SAN DIEGO -- A few takeaways from the San Diego Chargers' locker room after the team’s 31-0 victory against the New York Jets:
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers addressed his team’s label of being “soft” nationally. That reputation developed over the years because the Chargers have been known nationally as a pass-happy offensive team that throws the ball around and plays in the Southern California sun. “For whatever reason -- whether it’s Southern California or the vibe that you get out here of just a finesse group of guys that like to throw it around in 75-degree weather,” Rivers said.
“But I think we’ve shown our toughness. We talk about it all the time, not just being tough, but who’s going to be the toughest the longest -- through four quarters, through 16 games, or through a tough stretch. They aren’t all going to be like this. We might hit a bump in the road going forward, but I think our toughness has been shown the last five weeks.”
Rivers confirmed that he hit his throwing hand on right guard Johnnie Troutman’s helmet following through on a pass in the first half. However, after getting his hand examined, he did not come out of the game. Rivers was under duress most of the contest by a talented New York Jets defensive front that came into Sunday’s contest with a league-leading 14 sacks. Rivers was sacked three times, and hit another five times.
The injuries continue to pile up for the Chargers. Both center Doug Legursky (knee) and right tackle D.J. Fluker (ankle) left the locker room on crutches. Running back Donald Brown left the game with a concussion. Receiver Malcom Floyd (calf) and safety Darrell Stuckey (quad) also did not return due to injuries. The Chargers potentially could be down to the team’s fourth center and third running back in six weeks. But the team keeps trudging on.
“We’ve got to put 11 on the field somehow, and we’re going to do it,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. “Give the players credit for executing. We’re just going to keep plugging away, one week at a time, whoever’s healthy, and help the guys to get healthy as quickly as possible, and just keep on going.”
Antonio Gates finished with two touchdown catches, his first since hauling in three touchdown catches against Seattle in Week 2. Gates now has 92 career touchdowns, passing Isaac Bruce (91) and moving into sole possession of 10th place on the NFL’s all-time touchdown receptions list.
