Chargers report card
By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer
Quarterback: B- Philip Rivers missed some throws, which is surprising because he has set the bar so high. But he didn't turn it over despite being sacked three times and feeling his share of pressure. A winning effort, as his coach often says.
Running backs: A
Cleveland enjoys LaDainian Tomlinson about as much as an Art Modell sighting. The Bolts lean on L.T. when everything else was going sideways. Fortunately, that's among the ways Tomlinson scooted as he rushed for 172 yards and three scores.
Receivers B
Seven different Bolts got their mitts on Rivers' offerings, and they were sure-handed. Eric Parker and Keenan McCardell got five receptions each for a combined 129 yards. Antonio Gates (two for 22) was somewhat quiet in his showdown with the winded Winslow answering to Kellen.
Offensive line. B
Kris Dielman will watch the film this morning with pride, knowing two of his blocks sprung Tomlinson for scores. Marcus McNeill had a hand in one, too, but he also got beat for a sack. The performance here was up and down, but it's also cool when the team rushes for 190 yards.
Defensive line: B
Hail Cesaire: Jacques got a career-high two sacks. Igor Olshansky returned and collected five tackles. Don't overlook Jamal Williams manhandling his rivals and snagging six tackles.
Linebackers: A
Donnie Edwards got another pick, Randall Godfrey picked on an exposed Charlie Frye and Marques Harris scored a TD and turned into a tumbling Mary Lou Retton. The backups got their close-ups and didn't blink.
Secondary: C
Six penalties from the back end ---- that's not good; Drayton Florence had three. Clinton Hart got beat for a whopper, and Quentin Jammer showed some burn marks, too. But they kept Frye to 236 passing yards and one score.
Special Teams C
Coverages were shaky, as Dennis Northcutt returned a punt for 81 yards and Joshua Cribbs returned a kickoff for 47. Then there was the timeout call by Antonio Cromartie, which was a no-no and cost the team 15 yards. Cromartie, though, was a rocket in chasing down Northcutt to save a TD.
Coaching A
We checked, and Marty Schottenheimer didn't peel off the locker room paint while airing out the Chargers at halftime. He got their focus back, and they returned a different team in the second half.
---- Jay Paris
