tingling of lips and mouth; shivering; skin rash; tingling or pins and needles sensation.
To NorCal Charger wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:24 PM:Repeat after me..."WE DO NOT HAVE A SUPER BOWL WIN AFTER 49 YEARS"... Hahahaha LOSER!!!!!!!!!
fatchargergirl69 wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:27 PM:I'm still a charger fan, but I think we have things wrong then now. something is missing.Is it the coaches,players or do they just not get along.
BoltBacker65 wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:12 PM:Not happy with the Buffalo game. With all the talent on that squad, Norv can't seem to find the right mix for each game. He's hit or miss. That's not good strategy for sure. Sit Rivers and LT out and see what happens. It's not like our back ups are super scrubs or something. They're solid players with great skills. Just something to think about, Norv. Ted let Rivera call the D and you just pretend you're the one calling them, ok? Then you'll look better and D can play to their potential.
Anyway, we can take solace in the fact that although the Bolts may have lost 4 games, they haven't been blown out. In each of those four losses, had mistakes not been made, we could easily been undefeated. So the Chargers are not losers...they're just lost and a bit confused. But, remember being a
competitive loser is still a loser. Stats don't win games, more points do.
Go Bolts!
Air Coryell wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:44 PM:Looks like 10-6 wins this crappy division which is fast becoming the worst division in the NFL even behind the NFC West.
Hmm wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:25 PM:Wow, where are all the Pony fans at to talk about the win at New England??
Chargerfan 68 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:48 PM:I feel like a pack-mule chasing that ever dangling carrot on a string, Just to plunge off a cliff at the end of the season. It was easier to handle when the team flat out stunk. Remember the 1-15 season...
Toilet Duck wrote on Oct 21, 2008 2:17 PM:How come when I posted that Norvacain entry nobody agreed?
I found that posted on the UT Charger board and copied and pasted it a few weeks back and was told I was just a hater.
Ive been vindicated once again.......
Imitation nis the purest form of flattery.
Thanks fellas!!!!!
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