SAN DIEGO -- Antonio Cromartie tried his best to keep a straight face.

But the horde of television cameras around his locker and the friendly ribbing from his teammates made that task rather difficult. The Chargers' second-year defensive back wanted to remain composed while holding court, but he simply couldn't help himself.

Cromartie's poker face quickly turned into a giant smile as he reflected on what was undoubtedly his finest day as a professional.

Cromartie had two interceptions, two touchdowns, and single-handedly outscored the Houston Texans in Sunday's 35-10 victory at Qualcomm Stadium.

"Antonio Cromartie, boy, he's had this one coming," defensive end Luis Castillo said. "You look at him, the way he plays, the physical man that he is. He was bound to have a huge game sooner or later."

Before Sunday's performance, Cromartie was known as a defensive back with tremendous raw athleticism, limitless potential and little experience. He played just two years at Florida State before entering the 2006 NFL draft after redshirting his junior year.

Cromartie, a first-round pick by the Chargers, had an interception in the team's last game against Oakland and now has three in his past two games. He returned Sunday's first interception 70 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and nabbed another in the next series.

The interception return for a touchdown, coupled with a first-quarter fumble recovery in the end zone, made Cromartie the first Chargers defensive player since Speedy Duncan in 1967 to score two touchdowns in a game.

It was also the first time in a long while that Cromartie scored two touchdowns in a game.

"I was in high school," Cromartie said. "And back then I was playing wide receiver, too."

Cromartie's breakneck speed and tremendous football instincts were on full display against the Texans, especially during his long interception return.

He made a leaping pick and nearly fell when he reached the ground. Cromartie somehow managed to stay up, then reversed field and sprinted past defenders all the way to the end zone.

"I think he's one of our most improved guys," Chargers head coach Norv Turner said. "That's not to say he had a long ways to go. He's just a very, very good young player who hasn't played a lot of football. Every time he gets to go practice and play at his position, he gets better."

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