1. They have depth » The Chargers fortified their offensive line depth so when they had injuries, they weren’t devastated. Hmmm. San Diego had two reserves and a rookie playing along their line and while the running game has suffered, the pass protection has been outstanding. Starting center Nick Hardwick, who missed two games, has returned so now there’s a backup at right guard and a rookie right tackle. They’ve started six players at the three defensive line spots and three at one of the inside linebacker spots. They’ve used 60 players in a game this season, their most since 2004.
2. Philip Rivers is a stud » In case you didn’t realize that, we thought we’d point it out. But consider this: he’s 18-0 in December. Also, during the 10-game winning streak, Rivers, who probably won’t play the whole game Sunday, has a passer rating of 112.6. He helps the line with quick decisions and does an excellent job eluding pressure and making plays downfield. And 14 of his 27 touchdowns have come against extra pressure. He’s also led three last-minute drives to win games. In other words, he’s really, really good.
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3. The defense is inconsistent » San Diego ranks 15th overall and applies moderate pressure, with 34 sacks (linebacker Shawne Merriman, who probably won’t play Sunday, has four). However, the Chargers have improved tremendously in the red zone. Opponents have scored touchdowns on only 13 of their last 28 trips inside the 20-yard line. San Diego has talent, with big physical corners in Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer. Linebacker Shaun Phillips has seven sacks — and has caused an NFL-best seven fumbles.
4. The running game is struggling » Future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson averages 3.3 yards per carry while backup Darren Sproles gets 3.6. San Diego failed to average at least 3.4 yards a carry in eight straight games before last week when it averaged 4.15. But the strength is in the passing game, with receiver Vincent Jackson (68 catches, 17.2 yards per catch, nine touchdowns) tight end Antonio Gates (78, 14.7, seven) and Sproles (45, 11.0, four). And coach Norv Turner is an aggressive play-caller. It helps that he has three big downfield targets in Jackson (6-foot-5), Malcolm Floyd (6-foot-5) and Gates (6-foot-4).
