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CHARGERS NOTES: Cason eager for Manning showdown

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Thursday, November 20, 2008 8:26 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The rookie will go against the future Hall of Famer on Sunday night.

Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason will match his skills against the Colts quarterback Peyton Manning while trying to slow Indianapolis' impressive passing attack.

But Cason wants to track the jersey in front of him and not peek into the backfield.

"To be honest with you, Peyton is not my focus,'' said Cason, the Chargers' nickel back. "But I would love to get some interceptions.''

The Chargers picked off Manning eight times in eight quarters last season, with six coming in their regular-season win in San Diego. Cason has gone from watching Manning on TV that night to sharing a field with him.

"Peyton isn't really going to affect what I do: covering receivers,'' Cason said. "But he is great and has made tons of plays in the league."

Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said it's imperative to put a body on Manning's targets.

"The key is not allowing (Manning) to step up and deliver the ball on time,'' said Rivera, who is 1-1 since taking over for Ted Cottrell. "As far as jamming the receivers, being physical with the receivers, being in the way of the receivers' bodies and re-routing then. All those things we talk about, and I got to make the call to put them in position to make those plays.

"So it's a combination of that, plus the rush ---- being able to get a good rush so he can't step up.''

Chargers notes

Is there a sense of desperation settling over the 4-6 Chargers, who have lost three of their last four games? No, said coach Norv Turner. "There is a sense of urgency,'' he said. "I think if you start using the term 'desperation,' you start doing things that aren't sound. I think you got to go play and understand the difference, and obviously in a number of games we are a play or two away. We have to find a way to make those plays and finish games.'' ... RB Michael Bennett, who was recently picked up on waivers, continues to practice but is probably a couple of weeks away from playing. "We're getting him ready and he is leaning the system and all that,'' Turner said. ... DE Luis Castillo (groin) and CB Cletis Gordon (knee) didn't practice Thursday. CB Antonio Cromartie, who had three interceptions off Peyton Manning in the regular-season win last season, was limited in practice but expects to play Sunday.