SAN DIEGIO -- A few thoughts on the San Diego Chargers' 31-0 win against the New York Jets in this Week 5 contest at Qualcomm Stadium.
What it means: The Chargers won their fourth straight to remain atop the AFC West division with a 4-1 record. It's San Diego's first shutout since a 31-0 win against Kansas City on Dec. 12, 2010.
Dominant Bolts' defense: While San Diego's offense, led by Philip Rivers, continues to garner most of the attention nationally, the Chargers' defense is playing at a high level. San Diego forced an ineffective Geno Smith to the sidelines in favor of Michael Vick at quarterback for the Jets, and did not allow New York's offense to cross midfield until 7:35 left in the game on a pass interference penalty. San Diego also forced two turnovers. Brandon Flowers corralled his second interception of the season. And Ricardo Mathews stripped Jets' running back Chris Johnson of the football in the first half. The loose ball was recovered by safety Jahleel Addae.
Stock watch: Rivers had another solid day, finishing 20-of-28 passing for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Rivers did throw his second interception of the season, and his first since a season-opening loss at Arizona.
Big-play Floyd: Malcom Floyd, San Diego's vertical threat, struck again with a 49-yard reception that set up an 8-yard touchdown catch by Antonio Gates in the opening quarter. Floyd now has three catches of 40-plus yards, and five catches of 20-plus yards this season.
Injuries piling up: The Chargers barely had enough players to place 46 healthy bodies on the active roster. And the injuries continued to pile up during the game. Center Doug Legursky was taken off of the field on a cart with an apparent left knee injury. Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker and Johnnie Troutman left the game with ankle injuries. Troutman returned to play right guard, with Chris Watt moving to center after the Legursky injury. Malcom Floyd suffered a calf injury in the first half and did not return, along with safety Darrell Stuckey (quad). Even Rivers had to shake off a sore thumb suffered when he hit his throwing hand on Troutman's helmet following through on a throw.
Game ball: Undrafted rookie free agent Branden Oliver ignited San Diego's stagnant running game, finishing with 114 rushing yards on 19 carries. Oliver broke loose for a 52-yard run, and also finished with a 50-yard reception. Oliver's 15-yard rushing touchdown was San Diego's first rushing touchdown in 14 quarters. He also scored on 9-yard touchdown reception.
What's next: The Chargers travel to Oakland to face the team's first AFC West division foe this season, the Raiders on Sunday, at 4:05 p.m. ET.
